The Watchtower, January 15, 1918

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Vol. XXXIX

BROOKLYN, X. Y., JANUARY 15, 1!)1S

No. 2

ARE THE ADVERSARIES INCREASING IN POWER

"Forasmuch then as Christ has suffered for us in the flesh,

Why should anyone arm himself unless he expected to

meet an enemy in combat? This seems to be the thought

of the Apostle expressed in the text. The entire chapter

evidently relates to the end of the Gospel age. It is in the

nature of a warning against adversaries. "But", saya St.

Paul, "it is not worldly warfare that we are waging; the

weapons with which we fight are not human weapons, but

are mighty through God in overthrowing strong fortifications."

(2 Corinthians 10:3, 4, Weymouth.) Thus it is seen that

it is the new creature that must arm preparatory to the final

conflict.

The new creation had its beginning at the baptism of

Jesus in the Jordan. Then and there he was begotten to

the divine nature. The progressive development of the members

of the new creation has continued from Pentecost until

now, and the evidence is cumulative that its completion is

near at hand. All those who will ultimately be of this class

must be of one mind — the mind of Christ. All the members

thereof must meet the same adversaries and have combats

of a similar nature.

THE DIVINE PLAN

Jehovah foreknew that Adam would disobey him and that

all of his progeny would suffer sickness, sorrow and death.

In the exercise of his loving kindness and perfect wisdom,

arm yourselves likewise with the same mind" — 1 Peter 4:1.

God provided redemption of mankind from death through the

blood of Jesus, his beloved Son. He further foreordained

and provided that because of his full obedience to the divine

will and program, Jesus should be exalted above all other

creatures (Jehovah alone excepted) and that he should be

Head over the new creation, which new creation should

occupy the most exalted position amongst the creatures of

Jehovah. This new creation is referred to by Jehovah under

the title of "the seed of the woman." Satan is mentioned

as "the serpent." At the time of Adam's condemnation Jehovah

declared that in his own due time "the seed of the

woman should bruise the serpent's head." In God's due time

he will use that "seed" to undo all the wrong and wickedness

resulting from Lucifer's disloyalty. It seems reasonable to

conclude that Satan understood that God would develop this

"seed", and that it is the purpose of Jehovah to bring to

naught, through this "seed," all the schemes and efforts of

Satan, that God intends to give to the "seed" the kingdom

which Satan usurped. Hence Satan seeks to resist the development

of the * ; secd" and, if possible, to destroy it. and

to keep the homnn rnce under his control.

The Prophet of the Lord (Zech. 3:1-10) gives us a brief

picture of the staging and unfolding of the great Drama relating

to the preparation and development of the new creation

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— the "seed", according to the promise — and the resistance

to its development by its adversaries. In this picture we

behold Jehovah as the great Designer and Architect of the

plan; his only begotten and beloved Son the Executor of that

plan; the members of the new creation being developed by

the outworking of the plan; the selection of the members

being made from the imperfect race of Adam; the world the

stage; Satan as the villain, or opponent, with all the agencies

he can bring to bear against the "seed."

The new creation is referred to by the Prophet under

the title "Joshua, the High Priest," He designates the

ones called to become members of the Priesthood as those

who are "clothed in filthy garments," thus picturing their

own imperfection. The Prophet shows how the Lord provides

a change of raiment, picturing the robe of Christ's

righteousness furnished to each one who enters upon the way

to become a member of the Priesthood. The "High Priest"

is composed primarily of Christ Jesus, our Lord, but when

completed will be composed of Jesus the Head and the church

his body, all forming the "royal priesthood;" The picture

furthermore shows that angel * of the Lord standing by to

render aid to the new creation in the course of its development

. Other Scriptures confirm the thought of the Lord providing

help through holy angels. "The angel of the Lord

encampeth round about them that fear him and delivereth

them." (Psa. 34:7) "Are they not all ministering spirits,

sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation

?"— Hebrews 1:14.

SIN'S SMALL BEGINNING

It seems quite evident that Lucifer, when starting upon his

wrongful course, did not expect to go to such lengths of

wickedness as he has gone. The Prophet pictures him as

a beautiful creature, having authority and power over others.

He became ambitious to have a kingdom of his own, like the

most High God.

Evidently Lucifer desired to have greater prominence than

the Lord had given him, because he felt that his ability was

not being properly recognized. He had observed that Jehovah

hnd created Adam and Eve in his likeness, and as .Jehovah

rules the universe he had given to Adam the dominion and

rulership of the earth. Then said Lucifer, in substance, "Why

did not Jehovah give me something according to my ability?"

Then the Prophet represents him as saying in his heart, "I

will be like the Most High" — "I will establish a kingdom

of my own." His subsequent conduct shows a heart regardless

of duty to others, fatally bent upon wrong-doing. He

went to Eve and in substance said to her: "God is depriving

you of these things that he is keeping secret from you. There

is no danger of your dying. Eat the fruit, as I am doing.

Exercise your own will power." We dare say that had he

known to what great depths of sorrow his conduct would

lead, he w«uld have long hesitated to take such a step, and

probably would not have taken it. His purpose was to usurp

or steal that which the Lord had not given to him. He witnessed

the effect, namely, the fall of man and his degradation, and

the sickness, decay and death that came upon all mankind.

The Genesis account indicates that God permitted some

of the angels of heaven to come to earth and attempt to

uplift and bless mankind. The human race was therefore

placed under the charge of the angels for a period of approximately

1600 years, or until the great Deluge. (Hebrews

2:5) Observing that Jehovah had placed the angels

in charge of the human race, doubtless Satan again reasoned:

"Why did not Jehovah let me take charge? I have more

ability than they; he does not properly recognize my ability;

he is doing me an injustice by keeping me out of what I

am justly entitled to have and I will show him he cannot do

it. I wrtl get control of the angels and through them I will

control the human race." This unsatisfied desire for rulership

led him on to envy, hatred and malice, until he deliberately

set about to seduce, and did seduce, the angels from the

right course, and led them into paths of wickedness. This

is in harmony with his general course. The result was that

these angels, misusing their power, debauched the human race,

except Noah and his family, and filled the whole earth with

violence. "God spared not the angels that sinned, hut confined

them in Tartarus with chains of thick darkness, delivering

them into custody for judgment." (2 Pet. 2:4,

DiagJott.) "Those angels which kept not their own principality

, hut left their own habitation, he has kept in perpetual

chains under thick darkness for the judgment of

the great day," — Jude 6, Diaglbtt.

THE PRINCE OF DEMONS

Satan therefore was the direct cause of the failure of the

aiigels which resulted in their incarceration. Since the time

of the Flood these imprisoned demons have been under the

control of Satan as the prince of demons. (Eph. 2:2) In his

speech to the Pharisees the great Master recognized that Satan

is the prince of devils, having charge over the other demons,

all of whom arc steeped in wickedness. {Matt. 12:24-29)

Since the restraint of the demons Satan has attempted by

various fradulent schemes and devices to control the human

race, and at the same time thwart the purpose of Jehovah in

the development of the new creation.

At the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan, true to the picture

shown by the Prophet, Satan stood by to resist, and has

ever since resisted the development of The Christ. AntiChrist

means that which is against Christ. Diverse and

numerous movements and schemes has Satan instigated to

overthrow the "seed." He has been the inspirer and instigator

of every anti- Christ, or movement to retard the development of

The Christ. He organized the Papacy, the symbolic "beast"

of Revelation, which is a complete counterfeit of Messiah's

kingdom arrangement. He has gained control of the Protestant

systems, and has succeeded in forming the "image of

the beast," now co-operating more or less with the "beast"

and with the governments of earth. He is the author of

Spiritism, Christian Science, New Thought, Theosophy, Hypnotism

, and many other fradulent schemes which he makes

appear as being for the benefit of mankind, but the real

purpose of which is to turn the minds of the people away from

the merit of Christ's sacrifice and hinder the development

of the "seed according to the promise." He has used every

means his fertile mind could devise to destroy the new creation

, but he will not, as indeed he cannot, succeed. ( 'God*3

Word shall not return unto him void, but shall accomplish

that whereunto it was sent. " In due time the new creation

will be completed, to the glory of the great Jehovah. — Isaiah

55:8-11.

BINDING OF SATAN

Since the second presence of the Lord in 1874 the light

of truth has been increasing in brightness. The tendency

of this has been to restrain evil, and to that extent it has

been binding Satan. Concerning the binding of Satan, Jesus

said: "No man can enter into a strong man's house and

spoil his goods except he first bind the strong man and then

he will spoil his goods. " (Matt. 12:29; Mark 3:22-27; Luke

11:22} "Thus we are taught that Satan must first be bound,

restrained, and deposed, before Christ's reign of righteousness

and peace can be established. This binding of Satan is accordingly

shown to be the first work of the new dispensation."

( A 68, 09 ) It has been suggested that as the binding of Satan

progresses the other demons will be loosened or gain greater

power. They could not be fully judged without first being

released from prison. The disposition and evil bent of mind

of these fallen angels or evil spirits must be taken into consideration

in determining what course they will take, and the

trouble they will cause when they are liberated from their

incarceration.

Russia has long been an autocratic government, practically

an absolute monarchy. It has been a mixture of civil and

ecclesiastical power exercised by one head — the Czslt. The

arrangement is clearly the product of Satan. The Czar has

been the head of the church and the absolute ruler of the

people, and has held in restraint for a long time the subjects

of that kingdom. Many of the subjects of Russia have long

ago manifested an anarchistic spirit, and this is the class

known as the "Bolsheviki." They have desired to disrupt the

government, but have been restrained from so doing. As the

Czar was deprived of his power gradually, so the "Bolsheviki"

increased in power; and when the Czar was completely overthrown

, the "Bolsheviki" ran riot, and conditions in 'Russia

are daily growing worse.

In a measure this illustrates Satan's realm. He has been

an arbitrary ruler of the evil ones of whom he is the chief

or prince. The evil spirits incarcerated in Tartarus have

been measurably under the control of Satan. Thev have at all

times manifested the disposition of anarchists or "Bolsheviki."

An anarchist is one who defies all rule and rulers, and whose

purpose is to destroy every form of government and everything

in the form of order. We should therefore expect that

when these evil spirits are loosed from their chains of restraint

the great trouble will follow. Being anarchists, and

having no disposition to be controlled hy any one, when they

are released it would be expected that they would refuse to

recognize any control. All their tendencies before incarceration

were evil, and they filled the earth with violence, and

hence we are not unaware of their disposition and not in

darkness as to what course they will take.

Realizing that their incarceration was due largely to

Satan's leading them into the wrong course, without doubt

envy, ill-will, malice, hatred and jealousy will fill their minds

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THE WATCH TOWER

Brooklyn, N. Y.

and direct their actions. What might we expect them to

attempt to do? We observe that Satan for many centuries

has attempted to destroy the "seed of Abraham according

to the promise." These fallen angels observe that he has not

succeeded. We suggest that, move by envy, jealousy and rivalry,

they may attempt to accomplish what Satan has failed to do,

namely, to overthrow the Lord's people who constitute the

"seed of Abraham," and who are yet this side the veil.

"THE POTJB WINDS OF THE EABTH"

St. John mentions them in the figure of "the four winds

of the, earth," (Revelation 7:1.) Commenting upon this Scripture

in The Watch Tower of June 1st, 1914, page 160,

Brother Russell stated:

"The winds of the earth referred to here are of course

symbolic. The thought is that the winds from the four

quarters — North, East, South and West — are being held back,

and that when, the restraint is withdrawn they will rush

together, and the result will be a whirlwind. Certain Scriptures

tell of a whirlwind that will be raised from the coasts

of the earth. See Jer. 23:19; 25:32, 33; 30:23, 24. We do

not understand that this will be a physical whirlwind, but

this symbolical expression is used to convey the thought of

a severe strife of the powers of the air.

"These 'powers of the air' or 'winds' are not powers of

natural air, but are powers referred to by St. Paul when he

speaks of Satan as the 'prince of the power of the air.' (Eph.

2:2} These spirits who have been under the control of Satan

— the fallen angels — were to be restrained in chains of darkness

until the judgment of the great day. {2 Peter 2:4)

The letting loose of the winds, or air powers, would seem to

show that God has let go his hand of restraint; that he will

have to do with the permission of the terrible trouble that

will come upon the world as a: great cataclysm, which will

result in the complete overthrow of the social order in anarchy.

"These fallen angels have been under restraint for these

many centuries, but they have exercised their influence to

whatever extent they have had permission. If they had had

unlimited power they would have wrecked the world long ago,

but they have been restrained in darkness.

"Apparently God will soon cease to restrain the fallen

angels, and they will then proceed to vent their fury upon

humanity, so that the whole earth will be full of violence,

the same as inl the days of Noah. 'As it was in the days

of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of Man.' — ■

Luke 17:28.

"The power manifested by the demons when loosed will,

we believe, be with a view to the injury of mankind. We

do not know but that many of our readers will have a share

in that injury. We have every reason to suppose that if these

fallen angels get loose, they will vent their first anger upon

the lord's people. We are not to fear this, however, but

to take whatever the Lord's providence may permit to come,

knowing that everything shall work for our good."

Again commenting upon the same subject (Z '11, 359}

Brother Russell said:

"As soon as the power that is now controlling them shall

be removed, we shall have a reign of evil all over the earth.

The evil spirits will do all the evil that is in their power,

and this will constitute the trial of all the fallen angels —

the lifting of the restraints to see whether they will go

contrary to the divine will. All who thus manifest their

alliance with evil in any way will become subjects of the

second death; while others who show their loyalty to God

will mark themselves as worthy, presumably, of everlasting

life.

"It may be something in connection with the saints that

will constitute the test of these angels."

HOW WE MAT EXPECT THE ATTACK

The true saints of God are the only ones on earth who

have not the spirit of anarchy. Then we may expect the

demons to try to put the spirit of anarchy into the mind of

even the saintly class. Hence the importance of the warning

of the Apostle to "arm yourselves likewise with the same

mind."

It is the new creature that the adversaries destroy. The

new creature is composed of the new will and new mind,

which has its habitation in an earthen vessel. We should

expect, therefore, that the adversaries will assault the mind.

The words of the text indicate this very clearly. There would

be no occasion to arm ourselves with the same mind of Christ

unless we expected to be attacked in the same way that he

was attacked, by the adversaries. What was the mind of

Christ? Humble submission to the Father's will, which meant

gladly following the order marked out by the Father. It was

to resist the adversaries with the Father's Word.

The spirit of anarchy ia among all the inhabitants of

the earth. Anarchy is prevalent in Satan's dominion. We

should expect, therefore, that .the adversaries would seek to

produce anarchy among the Lord's people; in other words,

to put in the mind of such the thought that they should be

subject to no order and no one, but that each one Bhould

take his or her own course, pleasing only self; that to take

any other course would be submission of the will to another

person. While it is true that we are to submit our wills to

no one except the will of God, yet we should remember that

the will of God concerning his own is that they should be

governed by his Word. "Order is heaven's first law," and

all disorder tends to anarchy. "God hath set the members

every one of them in the body as it hath pleased him." ( 1 Cor.

12:18) Suppose 1 I think someone else is occupying a place

that I should by right have, should I attempt to force myself

into the position? Such a course would be prompted by the

spirit of the evil one. Such is the course the adversary took.

Rut suppose I am better qualified to fill the position than

the one who holds it? Better leave it with the Lord. He

knows all about it.

So surely a3 there are "Bolsheviki" in Russia, just so

surely we may expect the adversaries to attempt to put

the spirit of "Bolshevism" or anarchy, into the minds of

the Lord's people that, succeeding in this, they might overthrow

some of his people and produce such a disruption

of the work as to have seemingly triumphed in their purpose.

But God will not permit anything to be done that will overthrow

those who have the right spirit, the spirit of humility

— the mind of Christ. Evidently Satan thought he had a

great deal of ability (and he did have some) to become a

king or ruler, but his ability could not be used of the Lord

because of his lack of humility. Any creature's ability in the

service of the Lord is measured by his true humility, and

where humility is lacking, natural ability is nil, The same

spirit actuated the fallen angels. The same spirit will work

amongst some of God's people. Humility means a true and

joyful submission to the will of God. If we find that the Lord

has instituted a certain way to carry out his purposes then

we should joyfully fall in line with that way and strive to

perform what he gives us to do. Headiness, stubbornness,

selfishness, leads to dissension and disruption — such ia not the

mind of the Lord, but the mind of the adversaries. So surely

as the Lord haa marked out a way and we seek to go contrary

to that way, we remove ourselves from his special protection

and open our mind to the assault of the adversaries,

and, persisting in this course, we must finally fall.

OUB SAFETY

Wherein then lies the safety of the new creature? St.

Peter says: "Arm yourselves with the mind of Christ." The

Apostle Paul corroborates this in Ephesians 0:10-18, in plain

language showing us that our warfare is not with our hands,

not with carnal weapons, not with visible enemies, but with

Satan and a host of evil spirits. He then shows us that

our safety lies in putting on the whole armor of God and

in keeping it on, and using it according to the Lord's will.

It should be marked that this armor is not for a human

being, but it is for the new creature, and therefore the figure

of arming the mind is maintained with reference to the armor

here. Mark what the Apostle says, "Take unto you the

whole armor of God that ye may be able to withstand in the

evil day, and having done all to stand. Stand, therefore,

having your loins girt about with truth." The girdle around

the loins indicates that the wearer is a servant, and when

this girdle is tightly fastened it indicates that the servant

is engaged in some strenuous work. This suggests, then,

that the new creature must fill his mind with things pertaining

to the Lord's work and see to it that he is a servant

of the truth. How may he know whether or not he is a

servant of the truth? We answer, by ascertaining whether

or not he is using that which the Lord has provided for

the church. The 14th chapter of Revelation, verses 13-16,

clearly shows that the service of the church during the harvest

is first the reaping of the saintly class; and the subsequent

verses show that the saintly ones must participate in the

reaping of the vine of the earth. It follows, then, that when

the time arrives for this work to be done, each one who

would be serving that message which the Lord had provided

in his own due time must have the loins of his mind girded

with the truth — engaging in the service according to opportunity

. If we have come to the end of the way, if we are

nearing the very closing hours of the harvest, then we may

know that the proclamation of the vengeance of the Lord

against Babylon must be made. (Isa. 61:2) And to be thus

engaged zealously in the Lord's service would mean to keep

our mind upon such work, making ourselves the servants of

his cause.

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THE WATCH TOW ER

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LET US ABM 0T7ESELVES

The Apostle then adds that we must have on the breastplate

of righteousness. The breastplate fitted over the vita]

organs. The heart is the most vital organ to the new creature

. The necessity for keeping the heart cannot be overstated.

If, then, one finds bitterness arising in his heart, regardless of

the cause he should take it at once as a warning that he ia

not arming himself with the mind of Christ, and not properly

using the armor. Failing to arm himself thus he would

not be able to withstand the assaults of the adversaries. See

1 Thess. 3:8.

The Apostle then suggests that our feet should be shod

with the preparation of the Gospel of peace. It is a noticeable

fact in recent months that there has been much disturbance

in the classes. These disturbances do not arise

over doctrinal matters, but are more particularly concerning

order or discipline or the manner of doing what should

be done. In some places elders seek to lord it over the ecclesia,

thinking their ability should be recognized. Other members

insist on doing everything their own way. This is manifesting

the spirit of the "Bolsheviki." It brings trouble instead of

peace, which shows that such a one is not properly armed

with the mind of Christ; that he has not on the armor in all

its parts ; that instead of being shod with the message of peace

his feet are shod with the hob-nails of anarchy. It is the

duty of the elders to counsel peace and moderation amongst

the brethren.

Then, adds the Apostle, we should have the shield of faith

with which we shall be able to resist the darts of the wicked

ones. This means that we should be fully advised as to the

manner of attack by the evil ones; that we obtain this advice

from the Word of God, and relying Tipon it we properly fortify

ourselves against all assaults. It means furthermore, that we

know of the exceeding great and precious promises of the

Lord which are sure to bring to the obedient ones an abundant

entrance into the kingdom; and knowing these, that we rely

upon them.

Then, adds the Apostle, we must have the helmet of salvation

and the sword of the spirit. The helmet is fitted over

the head and therefore represents the intellectual part of

the creature. This suggests that we must have an intellectual

understanding and appreciation of what the Lord's Word is

concerning us. This is the basis for the hope of our salvation

. The sword of the spirit is the Word of God. Then

having the. helmet and the sword would mean that we both

understand what the Word teaches and are striving to use

it both as a defensive and an offensive weapon — as a defensive

weapon against our adversaries, as an offensive weapon

bv proclaiming the message of the Lord now due to be given.

(G 466. Ezek. 21:15) Then, adds the Apostle, we should

pray with all prayer and supplication for all saints, thus

showing the necessity not only for keeping our heart and

mind fixed on our welfare, but for having in mind the spiritual

welfare of our brethren.

OUR TEAK TEXT

How appropriate, therefore, the text for the year — "The

end of all things is at hand; be ye therefore sober and watch

unto prayer. And above all things have fervent love among

yourselves." That we are at the end of the Gospel age, we

all agree. We are at the end of the harvest period of that

age. The end of Satan's dominion is also here, and the beginning

of the Millennial age. Important to us is the fact

that we have come to the end of the development of the new

creation, and soon the last member will be complete. Mark

the conditions that prevail in the entire world today — discontent

, selfishness, passion, frenzy, hatred, malice and illwill

are being manifested in a manner never before witnessed.

After enjoying so many of the blessings of the first few years

of the 20th century, the human race is now plunged into the

most terrible war known, one which the Scriptures show to

be followed by revolution and anarchy. The people are required

to endure hardships such as they have never before

known. The lack of food, the lack of comfort and ease, added

to great burdens of taxation with no hope of relief therefrom,

increase the spirit of discontent. Selfishness predominates

everywhere. Millions of men, for years engaged in shedding

human blo^od, now possess distorted minds, in fact, the entire

human race is mentally upset. Added to all of these things,

the world is drunken with the doctrines of Babylon. The

''beast" is manifesting his power. The "image of the beast"

is about to do likewise. The Revelator tells us that when

these events take place that Babylon becomes the very habitation

and hold of these evil spirits. If now we see so much

wrongdoing in the world, what must we expect when the

"powers of the air" shall be allowed to gain temporary liberty

for the very purpose of manifesting the evil tendencies of

the unregenerated heart? Surely, then, there never has been

a time like the present when it is so necessary to be of

sober mind and watch and pray. Never has it been so important

for us to have overspreading love for all the brethren.

That our enemies are increasing in power is manifest on

every hand. That they may have more power shortly is to

be expected. Let us not be at all discouraged, however. We

have been many times warned of this; and to be forewarned

is to be forearmed. Now as we are drawing nearer to the

great crisis let us remember the admonition of the Lord, to

have ourselves "armed with the same mind" that Christ had,

having on the whole armor of God, and we shall be safe.

And even though we may seemingly go down in defeat from

the viewpoint of the world, yet such will mean the great triumph

of the faithful and an abundant entrance into the

everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

— - Psalm «:1; 2 Peter 1:11.

ANNUAL MEETING

Probably nothing that has occurred in recent months has

called forth from the friends such earnest and fervent prayers

as those offered in behalf of the convention that should assemble

in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and the annual election

of officers of the Society for the ensuing year. With eagerness

the brethren have been looking forward to the events that

would transpire there, that the will of the Lord might be

known. It is believed that their prayers were answered.

The Lord very wonderfully manifested his presence and his

spirit at the convention and at the annual meeting.

On the morning of January 2nd the convention opened

according to program, and closed Sunday evening, January

0th, with a love feast. Approximately one thousand attended.

The discourses of the pilgrim brethren were very timely and

helpful. Particular emphasis was laid upon the fact that

the kingdom of the Lord is near at hand and upon the great

necessity for our preparation for the kingdom. Some bitter

trials have been experienced during the year just past, and

these seem to have whetted the appetites of the Lord's dear

children to partake more fully of the spiritual food provided

for them. A number of splendid prayer, praise and

testimony meetings were a part of the program; and the

testimony of the dear brethren at these meetings showed

plainly their determination to do one thing, namely to press

forward along the mark for the prize of the high calling of

God in Christ Jesus. From every quarter of the country

came encouraging messages concerning the Seventh Volume,

and the many blessings the brethren have obtained by a careful

study of it, and further blessings by its distribution.

Many of the classes reported progress in this work, both in

the widespreading of the message of truth and in their own

personal spiritual development.

OF SHAREHOLDERS

AKXTTAI. MEETING

Saturday, January 5th, was the day appointed for the

holding of the annual meeting of the shareholders of the

Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. In view of the

events that have transpired during the Bix months ended,

the dear friends frorn^ every part of the world were keenly

interested in this annual meeting. Cablegrams from foreign

countries expressed the keen interest the brethren there felt

in the result, that they might see the manifestation of the

Lord's will concerning the harvest work.

The meeting convened at ten o'clock Saturday morning

at Carnegie Hall, N, S. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, being opened

with a song and with a prayer led by Brother Barber. Then

followed an exhaustive report by the President concerning

the work of the Society for the year just past. This was

followed by a report from the Treasurer, the substance of

which has heretofore been published in The Watch Toweb.

It was the thought of some present that the recent misunderstanding

with reference to the management of the Society

should be discussed in detail; but it was manifestly

the belief of the overwhelming majority of the shareholders

present that full and complete publication had heretofore been

made concerning such misunderstanding, and that further discussion

or agitation of the same would do no good. It was

pointed out by those who expressed themselves that the

friends were fully advised as to the facts, and that further

discussion of it was wholly undesirable; that having received

the published statements of both sides and carefully considering

them, the brethren had come there with their hearts lifted

in prayer to the Lord to manifest his will; and that now was

the time, not for talking, but for action.

[6201]

(24-24)

THE WATCH TOWER

Brooklyn, N. Y.

BOAED OF DIBECTOBS ELECTED

The. Charter requires that first a Board of Directors of

seven members be elected, and that from the seven elected,

the officers of the Society shall be chosen. The first thing in

order, therefore, was the nomination and election of seven

members who should compose the Board of Directors for the

ensuing year. The order of business being announced, Brother

Barber arose and stated that the friends throughout the

country, on the 21st of November, had by referendum vote

expressed their choice for directors and officers; and that

he would take it therefore as the Lord's will that the brethren

receiving the highest number of votes at that referendum

should be nominated, and he therefore placed in nomination

for directors the following named brethren, to-wit:

Brother Rutherford Brother Macmillan

Van Amburgh " Spill

" Pierson «* Bohnet

Brother Fisher

Brother McGee, of Trenton, N. J., then placed in nomination

for directors the following:

Brother Menta Sturgeon Brother Isaac F. Hoskins

A. I. Ritchie " R. H. Hirsh

" H. C. Rockwell " J. D. Wright

Brother P. S. L. Johnson

Before the ballot was taken, however, Brother Johnson withdrew

his name.

Brother F. T. Horth, of Clinton, Iowa, Brother C. J.

Woodworth, of Scranton, Pa., and Brother A. M. Zimmerman,

of Lancaster, Pa., were appointed by the President as inspectors

of election. After thev had taken and subscribed to

the required oath to perform their duties as such judges and

inspectors with fidelity, the ballot was taken. It required

a considerable length of time to check up all the proxies and

certificates and to count the vote; and although the ballots

were cast in the forenoon the count was not completed until

about 8:30 P. M. The result of the ballot was as follows:

J. F. Rutherford 194,106 Menta Sturgeon 27,261

A. H. Macmillan 161,871 R. H. Hirsh 23,198

W. E. Van Amburgh 160,215 I. F. Hoskins 22,660

W. E. Spill 118,259 A. I. Ritchie 22,631

J. A. Bonnet 113,422 J. D. Wright 22,623

C. H. Anderson 107,175 H. C. Rockwell 18,178

G. H. Fisher 83,260 P. S. L. Johnson 6,469

A. N. Pierson # 57,721 W. J. Hollister 3.931

The seven receiving the highest number of votes cast were:

J. F. Rutherford A. H. Macmillan

C. H. Anderson W. E. Spill

W. E. Van Amburgh J. A. Bohnet

George H. Fisher

and were thereupon declared by the judges of election as

having been duly elected as members of the Board of Directors

of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society for

the ensuing year.

ELECTION OF OFFICES S

The next order of business was the election of officers

who must be selected from amongst those duly chosen as

members of the Board of Directors. Brother W. E. Page, of

Des Moines, Iowa, placed in nomination for the office of

President Brother J. F. Rutherford ; and a number of other

brethren from different parts of the country seconded this

nomination. Brother A. II. Macmillan placed in nomination

for Vice President Brother Charles H. Anderson, of Baltimore,

Md., whose nomination was seconded by several others.

Brother W. E. Spill placed in nomination for the office of

Secretary-Treasurer Brother W. E. Van Amburgh, whose

nomination was also seconded by a number of the brethren.

There being no one else nominated for either of these offices,

the ballot was taken; and 1 the results showed that Brother

J. E. Rutherford had received all of the ballots cast for the

office of President, Brother Charles II. Anderson all the votes

cast for Vice President, and Brother W. E. Van Amburgh

all the votes cast for Secretary-Treasurer. Thereupon the

judges of election declared that these brethren were duly

elected to the respective offices named.

PRESIDENT'S REMARKS

Immediately upon announcement by the judges of election

as to who were chosen as officers of the Society, Brother

Rutherford spoke from the platform, calling attention to the

fact that now, since the Lord had manifested his will and

expressed it through his people at this election, he deemed

it proper that he should make a statement relating to the

recent misunderstanding with other brethren concerning the

management of the Society. He further stated that his

action in appointing four members of the Board of Directors

in the month of July, 1917, was not done for the purpose

of deposing any one, and did not depose any one as a member

of the Board of Directors, but that he merely filled the

vacancies in the Bo ird for the purposes stated in the Harvest

Sittings heretofore published. He further stated that in taking

this action personalties did not enter into the matter;

that he had no personal feeling against the brethren who

took issue with him at the time he made such appointments;

that he had not had any feeling against them since, and did

not now hold any ill-will toward them ; that his action was

entirely official, because he believed it to be his duty as the

President of the Society to take this action in behalf of the

Society and the work that it is doing; that he deeply regretted

that misunderstanding and trouble had followed; that

he realized his imperfections and was aware that he made

many mistakes, but that he still believed his action in filling

the vacancies on the Board was entirely right and proper.

Brother Rutherford then stated that he had no desire nor

disposition to deprive any one of opportunities for service

in 1 the harvest field, and that if these brethren who had been

openly opposing the management of the Society for the past

few months would cease their opposition and come forward and

express their desire and purpose to preach the truth and

to work in harmony with the Society, he would be glad to

see that each of them was put actively into the service of

the Society; that if they would do this he would be willing to

forget the past, and hoped that the other brethren were likewise

willing to forgot, and that all now who claimed to he

fully consecrated to the Lord should join their hearts and

hands in the common cause for righteousness and in spreading

the glad tidings of the kingdom. All were invited to

forget their differences, for, realizing that the church is a

little band of consecrated followers of the Master, surrounded

upon every side by enemies — the world, the flesh, the demons

and the great adversary — the brethren above all peoples should

stand firmly together and in love serve one another and

serve tjie Lord. Nearly all of the members present manifested

their hearty approval of the sentiments expressed, by repeated

and prolonged applause.

This concluding the business of the annual meeting, the

same was adjourned amidst great rejoicing by the brethren

present. Many were the expressions that the Lord had

certainly been present and guided the deliberations of the

meeting, and the result was joyfully taken as his expressed

will.

Brother Anderson was not formally placed in nomination

for the position of a member of the Board of Directors.

Nevertheless this did not preclude any one from properly

voting for him, and his election was entirely in harmony with

the laws of the land and the Charter of the Society.

During the time occupied by the judges of election in

examining the records and counting the votes the brethren

present indulged in praise, prayer and testimonies, interspersed

with discourses by several pilgrim brethren. The

time, therefore, was very profitably spent. It was indeed a

very blessed season together.

THE CLOSE OF THE CONVENTION

All the Sunday sessions of the convention were held in

the Lyceum Theatre. Discourses were delivered in the forenoon

by Brothers Perrin and Heard. In the afternoon Brother

Rutherford addressed the public, there being approximately

two thousand present, and splendid interest was manifested.

This meeting was followed by a love feast, participated in

by approximately one thousand brethren; and many were the

expressions of love and joy that came from those who participated

Just preceding the love feast a motion was made and duly

seconded, requesting Brother R. H. Hirsh to resign as a

member of the Editorial Committee of The Watch Tower.

This motion was unanimously carried by the convention, not

a dissenting vote being offered. In the evening, at the Lyceum

Theatre, another gathering of the friends was addressed by

Brothers Van Amburgh and Heard.

Many were heard to say that this had been the most

blessed convention they had ever attended and that never

had they seen the spirit of the Lord so manifested by the

many brethren. This is exactly what we should have expected

to come from all those who realize that we are in

the very end of the harvest, and that our work may soon

he finished this side the veil. With sobriety of mind and

calmness of heart and with the determination to continue

steadfast, the dear friends are facing the concluding work

of the harvest.

REGARDING MILITARY EXEMPTION

Quite a number of our brethren in different parts of the

country have been denied military exemption. Some of them,

because of their refusal to engage in military service, have

been court-martialed and sentenced to long terms in prison,

while others aro held in detention camps in different parts of

the country. Those attending the convention felt it incumbent

[6202]

January 15, 1918

THE WATCH TOWER

(24-25)

upon them to express their love and sympathy in support of

these dear brethren who are so loyally standing for the

principles represented by our Association ; and it was deemed

proper to pass a resolution relating to the matter. A committee

previously appointed for that purpose reported a

resolution on Sunday mornings which was read before the

convention and, upon motion, was seconded and unanimously

adopted. The resolution follows:

RESOLUTION

"WHEREAS, under the terms of the Selective I>raft Act

a number of our members and brethren have been called to

military duty, and under the terms and provisions of said

Selective Draft Act have made application to the proper

authorities for discharge or exemption from military service,

which right or privilege has been denied many of them, and

they have been and are now forcibly restrained of their

liberty in either military prisons or army detention camps;

"AND WHEREAS, we believe our position as a religious

organization, which has been organized and existing for manv

years prior to the passage of said Act, is not fully understood

by various officers and representatives of the United States

Government, and that it is due and proper that we should

make a statement as to the position of this religious organization

that the attitude of our said members and brethren may

be better understood;

"NOW THEREFORE RESOLVED: By the members of

the Lvternationai, Bible Students ASSOCIATION in annual

convention assembled at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, composed

of delegates representing our Association from all of the

United States and Canada, that we make the following statement

of our said Association or organization concerning our

attitude and the attitude of our members toward the present

great war:

"FIRST. That we recognize in President Wilson a great

man who is using his power and influence honestly and

conscientiously and according to his best judgment in the

interests of the peoples of the world and particularly of the

United States,

"SECOND. That we recognize the duty of every one living

within the realms of the United States to be law-abiding;

that the Congress of the United States, representing the people

of the* nation, placed a provision in the Selective Act that

no person should be compelled to engage in military service

who is a member of a well-organized religious organization

or association whose teachings or principles forbid its members

to engage in war, or who are against war in any form;

that in taking the position they do, our members are claiming

only the protection the law provides against violation of

conscience,

"THIRD. That we are followers of the Great Master

Christ Jesus our Redeemer, and have covenanted with the

Lord to do his will; and that we are certain that it is not

his will that we, as his followers, should participate in the

great war now upon the earth. We recognize in the present

great war one that is different from any other war ever before

known, to wit: Thai it marks the end of the world —

that is to say, the end of the present evil order of things —

and is purging the nations and preparing the way for the

kingdom of God for which followers of the Great Master,

Christ Jesus, have prayed for many centuries; and that for

forty years past this Association has held" and taught that

the year 1914 would mark the beginning of this great international

conflict which the prophets of the Lord foretold

mus$ take place, immediately preceding the establishment of

the everlasting kingdom of righteousness.

"We agree with President Wilson that there can be no

lasting peace while the present unrighteous systems exist.

"FOURTH. We hold that the teachings of Jesus and

the apostles forbid all his true followers to engage in mortal

combat or war; that early in the Christian era this teaching

was departed from by those claiming to be his followers and

that for many centuries J>ast the clergy of both Catholic and

Protestant church systems have departed from the teachings

of Jesus and the Apostles, substituting therefor man-made

doctrines, and have taught the divine right of kings to rule

and that the kingdoms of this earth constitute the kingdom

of the Lord, and have mixed the religion of Jesus Christ

with the politics of the world, which has resulted in confusion

amongst Christian peoples, and which the Lord denounces

as Babylon and as an abomination in his sight; that

the Lord through many of his holy prophets foretold that

such an alliance would result between civil and ecclesiastical

powers on earth which would bring upon both the indignation

of God, causing wars, revolutions and anarchy, which would

be overruled by him for the purging of the nations of the

earth to the end that he might establish amongst the people

a pure and righteous government.

"FIFTH. With charity to all and malice toward none, we

feel it our duty humbly to call attention to the fact that the

nations are now passing through that great crisis foretold

by the prophets of the Lord, and that God is expressing his

displeasure toward the relationship existing between ecclesiastical

and civil kingdoms of the earth, particularly as set

forth in the following cited Scriptures, to wit: Revelation,

chapters 17 and 18; Ezekiel, chapter 34.

"SIXTH. That sincerely believing such to be true, a

participation by our members in this war would be contrary

to the Lord's will and- a violation of our own conscience which

would put in jeopardy our eternal destiny and welfare. While

we hold that it is the privilege of any and all persons to engage

in war who desire to do so if they are not followers

of Jesus Christ, yet we hold that they who do follow faithfully

in hta footsteps cannot consistently participate in war

in any form; and we have so held for more that thirty years.

"SEVENTH. We, therefore, enter our solemn protest

against the incarceration of our brethren and members in

prison because of the refusal on their part to violate their

conscience and to violate the law of God; that we respectfully

call upon the officials of the Government of the United

States to recognize that the members of our Association come

clearly within the purvue and terms of the exemption clause

of the Selective Draft Act because of the teachings and principles

of this religious Association which principles and teachings

have been held and taught by it and its members for

more than a quarter of a century; and that we respectfully

petition and ask that our said brethren and members, to wit:

Herm. Abraham, Holyake, Mass. Joy Ferguson, Camp Upton

Martin O. Bowin, Camp Upton Stanley Olson, Camp Grant

Harold Bruber, Camp Dodge George Ruiz. Camp Upton

A. W. Christy, Jr., Camp Upton Walford Marker, Seattle, Wash.

Elmer Christy, Camp Upton Walter Mozee. Camp Upton

Jerry Dc Cecca, Camp De-vens J. A. Mnrch, Cp. Zachary Taylor

Stanley Dixon, Camp Bowie Carmelo Nicita, Camp Deven

Frank DonogHo, Camp Dix S. Papageorges, Duluth, Minn.

Charles Feldner, Camp Meade H. Pound, Camp Zachary Taylor

Charles H. Walker, Camp Zachary Taylor

and others, be fully granted the provisions of the exemption

clause of the Selective Draft Act, as provided by Congress.

"That a copy of this Resolution be furnished to the President

of the United States, to the Secretary of the War Department

and the Provost Marshal General Crowder ; and

that the President of our Association appoint a committee of

three to so present these resolutions/'

PRESENTED TO PRESIDENT WILSON

Brother Rutherford as president thereupon appointed

Brother Dr. Smith of Louisville, Ky v Brother E. D. Sexton

, of Los Angeles, California, and Brother E. W. Brenneisen

, of New York City, as a committee of three to bear

these resolutions to Washington and there in person present

them to President Wilson, Secretary Baker of the War Department

, and a copy to Provost Marshal General Crowder.

The Committee proceeded to Washington for this purpose, and

on Friday, January 11th, they were granted an audience with

President Wilson. The Committee was very kindly and

graciously received by the President who patiently listened

to the reading of the resolution. The President expressed

himself as fully sympathizing with our position. He suggested

that some had exceeded their authority in dealing with our

brethren and promised that these mistakes should be speedily

rectified. Afterwards a copy of the resolution was presented

to Secretary of War Baker and Provost Marshal Crowder.

What effect this resolution may have we cannot of course

know, but it is our hope that much good may result. While

our brethren are refusing to render military service they

are not doing so because of any desire to be against the

Government but because they are conscientious and believe

that for them to engage in this great war would be to forfeit

their share in the kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus

Christ. Having made a consecration to be dead with Christ,

all such count not the present life dear unto themselves. They

desire above all things to be pleasing to the heavenly father

and to do his will completely.

For the encouragement of our de&r brethren in bonds we

remind them of the great afflictions endured by the faithful

ones of the past a* recorded by the Apostle Paul in Hebrews

11. Those men proved their loyalty and faithfulness to God,

and because thereof they will have a better resurrection than

the world in general. Now some of his dear children are

[6203]

(25-30)

THE WATCH TOWER

Brooklyn, N. Y

having the privilege of proving their loyalty under somewhat constructing the world of mankind which is now engaged

similar circumstances, and if faithful, will have the privilege, in the destruction of each other. What a blessed privilege

together with the King of kings and Lord of lords, of re- that will be!

FOUR KINDS OF GROUND

[This article was a reprint of that entitled, "The Seed is the Word of God," published in issue of April 15, 1906, which

please see.]

THE GROWTH OF THE KINGDOM

[The first nine and the last two paragraphs of this article were reprinted from article entitled, "Parables of the Kingdom

," published in issue of May 15, 1900. The remainder was reprinted from article entitled, "The Sowing and the Reaping,"

published in issue of May 1, 1900. Please see the articles named.]

INTERESTING LETTERS

SEEKING TO CAUSE DIVISION

Dbab Bbethben: —

I hardly know how to start this letter, but will say in

passing that my motive is not to embitter any one but, if

I know my own heart, to protect the Lord's people where

possible from a similar experience.

Wednesday evening at prayer, praise and testimony meeting

I was very much surprised to see Brother Johnson walk

in with Brother R . .... A motion was put and carried

that Brother Johnson give us a discourse. He came forward

and gave us one of the best discourses I have ever heard on

"Christ having been rich, became poor for us, that we might

be made rich — no reference being made to the trouble at

Brooklyn or elsewhere. At the close of the meeting he was

invited to address the class on Saturday night and Sunday

afternoon. Saturday night he gave us a discourse on "Building

up in Love," etc. Sunday morning his talk was along the

lines of fiery trials. He started out, using Revelation the

seventh chapter by stating that he accepted the Seventh

Volume as the Seventh Volume, although he believed it contained

some errors, but that the good in the book far exceeded

the errors, and he believed it was being used of the

Lord. But before he got through with his sledge-hammer

blows the Seventh Volume got fixed up wrong, as you may

be sure it would be.

Sunday afternoon he gave a discourse along the line of

the Parable of the Penny and of the Inkhorn. To make a

long story short, he concluded by saying that Brother Russell

shows that the chariot in Bymbol represents an organization;

the Watch To web Bible and Tract Society is the chariot

of the Elijah class; but that the legalities which you invoked

are lurid legalities (the horses) ; that the separation is now

taking place; and the lurid legalities are separating the two

classes; that those who are putting out the Seventh Volume

and the Babylon Tract are the great company; that they are

smiting the Jordan the second time, as Elisha returning. He

made the plain, unequivocal statement that Brother Rutherford

would be of the great company, and that those adhering to

the Societt and distributing the Seventh Volume, etc., would

also be of that class

I am trying to look for the Lord's' spirit continually. "If

any man have not the spirit of Christ, he is none of his."

If these brethren really think they are of the little flock

class, and we are doing the work of the great company class

now, why do they take the trouble to hinder it? Why not let

us do it and help them and us into the kingdom that much

quicker? ....

Our business is to do with our might what our hands

find to do. I do not believe my sacrifice is complete. If it

were I would not be here. If Brother Johnson and others of

the opposition think their sacrifice is complete, and that

they are merely waiting for their glorification, I trust they

will be supremely happy; but I want to work while it is yet

day, because I believe shortly no man can work

We would be glad to have a few lines from you if you

have any suggestions that you think would be helpful to us

in our effort to serve and please the Lord in this work.

With much Christian love for you, and believing that you

are trying to do the Lord's will, however imperfectly, I am

Your brother in Christ, G. M. K,— Va.

OUE REPLY

Dear Brotheb in Cubist: —

It is with regret that we note the unhappy circumstances

described in your letter, that a brother, once prominent and

active in the service of the Society one who was held in

the highest confidence by t the friends, would appear before

the class and for a time apparently manifest the spirit of the

Lord and then, taking advantage of the confidence of the

friends, attempt to disrupt and hinder the work. — 2 Corinthians

11:13-15.

Having in mind what this unfortunate brother did in

Great Britain and what he has attempted to do in this country,

we feel duty-bound to warn the dear friends everywhere.

If, as this Brother and his associates hold, those who are managing

the Society's affairs are of the great company class,

why have these brethren tried so strenuously for the past year

to get control of the Society? Are they so desirous to be

of the great company class? Wherein is their consistency?

Of course, any one is entitled to hold any opinion he may

desire, but if he is of the opinion that the Society and those

working in conjunction with it constitute the great company

class, and therefore it has become his duty to oppose the

work of the harvest in which the Society is engaged, then

it would be manifestly improper for the friends to receive

him and extend to him the fellowship of a brother.

The Society does not endorse his course at all; he is not

sent out by the Society, and we feel impelled to call attention

to the Apostle Paul's words as set forth in Romans

16:17,18. We feel if we did not thus warn the flock, we

would be negligent of our duty. If any brother docs not feel

that he can work under the direction of the Society and in

harmony with the Society, then those who are in harmony

with the Society should avoid him. Any separation that may

follow need not be in bitterness, nor in self-righteousne3s, but

rather with a desire to be engaged consistently in the Lord's

service. "Let every man be persuaded in his own mind," but

let none seek to practice deception upon others, or to interfere

with others who desire to serve the Lord.

Our advice to you under the circumstances would be that

all who desire to engage in the distribution of The Finished

Mystery — Volume VII, and other literature which the Society

publishes and sends forth— do so; and all others who

do not feel disposed to engage should not interfere with

those who want to work. If a brother is not in full harmony

with the work of the Society, then he should not accept at

the hands of the class appointment upon any committee that

has to do with the distribution of the literature, The time

is short in which to do the work, and it is evidently the

Lord's will that it shall be done. Let us do with our might

what our hands find to do and leave it to the Lord to determine

whether we shall be of the little flock or great

company class. The question that will determine to which

class we belong will not be as to how much or how little

literature we put out, or how many books we sell, but what

is the real heart condition? If any are so situated that they

cannot engage actively in the distribution of the message,

this would in no wise preclude them from being of the kingdom

class, provided they were of the proper heart condition.

But if one is so situated that he could engage in the harvest

work, but because of his heart condition refuses to do so,

the result might be different. We leave the judgment entirely

with the Lord. It is not for us to judge. Above all, let us

do everything decently and in order, and dwell in peace,

avoiding the spirit of rivalry and vain-glory.

Let every one who desires to work in the harvest field

enter quickly and work, and those who do not wish to work

refrain from so doing, and at least refrain from interfering.

Any one who seeks to disrupt the Lord's work surely has

not the spirit of the Lord, and all such we are told to avoid. —

1 Timothy 6:3-6; Proverbs 0:16, 19.

to do aorrs will his chief desiee

Bear Bbotheb Ruthebford: —

I desire further to join my voice with those who have

confessed to the wonderful blessings derived through the

[6204]

January IS, 1918

T H E WA T C H T O W E R

(30-31)

reading of Volume VII, The Finished Mysteey. I am

thankful indeed that the Lord has, by his grace, enabled me

to "see the point" of the Sword; and it has led me to a renewal

of my consecration to be faithful unto him and his

truth even unto death, and to renewed energy and zeal in

his service.

Now, dear brother, my chief desire is to do the will of

God in co-operation with the Society, which I firmly believe

to be the angel of God having power (authority) over the

coals of fire, and therefore I desire to place my limited

capabilities at the service and disposal of the Society to be

used in whatever way the Society may deem wise.

I wish to say, dear brother, that in reflecting over the

past, I realize that your treatment of Sister Burgess and

myself has been very kind and considerate, and I desire

now to acknowledge it and to thank the Lord for all his

undeserved favors, and yourself as an instrument in his

hands to dispense them.

T have boon greatly blessed and assisted to a right view

of the present situation by the articles in The Watch Tower,

"Concluding Work of the Harvest." Oct. 1st; "The Price of

Exaltation, -'* Nov. 15th; and "The Light of the World," Dec.

1st; and I praise the Lord for the grand food dispensed

through The Watch Tower and for its continued spiritual,

uplifting influence.

May the blessing of the Lord be with you abundantly,

dear brother, and with all those associated with you in this

blessed work and labor of love, is my prayer.

Your brother in his grace, A. E. Burgess. — N. Y.

GOOD RESULTS OF VOLUNTEERING

Dear Sirs: —

Recently while riding on a street car a lady handed me a

paper entitled The Bible Students Monthly in which I became

very much interested, and would appreciate your sending

me the issue treating "The Battle of Armageddon" and

also a copy of "Where Are Thb Dead?" Please find enclosed

$1.00 for which kindly send me The Bible Students

Monthly for one year. I read in the paper the cost is only

12c, which seems strange to me that a paper could be published

at such a low cost. If so, keep the difference for

papers to give out to other strangers.

Yours respectfully, C, A. B. — Ohio.

EUPHRATES GRADUALLY BEING DRIED UP

Gentlemen: —

Your issue of The Bible Students Monthly, Vol. 9.

No. 5, on "Why do the Nations War?" was placed at my

door last Saturday. I read same to my wife and we both

came to the conclusion that the truth you put forth fully

coincides with our views in the matter. Please send me as

…