The Watchtower, August 1, 1922
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No. 15
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mp foot Be will to them
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Upon the earth i - » nation-, with pe phAttj ihc i and the waves (the resides' discontented) roating. men’s nearts falling them for fear and for looking to th* things coming upon the earth (society), for the powers of the heavens (ecclesiasticism snau be shaken When ye see these things begin to come to pas& then know that the King lorn of God is at band Look up, lift up your beads, rejoice, for your redemption draweth nigh—Matt 24.33; Mark 13 29, Luke 21*25-31*
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Vol. XLIII
Semi-Monthly
Anno Mundi 6050—August 1, 1822
CONTENTS
Othefv&'HiffiaSlon'Canifai ^RANSG;feEO^Ir.L«W
European Tour — Part II ....................
In Denmark ......................................
The Work in Sweden ..........................
“Millions” for Scandinavia...................
European Tour — Tart III.....................
Berlin, Dresden, Stuttgart ...................
Conditions in Roumania .......................
Adventist Persecutors ........................
Public Meeting in Vienna ...................-
Escape from Persecutors .....................
A Witness to Austria ..........................
Cedar Point Convention — Important How to Procure Accommodations .......
Back from Babylon to God’s Temple... Questions for Tower Berean Study ...
...233
...233 . 234 ...235 ...236
...239
"I will stand upon my watch and will set upon the Tower, and will watch to_ see what
THIS JOURNAL AND ITS SACRED MISSION
THIS journal Is one of the prime factors or instruments in the system of Bible instruction, or “Seminary Extension”, now being presented in all parts of the civilized world by the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, chartered A. D. 1884, “For the Promotion of Christian Knowledge”. It not only serves as a class room where Bible students may meet in the study of the divine Word but also as a channel of communication through which they may be reached with announcements of the Society’s conventions and of the coming of its traveling lepiesentatives, styled “Pilgrims”, and refreshed with reports of its conventions.
Our “Berean Lessons” aie topical rehearsals or reviews of our Society’s published Studies most entertainingly arranged, and very helpful to all who would ment the only honorary degree which the Society accords, viz., Vet bi Dei Minister (V. D. Af ), which translated into English is Minister of God’s Word. Our treatment of the International Sunday School Lessons is specially for the older Bible students and teacheis. By some this feature is considered indispensable.
This journal stands firmly for the defense of the only true foundation of the Christian’s hope now being so generally repudiated —redemption through the precious blood of “the man Christ Jesus, wTho gav himself a ransom [a corresponding price, a substitute] for all”. (1 Peter 1:19; 1 Timothy 2:6) Building up on this sure foundation the gold, silver and precious stones (1 Corinthians 3: Ills, 2 Peter 1:5-11) of the Word of God, its further mission is to all see what is the fellowship of the mystery which. . has
been hid in God, ... to the intent that now might be made known by the church the manifold wisdom of God”—“which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men as it is now revealed”.—Ephesians 3:5-9,10.
It stands free from all parties, sects and creeds of men, while it seeks more and more to bring its every utterance into fullest subjection to the will of God in Christ, as expressed in the holy Scriptures. It is thus free to declare boldly whatsoever the Lord hath spoken—according to the divine wisdom granted unto us to understand his utterances. Its attitude is not dogmatic, but confident; for we know whereof we afliun, treading with implicit faith upon the sure promises of God. It is held as a trust, to be used only in his service; hence our decisions jelathe to what inay and what inay not appear in its columns must be according to our judgment of his good pleasure, the teaching of his Word, for the upbuilding of his people m grace and knowledge. And we not only invite but urge oui; readers to prove all its utterances by the intallible Word to which reference Is constantly made to facilitate such testing.
TO US THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH
That the church is “the temple of the living God”, peculiarly “his workmanship” ; that its construction has been in progress throughout the gospel age—ever since Christ became the world’s Redeemer and the Chief Corner Stone of his temple, through winch, when finished, God’s blessing shall come “to all people”, and they find access to him.—1 Corinthians 3:16, 17; Ephesians 2:20-22; Genesis 2S: 14 ; Galatians 3:29.
That meantime the chiseling, shaping, and polishing of consecrated believers in Christ’s atonement for sin, progresses ; and when the last of these “living stones”, “elect and precious,” shall have been made ieady, the gicat Alaster Workman will bring all together in the first lesunection , and the temple shall be filled with his glory, and be the meeting place between God and men throughout the Alillenmum—Revelation 15.5-8.
That the basis of hope, for the church and the world, lies in the fact that “Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for every man,’ “a ransom for all,” and will be *'the true light which hghteth every man that cometh into the world”, “in due time’.— Hebrews 2:9; John 1.9 ; 1 Timothy 2:5, 6.
That the hope of the church is that she mav be like her Lord, “see him as he is,” be “partakers of the divine nature’,’ and share his gloiy as his joint hen—1 John 3 2; John 17.24, Romans 8:37; 2 Peter 1:4
That the present mi'-'sion of the church is the perfecting of the saints for the future wmk of service; to develop in herself every giace; to be God’s witness to the world, and to prepare to be kings and pnests in the next age.—Ephesians 4:12; Matthew 24: 14 ; Revelation 1:6; 20 : 6.
That the hope for the world lies in the blessings of knowledge and opportunity to be brought to all by Christ's Millennial kingdom, •'Jia restitution of all that was lo&t in Adam, to all the willing and obedient, at the banus of their Redeemer and his glorified chur.u, when all the wilfully wicked will be destroyed.—Acts 3:19-23, Isaiah 35.
-=— • — - —— ~,r.------• • ‘—1 1 ' - ■ ■ ” -■
Published ay
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(Foreign translations of this journal appear in several languages)
Editorial Committee: This journal is published under the supervision of an editonal committee, at least tlnee of whom have read and appioved as truth each and every ai tide appealing in these columns. The names of the editonal committee are: J F Rutherford, W E Van Amburgh, .t vlmery, g h fisher, E. W. Breniser. Terms to frte DortFs Poor: Ail Bible students who, by reason of old age or other in-fir—iLy or adversity, are unable to pay for this journal, will be supplied free if they send a postal card each May stating their case and requesting such provision. We are not only uilli’irr, but anxious, that all such be on our list continually and id touch with the Eercan studies.
ffl Sttrbar’rihwo* vVe do not, ns a rule, send a card of acknowledgment for a renews 1 or lyuiice IU ^uosertoers. frp a new sabscr pc,on. Recc Pt arid tnUT of renewal are uwuuMad wi'^in a month by change fn expiration date, as s iov n on wrapper label.
~ntered aa Second Clasa Matter at Brookbm, NY , Postofflce under the Act of March 3rd, 1879
HYMNS FOR OCTOBER
Suml.i.i .______ ..
... 1 19S
8 80
15 304
22 325
29 43
Mond.ij ____________
.... 2 150
9 301
16 106
23 277
30 177
Tnesdiij .........
.... 3 300
10 125
17 120
24 188
Wedncsi' ly ....
.... 4 2S5
11 290
18 24
25 321
Thuisd.'l ........
.... 5 1G8
12 292
19 254
26 161
Frnl,ix ________
.... 6 297
13 70
20 74
27186
Satin d.i.x ........
.... 7 178
14 89
28 173
CONVENTION —VACATION
Readers of The Watch Tower will please take notice that the office and factory of the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society at IS Concord Street, Brooklyn, and the Bethel Home will be closed for two weeks from September 2 to September 1G, inclusive, this will be a vacation period to enable all of the Bethel Family to attend the convention. Do not expect orders to be filled from Brooklyn dining those dates. We suggest that orders be sent in before that time for anything that may be needed. Urgent matters that must be attended to by wire or special delivery may be sent to The Breakers Hotel, Cedar Point, Sandusky, Ohio, between the dates of September 5 and 12.
REPORT OF CONVENTION
Friends everywhere are looking forward with great expectancy to the Cedar Point Convention. Having in mind the blessings enjoyed at the former convention there, uc are expecting even greater blessings at this one. There will be many of the dear brethren throughout the world who will have no opportunity of attending this convention. We are sure that their prayers will daily ascend in behalf of those who do go We feel that those at home will be pleased to have some detailed report of what transpires at the convention, that they may enter tnoie fully into the spirit of it. This is to advise that The Watch Tower will make such a report, and it is our present intention to issue a special edition immediately following the convention, probably the issue of October 1. giving a report of the convention. This will he free, of course, to the legular subscribers. Extra copies may be ordered at ten cents each, provided the order is sent in by September 15.
AND HERALD OF CHRISTS PRESENCE
Vol. XLHI
August 1, 1922
No. 15
EUROPEAN TOUR-PART II
ON WEDNESDAY, May IO, a number of the British brethren stood on the platform at Liverpool Street Station, London, to say goodbye and bid us Godspeed as our tram began the journey to Continental Europe. That night we took ship at Harwich, and the next morning early found us in the harbor at the Hook of Holland. The day’s journey through Holland and northern Germany was without special incident; but it was noticeable that a great change had taken place in those lands, and particularly in Germany, since the beginning of the World War. Even Holland gives evidence of the evil effects of the war. Indeed, all nations have been much affected by it, whether actively engaged in the conflict or not. It has all come about just as the Lord had foretold. The nations have been weakened. Satan’s empire is tottering to its fall, preparatory for the great King of kings and Lord of lords to begin his blessing of humankind through Ins everlasting kingdom of righteousness.
AT HAMBURG, GERMANY
On our way to Scandinavia we made a stop at Hamburg, Germany, for a visit to the friends and also for one public meeting. About five hundred of the friends had assembled for a one-day convention. What a change had taken place m eight years! When the World War began, the class in Hamburg consisted of only a few members. Now to meet five hundred smiling, joyful, happy faces, who amidst all the vicissitudes of the past year’ had come through with greater joy, was a real inspiration. Their songs gave evidence of a real since! itv of heart devotion to the Lord. It was a happy day together.
The subject of the afternoon discourse was “Evil versus ■Righteousness.” It was set forth how Satan had counterfeited every pait of the divine plan for the purpose of deceiving mankind; that now his organization is arrayed m a last desperate conflict with the Lord and his little band of faithful soldiers; and that Satan in desperation is trying to deceive these. But we have the full assurance that the elect shall not be deceived. Satan is employing all the forces at his command, as suggested by his various names. He is designated as the dragon, that old serpent, Satan, and the devil. As a dragon he attempts to devour God’s people. As a serpent he deceives the world and some who have consecr ited them-sehes unto the Lord. As Satan he opposes every work of righteousness and every effort to spread the message of the Messianic kingdom. And as the devil he slanders those who follow the Lord whithersoever he leads them. It was pointed out that in the Lord’s organization there are neither Americans nor Germans, French nor Greek, bum', nor free, but all are one in Christ; and that as one family, the family of the Lord, his people will stand firmly together; that this is the final conflict between the devil’s organization and the Lord’s organization, but that all of those who are devoted to the Lord are resting in absolute faith and confidence because assured by his Word that the Lord will prevail, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and that the called, chosen and faithful unto death will stand victorious with him at the end. The brethren were urged, in the language of the Apostle, to stand shoulder to shoulder, always contending for the gospel of Jesus Christ. Every one present signified his or her purpose thus to hold steadfastly that which they have until called home.
The brethren at Hamburg and vicinity are truly united and laboring together to the glory of the Lord. Their trying experiences during the past eight years have developed m them the fruits and graces of the spiiit as well as adding to their numbers.
A public meeting had been arranged for the evening. A large hall had been provided for this purpose, and the friends stated that four thousand or more were pi-esent. While this estimate may be a little high, yet the interest was good, upwards of 1100 books being sold at the conclusion of the meeting.
IN DENMARK
The morning following we took our departure; and a day’s journey brought us to Copenhagen, Denmark, where a two-day convention was then in session. About five hundred of the brethren had assembled for this convention. On Saturday evening Brother Rutherford addressed the convention on “Baptism and Its Import”; and at the conclusion about sixty brethren symbolized their consecration and baptism into Christ bi water immersion. Brother Goux addressed the convention Sunday morning, as did also some of the Scandinavian brethren. In the afternoon a public address was given
by Brother Rutherford in a hall v. ith a capacity of 1800. every available space being taken and about five hundred turned away. The subject used, of course, was “Millions Now Living Will Never Die—The Kuigdom of Heaven is at Hand.” The message was received with gladness, and evidence of real interest was manifested by a large number taking the books at the conclusion of the meeting.
Before reaching Copenhagen some of the local brethren had suggested that a diflerent subject should be used for the public lecture, because the lecture on that subject had been given many times. We should remember, however, that the purpose now is to get the message to the people, that the old order is done and is passing away; that the Messianic kingdom is here; henc< millions now on earth will shortly have an opportunity for life everlasting, and availing themselves of this opportunity will live.
THE WORK IN SWEDEN
The Monday following the Copenhagen Convention was spent at the Danish office going over the business affairs of the Society; and in the evening, together with a number of other friends, we departed for Orebro, Sweden, the Society’s headquarters in that land, where a six-day convention was held. A delegation of the Swedish brethren met our train some distance away from Orebro and extended the welcome and greetings of the convention. As our train drew up to the Orebro platform, about one hundred of the friends were seen lined up m military form; and as our party alighted from the tram Sister Lundborg came forward with a bouquet of flowers and presented them to the President of the Society. Outside of the station about four hundred more of the friends were assembled to extend their love and greetings. It was a happy meeting again with our dear brethren in Scandinavia after an absence of eight years. Many were there whom we had known before, and many new ones added in the meantime.
The first day after arrival was devoted to serving the friends, including testimony meetings and discourses. Upwards of five hundred of the consecrated were present For some time the adversary has been trying to disrupt the work in Sweden, using all the powers at his command. Hence it was announced through the Swedish Watch Tower some weeks in advance that a day would be devoted to hearing complaints that had been lodged against the Society’s representative and some of the Pilgrim brethren. A day was devoted to that. Each one who had some grievance was permitted to be heard. The convention voted unanimously that all these controversies should be submitted to the President of the Society and that his decision would be final, and that they would abide by it. The day following the hearing, Brother Rutherford reviewed the matter of the differences before the convention, stating his findings upon the facts and conclusions with recommendations.
The net result was that the contending parties, having now a better understanding, and those who had made mistakes having acknowledged them, each one freely asked the forgiveness of the other and there was a happy reunion of all present and an expressed determination henccfoith to stand united, contending for the faith once delivered to the saints. We are happy to report that the Lord’s blessing was upon this effort, and hope that in the future the adversary will not be able to stir up so much dissension in the Scandinavian countries.
The convention was really for the three countries of Norway, Sweden and Finland; and brethren had come from each of those countries. The Society’s representatives from Norway and Finland were present. The work of each country was carefully gone over, and it is with much pleasure that the report is made that the work in Scandinavia now is in a healthy condition and progress is being made in the proclamation of the truth. The Scandinavian brethren are very sincere and devoted to the Lord, and are zealous for his cause. The Lord has blessed their efforts and blessed them in their own hearts. It was a real joy to be with them.
On Wednesday evening Brother Rutherford addressed the convention on “Baptism and Its Import,” at the conclusion of which more than fifty friends symbolized their baptism into Christ’s death by water immersion. It had been sugge~ted by some that there is no more opportunity for any to enter the race for the prize of the high calling We know of no authority for such a statement; but even if that were true, baptism in water would be entirely proper, because it symbolizes a consecration of oneself to the Lord; and there seems to be no reason why water immersion might not be practised even during the Millennial reign, for all must consecrate to the Lord and be submissive to him before being granted life everlasting.
In addition to Brother Rutherford, those who addressed the convention were Brothers Lundborg, Goux, Simonsen, Hager, Harteva, Oman, Lignell, Welin, and many others. It was indeed a blessed and joyful occasion.
Orebro being a comparatively small city, no large halls are available foi public gatherings. On Tuesday evening a public meeting was held in the convention hall, with a capacity of 850; but such great numbers were turned away that it vas announced the lecture would be given again on Thursday evening, which was attended by a full house, much interest being manifested.
Sweden, like other countries, is suffering from the effects of the war. A great depreciation in business, a great amount of unemployment; and with the other nations in distress and perplexity, the hearts of her men are failing them for fear. These conditions have caused some to open their ears and listen to the message of the kingdom, all of which bears testimony to the fact that we are at the end of the world and that things have come to pass as the Lord said they would. Christians, therefore, take courage in continuing with zeal and earnestness in making proclamation of the message of the kingdom, which holds the only solution for the ills of humankind. Of course not all will hear now; but many are hearing, many of whom doubtless will shortly profit by their hearing when they have a clearer view of the Lord’s plan for blessing mankind.
Before starting to Sweden it was necessary to have our passports viseed at London. Brother Goux called upon the Swedish consul for that purpose and the vise was refused, although the passport was regularly issued by the United States government. An excuse for refusing the vise was made that not sufficient evidence had been produced that we were going to Sweden for the purpose indicated in our passports. The next day we both called on the Swedish Consul-General; and after some conversation and the production of other documents, he seemed quite anxious to vise our passports and relieve the embarrassing situation. On being pressed, however, for an answer as to why the vises were refused the day before, he declined to answer the President of the Society in the presence of any one else, but agreed that if others would withdraw from the room he would answer the question. His first excuse was that he was fearful lest we might be Mormons; but when pressed for the real cause, he admitted that Sweden feared Bolshevism and was trying to safeguard this in every respect. Of course Sweden is not be blamed for this, and the incident is related as a further proof of the fearful condition that has taken hold of the rulers of the earth. These things are strengthening to the faith of the consecrated, because they are a clear fulfillment of the Lord’s words relating to the time of the end.
“MILLIONS” FOR SCANDINAVIA
While in Scandinavia, contracts were let for the publication of “Harp of God” in the Dano-Norwegian, Swedish and Finnish languages, and arrangements also made for the publication of the ’•Millions” book in Esperanto. A convention of the Esperantists is to be held in Helsingfors, Finland, in August, to which speakers of this tongue will come from every part of the world; and it was thought well to have the message of the hour in that language for the purpose of giving a witness during that convention. Soon we hope that the message of the kingdom w ill be m every language where the name of Christ is heard; for “this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations, and then shall the end come,” said the Lord. “This gospel” clearly means, from the words of our Master as shown by the context, that it is the message concerning the world’s end, the incoming of the Messianic kingdom and the blessings of restitution. It is gratifying to report that the message is being widely spread to the Lord’s glory.
Brother Goux addressed the public meeting at Norr-koping, Sweden, at the conclusion of the Scandinavian convention, at which there were about one thousand present. Much interest was manifested, and we have hopes that much good w ill result.
On Saturday night we journeyed to Malmo, Sweden, arriving there on Sunday morning. A one-day convention had been arranged for the friends in southern Sweden. A very happy day was spent at Malmo. About two hundred of the consecrated had assembled, all of whom gave evidence of being thoroughly devoted to the Lord and anxious to do his will. The friends here are thoioughly and fully united in heart and in action, and striving to serve the Lord to his praise and glory. About one thousand attended the public meeting Sunday afternoon.
The Swedish people, like many others, are given to outdoor recreation on Sunday afternoon; and this kept many away from the public meeting, doubtless, although the hall was well filled. Southern Sweden, in the district of Malmo, is the most prosperous part of the country, and therefore the public manifest the least interest as compared with any other part of Sweden. This is further proof of the wisdom of the Lord in permitting the trouble on the earth, to put the heaits of the people into the condition to receive the message of the kingdom. “Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity.” Some paits of the earth will need more trouble before they are ready to heed the Lord’s message; and the Lord will see that such things transpire as are needed, and w ill overrule them all to his glory and to the good of those who love him and his cause.
At the conclusion of the Malmo meeting we took ship for Denmark, a large number of the friends having congregated on the pier, and as far out as could be seen they were waving us good-bye. The same love and spirit as should be expected is found amongst the dear brethren there; for all are one m Christ, and their love for every one else m Christ is true and sincere.
EUROPEAN TOUR-PART III
LEAVING Scandinavia, again we entered Germany, Berlin being the first stop. There we were met by Brother Bmkele, the Society’s representative at the Central European Office, Zurich, Switzerland; Brother Balzereit, the Society’s representative at Barmen, Germany; Brother Martin, who had been for some days making a tour through England, Scotland and Wales, and a number of other brethren. A day was spent with these brethren m gomg over the situation in Germany and m discussing ways and means for a wider witiie'-'- m thu- land.
Brother Kasprzykowski, the Society’s representative at Wai saw , Poland, also met our party in Berlin, for the purpose of conferring about the work in Poland. He reports a distressing condition concerning business and oilier affairs m Poland. Property owners have little to say concerning their own property. The government passed a law fixing the price of rent at a low rate; and nhci, a tenant occupies a house not only is it impossible for the landlord to compel him to vacate, but he may sell his tenancy to another party, and this is often done for a higher price than he is paying. Then the new tenant moies in and holds the property without reference to whether the landlord wants him or not. This procedure has opened the way for many dishonest transactions and business matters are very unsatisfactory. As in other parts of the world the priests of the nominal clnircl in Poland are attempting to interfere and often succeed; but notwithstanding their efforts as instru-mciiG of the adversary, the Lord’s work is progressing amt hi- blessing upon the efforts of the brethren is cleaiij manifested. Arrangements were made for the extension of the work in that land, and we hope for good results, by the Lord’s favor.
BERLIN, DRESDEN, STUTTGART
On May 24 and 25 the brethren held a convention in Berlin, the Berlin Class and those immediately in the neigh'-orhood being the only ones present. The attendance was about one thousand. This class has also grown greatly in numbers, and in the fruits and graces of the spirit, since the beginning of the great trouble. It was a leal inspiration and joy to see their happy faces and the eagerness with which they drank in every word concerning the Lord’s blessings that he is now bestowing upon those who strive to do his holy will. A public meeting was held in a hall with a capacity of two thousand, which was taxed to its utmost. The Bcilm visit "was a happy one; and we left the dear brethren there waving their handkerchiefs and crying out “Aufwiedersehn,” as long as they could be seen and heai d.
Dresden, the capital city of Saxony, was our next stop. Agam we saw a marked increase in the numbers oi the brethren and in the fruits of the spirit manifested. Nine hundred of the consecrated were present. It was a joyful and happy sight. At the conclusion of the discourse on behalf of the friends, they signified then- heart unity and full harmony with the Society, and with the work that is being done, by unanimous vote, indicated by standing. Since the fall of the Ho-henzollern dynasty there has been a greater interest manifested in the truth; and particularly has this been true m Saxony. When the revolution came there, officers were stripped of their epaulets and other insignia and offered no resistance. It was a bloodless revolution. The people, thoroughly dissatisfied with the old order, took matters into their own hands; and the officials readily acceded.
A public meeting was held in Dresden in a hall with a capacity of 2,500 with all available space taken. Great interest was manifested and many books sold, the exact number of which we did not learn.
From Dresden we journeyed to Stuttgart, where a one-day convention was held on Sunday, May 28, attended by seven hundred or more of the consecrated. The convention was addressed by Brother Rutherford, Brother Goux, Brother Bucholz, Brother Hentz, and several other brethren. In the evening a public meeting was held. The largest hall available had a capacity of only 1250, including standing room. Soon this hall was packed out, hundreds being turned away. A few blocks away another hall, with a capacity of 800, was procured and quickly filled, this meeting being addressed by Brother Glamann; and still many others were turned away. The public received the message with the keenest interest, frequently manifesting their approval; and at the conclusion more than 2000 copies of the “Millions” book were bought by them. It was a day well spent, a happy day; and we hope much good was done. The hearts of the friends were cheered, and a witness was again given of the message of the kingdom.
IN MUNICH
The Monday following we journeyed to Munich, the capital city of Bavaria, arriving in time for a discourse to the friends in the afternoon, about 250 having assembled. Some of the dear brethren at this place had been disturbed on account of a few who have felt their own wisdom and importance and the necessity of putting forth some new views. The discourse was on the subject, “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God,” the Lord’s order being pointed out as set forth in the Scriptures; that the Lord himself is present conducting his work; and that he will conduct it to a successful conclusion according to his own sovereign will. It was pointed out how the Lord resists the proud and haughty, and pushes them away from him, but shows his favor to the humble-minded. We hope that a better feeling exists there and a closer unity of action, and that the weaker ones have been strengthened. Many of them signified that this had been the result.
In the evening a public meeting was held in the Circus Krone, with a capacity of seven thousand. A great stream of people came pouring into this place; and all available space was taken, including the standing room in the arena. It was an interesting audience. It had been reported that the anti-Semitic group and the Jesuit clergy had come for the purpose of disturbing and, if possible, breaking up the meeting. Anticipating this interruption the speaker, after developing the subject a short while, took up the question as to why the clergy are opposing the message of present truth, and showed the audience clearly that their course and conduct is in fulfillment of the prophetic utterances of the Lord and the apostles, and that it was to be expected that they would not only fail to preach the truth themselves, but would oppose any one who would tell the truth. It was quite evident that the preachers and the anti-Semites are working together.
Continuing, the speaker remarked: “It has been stated in this city and other places that the International Bible Students Association is financed by the Jews”; and at this several in the audience cried out: “That is true! That is true!” This developed the location of the interrupters; and the speaker proceeded to pay his respects to the class that was thus misrepresenting the facts. He defined what constitutes a Jew; namely, that he is a Jew who is a descendant of Abraham and who has the faith of Abraham—faith in God’s promises as set forth by the prophets; that there are great numbers of people in the earth who are of the Hebrew stock, yet who are infidels, having no faith in God or his Word, and that these are not Jews; that many of them are profiteers, exploiting the people, and surely would not have God’s favor while continuing in that attitude. The speaker then made the statement that no Jew had contributed one cent to the work of spreading the gospel of the kingdom, which work is being done by the International Bible Students Association; and he challenged the preachers and the anti-Semites then present to come forward to the platform and produce one single bit of evidence that any Jew had ever financed any part of the -work. It was then stated to the preachers and the anti-Semites that if they or any one else made the statement that the International Bible Students Association is backed by the Jews, -working in conjunction with them and financed by them, they wilfully and deliberately lie.
This statement was received well by the audience, and the disturbers subsided. The lecture progressed and the interest continued throughout, the vast audience remaining until the end. We were compelled to leave before finding out how many books were sold; but from the manner in which they were being taken in every part of the hall, it is quite evident that a large number were bought by the public.
Even into the fastness of the Tyrolian Alps the message of the kingdom has found its way and called out some to follow the glorious King. From this wild and historic part of the earth came some of our brethren to the Munich meeting, garbed in their costumes of beauty peculiar to the Tyrolian country. The same sweet spirit of love and devotion to the Lord was manifested by them, and they showed that they had walked with Jesus and learned of him. How blessed that God’s family throughout the earth is one!
From Munich, along the banks of the beautiful blue Danube and through scenes pleasant to the eye, our train sped to Vienna, the capital city of Austria, where we arrived late in the evening of May 30. We were met at the station by several of the brethren and went immediately to our quarters at the hotel. The next day was spent m consultation with Brother Sima, the Society’s representati\e in Roumama, who had journeyed to Vienna to meet us, and other brethren who came with him, going over the situation in the work of spreading the gospel m Roumama and Hungary.
CONDITIONS IN ROUMANIA
Arrangements had been made to have Brother Szabo, who lepresents the Society particularly in the Hun-gaiian work, accompany Brother Sima to Vienna. But when the time came for Ins departure the authorities refused to issue him a passport, the objections against him being that m 1916 he was sentenced to five years imprisonment for preaching a doctrine contrary to theirs. Brother Szabo was set free when the revolution came; but the authorities in Roumama, where he now is, were sorry that they could not find some charge upon which to imprison him. We had hoped to see this dear brother. Many in America will remember his faithfulness to the work there, and how he has under adverse circumstances battled for the cause of righteousness in one of the darkest places in the earth.
Roumama is a military power, arbitrary and harsh. The “beast” is here manifesting itself in a marked degree. Political, financial, and ecclesiastical powers are acting together for the oppression of every one who is not in harmony with them. 'They have what is known as the Minister of Culture, who is really of the Jesuit order and opposed to the spreading of the gospel of the Lord’s kingdom and who uses his power, at the instance of others of the clergy, to oppress those who are striving to preach the glad tidings. Having jurisdiction over religious matters, this Minister of Culture has put our Society and its publications under the ban, charging that we are in league with Bolshevists and international Jews. He charges that the “Millions” book is a political book, and that Volume 1 of Studies in the Scriptures is a book m favor of Bolshevism. This branch of the government there has forbidden the circulation of our literature and the further operation of the Society. However, we believe that the Lord has a way to get the truth into the hands of the people there; and by his grace our brethren are proceeding with the work. Our literature is being printed at a rapid rate, and the people are anxious for it. While the government has forbidden public meetings to be held, yet in some parts of Roumania the people are so much in favor of public meetings that these are held anyhow.
One of our dear brethren, who during the war was an army officer, an expert swordsman, and stood high amongst the government officials, has gotten the truth; and he is just as earnest and zealous m proclaiming the truth as he was in fighting with his natural sword. He has been arrested fifteen times, beaten and thrown into jail. When he gets out he goes forward immediately m proclaiming the message of the kingdom and distributing the literature. He also came to Vienna. He is a quiet, modest man, yet gave evidence of firmness and full devotion to the Lord.
There arc thirteen brethren in Roumania in the Pilgrim sen ice, and many others do work of this kind part of the time.
SUFFERING FOR THE TRUTH
As an illustration of how our brethren are treated in Roumania, we here relate an incident that occurred in one of the cities where there is a class of twenty-one consecrated. In 1921 they were arrested because they partook of the Memorial. At the last Memorial, this year, they assembled for the purpose of having the service and celebrating the Memorial of our Lord’s death. The meeting had scarcely begun when a Catholic priest came in and asked why they had assembled and what they were doing; and being told, he demanded that the meeting should be stopped. The brethren refused, of course, and went on with the meeting. The priest then wont to the mayor and demanded that the meeting be broken up. The friends previously had received a permit for the meeting, but the influence upon the may-)? was sufficient to overcome this. The mayor himself being unable to break up the meeting, sent to an adjoining town for an officer; but by the time he returned the meeting was over and the brethren had dispersed. The officer then went about, found them all and aries-ed them, beating them with his club, and drove them back' into the town. One brother was so brutally beaten that he was in the hospital for fourteen days as a result. In addition to being put into jail, each one of these brethren vas fined 300 lei.
.Vo'iAvith standing this opposition, the truth continues in Roumania. There are seventy-five classes in Roumania, nine in Hungary, and three in Bulgaria, that are zealously spreading the gospel of the kingdom. The truth has also been carried into Jugoslavia and Servia.
ADVENTIST PERSECUTORS
The Baptists and Adventists join with the Catholics in the persecution of our brethren in Roumania, thus showing how the “beast” is made up of the ecclesiastical, financial, and political elements, all under the supervision of Satan working against the Messianic kingdom. In Bucharest our brethren have sold more than 4,000 books m a short while. An Adventist preacher, acting as spokesman, threatened their arrest if they did not leave immediately. They did not leave, of course; and a week later they were arrested and their books confiscated. Still there are more than three thousand earnest Christians in this part of the world who are contending for the faith once delivered to the saints and worshiping God as taught by Jesus and the apostles. The opposition, however, is unable, under the law, to stop the publication of The Watch Tower, because it comes under the law governing general publications, and we are able to get this out. Other means of getting the truth to the people are being put into operation.
We are reminded that the Lord was crucified between tvo thieves; and the suggestion is merely made that there might be some parallel experience for the last members of the Christ on earth. Without a doubt throughout Central Europe there is a rising sentiment against the truth, the false charge being made that the Bible Students are m league with the Bolshevists and the Jews, which is absolutely false. The Jews referred to in the charge are that class who rob the people by profiteering, making themselves despicable, and hence are properly classed as thieves. It is generally understood what is the purpose of Bolshevism. So it is easily seen how the adversary is striving to stir up sentiment against those who are announcing the Messianic kingdom. It is further evidence of the war between the “'beast” and the Lamb and those who have the privilege of representing the Lord on the earth. Happy we are to be privileged to be on the Lord’s side, being assured by him through his Word that victory for righteousness is certain, and soon his kingdom will be in full operation. These experiences should strengthen the faith of our brethren everywhere and encourage them to greater zeal and earnestness in the proclamation of the message of Messiah’s kingdom. True Jews, those who have the faith of Abraham and who believe in God’s promises, likewise should take courage as they see the time for the establishment of the Messianic kingdom, which will bring blessings to them as well as to all the families of the earth who obey righteousness under his perfect and righteous reign.
PUBLIC MEETING IN VIENNA
A public meeting had been arranged for in Vienna for the evening of May 31 at the Katharinenhalle, said to have a capacity of 10,000. When Brother Rutherford and his interpreter, Brother Binkele, ascended the platform, it was observed that every available -space in the hall, including the aisles, was packed—like sardines in a box. There was still some place on the platform and an invitation was extended to others to come to the platform. Soon this was filled, the people standing right up against the speakers. Even a greater crowd surged on the outside striving to gain admittance but could not. It was estimated that fully 20,000 people came to this meeting.
The adversary, working through the Jesuits and others of the clergy, had prepared to break up this meeting. They had their representatives stationed throughout- the audience, particularly in the rear, to the number of a few hundred. By far the greater number of those present, however, were good, peaceloving people, eagerly desiring to hear the message of the kingdom. The lecture began and proceeded for about forty minutes. Having had some intimation beforehand that there would be an attempt to break up the meeting, the speaker briefly covered the salient points and then began to elaborate upon them; in fact, the chief part of the lecture had been delivered when the disturbance began. In the rear of the hall about two or three hundred people began to mill about like cattle preparing for a stampede. Young men and women climbed on chairs and began to give signals, and presently the meeting was interrupted by shouts and cries from the disturbing element. The speaker called to them and asked them to be quiet. They refused. Two gentlemen in the audience climbed to the platform and asked for permission to try to quiet them and spoke for a few moments, but without avail. Then Brother Rutherford through his interpreter said to them: “I want to take a vote of this audience and see how many wish to hear this lecture through.” Most of the audience raised their hands. Some two or three hundred signified their disapproval by crying out against the meeting. Then Brother Rutherford said to them: “Those who do not wish to hear, please withdraw from the hall immediately and let the people hear who do wish to hear.” This was a signal for the beginning of their disturbances. The leaders pushed through the aisles, making for the platform, and when within fifteen feet of it they began to sing the “Internationale,” the “Marseillaise.” The demons seemed to possess them. With wild expressions upon their faces and utterly devoid of reason, the confusion, singing and crying out continued.
ESCAPE FROM PERSECUTORS
The better class of people calmly tried to quiet them, but wholly in vain. Pushing aside others, they made their way for the platform, while singing and crying out against the speaker. The keeper of the hall, becoming alarmed, insisted that the speaker should leave the platform immediately. This was not heeded, however ; for it was hoped that the storm would blow out soon and that the police would quell the riot and the lecture could proceed. Although a company of policemen were seen at the entrance of the hall when the meeting began, yet when the disturbance started not a policeman was to be seen. Then the manager of the hall turned out some of the lights, while others turned them on again. Becoming still more alarmed, he and two or three assistants ran to the speaker’s stand, and seizing Brother Rutherford by the arm, pulled him to the rear of the platform through the crowd. The mob by this time had gained the platform, singing and crying out against the speaker: “Where is he? Where is he? Our flag is red!” Many thought their evident purpose was to do violence to the speaker.
Brother Rutherford was shoved aside in the audience; and the mob, failing to find him at the moment, put their sentinels at each exit and guards on the outside. They evidently had overlooked a door at the rear of the platform, which was locked and barred. Pandemonium now reigned. This door was opened by some one; and Brother Rutherford and Brother Goux, accompanied by three young men and a young woman, who we afterward learned were friends of the truth, pushed through this door, which was immediately locked and bolted again. We found ourselves surrounded by a high board fence; and proceeding through a narrow passage, we were let out into an open athletic field. A girl stood at this gate leading into the field and, without a signal from any of out party, unlocked the gate and permitted us to pass out and immediately locked it again. We passed on through the athletic park, climbed a wall, landed m a vegetable garden, and after obtaining permission passed through a private home into the street, where we procured a taxicab and drove to the hotel, while the disturbing element still howled like wild beasts, seeking the blood of some victim.
A WITNESS TO AUSTRIA
The greater portion of this audience had heard enough of the message to be anxious to hear more, and they v ere keenly disappointed at the result; but the Lord always overrules to his own glory the efforts of the adversary. We thought it well to make an announcement in the papers the next day. Brother Wetzel from Dresden is in Vienna m charge of the work there. An advertisement was prepared; and he was directed to put it into a number of the papers, calling attention to the fact of the disturbed and anarchistic condition existing in the world, and that the book “Millions Now Living Will Never Die” shows God’s remedy for this, and advising all who wished to know, but who were unable to hear because of the disturbance at the meeting, to send their orders to him for the book. At this writing word comes from Brother Wetzel that his mail is so great for orders that with an assistant or two he is unable to fill the orders on time. Thus the message is going out, even greater than if the interference had not come.
Poor, old Austria, long priest-ridden and kept in the dark I Her population is almost in despair. Although a great city of nearly 3,000,000, there is practically no business in Vienna. The city cannot De kept clean, because the funds are not provided. The people are not properly nourished, because they have not means to get food; and they are indeed in a deplorable condition. Merchants, fearing that their stores will be looted, have their plate glass fronts covered with heavy boards, and are expecting another revolution any day. The money of Austria is practically valueless. Prior to the war the Austrian crown was worth at par twenty cents in American money, or five crowns to the dollar. About the middle of June the Austrian crown had depreciated so that one American dollar was equivalent to 21,000 Austrian crowns, and a few days later there were no quotations. A man who had acquired a reasonable fortune prior to the war has it swept away in one day by the great depreciation in money values.
Austria, for a long while the very headquarters of the <fbeast,” the stronghold of Papacy, the citadel of Satan, is now tottering to its fall and soon must go.
CEDAR POINT CONVENTION — IMPORTANT INFORMATION
IT IS of utmost importance that all who expect to attend the Cedar Point Convention carefully study and closely follow the instructions given below:
Ignore all instructions given m former issues of The Watch Tower. The instructions in this issue are based upon latest information.
RAILWAY SERVICE
All railroads in the United States and Canada have granted a rate of one and one-half fares for the roundtrip, tickets to be obtained upon certificates presented at the time of purchase. These certificates are furnished by the Society from Brooklyn. It is deemed most advantageous for classes to handle this matter through the Director of their service department. The Director should canvass the class, ascertain the number who anticipate going to the convention, and then write this office, marking his envelope “Convention Committee”, giving the number who expect to attend; and we will send certificates to him for that purpose. Where the head of the house attends he may sign the certificate and insert the names of other members of the family who will accompany him. One certificate will do for the entire family. Where one person travels alone one certificate is required. It is better to order more blank certificates than actually needed, because at the last moment somebody else may wish to go.
When these certificates are received by the Director he will deliver them to the persons respectively who require certificates and keep a record of such certificates so delivered and to whom delivered, this record to include the serial letter and number marked on the lefthand margin. This record of certificates delivered must be safely kept by the Director who makes the record, until called for by this office.
Tickets will be on sale at all railway stations beginning September 1 and until September 7, inclusive, for the going trip. No tickets can be purchased on the certificate plan after the 7th. When purchasing ticket purchaser will present certificate to ticket agent and buy a round-trip ticket. To protect oneself m case of a lost ticket it will be advantageous at the time of purchasing ticket for the purchaser to enter m a memorandum book the number of the ticket bought and the amount paid for it. All tickets should read from starting point to Sandusky, Ohio, which is the railway terminus for Cedar Point.
As to isolated friends where there are no classes, each one individually should write to this office for certificate or certificates needed.
For information of friends in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, and other Pacific Coast points, we advise that a committee be appointed to confer with local railway officials with a view of obtaining special summer excursion rates to Chicago or Sandusky and return, and it may be that such rates will be more advantageous than the certificate rate of a fare and one-half above mentioned.
SPECIAL TRAINS
The “Bethel Special” will leave New York over the Baltimore & Ohio trades from the Pennsylvania Station at 7 : 50 a m. (8: 50 a.m., Daylight Saving Time), Monday, September 4; leave Philadelphia (24th and Chestnut Streets) 10: 10 a.m.; leave Baltimore 12: 10 pm.; arrive Washington 1: 30 p.m ; rest m Washington until 8:00 p.m., and arrive at Sandusky, Ohio, about noon Tuesday, September 5. This v ill enable the passengers to spend half a day m Washington, resting or sightseeing, as they may see fit. The convention of the colored brethren m session at Washington at that time will be addressed by the President of the Society at 3 o’clock Monday afternoon, and he will then join the special train for Sandusky.
Sleeping cars will be attached to the “Bethel Special” at Washington for the benefit of all those who desire sleeping-car accommodations.
All friends journeying from points south of Washington, who expect to jom this train at Washington, should have their tickets read from Washington by way of the Baltimore & Ohio Bailroad to Sandusky.
All persons traveling by this tram who desire sleeping-car accommodations from Washington to Sandusky will please notify the Society’s office at Brooklyn as soon as possible, and not less than five days before starting the journey, in order that proper equipment may be procured from the railroad company. The rate for a lower berth from Washington to Sandusky is $6.38; and for an upper berth $5.10. Berths will accommodate two persons. The rate is the same, whether occupied by one or two persons.
AU persons1 who desire to join this train and who expect to travel either by day-coach or sleeper should notify the Society’s office at Brooklyn not less than five days before the beginning of the journey, in order to enable the committee to make necessary arrangements for railway equipment. This notice may be given by the Director or one appointed by the class for tlrat purpose; or where there are isolated friends, individually.
Other special trains will be run from different parts of the United States and Canada, and we advise that the friends take up this matter with their local railway representatives and arrange for the special trains and send the schedule and other information to us as quickly as possible and we will try to put it into the next issue of The Watch Tower. For the information of friends desiring to arrange for other special trains, we are advised that the railroad companies will furnish a special train for 125 passengers or more. Local classes desiring to make such arrangements should appoint a committee to confer with local railway officials for the purpose of arranging for any special trains desired.
AUTOMOBILES
Our Association will have exclusive possession of Cedar Point during the time of the convention; hence it will be necessary for all persons traveling by automobile to go first to the Association’s headquarters at the dock at the foot of the mam street m Sandusky, where the boat starts for Cedar Point, and there obtain from the ones m charge the proper certificate which will entitle them to enter the grounds in an automobile.
Sufficient space is provided at Cedar Point for the accommodation of 400 cars m garage, at a rate of $2.00 each for the full time of eight days; and ample space for free parking of cars.
ACCOMMODATION RESERVATIONS
On Cedar Point proper are the Breakers Hotel, Cedars Hotel, dormitories, and a few cottages. After all space on the Point has been assigned, accommodations are provided m Sandusky for others who cannot be taken care of at Cedar Point. Those who have accommodations in Sandusky will be charged the same rate as those at the hotels at Cedar Point, but will be provided with free boat transportation to and from Cedar Point daily.
All accommodations are provided by theG. A. Boeckling Company, whether at Cedar Point or Sandusky. There will be an advantage to those who take accommodations in Sandusky in this, that they will be less crowded and will have the privilege of a free boat ride morning and evening.
Every one should bear in mind that accommodations cannot be selected at this convention to suit one’s own convenience, but each must be content to take such as he gets. Everybody will be made comfortable, but we should bear in mind that we go to the convention to give a blessing as well as to receive one. To handle a crowd as large as is expected at Cedar Point, it is necessary to handle it systematically; and therefore each one should be glad to accept the accommodations assigned to him or her.
HOW TO PROCURE ACCOMMODATIONS
As soon as possible after receipt of this issue of The Watch Tower write the office at Brooklyn, marking your envelope “Convention Committee,” and state in your letter practically the following:
I expect to attend the Cedar Point Convention during the entire session, or----days, and will arrive---------
--. I am married (or single), and speak the--------- language. I will be accompanied by my wife and----
------. We can occupy one double bed and a cot each for the other members of the family.
If you are single, state sex, color and nationality. Information with reference to nationality or language spoken is necessary because the convention will be attended by many foreign brethren, and we desire to accommodate them together as much as possible.
Some of the rooms are equipped for from four to ten persons, all brothers or all sisters. It will help us in making assignments if you will state whether or not you can occupy a room with several others.
The assignment to rooms will be made by the Convention Committee and a card specifying your assignment will be mailed to you in ample time. Be sure to keep this card and bring it with you to the convention; and as soon as you arrive, present the card at1 the headquarters of the Association at the dock m Sandusky. Upon presentation of this card you will receive m exchange therefor another card showing the amount you have paid and the days you expect to be there, which will be your identification both for room and meals while at the convention.
For convenience all will be required to state at the time of arriving how long they expect to stay, and will pay tc the Boeckling Company money covering the time they expect to stay. If for any reason they are compelled to leave the convention before the time is expired that has been paid for, the Boeckling Company will refund the money for the unexpired term. Do not send any money in advance to this office or to the Boeckling Company. All money must be paid to the Boeckling Company at the Association’s headquarters m Sandusky on arrival.
Remember that our Association does not take possession of the grounds until noon Tuesday, September 5, and that no one can occupy a room until the afternoon, and that the first meal which will be served will be supper the evening of September 5. Any one going m advance of this time will be required to look after his own accommodations, as these rates do not begin until the hour above mentioned.
An Information Bureau will be provided at the Association’s headquarters at the Sandusky dock to advise and direct any friends arriving before the above hour.
No one can occupy a room prior to noon on September 5 and expect to hold that room thereafter. The Boeckling Company has contracted with the Association to deliver possession of the entire property to us at noon on September 5, to be assigned according to the assignments previously made out; hence the necessity of adhering strictly to this rule.
RATES
Room or sleeping accommodations and three meals per day will be provided at the flat rate of $2.00 per person per day, payable in advance, two or more m a room. This will work advantageously to those attending; for should one lose his pocketbook he will still have his place to sleep and something to eat and a ticket to return.
Friends attending for only a part of the time of the convention will be required to pay in advance only for such time as they designate they intend to stay; and if at the end of that time they desire to prolong their stay, further arrangements can be made on the same terms at the office of the Boeckling Company. Friends residing nearby who wdl attend the convention during the day and go to their homes at night can procure their noon and evening meals at 50c per meal.
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