SARATOGA SPRINGS—BROOKLYN
—AUGUST 31—SEPTEMBER 6
SOME time ago we announced that the final General Convention for the year 1909 might be expected at Brooklyn. Subsequently, under what we believe was Divine providence, we were led to arrange that the main part of the Convention shall be held at Saratoga Springs, N.Y., for four days, beginning August 31. Then on September 4 the Convention party, which will probably number two thousand, will come down the Hudson River on one of its palatial steamers. The daylight ride will permit of seeing some of the most interesting scenery in the world; and, still better, permit Christian fellowship amongst some of the most interesting people in the world—Bible Students, "whose lamps are trimmed and burning."
The steamer will be due to reach New York City at 6:30 p.m. September 4. Sunday may be considered the last of the Convention proper. Its program will be a full one, beginning at 10:30 a.m. with intermissions for dinner and supper. All meetings will be held in the Brooklyn Academy of Music, the largest auditorium of the Borough, located on Lafayette avenue. The next day, September 6, "Labor Day," will afford opportunity for visiting "Brooklyn Tabernacle" and "Bethel" and such other points of interest as the friends may think proper.
A large attendance is anticipated, but it is very desirable that we know in advance whom we may expect. Saratoga Springs is a famous Summer Resort, known the world over. It has plenty of fine hotels, whose rates range from three dollars to five dollars per day. And there are plenty of such hotels also in Brooklyn. Such of the friends as desire accommodations of this kind [R4469 : page 269] need not write to us on the subject. But all who desire accommodations at less prices should do so—giving particulars, stating sex, and if colored. Such as desire to occupy one room should so state. A 50c. per night lodging will mean two in a smaller room or four in a larger room. A good room for two would cost at least 75c. each. A good room for one would cost at least one dollar per night. Meals and luncheons will be arranged for at from 15c. to 25c. upward, so that you can take your choice. No one should think of attending the Convention at a cost of less than $1.25 per day. Hotel accommodations with meals, $1.25, $1.50, $2.00 per day.
Be sure to let us engage your lodging, both at Saratoga Springs and at Brooklyn, unless you wish to go to a high-priced hotel. Send us full particulars at once.
The Railroad Trunk Lines Association have granted us a special rate of one fare and a half to Saratoga and return, certificate plan. Bring certificate. However, tickets from points west of Buffalo, N.Y., and Pittsburgh, Pa., may be had at a still less rate, namely, one fare and a third on the regular Saratoga Excursion. We presume that the same rates will apply on all roads south of Washington City. Friends from Canada and the northern States may find it cheaper to buy New York City Excursion with stop-over at Schenectady, N.Y., with side-trip from there to Saratoga Springs. All railroad tickets from Albany to New York are available for passage on the Hudson River steamboat September 4.
Friends from New York and vicinity can go cheapest via the Hudson steamers, day or night, $2, connecting by electric cars at Troy or Albany 60 cents. The return boat trip we supply for $1.25 from Albany.
It is hoped that in many respects this will be one of our grandest Conventions—thus far. Such of the Lord's dear people as possess his Spirit of Love and Obedience to the Truth, such as desire to follow on in the same narrow way that the Lord has hitherto led us by his Word and its Spirit, will be cordially welcomed by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, under whose auspices the Convention will be held. "Grievous wolves" with their "midnight howl" are surely not wanted at the Convention or elsewhere. It would be too much, however, to expect of such the meekness, gentleness and unobtrusiveness characteristic of the true sheep, hence, as the Scriptures inform us, we may expect at the Convention and everywhere to find "wolves in sheep's clothing," seeking an opportunity to backbite the sheep and to inoculate them with the virus of their own rabies. We urge, therefore, that all of the Lord's sheep who attend the Convention shall come to it so filled with the spirit of Truth—meekness, gentleness, patience, long-suffering, brotherly kindness, Love—that they will have no sympathy for the works of the flesh and the devil—anger, hatred, envy, malice, strife. We read that when the sons of God came together Satan also came with them; this is still true. He still presents himself as an angel of light to deceive and to lead into darkness those whom he can influence.
Satan still "works in the hearts of the children of disobedience." Let us all, therefore, beware of this spirit of disobedience in our hearts—of any alienation from the Lord or disposition to insubordination to his Word and providential leading. The sentiment of our hearts should be, "I delight to do thy will"; thy will, O Lord, not mine, be done—in thy time and through whatever channels thou art pleased to use. "I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences, contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. For they that are such serve not the Lord Jesus Christ, but their own interest; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting."—Rom. 16:17.