VOL. XXXVI APRIL 1 No. 7
A. D. 1915—A.M. 6043
Views From The Watch Tower........................ 99
Religious Influences and the War.............. 99
World's Debts Never to Be Paid................100
Bible Students and the Future.................101
Sell the Philippines to Japan.................101
World's Peace Endangered......................101
Some Radical Suggestions......................101
Jewish Palestine Emigration...................102
Why the World Has Not Restitution.................103
Victories Over Modern Giants......................104
The Faith of One Persecuted.......................105
A Friend in Need—A Friend Indeed.................106
Seedtime and Harvest of Character.................108
Thought the Beginning of Character............108
"Choose Ye This Day Whom Ye Will Serve"...........109
A Worthy Example Set..........................109
The Scripturally "Wicked".....................110
Interesting Letters...............................110
Entered Upon Her Last Test....................111
Echoes Sentiments of Many Prisoners...........111
PUBLISHED BY
WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY
CHARLES T. RUSSELL, PRESIDENT
"BROOKLYN TABERNACLE," 13-17 HICKS ST.,
BROOKLYN, N.Y., U.S.A.
Foreign Agencies:—British Branch: LONDON TABERNACLE, Lancaster Gate, London, W. German Branch: Unterdorner Str., 76, Barmen. Australasian Branch: Flinders Building, Flinders St., Melbourne. Please address the SOCIETY in every case.
—————
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, $1.00 (4s.) IN ADVANCE.
SEND MONEY BY EXPRESS, BANK DRAFT, POSTAL ORDER, OR REGISTERED.
FROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES BY FOREIGN MONEY ORDERS, ONLY.
Terms to the Lord's Poor as Follows:— All Bible Students who, by reason of old age, or other infirmity 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 its continuance. We are not only willing, but anxious, that all such be on our list continually and in touch with the STUDIES, etc.
ALSO FRENCH, GERMAN, SWEDISH AND DANISH EDITIONS.
SAMPLE COPIES FREE.
ENTERED AS SECOND-CLASS MAIL MATTER AT BROOKLYN, N.Y., POSTOFFICE.
ENTERED AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER AT THE POSTOFFICE DEPT., OTTAWA, CANADA.
COLPORTEUR SUCCESS IN GOOD TERRITORY
The European War and the peculiar financial conditions resulting everywhere are very favorable to our Colporteurs. They find the ears of the public much more often than ever before for the explanations of the present "distress of nations with perplexities," and the outcome, which the Bible alone tells. The Lord is blessing the Colporteur work wonderfully, as He has done from the beginning. The interested can now be sold the entire set of six volumes with a year's subscription to THE WATCH TOWER, for $2.65 almost as easily as previously one volume could be sold—provided the purchaser has money; otherwise he may be able to purchase only one volume. The success of the Colporteurs in introducing the six volumes with THE WATCH TOWER has done much to increase our WATCH TOWER subscription list. Every arrival of THE WATCH TOWER is a fresh reminder in respect to the books, which are valueless unless read.
Colporteur territory has divided itself up into three divisions. It is poor where business is closed down or where crops have been a failure during the past year. Colporteurs should not attempt to continue in such territory, but should inquire for something better. Medium territory would be that in which the Colporteur, with energy and perseverance, can make ends meet. Any having this territory should use it and not attempt to find the best, as thereby he might make a mistake. "Be content with such things as ye have," where they are at all endurable. Good territory is very scarce. It includes the rice and sugar countries adjacent to New Orleans, Louisiana and Mississippi. It includes also territory contiguous to establishments manufacturing fire-arms, also the districts where wheat and corn crops were good last year. This includes portions of Kansas, Nebraska, Northern Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, etc. While Colporteurs in medium territories are advised to stay where they are, those in bad territories, not able to make expenses, are advised to seek new fields. Address the WATCH TOWER SOCIETY—Colporteur Department.
PUBLIC MEETINGS AND CONVENTIONS
Our recent suggestions seem to have been misunderstood. It is not our thought that it is desirable to have Conventions with a view to interesting the public. Conventions are merely for the interested. This should never be lost sight of. The Conventions this year should not be held in large auditoriums, but in such as would reasonably accommodate the interested. Our thought is the holding of little Conventions all over the country, at which friends within a radius of 100 miles could gather for mutual encouragement and refreshment, depending on their own speakers and those of the vicinity, or a Pilgrim appointed to assist.
The thought is to hold these little Conventions in many cities, in conjunction, however, with one large public meeting. For this public meeting only the best Auditorium should be engaged. The little Conventions might preferably close with the Editor's visit and a discourse for the interested on the same day that he would give the public address. All attempts to get up Convention programs, use large halls, and try to get the public in, we advise against. Do nothing of the kind. And if the Class arranging for the public meeting has a good hall, not above the second floor, clean, desirable, they should see Brother Russell about announcing a "Follow up" Meeting for the Sunday following the meeting which he addresses; but this would be wise only under the conditions named and if a Brother capable of giving a good address can be arranged for.
Classes arranging for public meetings by Brother Russell and desirous of having little meetings with the friends of the vicinity in advance, should send invitations to the near-by Classes, advising them of the time, place and other arrangements. In many cases a One-Day Convention will be all that will be possible or desirable. For instance, if Brother Russell's meeting for the public is at night, he may be relied upon for a secondary meeting for the interested. The remainder of the time might be utilized for testimony meetings and addresses by other brethren.
Already this plan has worked excellently in about twenty cities. The Convention Tour to San Francisco and the return journey will include about as many more. Later on, should opportunity offer, Brother Russell will be available for other circuits of about a week or ten days, visiting one city each day and speaking twice. Requests for such visits should be addressed to the Society, care Pilgrim Department.
r5657 VIEWS FROM THE WATCH TOWERr5660 WHY THE WORLD HAS NOT RECEIVED RESTITUTION
r5662 VICTORIES OVER MODERN GIANTS
r5662 THE FAITH OF ONE PERSECUTED
r5664 A FRIEND IN NEED—A FRIEND INDEED
r5665 SEEDTIME AND HARVEST OF CHARACTER
r5666 "CHOOSE YE THIS DAY WHOM YE WILL SERVE"
BABYLON'S SERMONS, S. S. LESSONS, ETC.
I write to say to you that I left the Presbyterian Church in November. I was baptized Sunday afternoon, January 24th, and am now enjoying full rights as a member of the Body of Christ with the brethren.
This came about by my having read one of your leaflets during the first part of November—a leaflet which had been placed on our front porch by some unknown messenger—one of the articles printed in it describing the Mystical Babylon's fall with the command, "Come out of her, my people," etc. This struck my mind with such force that I never went back to our Church, my last visit being the evening before Thanksgiving for a prayer service. I was dissatisfied before I left, not only with the weak sermons—sermonettes, I called them—but with the weak Sunday School lessons and fully as weak Bible Class lessons. I was honestly hungry for mental and spiritual food, commensurate with the strength of my mind. I never found it, outside of the Bible, until I bought a complete set of Pastor Russell's books and read them through. I was extremely anxious to have Revelation and part of Daniel's prophecies explained, but did not know where to obtain the needed assistance. Now all is made clear and I have to exclaim over and over, "I would not take a fortune for them and do without them!" My experience is the same as that of the rest of the Class; it is hard to pull ourselves away (even for rest and food) from the study of the Bible when it is done with the aid of those valuable books, "STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES." Am so thankful for them.
Last fall the Methodist minister here warned me particularly to have nothing to do with those books or leaflets, saying I would be so drawn in I couldn't extricate myself. This whetted my interest, but I found, unknown to myself, that he really told the truth; for I am drawn in, and what is more remarkable, I would not wish to extricate myself, if I could. I have the full set of books, largest size, have subscribed for THE WATCH TOWER and am pleased with the BIBLE STUDENTS MONTHLY also. I want some of these books to go to some of my Presbyterian friends by mail, sub rosa. Thanking you for your kindness, I am,
Very respectfully, MRS. H. B. PORTER.
In the fulness of time the attention of the dear Brethren here was publicly directed to the consideration of the VOW as an added safeguard to the New Creature and a further aid to the development of the spiritual graces. Here the first result was to cause a division in the camp for the time being, some of the brethren assuming an attitude of determined opposition to it. The great Adversary is mightily afraid of that VOW. He realizes that it will always be a most effective check upon his machinations, and so he invents a hundred and one reasons why it should be [R5667 : page 111] avoided. We had them all: It would "despoil us of our liberties"; it would "hinder our fellowship"; it would "make business intercourse difficult"; and "marriage of the saints impossible." "No, we would not sell our liberties and spoil the loving fellowship we formerly enjoyed." "We would not take the VOW, even though it cast us into outer darkness!"
Here, as always, the Adversary overreached himself, and reason returning, some were constrained to ask, "Could such a course that seems bound to stampede the Lord's flock be of His leading?" And so one after another was led to reconsider his attitude to the VOW; and as this was done, the opposition thereto melted away like mists before the sun. A dear Brother who was strong in opposition to the VOW, was led to see the folly of that course, and was anxious, therefore, to publicly intimate his conversion. This he did in a most noble manner. After explaining his change of front and the reason therefor, he came out and in the presence of the whole class affixed his signature to the enclosed copy. Of course, such action was infectious and to our great joy one after another followed our dear Brother's example until now the opposition to the VOW has vanished into thin air. Praise the Lord for His great goodness to us!
Now we, twenty-four Brothers and Sisters of the Ecclesia at Durban, wish to thank you for the admirable foresight which caused you some years ago to propound such a wise provision for our safeguarding in these evil days; and we wish to assure you that we have made this VOW our own, and are determined by His grace to vow and pay unto the Lord our God. To this end we humbly beseech an interest in your prayers; and in testimony of our determination we have set our names to the accompanying copy. May God give us all grace to be faithful unto death, that we may gain the crown of life!
With continued Christian love to you, dear Brother, and to all those of like precious faith at the Bethel, I remain,
Your Brother in our imminent Hope,
WM. W. JOHNSON.—Natal, S. Africa.
[New readers of THE WATCH TOWER may not fully understand the above letter, not having seen a copy of the VOW. Upon post-card request we will mail a copy of it free.]
In sending in current report I am constrained to bring to your notice a point of some possible moment as respects the arrangements for public meetings at small places.
It appears to me that some of the dear Pilgrim brethren have permitted the large audiences at certain places to create an impression that small audiences are hardly worth while. In consequence, whenever there is a small attendance at a publicly advertised meeting, they advise the brother, "If I were you I should not try a public meeting here any more." At a number of recent appointments, friends have told me practically the same thing.
I find that sometimes not a single grain of wheat will result from a large meeting, while at other times several grains will come from a small meeting. Then, in such little places, everyone knows everybody's business, and if a private class meeting is held there will usually be a few strangers. I don't see why it wouldn't be better to make some little public announcement and get twenty-five strangers instead of a few.
In such places a public meeting is practically no trouble or expense. Often there is no good hall in the place, but a schoolhouse to be had free.
If the Pilgrim brethren would not discourage the holding of public services, but would rather advise as to wisest way of getting results therefrom, I think it would be better.
Another thing: A class recently visited complained about the way the Pilgrims had been "scolding" them. Wouldn't it be an improvement if all scolding was done more indirectly, by example and suggestion, rather than by direct and public criticism.
It has done me great good to perceive the great number who seem to be laying hold on the Truth. Everywhere this is so evident. With much Christian love,
Yours in His name, B. H. BARTON.
I was very much impressed by the statement in the Dec. 15 WATCH TOWER: "The Church has entered upon her last test." In applying this to myself and others, I should be able to notice testings of a more peculiar and stringent character than in the past. And I do. One is the test to be especially recognized and honored of the brethren. The Lord has given me victory. I am reconciled to God's ways. In watching others, I can see the same struggle.
In our Berean Bible Class Study, with fifteen or twenty attending, we do not always get around to ask each a question, though all have an opportunity to ask questions and comment. This does not meet with the approval of all the sisters. One Sister, with some teaching ability, is offended because we do not comment favorably upon her questions and answers. She thinks that the Elders are trying to keep the Sisters down, that we are not asking her enough questions and paying due respect to her.
We think it proper not to give too much encouragement where there seems to be plenty, but rather to encourage the quiet and backward ones. We think the Sister is in enough danger anyway, as she is taking upon herself to teach two classes of sisters. We shall strive to live and teach so as to have a conscience void of offense before God and man.
May the Lord help us all, Elders and otherwise, to realize more fully the responsibility resting upon us, and to manifest a more brotherly care for each other, knowing that we all expect to be with the Lord in glory shortly. May God bless you in your service!
Your humble Brother by His grace, __________.
Your sermons in the newspapers are such a comfort, and I am proud to know that there is a man of God who is brave enough to tell the Truth as he sees it. We go to church, but where is the comfort to be found there? Money! money! money! The poor man is made to feel his position in life so keenly that it is far better for him to stay at home and go out in the fields or on the water and praise God there, for God wants the heart and a good, pure life.
We are hungry for God and for Christ's love—pure, sweet love. We go to church, but we are made to feel that we poor creatures need to know more of God's love! It is there for us, only our eyes are not yet opened. We have attended the same church for twenty years—Presbyterian, and a little over two years ago I had an awful, awful sorrow (I had but the two sons), when my older son was taken ill. Everything was done that could be done for him, but God called him home. His was one of the most beautiful characters. When he was ill and suffering, there was never a murmur. He was on the Produce Exchange, and his employer wrote him a most beautiful letter, stating that they had stood side by side for thirteen years and he had never seen a frown.
After the funeral, and our bills were being settled, we were horrified when the undertaker said to my husband that the minister expected his pay—from five to ten dollars. What a dreadful thing to think that the last prayer over the remains of my precious boy had to be paid for! We have the receipt.
What would our blessed Savior say to that? Oh, keep telling us of God's love! It will help us to bear the cross as we go through life. If it were only known in the pure, simple way, how many dear, discouraged souls it would help! It is not to be found in the churches of today.
Very sincerely, MRS. E. H. LOMAS.
ECHOES SENTIMENTS OF MANY PRISONERS
As one of more than fourteen-hundred prisoners confined in Clinton Prison at Dannemora, N.Y., I wish to thank you and all concerned in the production of the PHOTO-DRAMA OF CREATION. It has been a great privilege to view the pictures, and I have derived lasting benefit during these past four days.
I but echo the sentiments of every prisoner within these walls when I say that this exhibition has given us a better knowledge of creation, of God and of Christ than we could possibly get, unaided, from any other source. It has made a deep impression upon all of us. It has lifted our thoughts to a higher, better life and has given us a far better understanding of things of which we have heretofore been ignorant.
It would have pleased you to have witnessed the manner in which the pictures were received by the hundreds of men who are considered hardened criminals.
When the motion picture of Jesus' awakening of Jairus' daughter and the healing of the lame and blind was on the screen the prisoners voluntarily joined softly in the hymn of the phonograph singer. This was most impressive; and the man must indeed be hardened whose heart would not be moved.
Again thanking you, please accept greetings and best wishes for a continuance of your health.
Sincerely yours, WILLIAM F. GILLESPIE.
INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION CLASSES
After the close of the hymn the Bethel family listens to the reading of "My Vow Unto the Lord," then joins in prayer. At the breakfast table the MANNA text is considered. Hymns for May follow: (1) 43; (2) 273; (3) 318; (4) 303; (5) 173; (6) 24; (7) 83; (8) 165; (9) 330; (10) 20; (11) 327; (12) 293; (13) 119; (14) 7; (15) 264; (16) 221; (17) 155; (18) 188; (19) 4; (20) 54 (21) 17; (22) 105; (23) 52; (24) 282; (25) 87; (26) 104; (27) 88; (28) 213; (29) 1; (30) 45; (31) 172.
VOL. XXXVI APRIL 15 No. 8
A. D. 1915—A.M. 6043
The Sum of All Graces.............................115
The Spectrum of Love..........................116
World's Imitation an Outward Veneer...........116
Unselfish, Sweet Tempered, Sincere............117
Strong, Trustful, Hopeful.....................118
The Editor's Proposition......................118
White Raiment of the Kingdom......................118
"Light Afflictions" Here—"Glory to
Follow".....................................120
As He Was, So Are We, in This World...........120
Our "Covenant by Sacrifice"...................121
"Therefore Glorify God in Your Body"..........121
"Touch Not Mine Anointed".........................122
Training for Kingdom Work.....................122
Earth's Five Universal Empires................123
King Saul's Last Battle...........................124
Returning to Business.............................125
Interesting Items.................................126
War Hastening Millennium......................126
Memorial Supper Reports...........................127
PUBLISHED BY
WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY
CHARLES T. RUSSELL, PRESIDENT
"BROOKLYN TABERNACLE," 13-17 HICKS ST.,
BROOKLYN, N.Y., U.S.A.
Foreign Agencies:—British Branch: LONDON TABERNACLE, Lancaster Gate, London, W. German Branch: Unterdorner Str., 76, Barmen. Australasian Branch: Flinders Building, Flinders St., Melbourne. Please address the SOCIETY in every case.
—————
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, $1.00 (4s.) IN ADVANCE.
SEND MONEY BY EXPRESS, BANK DRAFT, POSTAL ORDER, OR REGISTERED.
FROM FOREIGN COUNTRIES BY FOREIGN MONEY ORDERS, ONLY.
Terms to the Lord's Poor as Follows:— All Bible Students who, by reason of old age, or other infirmity 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 its continuance. We are not only willing, but anxious, that all such be on our list continually and in touch with the STUDIES, etc.
ALSO FRENCH, GERMAN, SWEDISH AND DANISH EDITIONS.
SAMPLE COPIES FREE.
ENTERED AS SECOND-CLASS MAIL MATTER AT BROOKLYN, N.Y., POSTOFFICE.
ENTERED AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER AT THE POSTOFFICE DEPT., OTTAWA, CANADA.
A few changes of dates have been necessary, as below:—May 9—Pittsburgh, Penna. May 20—Dallas, Texas. " 10—Altoona, Penna. " 21—Waco, Texas. " 11—East Liverpool, Ohio. " 22—Houston, Texas. " 12—Dayton, Ohio. " 23—San Antonio, Texas. " 13—Cincinnati, Ohio. " 24—El Paso, Texas. " 14—St. Louis, Mo. " 26—Riverside, Cal. " 15—Columbia, Mo. " 27—Los Angeles, Cal. " 16—Kansas City, Mo. " 28—San Diego, Cal. " 17—Coffeyville, Kans. " 29—Santa Ana, Cal. " 18—Oklahoma City, Okla. " 30—San Francisco, Cal. " 19—Denison, Texas.
June 7th will be BIBLE STUDENTS' DAY at the Fair, where Festival Hall has been set apart for their use that day. Brother Russell expects to deliver a public address on Sunday, May 30th, at San Francisco and on Sunday, June 6th, at Oakland. He also expects to be with the Conventioners at Festival Hall, June 7th. He will have editorial duties and correspondence needing his attention. He will probably speak only once at the Oakland Convention, aside from the two public Sunday addresses here mentioned and the address at Festival Hall, June 7th.
For information respecting room and board at reasonable rates address I.B.S.A. Committee, Box 473, Oakland, Cal.
June 8—Sacramento, Cal. June 17—Butte, Mont. " 10—Portland, Ore. " 19—Greeley, Colo., a.m. " 11—Bellingham, Wash. " 19—Cheyenne, Wyo., p.m. " 12—Vancouver, B.C., a.m. " 20—Denver, Colo. " 12—Everett, Wash., p.m. " 21—Colorado Springs, Colo. " 13—Seattle, Wash. " 22—Pueblo, Colo. " 13—Tacoma, Wash. " 23—Omaha, Neb. " 14—Spokane, Wash. " 24—Chicago, Ill. " 15—Missoula, Mont., a.m. " 25—South Bend, Ind. " 15—Helena, Mont., p.m. " 27—Indianapolis, Ind. " 16—Great Falls, Mont. July 4—N.Y. City Temple.
Brother Jones advises that our Convention program seems too long for the proposed plan of Special Car. His latest thought is that himself and some others may overtake Brother Russell at Los Angeles Convention, proceed thence to San Francisco and then return to Chicago direct.
LITTLE CONVENTIONAL GATHERINGS
In harmony with our suggestion the friends at various places where Brother Russell will be addressing the public are arranging for little, quiet, local Conventions. Incidentally, we remark, that these are often amongst the most profitable. We advise that they be not made public—that the public be not invited to them, unless, indeed, it would be the particular friends of those who might be in attendance, especially if they were consecrated people. Some of the places intending such gatherings have sent us the particulars noted below.
Information respecting board and lodging at economical rates, etc., etc., should be obtained from the Class Secretaries.
PITTSBURGH, PA., May 9 (other dates not yet determined).
Address R. H. Bricker, Class Sec'y, 1323 Goebel St., N.S.
ALTOONA, PA., May 9, 10.
Address Class Sec'y, F. B. McClellan, 322 Cherry St.
EAST LIVERPOOL, O., May 9, 10, 11.
Address Class Sec'y, I. Whitehill, 1062 Oak St.
CINCINNATI, O., May 13, 14, 15, 16.
Address Class Sec'y, H. Schulz, 201 Lincoln Inn Court.
ST. LOUIS, Mo., May 14, 15, 16.
Address Class Sec'y, J. H. Hoeveler, 6126 Waterman Ave.
KANSAS CITY, MO., May 14, 15, 16.
Address Class Sec'y, Mrs. R. H. Goza, 4409 E. 27th St.
SEDALIA, MO., May 15, 16.
Address Class Sec'y, S. Bowser, 501 E. 4th St.
COFFEYVILLE, KANS., May 16, 17.
Address Class Sec'y, Mrs. C. F. Palmeyer, 302 E. 6th St.
OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLA., May 16, 17, 18.
Address Class Sec'y, G. F. Wilson, 801-1/2 W. 9th St.
HOUSTON, TEXAS, May 21, 22, 23.
Address Class Sec'y, J. Isaac, Jr., 905 Thompson St.
LOS ANGELES, CAL., May 26, 27, 28, 29.
Address Class Sec'y, F. P. Sherman, Peoples Temple, 8th and
Flower Sts.
Strictly speaking, we have no free list; that is to say, the Postal Laws require that all subscriptions be paid for. However, many desire to read our journal who are in dependent or very poor circumstances. Some kind friends have provided a fund out of which these may be supplied according to the law. Now is the time to send in your renewal of the requests, if you are on the poor list, in order that your subscription may be renewed, as though you sent in the money. A post-card will do. The following words will be understood to mean that you are not so circumstanced as to be able to pay for the journal, but desire it. Say: "Your offer of THE WATCH TOWER for the ensuing year is noted, and accepted, with appreciation." (Sign.)
We are asked respecting the law governing the depositing of matter in rural route mail-boxes. We reply that the mail-boxes are not Government property. The volunteer matter may be put into these without infracting any law of the United States. There is, of course, a general desire that such boxes should not be stuffed with handbills or other matter purely advertisements. Our B.S.M. is strictly a newspaper. Whether they be delivered by a Government carrier or by some of our volunteers makes no matter.
I. B. S. A. BEREAN BIBLE STUDIES
FOR THE MONTH OF MAY
Questions from Manual on Series Second of
"STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES"
STUDY VII.
Week of May 2.......Q. 38 to 44 Week of May 16......Q. 52 to 53
Week of May 9.......Q. 45 to 51 Week of May 23......Q. 54 to 59
Week of May 30.......Q. 60
Question Manuals on Vol. II., STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES, 5c. each; or 50c. per dozen, postpaid.
r5668 THE SUM OF ALL GRACESr5668 THE WHITE RAIMENT OF THE KINGDOM
r5670 "LIGHT AFFLICTIONS" HERE—"GLORY TO FOLLOW"
r5672 "TOUCH NOT MINE ANOINTED"
r5673 KING SAUL'S LAST BATTLE
r5669 RETURNING TO BUSINESS
r5674 INTERESTING ITEMS
r5675 MEMORIAL SUPPER REPORTS