THE HERALD
of Christ's Kingdom
September, 1918 Committee Bulletin
Table of Contents
THE COMMITTEE BULLETIN #2 - SEPTEMBER, 1918
THE COMMITTEE BULLETIN
A COMMITTEE RESOLUTION
CORRECTING A WRONG IMPRESSION
A GENERAL CONVENTION CALLED AT PROVIDENCE, R. I.
HEARTY COOPERATION FROM BOSTON
RE AN "INVESTIGATION COMMITTEE" OR COURT OF
INQUISITION
SELECTIONS FOR THE FAMILY CIRCLE
INTERESTING LETTERS
SUNSHINE OVER ALL
THE COMMITTEE BULLETIN
No. 2
SEPTEMBER 1918
A
Publication Devoted To The Interests Of The Believers In The Present Truth
ON ESSENTIALS, UNITY -- ON NONESSENTIALS, CHARITY
This
Bulletin is published monthly by a Committee, of seven brethren duly appointed by a
representative body of the Lord's people assembled in General Convention at Asbury Park,
July 26-29, 1918. It is designed to serve merely as a simple means of communication for
those who have indicated their desire for a regular publication. -Its object is to report
matters of special interest relating to the general affairs of the Lord's people, such as
Convention arrangements, business meetings, notices of meetings and Pilgrim appointments,
etc. The Bulletin should be regarded as a temporary arrangement until it is decided to
issue a publication in harmony with the wishes of the consecrated people of the .Lord. All
communications should be addressed to the Secretary, Brother I. F. Hoskins. 262 Fulton
Street, Brooklyn, N. IF. 'Phone, Main 4875 .
RE FUNERAL SERVICES AND OTHER MINISTRIES
Some of
our dear friends have inquired if we, as a Committee, would be in a position to serve at
funerals. We answer, Yes, our. preaching brethren will be glad to serve in this way, not
only at funerals of friends in the Truth, but also where others might desire. our
services, especially where the funeral arrangements are left in the hands of our friends,
or, as is sometimes the case, where such arrangement (even the securing of a minister) is
left in the hands of the Funeral Director, should he desire to secure c :r services. .All
communications, whether by 'phone, wire or letter, should be sent to the Committee's
Secretary.
Brethren
who are in sympathy with our work, who have answered the V. D. M. Questions, and who have
been accredited by their local Ecclesia as more or less able as public speakers, we
request such to communicate with us in respect to the matter of attending funerals, and
otherwise serving as traveling or local speakers. Kindly also send along your Class
recommendations.
RE "A TIMELY LETTER OF IMPORTANCE TO
ALL THE BRETHREN"
Concerning
the letter by Brother McGee to the Chairman of this Committee, Brother Wright, which has
been printed and enclosed with this issue of the Bulletin: We wish to say that we believe
this letter to be a most fair, honest and conservative statement of facts. In fact, all
who are acquainted with Brother McGee, know that he would not state matters otherwise. On
hearing this letter read and finding it to contain so much information of importance tó
all the friends, we decided that it would not be exceeding our province to permit the
letter to be enclosed in the same wrapper with this issue of the Bulletin. The letter is
not published by the Committee, nor paid for out of its funds; the expense having been met
from other sources.
We
believe it will be gratifying to all, to learn that the Committee urged our dear Brother
McGee to reconsider the matter of his resignation, with the result that he has decided to
remain for the present, a member of the Committee.
WHEREAS,
It is the thought of the Committee that all correspondence should be signed with the name
of the Pastoral Bible Institute, but that for the assurance of the friends corresponding
with the Committee appointed at Asbury Park, the signature of the writer should be
attached thereto, in order that all may have the knowledge of the authenticity of the
letter of the Committee, it is on motion duly seconded
RESOLVED,
That all correspondence be signed by the name Pastoral Bible Institute, over the signature
of the writer with his official designation on the Committee attached thereto; and it is
further ordered that this resolution be spread on the minutes and inserted in the next
issue of the Bulletin.
In
harmony with the first item on this page the Committee wishes to state that the contents
of the Bulletin eminates from the Committee, and not from a single individual. This is
applicable also to the "Review of Brother Johnson's Charges" which accompanied
the last Bulletin. Some seem to be under the impression in one of the Classes that a
certain member was responsible for the last Bulletin and the reply, and that another
Brother of the Committee was not aware of the contents of either. All this is erroneous
and mere rumor.
"Then
they that feared the Lord spake often one to another; and the Lord harkened, and heard it,
and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that
thought upon His name."-Malachi 3:16.
THE
COMMITTEE wishes to announce that we have received a cordial invitation from the Class at
Providence, R. L, to hold a General Convention in that city sometime during the month of
October. The invitation has had our careful consideration, with the result that it is
accepted. We therefore have pleasure in announcing that a General Convention of the
friends of present Truth is called for Providence, R. I., October 18-20.
The
suggestion that another General Convention be called, seemed to the Committee a good one,
for various reasons.
First, it
is always good for followers of Christ to assemble together for fellowship, praise and for
hearing the Word of the Lord. All agree that this is one of the principal means provided
by the Lord for stimulating and building up the saints in the various qualities of
Christian character-in faith, hope and love, and in general the edifying of the body of
Christ in spiritual life. In looking over the various features of the Harvest work during
the lifetime of our Pastor, we believe there was none that was more particularly blessed
of the Lord for the strengthening of the saints in the most holy faith than the
Conventions that were held from time to time.
Second,
the peculiar circumstances and conditions with which the Lord's people are confronted at
the present hour, involving as they do,. various difficulties and problems which must be
met, would seem to make the present a most auspicious time for the friends to assemble in
holy conference, that they may calmly and soberly consider matters of vital importance to
the new creation, and take counsel together as to the best methods of conducting
themselves and the work of the ministry during this stormy time.
In
accepting Providence as a location for the next General Convention, it was our desire, of
course, to consider the interests of the largest number of friends. We have been impressed
by the large number of friends in Providence who, in the face of fiery trials, have dared
to take a firm stand for truth and righteousness -the number being one hundred or more;
the same is true of Boston, Mass., not far distant. Then, too, the location is not far
removed from New York City and Philadelphia, so that we would expect that many from these
places may be permitted to join in the Convention at Providence.
As the
way may open up, we trust that a Convention may be called in the middle West at a later
date, by which many more of the friends there may be accommodated. Nevertheless, it is our
hope that at this Convention at Providence, we may see a good number of scattered ones
from these far removed districts. It will, no doubt, be of interest to all to know that
the program, a copy of which will be mailed you in advance of the Convention, will present
a number of well known brethren of ability to address the Convention. We invite brethren
who have had experience as Pilgrims, and who could attend this Convention, to communicate
with us, that we may be assisted in advancing this branch of the ministry, as far as
possible.
All
meetings will be held at Andrews Assembly Rooms, 14 Green Street. Those desiring that
accommodations in the way of rooms, etc., be engaged for them during the Convention will
address their requests and communications to Brother H. H. Eddy, 40 Bridgham Street,
Providence, R. L, stating the number of persons in party, length of stay, etc. Price of
lodging will be $1.00 and upwards; and meals additional will amount to approximately $2.00
per day.
For the
benefit of the friends of New York City and vicinity, we would advise that one of the boat
lines would be less expensive than the railroad. We would recommend the Colonial Line, as
considered to be very good, the price of which is about $3.60 one way, including
stateroom, two persons in a room. In order to secure the stateroom at this price, it
should be engaged three or four days in advance. The boat leaves Pier 39, New York City,
at 5:30 every evening, reaching Providence the next morning at about 8 o'clock.
We have
pleasure in assuring the friends that the outlook promises a most peaceful and harmonious
season of fellowship on this occasion. We earnestly urge upon all whose circumstances will
permit, to join the brethren in this Convention, and share with them the blessings of this
Conference in holy things. Come one and all, desiring to receive a blessing and to impart
one to others.
Boston,
Mass., Sept. 15, 1918.
To the
Asbury Park Convention Committee of Associated Bible Students, Dearly Beloved Brethren in
the Lord:
Greetings
in our Dear Redeemer's Name! May grace and peace be multiplied unto you and all the dear
Israel of God scattered throughout the world. We pray for you and for them the blessing of
God "which maketh rich and addeth no sorrow." We pray God that you may be richly
blessed in all heavenly wisdom, specially in the graces of humility, meekness and love
-yet we trust you will not be found wanting in justice.
We
realize that the great time of sifting and trial is now upon the Church. Our hearts are
pained to note many of the things which are taking place among God's people. Oh, how much
the covering mantle of love is needed! We are fully in sympathy with you and the work you
are endeavoring to do for the Lord's little ones. as you were directed by the Asbury Park
Convention.
We were
much pleased with your recent bulletin, and also greatly blessed by the Pilgrim visits
which we are privileged to have. Pilgrim Brothers Rockwell, Hoskins and. Streeter's recent
visits to us have been a source of great comfort and blessing. We feel that their ministry
was God directed and God blessed. Our hearts have been refreshed, our faith strengthened,
and, in fact, our determination to be faithful unto death has grown stronger, as our eyes
are opening more and more to see God's leading in all our recent experiences.
On
September 8, 1918, we took action to assist the Committee by our weekly Good Hopes-laying
aside as the Lord may prosper us (temporarily) a certain amount weekly, which we give to
the Lord and entrust to you, praying that you may use it wisely, so that it may be a
blessing to His dear people and an honor to His dear Name.
We sent
our disapproval to Philadelphia in regard to the "General Convention," called
disorderly, we considered, by Brother Johnson, but wish to assure you that we will be in
full harmony with a Convention that you may call, and we learn there has been a request
for one at Providence some time in October. If you should accept their invitation, we wish
to assure you of our hearty co-operation.
THE
BOSTON ECCLESIA
THE COMMITTEE'S REPLY
Associated
Bible Students,
Boston,
Mass.
Dear
Brethren
We desire
to express our deep appreciation of the words of grace and love in the Communication of
the Boston Church to the Committee, under date of September 15 inst. We trust that the
hope expressed for the Committee and the brethren bound together in truth and in love by
the grace of our Heavenly Father and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ may result in a
common effort to glorify God and to take advantage of every opportunity to clear the name
of our Heavenly Father and to serve the brethren. We note that this was the aim and
consistent purpose of the ministry of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and that it was
the attitude of our dear Pastor, who has so lately been taken from us.
We
appreciate and thank the Boston Class for its support and the expressions of confidence in
the Committee contained in the letter, and take this opportunity to assure you of our
desire to serve you and all the brethren in ways most pleasing to the Lord.
We are
glad to take advantage of the invitation of the Providence Ecclesia to call a General
Convention in that city, to be held on October 18, 19, 20; next, and, are glad to know
that this Convention will be of service to the Boston friends as well. We trust that the
Convention will result in a strengthening of our intentions to carry out the purposes for
which the Committee was formed, and that it may be a time of blessing to all concerned,
whether present or not.
We will
be very glad to publish your letter in the next issue of the Bulletin, and wish you to
know that each individual member of the Committee is, and will be, stimulated to greater
zeal and courage for the faith, because o£ your love and prayers.
Praying
the Lord's blessing upon you all, we are, Your fellow-servants in the Lord,
THE
COMMITTEE.
The
Committee is asked to state its position with regard to certain proceedings carried out at
a recent so-called "General Convention," held at Philadelphia. As stated in the
August Bulletin, our Committee could not recognize that the Philadelphia Convention was
called according to. Scriptural rules and proper order, and for the same reason we could
take no part in the Convention. We are advised that the friends generally took this same
view, and that accordingly we are informed, that there was scarcely more than twelve
persons present at the Convention outside of the regular Philadelphia Church, which
numbers upwards of two hundred. Thus the gathering was merely a local affair, there being
about 200 present.
For
reasons previously given, therefore, our Committee could not consistently recognize any
Court of Inquisition, arrangements, proceedings, or appointments made at this Convention
as having any bearing upon, or jurisdiction over, other Churches in any sense. Whatever
was done in Philadelphia could apply to that Church alone.
As stated
in the August Bulletin, this Committee is open to investigation at any time, on the part
of any Church or number of Churches, who wish to appoint a body of disinterested brethren,
to investigate who have not been concerned in the affairs of this Committee. But we could
not, under any circumstances, recognize any such Tribunal or Inquisitorial Board as that
appointed at Philadelphia.
IMPORTANCE OF AN ORGANIZATION AS
SEEN BY BROTHER RUSSELL
The
importance of an organization for the proper conduct of the Lord's work in his hands was
appreciated by Brother Russell, as shown in his statement in "A Conspiracy
Exposed," April 25, 1894. He says
"The
Society was formed in 1881, at the time of the free distribution of 1,400,000 copies of
the pamphlet `Food for Thinking Christians'-now out of print. It consisted of five of the
Lord's children, and its affairs were entirely in my charge. Later, 1884, at the instance
of the friends of the cause, who advised that matters be put upon a legal footing so that
the work might not be interrupted in case of my sudden death, the Society applied for a
Charter under the laws of the State of Pennsylvania, and received one dated December 13,
1884."
First,
the Society was formed, or organized, by five of the Lord's children at the time, the
first great effort was about to be launched, in the distribution of nearly one and
one-half millions of copies of the booklet, "Food for Thinking Christians." Thus
Brother Russell saw the importance of organized effort, and took advantage of what he saw
right at the beginning of his work, or when his vision became clear as to what the nature
of his work was to be.
The funds
at their disposal were almost wholly contributed by Brother Russell, so, of course, as he
says, the affairs of the Society were left wholly in his charge. This would be proper, for
that, if for no other reason, especially since he had unquestioned ability in respect to
the matter in hand.
Thus far
all was well, and would likely so continue as long as Brother Russell lived and kept his
health. But some of his friends saw, as did he also, of course, that he might die before
the work was complete, and the work would be interrupted pending a settlement of his
estate, by regular legal processes. So, they conferred together, and decided it would be
better to put the work upon such a "legal footing" as would reasonably guarantee
that it would not -be interrupted, whoever might die or otherwise drop out.
Thus they
decided that their Society, or "organization," would be upon a proper
"legal footing" if they would take out a charter. They secured this charter in
1884, and ever after that, the organization was recognized by the State.
So also
the gathering of the friends at the Fort Pitt Convention early this year thought it
necessary that whatever work was undertaken, be done decently and in order-(organized)-and
they accordingly appointed a Committee of seven brethren, which was authorized to organize
for business, and ascertain, if possible, what could be done.
That
Committee named, met immediately at Pittsburgh, and organized, electing officers-a
Chairman, Vice-Chairman and Secretary Treasurer. Thus, having gone this far, it is
recognized that a society or organization was already created, even without going through
legal processes. We emphasize this point because some of the friends seem to entertain
inaccurate and erroneous ideas with regard to what constitutes an organization, and seem
to feel that so long as a charter is not secured and certain legal processes enacted that
there is no organization or society; whereas, an organization may exist without these. As
confirming this we refer our readers to "What Pastor Russell Said," page 77,
paragraph 2, first edition; page 78, paragraph 5, second edition, as follows:
"The
`Watch Tower' was started in 1879, and the `Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society' was
started in 1880, and the mere matter of getting a charter for it does not signify that it
was not existent before that time. The getting of a charter does not make a Society.
Yon can form a Society without a charter, but it is limited. The Society is just as much o
f a Society if two or three of you make it without a charter, as if five hundred make it
with a charter; it is ø Society all the same, an Association."
Thus, the
point is clearly seen that a Society or Organization is an association of individuals, set
with organs or instrumentalities, such as officers-Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, etc.,
thus organized for the purpose of carrying out a certain given project; and the securing
of a charter, or articles of agreement is but the legalizing of: the organization in the
eyes of the law,, in order to comply with the regulations and requirements of "the
powers that be" in the transaction of necessary business, though the Association is
just as much an Organization before the securing of a charter.
Accordingly,
when the Committee was appointed in January, this year, and they had met and elected
officers, an Organization or Society was formed, and this organization has been intact
ever since, though the personnel was changed at the recent Asbury Park Convention, as
previously explained.
Some work
has been done, but in a snore or less hampered way; and it is recognized now that, to
proceed decently and in order, this organization should be legalized by certain legal
enactments, such as the forming of a constitution or charter, which shall set forth the
rules by which the work shall be carried on legally in the eyes of the law. By having this
legal arrangement, all funds placed in our hands toward carrying on the work would not
stand in the name of an individual, but in the name of the Society or Corporation. As it
is at present, all deposits are placed in the name of the Treasurer, so that, if the
present incumbent of the office of Treasurer should die, the work would be more or less
interrupted until his estate could be settled. Besides, there would be a continual
possibility of our business plans miscarrying, because we are not recognized by the. law.
lit short, what was good for Brother Russell and safeguarded the interests of the Truth
for so long, will be safe and good for us also now
"THE INELEGANCE OF HURRY"
There is
an idea prevalent that to be in a hurry is a sign of importance, 'of large business and
large achievements. It is a serious mistake. An experienced person always mistrusts the
man who hurries, for he fails in emergencies. Serenity of mind and leisurely action are
necessary to fine work of any kind. It is in leisure that the mind assimilates best.
Scipio
Africanus declared, "I am never less at leisure than when at leisure." A rare
bit of wisdom of which all reflective minds know the value. If we admit this as true, the
inelegance of a hurried manner has the best of reasons. It -is wasteful, inconsistent with
the finest action, and is caused by a man losing control of himself, and suggests an
uneasy, indecisive mind.
A
distinction, however, should be recognized between activity and excited hurry, and between
slowness and self-possession. Activity with self-possession is the desirable condition.
TROUBLES MADE BEAUTIFUL
Most of
the shells of the oyster are pearly in the interior; and as the true pearls are merely
morbid growths, they may all produce pearls of various qualities. The formation of pearls
is caused by the introduction of irritating substances, such as grains of sand, between
the mantle and the shell. The irritation causes the animal to cover the obnoxious object
with layers of pearl, which generally attach the foreign body to the interior of the
shell. The Chinese produce pearls artificially by placing substances in the position just
described, and we have seen some-shells to the interior of which small metal images were
attached by the pearly secretion.
When we
look at a pearl, we look at an annoyance which has been ennobled. The oyster by itself is
of merely nominal value. But the result of the oyster's own treatment of its
irritation-the pearl-is something "of great price." Apart from its pecuniary
worth, this gem has a moral significance. It suggests that troubles may be made beautiful,
and reminds us that amongst mankind some martyrs are more remembered for the glory with
which they invested their sorrows than for any other portion of their lives. Biography has
its moral pearls, which are treasured long after the creatures of them have perished, just
as material pearls are valued long years after the oysters have been discarded.
GOD CHOOSETH
There are
men who have strong and laudable desires to serve the Lord, and who fervently pray for His
glory; but He does not always seem to hear their prayers. There are various reasons for
this. Sometimes men are unfit for the Lord's service. They are not purged from their sins;
they are not vessels unto honor, fitted for the Master's use; and so He sets them
aside as not adapted to His work. Sometimes men wish to do great things, but find
themselves straitened, hindered, limited and circumscribed; sometimes they are reserved
for still greater work; in other cases they are rejected of the Lord for reasons well
known to Him.
Moses
longed to lead Israel into Canaan, but He was not permitted to enter the Promised Land. So
David would gladly have built the temple at Jerusalem, but the Lord would not accept that
service at his hands. Paul was forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the gospel in Asia,
and, though he essayed to go into Bithynia, the Spirit suffered him not. In like manner we
may have desires and aspirations for usefulness which will never be gratified. The Lord
may 'see that we could not bear the exaltation and the honor which we seek.' He knows far
better than we do what is for our good, and so He would have us rest contented in His
providence; not idle, but diligent; not careless, but watchful; not indifferent, but full
of intense, earnest longing to do the will of God; yet patient under restraint, and
content to be neglected and forgotten, remembering that "they also serve who only
stand and wait," and that the Lord in His own well chosen hour can lead us forth to
fulfill His purposes of grace. .
SHOOT UPWARD AND ROOT DOWNWARD
Let me
remind you all, ye faithful believers in Christ, that ye are 'compared to trees-trees of .
the Lord's right-hand planting. Seek to grow as the tree grows. Pray that this year ye may
grow downward; that ye may know more of your own vileness, more of your own
nothingness; and so be rooted to humility. Pray that your roots may penetrate below the
mere topsoil of truth, into the great rocks which underlie the uppermost stratum; that ye
may get a good hold of the doctrines of eternal love, of immutable faithfulness, of
complete satisfaction, of union to Christ, of the eternal purpose of God, which He
purposed in Christ Jesus before the world was. This will be a growth which will not add to
your fame, which will not minister to your vanity, but it will be invaluable in the hour
of storm; a growth, the value of which no heart can conceive when the hurricane is tearing
up the hypocrite. As ye root downward, seek to grow upward. Send out the topshoot
of your love towards heaven. As the trees send out their spring shoot and their midsummer
shoot, and as you see upon the top of the fir that new green child of spring, the fresh
shoot which lifts its hand towards the sun, so pant to have more love and greater desires
after God, a nearer approach towards him in prayer, a sweeter spirit of adoption, a more
intense and intimate fellowship with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. This
mounting upward will add to your beauty and to your delight. Then pray to grow on
either side. Stretch out your branches; let the shadow of your holy influence extend
as far as God has given you opportunities., But see to it also that ye grow in fruitfulness,
for to increase the bough without adding to the fruit is to diminish the beauty of the
tree. Labor this year by God's grace to bring forth more fruit unto Him than ye have ever
done. We would not be as the gleanings of the vintage. when there is only here and there a
cluster upon the uppermost bough, we would be as the Valley of Eschol, whose presses burst
with .new wine.
This
is to grow in grace; to root downward, to shoot upward, to extend your influences like
far reaching branches, and to bring forth fruit unto the Lord's glory. -- C. H.
SPURGEON.
"FELLOWSHIP OF KINDRED MINDS, LIKE TO THAT
ABOVE"
Houston,
Texas, September 3, 1918.
Dear
Brethren:
Our
little Class of about fifteen feel the need of fellowship and co-operation with those of
like faith. While we love all the dear brethren, we especially feel close to those that
have taken their stand by Brother Russell's will, and are endeavoring to live up to the
principles of freedom as given out by our dear Pastor; and since he is no longer with us,
we would appreciate a letter now and then to read at our Praise and Testimony Meeting on
Wednesday evening. While we would be very pleased to have some of the Pilgrim visits down
here, still we feel that we are so far away and can help so little, that this would be
almost an impossibility. However, if this would be possible, and the friends along the way
would co-operate, we would be glad to do what we could to that end. However, we will
appreciate a good letter as often as is convenient, and wait for better things.
We are
herewith enclosing check to assist in any way that you may see good to use. In addition to
the above amount, Brother has donated $-, to be applied to the journal. Kindly enter his
subscription for one year, and apply the balance to expenses. When same comes out, kindly
send the friends a few copies.
We are
sure, dear brethren, that we feel about things in general as you do. * * * We are not able
to do very much; however, we want to do what we can while we remain here. We ask an
interest in your prayers that we may do the dear Lord's will each day, and be wise in all
we do and say, and be able to stand each test as they come, and that our zeal may be the
same as in former times. That is why we desire some encouragement from our dear brethren.
Assuring
you that you have our prayers and cooperation to the best of our ability, we remain, as
ever,
Your
brethren in Him,
HOUSTON
CLASS.
A VOICE FROM AFAR
South
Australia.
Dear
Brethren
With
reference to the periodical which your Committee propose to publish, as referred to in the
"Letter to International Bible Students," I am enclosing three subscriptions for
the same, if published, the paper to be sent to the following addresses
The Money
Order is addressed to you, Lock Box 13, Brooklyn, N. Y.
A large
section of the brethren here and indeed throughout Australia are in sympathy with your
attitude toward "The Finished Mystery" and the Watch Tower articles on the same,
which they are quite unable to accept as from the Lord, either as regards their spirit, or
their interpretations of Ezekiel and Revelation. Nor can they regard the volume as in any
sense of the word, Pastor Russell's. In Adelaide, a large section of the Ecclesia found it
necessary to separate from it, as they felt that they could not identify themselves with
those who were engaged in teaching and spreading broadcast these erroneous interpretations
as truth. It was a painful course, but a necessary one under the circumstances, and we
firmly believe that the Lord will overrule the division for the best interests of those
who are truly His.
We
understand that similar divisions have taken place throughout America and elsewhere, and
our sympathies are with those who have seen the need for taking this course. One cannot
help regretting that so many should have been led astray by what are, in many cases, such
palpable errors, but in some instances at least, it is the result of paying undue
deference to human agencies instead of realizing that we are individuals and will be
judged individually and not in the mass.
We are
wondering just what effect on the Watch Tower Society and its activities the imprisonment
of so many of its prominent members will have. No doubt, items of interest to the Church,
of this kind, will appear in your new publication.
Praying
that the Lord will direct your efforts so that they way be truly helpful to His people.
Yours in
our one hope,
CHAS. F.
MAIN.
The above
letter presents strong evidence of the Lord's overruling providence and care over His
people, separated and scattered though they are, in all parts of the earth. It is worthy
of note also that the results of the severe testings and fiery trials of the past year are
the same in far-off Australia as they are in America.
Additionally,
it is cheering to our hearts to note the zeal and activity on the part of the Australian
friends, in being about our Father's business, in forwarding the work of the ministry.
They have had their work organized for several months, and are now well under way-a
regular periodical that contains timely articles and doctrinal matter for the nourishing
and encouragement of the household of faith; besides the issuing of appropriate volunteer
matter for free distribution, and the circulating of the Scripture Studies. The following
notice appears in the recent issue of their periodical:
The BIBLE STUDENTS TRACT SOCIETY
"Has
been organized under a Board of five members. The object is to carry on the service of
truth along the lines instituted by Pastor Russell-to preserve a centre of interest for
all who desire to co-operate in the work and thus to comfort and sustain the Lord's people
in the particular trials of this day; also to supply Scripture Studies, Bible Aids, and
such other literature as may be helpful. Step by step the way opened up, and the support
at once accorded seemed to indicate that it was the Lord's will that the Society be
formed.
"The
Committee would like to hear, as soon as possible, from all who are willing to cooperate
in any way in this work, so that plans may be made accordingly."
"What
folly, then," the faithless critic cries,
With sneering lip and wise, world-knowing eyes,
While fort to fort and post to post repeat
The ceaseless challenge of the war-drum's beat,
And round the green earth, to the church-bell's chime,
The morning drum-roll of the camp keeps time,
To dream of peace amidst a world in arms;
Of swords to plowshares changed by Scriptural charms;
Of nations, drunken with the wine of blood,
Staggering to take the pledge of brotherhood,
Like tipplers answering Father Mathew's call.
Check Ban
or Kaiser with a barricade
Of `Olive leaves' and resolutions made;
Spike guns with pointed Scripture texts, and hope
To capsize navies with a windy trope;
Still shall the glory and the pomp of war
Along their train the shouting millions draw;
Still dusky labor to the parting brave
His cap shall doff and beauty's kerchief wave;
Still shall the bard to valor tune his song;
Still hero-worship kneel before the strong;
Rosy and sleek, the sable-gowned divine,
O'er his third bottle of suggestive wine,
To plumed and sworded auditors shall prove
Their trade accordant with the law of love;
And Church for State, and State for Church shall fight,
And both agree that might alone is right."
Despite
the sneers like these, O Faithful few,
Who dare to hold God's Word and witness true,
Whose clear-eyed faith transcends our evil time,
And o'er the present wilderness of crime
Sees the calm future with its robes of green,
Its fleece-flecked mountains, and soft streams between,
Still keep the track which duty bids ye tread,
Though worldly wisdom shake the cautious head.
No truth from heaven descends upon our sphere
Without the greeting of the skeptic's sneer;
Denied and mocked at, till its blessings fall
Common as dew and sunshine over all.
-Whittier
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