St

St. Paul Enterprise

Special Editions of the Defences of Pastor Russell

St. Paul, Ramsey County, Minnesota

Volume 5: Number 15 (Friday, November 6, 1914)

Volume 5: Number 29 (Friday, February 12, 1915)

Preface

The following pages contain all of the articles in two editions of the St. Paul Enterprise which were printed especially for the defense of Pastor Russell. Apparently several versions of these two editions were issued, with the same banner and date Of the four copies at hand, there are some differences in content in each of them. All of the articles in these Special Editions have been reprinted.

Because of variations between versions, it is impossible to maintain the order of the articles strictly. Where one article naturally follows another, order has been maintained. When the 1914 and 1915 versions varied, the 1915 article immediately follows the 1914 article with the same title.

Some of the arguments presented in the articles may be difficult to follow in our day, because the issues were hot in 1914/1915 and much of the opposition material is not available for perusal at present to see what was said by the opposers. Nevertheless, the spirit of the difficulties can be felt in their (sometimes harsh) expressions. May the Lord bless your consideration of these articles.

The American language has changed somewhat since 1915. Original spelling and grammar have been retained, against the wishes of the spell-checker in the word-processor.

Only the publication dates and clearly indicated "fill-ins" for holes in the original newspaper have been added by the present publisher. Any information that was supplied by the present publisher will be found in braces {}.

Published by:

Bible Students’ Archives

c/o Brian Kutscher

6144 University Drive

Dearborn Heights, MI 48127-2558

U. S. A.

Spirit of the Special Edition

November 6, 1914

Dear Mr. Editor:

Since having complied with your request of assistance in compiling this special edition of the Enterprise, it occurs that a few words of explanation of my part and my view may be helpful to some.

It should be known that my part has consisted solely in arrangement of headings and a careful reading of the proofs. I know that you have from time to time kept certain articles, contributions to your paper, and which you found specially approved and ordered by many friends, standing in type to meet the demand for extra copies. I also understand that because of the rise in the price of type metal, you can no longer keep this type tied up in the shop. Your thought, as I understand it, has therefore been, before surrendering this type metal to be melted, to put it all in form for permanent preservation and use together in a special edition. The plan seems highly commendable; for there certainly are a number of gems in this collection, from the pens of various friends throughout the country, that many will be glad to preserve for frequent use.

Personally I would be glad to be omitted from all consideration; but you have elected to include certain articles from me; and, while it was not my selection, I can understand how friends will approve your choice. This is because the articles contain defenses of our Pastor against unprincipled and hurtful assaults. Some have not approved these defenses; for them and for their viewpoint we have the utmost charity. We cannot, however, lose sight of the interests of many others in the matter. The attackers of Pastor Russell have stepped into the precise position of the Pharisees of old, to whom Jesus said: "Ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in." Our mission in defending our Pastor has been in the behalf of those who wished to enter and were hindered; those who were attracted by the beauties of "Present Truth," but greatly perplexed at the violent attacks upon the character of "that Servant" who has opened the portals of the Kingdom to our generation.

Friends who felt no personal need of the defenses have welcomed their help in dealing with others. Brother Owen of Indianapolis well states this position in his letter, printed elsewhere. Other friends, especially isolated ones, have been grieved and distressed at the venom of the attacks, and have felt much consolation in the refutations. Some readers have testified that the defenses actually aided them in accepting "Present Truth."

Many friends could never have assembled all the points of refutation unaided, as the gathering of them has involved much correspondence, consultation and study, which not all are so situated as to undertake.

It has seemed providential that, when these defenses have been demanded, the Enterprise has been placed at our disposal for their dissemination. The work, though often seeming hateful, from the forms of expression used, has been in every truth and ever a work of love. Our love for Pastor Russell and our admiration of his stainless character and his wonderful ability for leadership have grown constantly, as we have delved into the intricacies of slimy charges. Our love for those in need of deliverance from the fear of the charges has likewise increased, as the benefits have become apparent, until the passion to serve them has been at times almost consuming. And our Love for these enemies, in the face of our strongest denunciations of their conduct, has never wavered. This is offered in the fullest sincerity as a personal testimony. We rejoice to know that God has gracious purposes and provisions in the future for even these, if they will repent and submit to the laws of His Kingdom.

We believe readers will find in this special issue complete and sufficient refutation of every personal attack that has been made on our Pastor, save one which will be covered now. With it, we believe and trust the defensive work will be finished. Doubtless many will appreciate the advantage of having all assembled in one paper.

Our attention was called, after the attack by Dr. Greenwood in Minneapolis, Aug. 23, to the fact that no answer had been made to the charge by William T. Ellis of a damaging interview with Pastor Russell regarding his tour of investigation of Missions. Friends who have not been made aware will be glad to be reminded that all facts requisite to a complete refutation of the Ellis attack have already been printed, and are to be found in the 1912 Convention report. The publisher of that report, Dr. L. W. Jones, 3003 Walnut St., Chicago, having over-estimated the demand for that issue, has many copies still on hand, and has cut the price to 50 cents. Possibly his apparent over-estimate was providential, that a supply might be available to meet this need. Dr. Jones, who was a member of the committee of investigation, and made the entire tour with Pastor Russell, wrote complete details of the trip to the Ecclesia at home in the form of letters, and these letters, with illustrations, occupy over 100 pages of this particular convention report.

The writer heard several of the letters read to the Ecclesia at the time they were received in Chicago, long before the return of the party, and hence before the date of the alleged interview in Brooklyn. They were not written as answers to attacks, but as truthful narratives of events that transpired.

There is not an item in the Ellis accusation that is not fully refuted by these interesting letters of Dr. Jones. Friends who already have this report will be repaid to read them. The writer recently went through them, blue-penciling every statement that refuted some claim of Ellis, and our copy is now a veritable "Blue Book."

It does not seem possible to any one who has read the letters of Dr. Jones to believe that the alleged interview of Ellis with Pastor Russell was anything more or less than an absolute fake. We would feel no hesitation in branding it as such, and challenging Ellis to demonstrate that such an interview as he charges ever took place. This seems to place Ellis in the Ananias class; but let any doubters read Ellis and then Dr. Jones, and then form their own conclusion.

May I be permitted, Mr. Editor, to express my appreciation of the assistance we have enjoyed at your hands? I would gladly welcome you as a Brother in the Truth, were you to make it possible. At the very least, I heartily agree with friends who have expressed the thought that you will be rewarded for your part in this work. Jesus said to His disciples, "Whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward."

Yours for the Truth,

W. H. BRADFORD.

———————

Spirit of The New Special Edition

February 12, 1915

Dear Mr. Editor:

This Special Edition, like its predecessor of Nov. 6 {1914}, is "set for the defense of the Truth." There are both friends and foes who ask the question, Why defend Pastor Russell and his teachings and movement?

Foes have argued that if he were above reproach, he would not need defense. In answer to this we might ask if they can recall of whom it was prophetically said, "They hated me without a cause;" and who said to his followers, "If they hated me, they will hate you."

The greater the value of the object attacked, the greater reason for defense. The millions spent by the United States in defense of the Panama Canal argues its worth, rather than the opposite. So with truth and truth advocates. They merit the best of defense. We defend Pastor Russell because he is perhaps the most relentlessly persecuted man in the world today. It is a trite philosophy that a strong man will make enemies, and that it takes success of high order to draw a vigorous fire. Pastor Russell’s international opposition is an eloquent tribute to his International achievements. His critics would not be caught in such an onslaught on a weakling. There is a homely adage that it is the "stuck pig" that squeals. It has the most accurate application to those who are squealing about Pastor Russell. Every cry is a cry of pain. This statement will cause much wincing, if pressed home; but will nevertheless bear pressing home on many an occasion

Friends have taken the position that it is our duty to walk as lambs to the slaughter, and that defense is a violation of this duty. They forget the terrific denunciation of the Jewish clergy by Jesus: the dying defense of the martyr Stephen that cut the same clergy to the heart; and the command of Paul to Titus concerning the elders (Tit 1:9-13, Diaglott) that they should be such as could "confute the opposers," "whom it is necessary to silence," "therefore reprove them Severely."the distinction is sharply to be made between self-defense and defense of the Truth. The examples of Jesus and Stephen in this regard are worthy of most careful consideration.

The attackers of Pastor Russell have stepped into the precise position of the Pharisees of old, to whom Jesus said: "Ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in." Our mission in defending our Pastor has been in the behalf of those who wished to enter and were hindered; those who were attracted by the beauties of "Present Truth," but greatly perplexed at the violent attacks upon the character of "that Servant" who has opened the portals of the Kingdom to our generation.

Friends who felt no personal need of the defenses have welcomed their help in dealing with others. Other friends, especially isolated ones, have been grieved and distressed at the venom of the attacks, and have felt much consolation in the refutations. Some readers have testified that the defenses actually aided them in accepting "Present Truth."

It has seemed providential that, when these defenses have been demanded, the Enterprise has been placed at our disposal for their dissemination. The work, though often seeming hateful, from the forms of expression used, has been in very truth and ever a work of love. Our love for Pastor Russell and our admiration of his stainless character and his wonderful ability for leadership have grown constantly, as we have delved into the intricacies of slimy charges. Our love for those in need of deliverance from the fear of the charges has likewise increased, as the benefits have become apparent, until the passion to serve them has been at times almost consuming. And our Love for these enemies, in the face of our strongest denunciations of their conduct, has never wavered. This is offered in the fullest sincerity as a personal testimony. We rejoice to know that God has gracious purposes and provisions in the future for even these, if they will repent and submit to the laws of His Kingdom.

We believe readers will find in this special issue complete and sufficient refutation of every personal attack that has been made on our Pastor, save one which will be covered now.

We would be glad to welcome the Publisher as a brother; and at any rate are surely agreed that he will be rewarded for his part in this work. Jesus said to His disciples, "Whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward."

Yours for the Truth,

W. H.BRADFORD

———————————-

Mr. Russell was born in 1852. At an early age he engaged with his father in the Men’s Furnishing Business, first at Allegheny, later establishing a chain of stores in other cities. He was singularly successful as a merchant, amassing what was then considered a fortune. Being specially interested in religious themes, he began while not yet of age to develop the lines of thought that have since made him world-wide fame. Convinced that he ought to preach to the world the truth he possessed, he sold his business, and consecrated all the money and his all to the "foolishness of preaching." Today his books are entered upon the Ninth Million volumes of their sale, which is the largest and most marvelous sale of religious books, outside the Bible, known in the history of the Christian era. They have been translated into nineteen languages.

His sermons are printed every week in two thousand newspapers, thus reaching probably twenty million people. This also is a world’s record, four or five times as great a circulation as the sermons of Talmage or any other preacher ever received. His writings in tract form have been published in quantities so great that the very figures are practically incomprehensible to the human mind.

Asked to account for so successful a propaganda, Pastor Russell’s associates and friends declare it is to be explained in the fact that he alone, of all theologians since the days of the Apostles, has been able to demonstrate the perfect harmony of all Bible doctrines. He has drawn together, from the word of God, the points of truth in all the many creeds of Christendom, eliminating all the false, thus forming a system of doctrine that its adherents are well justified in calling "THE TRUTH." For this reason, likewise, members of the International Bible Students Association firmly believe him to be "that faithful servant," mentioned in Matt. 24 and Luke 12. If he is not, they ask, "Who is? Mr. Russell has never, in the forty years of his ministry, taken a collection or permitted one to be taken, or solicited contributions in any way. His methods have brought upon him the wrathful opposition of the clergy; but his work has none the less prospered, and the common people hear him gladly.

——————

Implicit Trust

"He knows the way I take, -

What matter then if dark it be,

Or rough, or hedged about, -

His Staff shall comfort me.

"And should His love withhold

What seems so near, so dear, so sweet,

I’ll humbly take this thing

And lay it at His feet.

"How sweet to know he knows,

And cares and holds me by the hand, -

Will safely guide until

I reach the Heavenly Land!"

————

A Glimpse of Kaiser’s Marvelous Ambition

Pastor Russell’s Article Written Sixteen Years Ago Sounds Strangely Prophetic in the Light of Current Events.

(From the "Watch Tower" of October 15, 1898.)

Men of energy and ambition are, more frequently than others, used of the Lord; because they are instruments ready for service. If the energy and ambition be thoroughly subjected to the Lord-controlled by high spirituality, humility, and veneration toward the Creator, and with large individuality and independence of character and firmness toward men-it will lead to reverent and careful study of the Divine will and to persistence and assiduity in its prosecution. Such characters God is pleased to use for His service. Next to our Lord Jesus, the Apostle Paul is an ideal illustration of such a character: God was pleased to use him largely as a mouth-piece and as a servant of the Truth-in proportion to his humility, loyalty and energy.

And likewise, but in an opposite direction, God has been pleased to use the energetic and ambitious among the worldly-whose motive power was not love, loyalty and humility, but to the contrary-selfish pride, vain-glory. God often uses such characters in another kind of service-causing their ambitious energies ("wrath") to praise Him, and the remainder (beyond what suits His purposes) He restrains. Illustrations of this stamp of character are seen in Satan, in Judas, and in persons in less prominent positions in the Church-even today. These are active in planting "roots of bitterness, by which many are defiled" and sifted out, stumbled-leaving the remainder stronger and purer. See the inspired Word on this subject-"I hear that there be divisions among you; and as to a certain part I believe it; and there must needs be also partyism among you (permitted of the Lord), that they that are approved may be made manifest among you." "Brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses, in violation of the doctrine which ye have learned (the royal law of love); and avoid them." "They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, whey would no doubt have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us." (1Co 11:18; Ro 16:17; 1Joh 2:19.) It is doubtless as necessary that the Church be sifted, purged, tested, as that it be "built up;" and for either work God uses the ready and willing.

But our thoughts run specially in the channel of God’s supervision of earthly affairs and His use of worldly ambitions in world-affairs. In this direction Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Cyrus, Alexander and Napoleon I. are notable examples of the past-men of destiny.

Emperor William’s Ambition.

As Lord Herschel was guided by his science to search for a new planet and thus discovered one, some students of the greatest of all sciences-the Divine Revelation, the Bible-are guided thereby to search for its promised "things to come" (Joh 16:13), and, as was promised, they find them and thus are permitted to anticipate history. For instance, the "Watchers" know, from the unfolding of the Scriptures which God has provided them, that astounding changes, social, religious and political, are just before us-to be accomplished within the next sixteen years: we note the Scripture testimony that just prior to the great collapse in anarchy there is to be a revival of Papal influence in the world; and that Protestantism, considerably unified or federated, will be in practical sympathy and co-operation with Papacy; and that in fact (though not in theory) Catholicism and Protestantism will for a short time jointly rule the civilized world (through the civil powers) and appear to have begun a human Millennium. But while the cries of Peace! Peace!! are still heard, will come the great cataclysm of social revolution which shall demolish all present institution and demonstrate the futility of all selfish human schemes, and by heart-breaking discouragements prepare mankind for the great blessing which God has in store.

Naturally, the "Watchers" are on the lookout for every sign of the times seeming to harmonize with the known coming events. Indeed, our interest in the "news of the day" is chiefly with the fragments which seem to have a connection with or a bearing upon the fulfillments of prophecy. And knowing that God generally uses "a man of opportunity" for His work, we are struck with the fact that the German Emperor, who evidently is seeking a notable destiny, has lately been giving expression to ambitions that seem closely related to Scriptural predictions. And his determination and pride will impel him so far as possible to make good his boasts; added to which he freely and repeatedly declares that he feels himself led and impelled in this direction by an unseen power, or "voice," which spurs him on to success. And a success on one point or issue would surely lead such a man to larger schemes in the same direction. God "raised him up" to the throne of the German Empire (in probably the same way that He raised Pharaoh up to the throne of Egypt at the time of Israel’s deliverance) by taking out of the way, by death, his father-a man of very different temperament and ambitions. That would be more reasonable than to suppose of William II. that (as it is written of one brought miraculously to the throne of old) God brought him "to the throne, for such a time as this," and for the work he is ambitious to accomplish?

The Emperor’s ambition is to restore to "religion" some of its former power by which is co-operated with the civil rulers in the control of the world. Not that he would desire to reproduce "the dark ages" of priestcraft and superstition, and of inquisition, the stake and the rack; but that he considers those evils, not in the light of the Scriptures but in the light of today’s world-wisdom, attributing those evils to the ignorance of the times and not to the false teachings of Anti-Christ.

He reasons that Romanism is rejuvenating and adapting itself to twentieth century conditions and can be trusted as much as Protestantism, so far as the maintenance of present governments is concerned; and that, after all, is to him the all-important matter. Indeed, he seems to feel that the revival of Papal influence is a necessity anyway on the ground that of two evils the less should be chosen to avert the greater.

From the Emperor’s own statement of his ambitious designs (published in the public prints) as related to General Hoffmann Scholz, and doubtless designed for publication, we furnish the following extract:

"At the present day two great evils threaten humanity. They are Socialism and Atheism. Against each of these the pope is a bulwark. In fighting infidelity no aid should be neglected. Socialism is infidelity to the monarch or the State, and Atheism is infidelity to God.

"The Pope is the spiritual ruler of the largest communion on earth, and he is by far the most powerful and authoritative of spiritual rulers. His word is promptly and willingly obeyed by hundreds of millions of people spread throughout the globe. He can order and direct the consciences of these multitudes. He can say: These are your religious tenets; those must be your social sentiments; and suddenly he is obeyed. His power therefore for good is immeasurable.

"Kings and emperors are the Divinely ordained guardians of social order and directors of social well-being, just as the leaders of religious bodies are the Divinely ordained moderators of conscience. But just as king and emperors can have their beneficent influence in the religious order, so can spiritual guides help and promote the social weal.

"The pope’s range of power is the vastest of all, and consequently the possibilities of the good he may do are the most far-reaching. I think it imperative therefore that he be put in a position to freely accomplish all the good of which he is capable. He must be liberated from his self-imposed imprisonment in the Vatican. All the trammels that surround and harass him in his daily life must be removed, so that he will then be at liberty to fight the common enemies, Socialism and irreligion. And he will be in a position to make his voice heard in the interests of peace, when nations go to war without just motive and in the interest of humanity, when acts of cruelty or injustice are being anywhere committed.

I have meditated long and deeply on this subject. The fact that it preoccupies me so much convinces me that I am inspired to take action in the matter. It is like one of the voices that Socrates had about with him which whispers in my ear that this also is my mission to remedy the pope’s position and open up the field for his range of well-doing. It daily urges me to act. Whether I shall succeed or not is beyond my power to foretell. Judging from the circumstances there is every evidence that success should not be outside the bounds of possibility. I am going to do my utmost, and more than this no man can do.

"I feel for the moment that I have no other concrete and practical mission before me. To succeed in such as undertaking would be a climax and a crowning worthy of any man’s life. As I say, I will energetically attempt it. The small preternatural voice unmistakable spurs me on, and I think than this no better augury of success could be desired.

"For this moment I can say no more, and it does not behoove me to be too explicit about my plans. They are already laid, and my immediate actions will be a development of them. Their result will be their justification, and it will also be the justification of many acts in the past, which may have seemed strange and unaccountable to my good Protestant subjects, but which had their motive and their origin in a desire to accomplish great and enduring events. . .

"I shall not die until my ends in this regard are attained. Death otherwise would find a void in my existence; and I feel within me that I have not been born in vain."

————-

Noted French Astrologer Quotes Pastor Russell

Syndicated Article Widely Published in Leading Sunday Papers Refers to His Forecast of Present War as Prophetic.

In the syndicated feature section of the Minneapolis Sunday Tribune and other big dailies of October 18, 1914, there appeared a very interesting page article, illustrated, entitled "The Star of Bethlehem Coming Back," by Prof. Latillier, the distinguished French Astrologer. It argues the identity of the comet, which is now engaging so much attention, with the Star of Bethlehem of old, and the fact that this particular comet is always the harbinger of momentous events. In this connection Prof. Latillier makes the following very interesting and commendatory reference to Pastor Russell:

"The Rev. Charles T. Russell, pastor of the Millennial Dawners, who worship in the Brooklyn Tabernacle, warned the people very clearly that this would be the year of the Battle of Armageddon.

"‘In view of this strong Bible evidence,’ wrote Rev. Dr. Russell as long as 1889, ‘we consider it an established truth that the final end of the kingdoms of this world, and the full establishment of the Kingdom of God will be by the end of A.D. 1914.’

"The Rev. Dr. Russell very rationally argued that the battle of Armageddon signified that the common people would turn upon their kings and rulers who had wickedly led them into war. He believes that before the close of the present war the nations will dethrone all kings and form a universal brotherhood which will make a conflict like this impossible in future."

A few months ago many of Pastor Russell’s friends believed that the coming of October, 1914, would witness the complete end of the sale of his books; that hostile clergymen and others would raise a hue and cry about the "false prophet" and his "false date" and discredit him to the extent that none would buy the "1914" books. October 1 has passed, however, and the sale of the books goes on at an accelerated pace, the rate being almost a million a year. Especially attractive to thinking people is the fourth volume of his series, entitled "The Battle of Armageddon." Many are eager to secure the volume that predicted this awful war and detailed its causes and its outcome a quarter of a century ago. They are fairly startled as they scan its opening chapters, so singularly worded as if written this very autumn.

How strikingly majestic is the confidence with which this world-famed author delineates in advance the tremendous events of our day, treading with assurance upon the sure foundation of Old and New Testament prophecy! How inspiringly different from the guesses and gropings of many other present writers! An example will serve us well. In a recent issue of a St. Paul daily paper E. K. Wooley, a syndicate writer, in a copyrighted article, essays to answer and comfort a skeptic who has asked him these questions: "Why does this all-loving God, this omnipotent and omniscient Being, not effect a reconciliation between the contending powers? Why did He not prevent all this bloodshed and sorrow?"

Mr. Wooley heads his article, "Answering the Agnostic." After reading this heading, and noting the copyright, the reader expects an argument at least half convincing. But what does he find? I do not know if I can give any comfort to the writer. I can only tell how I personally feel.............I have never doubted a Supreme Purpose....That I might never understand the Purpose I acknowledge..........in this great war be sure that God has His purpose. You and I cannot see it.......Nothing can stop the coming of a finer brotherhood among men. And that, perhaps, is what God is having born to us now."

The spectacle fills us with feelings of pathos. Men’s hearts fail them for fear, and they grope in clouds of darkness for a ray of light; and a great daily, as a leader of public thought, offers as a consolation an article wherein the comforter declares, under protection of a copyright, -I do not know; I may never understand; I cannot see; Perhaps a finer state is coming.

Is the inquiring Agnostic answered, consoled, satisfied? Is any one? How different is the message of God’s great servant, Pastor Russell! What certainty, what conviction, what consolation, what cheer rings forth from every page of his message! In it is found satisfaction and consolation sublime. The ninth million of these soul-warming volumes is now being sold. What wide-spread assistance to groping minds these figures indicate! And how appropriate it seems that these millions of volumes with their unmeasurable freightage of blessing, have been placed in the hands of the people of twenty languages without the exacting of a single red penny of pecuniary profit to the author and publisher, a gospel without money and without price!

Surely all who see these lines will yearn to hear the true message of good tidings due in this heavy hour. Willing servants of Divine Truth are to be found almost everywhere, serving the people with these well-springs of inspiration. If any readers cannot get in personal touch with them however, they may be served by dropping a card to Pastor Russell at Brooklyn.

—————————-

{2/12/15} "Do Not Disappoint God." Leaders in Christendom Hold Peculiar Idea of Divine Power.

One of the best religious weeklies in the world is the Christian Herald, of New York. It deals not only with religious matters, but also with secular topics, is beautifully illustrated, and has done a great amount of philanthropic work at home and abroad...........In last week’s issue of The Christian Herald are two articles that are not designed to help the cause of peace. It is nothing but peace hysterics. The first is "An Appeal to the President from the Christian Churches of the United States," and it opens with the words "The Church of Jesus Christ to the President of the United States, Greetings." Now the author of the article is not any authorized body of church representatives, or any one person authorized to speak for "The Church of Jesus Christ," but just Dr. Frank Crane, of Chicago.....

Dr. Crane, in the first place, has no authority whatever to speak in behalf of "The Church of Jesus Christ" to the president. He is just a member of a particular church.................He assumes too much.

In the second place, he asserts that the only thing to do is have congress invite the nations of the world to form a "World-Federation," and to proclaim "The United States of the World." This sounds very nice, but it is purely academic or rhetorical. Congress has no authority to act in this way, and congress cannot thus become the mouthpiece of the churches as Dr. Crane makes himself, without violating the spirit, if not the letter, of the constitution of the United States.

Furthermore, the Christian Herald, in an editorial article, says that, in view of the crisis created by the war, it looked for the "utterance of an inspired message by some inspired man." Dr. Crane seemed to be the only man available. Why Dr. Crane should be more of an inspired man than Lyman Abbott, of The Outlook, or the editor of The Independent, or of some other religious weekly, we are not told. And the Christian Herald editor, in appealing to its readers to write their congressmen and senators to urge such action by the government, concludes the article with the words: "Do not disappoint God."

Now, on what authority is the assumption based that God is looking to Dr. Crane and President Wilson for the speedy termination of the war? Here again is too much assumption. There is too much peace hysterics in both articles.

At the present time, nothing can be done to stop the European war. It will stop for one of two reasons-the belligerents will stop through mere self-exhaustion, or a decisive battle will bring all to terms.-(Extracts from an editorial in Sioux Falls, S. D., Daily Argus Leader. Dec. 30, 1914.)

—————

{2/12/15} Wise Men Of Kissimmee. "Florida Daily Says Pastor Has the "Goat of Reverend Friends."

Now come the ministers of the Gospel of Kissimmee and declare that Florida needs a "clean, first-class daily newspaper." Setting forth their idea as to what such a paper should be, the ministers say that it must not issue a Sunday edition, that it must not insert liquor advertising, that it must not print Pastor Russell’s sermons and that it must be friendly to the cause of prohibition.

If the esteemed ministers had not inserted the little clause about Pastor Russell’s sermons, we might give them credit for sincerity-but that gives them dead away. Pastor Russell’s sermons, somehow, "get the goat" of all our reverend friends. And we can’t see why. If the Pastor is the big old fake the preachers declare he is, and if his sermons are nonsensical and without force, why should they so strenuously object to their publication?

The Kissimmee ministers are mistaken when they say that the Pastor Russell sermons are "paid for as advertising matter." This is not true. The Tribune gives the space for the sermons because there is a general demand for them throughout The Tribune’s territory. We find nothing immoral, unclean, or corruptive in them. They are wanted by readers who believe in the Pastor, just as Methodist news is wanted by Methodist readers, Baptist news by Baptist readers, and so on.

The Kissimmee ministers have also not yet awakened to the fact that the work on the Sunday paper is done on Saturday and that, if their objection is to working on the Sabbath, they ought to designate the Monday instead of the Sunday paper as the object of their wrath. But there is really no valid objection to either. The ministers of Tampa avail themselves of the opportunity of having their church announcements in the Sunday Tribune and there is no more harm in announcing a sermon program in the Sunday paper than there is in preaching it on Sunday-the only difference being that the paper does the announcing free, while the preacher gets pay for the preaching.

We have no faith in the efforts of these Kissimmee ministers to bring forth a sterilized newspaper. If they did succeed in getting it out, it would be of few days and full of trouble. A newspaper, in order to be a success, must endeavor to meet the requirements of all kinds of readers and one run strictly on the Kissimmee preacher plan would be a dismal failure. The proposition smacks of intolerance and fanaticism and their purpose, which is to "knock" Pastor Russell, is only thinly veiled by their high-sounding and altruistic phrases.-Tampa Tribune, Dec. 10, 1914.

—————————-

{2/12/15} A Wondrous Dream Stirring Scenes of Judgment Day Depicted in Dream in Scriptural Language

I dreamed that it was the day of Judgment, the time of the resurrection of the dead. The living nations had already been brought into subjection to the Great Redeemer and his glorified Church, and the knowledge of the glory of the Lord filled the earth. As I looked I saw one awakened out of the sleep of death; my ears were opened and I heard him saying"

"What is this? Where am I?"

One of his friends standing by, said to him:

"My friend, you have just been awakened out of the sleep of death."

"What? Have I been asleep?"

"Yes, you have been quietly sleeping in death’s embrace several hundred years. Things are wonderfully changed since you died."

"Where are the hobgoblins, the devils and the demons that they said would torment me throughout all eternity?"

"There are no hobgoblins; the devils and the demons have been chained and restrained. Satan, himself, has been bound so that he may deceive the nations no more."

"Am I not to be tortured and tormented as they told me?"

"No, no. The wages of sin is death, not torment. In going down into death you received your wages, you suffered the full penalty for your sins. He that is dead is freed from sin. All that you retain of your former life is your character and your memory, which identifies you as the same person that lived and died."

"How is that?"

"Jesus Christ, by the grace of God, tasted death for every man; gave himself a ransom for all, that he might redeem all from the grave. All flesh shall see the salvation of God."

"How am I to be benefited by this awakening?"

"Through no fault of yours, you were born under the condemnation of sin and death; and through the acts of disobedience you have had a bitter experience with evil all through your former life, and you have learned that disobedience means sin, and sin when it is finished brings death. You are now awakened out of the sleep of death, and will enter the school of Christ, where you will be taught the lessons of obedience. As you learn to know the evil, so now you will learn to know the good. It will be required of you to be obedient, and to think of the things that are good and true, and just and honest; things that are pure and lovely and of good report. You will have the help of the Great Teacher and the way will be made plain."

"Is this Heaven?"

"No, no. This is the new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness. Our Ruler does not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears; but with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth; and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked."

"What beautiful fruits and flowers I see."

"Yes, the curse has been removed, and the earth yields its fruit in an abundance. Every man sitteth under his vine and under his fig tree, and none shall make them afraid. The wilderness and the solitary place has been made glad, and the desert is rejoicing and blossoming as the rose. The judgments of the Lord are in the earth, and the inhabitants of the world are learning righteousness."

"Listen! I hear the voice of laughter among the children, and the songs of mothers rejoicing in their mirth."

"Yes; don’t you remember that the prophet said: ‘The city shall be full of boys and girls playing in the streets.’ and don’t you know that it is written in the prophets about the mothers. ‘Refrain thy voice from weeping and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the Lord;’ and they (the children) shall come again from the land of the enemy. Thy children shall come again (from the prison of death). Isn’t it joyful and glorious to watch those happy mothers caressing their little babes that have been restored to them. Listen! The wolf shall dwell with the lamb; and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the deer shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox; and a sucking child shall put his hand on the cockatrice den. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea."

"They told me that there were only two places, Heaven and Hell; that the earth was to be burned up."

"That was an awful, awful mistake. The Bible says, ‘The earth abideth forever.’ The Psalmist David says, ‘The heaven, even the heavens are the Lord’s; but the earth hath he given to the children of men; He made it to be inhabited.’ Again, ‘the meek shall inherit the earth and delight themselves in the abundance of peace.’ Finally our Lord and Master said: ‘Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth.’"

Contributed by

HENRY LASWELL.

"Truth-springs like harvest

from the well-ploughed fields,

Rewarding patient toil,

and faith and zeal.

To those thus seeking her,

she ever yeilds

Her richest treasures

for their lasting weal."

—————————————-

————-

Dr. Riley Takes a Stand Making Debate Unlikely The Twin City Ecclesia’s Elder, Who Was Authorized to Debate with Baptist Clergyman, Writes this Letter on the Situation.

St. Paul, Sept. 14, 1914.

Editor Enterprise:

The letter from Dr. W. B. Riley of Minneapolis to you, written Sept. 7, and reaching you in the morning of Sept. 11, barely in time to appear in last week’s paper, corresponds in part to one from him to me, and indicates clearly that he has receded from his first position regarding a doctrinal debate with me over the teachings of Pastor Russell. The interest of all concerned seems to call for a detailed and final statement to your readers, inasmuch as Dr. Riley has now assumed a stand that renders a debate wholly improbable. I hope means may be devised for placing this statement also before Dr. Riley’s membership, so that those who heard his two bombastic public challenges may know how he has turned his back on his own proposition and asked instead for conditions which he must know are impossible.

On Aug. 23 he stated before a capacity crowd in his church that he would debate with me at any time and place. In a letter to me dated Aug. 28 he says: "I will debate in the St. Paul Enterprise." On Aug. 30, after an attack by him on Pastor Russell that disgusted some of his own prominent members, he was asked to entertain a question, and publicly refused with a very loud statement calling attention to the challenge he had hurled at me for debate.

Now it seems that the Enterprise, which was his own suggestion as a debating forum, is not good enough for him. His excuse is: "I was laboring under the impression that * * * your paper was devoted entirely to his (Russell’s) interests, judging by the few copies I have received." This statement from Dr. Riley’s own pen proves to us how carelessly impressions are formed in his mind. Every intelligent person who really desires the facts as to the ownership and purpose of any publication naturally turns to the top of its editorial page, or to its business card. Dr. Riley, having had copies of the Enterprise, he admits, has no possible excuse for entertaining a false impression, since the ownership and object are clearly stated in every issue, and have nothing whatever to do with Pastor Russell.

A Fair Sample of Rileyism.

This is but a sample of the way Dr. Riley has continuously jumped at unwarranted conclusions regarding the life and writings of Pastor Russell. He has made these labored delusions the basis of his embittered and untruthful attacks; whereas a little preliminary investigation of hard facts would have disabused his mind of many errors he has fondly cherished, and would have removed all grounds for debate.

Dr. Riley will not face a fact when it stares him in the face. He has tried to dodge the plain and pointed issues presented in the Answer to Gray, merely by pointless personal jibes at the writer. He must be led back, as with a halter, to the plainly stated facts, and held there by force till he will deign to say what he will do with them. He is a good dodger, but cannot dodge the issue here. We challenge him to face the facts squarely like a man; and we will figuratively lead him back to them here.

His Eyes on "Watch Tower."

He says the place for his attack on our doctrines is properly our "official organ"-which he knows to be the "Watch Tower." We know he is familiar with the "Watch Tower," because on Aug. 23 in his church he made a boast to a member that he receives the "Watch Tower" "every week of the world." This statement is another fair example of Riley accuracy, since the publication mentioned is semi-monthly, and nobody receives it "every week of the world."

Having received our "official organ" so regularly, Dr. Riley is in a position to know that nothing appears in it at any time, beyond the briefest letters of general interest, that is not written by the editor, Charles T. Russell. Knowing this, he knows that there is not the remotest probability that the editor would admit to its pages any doctrinal wrangles. Therefore he knows that when he backs down on his own proposed terms and cries for the "Watch Tower," he is practically calling off his own challenge.

It is not for me to open the columns of the "Watch Tower" to Dr. Riley. I have no control over it, and no influence I could exert would be at all likely to gain for Dr. Riley an entrance there. If he is anxious to write for the "Watch Tower," he must apply to Pastor Russell, who has complete control of it. He knows that.

Prostitute a Sacred Mission?

For nine years the "Watch Tower" has carried at the top of its initial page a statement regarding "This Journal and Its Sacred Mission." Both the editor and the vast majority of his readers deeply believe that it has a sacred mission, as stated in the paper itself. If a vote among them were taken as to whether such a debate as Dr. Riley proposes could properly appear on its pages, it would in all probability by practically unanimous to the effect that such an appearance would be a downright prostitution of its sacred mission.

The Enterprise does not claim any sacred mission. It consistently professes a secular mission.

Dr. Riley insists that he must get his debate before our people. He spurned a suggestion for getting it before his people. He does not wish his people to see our side. Is he afraid of the result? But he seems to think that if he could only reach all of Pastor Russell’s friends with his attack, he could speedily win them away from their confidence in their Pastor. To effectually cure Dr. Riley of this delusion that his untruthful attacks would carry any of us away from our anchor, we will supply him, on request, with names of admirers of Pastor Russell, upon whom he can turn loose his wiles to his heart’s content.

His challenges were uttered before his own people. Where, then, is the impropriety in placing the debate before those very people, the ones who heard the challenges and the libelous attacks? Let Dr. Riley face this point. We strongly insist.

If he dodges, we shall seek means of reaching his flock apart from debate. Our resources are not restricted.

Face the Points.

In Dr. Riley’s Sept. 7 letter to me, he complains that I have insinuated dishonestly in him and have treated Gray, Moorehead and Haldeman unfairly in the Answer to Gray.

The indefinite charge illustrates his usual method of dodging the real points. We challenge him to the points regarding Moorehead, Haldeman, Gray and Riley. Let everybody watch him critically as he faces these points and as they stare him in their naked reality. Do not take an eye off the Doctor long enough to let him dodge. He must at last meet the issue of these facts:

1. Regarding Moorehead: At the bottom of our page 44 and on page 45 of the Answer to Gray we presented an exceedingly definite indictment, based on direct quotations from Moorehead’s own publication. In them Moorehead dug his own pit and plunged in, head foremost. In the third paragraph of page 45 we insistently invited any admirer of his to suggest any possible escape for Moorehead from his own dilemma of dishonesty. Dr. Riley has never faced this point. He has never attempted to excuse his friend. No one has attempted the task. Let them try it. We repeat Let them try. Meanwhile, let all listen attentively while Moorehead’s friends justify him in the light of reason. Whoever circulates the Moorehead tract in the face of this unanswered challenge, brands himself for exactly what he is.

2. Regarding Haldeman: On pages 22 and 23 of the Answer to Gray, we quoted, verbatim, eight charges of Haldeman against Pastor Russell’s teachings, and branded them each and all of them as totally false and contrary to the well established facts in the case. Haldeman had affirmed the statements; and, as the party of the affirmative, necessarily assumed the responsibility of proof. He has never proved or attempted to prove a single word. None of his friends have attempted for him. A marked copy of my denial was sent to him, and one to his publisher, with a personal letter. In the face of my challenge of their honesty they are silent; while Riley simply cries "unfair," hoping thereby to cause the real issue to be forgotten. We lead him back to the issue and hold him there. Dr. Riley, answer my challenge in the first column of page 23, "Answer to Dr. Gray," if you can. Can you?

Unfair to Dr. Gray?

3. Regarding Gray: On page 1, column 1, "Answer to Gray," we exposed Gray’s manifested indifference to the answer. Dr. Riley, is that unfair? Or was Gray unfair in continuing the circulation of an unanswered and discredited attack? Face the issue.

Answer my charge of garbled quotation in the second and third paragraphs of page 3. The charge is very definite. Answer my charge of false utterance at the bottom of page 4. It is also definite. Extricate Gray, if you can, from the dilemma indicated on page 6. It is a decidedly interesting point. Face the dilemma yourself, if your courage is strong. Face also the charge of unreliability on page 14 and justify Gray’s Greek scholarship, if you can find justification. Explain wherein I have erred in fastening the charge of inconsistency on Gray, at the middle of the second column of page 15. Meet the issue presented in the second column on page 16, where Gray is charged with not speaking to a certain clearly stated point, and where garbled quotation is laid at his door. Let Dr. Riley lay himself heavily to the task of refuting the strong and definite charge of misrepresentation at the bottom of page 21. Let him show definitely what exact way of escape is open to Gray from the charge of dishonesty and evasion made on page 26. Let him show wherein we have been unfair on page 34 in pointing out "The Climax of False Accusation," and "False Accusation Compounded." There are definite indictments against Gray, Dr. Riley. Do not seek to answer with evasion. It will not be accepted in this court. Include also the pointed charge in the first paragraph of page 35 in your Herculean task, and the charge of unreliability on page 43. Here are, in all, fifteen explicit charges against Gray, challenging explicit answers, -which have never yet come. When they have come, and not till then, insinuations of unfairness may be entertained. Our ears are open toward you, and will remain open.

Where Riley Has Misrepresented.

4. Regarding Dr. Riley’s own misrepresentations, we now publish explicit facts for his attention. We will make them so pointed that he can drop the charge of insinuation, and address himself to something much more serious.

On August 30, 1914, Dr. Riley caused to be distributed at his church copies of a pamphlet from his pen, entitled "Mistakes of Millennial Dawn." The opening paragraph says it is a "sermon delivered by Dr. W. B. Riley in the First Baptist Church, Minneapolis, Aug. 18, and 10:45 A. M." On page 13 of the pamphlet he says, "1914 is now on," These two utterance are certainly calculated to convey the impression that Dr. Riley preached this "sermon" on August 18, 1914, at 10:45, which is <M>totally untrue. Dr. Riley did not preach at all at that time, and the "sermon" purporting to have been delivered then was actually delivered several years ago, in a year when the 18th fell on Sunday. The pamphlet distributed two weeks ago was a reprint of the older one, with the old date omitted from page one and the new one inserted on page 13 for reasons best known to Dr. Riley. He may be able to suggest an innocent object.

In the third paragraph on page 1 Riley charges that Pastor Russell’s friends markedly admire him because of the "Divorce, Miracle Wheat, and charges of Immorality." The charge is a gratuitous falsehood, and the disposal of it may be accepted by Riley in whatever way he pleases. We challenge any proof from him to the contrary. These matters were fully discussed in the Enterprise supplement of August 21, of which Dr. Riley has a copy. He knows the truth, and cannot meet it, or at least has not met it, and we challenge him to do so, point for point, in detail.

Deity of Christ.

After wasting more than three of his eighteen pages with cheap personal thrusts which he does not in any manner justify before reason, he comes on page 4 to the charge that Pastor Russell denies the deity of Christ. This is the pamphlet’s third falsehood. Riley asserts it; therefore the burden of proof is upon him. We deny; and await the evidence that may be offered by the affirmative. Pastor Russell has caused to be distributed literally multiplied millions of printed statements of his belief and ours, most positively affirming his faith in the deity of Christ. Dr. Riley goes on to speak of the co-existence of Jesus with the Father, which we profess to believe. A simpleton would know the impossibility of a son being as old as his father. But Dr. Riley feels no need of being reasonable. Pastor Russell has fully covered this point in volume 5 of his Scripture Studies, pages 86 to 88. Let Dr. Riley explicitly meet the pastor’s argument there presented. When squarely and honestly met in detail, no ground for debate will remain.

Juggling the Original.

On page 5 Riley avers that Mr. Russell has played upon the ignorance of the people by juggling with the original tongues, and boasts that he has more knowledge of them than the Pastor has. He avers that the Pastor has criticized the greatest linguists of the world. He also clearly gives the inference that Pastor Russell has produced a special translation of the Scriptures of his own. Here are three more false utterances, swelling the number to six. Let him demonstrate any juggling of Greek and Hebrew. Bring specific instances into court. You are challenged. Name the greatest linguists of the world, whom Pastor Russell has criticized. Let us know whom you regard the greatest, and cite the pages where the Pastor has criticized them. This is a pointed challenge to a definite task. Produce a copy of Russell’s translation of the Scriptures, or cite a page where he has given his own translation of any Scripture passage. This is another challenge. And yet another awaits you. Prove a point, a solitary point wherein Pastor Russell has unmistakably erred in statements regarding the proper translation of any Scripture passage. I have challenged many clergymen to this test. None have met it, to the present date. Can you? A great field lies before you.

Riley flourishes the statement of Joh 1:1, "the Word Was God," as disproof of Col 1:15 and Re 3:14, which Pastor Russell quotes. At this point I invite Dr. Riley to a display of his Greek wisdom. Westcott and Hort’s Greek text of Joh 1:1 reads: "O LOGOS EEN PROS TON THEON, KAI THEOS EEN O LOGOS." Let Dr. Riley explain why the definite article stands before THEON, and not before THEOS. Let him tell how the words should be translated to bring out this distinction. Let him refer us by page and paragraph to the leading Greek grammars, justifying his answer. Let him regard himself under challenge, and let him know that no juggling of the Greek and no evasion will pass in this instance. The leading Greek authorities of the world lie open on our desk with their testimony on this point.

Riley says on page 6 that Pastor Russell indulges in false translation of Php 2:5-11 to carry a point. Riley quotes the translation of the American Revised Version with his endorsement. Pastor Russell presents precisely the same translation on page 81 of Vol. 5 of Scripture Studies, with his endorsement, though he expresses a preference for a very slightly variant translation. If it is a false translation with Pastor Russell’s endorsement, it is false with Riley’s endorsement. In other words, this is Riley’s seventh misrepresentation in the pamphlet. What has he to answer?

On page 7 he says he will not take the time to discuss the combination of two natures, but will touch upon it later. He fails to keep this promise, thus introducing his eighth misrepresentation.

Contortion of Atonement.

Riley uses a page and a half trying to prove that Pastor Russell contorts the atonement. This is even worse than his recent offer to debate; for in the latter he proposed to prove the same proposition in 1,000 words in the Watch Tower. Pastor Russell’s position on the Atonement is stated in a volume of 490 pages on that one subject, of which the table of contents alone takes up 1,430 words. This volume cites 1,460 Scripture passages in support of the author’s views. And Riley would presume to answer it in a thousand words, and has essayed to do so in 67 short lines of his pamphlet. Such conduct one would expect from an irresponsible mind, not from one possessed of any sense of proportions or values.

Riley says the Pastor teaches that a perfect man gave his life for imperfect men. In a very important sense this is a false statement. Considered from the standpoint of the philosophy of the Atonement, the Pastor teaches that the life of a perfect man was given in the stead of the lost life of another perfect man, a corresponding price. This is the logical presentation. Riley says he will pass over the logical reason. He surely did. He missed the logic of the matter altogether. Pastor Russell fully discusses the problem at page 425 of Volume 5 of "Studies in the Scriptures," and cites 1Co 15:21, Heb 10:12 and other Scriptures which show Riley to be utterly wrong. Riley says it was not any merit of Jesus that accomplished salvation. Hear ye! Was there ever more terrible contortion of the Atonement and more flagrant dishonoring of the Son of God? What about "Neither is there Salvation in any other"? and multitudinous kindred Scriptures?

Riley does not quote a line of Pastor Russell’s treatise on the Atonement; he does not state an iota of the Pastor’s position. He contents himself with two or three unwarranted insinuations, and herds together about a page of heterogeneous Scriptures that prove nothing whatever on the point presumed to be at issue. And then he presumes that Pastor Russell would admit such senseless rambling to the "Watch Tower!"

Misrepresentation on Resurrection.

Riley’s ninth false statement is that Pastor Russell disputes the resurrection of the Lord. Surely Riley is conscious that this statement is false to the facts. He must be aware that the point of controversy is regarding the fleshly body, and not the ego. If he is aware of this, his representation here is palpably wicked. If he is not aware, he has little valid excuse for ignorance. The facts have been made sufficiently clear. Beginning at page 109 in Volume 2 of "Studies in the Scriptures," they are set forth at length, with unassailable reason. Pastor Russell’s belief in the resurrection of the Lord has been clearly proclaimed in many millions of printed pages that have been scattered world-wide. There is no excuse for such crude false accusation as Riley indulges at this point. And 1Co 15:44, which Riley cites, but does not quote, with the impression that it proves his position, falls so short of proving it as to flatly and explicitly contradict it. Riley cannot be trusted to cite Scripture. He cannot even be trusted to quote it, as we shall soon see.

He several times tells us that he cannot take the time to discuss various points. We are bound to wonder whether he would not have found time if he had felt the confidence of making a convincing case. On page 11, after an attempt to quote Pastor Russell, he says the Pastor cites no Scripture for his position. Passing by minor misrepresentations, we will brand this as false statement number ten; for on page 144 (Vol. 1) he unmistakably quotes and cites Scripture for the position in question. It is a clear case.

The Man in the Glass House.

Riley then says: "Permit me to call your attention to some of the mistakes in this single paragraph. The first is a grammatical error. Mankind is singular, hence not to be followed by the phrase, ‘when they have reached perfection’." Aha! the Riley animus is now apparent. The cat has escaped the bag. It is anything with him to beat Pastor Russell, -the old gag of the Pastor’s ignorance. Let us see who is ignorant. Yes, let us see, and let us remember. A man is hard pressed for a point when he will descend to the level of the above charge in a doctrinal discussion. The first point Riley sees, or imagines he sees, is a grammatical error. And in stating it, he indulges himself in further false statement.

Mankind is a collective noun; see Standard Dictionary definition. A collective noun has its predicate in agreement, whether the latter be singular or plural; but when the noun indicates "plurality, plural verb should be used. Modern practice inclines to the use of a plural verb, especially when persons and not things are signified by the collective noun." This is the language of Fowler’s English Grammar, page 587. Where illustrative sentences are given from such well famed English writers as Lord Blackstone and Dr. Samuel Johnson! It also indicates the agreement of the pronoun with the verb in number. In other words, Pastor Russell used conspicuously chaste grammar in this instance, as in all others; and Riley, in denouncing it as ungrammatical, has simply volunteered us a fine demonstration of his own ignorance of the rudiments of grammar.

But now that Riley has invited us to the test of the enduring power of his house of glass, we will take the trouble to see whether the above is an isolated case of unfortunate ignorance; or whether he is flagrantly and carelessly ignorant of the proper conduct of a writer of English. Reading through his 18 page attack on Pastor Russell with proofreader’s sharpened pencil in hand, we discover no less than two hundred thirty errors, or an average of nearly 13 to each page! Let us classify them. There are 124 errors of punctuation. In all questionable cases, we give Dr. Riley the benefit of the doubt. These 124 are unquestionable. Many are errors of non-conformity to the punctuation of the American Revised Version, in attempting to quote it. Surely Dr. Riley will not question the ability of the American Revisers to properly punctuate. Thirty-eight are errors in capitalization. Nineteen are misquotations of the language of Scripture Passages. Think of it, reader! This doctor of divinity, in eighteen pages, attempts to quote nineteen Scriptures, and in every instance of the nineteen makes a misquotation! He tells us he adheres to the American Revision. Therefore we verified his attempted quotations by that work. Do people trust such a man to preach the Gospel? Is he worthy of space in our noble "Watch Tower"?

Riley Misquotes the Pastor.

Five of his errors consist in misquotation of Pastor Russell. Dr. Riley apparently does not know or appreciate the fact that the space that lies within quotation marks is morally sacred to the person quoted; and that the one who quotes has no moral right to touch with hands of violence. A quotation is an exact reproduction of the expression of another; not a rambling or bungling guess at it. We have a drawer full of attacks on Pastor Russell; and not one of the attackers has been honest in quotation. This is a terrible indictment, but it is true; and it illustrates the old saying that birds of a feather flock together. Six of Riley’s errors consist in the omission of asterisks to denote portions of quotations omitted. The omission of these under any circumstances is a breach of honesty.

Five of the 230 errors are mis-spelled words. Two are the rhetorical error of mixed tenses, and one the rhetorical error of a wrong mode. One is a wrong use of a pronoun; one the omission by oversight of a word essential to the sense; and two are the identical error Riley charged upon Pastor Russell, viz., failure to have the subject and predicate agree in number. One of these is in the last full sentence on page 2, "poison * * * fulfill." The other is in the third full sentence on page 12, "paragraphs * * * gives."

Classifying these errors by pages, we find, on page one, 8 errors; on page two, 11 errors; on page three, 10; page four, 12; page five, 7; page six, 13; page seven, 8; page eight, 14; page nine, 39; page ten, 24; page eleven, 23; page twelve, 9; page thirteen, 25; page fourteen, 8; page fifteen, 6; page sixteen, 5; page seventeen, 7; and page eighteen, 4; a total of more than 230.

What 230 Errors Mean.

We would not have touched upon this matter, had not Riley led us into it. Nevertheless, it is not without its deep significance. Dr. Riley’s education has covered every one of the 230 points in question. This being so, the number and scope of his offenses seems to indicate a mental or a moral sluggishness, or both, such as to stamp him as wholly unfit to be a leader in any matters that involve careful attention to detail and faithful adherence to straight lines in the consideration of profound problems. He cannot plead haste; for the pamphlet is a reprint of an original that dates back seven years; and seven years give ample time to correct eighteen pages. But the pamphlet has deteriorated with age, instead of improving. A hasty reading of the original some months ago revealed to us only 50 errors!

What do Baptists think of their leader? And what do others think of him? We have his pamphlet on file, with all the errors marked, ready for exhibition to any one at any proper time; and stand ready to produce sound reasons for every error marked. We rather rejoice to be delivered from the pain of debating with a man of such loose intellectual methods. What good could come?

No wonder his attacks have proved good advertising for us. The contrast of style has been pleasing to those who have investigated. He asks, why require perfect harmony with God, after mankind has reached perfection? Address the query to the Almighty. He required as much of the perfect Lucifer and the perfect Adam, and punished their failure to render it. He also asks, Who that were perfect would fall short of obedience? Well, Lucifer, Adam and Eve did. We can but judge the future by the past. He also inquires when everlasting life ever depended on obedience. A Sunday School child could answer: When God imposed that condition on the first parents of the race.

On page 13 Riley says that as soon as the present European war broke out Mr. Russell announced that he had never meant a personal appearance of Christ at this time. This we brand as falsehood number eleven-we are generous with Dr. Riley; the number by rights should be greater. Dr. Riley is here the affirmer; we challenge him to produce one solitary little scrap of evidence to justify his charge. Until he does so, who will be gullible enough to believe his random charge?

Riley then proceeds to waste a page with a very silly story. This is a characteristic Rileyism. Rather than face the overwhelming and impregnable arguments of Pastor Russell’s six volumes that have had a sale of more than eight million copies, he will try to laugh them out in court. It is less laborious; and some people are easy enough to be baited in that way, and forget reason while they laugh.

The Simultaneous Resurrection.

On page 14 Riley says that Pastor Russell teaches "Truth-springs like harvest from the well-ploughed fields the simultaneous resurrection of saint and sinner. He italicizes the statement. It is falsehood number twelve and a bad one at that. Where he got it we are utterly at loss to imagine; surely not from reading Pastor Russell’s writings. The teaching is the opposite, -clear at the antipodes of thought. That is a long remove. But Riley is a good mover! The variance from truth is so marked that little occurs to be said beyond the blunt detail.

In the same paragraph he charges Pastor Russell with the doctrine of a "second chance." Falsehood number thirteen, and no excuse for it whatsoever; for we have shouted our denial of it from the housetops all around the world, and have elaborately demonstrated the correctness of the position we really hold in that regard. We know Dr. Riley to be in personal possession of the statements of our precise position, showing that we no more believe a "second chance" than he does. Why, then, does he repeat this false charge?

He says the resurrected dead will be cast into the lake of fire, and a reasonable inference from the language he uses is that all the dead will be so cast. Later he quotes two scriptures which speak of part of the resurrected dead as arising to bliss. He cannot be consistent, even within the bounds of a single paragraph.

On page 15 he says that death is defined as extinction on page 104 of volume 1. The thought is true, but his citation is decidedly inaccurate. Probably he came as close as he could to the correct page. We should not expect too much of him.

He speaks of the parable of Dives and Lazarus as "history." We are assured by the gospel writer that without a parable spake he not unto them. Probably the Evangelist made a slight mistake; he overlooked the personal biography of Dives and Lazarus.

Tangle on Eternal Punishment.

Dr. Riley says he has never been able to see that Gehenna symbolized eternal punishment. He needs some scriptural eye salve. He professes to see the distinction between annihilation and eternal loss. It must be a distinction without a difference. If annihilation would not be an unending or eternal loss of life, then I am unable to comprehend the dictionary.

He then wastes another page in pointless quotation from Dr. Abbott and Prof. Angus. Pages are very cheap, when there are only 18 available for the answering of arguments that cover many thousands of pages! From that he goes into a final page of evangelistic appeal to sinners and cold church members, and forgets all about Pastor Russell to the very end, showing how much the desire to really answer the Pastor weighs upon his mind. His closing appeal contains one of the most severe arraignments of present day churchianity we have seen, in which he speaks of "this awful spell of spiritual indifference and lethargy." He seems to include himself in the arraignment. At the opening of his pamphlet he gives credit to those whom he brands as heretics for possessing abundance of zeal. He says zeal is a marked characteristic of "heretics." Lethargy seems to be characteristic of the "orthodox." Is it not possible that lethargy is a good thing, and that the Doctor has been hasty in denouncing it?

What He Would Debate.

In his recent personal letter to me, Dr. Riley expresses the wish to indulge in 1,000 words of debate on the proposition, "Resolved: That Pastor Russell denies the eternal deity of Jesus." There is no room for debate on this point, for we admit the point. Pastor Russell does deny it, and so does God Almighty deny it. "This day have I begotten thee," What about the day previous, when he was not yet begotten? Was he deity then? "Beginning of the Creation of God." "First born of every creature." Was he deity before that? He was made "a little lower than the angels" for the suffering of death. Are angels deities? Are creatures below angels deities, when angels are not?

He wishes to spend a thousand words on the question, "Resolved: That Pastor Russell denies the bodily resurrection of Christ." This question is so crudely stated that we could not profitably discuss it without a re-wording. We could debate it if he would consent to have it read that Pastor Russell is justified in denying the resurrection of the fleshly body of Jesus, we supporting the affirmative. The other statement is too inaccurate to be of any value. Dr. Riley does not seem to have a mind for accurate distinctions; but we insist on such distinctions as fairly present our exact belief.

His last proposed subject for a thousand word exchange of blows is, "Resolved: That Pastor Russell, in fixing the time for Christ’s appearance in the world, is unbiblical, and later, in denying that he is to come at all in person, is a scoffer." Riley doubtless craves the second half of this last proposition as an opportunity to unload sarcasm and ridicule to the forgetting of reason. We could not consent to it as it stands, since Pastor Russell does not deny a personal coming. It is a fleshly appearance that he denies, which is quite another matter. Again, we must insist on vital distinctions. For our part, we could not possibly debate the chronology feature within the bounds of a thousand words, and begin to do justice to Pastor Russell’s masterly examination of the Jewish Double, the Jubilee Cycles, the Great Pyramid and other features. Furthermore, Riley could not debate them in those limits, except to reduce the whole matter to a joke. We refuse to become party to a joke of that sort.

The whole trouble with Dr. Riley is that he does not take profound matters with sufficient seriousness to raise them above the level of the most superficial wind-jamming. If anything we have here said has been sufficiently pointed to stir him to the seriousness of serious things, we shall feel that a real service to Truth has been rendered. We have written under a profound conviction that it is high time Dr. Riley’s career of running rampant like a bull in a china shop be brought to an end. Wholesale dishonesty of utterance and cheaply libelous flings at the most prominent Christian leader in the world are far from becoming to a man of his position; we trust this will compel him to be honest, if not Christian, in his future dealings.

Greenwood Silent.

Dr. Greenwood, whom we challenged on Aug. 23, has not even so much as resented our challenge of his honesty on 28 counts. But he has written to another, justifying his conduct in Minneapolis. Doubtless, therefore, it is well to give publicity to the 28 charges. Let readers remember that each of the 28 is a statement he made and we branded as false before an audience of probably 1,500 people. Enough said.

1. That Pastor Russell published his own picture in one of his own publications.

2. That Pastor Russell was beaten to a frazzle by the Brooklyn Eagle.

3. That Pastor Russell was asked to read the Greek alphabet in the Eagle Case.

4. That Pastor Russell’s hand is against every cultured teacher of the ages.

5. That Ecclesias vote on Pastor Russell for President.

6. That Pastor Russell is not ordained.

7. That he changed the name of the society from "Millennial Dawn" to "Watch Tower."

8. That "People’s Pulpit" is a name of the association.

9. That the name of the "Students’ International Bible Association" is used for purpose of fraud.

10. That invitation to attend classes while still church members is a plan to spread poison in the churches.

11. That "they know" their belief is "hostile to the religion of Jesus.

12. That Pastor Russell tries to pose as successor of Beecher, Spurgeon and Talmage.

13. That he was responsible for the New York Herald’s comparison of him with Spurgeon.

14. That he sold wheat at $60 a bushel as a graft.

15. That the U. S. Investment Co. is a fake.

16. That Pastor Russell pronounced his wife insane.

17. Greenwood misquoted the "Watch Tower" of Sept. 15, 1910.

18. That the St. Paul Enterprise is a Russell organ.

19. That the Enterprise is owned by a "renegade Methodist."

20. That charges of immorality were substantiated in the trial of a suit for separate maintenance.

21. That Pastor Russell has been "a frequent attendant at Purity Congresses."

22. That he said the body of Jesus was probably dissolved in gases.

23. That he said, "If Christ arose, there is no salvation."

24. That Pastor Russell is afraid he will have to go to hell.

25. That Abraham in the parable of Dives is said to represent the Pres. of the U. S.

26. That Dives represented the Jews of Russia.

27. That their plea to the Jews of the U. S. was the teaching of a parable.

28. That Pastor Russell teaches a second chance.

He also made a personal attack on two ladies who were in his audience, which was unchristian, ungentlemanly, untruthful, dastardly and low-lived to an unspeakable degree. He was openly denounced to his face on the platform after the meeting by prominent Baptists for this ugly attack.

Yours in the interest of common honesty and truth.

W. H. BRADFORD.

(N. B.-The above reply to Dr. Riley was mailed to the members of his church. It has been completely ignored by all of them.)

How Pastor Russell Ranks in Greatness Dr. Jackson Analyzes Elements That Constitute True Greatness of the Man

A LEADER IN MANY LINES

His Temperament Poetic, Literary, Scientific, Analytical and Strong for Business

The world seldom recognizes its great men. Few or none saw the magnificent greatness of Lincoln until after his death. To the prominent and learned of the Roman Empire, Saint Paul was only an insignificant Jew; but we can see that in all that constituted real greatness he towered above them all, like a giant among pigmies. So it is today. If you ask "the man on the street," who are the great men of today, he is not likely to name Charles Taze Russell first, but let us see:

C. T. Russell commenced business for himself while yet a boy and with very little capital. When he was eighteen he owned a store, when he was twenty-four he owned five stores and was worth three hundred thousand dollars, and this at an age when John D. Rockefeller had hardly made a start, and J. P. Morgan, with his inherited capital, had but little. If C. T. Russell had devoted his life to business it is easy to guess that John D. would not now be the richest man in the world nor J. P. Morgan have been the prince of financiers.

However, that is the least remarkable thing about the career of Pastor Russell. With all this phenomenal talent for business he gave it all up and surrendered the most brilliant opening for obtaining wealth and power that has ever been offered to an American in order to take up a humble religious work. Such a thing as a man with surpassing wealth-getting power, voluntarily giving it up was unknown before in all history. He made no mistake, for the Master said, "Whosoever would become great among you shall be your servant." With an insight into the higher things that enabled him to choose aright, he saw from the Scriptures that the time had come for the greatest work of the ages to be done, and as he was the right man for the place, the Lord chose him to be his servant to lead the visible earthly part of this work, namely, the harvest work of the end of the Gospel Age.

In the case of the Apostle Paul the Lord chose a man of great business ability to do his work then, but in this "End of the Age," when business is on a scale a thousand fold greater than in Paul’s day, business talent is all the more necessary, and so the man chosen for His work today is a Napoleon of finance and business.

History shows that other men great in business and finance have not been richly endowed in other departments of the mind, but Pastor Russell in addition to his financial talent has remarkable mental talents of the most varied character. He has a frame of mind that may be described as a poetical mind that gets an insight into deep things by intuition, like a great poet or a Hebrew seer; it is as if Isaiah and J. P. Morgan were united in one individual. Poets are not usually of a logical scientific form of mind but Pastor Russell has these talents also, that is, he has the acute discrimination and analysis of a great lawyer, that can test the truth of things and sift the evidence on which they are founded. Thus the fallacies of the creeds of Christendom were brought to light as they had never been before.

His literary talent would distinguish him among the writers of his generation if he was tested by this alone. Without any special literary training he writes English in a simple and idiomatic style that sometimes reaches the sublime and that will make many passages from his pen take their place among English classics. Another phase of his many sided greatness is his scientific talent. He has the mind of an investigator and student, a scientific love of truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth; the freedom from bias, the willingness to accept truth wherever found, willingness to be corrected, no difference how humble the instrument, in short a mind like Agassiz and Newton. The field of research to which Newton applied himself was the physical world, the earth and sea and sky wherein God’s plan is revealed in regard to physical things. The field of research which Pastor Russell chose was the moral world, the plan of God in regard to mankind as revealed in the Bible. As Newton discovered the great Law of the Attraction of Gravitation which binds the universe together and brings order out of seeming confusion, so Russell discovered the grand "Plan of the Ages" which binds all history together and brings order into the field of theology where before there was so much confusion and error; founding all his teaching upon the impregnable rock of Holy Scripture, his position has been unassailable. The united talent of Nominal Christendom has striven for thirty-five years to overthrow his teachings but has not been able to meet him on his own ground (the Scriptures), with a single fair argument.

Standing, as we do now, in the midst of the battle of Armageddon we can thank God and take courage because the Lord has sent us so great a leader. Courageous as a lion, pure as snow, wise as a serpent, harmless as a dove, a knight of God without fear and without reproach, no obstacle can turn him, no danger dismay him, no grief or pain distract him from his grand purpose. His motto is the words spoken for him by the prophets: "For the Lord God will help me; therefore have I set my face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be confounded."

By David P. Jackson, M. D.

Orangeville, O.

——————————

Story of the Chicago Temple of the I. B. S. A.

As told in the Beautiful Illustrated Souvenir Booklet Just Issued by the Chicago Ecclesia. Every Bible Student Wants One.

The Enterprise is indebted to Dr. L. W. Jones, of Chicago, for a copy of a beautiful Souvenir Booklet, descriptive of the Chicago Temple of the I. B. S. A., located at 700 South Wabash avenue. It is a masterpiece of typographical and photographic art, printed on the best grade of heavy pure white enameled book paper, 6 3/4 X 9 1/2 inches in size, and contains thirty-nine large illustrations.

Every member of the I. B. S. A. will be interested in this album. It sells for fifty cents.

The work is dedicated "to the King of kings and Lord of lords in the interest of His consecrated saints, waiting for the adoption," and is issued "for the purpose of preserving a record for the ages to come of some of the events of the momentous year, 1914, especially in conneciton with Chicago, its Temple, and the work connected therewith" and for the further purpose of "paying tribute to Pastor Russell and his labor of love, especially in connection with the ‘Photo-Drama of Creation,’ the production of years of study and labor on his part, in an endeavor to glorify our Heavenly Father and Jesus, our Saviour, exalt the Bible, assist the Brethren and bless Mankind."

In order to awaken general interest in the work of the Chicago Ecclesia a description of the Temple, taken from the Souvenir Booklet is given readers of the Enterprise.

** * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Chicago Class of Bible Students, affiliated with the International Bible Students Association, has increased within a few years from a mere handful to about six hundred people, meeting during part of that time in any hall adapted to its size, but for the past few years in Recital Hall of the Auditorium Building.

In the spring of 1914 the increased number of members, as well as the varied lines of work, made it necessary to secure a larger place of meeting, preferably its own.

To find a hall answering all the requirements was no small task.

After some perseverance upon our part the Auditorium in Chicago was available for a period of five weeks-April 5th to May 10th-and it was decided to take advantage of the opportunity for exhibiting the "Drama of Creation" at that time, leaving the selection of a suitable "Temple" until later.

A total number of 126,800 people witnessed this inspiring Photo Drama, and the impression created was so great that many people who failed to see it, clamored for its return.

Eventually it occurred to us that the "Old Globe Theater," originally built for the exhibition of the "Panorama of the Battle of Gettysburg" seemed an extremely desirable building for our double purpose. So strong was the desire to secure this building that Pastor Russell and others strenuously persevered and when the lease expired the building was finally secured by the I. B. S. A., and has since been known as the "I. B. S. A. Temple."

In order that Pastor Russell, president of the International Bible Students Association, could officiate at the dedicatory services, work was immediately started for thoroughly renovating and decorating the building inside and out. The purity of its clean, white coat of paint is symbolical of its name-"The Temple." Attractive wall signs and the large and beautiful electric sign of the "Cross and Crown" standing out like jewels in the night make the external attractiveness inviting for a long distance.

Lobby-Entering the building, we find ourselves in a spacious "Lobby," with white marble walls and large mirrors. The ceiling is done in stippled brown and old gold. In the center is a chandelier of about twenty lights, while around the border of the ceiling is a row of about eighty lights. The floor is mosaic in which one of the brethren, skilled in that line of work, inserted the words, "I. B. S. A. Temple."

On either side of the lobby is an office, one the manager’s office and the other the box office, used as such in the past, but now for the general use of the friends, for telephoning, etc.

Foyer-Passing through the lobby, we come to the "foyer." This is circular in form, extending about one-third around the building, and is well lighted with electric and gas lights, both being required by the city fire department. At either end of the foyer are stairs, leading to the large balcony.

In the center of the foyer, at each side of the middle door to the auditorium, is a case containing Pastor Russell’s Scripture Studies, Scenarios, Bibles, etc. Hundreds of these books have been sold to the people as they come out after seeing the drama, their interest having been aroused and a desire created to look into their Bibles.

At the north end of the foyer is a doorway leading to the Men’s Rest Room, the Book Room and Literature Room. At the south end a doorway leading to the Ladies’ Rest Room and the Reading Room.

Auditorium-Passing through the foyer we enter the spacious auditorium, seating fifteen hundred people. This room is beautifully laid out and on account of its circular nature, every seat is a good seat. The seats are of the opera chair style, most of them upholstered in old gold plush, the woodwork of all being dark cherry. Light green is the predominant color in the decorations , with a frieze in colors, and dark cream ceiling. The proscenium arch and circle of balcony is done in old gold bronze.

Mottoes and pictures double life size have been painted on the walls. A large picture on the north wall represents Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, while the one on the south wall represents Him as the "Good Shepherd." Over the stage is a beautiful painting of the open Bible.

It is lighted by a large central chandelier, four chandeliers under balcony, lights around balcony front, a double row of lights on each wall and top of Proscenium arch.

Balcony-The balcony is reached on either side by one flight of stairs, is large and spacious, with six hundred and fifty opera chairs, many upholstered; and every seat with a clear vision of the stage, not a post or pillar to interfere. The moving picture booth is near Stage-The stage is unusually large for this size building, the opening for curtain being forty-four feet. It has been fully equipped with all kinds of appliances, electric switch -board, curtains, drops, etc.

Order of Exhibit-One-half hour before Drama opens the public are admitted and full house lights turned on, the great steel curtain, operated by hydraulic power and weighing twenty-six hundred pounds being first raised. This reveals to the sight of those entering, the main drop curtain, painted in beautiful colors, red predominating, having in the center an Italian scene, and at the bottom the monogram, "I. B. S. A." Fifteen minutes later all house lights, except those of proscenium arch are turned off, the main drop curtain goes up, red footlights and red border lights above are turned on the stage setting, which in the subdued light of the auditorium gives a most beautiful effect to the stage setting.

This setting consists of a large curtain, forty-four feet long, with white picture screen in center, frame painted in black around screen and festoon painting of drapery around it all, which together with the side-wings and drapes above, all done in old rose and yellow makes an impression and gives an air of elegance not soon forgotten. Visitors of the past to the old Globe Theater can hardly believe they are in the same place.

As soon as the main drop curtain goes up and the red lights are turned on, the music begins, and continues for fifteen minutes. Then when the time arrives to begin the Drama, the rest of the house lights are turned off, the Cross and Crown slide is thrown on the screen, and just at that moment a thin, red chiffon curtain parts in the center, each half moving slowly to the side of the screen, leaving the Cross and Crown standing out on a beautiful red background, in marked contrast to the deep black border around screen. The red screen is continued until all the "house slides" are shown, such as "Ladies Please Remove Hats," etc., and then, just as Pastor Russell comes on the screen to deliver his introductory remarks, the red lights are turned off. At no time is a white screen to be shown. At the close of the Drama the reverse order of lights, etc., is observed. On the stage also is a piano and two large vases of flowers.

Reading Room-The Reading Room is also used for Elders and Deacons meetings every Friday night, and for a Berean Bible Study every evening, except Sunday nights when it is held in the main auditorium, Ro 6:15-7:15. This is really the parlor of the Temple. Many books and old Towers have been loaned for use here. It will seat about ninety people, has a large table in center and is lighted by a long chandelier in center.

Dining Room-Back of the Reading Room is the dining-room of the Temple Family, a band of about a dozen faithful workers who live at the Temple and who have chosen this way of laying down their lives in the service of the brethren. It is their duty to keep their place in order.

Book Room-In the north side of building is the Book Room, corresponding in size and location to the Reading Rood, and this has been fitted with counters, shelves and cases for a large supply of books and literature, which proves a great convenience to both friends and the public.

Literature Room-Back of the Book Room is the Literature Room, where the folding of papers is carried on, and the matter prepared for both Temple and Volunteer use.

Sleeping Rooms-Above the Reading Room, Dining, Book and Literature Rooms are the sleeping quarters of the Temple Family.

Phonograph Booth-Back of, in the center of and at the bottom of the curtain is the Phonograph Booth, the horns of the phonographs protruding through the curtain. In order that the operators may see the pictures, a mirror is placed on the stage and a peep-hole made through the curtain.

House Telephones-A complete system of house telephones has been installed, which connects with office, moving picture machine booth, phonograph booth, reading room, book room, and other places. Thus as necessity requires the different ones can be reached very quickly.

Firemen, Fire-guards-Since the terrible Iroquois Theater fire, several years ago, the City of Chicago has passed some very stringent laws for the protection of the public by means of fire prevention precautions. It has therefore been necessary to have both Firemen and Fire-guards. These have been selected from among the brethren; they have been thoroughly trained, and sworn in by the City for duty at the Temple.

Special Officers-Another faithful band of workers, whose services have done much to produce the excellent order which has been enjoyed at the Temple, is the band of Special Police Officers, also duly sworn in by the City Police Department. In addition to the Special Officers, two of the brethren of the Chicago Bible Class are Regular Officers of the Mounted Police Squad, and their advice and help has been much appreciated.

Other Helpers-Among the many others who helped to put the Temple into condition are doormen, special guards, ushers, etc.

Matrons-It was the desire to provide to the greatest extent possible for the comfort and convenience of the guests at the Temple, and so a corps of Matrons was organized from among the sisters who volunteered to serve on certain days each week. Their neat appearance in nurses’ garb, and their sweet, kindly ways make a deep impression upon all.

Ushers-We must not fail to make mentions of another faithful band of workers, the ushers, some sixty in number. The work for them has been systematized according to the time they can give to the service and the necessity of the occasion, as more help is required on some days than on others.

Dedication-The service opened with about twelve hundred friends present, who joined in the singing of several hymns. Then followed prayer and a beautiful rendition of the hymn "Take the Name of Jesus With You," by Messrs. John T. Read, and B. M. Rice, both of whom formerly sang in the Imperial Quartet.

The dedicatory discourse was delivered by Pastor Russell. He called attention to the fact that the dedication of Solomon’s Temple has very generally given the suggestion of dedicating church edifices to the Lord and to His service.

The Pastor had no objections to this. Quite to the contrary, he held that the Christian who has given himself to the Lord, has really given or dedicated all that he possesses, and that to formally recognize this is merely to confirm his standing contract with the Lord. Not only every church, but every shop and store and barn should be dedicated to the Lord. Whoever realizes that he owns nothing himself, but that he is merely God’s steward grasps the Bible conception of real Christianity.

The dedication of the Temple at Jerusalem was an entirely different matter. That was a typical house, just as the nation of Israel was a typical nation. The sacredness of the glorified Church, which is the real Temple, was illustrated or typified by the honor and dignity and ceremonies which God attached to the typical temple. When God’s time shall come, the antitypical temple will be honored and glorified much more that was the typical one. That is to say, the Church in glory will have a very highly honored place as God’s Tabernacle or Temple with mankind-God’s residence with humanity during the thousand years of Messiah’s Kingdom-the meeting-place where all the world will be permitted to draw nigh unto God and receive His blessing through Christ.

These matters were brought out in very lucid form in Pastor Russell’s dedicatory remarks, which the Bible Students listened to with rapt attention and evident appreciation of the many Scriptures cited in proof of the position taken.

Pastor Russell said that this dedication simply signified that for the period for which the Globe Temple has come under the control of the I. B. S. A., it is to be used for God, for righteousness, for truth, and these are understood to be combinedly represented in the Photo-Drama of Creation.

Surely, he said, as we see the sin veneer of civilization, all Christian people, all good people, all wise people, all people who love righteousness, should seek more and more to cooperate in the promotion of these principles and truths amongst humanity.

After the meeting, Pastor Russell took train for the West over the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, his first scheduled stop being Spokane.

Since Dedication-Since the dedication, the Photo-Drama of Creation has been shown twice daily, at 3 and 8 o’clock, the average attendance being nearly twelve hundred strangers per day.

Weekday Temple Services-In addition to the drama, other services have been held. During the week a Berean Bible Study is held each evening Fro 6:15 to 7:15 in the Reading Room. On Monday evening, the Tabernacle Shadows is the topic; Tuesday, The Divine Plan of the Ages; Wednesday, Prayer and Testimony meeting; Thursday, Vol. III, "Thy Kingdom Come;" Friday, Vol. V, "The Atonement," and Saturday, Vol. VI, "The New Creation."

Sunday Services-Sundays, Service for Divine Worship, in the main auditorium at 10:30 to 12; Bible Study on International Sunday-School Lesson Fro 1:15 to 2:15; Photo-Drama from 3 to 5; Berean Bible Study on current lesson 6:15 to 7:15, and Photo-Drama again from 8 to 10 p.m.

Fifth Sunday Convention-The Sunday immediately following the dedication a Fifth Sunday Convention was held, at which eighty-two were immersed, and since then we have had three other immersion services, the last one being on Sunday, December 7th, a total of one hundred and seventy-one candidates being served.

Baptism Services-Heretofore it has been necessary to make arrangements with some church for the use of their baptistry, but since moving into the Temple, we have provided a baptistry of our own. This is a large portable tank which is rolled out on the stage. The numerous dressing rooms, previously used by the theatrical actors have served excellently for our needs.

Many hearts and lives have been blessed because of the various services rendered at the Temple; not only those served have been blessed, but especially those who have done the serving; they feel it has been the greatest privilege of their lives, and they have endeavored to do all as unto the Lord, for His glory, and for the good of mankind.

The eyes of understanding of many have been opened to see something of the lengths and breadths and heights and depths of the love and plan of God for the blessing of all, in His due time. Through seeing the pictures, prejudice has been broken down, and many have been caused to search anew their Bible to see if these things be true. Opposition, instead of support from the clergy has been met, but the people are gradually beginning to see for themselves and to use their own mind, instead of those of the ministers, most of whom deny the Bible, in fact and some in word.

Nevertheless we rejoice that the shackles of error and superstition are being gradually broken, and the light of truth is being shed into the hearts and lives of many.

Conclusion-In conclusion we feel that a word of tribute to our beloved Pastor, "whom we love for his works’ sake" is not out of order. The opposition to the Photo-Drama is aroused because he was the originator of this method of presenting the Gospel; it has cut us too, because we realize such opposition is really against the Lord Himself.

We believe our Pastor to be the Servant of the Lord of his Laodicean period of the Church, and as such we desire to hold up his hands as best we can, and reiterate here the words of Br. Sullivan, in the words of welcome at the Nashville Convention.

Tribute to Pastor Russell-"Dear Brethren, I am sure I speak the sentiment of every heart in my presence when I say today, to Brother Russell, that, in the name of the Master, a hearty welcome is extended to you-you who have stood for forty years amid the raging blast, without ever a deflection; you who as a mighty oak rears its head in sublime grandeur today, being bereft of every green leaf, having every leaf of earthly desire swept away. Who has also had every earthly love and ambition torn away, limb by limb, until there remains nothing of earthly fortune, or fame, or name; youth gone, health gone, home gone, deserted by some of the nearest and dearest earthly friends and relatives, mind and body worn, and almost consumed on the altar of our God, and in the service of the dear brethren; life, manhood, fortune, name, all spread at our feet as a carpet upon which we have freely trodden, all poured out as water at our feet, and today the slender thread of life is being taxed to its utmost to hold aloft the beacon torch. God bless you, we welcome you, and soon you will hear the welcome applaudit, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joys of the Lord.’ But know also, dear heart, we will stand by you and strengthen you until the sun goes down." Amen.

———————

First General Convention of I. B. S. A., held at Chicago during World’s Fair, 1893.

The above very interesting picture is one of the 47 choice illustrations shown in Dr. Jones’ Chicago Temple Souvenir advertised elsewhere on this page. Friends will be interested to see how many in this picture they can identify. Pastor Russell, with his black beard, now gray, is easily located near the center of the group.

——————————

Seen in the Rainbow Interesting Lessons Drawn From The Bow Of Promise In The Sky

(Note: Many will recognize in the abbreviated signature to this article the initials of a well-known Pilgrim.)

As there was a rainbow at the end of the first world, there is also one at the end of the second world. The first one was typical, the second one antitypical. The first bow evidenced a promise from God that the world would never again be destroyed by water; the second bow gives evidence there is a world to come, that is never to be destroyed; or in other words, the bow represents the Divine Plan of the Ages.

The first bow was not seen until right at the end of the first world, even as the second bow, or the Plan, was never seen until now, the end of the second world. It was impossible for the literal rainbow to have appeared earlier than it did for there was no rain nor sunshine to produce it; just as the Plan could not be seen before now for there has not been a rain of truth nor God’s sunshine of favor to effect it. While the Divine Plan of Salvation has heretofore been understood, never until now has the rainbow of the Divine Plan of the Ages been comprehended.

The rainbow at the end of the first world was not seen by all the people, nor is the Divine Plan at the end of this second world seen by everybody. None of the wicked saw the rainbow. Why? Because they were dead, and the Lord declares that none of the wicked shall understand the Divine Plan. Why? Because they are "dead in trespasses and sin."

Noah and his family only, the righteous people of God, saw the rainbow; as now only a few, the Lord’s righteous people, the Lord’s family can see the wonderful Plan of the Ages. Noah diligently preached that the end of the world was at hand, but very few believed, just as now the Lord is through his servants plainly revealing that the end of this world is nigh, but few can understand.

Noah and his family entered the Ark just before the end of the world and were thereby safely carried over into the second world; and all who now get into the antitypical Ark, Christ, will be safely landed on top of the mountain (Kingdom) of righteousness in the world to come.

Since the storm passed over and the first world came to an end and the second world was established, all living in this world have seen the rainbow; thus when the storm clouds of trouble which are now seen gathering on the horizon have rolled by, and the present evil world has come to an end, ushering in the world of righteousness to come, then the sun of righteousness shall arise dispelling all the dark clouds of trouble and the sunshine of His favor shining through the copious rain drops of truth will reveal to all, from the least to the greatest, the beautiful rainbow of the Divine Plan of the Ages.

The rainbow contained two sets of colors, a primary and secondary, as the Plan of God has two phases, the heavenly and earthly. The primary colors are the stronger of the two and cause, by reflection, the secondary set of colors to appear; even as the heavenly or spiritual part of the kingdom is the greater, Christ and His Bride, which is to produce the earthly part of the kingdom, the ancient Worthies and perfect mankind.

The strongest color of all in the rainbow is the red; as the most prominent feature of all in God’s plan is the blood of Christ, the ransom.

For anyone to have a share of God’s favor in either phase of the kingdom it will be necessary for him to recognize and accept Christ’s precious blood shed on Calvary.

To have a part in the heavenly phase of the kingdom, it is our privilege to now take up the Cross and follow Him, resisting unto blood, faithful unto death, as represented in the color red.

The next most prominent color of the rainbow is blue, which as in the tabernacle service represents faithfulness, -as we sometimes use the expression "true blue."

Thus to be a joint heir with Christ, it will be required of us to be true and faithful even unto death.

The last of the three primary colors is gold indicative of the Divine nature, the golden crown of life in Heaven.

The colors of the primary part of the Rainbow, red, blue and gold therefore teaches us that he who is faithful (blue) unto death (red) shall receive the (gold) crown of life.

When this spiritual part of the kingdom is completed, then the earthly phase will come in its order.

The three colors which form the secondary part of the rainbow are green, purple and copper. The cold weather caused all the grass, leaves, etc., to die but the warm sun in the spring brings everything out in a beautiful dress of rich green. This long winter of trouble of six thousand years duration has caused death to reign upon all, but shortly the warm rays of God’s love will shine forth and in that glorious Resurrection day, all are to be revived by coming forth from the grave for an opportunity of life upon the earth, as declared, "the restitution of all things spoken by the mouth of all the Holy prophets since the world began," as represented in the rainbow color green.

The purple color of the rainbow denotes royalty. We recall Lydia, the maker of purple. In olden Bible times this was a very expensive color, which only the most wealthy could afford. The kings and nobles thus limited it practically to the royal families, and we even yet term it the royal blue. When Adam was created he was crowned a king but through disobedience he lost his Kingdom. When times of refreshing come, man has to regain his lost estate, to be crowned a King once more; the lost sheep of the ninety and nine that went astray shall be brought back to the royal family of God, represented in the royal color of purple.

The remaining color of the rainbow is copper, which in the Jewish tabernacle represented perfect human flesh or perfect human nature. Thus man when restored (green) to God’s royal family (purple) will be a perfect human being (copper) as was Adam before he fell, as represented in the three secondary colors of the Rainbow.

Painters in mixing colors on a disk revolving 5,000 revolutions per minute take three parts red, five parts blue, and eight parts yellow, the primary colors of the rainbow to make a perfect white. This shows that through the spiritual phase of the kingdom, Christ and His Bride are to make all things perfect as stated; "there will be nothing in all my Holy (white) Kingdom to hurt or destroy," when "all things are gathered together under one head, the things which are in heaven and in earth."

As we look at the Rainbow, we see it to be a semicircle but we are told if one would go up in a balloon that it would then appear a complete circle.

This indicates that as we now see the Plan it is incomplete, semi-finished; but from the Lord’s view point it is just as good as finished, for He will make no failure of His wonderful Plan.

And when our prayer is answered, Thy Kingdom Come, Thy will be done in earth as it is in Heaven, as there is no end to a circle, it is said "Of His Kingdom there shall be no end" and then all His holy creatures shall enjoy perfect happiness in that eternal kingdom.

——————————

Finds the Truth After World-wide Searching

Successful Soldier, Artist and Once Ardent Reformer and St. Paul Citizen Now Sheds Light at Harvard University.

Editor St. Paul Enterprise:

A friend handed me, tonight, a clean little sheet, asking if I did not want to try it for a year. The "St. Paul" caught my eye. I have very pleasant memories of that town. In 1872 I went there just to see the place and get a little rest, and perhaps to invest a little. I was surprised to see in a day or two an article about me in the Pioneer Press, followed the same day with a request from some gentlemen for me to go to work. (I was an artist.) I stayed in St. Paul two months and made $2,000, drawing portraits, and bought 40 acres of land on the West Side-the line running to the river at the point of the bluff, taking in the land from which I am now told there is a high bridge now.

My work was principally in New York and Boston. The following six summers I spent in St. Paul and then we went east instead of west and crossed the Atlantic. I was in nineteen battles in the Civil War, commanded my regiment and guarded the White House at the second inauguration of President Lincoln. I knew President Grant very well and have had confidential talks with him at the White House. When I resigned from the army, Mr. Stanton, the war secretary, sent for me and asked me to remain but the war was over and I did not intend to be a professional soldier. I was telling Grant about this and he said, "Civil life is where the great issues arise; realizing this I resigned after the Mexican War." I was young then and having passed through the entire Civil War and escaped with my life, the future looked very bright. Being religiously inclined, I joined the Church in Washington during the war, while stationed there, and in London, I had a big class of young men in the Sabbath School.

Dining with one of the Rothschilds, (the great banker)-discussing American affairs, he said to me, "You do not have popular government in the United States; the people do not rule; money rules." That set me to thinking, and I said to myself, "is that the kind of government that millions of men spent their lives for in maintaining the American Union?" I thought it over again and again. I was convinced that the old Baron knew what he was talking about and knowing that their agent in New York was there, and had been for many years, chairman of the National Committee of one of our great political parties, I could trace out the connection.

Here then was the great issue. I returned at once to America and flung myself into the fight, just as I did in 1861-the fight to restore the power to the people, as in 1861 we fought to get it out of the control of the slaveholding secessionists and restore the Union. I soon became a sadder and wiser man. Senators, party leaders, governors, all were indifferent. Yes, indeed, money did rule. What a galling thought; in the final analysis we were all slaves to the Moloch Mammon. Would I give up the fight? No. I then went to the working man-to the Labor Unions. "Yes," they said, "we know it; money rules, and we are the only ones who are disputing its rule. Join hands with us." So I did, and was put up to a high office, then I studied economics, sociology, etc., and became convinced that Socialism was the only remedy, and started a big co-operative industry, and helped finance the Topolobamps Socialist Colony; 700 Socialists going to colonize 50,000 acres of land given to them by Albert K. Owen, the English Socialist. They split up into factions; spent their money, and energy, fighting each other, and lost title to their land. Spies in the trade unions, I was connected with, or concrete selfishness; (I don’t know which) busted our enterprise. I was chairman of the ten trustees. The man we chose to be superintendent began to plot to get personal control for his personal benefit. It soon was fixed so I could not see the books. Protests availed nothing as he had gained a strong body of adherents in the unions. I resigned in disgust, quit the whole business and went back to Europe.

What next; where was the issue? What was the use battling? Every one was tarred with the same stick-concrete selfishness. The Christian church was the last and only hope of the world, I thought. After a time, returning to America, we confined all of our energies to church work. Here, too, we could see the blighting influence of the great Moloch, Money!

Everything was superficial. We divided the city into districts; I took the district in which I lived, and the objective was to get everybody into the church.

The church was a social club-nothing more-in the name of Christ, a social club! What for? We didn’t know what for. We were stumbling along like intoxicated people without any aim or object except to get people into the church. In that state of mind, we came across Pastor Russell’s "Bible Studies." It was like awakening from the dead to read them. I took them to my pastor; he said there was nothing in them. Said he, "You ought not to study the prophecies; they are very perplexing and unprofitable to study." "Why!" I exclaimed, "if I had known that you held that opinion I never would have sat under your preaching." He said, "As for the book of Daniel, I wish it was left out of the Bible."

My pastor was a good man, judged according to our imperfect standards, and he preached a very good sermon, laying great stress upon the love of Christ; he was a better, more lovable man and a far better preacher than the average, but Pastor Russell’s analysis of the Gospel of the Kingdom, as differentiated from Christian ethics, had unmasked him to me. The Gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven is so interwoven with the prophecies that to separate them and ignore the prophecies is to completely shut out the preaching of the Kingdom of Heaven. Our Lord said, "O fools and slow to believe all that the prophets have spoken." I had been sitting under and accepting the preaching of a man who claimed to be, and very likely thought he was, a faithful shepherd of the Lord’s flock; a real true Christian, but he was not, for he did not preach the Gospel of the Kingdom, the only feature that differentiates Christian truth from Jewish truth, he was preaching Christian ethics only, which are precisely like Jewish ethics.

Judged by human standards the Pharisees were good men; the obligation of the Jew was to keep the law. Jesus called them hypocrites, solely because they claimed to perfectly keep the law, which no man could do, and which they knew they could not possibly do, or at any rate did not, and they substituted a lot of theoretical nonsense in a fine metaphysical scheme by which they claimed they were keeping the law, and by this were to get the promised reward, but Jesus unmasked them. That is what made them so bitter against him and finally led them to kill him, and it is precisely what is making the great mass of the clergy bitter against Pastor Russell; he is unmasking them, was showing them to be not Christian teachers but, in most cases, not even teachers of Christian ethics; not even so faithful to truth as the Jewish Rabbis who, without claiming to be Christians, are preaching Christian ethics, without mixing pagan theories with them.

There has been grafted into the nominal Christian belief, the pagan theories of Plato; for one, the theory of inherent immortal life, the logical sequence of which is eternal torment of the irreconcilable wicked. Up to within a few years the clergy, either generally preached it or ignored it, the latter because they were ashamed of it and did not believe it; then why didn’t they disavow it from the pulpit-why don’t they disavow it now? Clearly, because they are considering expediency as of more account than the truth. To disavow it would be to discredit the former teaching, and weaken faith in their infallibility as exponents of Christian doctrine; furthermore, to disavow it would involve disavowing the inherent immortal life theory which is a fundamental belief of all nominal Christians, and so they are stunned into silence by the necessity to be expedient-to save what?-the truth?-No, to save their church organizations at the expense of truth.

Pastor Russell’s keen, logical analysis of Biblical statements unmasks these pagan theories, masquerading as Christian doctrine, and unmasks the teachers of these false doctrines who call themselves Christian. That is why they hate him so. I said recently, to Professor Emeritus Elliot, of Harvard, "the brutal lies that the clergy tell about Pastor Russell are astounding." "Oh, no," he replied, "they are not astounding," as much as to say, it is nothing more than we should expect of them.

At last we have come to the consummation-the greatest issue ever met by mortal man. In 1861 I left preparation to enter college and enlisted, again I abandoned in Europe very important opportunities in 1882 to enlist in the struggle against mammon rule, now I give up a fascinating and lucrative profession to devote all of my time and ability to advance truth among college men.

This is what I have done for three years without salary and paying my own expenses besides, still I count this as nothing in comparison with the very rich compensation I am having by being taken into the confidence of our Heavenly Father and shown His plan, and the exceeding great joy in serving our Lord Jesus as a little recognition of what he did for me.

Inclosed please find check for a year’s subscription.

Very truly yours,

NEWTON T. HARTSHORN,

Cambridge, Mass.

1132 Massachusetts Ave.

——————————-

In Explanation

The Enterprise wishes to disabuse any of its readers of the idea that Pastor Russell is in any way back of this paper. He has never in any way dictated as to its policy or supplied us with any matters for publication except the weekly sermons which come to us through the American Press Association.

Pastor Russell does not need the defenses which we have published here. It was not for him but in justice to Truth that they have been made and for the benefit of our readers. The Enterprise tries to avoid them but still makes mistakes, for which we alone are responsible and this statement is made so it may be fully understood that no blame attach to Pastor Russell for any errors of ours or our correspondents.

——————————-

{2/12/15} A Beautiful Souvenir

Limited Supply Will Soon Be Exhausted

THERE WILL BE NO REPRINT

Order Copies Before Too Late

The beautiful Souvenir of the Photo-Drama of Creation work, as carried on in the Chicago Temple will soon be a Souvenir of rare value, as the limited supply will soon be taken and there will be no reprint.The Photo-Drama of Creation, as presented at the Chicago Temple is doing a great work, and the facts as contained in this beautiful Souvenir about that work act as an opening wedge to interest strangers in this wonderful Photo-Drama. Show a copy to your friends.

We will fill orders as fast as possible, and in the order received, while the supply lasts, but as there will be no reprint, we suggest that you order at once, so that later you will not be disappointed, when it is too late to secure this Souvenir record of the Photo-Drama work. The price is only 50c per copy.

DR. L. W. JONES

3003 Walnut St., Chicago, Ill.

——————————-

{11/6/14} Rebukes Unwarranted Attack on Pastor Russell

An Open Letter to Editor of The Northwestern Christian Advocate by a Member of Pastor Russell’s Household at Brooklyn, N. Y.

Mr. Elbert Robb Zaring, Editor of Northwestern Christian Advocate, Chicago, Ill.

Sir:-Having just had brought to me attention your editorial, in your issue of April 15, in which you make a personal and virulent attack upon Pastor Russell, and having for more than ten years been a member of Pastor Russell’s household, as well as his Office force, I wish, in an open letter, to make in reply some statements concerning which I have full personal knowledge. These statements I fear will not serve to aid yourself to a correct understanding of facts of which your article shows you speak without knowledge-indeed, with surprising ignorance-and yet with which you presume to deal. But some earnest souls seeking the truth on the subject may be helped by my words. Some day, I believe in the not distant future, you will yourself be brought to see your error; but I do not entertain the hope that you are at present in the attitude of mind to discern the real facts and truth concerning the man whom you have presumed to so defame, although I desire to give you credit for the best motives possible.

Let me say, first, that I was for years an active member of the M. E. Church in Illinois, connected with the old Illinois Conference, and our family were regular subscribers to the Northwestern Christian Advocate. I am very familiar with the tenets of Methodism, as I made it my business to know something of the faith of the denomination with which I was connected, and which I loved. Our home was the home of our pastors, always, and it was my pleasure for years to minister to their comfort in every way in my power. By labor of hands, by regular attendance upon the means of grace, activity in the prayer meeting, by financial support, etc., I contributed as far as I was able to the welfare and advancement of the church of my choice.

But while thus striving to the best of my ability to serve the Lord and to do His will, I was troubled by noting much of the spirit of the world coming into the church I loved; and some of its doctrines, common also to other evangelical denominations, seemed to me sadly at variance with the Love and Justice of God, and out of harmony with reason. I conferred with our ministers upon these subjects; for having them often in my home I had excellent opportunities along this line. They could give me no assistance upon the important points which troubled my mind and heart.

I was a diligent student of books along religious lines-whatever seemed to hold out a promise of real assistance. I read up on Universalism, Evolution, Adventism, Pre-Millenialism so-called, and even Spiritism, etc., seeking for further light, only to cast them aside one after another as unreasonable and unscriptural and dangerous, having each some Truth, but much error. I continued to study my Bible, and to read the "Advocate," and other periodicals along Christian and sociological lines; but still I found not the satisfaction for which I longed.

I went to my closet in earnest prayer regarding my desires, telling the Lord how earnestly I was longing for yet more of His Holy Spirit in my heart and greater light upon His Word. I was indeed earnest. I had come to the point where I must have more help and be able to see what the Lord would have me do. After some days of prayer, and while still engaged in active service of the Church, the books of Pastor Russell came to my attention in a way that seemed amost direct answer to my prayers. I secured the series, at that time but three volumes. Praying to be guided, I diligently read these books. Being of a disposition that could never be satisfied concerning any important matter without sifting it to the bottom, I studied the volumes day after day during all my spare time, proving every statement by the Word of God. I accepted no argument and no conclusion of the author except after the most careful proof by the Scriptures.

I was much pleased by the earnest manner and logical treatment of his subject by the author as well as by his evident sincerity and loyalty to God, and, further, by his urging the reader to prove every statement, I knew that, for the first time in my life, I had found an interpretation of the Word which fully harmonized its every part, which made no statement of Scripture contradict another (which was the difficulty with every system of interpretation I had ever examined previously), but gave the most careful consideration to every statement of the Bible. I learned that the Word of God, to be understood, must be "rightly divided," and must be studied dispensationally.

Questions which had for many years troubled me, and which none of my pastors or religious teachers had been ever able to answer (although some of them acknowledged to me in my home that they were troubled on the same points, or else denied their beliefs in the tenets of Methodism on these doctrines) were all answered to my entire satisfaction and in harmony with sanctified reason in Pastor Russell’s books, and every answer proven conclusively from the Word of God. How my heart rejoiced I actually wept for joy, as I saw the hope for my neighbors and friends, earnest, sincere people, some of whom had died without professing Christ. A flood of light now shone upon me from our Father’s Word, and I loved it as never before. The Lord had indeed answered my prayers.

I might say much along this line, but space forbids. Suffice it to say that after receiving this great light upon the Bible, I could not longer remain, conscientiously, a member of a denomination which did not represent what I now saw to be the plain teachings of the Scriptures, and where I could have no hearing regarding any doctrines not taught by Methodism. So, kindly but firmly stating my position and my reasons for my decision, I withdrew from the church where I had long labored. I received much coldness and was subjected to ostracism by many with whom I had labored, but I suffered this gladly for Christ’s sake, knowing that the Lord understood, and that I had His favor and approval. I began at once to do all in my power to bring to other hearts the light which had so wonderfully blessed and refreshed my own heart, and the Lord blessed my efforts in the finding of a number of earnest, Truth-hungry children of God who like myself were dissatisfied with the worldliness and errors of denominationalism. These in turn became light-bearers.

After about ten years of such labor, I was offered a position in the Office and household of Pastor Russell, at the headquarters of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, then located in Allegheny (North Pittsburgh), Pa-I was then living in Chicago. I gladly accepted Pastor Russell’s offer, esteeming this a great privilege. I have now for more than ten years been a member of his family of Christian workers, considering it the greatest honor that could be conferred upon me. For more than five years now, Brooklyn, N. Y. has been the headquarters of this Society, and a most wonderful work is being accomplished, and thousands of earnest hearts have been and are being made glad thereby.

I could relate numberless cases of this kind, both in this land and other lands. I have had the pleasure of meeting many of these, here in America and others across the sea. No honest, earnest heart could meet and know these dear, self-sacrificing children of God and not see the Master’s spirit shining out from their faces and their lives.

Your charges, Mr. Zaring, against Pastor Russell, to speak frankly, are so unjust and untrue as to be scarcely worthy of a reply, were it not for sincere Christians who, not knowing the facts, so greatly misrepresented by you (I hope unwittingly), might be hindered from investigating this matter, and thus from learning the falsity of these charges against Pastor Russell and the noble Society of which he is president.

You say: "The other name for Russellism is ‘Millennial Dawn,’ and it is of this we desire to raise a note of warning. We call it ‘Russellism’ because it is the product of one man, Charles T. Russell, who has dubbed himself ‘Pastor’ Russell, although he is not an ordained minister of any denomination and lacks the first requisite of being a pastor-that of caring for some particular flock." I am astonished that any man calling himself a follower of Christ, the Editor, too, of a prominent organ of one of the largest denominations of this country, and one would reasonably suppose, therefore, an exponent of truth and justice, should have the assurance to declare, as if there was no appeal from his assertion, that the Scriptural teachings presented in the works of Pastor Russell are "the product of one man." If you have ever carefully read even one of his books, and have compared its presentations with the Bible, and can then say honestly that these teachings are merely the product of the author’s mind, and not supported by the Scriptures, I am sorry indeed for the condition of mind in which you evidently are. You are either woefully blinded or else are willfully opposing the Scriptures; and I would not wish to believe the latter. You say, too, that Pastor Russell "is not an ordained minister of any denomination." What a confession of weakness of position is such a charge. Where do you, Mr. Zaring, or any other clergyman or churchman, get the authority to state or imply that a Christian who has for almost a long lifetime been a close and prayerful student of God’s Word has no right to proclaim that Word as he honestly understands it, and as widely as possible, for the blessing of his fellows, unless some fallible man in some denomination lays his hand upon him and grants him permission to preach the Word of God?

Who gave you the right or authority to declare that the Bible teaches thus-and-so, and that any one teaching outside of what you and others who call themselves leaders in religious circles have decided to be orthodox are false teachers and should be suppressed? Are you the sole arbiters as to who has a right to preach the Gospel, and as to what constitutes that Gospel? What is true ordination? we ask. Is it the permission of ecclesiastics in some or many denominations of fallible and erring men, or is it the sanction given by the Lord Himself to all who have been taught at the Fountain of Truth, the Word of God; and who have received the anointing of the Holy Spirit?

Shall bishops and priests and reverends in these conflicting denominations decide who alone shall preach the Word? Shall all others be slandered and vilified and misrepresented for daring to utter anything contrary to their fiat? And do even these men all preach and teach alike? Do we not know that these reverend gentlemen rarely agree even among themselves as to Scriptural teaching? Why, then, should they tell us who has a right to preach? Are we not living in a free country? Or has in our day the freedom of conscience for which our fathers suffered in the past, and for which they left their native shores and came to this new land that they might worship God according to the dictates of their own consciences, become a mockery and a dead letter?

You further declare, Mr. Zaring, that "Millennial Dawn" masquerades under the title of the ‘International Bible Students Association. In the name of fairness and honesty we ask, Why do you say that we ‘masquerade’ under this title? Our Association is composed of many thousands of noble men and women, from every nation and from every denomination, true Christians, whose daily lives will bear the closest scrutiny, and who honor the name of Christian wherever they are found. These are banded together for the study of our Father’s Word and are earnestly endeavoring to help and bless other earnest hearts wherever found. Are these, then, not International? Are they not Bible students? By what authority do you dispute this? If, in harmony with what they believe to be the teachings of Scripture, these Christian people prefer to take no denominational name, to call themselves simply Christians, Bible students, as in the days of the Apostles when the Church was pure, who shall say that they have not this right? And why should they be branded as hypocrites and deceivers for so doing?

If, as you declare, "We have the Students ‘International Bible Conference,’ which is truly interdenominational and evangelical, and is fostered by such men as Bishop W. F. McDowell, John R. Mott, Robert Speer, and other of similar standing," why, I would ask, has this organization, which represents denominationalism, any more right under the laws of God or man to exist than has the International Bible Students Association? Who gave this denominational organization any right to live and work and propagate which is not shared equally by the organization of which Pastor Russell is president and which is, I venture to say, blessing and bringing the light of salvation to more true hearts than is the "Bible Conference" of which you speak so highly, but of which we have never before heard-which cannot be said of the International Bible Students Association, which is a live, working company of God’s children, as all will testify. The Lord will decide openly in His good time whether these men whom you exalt will receive a higher reward than will the minister of Christ whom you defame.

Space will not permit the answering in detail of all the unworthy charges which you bring against our Pastor, every one of which can be answered to the satisfaction of any honest man or woman who cares to sincerely investigate the matter. Pastor Russell is a thoroughly upright and honorable man in all his business dealings, as all know who are personally and closely acquainted with him. He has, as you say, changed some time since the name of his series of books on the Scriptures, calling them now "Studies in the Scriptures," not to mislead nor deceive any-far from it-but because prejudiced men like yourself, who have either never read his works at all or else are so confused by errors long imbibed as to be unable to see the beauty of the real teachings of God’s Word, have for years been diligently busying themselves trying to frighten the Lord’s flock, to prevent any if possible from reading Pastor Russell’s books and thus learning for themselves that the Scriptures do not teach the blasphemous doctrines taught by the creeds of Christendom, and which were formulated in a darker time, when our forefathers had not the light now shining upon God’s Book.

We warn you, Mr. Zaring, and others who are using like methods to keep the people from investigating for themselves on these important matters to beware. Do not forget the denunciation pronounced by our Lord upon the Scribes and Pharisees and Doctors of the Law at His First Advent, who taught the traditions of men instead of the pure Word of God, and who vilified and finally crucified the Master, being grieved and angered because he taught the people the Truth, instead of the traditions of the elders. There is a similar class today in nominal churchianity. Let the teachers in the religious world note this fact carefully. The great disaster which came to the Jewish ecclesiastical system in the over-throw of their nation and polity, will soon, we believe, come upon its antitype, in this our day. Let them scoff who will. Some day, in the not far distant future, God’s Word and His faithful shall be vindicated. How comforting the words of the Prophet Isaiah: "Your brethren that hated you and that cast you out for My name’s sake, said: Let the Lord be glorified: But He shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed." So we go on our way rejoicing, knowing that our righteous cause shall yet be vindicated in the eyes of the whole world.

Time and space are too limited to refer to all the epithets which you hurl at Pastor Russell. They are unworthy of any Christian; for if you really knew, if your eyes were open instead of closed to facts, you would be most heartily ashamed of your language and attitude; and you will some day. Some of your statements are really amusing, and we can well afford to smile and let them pass, for their lack of any true foundations and their absurdity will be manifest in due time, and we can wait.

Our periodical called "The Bible Study Club," which you mention adversely, is doing a noble work, and is in every way worthy of recognition and careful study. It is worth many times its weight in gold, as we know by precious experience. Let the scoffing continue if it pleases and relieves you. It is noteworthy that calumny is always the argument of those who have no better weapon. But Truth is mighty, and will yet prevail. As to your charges regarding our Photo-Drama of Creation, now being presented in Chicago (where your paper has its home) and in many other cities; it is a most estimable enterprise, strictly philanthropic and doing a world of good. If you knew, as many others know, how many hearts have been blessed and how many despairing lives have already been reclaimed to God by means of this grand Drama, you would surely be ashamed of your attack, unless too blinded by prejudice to see anything properly. Thousands are daily attending this wonderful production in Chicago, as well as in other cities-without money and without price.

Loving hearts who have been enlightened by the right understanding of the Word of God and its wonderful Plan of Salvation, giving all men an individual opportunity for life eternal, a fair, real opportunity (not two, as you charge), donate gladly to this great work, rejoicing to have a share in thus blessing others and bringing them into the light of God. I could tell you, Mr. Editor, of many cases where a marvelous work has been wrought in the hearts and lives of men which you would not be able to explain away successfully. How can any one who loves the Lord and his fellows oppose so noble a work? They would not if they understood.

As to your charges against Pastor Russell’s private reputation, I will say that some "court records" are very delusive and deceptive things upon which to base a just estimate of a man’s real character. Have you, Mr. Zaring, not yet lived long enough in this world of ours to know that court proceedings and decisions of juries, under the evil conditions of society today, are far from being infallible? Do you know of any cases where justice was dragged in the mire, where prejudice and venom and hatred have perverted justice? Do you imagine that the court records, if any were made, in the case of our Lord Jesus when He was tried before the Jewish Sanhedrin would have been favorable to His case if any one had examined them later? Did the Apostle Paul receive justice at the court of Caesar? The powers behind the decisions rendered in the instances in which Pastor Russell sought justice in the courts-not for his own sake but for the Truth’s sake-succeeded for the most part in securing verdicts favorable to his enemies.

When juries are made up of those who are religiously prejudiced against a Christian minister, and when strong pressure is brought to bear by those who have selfish personal reasons for wishing to ruin his reputation, there is little hope of justice. But when the judgment of the Lord shall be rendered in Pastor Russell’s case, he will then receive the justice which has been denied him in earthly courts. Much light could be thrown on this matter, but this is not the time or place to bring it out. Those who know the man, know also the integrity of his character.

As to "miracle wheat," Pastor Russell’s course has been in the fullest harmony with justice and righteousness. He received the wheat as a donation from friends, with the understanding that it should be sold at $1.00 per pound (which it was well worth), the proceeds to be used to further the noble work in which he is laying down his life by day and by night, for only his bare living expenses. Pastor Russell has not made one cent out of it! I know this to be a fact. The wheat is truly "miracle wheat," as its name implies, though Pastor Russell had nothing to do with naming it-nor any one of our faith.

Pastor Russell never receives one penny of remuneration for all his untiring labors in all parts of the world, but gladly gives his services free of charge that others may be helped and blessed. All donations go intact to further the work of enlightenment in which the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society is engaged. And a most benevolent, unselfish work it truly is! Few are able to appreciate the utter unselfishness in the interest of others shown by Pastor Russell, and hence unworthy motives are attributed to him by many, judging him by the ordinary standards of the selfish world. Pastor Russell is a great reformer, and future years will accord him the honor and appreciation which he fails to receive from many now, especially those who name the name of Christ, but who deny Him in teaching, and too often, alas, in practice!

Do you wish, let me ask, to put yourself on record as defending Methodism of today as a proper and true exponent of the doctrines and practice of the Master? Do you believe that if our Lord was now present in the flesh He would recognize present-day Methodism as representing Him? Is it not full of the spirit of the world? No one who knows can honestly dispute this. "By their fruits ye shall know them," declared the Savior. Any one who has associated or been in contact with the members of the International Bible Students Association knows that their lives will compare favorably as Christians with the body of the M. E. church of today. Methodism has drifted far from its original moorings, and its noble founder would not recognize now the Church for which he suffered and toiled.

Again, you say that "the Rev. Mr. Ross shows that Russell organized ‘lead,’ ‘asphalt,’ and ‘turpentine’ companies, out of which he made large sums of money. Suppose he did use his eminent business qualifications to raise more money to further his Christian work? It is certainly true that he followed no course not in fullest harmony with honesty and righteousness. Pastor Russell would far rather give a hundred or a thousand dollars than defraud any one out of a dollar. Any one who knows him knows this. He does not always choose to tell his enemies all his plans, and this is surely his right. He is a poor man today, save in the riches of God’s favor. It is the purest fabrication that he is worth "several million dollars," or ever was worth it. He long ago gave his all for the work of Christ, as well as consecrating his own life and all his great talents to the Lord.

How unworthy in a professed Christian to use unfounded hearsay in an endeavor to ruin the work and influence of this noble man of God, whom to truly know is to love and esteem! Your accusation that "the one doctrine which he advocated, that all persons, however wicked or vile that they may have been in this life, will be raised in a state of Adamic purity and given a second probation" is far from true. He believes and teaches that the world will be raised just as they went into death, and that what follows will depend altogether on the course they then pursue. He teaches that all sin defiles the character, and that in the incoming Age those who went into the tomb sinners will require discipline and stripes in proportion to the light sinned against in this life.

You have surely never given Pastor Russell’s teachings sufficient attention to know what he teaches; for I would not wish to believe that you wilfully misrepresent him. I hope not, at least. We only ask that those who sincerely want to know the Bible as they have never yet known it, will secure his books, sold at a mere nominal price, and read, and thus see for themselves. "If they speak not according to the Word, it is because there is no light in them." Pastor Russell’s books are also loaned free, one at a time, to any who apply and will pay return postage.

Every doctrine taught by Pastor Russell will bear the closest scrutiny in the light of the Bible, which cannot be said of the tenets of so-called evangelical Christianity. he invites such scrutiny and careful comparison with the Word of God-the only true Touch-stone whereby the truth or falsity of any doctrine can be proven. If you, Mr. Editor, had studied the Scriptures as carefully and diligently as has the man you denounce without just cause, you would know much more about what the Word of God really teaches. But we try to view the opposition of the leaders in the nominal church systems of today with leniency, knowing that we once did not see, and assured that all will see and acknowledge their mistake before many years. None can afford to be so generous and charitable as those who know their faith is founded on the Rock of Ages and the sure Word of the living God. So we wait in entire patience until our God whom we serve shall vindicate our cause and His Truth.

I had the privilege of attending the debates between Pastor Russell and Dr. E. L. Eaton of the M. E. Church, held in Allegheny some ten years ago, and to which you refer in your article. Pastor Russell was challenged to this debate and accepted. It certainly seemed that any unbiased mind could see without difficulty which one of these two ministers had the Truth, and which manifested the most of the Master’s Spirit. I remember that at one of the series I felt justly indignant at the unwarranted slurs which Mr. Eaton indulged in, and I whispered to my next neighbor expressing its injustice. A gentleman who sat behind me, a perfect stranger, leaned forward and said, "You need have no fears as to the effect of these words. Anyone can see the difference in the spirit shown by these two men." He was able at once to recognize which was the right spirit, and to draw his own conclusions.

As to the dawn of the Millennium, which Pastor Russell believes is near, I will say that if his views of Scripture and the present signs of the times are correct, there will ere long be plenty of outward manifestations convincing to all; and Pastor Russell expects this. And who that is discerning cannot now see and hear the ominous mutterings and rumblings that betoken the coming whirlwind which must burst in fury upon the world before Messiah’s Reign, which is near, will be fully inaugurated? It will truly be a dark night of trouble, but will, thank God, be succeeded soon by the glorious Morning of the New Dispensation, which will open the deaf ears, and enlighten and uplift the entire human family. "For the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now, waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God," the Church of Christ, who, as the Revelator tells us, shall reign with Christ as kings and priests in the Kingdom, for the blessing of "all the families of the earth." The "Times of Restitution" are at hand. (Ac 3:19-21.) How full the Bible is of this glorious Gospel-Glad Tidings indeed, "which shall be unto all people!"

Pastor Russell has never believed nor taught that men can sin with impunity in this life and escape the consequences of their sin. He has always taught that "whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." All will receive "a just recompense of reward," not eternal torture, of which the Bible knows nothing. The so-called evangelical churches teach many doctrines not found between the lids of the Bible, but pure paganism, mixed with Christianity in the early centuries of this era. Pastor Russell is leading the true Church of God back into the good old paths of the Lord and the Apostles. "Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein. Also I set a watchman over you, saying, Hearken to the sound of the trumpet. But they said, We will not hearken. Therefore hear, ye nations, and know, O congregation, what is among them. Hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto My words, nor to My Law, but rejected it."

Truly, "this day is this Scripture fulfilled in our ears," and before our eyes. The religious leaders of our day, as a class, have rejected the Word of the Lord for their own traditions. They are, as shown by the Prophet, desiring to be called by Christ’s name, to "take away their reproach," They are saying, as prophesied, "Let us be called by Thy name, but we will eat our own food and wear our own clothes." They are not feeding from the Lord’s table of precious Truth now so richly supplied in our favored day, nor are they wearing the robe of righteousness furnished by our dear Redeemer. They are not bringing forth "things new and old from the Storehouse" of God’s Word, but are rapidly losing even the very fundamentals of the doctrines of Christ. How few of the religious teachers of today, or of the body of church membership, believe even in the foundation doctrine of the Ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the salvation of the world-that the Son of God left the glory which He had with the Father and came to earth and became a man, and as a man gave His life a substitute for the life of Adam and the race which fell in him. Thus seen, the effect of the Ransom is as far-reaching as the fall, giving all, both dead and living, an opportunity of eternal life through Christ. A wonderful Plan of Salvation-worthy of our God!

Surely God will require at the hands of these nominal shepherds who are leading the Lord’s sheep astray or leaving them to wander far away over the mountains of doubt and speculation this rejection of His counsels. The flock of God under their care are left to browse on weeds or noxious poisons, and know not where to go. But the Lord, true to his promise through the Prophet, is raising up for His sheep shepherds who will feed the flock, and not fleece them. God has yet some true people who are starving for the true Bread from Heaven, and are not receiving it. These must be reached ere they lose all the spiritual life they have left. Hear the Word of the Lord, referring to our own day, as the context shows: Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture, saith the Lord, Therefore, thus saith the Lord God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people: Ye have scattered and have not visited them. Behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the Lord. And I will gather the remnant (only a faithful remnant) of My flock out of all countries whither I have driven them, and will bring them again to their folds; and they shall be fruitful and increase. And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them; and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the Lord."

God be thanked that this is now being fulfilled. The Lord has indeed set up over His true people, who are longing for His Word above all else, faithful shepherds who are feeding them, giving them "meat in due season." (Jer 23:1-4; Lu 12:42-44.) The leaders in Zion have not proven true to their commission, and the Lord now, as at His First Advent, has chosen untitled men of loyal hearts to be His mouthpieces. The verse following our last citation may well be a warning to all who are scoffing at the proclamation of Bible Truth now due to be proclaimed to the people of God.

Pastor Russell is not counting himself "some great one," as you charge, Mr. Zaring, and as you would lead others to believe. He is, on the contrary, one of the humblest of men. His present publicity, as he has repeatedly told his family, is very distasteful to him (for he has always preferred to keep himself in the background), but it is submitted to because in the providence of God it seems to be his duty, and to be laid upon him as a part of his sacrifice of himself and his preferences for others. He has never made the claim of being a Greek or Hebrew scholar, but has all the knowledge of these languages necessary to the proper understanding of the Word of God. God is not using many of the great ones of earth for his purposes (see 1Co 1:26-29). Others of our brethren who are able scholars in Greek and Hebrew have proven Pastor Russell’s presentations of Scripture to be thoroughly reliable.

A professor of French in Oxford University has been studying Pastor Russell’s writings in the recent past, and has accepted them as indeed the true teachings of the Word of God and is rejoicing in the knowledge and light thus received on the Bible. He has resigned his professor’s chair and is going to France to take to his people the Truth which has so gladdened and blessed his own heart and mind. Again, a gentleman here in New York city, a lawyer by profession, recently came to the N. Y. Temple to see our Photo-Drama. He has been feeling that he had entirely lost his hold on the Lord, having drifted away from the faith of earlier years. But as he listened and observed, his faith began to revive. He began to investigate and to read the Scriptures and Pastor Russell’s volumes. As a result he has given his heart to God, and is now a consecrated and rejoicing Christian. A minister who attended the Drama stated that he had learned more about the Bible from this Drama than he had learned in his entire course in theological school. So we might multiply instances. Our Society is receiving many, many letters from all parts of the world, telling of the joy and peace and blessing brought to the writers through Pastor Russell’s series of "Studies," and praying God’s richest blessing upon him and his noble work.

If any who are seeking light on this subject will take a run over here to Brooklyn, and visit our headquarters, and see this great company of earnest, enthusiastic Christian workers, and note the spirit of love and harmony and zeal for God that pervades this great, busy hive, it would indeed be a revelation, as so many have testified who have visited us. We have visitors constantly, from everywhere, and they are astonished at the wonderful work carried on here. These earnest Christians are laying down their lives gladly in this blessed service for Christ and His cause.

In conclusion, I will say that Pastor Russell is pastor of the Brooklyn and London Tabernacles, and of Washington Temple, and other congregations. He gives what time he can to these in person, but as his work is world-wide and his responsibilities great, he must of necessity have a number of assistant pastors. He works early and late, every day in the week, and never takes a vacation. His is truly a service of love; and we believe his reward will be great in the Kingdom.

A. GOODELL JAMES,

122 Columbia Heights,

May 6th, 1914. Brooklyn, N. Y.

———————————

{Later version of November 6, 1914 edition and February 12, 1915 edition of the St. Paul Enterprise}

Complete Refutation of Attack on Pastor Russell Another Open Letter to the Editor of the Northwestern Christian Advocate, Supplemental to The One by A. Goodell James.

Explanatory Note.-The excellent and well received Answer to the "Northwestern" by A. Goodell James, recently published in the Enterprise, left some points of vital interest uncovered. Many requests from friends have come, urging a more complete refutal of the attack. This letter is therefore presented to supplement and reinforce the other, and render our literature on the subject complete in detail. Friends who have desired a reply to the venomous attack by Rev. J. J. Ross, will find it fully given in this answer to Zaring.

————

Sir:-A copy of your issue of April 15 has been handed me. On the front page I notice a very interesting word portrait of a Methodist, drawn by John Wesley, Methodism’s illustrious founder. He says: "A Methodist is one who has the love of God shed abroad in his heart. . . . His heart is full of love to all mankind and is purified from envy, malice, wrath and every unkind or malign affection. . . . He cannot speak ill of his neighbor, no more than he can tell a lie. He cannot utter unkind or idle words. No corrupt communication ever comes out of his mouth. He does good unto all men, unto neighbors and strangers, friends and enemies.

Turning over two leaves of the paper, I find-"A Warning to All Good Methodists," apparently written by the editor. This article is an attack upon a man who, by the admission of Editor Ellis of the Presbyterian "Continent" and many others, is the most widely known, widely heard and widely read preacher in the world today. In this attack I find the following statements: "Who has dubbed himself Pastor . . . and lacks the first requisite of being a pastor." "Millennial Dawn masquerades." "Pastor Russell is simply trying to steal the livery of Heaven . . . to serve the Devil." "So persistent and deceptive is this man." "Pastors are therefore warned not to fall into the trap set by this wily propagandist." "In order to make their deception complete these canvassers give their editors a choice between their own deceptions and those of Dr. R. A. Torrey." "Thousands of persons have been unwittingly deceived as to their authorship." "The pretense that scientific truths about the creation of the world are being taught by the Pictures." "All interested in our youth are therefore warned to beware of this cunning but mischievous attempt to ensnare and pervert the children who are as ignorant of the wiles of the devil as they are innocent." "He was divorced from his wife on the plea of cruelty and immorality, a woman . . . being named as co-respondent." "He was charged with defrauding the people by selling what he called miracle wheat." "Ross shows that Russell organized ‘lead,’ ‘asphalt,’ and ‘turpentine companies’ . . . concerning which he first swore that he was not in any way connected with said companies, but when faced with documental evidence to the contrary, acknowledged his connections." "Russell is now reputed to be worth several millions of dollars but is careful to keep his wealth under such legal protection that it cannot be seized." "These evidences of his personal unworthiness could well be covered with a mantle of silence, if not of charity, if the teachings of his books and tracts did not contain the poison of heresy and the still more fatal poison of his system whose acceptance leads logically to immorality." "He advocates that all persons, however wicked or vile, . . . will be raised in a state of Adamic purity and given a second probation." "He pretends to have an exact knowledge of the Greek and defies the scholarship of the world." "This man who counts himself to be ‘Some great one.’"

The deadly parallel thus drawn stands out too boldly to require extended comment. If Wesley’s portrait of a Methodist is accurately drawn, the editor of the Northwestern Christian Advocate is not a Methodist and we cannot but wonder whether the church that chose him to his editorship still possesses the ability to discern a Wesleyan Methodist. A careful examination of the Bible representations of a Christian shows beyond dispute that Wesley’s description of a Methodist is the Bible description of a Christian, so that if a man does not measure up to the standard of a Wesleyan Methodist neither does he measure up to the standard of biblical christianity. Surely no one will question that this deadly parallel can be studied by all with immeasurable profit.

You have denounced Millennial Dawn as the product of one man. Let me ask you a question:-If a system of teaching is founded on the Scriptures, what is the name of the one man who is responsible? Millennial Dawn contains 5,972 Scriptural citations, or an average of practically a thousand to each volume. Is Scriptural truth the product of one man?

You say that Mr. Russell has dubbed himself "pastor." Where have you ever found any proof for that statement? I have read nearly all of Pastor Russell’s writings and have conversed and corresponded with him extensively and have yet to come in contact with the first iota of evidence that he styles himself "pastor." He is elected pastor by the various classes of the International Bible Students Association throughout the world at their semi-annual elections by voluntary, unanimous action in which probably more than 150,000 people enthusiastically participate. I have repeatedly participated in such action on the part of large classes in Chicago and Minneapolis. Mr. Russell has been officially notified of this action, has duly accepted the election, and has performed the duties of the position to the entire satisfaction of those who elected him. Please name one living man who is pastor of any people by better right than this. Are Methodists served by pastors of their own choice?

You state that he is not an ordained minister of any denomination. What denomination can you name that is recognized in the Scriptures?-that can prove Scriptural authority for its ordinations?

You state that he lacks the first requisite of being a pastor-that of caring for some particular flock. There is no flock in the world that receives more constant and more personal ministration from a pastor than is given by him to the Brooklyn Tabernacle. Methodists are wont to style their bishops "Chief Pastors." Please tell me what particular flock they care for. According to your definition Peter, Paul and John and the other disciples were not ministers of the Gospel. They were not ordained by any denomination and did not care for any particular flock.

You charge us with masquerading under the title of International Bible Students Association. What warrant have you for styling us masqueraders? The name quoted is our legal, corporate name. Under this name we distribute more Bibles, religious books, sermons and religious tracts than any other religious organization in the world, including all the great denominations: this by the truthful admission of Editor Ellis, already referred to, and many others. You say that the Students International Bible Conference in whose name you accuse us of masquerading "meets occasionally." The average intelligent mind in comparing the most active organization in the world with one that "meets occasionally" would be inclined to regard the latter, if either, as the masquerader. You insinuate that our use of the term International is but a pretense. Our books are translated and circulated in nineteen languages and our tracts in thirty-one. If this is not an international work, please give us your conception of the meaning of the word.

You insinuate that our resolution regarding eternal torment in hell was not the "utterance of a serious body of Bible students who had spoken on an important theme." How many more than thirty-one nationalities must an organization labor amongst to be entitled to be considered serious? If eternal torment in hell is not an important theme why are so many Methodist preachers so loud in proclaiming it?

You assert that Mr. Russell has at times succeeded in gaining an entrance into the advertising columns of religious papers. Your statement is my first information to this effect; but I know that newspaper advertising is paid for and is based on contracts, to which there are always two parties. If Mr. Russell paid for this advertising he fulfilled his part of what the world considers an honorable contract, and it illy behooves "religious papers" which have confessedly been glad to get his money to berate him for a business deal in which they themselves were co-partners. Are they accustomed to spreading before their readers advertisements concerning the character of which they are ignorant? Is such management of religious journals trustworthy? If the publishers of religious papers are unable to discern between good advertisements and bad, could they not publish their papers without advertisements as Pastor Russell publishes his "Watch Tower" and devote them to religious teaching rather than to the quest of filthy lucre?

You say that some of these advertisements promise to pay to those who will distribute religious literature. It seems to me that it would be very honorable for anyone to hire another to distribute religious literature and that the responsibility for the distribution would belong, at least in part, on the distributor. I would like, however, to see one of the advertisements you mention, to gratify curiosity, and will pay you for your trouble if you will send me one.

You say that one of the most successful attempts made by us is to induce Sunday Schools to accept our expositions of the International Lessons. We thank you for the compliment you pay in acknowledging our success and we feel that the Sunday Schools are to be highly congratulated for their good judgment in accepting expositions that are Scriptural. I have yet to learn, however, of the first overtures we have made to any Sunday School; and to satisfy curiosity further will pay you for your trouble in submitting any evidence along this line. You say that for purposes of introduction we will furnish our wares free. We thank you for the compliment of this credit. The Bible invites the people to receive the gospel without money and without price. Mr. Russell by your admission furnishes it to them free. Methodist preachers by common repute are the greatest solicitors on earth. Further comment is unnecessary.

You say that you "understand" that Pastor Russell has changed the name of his books. If you had ever seen the books you surely would not be saying that you "understand" he had done so. By your own admission, therefore, you are attacking a system of Scriptural instruction that you have never seen. Please state by what process of reasoning you justify such conduct as Christian? Pastor Russell did change the name of his books. He certainly had perfect right to do so. They are known to the public as the "Studies in the Scriptures," which is the name they bear; but they are still affectionately called "The Dawns" by members of our Association. What legitimate objections have you to offer?

You say that the publication of the weekly Sunday School Lesson in many secular newspapers is a source of danger to the Sunday School. Where is the danger? You doubtless conceive it to be in the character of the expositions; but how do you know that they are dangerous if, as you seem to admit, you have never seen them? You represent the secular editors of the United States as a group of men who act through lack of information. If they are willing to accept this castigation at your hands, well and good; but we do not share in your opinion of them, and the public in general gives them the credit of being as intelligent a group of men as there is in our country.

You say that our canvassers give the editors a choice between our expositions and Torrey’s. I challenge you to prove that this assertion has any foundation in fact and am willing to pay you well for any trouble you may incur in proving it. You say we emphasize the unsectarian character of our expositions. Will you please furnish us the name of the sect which they acknowledge? There is no sect of which we are aware whose teachings we would not be ashamed to own. Are we not therefore decidedly unsectarian?

You say that our moving picture show pretends to give scientific truths about the creation of the world. Let me inquire if you have ever seen these pictures. If not, by what right do you call them a pretense? If you have seen them, what argument have you to offer against the scientific character of their presentations?

You make a number of very radical assertions regarding Mr. Russell’s personal life. You say that he was divorced on the plea of cruelty and immorality and that a co-respondent was named. Do you know that it is a fact that he has never been sued for divorce on any grounds, properly speaking? He was sued for separate maintenance; although Mrs. Russell at the time had been well maintained separately for a number of years. The object of her suit was to obtain a larger amount of filthy lucre. The jury in the face of contrary instructions from the judge rendered a verdict of separation on the grounds that there was hopeless incompatibility and that both parties would be better off wholly apart. The only testimony given in the trial to prove cruelty was the plea that at one time when she had been sick he had insinuated that the sickness was a manifestation of Divine displeasure. This can be proven by reference to the records in Court.

In regard to the charge of immorality:-I call your attention to the following facts: The incidents to which you refer are alleged to have happened before 1894. No one has ever alleged a later occurrence of any of them. In the year 1894 Mrs. Russell wrote and published a statement denying the truth of all these allegations and denounced the perpetrators as "malicious busy-bodies." In 1895, subsequent to all these incidents, Mrs. Russell herself initiated the teaching that her husband was "that faithful servant" mentioned in the 24th chapter of Matthew, the 45th and 46th verses. She found many who were quick to denounce this interpretation as extremely strong; and in Dec. 1895 wrote a letter to a member of the New York class vigorously defending her interpretation of Mt 24:45, 46 and her application of it to Mr. Russell. I wish to ask you one question in this connection and to insist upon a definite answer. If Mrs. Russell firmly believed in 1895 that Mr. Russell was "that faithful servant" mentioned by the Lord, could she then believe any of the allegations against his reputation made as early as 1893? When she brought these matters up in a suit for separate maintenance in 1906 what could have been her object? If the originators were "malicious busy-bodies" in 1894, what was she in 1906? If you can name any person in history who was ever known to more completely stultify himself than Mrs. Russell stultified herself in this instance, I will be pleased to see you make the attempt. All of these matters are included in the Court records. In this trial she was the author of another stultification to which I would particularly draw your attention. She admitted during the trial that at the beginning of their long married life they had mutually covenanted to observe in spirit the suggestion of the Master in the latter part of Mt 19:12; she then later in the trial, by her attorney, bitterly reproached him for having defrauded her by living true to this covenant. In the light of these facts, to be found in the Court records, how can the insinuation of immorality introduced by her attorneys and rebuked by the Court be justified by any rational being? You say a co-respondent was named in the legal procedure. I challenge you to prove that your utterance is not an open falsehood.

They charge him with defrauding the people by selling what "he called" miracle wheat at $60.00 a bushel, on the claim that it possessed miraculous productivity; when it, in fact, was only common wheat. Do you know it to be a fact that this wheat was named "miracle wheat" long before Pastor Russell ever heard of it, and that its wonderful productivity far beyond common wheat had been attested by United States Government experts? It is likewise a fact that Pastor Russell never sold one grain of this wheat to anybody; which I defy you to disprove. He sanctioned the sale of it by some of his associates with the distinct understanding and guarantee that any purchasers who were dissatisfied might reclaim their money. It is also a fact that none of the purchasers ever asked the return of their money or made any complaint in regard to the wheat. What have you to say to this fact? It is also a fact and a matter of Court record that the Brooklyn Eagle jury requested samples of this wheat as a legal exhibit and that a messenger of the Court was sent to procure the same and that while he was gone the jury brought in their verdict without waiting to see the exhibit. The judge in the opening of his charge made the statement that the publication of the Eagle’s cartoon constituted libel per se. It is also a fact that this case has been appealed to the Higher Courts and is now pending before the Supreme Court of New York, whose decision is expected this year. You say that the Eagle won the case because it told the truth. In the light of these facts, is your statement justified?

You state that Pastor Russell lost his suit for defamatory libel against Rev. J. J. Ross, of Hamilton, Ont., because his charges could not be substantiated. As a matter of fact, the Ross case was never actually tried, but was dismissed by the judge after a preliminary hearing, on the ground that it was a theological difference between two clergymen. In this connection let me call your attention to the fact that the principle charges made by Ross were all embodied in a former case against the Washington Post, which case was won by Mr. Russell. If the charge that the allegations of the Washington Post were libelous was substantiated before the Courts of the United States, what proper ground is there for your assertion that the same charges could not be substantiated in the Ross case?

You state that the Ross pamphlet shows that Mr. Russell made contradictory statements under oath regarding his connection with certain Companies. Ross, in his pamphlet, pretends to quote the utterances of Mr. Russell during that case. As a matter of fact, which can be substantiated by reference to the Court records, Mr. Russell’s statements there have not been quoted in the Ross pamphlet at all. Ross, in making up his pamphlet, has gone through the Court records and taken out a sentence here and an expression there that suited his purpose, omitting the vast majority of Mr. Russell’s statements; and in so doing, he has utterly misrepresented the statements of Pastor Russell that many of those who listened to the proceedings have declared it impossible to recognize the Ross quotations as any part of the actual proceedings of the case. At the conclusion of the matter Ross was challenged by a prominent citizen of Hamilton who had witnessed the proceedings to rehearse the facts of the case in Hamilton in the form of a joint debate and Ross ignominiously retreated in the face of this challenge. He has tried to make it appear in his pamphlet that Mr. Russell sought to avoid trial and would not come to attend until forced by Ross. The facts are that Mr. Russell made several voluntary trips to Hamilton for the purpose of prosecuting the case. On the occasion of his first visit Ross succeeded in getting the case non-suited on a technicality. New papers were immediately drawn and placed in the hands of an officer of the Court for service on Ross; but he had decamped from the town to avoid service and could not be located by the officer. Although he was advertised to have two addresses in Hamilton on the following day, he did not appear to deliver these addresses and his people had no warning of his absence or any knowledge of his whereabouts. He remained away until too late for his case to be tried at the next session of the Assize, and then returned and accepted service. Upon the new date set for trial, Pastor Russell was present and Ross secured a postponement of three weeks on the ground that he was not prepared to defend himself, and upon his faithful promise to the Court that he would be ready at the end of that time. When the time came he was not ready and acknowledged that he had made no attempt to be ready; thus succeeding in dragging the case along until he discovered that Pastor Russell was advertised to be upon an extended tour. He then at once began to insist upon his presence in Hamilton and raised the cry that Pastor Russell was dodging the issue; thus seeking to fasten upon Mr. Russell the stigma of the very offense he himself had committed. Further comments on the character of Ross are unnecessary.

It is wholly untrue that Mr. Russell denied any connections actually held by him with any commercial enterprise. Such connections as he has had have been of a nature generally recognized in the business world as wholly honorable; and by these connections he has been aided in avoiding the begging for money for which your society is noted. You state that Mr. Russell is reputed to be worth several million dollars. The fact is that Mr. Russell is neither a millionaire nor the owner of any property whatever, save such personal possessions as are common to most men. He does not even possess a private residence, but sleeps on a small cot in his study, which is part of the headquarters of the Associations. He does not even receive a salary from the society of which he is president, but merely his board and traveling expenses and an allowance reliably reported as $12.00 a month. Under these circumstances your statement that he keeps his wealth under such legal protection that it cannot be seized is the height of the ridiculous.

You say that his books contain the poison of heresy and for that reason you are not able to cover him with a mantle of charity. In the light of your admission, already referred to, that you have never seen his books, your basis for your confessed want of charity is pitiable. The Scriptures declare that charity covers a multitude of sins; but you have none to cover your unfounded prejudice.

You state that the acceptance of his system leads logically to immorality. I invite you to name any company of people who constantly preach and live up to as high a standard of morality as do the International Bible Students. I challenge you to show that the percentage of immoral persons in the Methodist Episcopal Church is not vastly greater than in our Association.

You state that he teaches that all persons, however wicked or vile, will be raised in a state of Adamic purity and be given a second probation. I challenge you to produce a solitary line quoted anywhere from his writings to give the slightest semblance of truth to your utterance. No statement more false than yours was ever known to fall upon the ears of men; and no man who values his reputation for honesty can afford to ignore such a characterization as I make of your statement. Mr. Russell’s teaching on both these points is diametrically and absolutely contrary to your statement. It is not surprising, however, that you make such statements when you admit that you have never seen his books. Does the Methodist Church expect editorial utterances from you so untrue as to be thus easily swept away?

You assert that he pretends to an exact knowledge of the Greek. This statement is as false as the other. I invite you, however, in this connection to another interesting test. It is a fact that Mr. Russell has made literally thousands of references in his writings to the matter of the correct translation of the Scriptures. If Pastor Russell is as ignorant as charged, it should be easy to prove. I have challenged a number of ministers for an iota of such proof. They have never produced it. I challenge you to the same test. You say that he defies the scholarship of the world. It is a fact that for many years he has been selling to members of our Association, at wholesale prices, Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance, Young’s Analytical Concordance, The Revised Version, Tischendorf’s New Testament, Rabbi Leeser’s Translation of the Old Testament and many other works of similar character. He has encouraged the purchase and constant use of these works and has used them continuously himself for more than forty years. What sort of defiance of the scholarship of the world does this appear to be? I challenge you to show that as large a proportion of Methodists as of our people use the scholarly work of the Methodist Dr. Strong.

You endorse the attack of Dr. Eaton of the Methodist Church, entitled "The Millennial Dawn Heresy." In the foreword of his attack, Eaton makes a childish complaint that the newspapers, in publishing the account of his debates with Pastor Russell, did not fairly represent his case and that he was, therefore, forced after a lapse of eight years to write the book in order to set himself right before the public. On page 16 of his book, in the first paragraph, he sweeps the Apostle Matthew and his gospel aside as narrow minded and unworthy of the Christians of later ages. At the top of page 17 with equal abandon he sweeps aside the book of Ecclesiastes as unworthy of modern faith. These are but samples of a hundred vital criticisms that could easily be offered against this book. If you endorse such teaching as this; if the Methodist church endorses it, we are very glad that we are not of your number. We do not discard any portion of the Bible or tear it to pieces, and have nothing in common with the higher criticism that has swept through the ranks of the Methodist ministry. We are proud of the fact.

Pastor Russell’s success as a teacher of the Scriptures is due to his wonderful fidelity to the Scriptures. It is because of this fact that his Studies in the Scriptures have enjoyed a sale of more than eight million volumes; which is the world’s record in book selling, apart from the Bible itself. It is for this reason that his sermons are printed every week in 2,000 secular newspapers reaching a circulation of probably twenty million; a record more than four times as great as that of Talmage, the former champion in this regard. It is for this reason that his preaching is attended by crowds such as no other preacher enjoys. And it is because of his wonderful success as a preacher of the Scriptures; because of the fact that he is the only theologian since the days of the Apostles who has been able to demonstrate the harmony of the Bible with itself from cover to cover; because of the fact that he is able to do all this wonderful work without soliciting money or taking collections, that he is hated and maligned by those who profess to be Christian ministers who are unable to keep pace with him in producing results. Practically the same criticisms were heaped on John Wesley.

You may never feel disposed to make answer to the various points to which I here challenge your attention, but you may be certain that your exact position will not escape the eyes of a discerning public.

In the interest of truthful utterance,

Yours,

W. H. Bradford.

————————————

Is Torment Biblical? Ladies’ Home Journal Gives View of Noted Preacher Lyman Abbott

Does the Bible teach "eternal torment?"

Do you believe the Bible teaches eternal torment for the wicked?

I can best answer this question by quoting, from an article contributed by me in 1899 to a book entitled, "The Unknown Country," the following paragraph, "I cannot be dogmatic respecting the future state; I seek not to know what God has not clearly revealed. I cannot with curious eyes peer into that utter darkness which lies beyond the shut door. I can only say, as the result of a quarter of a century’s study of the New Testament, that in my judgment there is very little in it to warrant belief in endless conscious sin and suffering, and much in it to warrant the belief that the end of sin is death, that life and immortality are the gift of God through Jesus Christ our Lord, that when God shall have finished the work of redeeming grace, and the song of triumph shall ascend from His redeemed children, no groans and no rebellious and despairing discords shall mingle with and mar the hymns of praise." In illustration of this note the fact that the "fire that is not quenched" and "the worm that dieth not" are symbols of destruction, not of torment. Outside of the walls of Jerusalem, in the valley of Gehenna, was kept perpetually burning a fire, on which the offal of the city was thrown to be destroyed. This is the "hell fire" of the New Testament. Christ warms His auditors that persistence in sin will make them offal, to be cast out from the holy city and destroyed.

————————————

The Sun Never Sets On Subscribers To St. Paul Enterprise

It circulates in every State in the Union and in lands beyond the sea, indeed it encircles the globe. The irresistible force of the messages it publishes has changed this little weekly paper from local to International importance. It is a means of communication between Laborers in the Harvest, far and near, and is especially enjoyed by isolated ones.

St. Paul Enterprise publishes Pastor Charles T. Russell’s sermons each week and other matters contributed by those in search of Truth.

St. Paul Enterprise is $1.00 per year. Canadian and foreign subscriptions, $1.50 per year. Three month and six month subscriptions received.

We are striving for a large number of short subscriptions as a means of interesting friends in the paper. Send us $1.00 and the names of four three-month subscribers and receive our premium, "An answer to Dr. Gray" by Elder W. H. Bradford.

WILLIAM L. ABBOTT, Publisher,

ST. PAUL ENTERPRISE,

49 East Fourth Street

Saint Paul, Minnesota

———————————

Clerical Attitude to Pastor Russell Who will Win the Fight to Make Him Join the Church Trust or Quit? REASONS FOR THE CLASH Is He Too Independent in His Views and Methods? Will He Change? (From National Labor Tribune.)

Read after by more people than Frederick Haskin, Arthur Brisbane, Norman Hapgood, and half a dozen other of the leading syndicate writers combined, can at present be said of Pastor Russell, head of the evangelistic work in Europe centering in the London Tabernacle, and the American Anti-Hell Fire movement centered in the Brooklyn Tabernacle.

Cordially opposed by ecclesiastical standpatters, for his progressive methods, and enthusiastically supported by the masses everywhere, is the interesting position now occupied by the venerable Pastor of two continents.

The Church Trust.

In 1846, when the rivalry of the various creeds was at its highest, their leaders got together and formed the "Evangelical Alliance" or "Church Trust" and agreed that henceforth they would not fight each other, and forthwith proceeded to monopolize the evangelistic world. The Alliance confidently expected to force all evangelists to come into line and operate under their auspices.

Oblivious to their threats, Pastor Russell, in 1874, undertook an independent work and proceeded to progress as did people in other lines of teaching. Among his progressive planks was the one laying special emphasis on the fact that the Bible itself repudiates the idea of a literal burning lake of fire and brimstone as a place for punishment. This independent work has been carried on from year to year by an increasing corps of public lecturers operating under the personal supervision of Pastor Russell. Their meetings are always advertised as non-sectarian and "Seats Free-No Collection." Other Progressive teachers have dared to do an independent work, but none have prospered as has Pastor Russell, whose work has extended to nearly every people, kindred and tongue.

Nearly every one has found himself asking, "Where does Pastor Russell get the money for so big a work? and why so varied the reasons for opposing his efforts?" To find the true answer to these queries has necessitated the interviewing of thousands of people, including hundreds of ministers and laymen and newspaper editors in nearly every country in the world.

Some ministers say that they oppose Pastor Russell because he teaches some certain doctrine in some peculiar way. Other ministers in these same denominations say that they agree with Pastor Russell on those particular doctrines, but oppose him on other doctrines. Others say that the essential views held by Pastor Russell find endorsement in part in every denomination represented in the Evangelical Alliance, but not in their entirety by any one of these denominations. Therefore, it seems that Pastor Russell has taken the Bible spokes out of the various denominational wheels and has, by assembling them, secured a better wheel for his own use and one he likes to preach about. Many thousands have heard the Gospel Message as delivered by Pastor Russell and gladly contribute large sums of money for the purpose of disseminating the message broadcast. Thus comes the money.

Purpose of the Opposition

To drive Pastor Russell into the Trust, or make him quit, seems to be the purpose of the standpatters in the "Church Trust." Those most active admit that the opposition will continue as long as Pastor Russell remains outside the Trust. It matters not what Pastor Russell teaches, just so long as he announces "Seats free-no collection," and "non-sectarian," the whip is sure to crack over his head. Church Trust votaries in the creed-bound Evangelical Alliance, seeing that people hear Pastor Russell gladly, now propose to destroy his influence by proclaiming him a fraud, and twist the Miracle Wheat incident as proof. It is interesting to watch the venerable world-famed Pastor in his daily work, and wonder who will win in the world wide effort to make him join the "Trust" or quit. Pastor Russell’s comment is that he has for forty years been fighting a good fight, and that he will continue his Christian Pilgrimage as an "Independent." And it surely looks that way.

——————————

Europe’s Great Conflict Forecasts Armageddon

A Minnesota Bible Student Finds Causes and Outcome of World’s Greatest War Plainly Marked in Divine Word. (Re 16:16.)

That for which we feared and trembled, has come-a war, yet in its infancy, but one that we believe will develop into a world-wide struggle between nations, until it finally winds up with a reign of anarchy, because the masses refuse to be butchered at the whim of the rulers.

The powers will fight to the bitter end, because their honor and prestige are at stake, and while millions of men are on the battlefields, millions of dollars’ worth of life’s necessities go to waste, because the harvesters are away. Prices will soar skyward; in fact, they are soaring now, daily, hourly.

There is no nightmare but a grim reality. The big, black headlines in the newspapers tell the story of slaughter, want and suffering. Reliable news is scarce, but what we do receive gives up a vivid, but horrible, picture of the awful drama enacted on the battlefields of central Europe.

The world stands aghast. It cannot account for the change of attitude among the nations; but if we, in our perplexity, go to the Bible of information, and study its chronology, we will see that the present trouble has been foretold by God’s mouthpiece, the prophets. We will see, that the rule of the Gentiles is soon to end. The turmoil in Mexico and Europe is the distant thunder, that tells us that still greater tribulations are due very soon.

The Jews fell from God’s favor, because they refused to accept Christ as their savior, and the Gentiles were accepted when Cornelius, the first Gentile convert, was baptized. For over nineteen centuries, we, the Gentiles, have "by the grace of God" been the rulers of the world. During these centuries we have tried to convert the masses. The result is skepticism, sectarianism, infidelism and anarchy. The Bible is ridiculed, the pews are empty, the theological seminaries are breeders of higher critics, and the world at large has gone pleasure mad. Humanitarians and idealists are preaching world-wide peace. Millionaires build peace palaces and prizes are given yearly to those who use their influence towards the preservation of peace. Yes, even the nations have, as the prophet Jeremiah says, "healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people," slightly-the nominal church saying: "Peace, peace, when there is no peace," because all the while they were assuring each other of their honest intentions, they were building war ships and inventing deadly weapons with which to destroy each other.

The roaring cannons, the bursting shells, the cracks of the muskets, and the awful explosions of the hidden mines, are the death knells of the Gentile reign. Like Pharaoh, they are blinded by their greed and self conceit. The adversary, knowing, that with the fall of the Gentile governments his reign will also be at an end, is making the last fierce struggle to retain his six-thousand year hold on humanity. He is setting nation against nation, class against class. As he, and not the Lord, has been the Prince of this world since the fall, so is he marking his own downfall with the greatest tragedy the world has ever known. Therefore, we are on the eve of a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time." (Da 12:1.) "And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days," (Mt 23:20.)

What may we expect, when the nations have exhausted their power, neglected their land, emptied their coffers, ruined their credit and sacrificed the lives of hundreds of thousands of human beings? What may we expect when the turbulent sea, the restless, anarchistic masses of mankind, realize the extent and result of the slaughter? Anarchy in all its brutal violence.

The masses that before were ignorant and divided, an unorganized, undisciplined army, are now educated. Their unions are links in the chain that surrounds the world. The kings, the captains of industries, the capitalists, all tremble at their wrath. Suppose the 55,000 engineers and firemen had gone on strike! What a calamity that would have been to the nation, yes, to the entire western hemisphere, and for that matter, to the whole world!

The strike was averted by the mediation of the president. The time had not come for the turbulent sea to roar in the nation. Had it, neither the president nor all the monarchs of the world would be able to stem the tide.

When a building is aflame, the part on which there is poured most water stands the longest. Water symbolizes Truth. The true understanding of God’s word finds more hearers in this than in any other nation. May we not hope, that, as the Lord blessed Obededom and all his household, because the ark was left in his house for three months, so will the angel hold the "four winds of the earth," so that our visitation will be less severe in "the day of the Lord’s anger."

Many consider it almost blasphemy for any man to say that the end of the gospel dispensation is at hand. They refer to Daniel, where the Lord tells him to "shut up the words and seal the book, even to the time of the end."

Daniel was in great distress. In perplexity he asked: "Oh my lord, what shall be the end of these things?" The Lord said: "Go thy way Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end. Many shall be purified, and made white and tried, but the wicked shall do wickedly, and none of the wicked shall understand," and the Lord added: "But the wise (not the worldly-wise) shall understand." (Da 12:4, 8, 9, 10.)

If prophecy was never designed to be understood, there would be no reasonable object in giving it.

We may also recall the words of Paul: "But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you, for yourselves knew perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. But ye brethren are not in darkness, that the day should overtake you as a thief."

We also remember Jesus’ words to the disciples: "and when these things come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads, for your redemption-deliverance-(Greek, Apolutrosis)-draweth nigh. (Lu 21:28.)

The signs that indicate that we are at the end of the Gospel dispensation are many. Among the most prominent is the fact that the Jews are returning to Palestine. Rains are now falling at short intervals, and the soil that for centuries has been a barren waste is becoming very productive. The city of Jerusalem is modernized. It has electric lights, sewerage and paved streets. Jewish millionaires have settled there, and are spending fortunes and time in improving and utilizing the resources of the country. The return of the Jews is a feature in the Plan of the Ages, the plan of the Lord as foretold by the prophets: "And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall be no more pulled up out of their lands which I have given them, saith the Lord thy God."

That we may rest assured that the above indicates the closing of the Gentile times, we call to mind Christ’s words to the disciples: "And he spoke to them a parable; behold the fig tree (the Jewish nation) and all the trees. When they now shoot forth, ye see, and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand." Yes, when the Jewish nation seeks back to the land of their forefathers, we know that summer, the blessed day of Christ’s reign, is near, is at hand.

Therefore, when we see the things coming to pass that were foretold by the prophets, when we see the nations gather at Armageddon, i.e., Mount of Destruction, we are not perplexed, but we rejoice, because we know that deliverance is drawing nigh. After the reign of anarchy and terror of which the French Revolution was but a shadow, there will follow, the Bible tells us, a thousand-year reign of Christ. During this great day of judgment, "the Devil will be bound, that he may deceive the nations no more."

As the reign of the Adversary has been a spiritual one, so will Christ’s reign be spiritual. Under the reign of the meek and gentle Jesus, "the desert shall blossom as a rose." With all evil influences removed, there shall be no more wars, no more strife. "There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days, for the child shall die a hundred years old, but the sinner being a hundred years old, shall be accursed (cut off in death).

"And they shall build houses and inhabit them, and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat; for, as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.

"They shall not labor in vain, nor bring forth for trouble, for they are the seed of the blessed of the Lord, and their offspring with them. And it shall come to pass, that before they call I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear."

"The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock; and dust shall be the serpent’s (Satan’s) meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain (kingdom) saith the Lord." (Isa. 65: 20-25.)

Now, during the Gospel age, it is a narrow way, and "few there be that find it"; during the Millennium, the reign of Christ, it will be a highway to holiness, because we shall walk by sight and not by faith.

In Europe the wind is blowing, as it were; here the angels are still "holding the four winds of the earth": and they are told: "Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in the forehead" (seat of intellect).

"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." that you may be hid in the day of our Lord’s anger.

Soon the last trumpet will sound, proclaiming the downfall of the Gentile nations. "Even so come Lord Jesus."

FREDE WESTERGAARD

Grovelake, Minn., via Brooten.

Aug. 15, 1914.

———————————

{Feb. 12, 1915 Edition} Ark Of The Lord In Wicked Hands 1Sa 4:1-18-Feb. 21,

A Corrupt Priesthood-A Demoralized People-Attempt to Bring God Into The War-The Ark of the Covenant Captured-Same Principle in Operation Today-Tragic Death of Eli and His Two Sons-Which Nations Are In Covenant Relationship With God?

"Be ye doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deluding your own selves."-Jas 1:22.

Some twenty years after God’s prediction of the calamities to befall Eli and his family, the tragedy related in this lesson occurred. In all that time, Eli, now ninety-eight years old, had allowed matters to continue in his sons’ hands, notwithstanding their dishonesty in the things of God, and their immorality and pernicious example. We are not to overestimate the moral and religious conditions of the people during those twenty years, but we may assume that the evil example of the priests, the sons of Eli, had a demoralizing effect. According to God’s Covenant with the nation, He was bound to punish them.

A fresh invasion of the Philistines took place. The Israelites went out to meet them in battle and were defeated. In their chagrin they looked to God, just as all the nations of Europe today are doing.

Indeed, the Israelites had more ground for attempting to bring God into the war, for invoking the assistance of religious symbols, etc., than have the warring kingdoms of today; for God had declared that they were His special people, and that He would protect them as long as they would be loyal to Him. On the other hand, the kingdoms of this world have no such Divine promise, have no ground for such expectations of Divine aid. They are falsely styling themselves Christian kingdoms-"Christendom"; whereas they have neither part nor lot with the Lord. He recognizes no nations except Natural Israel of the past and Spiritual Israel of the present.-1Pe 2:9.

A Present-Day Parallel.

The Israelites doubtless had read how the Ark of the Lord went before them in the Wilderness journey, how it was in the midst of the Jordan when the people crossed dry-shod, and how it was in the procession that marched around Jericho when the walls fell. So they determined to bring the Ark into the battle. Their reasoning apparently was that God would not permit the Ark of the Covenant to be injured or captured; and that hence the victory would be bound to come to Israel.

The people forgot that they had been living in violation of their Covenant with God; and that that Covenant called for punishment upon them at the hand of their enemies. They forgot that the two priests were thieves and robbers, garbed as the priests of God; that they were immoral, impure, posing as the representatives of the Divine Holiness.

Today, as in the days of Eli’s sons, the people shout as they couple the Cause of God with their national projects. Again they forget that God’s Cause is under Divine direction, and will prosper best by the permission of a great defeat to all these systems of men, preparing incidentally for the establishment of Messiah’s Kingdom, after the Armageddon of the Bible shall have humbled the world and made them ready to accept the new King Immanuel and His Kingdom.

There was a great slaughter and a scattering of the Israelites. Eli’s two sons were slain. The Ark of God was captured. A swift runner brought the sad intelligence to Shiloh, where Eli as judge sat upon his high seat in the gate, fearfully remembering the twenty-year-before prediction of disaster. The runner reported to Eli that the battle had gone against the Israelites, that his two sons were slain and that the Ark of the Lord had been captured by the Philistines.

When Eli learned that his precious treasure, for which he was guardian by Divine appointment, had been taken by the Philistines, the poor old man fell over in a faint, his chair toppled, his neck was broken. Although faithful at heart until death at ninety-eight, nevertheless he is not without reproof in that he neglected to see that the work entrusted to him was not interfered with by those of his own household. His loyalty to God was not sufficiently great to hinder him from shirking his responsibility. In his character was too much of the spirit of "peace at any price," not enough of that which is prepared to die for righteousness’ sake.

Israel Different From Other Nations.

The lesson taught to God’s Covenant people, Israel, the Lord next sent chastisements upon the Philistines, so that they were glad to return the Ark to the people of God. This does not authorize us in supposing that pestilences, etc., are special punishments of God. We must remember that the nation of Israel was in covenant relationship with God and under Divine supervision.

———————————

Intelligent Endorsement

From a St. Paul Friend Who Has Nearly Reached Four-Score Years.

I have a few questions which I wish to submit for the consideration of the thoughtful who may read these lines.

Frequently when trying to tell friends, or acquaintances, about Pastor Russell’s sermons, or when emphasizing some teaching of his which I feel burdened of heart to have them know, their attitude finds expression in these words: "Oh, I can’t believe that Mr. Russell knows more than all the educated ministers and doctors of divinity of his time!"

The questions then in their simplest form, stripped of all verbiage, are as follows: Does Pastor Russell know more than all the multitude of careless ones who have for generations crowded themselves into Moses’ seat, with even less merit than those occupying it of old, of whom Jesus spake in the 23rd chapter of Matthew, for He did permit His disciples to observe and do as those Pharisees commanded, but would not tolerate their works? We seriously doubt if the Master would approve of either the teachings or doings of these late occupants of Moses’ chair.

Second: If Pastor Russell does know more, where did he get his wisdom? And, finally, does he claim to have derived wisdom from any source other than that to which all who would honestly proclaim the Gospel have access, the Inspired Word of God, illuminated by the Holy Spirit?

Who of all the learned Divines, since Isaiah’s time, has told us anything about that "altar of the Lord in the land of Egypt, and a pillar in the border thereof?" Or have they all, save Pastor Russell, stood in speechless amazement before this majestic structure, which to their blind eyes has been as communicative as a tobacco-sign Indian, only to turn away with the exclamation, "One of the seven wonders of the world!" Are their ears equally laden to the voice of prophesy, and their eyes so blinded that they cannot "discern the signs of the times" in what is taking place in Palestine, in these latter days, when hills and valleys that have been as barren as ash heaps have become covered with verdure? Do they learn anything of especial significance when they read of the Czar of Russia, the Kaiser of Germany, and other rulers of earth loosening the fetters that have bound God’s chosen people for twenty-five hundred years? Or has it been left to Pastor Russell and his co-workers to explain the significance of the pyramid, that age-long mystery, and to unfold the prophecies and their fulfillment?

Any fair-minded person who questions Pastor Russell’s clear and definite teaching relative to these points will do well after reading them to turn to Eze 21:25-27, and then to consult that old Biblical authority, Dr. Adam Clarke, for his exposition of the prophecy. Some may not be able readily to refer to him and I will quote what he says about the meaning of Eze 21:27: "I will utterly destroy the Jewish government, ‘until He comes whose right it is’ that is, until the coming of the Son of David, the Lord Jesus, who in a mystical and spiritual sense, shall have the throne of Israel. Brief as is Dr. Clarke’s comment it fully confirms Pastor Russell’s teachings.

Through his knowledge of the Word and its teachings, Pastor Russell has for twenty years or more been declaring the occurrences of this present epoch. On the other hand, who of all these numberless ministers and doctors of divinity has undertaken to open up the prophecies, or make known their teachings? If it were possible for these blind leaders of the blind, these man-ordained teachers to take an unprejudiced look at something besides the incident of the thief on the cross, which they make the basis of their teaching concerning the efficacy of a death-bed repentance to rescue sinners from a hell of their ecclesiastical creating, which they teach may be escaped by the penitent exclaiming with his latest breath, "Lord, remember me in thy kingdom," if, I say, instead of building on such a sandy foundation as some are trying to lay, which others of their brethren with as much zeal are trying to destroy, all would look impartially at Pastor Russell’s teachings and be just to their own manhood; they would admit that no one since the days of the Apostles has taught God’s plan so clearly or shown it to be so beneficial to humanity, or so glorifying to its author.

Pastor Russell does not now know, nor has ever claimed any knowledge which is not obtainable by any who devoutly and persistently seek for truth, but if those who oppose his teaching will not give it the thoughtful consideration it deserves, who reject the revelation of God’s plan, have been excusable in the past, because of ignorance and superstitious devotion to creed, will that plea avail them any further after being so plainly shown the glorious truth?

The writer of this article does not for one moment claim infallibility for Pastor Russell, nor contend that he is not "a man of like passions with other men," but would not be so brazen as to deny that God has made use of him to let loose a great light upon the world.

Yours sincerely,

T. P. GROUT.

{November 6, 1914 edition} Voices of the People.

What our Readers Say

These are Our Readers’ Columns for the Fair, Free and Frank Discussion of all Matters of Human Interest.

Editor St. Paul Enterprise:

A copy of the April 3rd issue of your interesting little sheet lies before me. Among the many letters from correspondents is one so different in spirit and contents that it is unique. Its anonymous writer makes an attack on Pastor Russell, which is characterized by neither fairness nor accuracy of statement. Perhaps he is ashamed to make known his name!

We quote from the anonymous critic:

"The whole business (Pastor Russell’s teachings) says, ‘Rest easy,’ ‘Don’t worry,’ ‘You’ll be all right later if not now. * * * If I ever find it necessary to encourage people to put off concern about spiritual things I would turn to real Universalism which finally turns ALL men to Christ and salvation, and not to ‘Russellism,’ which saves only Russellites and annihilates-finally the rest."

This anonymous critic must rate your readers as possessing a poor grade of mentality when he makes such statements as the above, and others not quoted. For whoever reads Pastor Russell’s magnificent discourse on Character-building on the very same page with the epistle of our anonymous writer cannot fail to perceive how erroneous is his deduction as expressed in the above quotation from his pen. Just where he finds anything ever written by Pastor Russell to substantiate his claim that the Pastor encourages people to put off concern about spiritual things is a mystery. How any one having even a very small claim to intelligence, not to mention moral integrity, can make such statements as this critic has done is another mystery.

That this anonymous writer does not understand the teachings of the venerable Brooklyn Pastor is easily explained by a quotation from Scripture: "The natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned." (1Co 2:14.) But even a man who is unconsecrated can know when he is transgressing such plain statements as these: "Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil." "Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor." "Speak evil of no man."

The virulent opposition to the Pastor’s teachings emanating from certain classes of professedly religious people is a cause of much surprise to many; for not even one of his critics, anonymous or otherwise, has betrayed even a slight familiarity with his teachings, or with his personality. Such as have made attacks upon this humble, earnest servant of God would do well to ponder the words of Gamaliel to the Jewish Sanhedrin: "Take heed to yourselves . . . Refrain from these men, and let them alone; for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought; but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest happly ye be found even TO FIGHT AGAINST GOD." (Ac 5:35-39.)

Pastor Russell’s method of Bible study differs from the old-fashioned one used by the majority of his critics, possibly by all of them, in that he pursues what is known as the laboratory method of study, used successfully by all modern scholars. That is to say, instead of relying upon traditional interpretation of the Scriptures, he studies them for himself, comparing Scripture with Scripture, and making frequent use of the many valuable Concordances and other modern Bible helps which render Bible study a delightful pursuit. Like students in science, literature, medicine, etc., who are now following the laboratory method of study, he has been obliged to drop many antiquated ideas formulated during the Dark Ages, when very few, comparatively, could read and when helps to study were practically unknown. But, unlike those of students in other fields his findings are not received with the spirit of courtesy which characterizes professional progress in science, literature, etc. On the contrary, the spirit of envy has blinded the eyes of many to the truly helpful and reasonable explanations of Scripture set forth by the Pastor, who without doubt is one of the greatest living Bible students.

The anonymous critic whose remarkable misstatements regarding the Pastor’s teachings are quoted above is a fair sample of the style of men who criticize what evidently they do not understand. By so doing they merely argue themselves unknown to the value of Bible study. Since they cannot confute the Pastor’s exegesis of Scripture, they content themselves with misrepresentation of both his writings and his character. Such would do well to reflect upon the wise saying of Abraham Lincoln: "You may fool all of the people a part of the time, and a part of the people all of the time; but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time."

Personally the writer of this letter has been a close student of Pastor Russell’s works for more than twenty-five years, and cannot find words to express the great benefit received therefrom. At the time when I first read his "Divine Plan of the Ages," I was considered a good Bible student; but when I had finished that marvelous exegesis of the plan of salvation, I felt that if the writer of that volume knew what he professed to know about the Bible, then I knew practically nothing. Immediately I began to study the Bible from a new point of view. Taking up one subject after another-immortality, life, death, the soul, etc.-with the aid of a concordance I soon found that I actually knew almost nothing about the real meaning of the Word of God. From that time onward my Bible was to me a new Book. Other and deeper subjects one after another claimed my time and attention; and finally I had a grasp upon the Scriptures as a whole that was well worth all the study that could possibly put upon the Word. I had learned how to study.

For the past ten years I have been so situated that I could become well acquainted with the Pastor and other officers of the I. B. S. A. Therefore I feel qualified to offer testimony to their standard of character, their faithfulness in self-sacrifice, their zeal in the service of the Master. The Pastor is a noble example of a Christian. From personal and intimate knowledge I can testify that the slanderous stories set afloat by a certain contingency are absolutely FALSE-not even a shadow of truth in even the least of them. Many who have maligned this noble, self-sacrificing servant of the Master will one day hang their heads in shame at the memory of their slanders. But "the servant is not greater than his Lord." "All who live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution."

As for yourself, my dear sir, I congratulate you for your manly stand for right, your courage in withstanding the attacks of those who would intimidate you into refusing to publish the Pastor’s sermons. For every wounded feeling, for every slight, for every hard word endured because of your noble stand, you will receive a hundredfold of blessing in the coming Kingdom of our God, for which we pray: "Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth, even as it is done in Heaven."

Thanking you for your many kindnesses and wishing you success in all your undertakings for righteousness and truth, I am

Very respectfully yours,

LOUISE HAMILTON

Brooklyn, N. Y.

—————

Indianapolis, Ind., Sept. 14, 1914.

Editor St. Paul Enterprise:

Through the kindness of some unknown friend, whom I take this opportunity to thank, we have been receiving the Enterprise for the past four weeks.

When I received the first copy and read your three-months subscription proposition I decided that I would send my dollar along with the rest of the friends to help boost a good thing, but sickness and other hindering causes prevented me from doing so at once; but when I read your appeal for help last week, I concluded that it was time for me to "get busy," which I did last Sunday.

At the close of our praise and testimony meeting, just before the morning sermon, I asked the leader of the meeting for a few minutes time, which was readily granted me, and in a three minute talk I told the congregation all that I thought needful regarding the work that the Enterprise was doing and mentioning of course the three-month subscription price, and offered to take subscriptions from any who wished the paper.

At the close of the sermon, without any further solicitation, I took my stand near the door with book and pencil ready for business. I expected to do some business, but was not prepared for the rush that set in. Immediately, the people saw me, they poked the money at me so fast that I could not begin to keep up with the procession, when another brother came to the rescue and helped me out.

When the rush was over we discovered we had fifty-six names, fifty paid spot cash, and the other six are as good as paid.

Upon my arrival home, I telephoned my sister, Mrs. C. A. Wise, who had been detained at home that morning, telling her about the matter, and at once she wanted to be in, and gave me four names on her own account making sixty names in all.

Enclosed please find list with check for $15.00 for the same.

Will just say that I am very much pleased with your paper, and have received specific benefit from it.

I have known Pastor Russell for twenty-six years, and did not need the defense of Mr. W. H. Bradford and others to add anything to my good opinion of Mr. Russell, for a close personal acquaintance during all these years has placed and kept my confidence in the absolute integrity of this remarkable man at the "top notch." However, I have been benefited in this, -while I knew that the stories so industriously circulated by Pastor Russell’s enemies were of the vilest kind of calumny, I did not know just where to lay my hand on the proof that such was the case. I was very much in the condition of the hunter who possessed of a good gun and in the midst of plenty of game, was short on ammunition. Now, since reading the various articles in the Enterprise, I have not only the gun but plenty of good ammunition as well, so that if any of the Dr. Riley class "cut loose" in Indianapolis I will be in shape to go after them.

I am more than glad to see so many of those who have known Bro. Russell so long taking up the cudgel in his defense. He has neither the time nor the inclination to do it himself, and I don’t know whether or not he would endorse the action of others in doing so. If not, for once I would have to go against his wishes, and get in the ring stripped for the fight.

By the way, Dr. Riley’s letter to the editor seems to me to be a pretty smooth article. When I read your account of the proposed debate between Dr. Riley and Elder Bradford, I felt quite sure that the doctor would "back down," but I could not even guess how. Now it would seem that after quite a long silence on the doctor’s part, he has learned of the fact that the "Watch Tower" columns have never been open to "debates," and he, no doubt, felt quite safe in writing as he did. I would, however, like to offer this suggestion: Inasmuch as the doctor seems to be quite anxious to help the dupes of Pastor Russell out, and from the further fact that many of the aforesaid dupes are subscribers of the Enterprise, -and I hope and believe that hundreds more of them will become such, -it would be well for him to accept the offer of the Enterprise to open its columns and meet Mr. Bradford in debate. I can assure him that his missionary efforts will not be a failure; at least not for want of a hearing by those whom he seems so anxious to rescue.

In closing I will say that I have not the pleasure of an acquaintance with Mr. Bradford, but judging him by his articles in the Enterprise, as well as his relation to present truth, he would, no doubt, be able to give Dr. Riley as neat a trimming along theological lines as he has already done in the matter of "muck raking."

——————

Marlton, N. J., July 13, 1914.

Editor St. Paul Enterprise:

For some time I have been trying to get a chance to tell you of my keen appreciation of the good religious feast furnished us weekly in your fine little paper. I became acquainted with the Enterprise through a dear friend who sent me sample copies last winter, and I can’t express in words how glad I was to find a newspaper editor broad-minded and brave enough to give the precious Truth its due.

The first copy I saw of your paper contained those slanderous excerpts from letters of prejudiced critics, and I felt that in the face of such criticism your unswerving steadfastness and loyalty to the principles of righteousness must surely command the highest esteem of all pure-hearted truth-seekers. God bless you, Mr. Editor! May the good work you are so faithfully supporting abound more and more to your own happiness, now and in time to come as well as to the pleasure and benefit of those who are richly blessed through your efforts!

I am very grateful for the space you give for our dear friend’s correspondence. It is so nice, especially for those of us who are isolated to hear from each other thus every week; almost as good as meeting personally.

That was certainly a fine letter of Fred and Anna Rathke in the June 19th issue; it expressed the sentiment of my heart exactly. Pastor Russell’s sermons in full and the articles of H. E. Hollister are well worth being more than thankful for; not many newspapers give us such a treat!

And then too, Mr. Editor, once in a while you have something new for us in the form of pleasant surprises, such as that excellent letter of A. G. James to Mr. Zaring and the articles on the third page of the June 26th issue.

I want to say, right now, I think your paper is getting better all the time, in every way! As for those who cannot appreciate the religious features in the Enterprise, there are surely enough other items of interest that must appeal to them whether or not they are residents of St. Paul. I do not see where any have proper cause to find fault, although I can understand why some find certain advertisements objectionable. But as the Enterprise is for all, we know some readers would feel slighted in being denied what they justly consider their rights, therefore we ought not to murmur or complain; surely all liberty-loving Christians can overlook little trifles that are not to their liking in a paper that takes such a firm stand for full freedom and the whole truth, in this, our day, when error so sadly blinds the multitude.

Let us all help, friends, rather than hinder the good cause in any way! Things that do not please some of us may be just "the center of attraction" for some others. (Let us seek that which is good, closing our eyes to the evil which in due time shall all pass away under the uplifting influences of the Reign of Blessedness when "nothing shall hurt or destroy" on God’s Footstool made glorious.) Surely, an Editor who is doing his very best to serve us all acceptably needs all the encouragement we can give!

I have noted with much pleasure the arrangement that has been made for the benefit of those unable to bear the expense of the Enterprise. How exceedingly grateful these dear friends must be to you, for bringing their need to the attention of others who may help in such a nice way that those benefited need feel no hesitancy in accepting the kindness! How closely this method of assisting binds the whole family of your readers together in the spirit of loving helpfulness, their letters from time to time plainly show-contrasting greatly with the selfish spirit so prevalent in the world today.

I would dearly love to share in bringing the light and cheer of the "little paper" to the needy ones, but in my present environment I am unable to secure subscriptions. I can only pray the dear Lord to bless the efforts of those privileged to serve in this way.

I certainly was glad to get "An Answer to Dr. Gray." A couple of years ago an enemy of the Truth sent me his virulent attack on the teachings of Pastor Russell, and ever since reading this product of prejudiced unfairness I have wished for just such an "Answer" as we have enjoyed from the pen of Elder Bradford. What a striking contrast the pure, moderate, appealing language in this excellent "Answer" bears to the bitter expressions manifesting the un-Christian spirit throughout the attack! It is not hard to determine whose words will have the greater weight with those desiring to know the truth.

And now in conclusion, I will say, I think you are doing well your part in having (to use your own expression in a recent issue of your paper), "a house by the side of the road, being a friend to man." The lack of the spirit of true-hearted friendliness is what causes so much desolation in the world today. But Oh! how much more desolate it would be were it not for one here and there

"Whose heart with self hath not been filled,

Whose love for God hath not been killed,

Whose thankful praise hath not been stilled;

There’s one such here and there!"

And, Oh! how glad your readers are to find you one of these, dear friend! Even if some narrow-minded people do harshly criticize and condemn you in the noble stand you have taken for the pure Truth of God, you have the satisfaction of strengthening day by day, your adherence to the pure, unbiased principles governing a strictly honest life; you have the Lord’s approval-and thousands of earnest Christian people with full confidence in your integrity, are ready to stand by you in lifting up His Standard for the poor, weak, fallen race, that the glorious light of love divine may shine into the depths of darkness and woe.

I enclose a clipping from an old scrap-book of 1855, which I thought you might at some time perhaps find of interest to some of your readers; also forty cents in stamps for which kindly send me a few copies of Open Letters to Dr. Ross and Mr. Zaring by Elder Bradford and A. G. James, and, if you have them, back numbers of the Enterprise from June 19 to July 24th.

Wishing you the greatest success in all your activities in the interests of true righteousness, I am, in all sincerity,

Very gratefully yours,

ADA WIRTH.

——————————

Pastor Defended By Colored Friend

Interesting Points Brought Out in Reply to A Recent Southern Attack

RANDLE IS ABLY ANSWERED

No Racial Distinctions Found In True Religion For We Are All One

Olive Branch, La., Sept. 3d, 1914.

Editor St. Paul Enterprise:

I have read an open letter to Pastor Russell by Horace A. Randle, in which he makes several charges. I wish to make the following reply.:

The letter is written in an apparently Christian Spirit. But herein lies its Evil Subtility, for we remember the Betrayal kiss by Judas which had the outward appearance of an act of Love, but proved to be the farthest thing from Love.

Randle claims that Pastor Russell and the Bible Students’ movement has changed in recent years; to this I quote the following Scripture: "The path of the Just is as a shining light that shineth more and more, unto the perfect day." (Pr 4:18.) "Walk as children of the light." (Eph 5:8.) "If we walk (not ‘sit’) in the light." (1Jo 1:7.)

Some claim that the one whom the Lord would use as "That Servant," at His second advent (Mt 24:46; Lu 12:42) would need be infallible, perfect, and make no mistakes. But there have been only two perfect men on earth, Adam and Jesus. I have heard people say that both of them made mistakes: That Adam made a mistake in thinking that it would be better to transgress and die with Eve than to live alone after her death. And that Jesus made a mistake in going to a certain fig tree for figs and found nothing but leaves. Whether this be so or not, I can’t see why anyone should blame Pastor Russell for making and correcting a few little errors during the long period of the last forty years. Rather we should say, He has done well.

Randle says that, the pastor errs in saying that the Goat of Le 16:15 is a type of the church, and that it signifies that the church is a joint sacrifice with Jesus in the world’s great sin offering.

If the Lord’s Goat, and its process of offering did not typify the church and its suffering with Jesus, I ask, What then did it typify? All Bible Students ought to be able to agree that Jesus was an exact corresponding price for Adam, and that justice calls for nothing more. Yet we can see how it could "permit" more to be put on the measure. We remember how Jesus spoke of giving measures. He said: "Pressed down, shaken together, and "running over." (See Lu 6:38.) What if the church is found to be making the measure overflow? And what shall we do with the following Scripture if the church is not a joint sacrifice with Jesus?

"Let us go forth therefore unto Him without the camp, bearing His reproach." (Heb 13:13.)

"We are members of His body, of His flesh and of His bones." (Eph 5:33.)

"Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, "which is the church:’"( Col 1:24.) (There was a portion left behind for the church to fill up according to this Scripture.) Again we read, "Both he that sanctifieth and they that are sanctified are one." (not two.) (Heb 2:11.)

"I pray for them, I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me." (Joh 17:9.)

"A people for his name." (Ac 15:14.) (What people?)

"To whom God would make known what is the riches of the Glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you (the church) the Hope of Glory." (Col 1:27.)

"If ye be Christ’s then are ye Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise." (Ga 3:29.)

"If children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ, if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may also be Glorified Together." (Ro 8:17.) (The joint heirship depends upon the joint sufferingship, in the type the Goat suffered with the Bullock.)

"If we suffer with Him, (as did the Goat with the Bullock) we shall also reign with Him." (2Ti 2:12.)

I could cite many more Scriptures showing that the church (His church) takes a part with Jesus in the world’s great sin offering. Not that justice required it, but that wisdom and love arranged it so. It is not an obligation, but a great privilege, the greatest ever offered.

There are two more standpoints from which we can view the subject under discussion. From one standpoint, we can view it as being all done by Jesus, because all the merit resides in Him, and from another viewpoint we see each member of His church presenting themselves to be joint sacrificers with Jesus filling in a place as though the sin offering would not have been complete without them. But from either view point it remains materially the same.

Jesus wears the title of priest at the present time and the apostle says every priest must have something to offer (Heb 8:3) and the intimation is that when He ceases to have anything to offer, then His priestly office will end. Now I ask, what does Jesus have now to offer, remembering that He has long since offered Himself once for all time? Still he has something to offer, and what else could it be but His church, His mystical body in the flesh? Ro 12:1 comes in right here. We present ourselves to Him, and He presents us to the Father. The High Priest in the type supervised all the sacrificing and the same is being done in the antitype. It is all so beautiful and clear to many Bible Students, including the writer.

The relation or connection that Christ and His church bear one another, has been the mystery unsolvable for many centuries to not only the world, but also to the nominal church.

But now in the light of the foregoing we can understand Heb 5:3. As the church was to become part of Himself, (His wife, Re 19:7) in the sense of becoming a member of the great Messianic body of which He was the head, it can thus be said the he made an offering for himself, although he had no personal sin. (Heb 7:25.)

Concerning the "new covenant," I will say, If it has gone into operation as Mr. Randle and others say, I would like them to tell us why it is that the Jews don’t know anything about it? According to the Scriptures it is to be made with them. (See Jer 31:31, and Heb 8:10.) And where is the "new heart" and general knowledge that is to result from it? I know that these questions are unanswerable, except from the viewpoint that both Jesus and His church are the world’s great testator; and before the Testament can go into effect, the death of the Testator must take place. As the church, which is a part of the great Testator, has not finished dying, the "new covenant" has not gone into effect yet; for where a Testament is, there must also be the Death of the Testator, says the apostle. (Heb 9:16.) Though we are now serving, and being made able ministers of the "new covenant," in the sense of preparing ourselves for it.

Randle complains about the Pastor’s name appearing in a certain Tower more times than the name of Jesus. There is no virtue in mentioning a name, nor a lack of virtue by not mentioning it. Bible Students will remember that Jesus said that many will say to Him in that day, Lord, Lord, (calling his name double) have we not prophesied in Thy name, and in Thy name done wonders, cast out devils, etc.? And he will answer them saying, I have never recognized you; depart from me ye workers of iniquity. (Mt 7:23.)

Again He asked: Why call ye me Lord, Lord, (so many times) and do not the thing which I say? (Lu 6:46.) Upon the testimony of these Scriptures we can rest assured that nothing is to be gained by calling the Lord’s name so many times. And as to Pastor Russell’s name appearing in the Jan. 1, 1912, Tower a good many times, that is the special Tower setting forth the beginning and development of present Truth, and the Harvest Work as was called for by newspaper editors who were contracting to publish the sermons; because they knew that the world wants to know about the personality of a man, where he came from, etc.; and had Pastor Russell not granted them their innocent request, He would not have been acting wisely, because editors would have refused to publish a man’s sermons who had refused to make Himself known, and the Tower contained such, together with newspaper clippings; that all its readers might know how the work we love so much was progressing. The pastor objected to his picture going at the head of his sermons but the editors protested that it must be and he granted it only to keep from hindering the cause he loved so well as to sacrifice his thousands of dollars and himself for.

The Pastor made clear his unselfish motive in the start when he sacrificed his prosperous business and himself for the good of others and he maintains this same motive even unto this day. And the facts, when all of them are known about this noble man, will prove that a prophet sent of God has been in our midst, and he will go down in history as one of the greatest of men.

I am glad that I had the privilege of reading that open letter for it has caused me to research my Bible and Pastor Russell’s writings in the Tabernacle Shadows and to thus review the cloud of Scripture witnesses in the Pastor’s doctrinal favor. And I would suggest to all those who have not read the "Tabernacle Shadows" and "The Divine Plan of the Ages," by Pastor Russell, to do so on the first opportunity and begin to enjoy the feast of fat things contained therein revealed. They can be obtained from the W. T. B. & T. Society, 17 Hicks St., Brooklyn, N. Y., at a nominal cost or free to those who need.

"I live for those who love me,

For those who know me true;

For the Heaven that smiles above me,

And awaits my coming too; For the cause that lacks assistance,

For the wrong that needs resistance,

For the future in the distance,

And the good that I can do."

Yours in the defense of the Lord’s Truth, and His special servant,

ALEX EVANS.

———————————-

A Friend In Far-Away England

Nottingham, Eng., May 18, 1914.

Editor St. Paul Enterprise:

Kindly accept my thanks for large amount of the Truth that you give us in your little paper every week. Fancy! A full page every week.

We do not get such blessings from the English press, so we gratefully accept the big meal that you send along. And surely, as long as you publish the Pastor’s sermon we shall have great pleasure in subscribing to it.

We like to get Pastor Russell’s sermon every week-verbatim, if possible, because he is the only minister that showed us that we have been studying our Bibles upside down.

Consequently, we are more than pleased with the convincing yet kind "Answer to Dr. Gray," That booklet deserves a big circulation.

"Crytology" is fine-in fact, Mr. Editor, your whole publication is "just champion."

With good wishes for the success of the "little paper," I remain,

Yours thankfully,

B. J. DRINKWATER.

On Wings As Eagles

Doth not, doth not the eagle mount

Upward at thy command?

Upon her pinions, broad and strong,

She soars o’er all the land.

She makes her nest on mountains high,

Her eye sees from afar;

And wheresoe’er the food is found

The eagles gather there.

Wait thou, wait thou upon the Lord,

Thou shalt renew thy strength.

Rely upon His holy Word,

Its height, its depth, its length.

Running, thou shalt not weary be;

Walking, thou shalt not faint;

Thou shalt mount up with eagle’s wings-

Then hush thy weak complaint.

Mount up, mount up on wings of faith;

Forget the things behind;

Rise to the heights to which thou’rt called,

And life immortal find.

Daily shalt thou renew thy youth,

As eagles, ever young,

Thy strength shall be His word of Truth,

‘Till to Him thou dost come.

________________________

All Articles in this issue have appeared before in our regular editions. If you approve of them, please help our paper.

A Strong Defense of Pastor Russell A Sister Shows Scripture Proofs of the Correctness of His Theology

DR. HALDEMAN IS ANSWERED

Mrs., W. Gives Convincingly Her Conclusions as a Bible Student

Editor St. Paul Enterprise:

For twenty-nine years I have been a student of Pastor Russell’s interpretation of the Scriptures. I had been brought up a strict Presbyterian by my parents; my father-a saintly man-was a Presbyterian Minister. Like others of our town, in Georgia, I thought the physician who tried to give me the Truth was "As crazy as a March hare;" for his talk was so different from anything I had ever before heard as Scripture. Providentially, however, the old Doctor left on my table a copy of the Watch Tower-at that time a little sheet about the size of a Bible Student’s Monthly, or a little larger; and after reading one article, I began to "search the Scriptures daily whether these things were true." From that time on I have never for one instant doubted that what I had found was indeed the Truth.

I have read everything against Pastor Russell’s teachings, etc., that has ever fallen into my hands; and after reading an attack, I have always thanked God that I am one of the despised number who study the Word of God with unbiased mind, and who are ready to accept what they find to be in strict accord with the Master’s teachings. Pastor Russell has never encouraged any one to accept his views without studying the matter from the Scriptures and comparing them.

What first induced me to read the Watch Tower was that as I stooped to pick up the little paper, which had fallen to the floor, my eyes caught words which riveted my attention. So far as I can recollect them, the words were the following: "A hundred thousand copies of this paper have been sent to ministers and Sunday School Superintendents, with the earnest request that they will read it carefully and prayerfully and believe nothing here because the Editor says so, but that they will diligently compare Scripture with Scripture and believe what God says." Since 1885 I have followed the Editor’s advice, and have found it invaluable.

I have found also in reading the various tracts, booklets, etc., issued to discredit Pastor Russell’s views, that the writers are either grossly ignorant of what the Scriptures really say and teach, or else they willfully and maliciously misrepresent the Word of God, knowing that to state the Truth would be to defeat their attack.

To show how the Scriptures are ignored by some of them, I will quote from Rev. Haldeman’s booklet, which is so widely circulated. On page 6, he writes: From unbegun eternity He (Jesus) was the Son of God, and therefore, God the Son. At a given moment He bent down and took of the substance of the Virgin Mary, the seed of the woman, and created for Himself a new and distinct human nature, consisting of a real body and a rational soul, and uniting it to His eternal and uncaused personality, walked through this earth, "without controversy, and mystery of Godliness," God manifest in the flesh-true God and real man-being one person with two natures; so that the blood He shed was the blood of God-even as it is written: "The church of God, which He (God) hath purchased with His own blood."-Ac 20:28.

This quotation is sufficient to show the unreliability of Dr. Haldeman’s criticisms. In the first place, Dr. H. says Christ was "God the Son from unbegun eternity." Our Lord Himself says of the matter in the Book of the "Revelation of Jesus Christ, which the Father gave unto Him," that He was the "Beginning of the CREATION of (the) God" (Re 3:14); note, this is the Creation of the Father; Greek, tou theou. In the Scriptures our Lord is never spoken of as " the God," though sometimes as "a God," or Mighty One. Out Lord also says of His body-addressing the Father-"A body THOU prepared me," through the offering of which body, we are told by the Apostle Paul, we are sanctified." But Dr. Haldeman says He "created it for Himself!" Was the Lord mistaken? Shall we believe Dr. Haldeman or the Lord? My preference is for the Lord’s statement.

Dr. Haldeman says that our Lord get His materials out of which to make His body, of "the substance of the Virgin Mary, the seed of the woman." This they mean that the Virgin Mary was the "seed of the woman," or that of the Virgin Mary’s "substance" He took "the seed of the woman," and made His body. It is not easy to determine with certainty which Dr. Haldeman means, nor does it matter much, for both thoughts are highly fantastical and utterly unscriptural. Dr. Haldeman says that "to His eternal and uncaused personality" our Lord united the body He had created-but which the Lord says was created by the Father-"and walked through the earth, ‘without controversy, the mystery of Godliness!’" In other words he states that our Lord walked through the earth, the confessedly, or acknowledged to be the mystery, or secret of Godliness. Now St. Paul says, in speaking, or rather writing of the fact (1Ti 3:15, 16)-mentions the only thing approximating Dr. Haldeman’s bald-faced assertion-"the House of God, which is the Church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. (And without contradiction great is the secret of piety!) (or, confessedly great is the secret of piety!) He who was manifested in flesh, was justified in spirit, was seen of angels, was proclaimed among nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory." Dr. Haldeman, if he understands Greek at all, knows that the latter is the more correct translation of the passage which he has so mutilated and misapplied.