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 Accusa