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JUI,Y
1,
1904
ZION'S
WATCH
TOWER
(207-211)
in
the
event
of
a
murder-to
determine,
as
we
do
today,
whether
or
not
the
death
were
manslaughter,
accidental
killing,
or
in
the
second
degree-murder
unpremeditated
or
incited
by
anger
or
fear-or,
third,
if
it
were
murder
in
the
first
degree,
intended,
premeditated.
Similarly
they
were
to
discern
which
offences
were
against
the
common
law,
which
against
the
divine
law,
and
which
against
the
usages
of
society,
and
were
to
see
tha..t
justice
would
be
meted
out
to
all.
As
we
think
over
those
conditions
of
olden
time,
we
wonder
how
such
matters
as
these
-such
evidences
that
people
of
thousands
of
years
ago
were
just,
noble,
thoughtful,
reverential-are
regarded
by
our
evolu
tionist
friends.
They
seem
inclined
to
think
that
at
that
time
mankind
must
have
been
near
the
monkey
scale
of
intelligence,
but
the
facts
are
against
them.
Here
was
a
king
in
whose
em
pire
justice
was
no
doubt
dispensed
equally
as
well
as
it
is
with
us
today
in
this
most
favored
land
at
this
most
favored
period.
The
closing
words
of
the
lesson
constitute
our
Golden
Text
-"Deal
courageously,
and
the
Lord
shall
be
with
the
good."
We
commend
these
words
to
the
Lord's
faithful
people.
Who
ever
has
a
duty
to
perform
let
him
not
fear,
and
while
seek
ing
to
do
unpleasant
tasks
in
a
kindly
manner,
both
justly
and
lovingly,
let
us
fear
not
man,
but
rather
fear
the
Lord
and
be
intent
on
pleasing
him.
May
the
words
of
our
mouths
as
well
as
the
meditations
of
our
hearts
be
acceptable
in
thy
sight,
0
Lord,
our
strength
and
our
redeemer!
REPORT
OF
THE
BRITISH
CONVENTION
DEAR
BROTHER
RUSSELL:-
Our
first
British
General
Convention
has
come
and
gone!
It
brought
us
much
joy
in
the
Lord,
and
left
us
with
a
greater
desire
to
"spend
and
be
spent"
in
the
Master's
service.
With
general
consent
it
is
acknowledged
that
the
meetings
have
been
the
best
we
have
had
in
this
country.
But
this
was
according
to
expectation,
for
the
convention
brought
together
a
larger
number
of
friends
than
has
hitherto
been
the
case,
and
because
all
should
have
more
of
the
holy
Spirit
now
than
ever
before.
The
predominant
feeling
was
the
love
of
the
brethren
for
each
and
all,
and
with
it
was
the
appreciation
of
the
grace
of
God
whirh
product'd
such
a
grand
result.
Each
of
the
meetings
addell
Its
quota
to
the
good
derived
from
the
convention:
the
Praise
and
Testimony,
and
the
Colporteurs'
and
Workers'
meet
ing~
being
specially
helpful.
Already
we
have
heard
of
fresh
or
renewed
t'fforts
as
a
result
of
these
talks
with
each
other.
On
the
~fonday
morning
forty-three
brothers
and
sisters
signi.
fit'd
by
immersion
their
consecration
to
the
Lord,
and
their
de
sIre
to
be
accounted
worthy
to
suffer
with
him.
It
was
a
most
impreQsiw
time
as
we
reviewed
with
each
other
our
privilege
of
suffering
with
the
Lord,
as
well
as
believing
on
him.
And
we
rejoiced
in
anticipation
of
the
"glory
to
follow."
All
the
meetings
were
well
attended,
and
there
was
the
usual
eagerness
to
get
as
much
as
possible
of
the
food
the
Lord
provided.
The
largest
contingent
of
friends
came
from
Glas
gow,
the
most
distant
place
represented.
Ireland
was
repre
sented
by
Bro.
Walker,
while
England
was
repre
sented
by
friends
from
all
parts.
We
were
glad
to
have
Bro.
Koetitz
with
us.
It
was
hard
to
part,
but
we
all
realized
that
the
Lord
had
given
a
work
to
our
charge,
and
that
the
King's
message
demanded
haste.
A
good
proportion
of
the
colporteurs
were
with
us
also,
and
to
these
we
bade
"God-speed,"
com·
mending
them
to
the
grace
of
God.
We
felt
the
shortness
of
the
time,
and
the
coming
of
the
kingdom
for
which
we
work
and
wait,
and
there
was
a
greater
determination
to
do
all
pos
sible
for
the
accomplishment
of
the
work
committed
to
the
hands
of
those
who
know
the
Lord.
You
and
your
work
were
specially
remembered.
We
would
have
been
glad
to
have
had
you
with
us,
but
we
shall
hope
that,
in
the
Lord's
providence,
you
may
be
permitted
and
we
may
be
privileged
to
have
you
with
us
in
our
next
convention.
The
friends
desired
me
to
e.'{press
on
their
behalf
the
gratitude
they
felt
towards
the
Society.
Your
brother
in
the
Lord,
J.
HEMERY.
YOLo
XXV
ALLEGHENY,
PA.,
JULY
15,
1904
No.
14
VIEWS
FROM
THE
WATCH
TOWER
JAPAN
A
CHRISTIAN
NATION
The
.Japanese
are
such
valiant
fighters
on
sea
and
land
Shintoism
and
Buddhism
which
exist
are
secular
rather
than
that
few
any
longer
doubt
that
they
must
be
"Christians"
(
1).
sacred.
Hence
it
is
that
the
Christian
missionaries,
although
They
are
very
desirous
of
ranking
with
Europeans
and
Ameri.
the
Government
and
the
people
are
tolerant,
have
made
little
-:-ans,
ami
feel
that
to
the
prowess
they
have
shown
in
war
they
progress,
the
number
of
converts
being
pitifully
small.
Hence
now
merely
need
to
avow
themselves
a
"Christian
nation"
in
it
also
is
(religion
being
deemed
a
public
rather
than
a
private
ordt'r
to
be
all
that
any
"Christian
nation"
could
be
expected
thing
and
one
form
being
thought
about
as
good
aR
another)
to
be.
that
the
m,!,jority
of
the
population
would
probably
loyally
The
.Taps
are
a
very
practical
people
in
this
as
in
other
re-
obey
the
edIct
if
the
Empl'rol',
tor
"('('ullr
or
otl\('r
rpa.,OIH,
spect'!.
They
are
quite
right;
they
are
a
"Christian
nation"
should
proclaim
Christhnity
as
the
state
r('ligion.
The
clew
as
truly
as
is
any
other
nation,
for
there
are
no
"Christian
na·
to
the
Japanese
character
is
patriotism.
To
the
demands,
or
tions"
in
the
proper
use
of
that
term.
The
"holy
nation"
is
supposed
demands,
of
this
everything-
eIRe
iR
Qubordinate."
only
in
embryo,
only
being
formed,
and
will
not
aSSUme
its
The
Boston
Watchman
(Baptist)
says
cditorially:-
pOll
er
and
place
as
God's
kingdom
under
the
whole
heavens
un-
"Of
course,
there
is
no
spiritual
element
in
thiR
movement.
til
the
number
of
the
"very
elect"
is
completed
and
glorified.
It
does
not
indicate
an
adoption
of
the
Chri~tian
life,
or
even
The
best
of
earthly
kingdoms
are
only
"kingdoms
of
this
~n
intellectual
acceptance
of
the
truth"!
of
ChriRtianity.
Wbat
world,"
as
the
Scriptures
designate
them.
II'
propoRed
iQ
merely
a
formal
atloption
of
the
Christian
name,
The
Emperor
of
Japan
is
expected
to
make
his
nation
Chris-
1'0
that
.Japan
may
be
ealled
a
Christian
nation
an(1
rank
with
tian
by
proclamation,
and
as
a
preparation
to
this
end
public
England,
Germany
and
the
United
States.
Thl'
Japanese
hate
meetings
have
been
held
in
Japan
to
arouse
public
sentiment
the
name
pagan;
they
have
now
no
national
religion,
and
on
the
subject,
and
in
these
great
enthusiasm
was
developed.
ther.e
.would
be
nothing
s~rallge
in
their
ad0l'ting-
the
name
'VI'
must
not
sneer
at
the
Japanese
misconception
of
the
sub·
ChnstJan;
but
how
much
It
would
really
advance
the
interests
ject:
rather
we
must
remember
that
some
very
prominent
of
pure
and
personal
faith
in
Christ
is
doubtful."
people
in
these
United
States
have
for
years
been
petitioning-
TOWARD
CHURCH
UNITY
Congress
that
the
constitution
be
changed
so
as
to
have
in
it
"With
the
Methodist
Protestant
church
conference
enthusi.
~ome,~ow
.th~
name
.of
?,od,
and
thus
to
imply
at
least
that
th~s
~stic
for
union
with
the
United
Brethren
and
Congregational.
IS
a
~hnshan
nahon.
The
whole
matte!
~~ows
how
gross
IS
IRt
denominations
and
gravely
eonsidering
amalgamation
with
the
blmdness
prevalent.
even
among
the
CIVIlIzed.
thE'
Methodist
Episcopal;
with
the
Methodist
Episcopal,
~et
no
one
get
the
Idea
that
the
J~panese
are
converted
to
south,
disrussing
consolidation
with
the
same
denomination,
Chnst:.
they
are
me~el:r
bel'}t
on
ge~tm~
a
.g?Od"name
among
north;
w~th
the
Presbyterian
assembly
con"lidering
absorption
the
!1ahons:.
!or
pll;tnohsm
IS
the
chIef
.relIgIOn
of
t.he
J~ps.
of
the
Ulllted
and
Cumberland
Presbyterians,
and
with
a
moVe
Vanous
reh:glOus
Journals
are
commenhl'}g
on
the
SItuatIon.
ment
toward
the
adoption
of
rituals,
one
may
weH
believe
the
The.
l\fethodls~
Protestant
Conf~rence.
re.celved
a.
repor.t
o~,
the
churches
have
caught
the
spirit
of
combination
RO
marked
in
subJect
from
ItS
Board
of
ForeIgn
MISSions,
which
saId:
The
the
industrial
world.
It
iR
no
less
true
of
the
churches
than
opini?n
held
by
some
that
Japan
has
beco~e.
a
Ohristian
.na.
of
the
commercial
corporations
that
in
lmion
there
is
strength
hon
IS
far
f~om
correct.
Idolatry,
superstItJo~
and
atheIsm
and
in
combination
there
is
economy
of
operation
.
.
.
.
largely
prevail.
T~e
I!rea~
~ass
of
t~e
p,~pulatlOn
has
not
be-
"UniverRal
church
union
has
been
broached
by
bold
theolo-
come
Impressed
With
ChristIan
teach
mg.
/?ians.
The
ti.me
is
not
ripe
for
that.
It
may
never
come.
But
'!'.he
Globe,
~e~
York,
says::-
.
.
.
.
the
tendenc:l;
IS
yearly
towar~
greater
tolerancE'
and
closer
fra-
Travelers,
bstmg
the
pecuhanbes
of
the
Sunnse
KlI~g.
t~rn.a.l
~elatIons.
The
.ti.me
IS
favora.ble
for
wiping
out
minor
d0J!l,.
have
often
no~e~
that
the
Jap~nese
were
not
so
m~ch
11"
dlstmctIOns
and
orgalllzmg
upon
broader
lines.
The
signs
a.re
rehgIOus
as
non-rehgIOus.
The
habit
of
personal
devotIon.
as
altogether
favorable
for
larger
conceptions
of
religious
duty
we
understand
that
state,
seems
almost
altogether
absent.
The
and
for
more
concentrated
effort
in
spreading
the
gospel.
The
[3395]
Jury 1, 1904 in the event of a murder—to determine, as we do today, whether or not the death were manslaughter, accidental killing, or in the second degree—murder unpremeditated or incited by anger or fear—or, third, if it were murder in the first degree, intended, premeditated. Similarly they were to discern which offences were against the common law, which against the divine law, and which against the usages of society, and were to see that justice would be meted out to all. As we think over those conditions of olden time, we wonder how such matters as these ~—such evidences that people of thousands of years ago were just, noble, thoughtful, reverential—are regarded by our evolutionist friends. They seem inclined to think that at that time mankind must have been near the monkey scale of intelligence, REPORT OF THE Dear BrotTiER RUSSELL :— Our first British General Convention has come and gone! It brought us much joy in the Lord, and left us with a greater desire to “spend and be spent” in the Master’s service. With general consent it is acknowledged that the meetings have been the best we have had in this country. But this was according to expectation, for the convention brought together a larger number of friends than has hitherto been the case, and because all should have more of the holy Spirit now than ever before. The predominant feeling was the love of the brethren for each and all, and with it was the appreciation of the grace of God which produced such a grand result. Each of the meetings added its quota to the good derived from the convention: the Praise and Testimony, and the Colporteurs’ and Workers’ meetings being specially helpful. Already we have heard of fresh or renewed efforts as a result of these talks with each other. On the Monday morning forty-three brothers and sisters signified by immersion their consecration to the Lord, and their desire to be accounted worthy to suffer with him. It was a most impressive time as we reviewed with each other our privilege of suffering with the Lord, as well as believing on him. And we ZION’S WATCH TOWER (207-211) but the facts are against them. Here was a king in whose empire justice was no doubt dispensed equally as well as it is with us today in this most favored land at this most favored period. The closing words of the lesson constitute our Golden Text —“Deal courageously, and the Lord shall be with the good.” We commend these words to the Lord’s faithful people. Whoever has a duty to perform let him not fear, and while seeking to do unpleasant tasks in a kindly manner, both justly and lovingly, let us fear not man, but rather fear the Lord and be intent on pleasing him. May the words of our mouths as well as the meditations of our hearts be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, our strength and our redeemer! BRITISH CONVENTION All the meetings were well attended, and there was the usual eagerness to get as much as possible of the food the Lord provided. The largest contingent of friends came from Glasgow, the most distant place represented. Ireland was represented by Bro. Walker, while England was _ represented by friends from all parts. We were glad to have Bro. Koetitz with us. It was hard to part, but we all realized that the Lord had given a work to our charge, and that the King’s message demanded haste. A good proportion of the colporteurs were with us also, and to these we bade “God-speed,” commending them to the grace of God. We felt the shortness of the time, and the coming of the kingdom for which we work and wait, and there was a greater determination to do all possible for the accomplishment of the work committed to the hands of those who know the Lord. You and your work were specially remembered. We would have been glad to have had you with us, but we shall hope that, in the Lord’s providence, you may be permitted and we may be privileged to have you with us in our next convention. The friends desired me to express on their behalf the gratitude they felt towards the Society. rejoiced in anticipation of the “glory to follow.” Your brother in the Lord, J. HEMERY. Vou. XXV ALLEGHENY, PA., JULY 15, 1904 No. 14 VIEWS FROM THE WATCH TOWER JAPAN A CHRISTIAN NATION The Japanese are such valiant fighters on sea and land that few any longer doubt that they must be “Christians” (?). Phey are very desirous of ranking with Europeans and Ameri eans, and feel that to the prowess they have shown in war they now merely need to avow themselves a “Christian nation” in order to be all that any “Christian nation” could be expected to be. The Japs are a very practical people in this as in other respects. They are quite right; they are a “Christian nation” as truly as is any other nation, for there are no “Christian nations” in the proper use of that term. The “holy nation” is only in embryo, only being formed, and will not assume its power and place as God’s kingdom under the whole heavens until the number of the “very elect” is completed and glorified. The best of earthly kingdoms are only “kingdoms of this world,” as the Scriptures designate them. The Emperor of Japan is expected to make his nation Christian by proclamation, and as a preparation to this end public meetings have been held in Japan to arouse public sentiment on the subject, and in these great enthusiasm was developed. We must not sneer at the Japanese misconception of the subject: rather we must remember that some very prominent people in these United States have for years been petitioning Congress that the constitution be changed so as to have in it somehow the name of God, and thus to imply at least that this is a “Christian nation.” The whole matter shows how gross is the blindness prevalent even among the civilized. Let no one get the idea that the Japanese are converted to Christ: they are merely bent on getting a good name among the nations: for patriotism is the chief “religion” of the Japs. Various religious journals are commenting on the situation. The Methodist Protestant Conference received a report on the subject from its Board of Foreign Missions, which said: “The opinion held by some that Japan has become a Christian nation is far from correct. Idolatry, superstition and atheism largely prevail. The great mass of the population has not become impressed with Christian teaching.” The Globe, New York, says:— “Travelers, listing the peculiarities of the Sunrise Kingdom, have often noted that the Japanese were not so much irreligious as non-religious. The habit of personal devotion. as we understand that state, seems almost altogether absent. The Shintoism and Buddhism which exist are secular rather than sacred. Hence it is that the Christian missionaries, although the Government and the people are tolerant, have made little progress, the number of converts being pitifully small. Hence it also is (religion being deemed a public rather than a private thing and one form being thought about as good as another) that the majority of the population would probably loyally obey the edict if the Imperor, tor scculir or other reasons, should proclaim Christianity as the state religion. The clew to the Japanese character is patriotism. To the demands, or supposed demands, of this everything else is subordinate.” The Boston Watchman (Baptist) says editorially :— “Of course, there is no spiritual element in this movement. It does not indicate an adoption of the Christian life, or even an intellectual acceptance of the truths of Christianity. What is proposed is merely a formal adoption of the Christian name, so that Japan may be called a Christian nation and rank with England, Germany and the United States. The Japanese hate the name pagan; they have now no national religion, and there would be nothing strange in their adopting the name Christian; but how much it would really advance the interests of pure and personal faith in Christ is doubtful.” TOWARD CHURCH UNITY “With the Methodist Protestant church conference enthusiastic for union with the United Brethren and Congregationalist denominations and gravely considering amalgamation with the Methodist Episcopal; with the Methodist Episcopal, south, discussing consolidation with the same denomination, north; with the Presbyterian assembly considering absorption of the United and Cumberland Presbyterians, and with a movement toward the adoption of rituals, one may well believe the churches have caught the spirit of combination so marked in the industria] world. It is no less true of the churches than of the commercial corporations that in union there is strength and in combination there is economy of operation. . . . “Universal church union has been broached by bold theologians. The time is not ripe for that. It may never come. But the tendency is yearly toward greater tolerance and closer fraternal relations. The time is favorable for wiping out minor distinctions and organizing upon broader lines. The si are altogether favorable for larger conceptions of religious duty and for more concentrated effort in spreading the gospel. The [3395]
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