(98 115) 5:14) From the evidences we see abdut us it is quite certain that our Captain has not called, “Halt!” nor that we should stand still; but that his providences rather speak loudly: “Forward! March!” J have realized his leading hand ever with me during my trying experiences of military life; and still I am trusting, though I cannot always trace. For a time I was stationed at , and was much influenced by the thought which is persuasive in the Northwest, that THE Waton Tower is no longer the Lord’s channel. I was much confused and bewildered; but these questions, with others, kept coming to my mind: If this be the case, why is it that some who accept the Seventh Volume and some who reject it can meet together, and apparently have harmony in a common cause against this channel? And if such a time has truly come to “stand fast” without having a message to deliver, then there is surely nothing left to do but to wait; but why than so much ado about proselyting? After much prayer and thought I came to the conclusion that if was another sifting taking place and that as usual our adversary is directing every issue he can against this channel THE WATCH TOWER Prrrssurcn, Pa. and those who accept its message as from the Lord. Let me assure you, dear Brethren, that the current TowkRs are as dear to me now as ever. How like a bell-buoy do they ring out, sounding the dangers that lurk in the way, still guiding us on to our haven of rest! For a benediction I would say: “Mizpah!” (Genesis 31:49) with the thought as rendered in the margin—‘“To the Beacon Light or Waton Tower.” With much Christian love to all the dear co-laborera at Pittsburgh and elsewhere. Your brother by his grace. D. E. WeELLIneTon.~—Cal. CONTRIBUTING HIS ‘‘MITE’’ Drak BRETHREN :—~ Herewith lists of petitions which constitute my little “mite” in behalf of our dear brethren in Atlanta. You will see our Congressman from this district heads the list, also our Sheriff, Probate Judge, Assessor, Collector, Supt. of Schools, ete. 1 surely have been rejoicing in this grand privilege of having a share in this witness work. Yours in the service of our king. W. J. GoopLetr.—Ale. BOOKLET TRACTS FOR MAILING We are now printing a limited quantity of tracts in booklet form treating the subjects “Where are the Dead?” “What is the Soul?” “Calamities, Why Permitted?” “Is there a God?” “Is Christian Science Scriptural?’ and “Spiritism is Demonism.” Similar tracts on other subjects are also in preparation. and will be announced later. Each tract covers 14 pages, size 334 x 6% pages, small enough to enclose in an ordinary BACK ISSUES Friends who have issues of THe Waron Towes for the years 1879, 1880 and 1881 will confer a favor by lending ns the following issues: November and December, 1879; January, April. September and November, 1880; January, February and March, 1881. With these exceptions our file is complete from 1879 to date. As announced in our last issue, if envelope without folding. Being in booklet form they are much more attractive, also far more expensive, than the former gsms. For this reason they should be used for mailing only to persons who you have reason to expect would read them. They are not intended for house-to-house distribution. They will be supplied free in limited quantities. REQUESTED there is a sufficient demand for the reprinting of all the back issues in book form the Society will gladly undertake the proposition, Numerous orders have already been received; but it will require a large quantity additional in order to print them at the prices given in March 15th Tower. FRIENDS, PLEASE NOTE The Society requests that all instances of opposition to the petition work emanating from the clergy be reported to this office at onee, % Publicity Department. Give name, address and denomination of the clergyman, and specific facts as to what course he pursued to hinder the work. Be sure, also, to mail us all newspaper clippings bearing upon such opposition, giving name of paper and date of publication. BRETHREN ADMITTED TO BAIL Just as this issue goes to press we are in receipt of telegram advising that Brother Rutherford and associates have been admitted to bail pending the hearing of their appeal. It is exactly nine months since they were imprisoned. Sentenee was pronounced on Friday, June 21, 1918—the first da of Summer; and they are now granted bail on Friday, Mare Vou. XL PITTSBURGH, PA., APRIL 15, 1919 LIBERTY IN CHRIST 21, 1919, which is the first day of Spring. This, however, means only temporary freedom until their case is finally passed upon. We suggest that the petition work be continued with increased vigor, merely drawing a pen through the third clause relating to bail. Please mail petitions to uas rapidly as possible. “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."—Jno. 8:36. When one ig released from bondage after baving suffered restraint for many days, and is fully conscious of his freedom, he experiences a peculiar thankfulness and joy. All persons that have lived on the earth have been in some kind of bondage. When Adam was in Eden he enjoyed full liberty, full life and happiness. After a brief sojourn there he found himself deprived of liberty, in bondage to sin and death; and he is yet in the great prison house of death. All of his children were born under condemnation, and therefore in bondage. They found themselves in this condition, not willingly, but because of conditions coming to them over which they had no control. “As by the disobedience of one man sin entered the world and death by sin, so death has passed upon all men; for all are sinners.” (Romans 5:12) Because of this bondage the whole creation from Adam until new has groaned in pain and yet groans, waiting for the day of deliverance. All of these are asking themselves, Is there anything better for us in the future? MODERN BABYLONIAN CAPTIVITY Christ Jesus through his apostles organized the church, the members of his body; and during the early part of its development its members enjoyed liberty. The time came when ambitious politicians entered the church, organized man-made systems in the name of Christ. and the members were sub jected to the bondage of such organizations. The many systems that have been organized throughout the period of the Gospel age have each formed a prison house, figuratively speaking, depriving many of their true liberty in Christ. These systems the Lord designates in the Scriptures as “Babylon,” meaning confusion, and he describes the consecrated ones in “Babylon” as those who are groaning because of their captivity, or incarceration. He foreshadows the joy of those released from this condition, putting these words in their mouths, “When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream. Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing.” (Psalm 126:1, 2) Thus he pictures in a small degree the joy coming to any one receiving Uberty, especially those who receive liberty through a full knowledge and Cbedience unto Christ. Another form of bondage which we find prevailing throughout the world is the bondage of fear. The ruling element of all nations is suffering from fear of their enemies. It is chiefly because of fear of future wars that statesmen of the world are now forming a league of nations with the avowed purpose of securing a greater meagure of liberty and protection to the peoples of the nations. There are now, according to press reports, thirty-two nations interested in the formation of such league, That the league will be formed is clearly foreshadowed [6418]
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