Ocrtoper 15, 1902 ourselves approved unto God, workmen that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth.—2 Tim. 2:15. There is much significance in that word “study”; and only the studious find the narrow way to the divine approval and acceptance. Study to show thyself approved—study the doctrine; study your course of conduct, to keep it in harmony with the doctrine. Study how to promote the peace and prosperity of Zion, and how to shield yourself and others from the missiles of error and from the poison or an evil, worldly spirit. Study to perform the duties of a faithful soldier of the cross—the seemingly insignificant, as well as the bravest and noblest deeds. A soldier has many seemingly trivial duties to perform, and he 1s as really doing his duty as a soldier when he is polishing his armor, foraging, cooking his meal, cleaning camp, clearing the way or building bridges for the army to pass as when he 1s fighting the enemy. All such necessary incidental work is entirely compatible with his commission as a soldier, and is not to be considered “entanglements” or hindrances. And these things cannot be avoided or carelessly done without a measure of unfaithfulness. So with the Christian soldier. The routine of life, housework, daily toil, any and everything incidental to a proper and honest provision of “things needful” for ourselves and those dependent on us for support, as well as provision for the prosecution and care of the Lord’s work,—all this is a proper part of our engagement as soldiers of the Lord. The Apostle Peter was as truly serving the Lord when catching the fish from whose mouth he got the coin wherewith to pay the Lord’s taxes and his own, as when proclaiming, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. The Apostle Paul was as truly a soldier of the cross and doing his proper work as such when making tents (rather than be chargeable to any) as when, at Mars hill, he preached Jesus and the resurrection. Whatever is done with a view to the glory of our Lord, the Captain of our salvation, or for the benefit of any of our fellow-soldiers, or for our own preparation for this warfare, or in the discharge of obligations which our Captain has recognized and approved, ZION’S WATCH TOWER (319-323) —this is proper work for us as soldiers, and not entanglement in the affairs of this life. But the Christian soldier must study to perform even the commonest duties in a manner creditable to his calling. Nor must he permit himself to become entangled with other things which do not relate to his duties as a soldier, and thus to be side-tracked. For instance, if a soldier knowing how to repair watches were to divert his attention from his regular duties, neglect his camp and battle duties, and the commands of his Captain and the proper work of a soldier to acquire some extra compensation by this means, he would be an unfaithful soldier. And so the Christian who turns aside to seek some personal, temporal advantage, to the detriment of his duties as a soldier, is likewise, to some extent, an unfaithful soldier and likely to be drawn out of the ranks entirely. Study to show thyself approved. Study the Word. Study yourself that you may become well acquainted with yourself— that you may know your talents for service and in what direction they lie, and your weak points and how they may be guarded against; that you may know both your abilities and your shortcomings. Then study to avoid error and to shun all foolish questions and profane and vain babblings. Remember that only the foundation of God standeth sure, and that all other foundations are worthless and all other theories must come to naught. But “The foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”"—2 Tim 2:19. And if any man desire honor from God, let him not fail to seek it in God's appointed way—along the pathway of humility; for the Lord giveth his favors to the humble. If you would be a vessel fit for the Master’s use and a vessel of honor, humble yourself under the mighty hand of God and he will exalt you in due time. Do not be in a hurry about, it either; but whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might, beginning and ever continuing to clease your earthen vessel, that 1t may be fit for the Master’s use LETTERS OF INTEREST DEAR BROTHER: I drop you a line to inform you that Pilgrim Brother Hay has been here and has done us all good. We held two meetings, one a Bible study and the other a sermon on the resurrection, both of which were instructive and edifying. The meetings were held in the house I oceupy. I presume Brother Hay has written you telling you of our meeting. At present and for the last couple of weeks two Colporteurs are in Belfast canvassing for the Dawns They report having made satisfactory progress thus far. I do hope they will be successful in finding quite a number of hearing ears. We meet at my home on Sundays. and spend our time in praise, prayer and searching of the Scriptures, thus confirming our faith in the good things of the kingdom. I am hoping and trusting that before long others will come into the light of the truth and rejoice with us. I have received the New Bible cuts or pictures for which I thank you, I did not expect any such addition. The Bible is proving very helpful and I prize it more every day. The friends in the truth here all desire to be remembered to you in warmest regards. IT am still rejoicing in the love of God and trying day by day to keep in the race toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, Your Brother in Christ, JAMES BRIGHT,—TIreland. Vou. XXIII VIEWS FROM THE WATCH TOWER INSANITY OF THE DOUKHOBORS Various are the forms of insanity or mental unbalance. The whole world of mankind is mentally unbalanced some to one degree some to another degree, as the result of original sin and its death sentence which assails all the energies— mental and moral as well as physical. All are not wicked to the same degree or in the same manner. Some are insanely jealous, some insanely cruel, some insanely covetous or selfish, and the Doukhobors furnish an illustration of insane unselfishness. The lesson is that none of us have good sense enough to direct our own courses. All need the divine aid ALLEGHENY, PA., NOVEMBER 1, 1902 Deak BROTHER RUSSELL: I have just returned from a two weeks’ trip to Dublin, Belfast, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Middlesboro and Leeds, and last Sunday, London. In every place I met with the same loving feelings of gratitude to God for present truth, and of appreciation of your loving service to the church. Every church sends you loving greetings, and the assurance that they hope the Lord’s providences will permit your visiting this side some day. As J told you once before, so I repeat it that I believe nobody on earth has so many people who love them as yourself, and I voice the expression of all the churches here in my own feelings of gratitude to vourself for your labors for us all. God bless you Brother Russell, and may you to its complete fulness realize the meaning of those words, “For as much as ye have done it to the least of one of these my brethren ye have done it unto me.” I never met with such a reception in my life as the Glasgow Church gave me—15 of them at the station to greet me, and in every hand a “Watch Tower.” It is very hard to leave the churches here. My meetings ranged in size from 3 at Middlesboro to 200 at Glasgow. It seems to me that there is a wonderful work going on here. The “wheat” seems coming out far faster than on the American side. I could have found many more little groups to visit had I had the time. With loving regards to yourself and all the Allegheny household, Your Brother in Christ, W. Hore Hay,—England. provided for us in the Word of God. Those who do accept this divine guidance by full consecration and submission to the holy spirit are Scripturally said to possess “the spirit of a sound mind,” and to be “wise” with a wisdom which cometh from above. It will be remembered that about three years ago the publie press gave detailed accounts of the arrival in Canada of ahout 4,000 Russian peasants styled Doukhobors, who were emigrating on account of their religious convictions—refusal to serve in the Russian army, ete., ete. Next we learned that they were in conflict with Canadian marriage laws berause [3097]
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