(15-19) service.” (Rom, 12:1) And “Make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way.” After what we have witnessed of the power of evil operating in the minds of some and producing characteristics which the Apostle denomimates “Works of the flesh and the devil,” we can scarcely be surprised at anything which the adversary might accomplish along these lines. But while we fear lest we should come under any such influence ourselves, and while we watch and pray lest we enter into temptation, we should not be cast down, nor hindered in any measure or degree, in respect to the service of our King. He is able and willing to keep in perfect peace those who are trusting him, those who are following his leadings and coming close to him, even “under the shadow of the Almighty.” The vow has helped many to take this stand, thank God! And in proportion as it is taken, we believe that it will still further help, not only those who have taken it, but also those who have not taken it, but have heard and appreciate, in a measure, its warning voice. The words of the Apostle, “Who shall be able to stand in that evil day,” never seemed more full of meaning to us than now, and never have we felt more than now our necd of every piece of the divine armor and THE WATCH TOWER ALLEGHENY, Pa, of every cord at our disposal to bind the sacrifice securely to the altar. So then, while still expecting the attacks of the adversary along the lines of materialization, hypnotism and occultism in general, we perceive that from inoculation of our minds with evil surmisings, saints have probably the most to dread. An important question 1s, How can we be on guard against this insidious snare? The reply is, By keeping very close to the Lord. Apparently the least deviation from the principles of righteousness in our thoughts, the least violation of justice or love in our thoughts, would open the way for the enemy to inject poison, leaven, malice, envy, hatred and strife. We still urge the vow as a great help in this time of stress, and one that you will appreciate more and more as you discern how the Lord 1s using it for your blessing and protection. But if, for fear that you cannot keep it, or for any other reason, you fail to take it, we counsel that you at least have its various provisions in mind, and seek to shape all of your various affairs day by day along those lines. But do not forget that our help comes from the Lord and that the vow is of assistance to us only as it helps us to approach near to him, and to abide in his love, and in harmony with his divine Word, in thought, in word, in deed. Vou. XXX ALLEGHENY, PA., JANUARY 15, 1909 No. 2 THE NASHVILLE CONVENTION As we expected, quite a number of the dear friends who attended the Nashville Convention declared at its conclusion that it was the very best of all. So long as we are growing in grace, it must be true that a meeting of those of like precious faith for the discussion of our Father’s Word must bring blessings increasingly precious as we increase in grace and knowledge. This being so, each day, each month, each year should be our best, our happiest, the one of our closest fellowship with the Lord. Blessed are those who, abiding under the shadow of the Almighty, are thus progressing from grace to grace, from glory to glory, and preparing for the final “change,” when they shall see his face and hear the Master’s “Well done.” The convention was a success. We had not expected more than one hunded in attendance, but found three hundred to three hundred and fifty. Pilgrim Wise served as chairman, and, with Pilgrims Sullivan, Rutherford, Johnson, Harrison, W. H. Bundy, F. H. Robison, J. A. Parker and C. T. Russell, shared in the addresses of the first four days. On Tuesday, December 29, thirty symbolized their consecration by water baptism, and that same evening we had our love feast, which, as usual, is a most delightful occasion. Following this a number were obliged to leave, but a larger number remained and had a delightful season of fellowship the next day, a large number of brethren being heard from in a symposium of Love, There were about one hundred colporteurs in attendance, and a splendid, representative company they were. REMOVAL OF THE SOCIETY’S HEADQUARTERS Quite keenly do the dear friends of the Allegheny-Pittsburgh church seem to feel the near departure of the Bible House family; yet, philosophically, they have agreed with us that the Lord is abundantly able to care for the interests of his people everywhere, and quite likely he is giving them, in this experience, a special blessing, throwing upon them a greater weight of responsibility in spiritual matters. On the Wednesday night before Christmas, wholly without our knowledge, they had prepared for a special union meeting in the Bible House Chapel, and requested Brother Russell to come in and say a few words. On his arrival an appointed speaker, in well chosen terms, expressed the love of the congregation for their Pastor and informed us that, desiring to make a tangible expression of their love, they had selected a fine velvet rug, a fine mahogany desk, a handsome chair, besides a small table and letter-holder. The offering for these gifts had far exceeded the expectations, so that $138 remained, which they requested should be also used in some manner in connection with the outfitting of Brother Russell’s Study in the new Brooklyn home. We accepted these tokens of love with heartfelt appreciation, and told the dear friends that only our conviction that the removal] is in the Lord’s provision and implies a forward step in his work, would enable us to leave cheerfully the numerous loved ones with whom we had been associated for more than thirty years, as Pastor of the congregation. BROTHER RUSSELL RE-ELECTED PASTOR Two Sundays in advance announcement was made that on the last night of the year 1908 a general meeting would be held, at which the congregation would expect to elect those who would serve it during the ensuing year. The Bible House chapel was crowded, though it had been expressly stipulated that only those professing full consecration were invited. A solemn hush was upon the audience while Brother Russell briefly narrated some of the incidents connected with his Pastorate of the congregation for more than thirty years. He mentioned by name some of those present who had been faithful supporters of the truth during all of that period. Still larger numbers dated their affiliation with the truth for twenty, fifteen, ten, five, and then down to one year. He remarked that he had not done for them, either collectively or individually, all that he would have liked to do, but assured them that he had served their interests in every manner to the best of his ability. He further declared that, to the best of his knowledge and belief, he had never done injury to any of them—in deed, in word, or in thought. In vacating the pulpit it caused him great gratification that these things were so. In concluding he requested that, if there were any present who felt that in any sense or degree, at any time or place, he had ever done them injury, in act or word, he hoped they would speak out, that he might know about it, and have opportunity for apol There being no response to the invitation, he assured them that, not only had he not injured them in word or act, but even in his thoughts they were cherished, loved, yearned for and prayed for. Before leaving the platform, Brother Russell remarked that Pilgrim Brother Rutherford was present and would doubtless make an excellent Chairman for the business meeting ealled for the election of the church’s servants for 1909. He said that, unless some objection were made, it would be considered that Brother Rutherford was unanimously approved as Chairman of the session. Silence gives consent, so Brother Rutherford stepped to the platform, Brother Russell stepping down and taking his seat with the friends. A vote of thanks for the Pastor and elders who had served during the year was proposed, seconded and passed unanimously. The object of the meeting was stated by the chairman, and a motion was declared to be in order. Brother Dr. Spill at once arose and proposed that Brother Russell be reélected Pastor of the congregation for the year 1909. He urged that, even though rarely present with the Ecclesia, his election as Pastor would insure to the church, possibly, a still greater watch care and make him more free to give advice in its affairs and interests. He declared that many congregations were in the habit of thus electing Brother Russell as Pastor, not only as an expression of their Jove and confidence, but also [4312]
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