(277-278) THE the dark places of the earth. ‘This is “the spirit of the wide world brooding on things to come.” That day will be the Millennium, of course; but in some sense and degree it will surely be realized in this dispensation of mortal time.” JEWISH PERSECUTION Shocking reports are coming from Russia about the expulsion of the Jews in masses. As lightning out of a clear sky, thousands of Jewish families are being turned unexpectedly out of their homes, aud as often brought to the beggar’s staff. From a suburb of Kiev there have been banished Jews who have lived there for decades. This, however, does not hinder a part of the Jewish “upper-crust” from holding its hand over Russian bonds with a view of protecting themselves. If all the rich Jewish financiers in Germany and France possessed enough feeling of honor to oppose this Jewish persecution in Russia by a campaign against Russian stocks, then the Barbaric vassals of the Czar would soon be brought to fear in this, their THE CHAUTAUQUA There has just been concluded, under the title of International Bible Students Association Convention. a most interesting and profitable meeting of the Lord’s people. Not only were there one thousand more in attendance than ever before, but the sweet Spirit of the Lord was more abundantly manifest than ever—which is saying a great deal, for all of our conventions have been excellent in this very particular. It is but what we should expect, however, that each year would develop the Lord’s people more fully in the fruits and graces of his holy Spirit—in meckness, gentleness, long suffering, brotherly kindness, Jove. The attendance was surely in excess of four thousand, but how many more it is difficult to determine, as not all could be present at one time. The Bible Students erowded the accommodations along both sides of the lake from Jamestown to Mayville—twenty-five miles. The boat rides were found very restful and very advantageous for Christian fellowship and a more intimate acquaintance amongst the friends. An opportunity was afforded also for witnessing to the truth in the Chautauqua Lake region. The friends in general preached an appreciated sermon in their deportment, tone of voice, kindness. patience, helpfulness. The people took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus and learned of him. We have friends all around that lake now. Befere our arrival some ministers. in disregard of the Word and Spirit of the Master, slandered us—falsified in their endeavor to awaken opposition amongst their people. Things resulted, however, to the contrary. One lady who had contracted to entertain six of our friends was visited by her minister and told that she should have nothing to do with these Bible Students, ete. In perplexity she consulted with her husband how she could get rid of them, seeing she had accepted in advance payment on account of their entertainment. He replied, “Wait a little while; I will run up to the Auditorium and mingle with the people and let you know.” He returned shortly, saying that he had heard our opening address of welcome and mingled some with those attending, and wished his wife could get forty into the honse, instead of six. The Chief of Police of Celoron remarked to one of the brethren that if everyone in the world were like the people who were attending the convention there would be no need of a police department, and that saloonmen would have to look for another job. He remarked that he had not noticed even one of the conventioners using tobacco. The policeman stationed at the front of the Auditorium said that his wife was a Christian, but that he had never taken much interest in religion, thinking it mostly a profession. He said, “I am forcibly impressed that the people attending this convention live their Christianity. My wife is away on a vacation, to be back in about two weeks, but I have sent her word to come immediately, as J am sure she will want to get acquainted with these people.” LARGEST AND FINEST CONVENTION EVER HELD ON THE LAKE Celoron, where the Auditorium is located, is a worldly place, of course, a small “White City.” Its inhabitants are composed chiefly of those who purvey to worldly tastes and appetites. They were disappointed that so large a throng of people should bring so little patronage to their merry-go-rounds, shooting galleries, etc. They all ackuowledged, however, that the conventioners were kind, considerate, and minded their own business, and that that business evidently was to hear the speakers of the convention. One of the showmen, never before interested in religion, attended services on the first Sunday. He was deeply impressed, and said that the message appealed to him as reasonahle. He is reading the books. The principal WATCH TOIVER Brooxiyn, N. Y. “religious fervor.” By this it is not intended to be said that every respectable person has not a duty to boycott Russian bonds, until Russia has adapted herself to the ways of civilization, But we do mean to say that Jewish capitalists should be im the lead with their good example. They are certainly, in the end, the closest to the situation—From the “German Press.” NEED FOR THE KINGDOM Doctor MacGillvary, Professor of Etymology in Cornell University, lecturing recently, said, “Insects at the moment have an enormous influence on the life and health of mankind. The number of species of insects which are known to science at the present time is estimated at one hundred million. Knowledge of the place of insects in disease is of recent aquisition. Not until 1880 was it known that malaria was produced by a parasite. Not until fifteen years later was the part which mosquitos play in its spread discovered. Not until 1890 was yellow fever known to be an insect-carried disease.” LAKE CONVENTION owner of the place was very considerate of our interests and quicted the music in the vicinity of the Auditorium while our services were in progress. Altogether we had a glorious season of spiritual refreshment and have reason to belicve that the truth, through its representatives, made an indelible impression along the shores of Lake Chautauqua. We are most earnestly urged to come again next year, and the suggestion was made that, if we would do so, an auditorium away from the amusement section would be erected for our use, The Jamestown newspapers devoted much of their space to the Convention. declaring it the largest that had ever visited them. On the Saturday before the convention closed, one journal gave about two columns of space and another nearly three pages. Those attending the convention bought many copies of the newspapers and mailed them to their friends in every direction. We understand that one paper sold more than 25,000 extra copies. Those papers in turn will carry considerable of the good tidings to people all over the United States and Canada, Our arrangements for baptismal services were not all that could have been desired; nevertheless we had much to be thankful for. Doubtless the accommodations were much better than those of our Lord’s day. We had two baptism discourses and two opportunities for symbolical immersion, at which, according to official account, 354 adults were immersed. In our petitions the dear ones at home were earnestly remembered—that they might have an equal share in the blessing. And we believe that many will get the blessing: (1) Those who submissively bowed to the divine providence which hindered their attending the convention, are sure to learn the lesson of patience and faith. (2) Those who attended the convention will surely carry back to the stay-at-homes a share of our feast, which will overflow in all directions. Many “poor” attended; some assisted in part or in whole by “better-off” brethren and sisters. Some stayed at home and earned money to permit others to come to the convention and get a spiritual feast. Surely all thus earnest were richly blessed by the great Shepherd. We have already remarked that some of the dear friends, on arrival, were not kindly received by those who had contracted to entertain them, and to whom money on account had been paid. This was vexatious and quite a test to patience, and faith in the divine providence, and brotherly love. Yet we believe that the friends conquered through the Spirit of the Lord. Should we ever return to Chautauqua Lake we would have the very best and kindest of attention from every quarter. Here is one case as an illustration: The man of the house met the visitors at the door, and. in a challenging manner, said, “We are United Brethren,” intimating that he did not want any conversation on religious subjects, and that it was questionable if he would receive the friends, even with this assurance. They accepted the situation graciously, determined not to talk religion where it was not wanted. However, in the house a little boy lay dying and unable to eat. One of the friends told the child about the glorious restitution, how he would come back from death in the resurrection, and how the entire world would then be Edenic. Next the child was presented with a copy of the Heavenly Manna, with the suggestion that that kind of food he could always take with a relish. Before we left all were fast friends, and the guests were urged to come again. Although we tried to make the matter plain, some of the dear friends, we fear, did not fully grasp the financial part of the arrangement for their comfort. The committee on arrange [4672]
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