SEPTEMBER 15, 1915 tions, and will thus be separated from their fellows. The next symbol of a whirlwind taking Elijah to heaven also implies further trouble. Prophecies are generally understood after their fulfilment—and orly vaguely before. It was thus at our Lord’s first advent in respect to the prophecies then being fulfilled. We may not hope to clearly understand in advance the full import of the fiery chariot nor of the whirlwind. To THE WATCH TOWER (287-283) some the thought of being taken away from the present life suddenly, violently, in fiery troubles, ete., would be a terrible prospect; not so will it be with the members of the Elijah class. Waiting for their change, and living in daily readiness of heart, therefore, they go on without trepidation. On the contrary, in whatever way they shall be taken, it will be the culmination of their hopes for which they so long have waited and prayed—their deliverance. INTERESTING LETTERS FROM THE BATTLEFIELD OF FRANCE BELOVED IN THE LorD:— Grace be unto you and peace from God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. Often has it been my desire to write you of my experiences at the front, but the time has always been very limited, especially in the last weeks. My first experience was in France, where I had copies of the French Bist—E StupENTs MONTHLY sent to me. I distributed these as I had opportunity and they were received with gladness. At first the people were very much surprised that a Prussian soldier should hand them these papers, but hearing my brief explanation and after a perusal of the literature, they received it joyfully, many even offering to pay for it, which I declined. My supply of literature having been exhausted, I was about to order more when we received instructions to break camp for transfer to the Eastern frontier—Galicia. Sunday I was on night duty [baking dept.J, therefore utilized the afternoon for a trip to the city. There I experienced much joy, for I met many Jews, to whom I could speak of their hope. I asked them if they believed all that I was telling them. “Yes,” said they, “we believe it.” One replied, “J thank you. We believe in a Messiah, also that the time of redemption is near at hand.” Another remarked, “God will help, and it will all come about.” I called on a third in his shop, where two others joined us. Much joy had come to my heart through calling on interested people, but I have never witnessed such joy 2s these Jews manifested. With tears in their eyes they declared, “May God grant it; may God grant it! We have already heard of it.” All were rejoicing, but one who was made specially glad invited me to visit him soon again. I would have been only too glad to have done so, but on the next day our superior officer forbade us to enter the city. A great battle is raging here; many Russians were taken prisoners. Six thousand have passed through here. Oh, what misery! One could see wounded refugees from all parts; wagons with women and children, and men driving cattle. I never saw such a sight. I am often reminded of the second Psalm. And with all these things we know it is only the beginning. Yes, thanks be unto God that these days are to be shortened! I have distributed many BisLe STUDENTS MoNTHLIES amongst our troops. May the Lord add His blessing! On our next march we passed through a battlefield. The pitiful sight reminded me of the many promises and I thanked our heavenly Father that I did not have to take an active part. What sorrow and misery sin has brought into the world, but what a blessing awaits humanity! All long for peace, and how they will rejoice when Micah 4:1-5 and Isaiah 2:4 are fulfilled! We often hear it asked, “Why is this war?” I thank you very much for the last WatcH Towrr. The first article, “The Ministry of Angels,” was a special blessing to me. The grace of our Lord be with you. Remembering you and all in fervent love before the throne of Grace, I am Your faithful brother, Carpathian Mts., May, 1915. w— H—. SOLDIERS ENTREATING FOR THE TRUTH BELOVED IN THE Lorp:— Thank you for your letter to the brethren in the field, and for THE WATCH TOWER. I also wish to inform you that I have repeated opportunities to discourse to my comrades. Out of 11 or 12 men there are six especially who, as often as time permits, come to me of their own accord and entreat me to give them another little discourse. When I want to close after talking two or three hours they plead, “Please continue; it is so grand.” Often do I hear them say, “Why do not our preachers tell us these things? Why do they mislead us so?” I am also frequently asked for literature. I give them THE WatcH TOWER and the sermons, With hearty greetings, from Your brother in Christ, France, June, 1915. F—— K-——. A WONDERFUL DELIVERANCE Dear Pastor RUSSELL:~— I wish to let you know of the great diliverance I have obtained, by God’s grace, through the PHoto-DRAMA OF CREATION, which was shown here last fall. At that time I was a believer in Theosophy and was possessed by evil spirits, being both “clairudient” and a “writing medium”; but, thank God, I am now free. I thought I had the gift of the holy Spirit, but the sight of the picture of the Witch of Endor convinced me that I had a “familiar spirit,’ and when I prayed God to release me and make me his child again, he did so at once. My husband went with me afterward to see the pictures, and we then obtained the six volumes of SCRIPTURE STUDIES. We are now fully consecrated and are rejoicing in the truth. We feel we can never express our thankfulness, dear Brother, but we daily pray our heavenly Father to bless and guide you. It was such a wonderful deliverance that I can never forget the wonder of it, and my heart rises in gratitude to God, who could seek me when I had gone so far astray! With best wishes from my husband and myself, ELIZABETH PEARSON.—Eng. B. S. M. IN A LETTER-BOX DID IT Dear Pastor RuSsELL:— As I am changing my place of residence and should be sorry to miss a copy of THz WatcH Tower, I am enclosing my new address. A few months ago I was so fortunate as to find one of your papers in my letter-box, and I thank God [ was interested enough to read it. In view of the many creeds I had often asked myself, Which is the truth? Surely they cannot all be right! I thank God today that I am enjoying your SruDIEs IN THE ScripTURES and THE Tower. They seem more reasonable than anything I have seen. I have said to myself, At last I have found the truth, and I have not changed my mind. E. Cotpy Harriman.—Mass. Vou. XXXVI BROOKLYN, N. Y., OCTOBER 1, 1915 No. 19 “AS DECEIVERS AND YET TRUE” “Giving no offense im any thing, that the mimstry be not blamed; ... by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceiwers, and yet true,”-—2 Corinthians 6:3, 8. Tiow varied are the experiences of an active Christian——experiences of honor and of dishonor, of being well reported and evil reported, of suffering for righteousness’ sake, of being called deceivers, etc.!. Some may have a greater amount of publicity than do others ana thus attract more attention. Some may have a wider field of service and greater opportunities than do others, But every faithful disciple of Christ will have more or less of hese experiences enumerated in our text and in its context. Some will speak well of us and others will speak ill. Throughout the entire Gospel age it has ever been true that “all who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” (2 Timothy 3:12) Especially has this been true of these last days, VI—66 Amongst the brethren of Christ all of the Lord’s saints should have honor. While none should seek for honor of the brethren, nevertheless a great deal of esteem should attach to every one who has taken the great step of full consecration to God—no matter how ignoble the person may be according to the flesh. The fact that God has begotten any one of his holy Spirit should make us wish to respect those whom the Lord has thus honored. Each of the saints, however humble, is greatly loved of our Lord Jesus; and therefore all of the children of God should take heed how they treat even the least of his little ones—their brethren. “As deceivers, and yet true.” On many occasions the great Apostle Paul was dishonored; at other times he was honored. [5773]
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