Auaust 1, 1917 THE ONE YEAR’S RETROSPECTION Dear BRETHREN 1N CHRIST :— It is about a year since I became interested in Pastor Russell's Stupies IN THE Scriptures, having first read his lectures in the San Francisco Bulletin, and almost immediately following, I ordered the first volume, and 1 think the fourt and fifth; then the whole six. I have since had a few of the first volumes circulating, with the hope that they will be appreciated as I appreciate the light. There has been a continual flow of light as I read volume after volume. Am now reading the sixth and still progressing, and anticipate more pleasure, truth and strength as I peruse them again. But all this has not been without ita trials, I can now see my own weak ness and unworthiness. I can see the pitiful condition of the world, the confusion, the egotism of man. Romans 1:26— what a meaning and what a picture! A year ago, in my estimation the Bible was not much of a book, I thought it something of a history, but not to be taken too seriously. No doubt I gave my opinion in that way many times, and | had never read it; in fact, I knew nothing about it, but was willing to express my opinion just the same! Perhaps this came from the fact that I was reared a Roman Catholic. In my boyhood daye we had Bible History, a book of its own kind, and no doubt for its own purpose. What a difference in one year! All the years before I began to read Scriprure Stvupres, I was aimlessly knocking about, in mental slavery and full of self-conceit. I was seeking truth, and I thought I saw truth in Socialism that was better than our churches of today. In Christian Science, I thought I saw something better than the hell of torment, but could not see how Mrs. Eddy could take what she wanted of the Bible and leave out the rest! I could not see real Christianity in a capitalized Christianity. I mean, I thought Christ’s church should be where his people are: and then I could not see anything very definite in Christian Science; yet I was trying te master it when I read Pastor Russell’s lectures and began sending for his books. Now I see how logical and reasonable the law of God is—just what it should be! How could a Master Builder be without a definite plan! And how corroborative the Bible is of this wonderful and yet so reasonable plan! The higher critics in their conceit have WATCH TOWER (239 226) caused a world of confusion. 1 shudder when I think of the blindness in Catholicism. Surely Catholicism is closely related to heathenism! Last-hour repentance is one of the strong points of the Roman Catholic church. That in itself shows the blindness that is upon Catholics; and the others are very much the same. Sincerely yours in Christ, C. J. Fray.—Calif. WILL OONTINUE TO CO-OPERATE IN THE WORK Resolved, That we feel keenly the loss of our Pastor and friend, but rejoicé in the assurance that he is now with the Lord in glory; and that his passing into the heavenly courts has quickened qur zeal to press more faithfully along the “narrow way” that we, too, may join that happy throng. And be it further Resolved, That we hereby assure the faithful officers of the W. T. B. & T. Society of our continued codperation and hearty support in the advancement of the glad tidings so long as this work is conducted in the manner and spirit as exemplitied by our beloved Pastor; and be it further Resolved, That we will continue to pray for the general interests of the work, that while we cannot now ask God to bless our dear Pastor as we have formerly done, yet we can and will ask him to bless the memory of our dear Brother Russell. ATLANTA EccLesia.—Ga. ‘‘THINEING MOBE EARNESLY THAN EVER BEFORE’’ Deag BRETHREN :— The reading of the article about the V. D. M. Questions in the June 1 Warcu Tower set me at thinking more earnestly than ever before, what a great responsibility, ag well as a privilege, it is to be a servant of the Lord and the brethren. By studying those questions more carefully, I came to the conclusion that I could not have the Lord’s approval in letting this opportunity go by to give testimony of what I have learned in the school of Christ, since he has called me out of darkness into his marvelous light, So, dear Brethren, I kindly ask you to send me one of those V. D, M. Question blanks, so that by trying te answer them, I may show forth his praises. With much Christian ove. Your brother and servant in Christ, C. Nousen.—Wia. SEVENTH VOLUME LONG-LOOKED-FOR Last winter, under the supervision of the Society, the compilation of the matter for the Seventh Volume was begun. A short time ago the work was finished and sent to the printer. It was learned that, in order to get the volume out this summer at all on account of other heavy contracts which might later interfere, the publication must be put upon the press at once. Hence it was rushed; and when the printing was about done, it was thought that the volume might be placed in a carton and sent to Tower subscribers, so that everyone might receive it at the same time; this was done. The price is sixty cents per volume. Increased cost of paper and labor makes the cost of the book more. Brother Russell often spoke about writing the seventh volume, and one of his last utterances about it was to this effect: “Whenever I find the key, I will write the seventh volume; and if the Lord gives the key to someone else, he can write it’—-or words to that effect. Brother Russell’s modesty and humility may have prevented him from seeing the key, When you read the seventh volume, you may readily discover that Brother Russell himself is the key. This volume shows Brother Russell’s relationship to the church as the seventh messenger. It is quite wonderful to see how this is shown both in Revelation and in Ezekiel, and both books are herein harmonized. The Socrery feels quite sure that the friends in reading this volume will greatly rejoice and it hopes that the book will be a strength and comfort to the church in the hour of need, To colporteurs and others the price of the volume, in lots of fifty, will be forty cents, carriage added. The SoCrery hopes that the colporteurs will take up the sale of it quickly. We take this method of acknowledging receipt of remittances for the volume, and also for orders for it and to give assurance that these will be filled as rapidly as possible, Orders for Karatol and India paper editiona are being entered on the books. These orders will be filled ag soon ag these editions are ready—about six weeks, Karatol, 60c¢ India paper, leather bound, $1 postpaid. Vou. XX XVII BROOKLYN, N. Y., AUGUST 15, 1917 No. 16 — I = THE FAITH-BATTLES OF THE KING'S OWN BRIGADE “‘Fight the good fight of faith; lay hold on eternal life.’’—1 Timothy 6:12. Paradoxical as it may seem, the church of Christ are the introduction to all the apostolic epistles; for they are each greatest warriors the world has ever known. Yet the followers of Christ are instructed to be peace-makers, to ‘follow peace with all men,” to “live peaceably with all,” so far as in them lies. This, however, is on the principle that “he that ruleth his own spirit is greater than he that taketh a city.” (Matthew 5:9; Hebrews 12:14; Romans 12:18; 14:19) Nevertheless, this class are called upon to “Fight the good fight,” the fight of faith. In our text St. Paul is addressing only the brigade of the “King’s Own,” the body of Christ, the consecrated church. As the mouthpiece of the great Captain of our salvation, the Apostle gives this injunction to the loyal soldiers of the cross. It would be wholly out of order for an officer to issue commands to those who have never joined his army, who do not recognize his authority. So it is very evident that the world is not addressed here. This is likewise shown by the addressed “to the saints in Christ Jesus.” St. Paul, as a faithful lieutenant, gives us here the instruction of his superior, the Lord Jesus, the great General-in-Chief of Jehovah’s Army. Jehovah has another great army, an agency which he is now using in this great time of trouble; but the army referred to in our text is composed only of the most faithful soldiers of the cross. It is a picked company of the bravest and staunchest type—the “King’s Own.” As viewed from the world’s standpoint it is not large in numbers; its excellence consists in its quality rather than in quantity. To these the instructions come that the fight is on, and that our great Commander-in-Chief expects each soldier to do his duty, to stand bravely by the colors and bear them up. OUR BATTLE NOT WITH FELLOW CREATURES Against whom do these soldiers fight? Against what do they fight? We answer, Our battle is not against our fellow 16127}
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