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Vol. XXXVUT BROOKLYN, N. Y., MAY 15, 1917 No. 3 f> THE COMMISSION OF A CHRISTIAN "The Spirit of the Xiord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek. he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified." — Isa. 61:1-3. Every man who is elected to an office of honor and trust in thority. All recognize the necessity thereof. The Government a Government receives a commission. His commission is a formal, written warrant, or authority, granting certain powers or privileges and authorizing or commanding the performance of certain duties. The various officers, legislative, executive and judicial, of the United States and of the different States, before entering upon the duties of their respective offices, receive such a commission, or warrant of authority. If a lawyer be elected to a judicial office, his commission, or warrant of authority , directs that he shall perform the duties of that office. Should he ignore these duties or fail to perform them, and devote his time to something else, he would be regarded as an unfaithful officer. In many jurisdictions the people, by vote, would recall him and deprive him of his commission, or auvery jealously guards such officers in the performance of their respective duties, and by law provides that they shall be relieved from military duty in order that they may uninterruptedly perform the duties of the office to which they are elected and commissioned. A Christian is one who has received from Jehovah a very high commission. He has surrendered his will to the will of God ; he has entered into a covenant, or contract, with Jehovah by sacrifice. He has agreed to "renounce all earthly hopes and prospects to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, his Redeemer ( 1 Peter 2:21), and faithfully to perform his duties and obligations as a Christian — obligations which have been placed upon him by hi* commission, or warrant of authority, and the perr *082] May 15, 1917 THE WATCH TOWER (147-148) form&nce of which is essential to Ma sharing the glorious resurrection of his Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus. A Christian, appreciating the high, position to which he has been called, is like St. Paul, earnestly desirous of performing the duties of hh office, "if by any means, he might attain unto the resurrection of the dead." Like St. Paul, he says, "But one thing I do, forgetting the things behind, and stretching towards the things before, I press along the line towards the prize of the high calling of God by Christ Jesus," (Philippians 3:13, 14, Diaglott) The Christian who faithfully performs the duties which his Christian commission enjoins upon him is promised participation in the chief resurrection and to be forever with Christ the Lord, to reign with him for the carrying out of God's purposes toward mankind, and to have life everlasting on the immortal plane. — Revelation 2:10; 20:6. Jesus was the first Christian — the first of the Christ company . "He is the Head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the first born from the dead — that in all things he might have the preeminence." (Colossians 1:18) "And (God) hath put all things under his feet, and ga\e him to be the Head over all things to the church." (Ephesians 1:22) "Christ is the Head of the church." — Ephesians 5:23. When Jesus was baptized in Jordan, he was there begotten of and anointed with the holy Spirit as the great High Priest and King who is to bless all the nations and families of the earth. According to the Jewish custom, which was typical of things to be performed in the Gospel age, those who were called to the office of priest or king were anointed with oil. The Scriptures show that such anointing typified the anointing of Jesus and the members of his body, of whom Aaron the priest was a type. (Psalm 133:1, 2) These are to be both priests and kings — priests upon the throne. — Hebrews 5:6, 10; Genesis 14:18; Revelation 3:21. The text set forth at the beginning of this article states the terms of the commission, or warrant of authority, which Jehovah has granted and given to Jesus and all his faithful followers. The duty and obligation, then, is laid upon each one to perform that commission faithfully. Jesus expressly so applied this to himself. (Luke 4:18, 19) From Pentecost until now all who have come into Christ by being baptized into his death (Romans 6:3) have received this anointing of the holy Spirit (1 John 2:20, 27) Jehovah has provided in his Word clear testimony whereby one may be enabled to determine for himself whether or not he has received this anointing. (Romans 8:14, 16, 17) Therefore it is the duty of all having received this divine warrant, or authority, or commission, to perform the obligations which they have assumed. — Luke 9:62; 14:28-35. THE CHKISTIA2TS DUTY The Scriptures show that God has a great plan which he is working out in an orderly manner. It has pleased him to deal through human agencies. He dealt with the Jews for eighteen centuries, using that people to make types and pictures of the sacrifices and development of his kingdom class. Having called, begotten and anointed the followers of the Great Master, and that without regard to sect or denomination, Jehovah has marked out for such certain duties, a certain course, as follows: (1) "To preach the glad tidings to the meek." To preach means to proclaim, to teach and to instruct. To preach the #lad tidings, therefore, means to proclaim the Gospel of the kingdom of God, which glad tidings must come to all the peoples of the earth in God's due time. None can preach understanding^ and in harmony with Jehovah 's way except those who have received this anointing, which constitutes their divine ordination, or warrant of authority to preach. It devolves upon all such, then, as opportunity may offer, to tell mankind concerning the glorious kingdom of righteousness that is to be established for the blessing of the human race; to teach and instruct all who have the cars to hear. We are not instructed or authorized to attempt to teach the haughty, the high-minded, those who do not wish to be taught, but those only who are teachable — "the meek." Such preaching and teaching may be done by oral proclamation or by handing out to others the printed Gospel in the form of a paper, tract or book, giving them instruction upon the Bible. Since the day of Pentecost lentil now, the Lord nt all times has had some faithful ones in the world who have proclaimed his message and done this very work. Thus it is observed that the commission of the Christian is one of active service by doing good unto others. The Apostle Paul expressed the obligation thus devolving upon the Christian when he said: "For though I preach the Gospel, I have nothing to glory of; for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the Gospel" — in harmony with mv commission. — 1 Corinthians 0:16. [60 (2) "To proclaim the acceptable year of the .Lord." Thia "acceptable year" is the period of time in which our heavenly Father is willing to accept the sacrifices of those who become members of the body of Christ. It covers the entire period of the Gospel age from Pentecost until the last member of the kingdom class has been called, begotten and developed, and will cease at the time when Christ takes, unto himself his completed bride. Thereafter there will be no more opportunity to declare the message concerning the high calling. Hence it is the present duty and privilege of the Christian to call to the attention of others who desire to hear that this is the age during which Jehovah is selecting those who are called to be sharers in Christ's sacrifice and who will be changed in the first resurrection from human to spirit beings to be with their Lord. The message to the world will come later. (3) "And the day of vengeance of our God." The Scriptures clearly show that the day of vengeance of God is a period of time at the end of the gospel age, when great trouble, sorrow and distress shall come upon the nations of the earth; that it comes particularly as a result of the disregard of those who claim to be Christians of the teachings and admonitions of God's Word of truth. The Word of truth, the Word of God, shows that had God's message been faithfully delivered to the people, and heard by them, the day of vengeance upon the nations would have been unnecessary. But Jehovah foretold that this great day would be necessary and would come. It is the time mentioned by Jesus to St. John, saying, "The nations were angry and thy wrath is come." (Revelation 11:18) The Lord Jesus pointed out to his disciples that he would come again to receive his church unto himself, and that during his second presence God's vengeance would come upon the" nations, and there would be "upon the earth distress of nations with perplexity ; the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for fear and for looking after those things which are coming upon the earth." — Luke 21:25, 26. That time is Scriptural ly spoken of as (r the day of God's vengeance" because it would mark the period of time in which Jehovah would remove his restraining power and permit the angry passions of men to lash the nations to fury and to utterly destroy the present order of things. Jehovah's "prophet, speaking as though he stood in the very day of the trouble, and as the mouthpieee of the Lord, said : "I have also called my mighty ones for mine anger, even them that rejoice in my highness. The noise of a multitude in the mountains, like as of a great people; a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together; the Lord of Hosts mustereth the host of the battle; they come from a far country, from the end of heaven, even the Lord, and the weapons of his indignation, to destroy the whole land." "Come near, ye nations, to hear; and hearken, ye people; let the earth hear, and all that is therein; the world and all things that come forth of it, for the indignation of the Lord is upon all nations, and his fury upon all their armies." — Isaiah 13:3-5; 34:1, 2. Again, referring to the same time, our Lord Jesus said: "For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom; and there will be earthquakes (literal and symbolic — revolutions) in various places; there will be famines. These will be the beginning of the birth pangs." — Mark 13 :8. It is the great privilege of every Christian now living on the earth to see these prophetic statements in the course of fulfillment , and they may therefore recognize that the day of God's vengeance is now at hand. Since his commission places upon him the obligation of declaring this day of vengeance, any Christian who sees that these great Bible prophecies are now in process of fulfillment and who fails or refuses to tell forth the meaning thereof, proves himself disloyal to the Lord and unfaithful to the warrant or authority which has been committed to him. So we see that it is the clear duty of the Christian to hold himself aloof from the turmoil and trouble now upon all mankind, and with calmness and poise of mind to tell those who have the hearing ear; the meaning of this distress upon the earth, and, having the Spirit of the Lord and the Message of the Lord, to direct them to the only remedy for the present conditions; namely, Messiah's kingdom and the blessings it will bring to those who are willing to accept it upon the terms offered. (4) "To bind up the broken-hearted." Mark these words contained in the Christian's commission! The Lord does not say, Go out and make trouble, break many hearts and cause many tears of bitterness to flow; but he does say, Your duty is to bind up those hearts that are broken by sin, sorrow and distress, and to aid such by pouring in the balm of Gilead from the Lord's great storehouse — the sweet message of his provision for salvation, which is the only thing that will bring the peace of mind that passeth all understanding. What a 83] (148-149) THE WATCH TOWER Brooklyn, N. V. wonderful privilege, then, the Christian has at this time! The earth is full of broken hearts, many of whom, doubtless, have ears to hear the message that will soothe and comfort them. The duty and privilege of the Christian is to give forth this message." (f>) "To comfort all that mourn." Is it the duty devolving upon the Christian to comfort all those that mourn? Even *o! But how is it possible for the Christian to comfort all that mourn at thia time, seeing that many will not listen now to the message of comfort? We answer: Before this part of the commission can be fully accomplished the entire body of Christ must be fully developed and united together with him. All who have received this anointing of the holy spirit are commissioned to do unto their brethren a sweet and blessed service, which is: (0) "To appoint (that is, to give the exceeding great and precious promises contained in the Word) unto them that mourn in Zion (the true saints who are yet in some branch of the nominal- church, distressed by worldliness, and who know not the remedy,) to give unto them beauty for ashes ( to point them to the beautiful promises concerning the resurrection of the dead), the oil of joy for mourning (taking away their sadness and turning them to the joy of the Lord), the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness" (removing their heaviness of heart hy showing them the falaity of the creeds as contrasted with" the glorious arrangements of the Lord for the blessing of all mankind). All Christians must first be comforted. God's channel for bringing comfort to his people is his word. But none can understand this save those who have his Spirit; and so the Prophet has declared that during the Gospel age God would pour out his Spirit upon his servant? and handmaids (upon godly men and women) ; and that after those days (during the Millennium) he would pour out his Spirit upon all flesh. During the Gospel age the Christian alone is able to understand a*nd appreciate the Bible as God's Word of Truth. "Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning , that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." — Rom. 15:4. SOME PBECIOTJS PROMISES FOB ZION'S OOMFOET The Christian has many perplexing questions to decide and is many times unable to decide the same without aid. To such the Lord has said : "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean, not to thine own understanding. Jn all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." — Proverbs 3:5 V 6. As the stress upon the world grows, the trials of the Christian increase; but when he understands the purpose of these trials he rejoices. To such the Apostle says: "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ." — 1 Peter 1:7. The Christian finds that to perform his duties, striving to fulfil the terms of his commission, or warrant of authority, consumes his strength and energy and bring persecution upon himself (for he is misunderstood) ; and for the comfort of such the Lord declares : "Ptecious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." "Fear not them that are able to kill the body."— Psalm 11(5:15; Matthew 10:28. The Christian has many experiences that are difficult for him to understand, but the Lord sends us the word of cheer through his "chosen vessel": "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." — Romans 8:28. The Christian, beholding so many dangers upon every side, might quail before his hosts of enemies, fearing violence or other injury; but for his comfort our God has said: "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him and delivereth them. — Psalm 34:7. The Christian realizes that his enemies are legion; that he is not warring merely against flesh and blood, but against evil spirits, the agencies of the adversary, entrenched in high places. He realizes his inability to meet his enemies alone. For his assurance and strength, and for his comfort of mind and heart, the Lord has said to him : "The eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show his strength in behalf of them whose hearts are perfect toward him." — 2 Chronicles 16:!). Again the child of God hears the Lord saying to him: "My grace is sufficient for thee." — «2 Corinthians 12:9. The Christian suffers many afflictions. He realizes the truthfulness of the statement that "All who live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. "' But he hears the reasurring words of comfort: "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." — 2 Corinthians 4:17. Men of the world seek the glory which is as, a fading flower; but the Christian has the promise of a glory and honor which far exceeds anything the world can give, and which no one of earth may know — a glory which is eternal. The Christian recognizes in these strenuous times that upon every side are strife and dissention, trouble and war. He keenly realizes that under such conditions a faithful and loyal performance of his commission, or authority, of necessity must bring persecution upon him; but for his consolation and reassurance the Master says to him: "Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness * sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye when men shall revile you and persecute you and ■shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice and be exceeding glad, for great i3 your reward in heaven." — Matthew 5:10-12. The Iy>rd has been selecting those who are willing to undergo hardships, misunderstandings and persecutions for his sake. He foreknew the great difficulties that' the followers of the Master would have, and for the encouragement and comfort of such he keeps before the mind of the Christian the promised blessings and rewards that shall be granted to the faithful, saying : "For Zion's (God's chosen people) sake will I not hold my peace, and I will not rest until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth; and the nations shall see thy righteousness, and all the kings thy glory ; and thou shaft be called by a new name which the Lord shall name! Thou shalt be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of thv God." — Isaiah 62:1-3. WHY GOD IS TRAINING THE CHRISTIAN CLASS It must be apparent to all who carefully look into the matter that Jehovah has devoted the long period of the Gospel age to selecting and developing Christians, followers of Jesus, permitting them to have hard experiences that they may be the better prepared for some special purpose and work to follow. He is himself the great God of comfort, and has made provision for those who come to him, that their hearts may be made glad. The Apostle Paul expresses God's purpose when he says : "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesu^ Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, who comforteth us in all our tribulations, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God; for as the Bufferings of Christ abound in us so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ." — 2 Corinthians 1:3-5. (7) "That they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified." This part of our text will be more particularly fulfilled during the thousand years' reign of Christ. The trees here referred to are God's chosen ones, the royal priesthood, Jesus the head and the church his body. They are referred to as "trees of righteousness , Jehovah's planting," because he has planted them, and all the body members of Christ have been made righteous through the merit of the Lord Jesus. In Revelation we read : "Then the angel showed me a river of the water of life, as clear as a crystal, issuing from the throne of God and the Lamb, in the middle of the street of the city. On each side of the river was the tree of life, which bare twelve maimer of fruits, producing one crop each month ; the leaves of the trees served as a cure for the nations." — 'Revelation 22:1, 2. 20th Centur\ Translation. Thus the Lord describes The Christ complete— Jesus Christ in the midst of the new kingdom, and the members of his body. described as trees of life, the leaves of Which — their professions and teachings during the times of restitution — will be for the healing and blessing of the sin-sick and sorrowing nations of the world. During that glorious reign of Messiah, Cod's promise made to Abraham, saying, "In thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed," shall be in operation and fully realized by the peoples of earth. This 3eed is primarily The Christ, Head and body. Secondarily, there will .be an earthly seed of Abraham — the faithful of natural Israel restored. For many centuries the poor Jews have been persecuted and driven from one nation to another, but then they will come to a knowledge and understanding of the truth. Then will be fulfilled the words of [St. Paul, "So all Israel shall be saved; as it is written, There shall come out of Zion the Iteliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob" (the Jewish people). (Romans 11:25, [6084] May 15, 1917 THE WATCH TOWER (149-150) 26) Then the poor dews who have suffered indescribable horrors in the great wai that is now devastating the world will say, "Lo, thu is our Isaiah 25:9. The Apostle Pan J says: "For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travail eth in pain together until now, waiting for the manifestation of the sons of "God." (Romans 8:22. 19) The people of earth are in great sorrow and distress! The trouble in the world must of necessity increase until all the nations are exhausted, until the heady and proud are brought low. Then, but not until then, will they be in an attitude of mind and Iteart to receive comfort. God's means of comforting them will be through the ministration of his Spirit by teaching them his great plan of salvation. This will be done during the Millennial reign of Christ, Then all that mourn shall be comforted, and the comforters will be Jesus and his bride, the church. The peoples have long been kept in ignorance of God's purposes, but during the reign of Messiah they shall know the truth, as the Lord has promised: "He will destroy in this kingdam the face of the covering cast over all people, and the veil that is spread over all nations; he will swallow up death in victorv; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faHabakkuk 2:34. It will be the blessed privilege of those Christians who faithfully perform their covenant, who faithfully carry out the terms of their commission in this present time, to be instruments of Jehovah to restore the peoples of earth — this time upon a basis of justice and righteousness — and to bring blessing to the sad and comfort to all that mourn. A Christian thus seeing his privileges and opportunities appreciates the necessity of keeping himself aloof from the entangling conditions of the earth and of preparing himself for the glorious work which shall follow. Such preparatory work of the Christian is his specialty at this time. Let us then, dear brethren, be active and energetic in the performance of the duties the Lord now gives us, that we may share in the glorious privileges he has set before those who love him supremely and prove their love by their loyalty, even unto death. Let each of us daily be more and more worthy of the name * ( Barn abas," given to one of the Lord's faithful ones, which means, "Comforter of the brethren"! Let us have the holy Spirit abounding in us more and more! Let us be the Lord's faithful representatives, channels of the holy, Spirit, to spread his message of truth; and, finally, when our course here is finished, we shall be received by him into glory to carry out his future purpose of blessing all mankind! THE THOUGHT OF CHRIST "Over and over it comes to me — The thought of Christ on the stormy sea, In times of trouble and loss and pain, When my heart's a ship on a wind-swept main. '•Over and over it comes to me — Each human life has its Galilee; And Christ is ever the Lord of old, When his 'Peace, be still!' to the wavea wa? told. "Over and over it comes to me — The message of comfort from Galilee ; The voice of Christ through my storms I hear, 'Lo, it is I! there is naught to fear.'" CONGRESS ENACTS CONSCRIPTION LAW PROVISION MADE FOB EXEMPTION IN CERTAIN CASES "Render therefore unto Caesar the things which arc Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's." — Matt. 22:21. Readers of The Watch Tower throughout the country have been inquiring about 'Military conscription in the United States. We have promised to publish a statement as soon as conscription should become a reality by law. This is our first opportunity to do so. All true Christians are law-abiding citizens, because the Scriptures command them so to be. (Romans 13:1-9) But God's laws are higher than the laws of human institutions. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts (laws) higher than your thoughts (laws)." (Isaiah 55:9) Where the laws enacted by man are contrary to the laws of God, then it is for each one to govern himself by his own conscience as to whether or not he will be controlled by the law of man or by the law of Jehovah. Jesus, the great Master-Teacher, made clear the duty of a Christian under such circumstances, when he said: ''Render therefore unto Caesar (civij governments) the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's." The law of the land commands that man shall pay taxes upon his property for the support of the Government; that no man shall do injury to the person, property or reputation of his neighbor ; it declares that every man is endowed with the inalienable rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, and that none shall interfere therewith. These laws of man should be obeyed, particularly by Christians, but the Christian is governed by even a higher and nobler law. God's law provides, "Thau shalt not kill; thou shalt not steal; thou shalt not bear false witness;" etc. (Romans 13:9) Jesus said, "All they that take the sword shall perish with the sword." (Matthew 26:52) "No murderer hath eternal life abiding in him." (1 John 3:15) "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord." (Hebrews 12:14) God's law not only commands to refrain from doing evil, but his law governing the Christian says: "As we have opportunity let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith." — Galatians 6:10. War is for the very purpose of taking human life. It is legalized amongst nations on the ground that it is necessary. It is not needful for us to discuss whether or not the world is justified in this position. Our duty is to look at it entirely from the Christian viewpoint as related to Christians. Voluntary enlistment means a voluntary agreement to take human life under certain conditions, those conditions being whenever the commanding officer shall direct the use of weapons against the opposing army. Involuntary enlistment, or Conscription , means that one is required to take human life if the condition arises. The world of mankind in general can, with a clear conscience, Toluntarily engage in war. Many who claim to be Christians can also engage in war without doing violence to their consciences, while other Christians would grossly violate their consciences should they enter an army for the purpose of engaging in carnal warfare. St. Paul, the witness of the Lord, plainly states to the Christian: "For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds." — 2 Corinthians 10:4. The fundamental law of the land recognizes that every man may exercise liberty of conscience. In substance, it provides that every man may choose his own religious belief and may worship God according to the dictates of his own conscience. To worship God means to render full; obedience to his holy will. To obey his will means to be governed by his law. Good men differ as to the meaning of God's law, and herein is where the law of the land justly recognizes that each man shall be at liberty to exercise his conscientious religious convictions. Then we say, Let every man who can with a clear conscience go to war, do so. With equal force we say that every man whose religious convictions and beliefs are against war, or participation therein, should he at liberty to exercise his conscience and therefore to request that he* be relieved from the obligation to bear arms. The Congress of the United States is governed by the fundamental law of the land., and acting as the agent and servant of the people, has recognized the right of man to exercise his conscientious religious convictions against engaging in war. So what we are here saying is not speaking against the Government ; but, on the contrary, we are calling attention to the right and liberty the Government recognizes and guarantees. Thank God for the privilege of living in the United States! While we all recognize that it is not a perfect government, yet it is the best of all earthly governments. Every one who lives under the flag of the United States should be loyal to that Uovernrnent as against all earthly governments. No citizen of this country could be a Christian and do violence to the Government of the United States. To be loyal to the law of God he must render unto the United States Government everything that is not in contravention of the divine law. — Romans 13:1-9. [6085] (150-151) THE WATCH TOWER BtOOXtYN, N. Y. DISPLAYING THE AMERICAN FLAG Suppose the city or state officials should issue an order requiring , or even requesting, that all persons display the American flag. What should we do? We answer, We think it would be right to display the flag in obedience to such order or request . The American flag was adopted as an emblem of liberty. It is the national emblem. While some have insisted that it now represents war, this is hardly in keeping with the facts. It may represent war to those who desire war, but to those who love liberty and peace, the flag represents liberty and peace. However that may be, the displaying of the American flag can do injury to no one. If commanded or requested to display the flag, it should be done, out of respect to the Government under which it is the privilege of Christians to live. If an American was the guest of the British, Government and was requested to display the British flag and refused to do so, it would be showing disrespect to the British Government, his host. If a Christian, who is an alien amongst all earthly governments, should, while journeying amongst them, be requested to display a flag of the country whose benefits he is enjoying, and refuse to do so, such refusal would be failing to show the proper respect to such government. Recognizing that the Government of the United States has been the special refuge of Christian people from intolerable persecution ; that it was founded as an asylum of religious liberty and freedom of speech, every one in America should take pleasure in displaying the American flag — especially when requested so to do. It does not mean that by putting a flag on your house you would want to go to war. Since the Bethel Home was established, in one end of the Drawing Room there has been kept a small bust of Abraham Lincoln with two American flags displayed about the bust. This is deemed entirely proper, having in mind what Mr. Lincoln did for the Government and for the people of the United States, and in this we see nothing inconsistent with a Christian's duty. The Sixty-fifth Congress, now in session at Washington, has passed a law providing for selective draft into military service of the United States of all men between certain ages. Section II of said Act provides: "Such draft shall be based upon liability to military service of all male citizens, or male persons not alien enemies who have declared their intention to become citizens, between the ages of 21 and 30 years, and shall take place and be maintained under such regulations as the President may prescribe not inconsistent with, the terms of this Act. Quotas for the several States, Territories, and the District of Columbia, or subdivisions thereof, shall be' determined in proportion to the population thereof available for military service, as shown by the registration provided for herein." This provision of the. Act means that the President of the United States may by selective draft call to arms all male citizens of the United v States, and all male persons not alien enemies who have declared their intention (by taking out what is known as "First Papers") to become citizens of the United States, between designated ages ; and that he has power to compel 'all such to respond to such call. REGISTRATION FIRST For the purpose of enabling the Government to know who may be called into such service, the Act provides for a registration as follows: "Sec. 4. All persons liable to military service under the provisions of this Act shall be subject to registration in accordance with regulations to be prescribed by the President, and upon proclamation by the President or other public notice given by him or by his direction stating the time and place of such registration, it shall be the duty of every such person liable to military service under the provisions hereof to present himself for and submit to registration undeT the provisions of this Act ; and every such person liable to military service shall be deemed to have notice of the requirements of this Act upon the publication of said proclamation or other notice as aforesaid given by the President or by his direction; and any person who shall fail or neglect to present himself for registration or to submit thereto as herein provided shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall, upon conviction in the proper district court of the United States, be punished by imprisonment for not less than three months or more than one year, and shall thereupon be duly registered." This Section of the Act means that the President of the United States, by public proclamation, will designate the time and place of registration, and that the publication of such proclamation or notice given by the President will be all the notice that any one will need or be given concerning such registration; and that all male persons embraced within the Act are required under the law to register and submit to examination ; that on the day provided by such proclamation it shall be the duty of all male persons liable to military service under the provisions of said Act to present themselves for registration before the proper officers and to give answers to such questions as may be propounded to them. Since this Bection is not in any way in conflict with the law of God, as believed and understood by Bible Students of the International Bible Students Association, then all such should cheerfully obey this provision of the Act and duly appear and register in accordance with its terms. EXEMPTION FROM MILITARY SERVICE Recognizing the right of each person to exercise an honest religious conviction with respect to participation in war, Congress , in the Act herein under examination, has made provision for certain persons to be exempted or excused from selective draft for military service. Section 3 of said Act providing for such exemption, is as follows: "Sec. 3. The Vice President of the United States, the officers , legislative, executive, and judicial of the United States and of the several States and Territories, and all persons in the military and naval service of th.e United States, shall be exempt from the selective draft herein prescribed; and nothing in this Act contained shall be construed to require or compel any person to serve in any of the forces herein provided for if foundto be a member of any well-organized religious sect or organization, at present organized and existing, whose creed forbids its members to participate in war in any form and whose religious convictions are against war or participation therein in accordance with the creed of said religious organization ; and the President is hereby authorized to exclude or discharge from said selective draft and from the draft under the second paragraph of section one hereof, or to draft for partial military service only, persons of the following classes: Customhouse clerks; persons employed by the United States in the transmission of the mails ; artificers and workmen employed in the armories, arsenals, and navy yards of the United States, and such other persons employed in the service of the United States as the President may designate; pilots; mariners actually employed in the sea service of any citizen or merchant within the United States; persons engaged in industries including agriculture, found to be necessary to the maintenance of^ the military establishment or the effective operation of the military forces or the maintenance of national interest during the emergency; those in a status with respect to persons dependent upon them for support, which renders their exclusion or discharge advisable; and those found to be physically and morally deficient. No exemption or exclusion shall continue when a cause therefor no longer exists." It follows, therefore, that any person who makes application for exemption because of his religious creed, or belief, forbidding his participation in war in any form, or whose religious convictions are against war or participation therein, is not vioIating.any law of the land, but, on the contrary, is availing himself of the provisions of such law. In calling the attention of our brethren thereto, we are merely advising what rights and privilege this law grants to them. The Watch Toweb Bible and Tract Society was incor porated and organized according to law in the year 1884 as a religious organization, and still is organized and exists as such religious organization. The International Bible Students Association is the same organization incorporated and organized in the year 1913 under that name according to the provisions of the laws of Great Britain, but said organization had existed as an unincorporated religious organization many years prior thereto, and still exists as such religious organization . The classes or congregations of Christian people throughout the United States organized and existing under the name of Associated Bible Students of the International Bible Students Association are so organized and directed under the supervision of the Watch Toweb Bible and Tract Society and its like organization, the International Bible Students Association. The members of all such Bible Classes come clearly within the provisions of said section of the above Act of Congress relating to the exemption from military service. The Act provides that "Nothing in this Act contained shall be construed to require or compel any person to serve in any of the forces herein provided for who is a member of any wellorganized religious sect or organization at present organized and existing, whose creed forbids its members to participate in war in any form and whose religious convictions are against war or participation therein in accordance with the creed of said religious organization. The word "creed," of course, means belief. All Christians of the above mentioned religious organizations believe the Bible [6086] Ma* 15, 1917 T HE WA T C H T O W li R (151-15^ as taught by Jesus and the apostles, and therefore such teachings of the Bible constitute their creed or belief, which Bible teaching, creed or statement or belief) is amplified, elaborated upon and explained and made more easy to be understood by the teachings and writings on Bible truths as set forth in the Scripture Studies and the Watch Tower. The Scriptures speak of the followers of Jesus as "strangers and pilgrims " whose citizenship is in heaven, since all such have made a covenant to follow in the Master's footsteps. A stranger is an alien, and as such would not be subject to the military laws of a nation where he is sojourning. Commenting thereupon , Studies in the Scripture say, with reference to the duty of a Christian in time of war: "Aliens must be obedient to the laws; so must we. Aliens must pay taxes according to the laws; so must we. Aliens may look for protection under the laws; so may we. But aliens would not feel compelled to fight against their own King, the allegiance which they recognize primarily ; and we would prefer to be in the same position, as far as possible, for are not we 'translated out of the kingdoms of this world into the Kingdom of God's dear Son'? "Are not we subjects of the Great King? And are not all the kingdoms of this world more or lees identified with 'the prince of this world* and his law of selfishness? Are not we, therefore, strangers and pilgrims here, and to some extent aliens and foreigners? It is eminently proper that we should love and appreciate every good law and all the servants of earthly laws, and rejoice that quite the majority of the new creation (Christians) live under the highest forms of civil government to be found in the world today, and appreciate this as a divine favor and blessing. Hence we neither traduce our native country, its rulers nor its laws ; but this does not mean that we must fight for these with carnal weapons, nor that we must increase our responsibilities by voting for them." See also Vol. 1, Pages 166, 167. Further commenting on this, subject, The Watch Tower, September 1, 1915, says: "To become a member of the army and to put on the military uniform implies the duties and obligations of a soldier as recognized and accepted. A protest made to an officer would be insignificant — the public in general would not know of it. Would not the Christian be really out of his place under such conditions ? " 'But,' some one replies, if one were to refuse the uniform and the military service he would be shot.' "We reply that if the presentation were properly made there might be some kind of exoneration ; but if not, would it be any worse to be shot because of loyalty to the Prince of Peace and refusal to disobey his order than to be shot while under the banner of these earthly kings and apparently giving them support and, in appearance at least, compromising the teachings of our heavenly King? Of the two deaths we would prefer the former — prefer to die because of faithfulness to our heavenly King. Certainly the one dying for his loyalty to the principles of the Lord's teachings would accomplish far more by his death than would the one dying in the trenches. We cannot tell how great the influence would be for peace, for righteousness , for God, if a few hundred of the Lord's faithful were to follow the course of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and refuse to bow down to the god of war. Like those noble men they might say, 'Our God is able to deliver us, if he choose* bo to do; but if he does not choose to deliver us, that will not alter our course. We will serve him and follow his direction, come what may.' "May not the soldiers of Christ well say to themselves. ( If the ancient worthies knew God only partially, yet were so faithful to him, and if earthly soldiers are so faithful to earthly kings, what manner of persons ought we to be who have come into the family of God by the Spirit of begetting, who have entered the school of Christ, who are being guided and led by the Captain of our Salvation, and who have his exceeding great and precious promises in respect to our eternal future! How should we stand for him and fox his teachings? Could we lay down our lives in a better way than by faithfulness to the King of kings and Lord of lords, our Redeemer and Head f* It follows, therefore, that every one who is a member of the above mentioned organization, who believes the Bible as taught by the Lord Jesus and the Apostles, and as explained and taught in the publications of said Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society and International Bible Students Association , is one whose religious convictions are against war or the participation therein in any form in accordance with the creed or belief of such religious organization, and whose belief or creed forbids him to participate in war in any form. It would therefore be the privilege of any of the Bible Students before mentioned holding such views to avail themselves of the exemption provision of said Military Act and at the proper time to claim such exemption. EXEMPTION MAT BE GRANTED ON OTHER GROUNDS The Act of Congress in question further provides that the President is authorized to exclude from such selective draft tor military service any person engaged in any of the following occupations, viz: Custom House clerks, mail carriers, or those otherwise engaged in the transportation of mails, workmen employed in the Navy yards or the United States, pilots on boats, mariners actually employed in sea service, and persons engaged in agriculture or farming found to be necessary to the military establishment, or to the effective operation oi military forces, or to the maintenance of national interest durin^ tlu« emergency. 3 Some of our brethren are engaged in these various vocationand in addition to their religious convictions and their privileges under the Act resulting therefrom, such may be relieved from military duty in the discretion of the President Hence it is important for each one at the time of registration to clearly state his occupation, or the work in which he is engaged . Furthermore, some of the brethren have wives, aged parents , or others dependent upon them for maintenance and support, which may entitle them to be released from Military duty at the discretion of the President, as will be observed by the latter part of Section 3 of the aforementioned Act At the time of registration all such facts should be called to the attention of the officers taking the census or registration. HOW TO APPLY FOR EXEMPTION It is understood that within a short titoe the President will issue a proclamation with reference to registration and selective draft j following this, the War Department of the Government will take steps immediately to register all male citizens and aliens provided for by the bill and due notice of the time and place of such registration will be given When appearing for registration each one will be required to answer certain questions. The registration will be had in every voting precinct in the United States the same day. At the time of registration it will be proper for any one who expects to claim exemption, in answering the question as ro whether or not he does claim exemption, to answer in the affirmative. Within a certain time thereafter, as may be prescribed by the Government, a formal application for exemption must be filed. It is understood that the Government will furnish the necessary blanks for such application and affidavit tor exemption. As these *lave not yet been issued and the rules have not yet been published, it is impossible for us to state definitely about these matters, but in all probability all necessary information and blanks will be obtainable at each registration point. We will be glad to publish them in Tub Watch Ioweb as soon as the Government makes known the form of application. In the April 15th issue of The Watch Toweb, this year, page 124, we called attention to certain State laws with reference to the registration of male citizens, and also set forth a form of affidavit that might be used under the laws of some of the States, which were then contemplating an early registration . We advise that every one now disregard the form or blank therein eet forth, for the reason that all registration in all the states will now be made under the Act of Congress, and the United States ' Government will furnish the proper blanks and forms. We advise the dear brethren everywhere to be calm and undisturbed about this matter; that all avoid discussions or controversies, and be content with merely stating their views and leaving the matter there. We can accomplish no good bv engaging in controversial arguments, as all such rather tend to provoke to wrath. Let us keep in mind that all who are fully consecrated to the Lord are under his care and protection , an<* that he has promised to make all things work together for good to those who love him supremely. Let us appreciate our privilege of quietly and in the spirit of the Master pointing out to all those who desire to be told, that this great trouble upon the world is but the forerunner of Messiah's kingdom , which shall bring blessings to all who love and obey the principles of righteousness. Let us each strive to be an example of the flock of God, manifesting by our deportment, our demeanor and our words that we have walked with the Great Master and learned of him, and that we are patiently and confidently waiting for the full inauguration of his kingdom, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; lean not to thine own understanding; in all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." — Proverbs 3:5, 6. [6087] THE HOLY SPIRIT AND ITS WORK [This article was a reprint of that entitled * ( The Holy Spirit Promised/' published in issue of May ], 1908, which please see.] ANOTHER DAY WITH THEE "Another day before me! Dear Master, let it be, In working or in waiting, Another day with thee; ''Another day of leaning On thy beloved breast, Of ever-deepening trustfulness. Of quiet, happy rest; "Another day of mercies, Of faithfulness and grace, Another day of gladness In the shining of thy face. ''Another day of progress, Another day of praise, Another day of proving Thy love 'in all thy waj-i. "Another day is dawning— Dear Master, may it be, On earth, or else in heaven, Another day for thee!" JESUS BETRAYED AND DENIED | The last five paragraphs of this article were reprinted from article* entitled "The Great High Priest Arraigned, " published in issue of May 15, 1899. The remainder was a reprint of article entitled "The Lord Betrayed, M published in issue of May 15, 1899. Please see the articles named.] MEMORIAL SUPPER REPORTS On Thursday, April 5th, after 6 P. M., Eeclesias of the I. B. S. A. the world over gathered together to observe the anniversary of our dear Lord's death. Although it occurred on a week night, and rain fell in torrents in New York, and no doubt in other eastern cities as well, the attendance was little affected; so faithful are the Lord's sheep in observing the instruction imparted to them by the Master — "This do in remembrance of Me." And while doing this the solemnity of the occasion is always deepened by file remembrance of the "participation'* which the communicants enjoy both in the "Body" and in the "Blood" of the Anointed One — Christ Jesus the Head and the Church His Body. Three brethren officiated at the service of the New York congregation. The corroboration of world-events with the prophecies bearing upon the last days of the present order of things, and the ever increasing signs that the Kingdom draweth very near, were likewise feasted upon in the hearts of the participants. And the words of the Master, at the' time of the institution of the Memorial Supper, and the fact that the realization of them is very near, were forgotten: "I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's Kingdom. — Matthew 26:29. Faith seems now to have almost given way to sight, and our hearts are rejoiced as we view the glories of our Home beyond the veil. Our hearts also rejoice as we look out over the field and see so many of like precious faith continuing in their purpose to be faithful unto death. The number participating in the Memorial Supper here in New York City, as shown below, does not include some suburban Classes which formerly met with us, but which have now grown so large that it is considered wise for them to have their own celebration. We are appending to this list all Classes which have thus far reported an attendance of from twenty up New York, N. Y 917 London, Eng 770 Chicago, 111 758 Glasgow, Scot 538 Los Angeles, Cal 475 Boston, Mass 475 Detroit, Mich. : 454 Pittsburgh, Pa 428 Philadelphia, Pa 425 Chicago. 111., Polish 365 Vancouver, B. C 326 Toronto, Ont 319 Cleveland, Ohio 810 Portland, Ore 243 Seattle, Wash 232 St. Louis, Mo 226 Milwaukee, Wis 216 Manchester, Eng 195 Dayton, Ohio 193 Kansas City, Mo 192 Liverpool, Eng 183 Washington, D. 177 Providence, R. 1 175 San Antonio, Tex 171 Indianapolis, Ind 161 Victoria, B. C 161 Minneapolis, Minn 157 Cincinnati, Ohio (white) , . . 157 (152-157) Columbus, Ohio 157 Buffalo, N. Y 144 Denver, Colo 143 Toledo, Ohio 142 Diamond Bluff, Wis 141 Oakland. Cal 138 Tacoma, Wash 133 Bloomington, III 123 Baltimore, Md 120 Spokane, Wash 118 Springfield, Mass 115 Louisville, Ky 108 San Francisco. Cal 105 Bellinghara, Wash 100 Oldham, Eng 94 St. Paul, Minn 91 Bridgetown, Barbados .... 90 Lancaster, Pa 90 Akron, Ohio 89 Allentown, Pa 87 St. Joseph, Mo 87 Worcester, Mass. . . ♦ 87 Detroit, Mich., Polish 82 Oklahoma City, Okla 81 Duquesne, Pa 79 Everett, Wash 79 Sheffield, Eng 77 Pasadena, Cal 76 Hartford, Conn Newark. N. J Balboa, C. Z Trinidad, B. W. I. Leeds, Eng Convers, Switz Grand Rapids, Mich. . Reading, Pa Schenectady, N. Y. Altoona, Pa Hamilton, Ont Erie, Pa Rockford, 111 Wichita, Kan Scranton, Pa Youngstown, Ohio Jackson, Mich New Brighton, Pa. . . Jacksonville, Pla. . . Norfolk, Va Omaha, Neb Rochester, N. Y San Diego, Cal Montreal, Que Richmond, Va Birmingham, Ala. . . . Cromwell, Conn Dallas, Tex Bangor, Eng Tampa. Pla West Haven, Conn. . . Calgary, Alia Sharon, Pa York, Pa Wilmington, Del Cumberland, Md Passaic. N, J Flint, Mich London, Ont Santa Ana, Cal Atlanta, Ga Salt Lake City, Utah. Terre Haute, Ind. . . . Cedar Rapids, Iowa. . Kingston, Jamaica . . Leicester, Eng Riverside, Cal Strathcona, Alta Des Moines, Iowa. . . . Harris burp, Pa Saginaw, Mich Wheeling, W. Va. Belvidere, 111 Dundee, Scot East Kirby, Eng Duluth, Minn Niagara Palls, N. Y. . Waterbury, Conn. . . , Johnstown, Pa Springfield, 111 Topeka, Kan * Watertown, N. Y. Burlington, Wash. . . Fresno, Cal Johnstown, N. Y. Kalamazoo, Mich. . . . The Dalles, Wash. . . Lawrence, Mass Lincoln, Neb Mattoon, HI Tiffin, Ohio Boise, Ida Brazil, Ind 70 Camden, N J 35 70 Colon. Rep. of Pan 35 69 Pall River, Mass 35 68 Jamestown, N. Y 35 66 Kingston, Jamaica 35 65 Brockton, Mass 34 65 Brownsville, Pa. (Hung.).. 34 65 Crooksville, Ohio 34 6.j Nashville, Tenn 34 64 New Orleans, La 34 63 Paisley, Scot, • 34 63 Quincy, Mass 34 63 Brandon, Man 33 63 Bridgeport, Conn 33 62 East St. Louis, 111 33 62 Ipswich, Jamaica 32 61 Chattanooga, Tenn. (white) 32 61 Auburn, Ind 32 60 Glens Palls, N. Y 32 60 Santa Cruz, Cal 32 60 Tulsa, Okla 32 60 Warren, Ohio 32 60 Knoxville, Tenn 32 59 Champaign, 111 81 59 Chattanooga, Tenn. (Col.).. 81 57 Chicopee, Mass 31 57 Evansville, Ind 31 55 Galveston, Tex 31 54 Long Beach, Cal 31 54 Sacramento, Cal 31 54 Steelton, Ont 31 58 Abilene, Kan 30 52 Bay City, Mich 30 52 Colo. Springs, Colo 30 51 East Liverpool, Ohio 30 51 Lynchburg, Va 30 51 Stillwater, Okla 30 50 Syracuse, N. Y 30 50 Beaumont. Tex 29 50 Canton, Ohio 29 48 Fort Smith, Ark 29 48 Limon, C. R 29 48 Zion City, 111 29 47 Utica, N. Y 29 47 Albany, N. Y 28 47 Calmar, Alta 28 45 Chatham, Ont 28 45 >Glace Bay, N. S 28 44 Hayne, N. C 28 44 Hobart, Okla 28 44 Kingston, N. Y 28 48 Muncie, Ind 28 42 Coffeyville, Kan 27 42 Edmonton, Alta 27 42 Iola, Kan 27 41 Lowell, Mast 27 41 Pueblo, Colo 27 41 Rhonesboro, Tex 27 40 Bhawnee, Okla 27 40 Wilkes-Barre, Pa 27 40 Bloomfield, N. J 26 40 Butler, Pa 26 39 Danbury, Ohio 26 39 Cincinnati, Ohio (Col.) 26 39 Halifax, N. S 26 39 New Albany, Ind 26 39 New Brunswick, N. J 26 38 Tonawanda, N. Y 26 38 Elkhart, Ind 25 38 Gait, Ont 25 88 JopHn, Mo 25 85 Mansfield, Eng 25 85 MeadviUe, Pa 25 [6088] May 15, 1917 THE WATCH TOWER (157-158) Newark, Ohio 25 Oil City, Pa 25 Piqua, Ohio 25 PitUfield, Mass 25 Portland, Me 25 Rock Island, VA 25 St. John, N. B 25 Warren, Pa 25 Cecil, Ga 25 Childress, Tex 25 Davenport, Iowa 25 McMinnviHe, Oru 25 Pottstown, Pa 25 Weatherford, Tt>3 24 Cortland, N. Y 28 Elfin, 111 23 Elwood, Ind 23 Pawtucket, K J ... .23 Preston, Ont 23 Kejfina, Sask 28 San Jose, Cal 23 Webb City, Mo 23 HoMster, Ohio (Hung.) 22 Kewanee, 111 22 Lynden, Wash 22 Marion, Ohio 22 Millville, Ohio 22 Mitchell, S. Dak 22 New Castle, Pa. * 22 Osseo, Wis 22 Philipsburg, K. J 22 Port Huron, Mich 22 St. Catherines, Ont 22 Stockton, Cal 22 Tamaqua, Pa 22 Parien, Oonn 21 Dubuque, Iowa 21 Beverly, Mass 21 Boulder, Colo 21 Midland Park, N. J 21 New Kensington, Pa 21 New Liskeard, Ont 21 Niagara Falls, Ont 21 Norristown, Pa 21 Parismina, Costa Rica .... 21 Pentictou, B. C 21 St. George, Grenada 21 Seguin, Tex 21 Sheboygan Falls, Wis 21 Alva; Okla 20 Appleton, Wis. * 20 Augusta, Ga 20 Cleveland, Ohio (Hung.)... 20 Corpus ChriBti, Tex 20 Ea&ihampton, Mass 20 Fort Wayne, Ind 20 Scandinavian Classes reported from Fort Worth, Tex 20 Grand Junction, Colo 20 Greenfield. Mass 20 Hillside, Mandeville. Ja 20 Little Rock, Ark 20 Morgantawn, W, Va 20 Nowata, Okla 20 Petersburg, Va 20 Peterborough, Eng 20 Pittsburg, Kan 20 Racine, Wis 20 South Bend, Ind 20 South Norwalk, Conn 20 Stirling, Ont 20 Stockport, N. Y 20 Troy, N. Y 20 Wellington, Ohio 20 Swedish Branch 1,388 SOME LETTERS ANOTHER BRAVE BROTHER ACROSS THE SEA (nineteen years of age — written in the guard boom) My Dear Brethren: — Greetings! You will be glad to know that your little brother in England is now privileged to share with the others the experiences peculiar to us over here. Truly, although the present surroundings are not congenial to the new creature or to the flesh, one realizes how cood the Lord is. Experiences which we would naturally shrink from are taken as among the "all things/' because of the trustful confidence we have in our great God. He has guided and blessed me richly thus far, and my desire is to just continue daily to abide in him, to faithfully seek to uphold the principles we have grown to love and appreciate. Under these circumstances one is able to reflect the light by the life lived, and to be an example of the believers . My prayer is that my heart shall always respond joyfully to his loving leadings, and be submissive in all the way he shall lead. Taking such experiences as he sees fit to permit with joy and gratitude, one is able to count all as light afflictions, as surely they are. When we think of all the blessings he has showered upon us since we were brought into the light, why, our hearts bubble over with joy and the }*oy of the LoVd becomes our strength ! Our great hope, too, is so bright that it surely stimulates us to cheerful, patient endurance. In this peculiar position one is able to bear the reproaches of our Master in various ways, and it gives us great joy to be so permitted. Today 1 have been thinking of our dear Redeemer 's example — he endured all things unmurmuringly, without retaliation. It is my heart*s desire to prove worthy of his leadership, following the more faithfully in his footsteps daily. Truly the heavenly hopes and joys are the only enduring, eternal things! This morning, as 1 was marched before the Colonel, the words on page 238 of our Poem Book flashed into my mind : "He rose, and from that hour went forth To trial and to death, in peace — A calmness born of perfect confidence in God." That last line has many times in the past been helpful to me; and under the present circumstances it is more than helpful, it is inspiring. I feel it a great privilege to be permitted to bear this witness . The Colonel told me this morning that I shall be ordered to don the King's uniform, and if 1 refuse, I shall be courtmartialed . That iB the usual experience, of course. Most sentences are commuted now to four months hard labor, and after about ten weeks one is released and put somewhere on Work of National Importance, so-called, under the Government 's Home Office scheme. Truly, the Lord is very good and we rejoice in his loving leadings; and our desire is to be more faithful day by day, to do always those things pleasing in his sight! Rev. 2:10, all of the verse, is very forceful to ua while in the hands of the Military. It is indeed a happy privilege to bear his reproaches with meekness and pitying love for our would-be enemies. I am assured of an interest in your prayers, and I commend all the dear ones in America to our Father's tender care and keeping. Later. — I thought I would like to send just a few more lines before I go to prison, to let you know of our continued trust in our dear heavenly Father's love and providential care. Surely one has abundant cause for gratitude — we truly find what we seek! We are daily counting our blessings and find fresh causes to thank our loving Father. By Tuesday next it will be three weeks since I came into the hands of the Military, I have had a nice and happy time, because after a few days I was in the company of four other Conscientious Objectors to Military Service on religious OF INTEREST grounds. The difference in our religious views makes little ii inference — we have all been quite happy. There have been many opportunities for presenting the truth to my fellow "0. O.V and to the soldiers who are supposed to be guarding us prisoners. t One realizes the need for patient- endurance, yet we can rejoice that in all the various experiences which we have been privileged to pass through his grace has been sufficient. This morning the last performance was gone through — that of being marched before the troops and nearing the sentence read out: "The accused is found guilty and sentenced to suffer imprisonment for 112 days with hard labor," So I go away to prison tomorrow, dear ones. What a grand privilege 1 It is very sweet to suffer a little for his dear sake who has suffered so much for us. We rejoice in his tender care who loves us with such a strong love. (2 Chron. 10:9; Num. 6:24-20, Hymn 307.) With fondest Christian love, I am, Your little brother "in bonds" for his sake, Stanley W. Willis. — England. A VOICE FBOM FAR-OFF AUSTRALIA Beloved Brethren: — Greetings in the name of our blessed Alias ter! May his peace be multiplied unto you. Although somewhat late in forwarding a message to you, we nevertheless have had you continually in our thoughts, and rejoice in our privilege of remembering you daily at the throne of grace. Some few years ago, an ecclesia was formed in this city, and our Brother Russell consented to be our Pastor. We thank our heavenly Father for his provision in our Brother Russell, through whose ministrations we have been built up and enabled to grow in knowledge and grace. We also thank him for having answered the prayers of so many of his saints, in that our brother was kept faithful until death. While assembled in Convention (one day Convention), we desire to convey to you our Christian love, and to assure you that you have taken Brother Russell's place in our prayers and as our guides. Further, this ecclesia unanimously resolves to accord you our unreserved and loyal support in forwarding the work of the kingdom, so soon to he established. Our message to you, dear Brethren, is expressed in Isaiah 41:10 and Joshua 1:8, 9, "Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee, with the right hand of my righteousness." "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth ; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein; for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous , and then thou shalt have good success." Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed, for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest." God is our strength. How strong we are in him! With Christian love, we remain, Your brethren by his grace and in his service, Brisbane Ecclesia. — Australia. fleecing the sheep Dear Brethren: — I want to congratulate the Editorial Committee for their forethought, wisdom and general ability. I have the March I Tower, and was glad to note article on fly leaf, "Warning to the Friends," also letter on page 78, top of 1st column, and the reply thereto, As the secretary of the class for eight or ten years, I have been up against all the propositions contained in those articles; and from the fact that I was a traveling salesman for twenty-eight years and know the ways of the world and human nature, I have naturally become what the boys term a "wise guy." I have not been duped to anv irr^t rfiosaj (15»-159) THE WATCH TOWER BROOKLYN. N. Y. extent, but my experiences, if I could tell you about them, would be quite laughable. 1, however, know of many innocent and unsophisticated brethren that have been imposed on and duped ahainetully. And it had been in moat caj&es the new menUb, Irtish in their first love for the truth", that have been the victims. You have acted wisely in not publishing the names and addresses of the class secretaries. Yet mine has gotten out pretty generally, and 1 am a constant recipient of letters and callers of doubtful intentions. It is a real, genuine privilege and pleasure for wife and myself to extend hospitality and generosity to the authorized pilgrims, colporteurs, agents and helpers sent out by the Bible House; but when it comes to lazy, never -do-well, spiritually sick hangers-on, 1 never let them lie down on me. 1 feel that it would be encouraging them in a wrong. Having had much personal experience all along the line that both of those articles suggest, 1 think they are very timely indeed, and 1 am sure the friends will profit thereby. With much personal esteem, I am, Your fellow servant in the Lord, W. B. Sutton.— Va. MAY OUB HEARTS BEAT AS ONE My Beloved Brethren ; — We know your hearts have been touched with sadness. What a shock Brother Russell's death must have been to you of the Bethel home! The day the news reached us it seemed as though we were in a stuffy room, unable to get a full breath. It was so hard to realize it was so. But, as we remembered the fruition of our hopes was a participation in the first resurrection with our dear Redeemer, and that Brother Russell had gone to his reward, "to meet the Lord in the air," and that he was one of those "blessed in the Lord that die from henceforth ," we could not help but rejoice with our dear Brother. We have been personally acquainted with him for fifteen years, and have been greatly blessed by his life— and wonderfully blessed by his death — knowing that his trials are over and that he has gone beyond the nery darts of enemies and people who did not understand him; and, additionally, blessed in the glorious tact that he now lives forever — changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye — having closed his eyes to temporal things and opened them to eternal things — to see Jesus as he is, and be like him ! We know that all is well, and that he had finished his work this side the veil. We pray our Father's richest blessings on the dear Israel at Bethel, that wisdom from on high may be abundantly bestowed on you to carry on the great work uninterruptedly, and that there may be a remarkable manifestation of the sweet spirit of Jesus in all that is done, that every word, thought and deed may redound to the glory of God and his dear fc>on, out High Priest and Advocate, and that we all may meet each other soon in the realms of glory, honor and immortality. We are pledging ourself anew to God, his truth, and his called ones, that our hearts may beat as one during the stirring scenes which will mark the close of "Elijah's" career. Continuing in daily prayer for you, my brethren, I remain, Your brother by his rich favor, C. E. Stewart, — 111. EARTH NOW POORER— HEAVEN RICHER Deab Bbetuken : — We desire to express to you our love in the Lord, and our loyalty to you as the channel he is now using to bring to us the clear and refreshing waters of truth. We find it difficult to express in words our feelings on learning that our Pastor was found faithful and taken home. We hardly realized how much we loved him. Was ever a man truly loved so well since our dear Lord was on earth as a mant We think not, and yet he was worthy of it all, for it was his self-sacrifice and zeal for the truth which in our Father's hands and with his blessing brought us all here into the glorious light of present truth. Our hearts go out in thankfulness and praise to our loving heavenly Father for sparing him so long to us, as well as for the example he was to us of loving devotion and sweet, patient endurance under all circumstances. Though earth is poorer, heaven is richer, and we would not wish it otherwise than as it has pleased our Father to arrange it; but we look forward to meeting him again, now very soon, when we too have made our calling and election sure. We pray our Father's blessing on all the work in your corner of the vineyard, and that he may |uide and direct you in all your labors and service and multiply his love and peace unto you. Yours in the fellowship of the mystery. Manchester Ecclesia. — England. ONLY A XITTLE WHILE I>TAB BBETttBEN: — We bow in loving and humble submission to the divine will, confident that the seventh and last special "angel" to the church is now like our blessed Lord and Head, and can see him as he is. We resolve to redouble our diligence to make our calling and election sure; to renew our consecration vows, and to pledge our cooperation in all possible ways to the Society, who though berett of its best iriend on eartti are bravely seeking to complete their share in the kingdom work yet to be done this side the veil. We also desire, at this time, to extend to you our deep appreciation of the faithful, loving ministrations of both our dear, departed Pastor and of all at the Brooklyn Tabernacle and Bethel home, who were closely associated with him in the harvest activities. Lkwiston and Aububn Ecclesia. — Maine. WITNESSING AT FUNERALS Deab Bheturen: — Your letter of the 13th came to hand this P. M., and was much appreciated. Many thanks for the careful way in which you replied to our several inquiries. Foi some weeks we have felt that the matter of conducting funerals should be mentioned to you, and by you to the friends in some general way. Three very sad cases have recently come to our attention, instances in which we would have thought the dear friends would have known better how to proceed. In each of these cases some of the friends had the matter of funeral services placed in their hands, but they were unable to secure a capable brother to conduct the service . In two of these cases a nearby brother could have been easily secured, but the friends did not know of this until too late. They seem to have done the best they knew, but they did not know the best to do. It would have been very simple and inexpensive to have wired you asking for someone to render this service, and a capable speaker could have been provided at small expense. The friends would have been glad to pay all the expenses, and a wonderful witness for the truth could have been given. We consider these great opportunities for witnessing. So does the Society, as evidenced by the fact that mention is made of such free service on the volunteer matter. Could not some* brief, pointed, yet comprehensive instructions be given to all through the Toweb! You will know what would be the best thing to do. W 7 ith fervent Christian Love to all, I am, Your brother by his grace, W. H. Spbing. — Ohio, [The Society has for a long time cooperated in the matter of furnishing capable brethren to speak at funeral services whenever requested so to do, whether near or far, and shall be glad to continue to render such assistance wherever possible . Requests of this character should be wired to the Society without delay, giving place, day and time of funeral. We will in turn wire information.] MEN AFTER GOD'S OWN HEART 1>eab Brethren: — The Suffolk, Va., Ecclesia celebrated the Memorial of our dear Saviour's death on the evening of April 5, in my house, in which, in an adjoining room, lay the dead body of my wife. There were ten present, one of our sisters being absent on account of sickness. It was a blessed experience to each and all as we again commemorated the death of our dear Lord and Master and once more renewed our consecrations to be dead with him. As we partook of the emblems which symbolize his death we thought of and prayed for all of like precious faith the world over. In our daily prayers, we fail not to remember the household of faith, and in an especial manner do we invoke wisdom and guidance for the dear brethren upon whom the Lord has now placed the duty and responsibility of directing the harvest work, that they may be men after God's own heart, as we believe them to be, so that the work may be conducted in a manner that will command hia approval, and bring the best results, to the glory of his great and holy Name. In much Christian love for all, Wac. W. Mubbay. EARNEST WORDS OF APPRECIATION DteAB BbetHREn: — Just a line or two to tell you how much we all appreciated the series of public meetings we have had here in Columbus. It was an inspiration to us to see and hear the hearty responses to the messages from the dear Brooklyn brethren who spoke. We all wish to thank the Society for arranging such a precious season of blessing for us and such a wonderful witness to the truth once more in Columbus. May God continue His rich blessing on you all and make you at one and complete in him who is the Savior of the body. [6090] May 15, 1*17 THE WATCH TOWER (143-163) We made judicious use of the newspapers in advertising these meetings and feel that we had excellent results. We used mostly "Readers" scattered through the papers. The total cost of the four meetings will reach about $380, which was all pledged before we started the series for the public. We feel richly blessed and more determined than ever to go on to the end. With fervent Christian love to you all, Your brother by his grace, C. B. Shull. — Ohio. FOUL SCANDAL'S DANGER "Brakes on! Go slowl you do not know, You are not sure that it is so, A vagrant whisper overheard, A sneer, a shrug, a dastard word Are not sound evidence — you may Unjustly hurt a man today. The thoughtless things that people say. The vandal lumors gossip spreads, The 'I have heards' and ^Someone saids.' And like remarks, destroy and blight Without a chance to prove the right. Noblesse Oblige! Who knows when you May stand in need of fair play, too? A thousand men and women die At heart each day because a lie — Some ill-considered, vicious fling — Has robbed their lives of everything." ANGELOPHONE COMPANY REORGANIZED In a recent issue of the The Watch Toweb we announced that the Angelophone Company was going out of tiudinoss, We are glad now to inform our readers that this work will continue , some brethren having taken over the Company and reorganized it. There was a legal question raised as to whether or not the Society had authority under its charter to sell talking machines , together with the records. It is our desire to be strictly law-abiding. There could be no question about the right of the Society to manufacture and sell talking and singing records, because this is another method of preaching the Gospel. The records made by Brother Russell proved unsatisfactory, but there has been such a demand for them that the Society has arranged to have these records made again, which is now being done by the same person who made the Photo-Drama Records so great a success. The new records are clear and distinct, and easy to be understood, and will be much appreciated by every one, especially by those who enjoyed Brother Russell's discourses. Those records will be handled by the Angelophone Company, which still has on hand a few sets of records in the voice of Brother Russell. Because of the increased cost of rerecording and remaking, and the increased cost of material, the Angelophone Company is compelled to Bell these records at 25c each or $5 per set of twenty-five. Even at this they are cheaper than any other records on the market. Orders should be sent to us or to the Angelophone Company , 184 Fulton St., Brooklyn, N. Y. "WHY DO THE NATIONS WAR?" The announcement that there would be a new issue of Volunteer literature has awakened many to the importance of ordering the first Volunteer matter— Vol. 9, No. 1— "The World on Fire" — and distributing it. We believe that the time H more propitious now than ever for the Lord's people to work, and "The World on Fire" is excellent to begin with. People are thinking now as never before. We believe, too, that the Lord expects us to keep on witnessing as long as it is "called day." It will be time to stop when the night has so far come upon us that no one can work. The leading article of the new volunteer matter will be: "Whv Do the Nations War?" Many orders have been received for it When ordering it please mention Vol. 9, No. 5. We had thought to make it eight pages, but after considering every detail, it was concluded, the Lord willing, to issue another volunteer number before the summer ends. The printers are at work now upon the new issue, and orders will be filled as rapidly as the printing proceeds. There should be no delay in putting it out when it reaches you. A combined effort and systematic distribution would be best! Whenever there are classes, orders should be sent by the Secretary, nnd orders should be carefullv e^timatrd on a ba*is of one copy for each English-speaking family. Where there are no classes individuals may order, based upon the same estimate. The literature ib furnished free; but we do not pay the transportation charges. "Finally, brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might!"