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Chosen no: R-5382 a, from: 1914 Year. |
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Some Interesting Letters
WATCHING
LEST HE SHOULD SEEM TO COME SHORT
DEAR BROTHER RUSSELL:--
Greetings in the name of our precious Redeemer!
During the weeks that have intervened since leaving Bethel en route for the South, it has been on
my mind to write you; and I have refrained from so doing merely because I know that
your time is so thoroughly occupied in the Master's service. However, I want to
say that the Truth is becoming more precious; and that my appreciation of
spiritual things is daily increasing and I am rejoicing in the many, many
evidences of the Lord's love and care.
The last few TOWERS have been so grand and truly
a spiritual feast; especially those articles re the time features of the Divine
Plan. While I have full confidence in the chronological features of the Plan,
yet nevertheless my consecration is unto death and forever; and I
am trying to live each day as if it were my last, and
then there is just ONE DAY between me and the Kingdom.
My heart has been grieved, as I have come in
contact with the dear brethren in different parts of the country, to note in
many the tendency to complain and to find fault on the slightest pretext. I
feel we are drawing very near a time of testing [R5382 : page 15] for the Church. Surely if we
have a deep
heart appreciation of the Truth, we
would not be so prone to find fault and to criticize. Personally, the Truth is
so precious and so all-absorbing that I feel less inclined to murmur, and more
and more inclined to be thankful for every experience in life, be it pleasant
or unpleasant. The resolution not to murmur or complain has been so helpful,
for which I thank the Lord.
Every day sees fresh cause for thankfulness for
"The Vow." As I see the wave of immorality and debauchery which is
sweeping the country, and the generally prevailing tendency to lower the
standards of morals and propriety, I am sure the Lord has given us the Vow for
our protection. Some of the dear friends seem to think they are strong enough
without the Vow, and perhaps they are; but for my part I am glad for any
protection and help which will enable me to stand more firmly.
Another thing that comes under my observation is
this: Some of the friends seem inclined to be rather lax or careless in their
deportment, with the excuse that their motives are pure and that they mean no
harm; and it seems to anger them if their actions are called in question.
Sometimes I wonder how many of those who profess to be in Present Truth will be
"overcomers." The standard is so high and we have so much to fight
against! Many seem to be lacking in a deep spiritual appreciation of
the Truth. I cannot judge the motives of the dear friends; and therefore I am
trying by the Lord's grace to walk more circumspectly
and watch myself closely lest I would even "seem to
come short."
Oh, that prize is so wonderful, so glorious,
and the Kingdom so near,
"what manner of people ought we to be in all holy conduct"! Praise
the Lord, we are almost home! The lights of the Eternal
City are
almost discernible, and soon we shall be at Home and at Rest!
In conclusion, dear Brother, let me assure you
of my hearty co-operation in the promulgation of the Harvest Message, with
which I am in perfect harmony. I hope, if it should be the Lord's will, to see
you some time this winter. In the meantime, I hope and pray the Father's smile
of approval will continue to be your daily portion. Pray for me, as I do for
you and all the family.
The classes throughout the South send their love
and greetings. With much Christian love, I am
Your Brother, by His Grace, J. P. MACPHERSON.
----------
"CAST
NOT AWAY YOUR CONFIDENCE"
DEAR BRETHREN:--
Although our Heavenly Father sees fit to try the
faith of His people along various lines, yet it seems that during the coming
year we may meet a more severe testing of our confidence in God and His Word.
I am aware, however, that the faith of the dear
brethren and sisters is very strong, and believe they will continue to fight
the good fight of faith successfully to the end.
Pastor Russell, as I have always understood him,
never claimed his interpretation of the time prophecies to be infallible. His
writings have always impressed me that way.
Should the year 1915 come and not witness all
that many of the brethren expect, it will matter but little to me. We know
still that "Thy Word is Truth," and that not one jot or tittle will
pass till all be fulfilled. We know further that, according to the signs of the
times, the Day is not far distant.
When fiery trials assail us, let us remember the
words of inspiration, "Cast not away, therefore, your confidence, which
hath great recompense of reward."
Yours in faith and hope, N. E. BUTLER, N.S.
----------
WITHOUT HIS
CONSENT
DEAR BROTHER RUSSELL:--
A copy of 1913 "Convention Report" has
just come to my attention. It contains what purports to be a report of a
discourse delivered by me at the Springfield Convention.
I have not the disposition nor the power to
control the actions of others in the publication of what I say at Conventions;
but I would like to have the friends know that such publication is without my
consent. A stenographic report of the above mentioned discourse was handed me
at Springfield,
but I declined to read it, not wishing to have anything to do with its
publication.
Yours in His service, J. F. RUTHERFORD.
W.T. R-5382a : page 14 - 1914r
