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Chosen no: R-5428 b, from: 1914 Year. |
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Some Interesting Letters
FLEETING
OPPORTUNITIES FOR SERVICE
DEAR BROTHER RUSSELL:--
My ever increasing love for the Truths now due,
and my growing zeal for the scattering of the same among the masses of people
who are beginning to hunger for something more satisfying than brilliant essays
and talented choirs, prompts me to mention several opportunities for service
which many might use if brought to their attention.
Many Sisters have such splendid chances among
their grocers, druggists, and others with whom they deal. The workers in Babylon are always
begging these merchants for something for the church-fair, or asking them to
buy tickets for the social. It has occurred to me, why not try to sell them the
STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES? Arrangements could be made to make purchases when no
customers are likely to be present, and when the merchants would have spare
time. A first volume might be carried, and after making purchases, inquire
whether he has ever seen the book. He might be told how it has opened up the
Bible to you and then he should be canvassed for a set. If he hesitates about
taking a set, sell him a first volume. Say you will want to know how he likes
it, as this will make him more likely to read. Try to make some of your
purchases thereafter when he is not very busy, that opportunity may be had to
water the seed sown.
Brethren employed where there are fellow-workmen
have in many cases a grand opportunity to witness to them. These might be
canvassed for the STUDIES at the noon hour. Try to eat your luncheon (if you
take it with you) near a different man each day, and in the course of
conversation tell him about the blessing you have received from these Bible
Helps, [R5429 : page 95] and arrange to sell or loan
him one of them.
If the Brother has some ability, he
might do good by holding little question meetings while eating lunch. The
answers should always be brief and
to the point. To be helpful, such questions should be on the more simple
features of the Plan; deep questions would choke those who are spiritual babes.
For instance, the conversation might be turned
to the subject of Hell. The Brother could insist that there is not a single
passage in the Bible where the word means a place of endless misery, and the
only places seemingly teaching so are very highly figurative passages. Then
say, "I have a little book in which every passage in the Bible where the
word hell occurs is explained. I will bring it here tomorrow and read you a
couple of wonderful paragraphs in it." This will probably bring them
together the next day; and by promising to consider further questions the third
day, one might have a regular little lunch-time class. Of course, the majority
will tire of it, but a few may stick.
In the larger towns and cities the Truth-hungry
might be advertised for. Some city-dailies will allow it among the
miscellaneous religious advertisements; but in each case, judgment will have to
be exercised as to where it should be placed, and how frequently inserted. The
following is suggested as an advertisement:
"Those who want to believe the Bible but
have never yet found in it anything as satisfying and reasonable as they would
expect God to give, are invited to send their names and addresses to P.O. Box
__________. This is no scheme, but simply an effort to bring real religious
satisfaction to those who feel their faith is shaking."
Let some able, consecrated Brother call upon
those who respond, and either sell or loan them "The Divine Plan of the
Ages." He might first tell them of the blessing he is getting from the Word
of God now, in contrast to the former conditions. He might call again, from
time to time, to see what progress they are making, if the interest warrants.
Sisters should call on the ladies who reply.
I find that the Brethren are not sufficiently
alert to the opportunities among the foreigners in their town. If there be
Greek confectioners in your town, send for a half dozen Greek tracts to give
them. The same might apply to Chinese in the laundries, Italians at
fruit-stands and in street gangs, etc.
"The Bible Students' Monthly," on
"What is Baptism?" is specially good where Brother Russell has been
misrepresented very much, because of the article by Prof. Ellis and letter by
Rev. T. S. Thompson, endorsing him and his work. The Brethren sometimes forget that
they are able to do more than merely circulate yearly Volunteer literature.
Often a special tract will fit in very well with local conditions, if
circulated at the psychological time.
Every day makes me more desirous for the time
when our service will not be limited by the weak, imperfect body in which we
now dwell. I am glad that day is so near.
I remain, with Christian love, on Jordan's
Banks.
B. H. BARTON.
----------
[page 95]
GRATEFUL FOR
THE LIGHT OF TRUTH
MY DEARLY-LOVED PASTOR:--
It is impossible for me to express in words the
gratitude I feel to our Heavenly Father and to you for your faithful ministry.
Ever since the light has been brought into my life by STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES
I have been desirous of giving you a token of my esteem.
God, in His mercy, has granted me the privilege
of enclosing herewith a little gift to you. I realize your time is already very
heavily taxed, and so do not wish you to feel it necessary to acknowledge this
note. An interest in your prayers, which I know all of God's children have, is
all anyone can desire. May God's richest blessings be yours!
Yours in the Master's service, SISTER F.--Mass.
IN REPLY.
DEAR SISTER:--
Yours of the 8th inst. reached me duly, and is
much appreciated, not only for the intrinsic value of the gift enclosed, but
also for the sentiments expressed--your Christian love. The money, $100, goes
to your credit in the Tract Fund with heartiest appreciation. My personal needs
are all supplied from the Tract Fund, as are those of all the Pilgrims.
I am pleased to know that you are enjoying the
Truth. I agree with you that it is the most wonderful thing and the greatest
blessing that the Heavenly Father could give us in the present life--to know
Him and something of His loving kindness, not only for the Church, but also for
the world. With Christian love,
Your brother and servant, C. T. RUSSELL.
----------
THINKING TOO
MUCH ABOUT SELF
MY DEARLY BELOVED BROTHER RUSSELL:--
I am writing to wish you a happy birthday, and a
glorious "new birth day" at the day that God may choose; also, to say
that the Lord has brought me safely to Trinidad--I believe in answer to prayer
before leaving Jamaica. First this,
that God would send me where I could best be
transformed into Jesus' likeness; and then be a blessing to others, by His
grace.
So now I wish to say, I am looking for an answer
to the latter prayer, and intend to co-operate in
bringing the answer as best I can.
Brother Coward is still away in Demerara;
meanwhile I am seeking to assist those already interested. We expect his return
soon, and I believe we shall co-operate well together.
Dear Brother, I have just been thinking that
possibly an article in THE WATCH TOWER dealing on the subject of too much
approbativeness--thinking about self and what others think about us,
etc.--might help some; that is, it might help them to overcome this tendency.
As many of us ought to be approaching manhood in Christ, that very thing may
tend to increase this trouble amongst us, especially as some seem inclined to
criticize little things a good deal. This difficulty, over-approbativeness,
seems to be something like a "will-o-the-wisp," very hard to catch
hold of and kill.
As ever, your brother in Christ, A. B. BLAKE.
----------
I.B.S.A.
BEREAN BIBLE STUDIES
FOR MONTH OF APRIL.
QUESTIONS FROM MANUAL ON SECOND SERIES, "STUDIES IN THE
SCRIPTURES."
STUDY II.
Week
beginning April 5.................Questions 1 to 8
" " " 12................. " 9 to 16
" " " 19................. " 17 to 24
" " " 26................. " 25 to 31
Question Manuals on VOL. II., STUDIES IN THE
SCRIPTURES, 5c. each, or 50c. per doz., postpaid.
W.T. R-5428b : page 95 - 1914r
