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Chosen no: R-1033 b, from: 1888 Year. |
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Extracts From Interesting Letters.
The following letter is from the Editor's beloved father, who has past his
threescore and ten: it shows his deep interest in the truth, and though neither
a public speaker or writer, he is a minister and ambassador for the Lord,
seeking continually to be used to the Master's honor, by letting his light so
shine as to glorify our Father in heaven.
Manitee Co., Fla.
C. T. RUSSELL,
MY DEAR SON:--Your kind and welcome letter came duly, and I infer from its
tenor that you are all well. However much I like to hear from you often, I am
satisfied that you have not much time to give to writing letters and therefore
will excuse you, when you do the best you can. We are in comfortable health at
present, though I am far from rugged or strong. I feel that the Lord is dealing
very graciously with us in all things, and that we have great reason to be very
humble and thankful for his mercies, and I do feel thankful and contented. The
world and the things of the world do not trouble me as they used to do. I take
great pleasure in thinking of the goodness of our Heavenly Father in giving us
the light of His glorious plan of salvation, and of establishing our faith in
Christ Jesus our Lord as the only way to obtain eternal life. This hope and
this trust in Jesus alone for salvation, is daily strengthened in me, the more
I see of the various dogmas of conflicting creeds. The most regret I have, and
the only thing which makes me feel dissatisfied with myself is, that I cannot
do more than I am doing for the cause of truth, and to communicate to others
the blessed truths we so much enjoy. We had a precious season here on the
anniversary of the death of "Christ our Passover," though there were
but three of us. We remembered the gathering at Allegheny, as well as all the
scattered sheep, and knew even before [R1034 : page 2] the April
TOWER told us, that you
would have a precious season and remember us at the throne of grace.
I am glad to know that Bro. Zech has concluded the translation of DAWN into
the German language. Tell him I compliment him on having accomplished his work
in so short a time, considering other work. You are all doing a great work, and
I pray that you may be very successful in your undertakings in the future, as
you have been in the past. Send me 300 missionary envelopes. I have some of the
"Arp Tracts" yet. Please send me about five or six more February TOWERS. I will state to you that if you
find any one wanting to buy wild land near Pinellas, I want to donate 10 acres
to the WATCH TOWER TRACT SOCIETY, but I am unable to find a purchaser here at
present.
We here, all join in sending love to you all. Your loving father.
J. L. RUSSELL.
[page 2]
Graham Mines, West Va.
DEAR BRO. RUSSELL:--It is some time since I learned of your valuable paper
Z.W.T. It was in the Jan. and Febr. Nos., I saw the complete Bible Denunciation
of the Orthodox view of Hell. I shall try to work for the "TOWER"
what time I can spare from my farm this summer. From what I have seen of your
publications, you are certainly doing a grand, and it must be an appointed work; and may the good Lord stand by you on Zion's wall to proclaim what the signs of
promise are. Yours in hope. J. J. B.
Neshannock, Pa.
DEAR BRO. RUSSELL:--The Arp slips have been scattered broadcast throughout
this locality, and also the few Dawns that Bro. Wise and myself have been able
to sell and give away, have caused a grand confusion. The nominal
churches are denouncing us, and specially warning their congregations to not
even allow a scrap of paper of any kind we may send out to come into their
homes, and warning their children not to read anything of the kind. But thank
God though the Devil may use all the forces he can command, it is only
stimulating us to greater efforts, and we can already see some fruits of our
labor. God is not an idle spectator of what is going on. He is not allowing the
devil to have all his own way. He, as we believe, has plucked one soul as a
brand from the burning [out of the confusion and distress of Babylon--into the joys of truth]. Glory be to
His name, for he is worthy of all praise.
Your poor unworthy brother rejoices that his name is cast out as evil, and
that the finger of scorn is pointed at him; having the blessed privilege of
suffering it for the Master's sake. Pray for me that my faith may wax stronger
in the Lord. God bless you and yours, and all the faithful ones is my earnest
prayer. Yours in fellowship and love. I. W.
M__________.
Macon, N.C.
DEAR BRO. RUSSELL:--We want the TOWER, but as yet we are unable to send any
money. It seems strange to us, but it is true, that before we saw the true
light and tried to walk therein, we could pay for publications, but because of
this truth many around us, (in sectarian churches,) make it as hard on us as
possible, and then ascribe it to "Providence"
because we are wrong. But we do not see it so. We see in this, that we are on
the right road. In this age we are not promised riches, but tribulation;
and we prefer to be poor now and rich hereafter, dishonored now, and honored in
the coming age. We know our Father knoweth what things we need. We will
continue to work and do the best we can and send you some money when we can.
Send us some Arp slips if you can for circulation. May God bless you with
grace, more wisdom and knowledge in the truth, and means to sustain you.
Yours in the hope of eternal glory.
J. W. P__________.
Sharon, Wis.
EDITOR TOWER, DEAR BROTHER:--Last issue of TOWER at hand
some time since and eagerly read, and next issue longed for. I have been a
follower of Christ for four years or more and have been a close student of His
Word, but never saw the truth as I now do on reading Dawn. It has been my
purpose to enter college and prepare for the ministry, but on account of circumstances
the way has never been opened, and I now believe God has restrained me to take
up this work in a different way--not to become bound to the traditions of men
or sects.
I am loaning Dawn. The M.E. minister here is studying it now, and being a
bold preacher, if he could be brought into the light, I am sure he would be a
power.
Hoping to receive some suggestions on best manner of going to work, I am,
Yours in Christ. C. H. D__________.
Garvanzo, Cal.
DEAR SIR:--With this request for four "Dawns," I must say
a word. I have only lately heard these "Glad tidings of Great Joy." I
have only just begun to follow after this glorious blessed truth. Would that I
had heard of it years ago; but now by His help and guidance I mean to press
forward, and spread the truth as set forth by the "TOWER." May God
abundantly bless and prosper you in this work. Please send me 300 or 400 of the
Arp slips, and I will distribute them to best advantage in my office, and send
four of the 25ct. edition of "Dawn" for distribution also. I expect
to send for more soon.
Yours most sincerely. R. L. B__________.
W.T. R-1033b : page 2 - 1888r