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WHEREAS:
There have arisen misunderstandings and differences between Brothers J. D. Wright, I. F. Hoskins, A. I. Ritchie and R. H. Hirsh, former members of the Board of Directors of the WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY (with possibly A. N. Pierson) and others, on the one hand, and J. F. Rutherford, Pres., and W. E. Van Amburgh, A. H. McMillan [sic] and the other present directors of the Society, on the other hand,

AND WHEREAS:
The aforesaid four brethren, first above mentioned, are making positive claims as to their right to be continued as members of the said Board of Directors, and are putting forth strenuous efforts to establish and maintain said rights, if such they be,

AND WHEREAS:
Our dear Brother J. F. Rutherford, President of the Society, has issued and placed in the hands of the brethren, generally, copies of the "Harvest Siftings" setting forth what purports to be the facts and causes leading up to the present disruption, and the acts of himself and the opposing brethren (and others) in relation thereto,

AND WHEREAS:
The said opposing brethren have likewise sent to the friends, generally, various letters of accusation, etc., with requests for advice, etc.,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED:
THAT, after our consideration of the various statements submitted, and after prayer for heavenly wisdom (first pure then peaceable), and for unbiased judgment in the matter, it is the sense of this Ecclesia that we express our deep sorrow and regret over this condition of inharmony and dissension, tending, as we believe it does, not only to grieve but to quench the Holy Spirit in the hearts of all who may persist in strife and contention, as well as to hamper the work we all so dearly love.

AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
THAT we express to these dear brethren, our unqualified disapproval of much of the spirit and method in this whole affair, as being a plain violation of the spirit and teaching of the Master, viz: that "he that would be greatest among you, let him become as the least" (Lu.22:24-27, Diag.). We believe also that it is contrary to the clear teachings of Mt. 18:15 and 1 Cor. 6:1-8, which both preclude and forbid the legal procedures threatened by these brethren.

RESOLVED ALSO:
THAT we both desire and pray earnestly, that, (D.V.) these brethren may promptly recover themselves and seek and exercise the scriptural spirit of humility, "in honor preferring one another," and "each esteeming the other better than himself," may earnestly give heed to the Master's Word (also to our Pastor's comments) regarding these matters, and that they may address themselves diligently to the task and the privilege of accomplishing the Lord's will in the Lord's way. We fully believe that legal procedure would be positively unscriptural, would merit the Lord's displeasure, and would bring us into disrepute before the unjust.

BE IT RESOLVED FURTHER:
THAT we hereby express our sympathy with, and pledge our loyalty to the Society and its Officers and arrangements, and all those who now are, or are seeking to be in harmony with the Society, its President (Bro. J. F. Rutherford), and the Board of Directors now working with him, believing this to be the Lord's present arrangement and channel of His Message and Blessing in this Harvest Time.

RESOLVED THAT:
Copies of this Resolution be sent to the Society, and to each of the individuals directly concerned in this unhappy affair, praying the Lord's blessing upon them, for their restoration to harmony with His arrangements, if it be His will. Also that copies be sent to as many of the larger Ecclesias as may be deemed advisable.

Passed unanimously by the I.B.S.A. Ecclesia of Los Angeles, Calif., in special session assembled, this 31st day of August, 1917.

(signed) (signed)
Chairman Secretary

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