Witness Bulletin

The Press Still Pressing On

ASIDE from the power and direction of God's Holy Spirit itself, there is no greater factor in the present-day advancement of Christian knowledge than that which is represented in the printing press. As a matter of fact, the advent of the art of printing marked the beginning of our present era of enlightenment along all lines. By the aid of the press the interchange of human thought is facilitated to a wonderful degree, and this is true with regard to spiritual matters as well as concerning material subjects. Individual Christians as well as whole classes of Bible Students would be almost entirely out of touch with one another today were it not for the blessings made possible through the modern medium of printing.

But the printing press can be used for evil as well as for good. Hence the consecrated child of God must learn to discern in the literature provided, whether its effect is to inspire in him greater devotion to God, more love for all His children, a full degree of Christian liberty, or whether it has the reverse effect on its readers.

While nearly all who enjoy the light of present truth today have received their God-given knowledge through the medium of the printed page, yet thousands now are beginning to realize that the printing press also has been used to wield a selfish, unchristian, monopolistic control over the saints; and that this selfish influence has engendered hatred and bitterness in the hearts of many of those who have been commanded by Him to "love one another."

Recently a group of brethren, intensely interested in the work of the Associated Bible Students Radio Committee, and a majority of whom are in fact members of that committee, were, in the Lord's providence, able to obtain a completely equipped printing plant and building of moderate size, located at 251 Washington St., Brooklyn, N. Y.; and this they have placed at the disposal of the Radio Committee; to be used for the benefit of all the Lord's consecrated saints everywhere. Other consecrated brethren have volunteered to operate this plant. And all this has been done in the hope, beIief, and determination that it shall be used for unselfish service of the brethren, to continually bear witness to the truth, and to glorify God and His dear Son.

The Press

The desire of these brethren is that this plant may be used freely to preach Christ and His incoming Kingdom, by means of books, magazines, tracts, etc., also, to generally cooperate with and assist classes of Bible Students in their efforts to let their light shine, through the holding of conventions, public meetings, and in all other possible ways.

This plant is equipped to print convention programs, window cards, posters—in fact, anything that the friends find they can use to forward the interests of the Kingdom. All this will be done freely, gladly, and without any effort whatsoever to control in the slightest degree the activities of any class or individual who is thus served. We will be glad to assist the friends in any way we can, but will not attempt to manage their affairs.

Printing Plants No Part Of Church

We wish to emphasize again that the only Church organization authorized in the Bible is that of the local Ecclesia. In any Ecclesia no outside influence should be permitted to control. In harmony with this Scriptural policy we request most earnestly that the general efforts of the Radio Committee to serve the brethren and to preach the truth be not made an issue in any Ecclesia at any time. We are desirous of promoting unity and peace in the classes, even as Jesus prayed for, and we would exceedingly regret if any of the friends, in their enthusiasm, should disrupt a class by insisting that everyone in it should cooperate in our ministry. If it be of the Lord it will prosper; and the saints will do what they can, without undue urging from anyone.

We believe that this is also the proper attitude for the classes to take toward all service organizations; for such organizations are, at the most, mere servants of the saints, and not their overseers nor lords.

Let it be clearly understood, also, that no organization or committee can Scripturally claim any special authorization of the Lord, except that which comes to each and all the saints alike through the anointing of the Holy Spirit. It should be remembered by all of us that truth when printed on paper carries no more authority than when spoken orally; and that all who are anointed by the Holy Spirit have equal rights and duties before the Lord, either to print the truth or to proclaim it verbally, or in other ways which seem to them convenient and effective.

Let us, dear brethren, make up our minds to be entirely free of everything that savors in any way of the Babylonish spirit of clergy and laity, or of special rights and privileges in the Church of Christ. Above all, let us shun the idea of monopoly in the master of publishing the truth. We urge all of the saints to note well both the spirit and doctrinal soundness of the literature presented to them from any source. If it bears evidence of being in harmony with the Lord's spirit, and with the Divine Plan of the Ages as taught in His Word, then rejoice in it; and encourage and cooperate with your brethren who publish it, to the extent that you are able to do so. The gospel is free, the privilege of publishing it is open to all, and 'how beautiful are the feet of Him' who publish it at this time! Let us recognize this fact, let us have Christian liberty as we thus let our light shine, and at the same time let us seek to promote unity and love in each local Ecclesia—the only organization of saints on earth that is recognized by our Lord and Head.

The Blessing of The Lord

In harmony with the foregoing Scriptural suggestions we are glad to go on record that we have no special authority over any person or class for the work that we and they are doing in the Lord's vineyard. While the Radio Committee's work was originally sponsored by and still has the enthusiastic support of the New York Ecclesia of Associated Bible Students, as well as the earnest cooperation of brethren and classes throughout the country, yet it is not being conducted with any thought of special divine authority over the Lord's work, nor with any desire to exercise any authority in the cooperating classes. Rather, the brethren here merely seek to show their interest in and willingness to assist in the good work of all God's people everywhere.

The Committee and the entire New York Church are glad indeed for the counsel, encouragement and sincere backing of this work by other local Ecclesias; and especially are they thankful for the sane suggestions and good will supplied by those brethren throughout the country who are known as the "Advisory Board" to this Committee. The Advisory Board was brought into being by vote of the Third Annual Reunion Convention of all groups of Bible Students who are free from organizational bondage and desirous of cooperating with God's people generally. This convention was held at Pittsburgh, in October of last year (1931).

Every class that so desires, is invited to appoint a member to serve on this Advisory Board. The appointing of such a member, however, does not in any way bring a class into bondage to the Committee; nor does it bring the Committee into bondage to any class. Every member of the Committee appreciates, however, that a general and unhampered expression from the saints everywhere is a very safe criterion by which to be guided. Hence it seeks to render its service, so far as possible, in keeping with the wishes of the brethren generally.

While claiming no special divine authority, the Committee is glad indeed that the Lord has been pleased to bless its efforts thus far, and has used it for the blessing of many of the Lord's saints in all parts of the world. We are glad also for the increased facilities for service that are now ours to use for the spread of the Truth, and we ask an interest in the prayers of all the friends that these facilities may continue to be used to the Lord's glory.

In addition to the printing plant we have a number of rooms which are being used to house the several workers who have volunteered their services. They have very appropriately named this en tire building the "Bible House," in tribute to Brother Russell and to the memory of his work during the years gone by when the truth movement was started and carried forward from the Bible House in Pittsburgh.

While only a few brethren, some by financial aid and others by devoting their time to the work, have made possible the beginning of this enlarged activity, we have faith that the Lord will put it in to the hearts of His consecrated people everywhere to cooperate and make it possible to continue this unselfish ministry of love to His praise. There are many "mourners in Zion" at the present time; and we are sure that the saints will be glad to cooperate not only with us but with all others who are seeking to send the Lord's message of cheer to such, and to generally assist in making known the Kingdom message to the many who have never heard, as in days of old.

The Greek-speaking friends have already arranged to use the facilities of this printing plant to publish the truth in their own language—for the friends as well as for the public. We are also glad to offer the facilities of the plant to all other foreign-speaking brethren, as well as to the English speaking classes.

The Polish Work

Information received from our Polish brethren who are working along the line of Christian liberty, and who are seeking in the spirit of liberty to serve the brethren and also to make known the glad tidings of the Kingdom, indicates that the Lord's blessing is surely being manifest toward them.

These brethren are proceeding along a general line about as follows: Elders, as other representatives of each Ecclesia, work out the plans for the year, and then they are presented to the annual convention for approval.

Pilgrims to serve for the year are elected by the convention. These serve as they have opportunity, and their service is entirely voluntary—nothing except their travelling expenses being paid.

A monthly magazine is published having 16 pages to an issue. Much of the material for this magazine is taken from the writings of Brother Russell. A committee of five, appointed at the annual convention, must approve everything that goes into the magazine. We are happy to recommend this magazine to all the brethren who, either read Polish themselves, or who know of others, either among their neighbors or otherwise, who could read it. For further information concerning the Polish work, send direct to,

DAWN OF THE NEW ERA,
P. O. Box 1142,
Detroit, Mich.

In Season and Out of Season

Realizing that many of the Lord's saints will rejoice in the true spirit of liberty that we are endeavoring to maintain and promulgate, we feel confident that the saints of all nationalities will desire to share with us in a cooperative effort to preach the truth of God's Kingdom, and by so doing to exalt the name of our Lord. It is our hope that THE DAWN will afford an opportunity for practical cooperation by many, and also that our offer of free literature will enable still others to participate by scattering these "golden gems like morning dew."

It is our thought that THE DAWN, together with The Divine Plan, will combine excellently for colporteur purposes. Where it is found difficult to obtain a yearly or six-month's subscription to THE DAWN, single copies may be sold. It is to facilitate this effort that we are endeavoring to make the cover page as attractive as possible, consistent with the proper dignity that should always attend the message of the Kingdom. We believe that where there is any interest at all, the single copies of THE DAWN will almost "sell themselves."

Would you not, dear reader, like to have some share in this work yourself? We will gladly furnish full particulars as to special rates, etc., that we have arranged for those who desire to join with us in this privilege of service. There are many possible ways of circulating THE DAWN. Among your friends, relatives, acquaintances, will be found those who will appreciate having THE DAWN brought to their attention. The baker, the butcher, the grocer, or the milkman, might also be glad to take a copy regularly. Some of the saints will find that they will be able to establish a more or less regular circle of customers to whom they can deliver THE DAWN each month.

Others may find a blessed field of service by getting in touch with those in the community who are active in church work of some kind—Sunday School teachers, mission workers, etc. Persons of this kind frequently will be found to have a hearing ear, and will be glad for the assistance THE DAWN will give them each month.

We do not believe it is necessary to go into much detail as to the many ways in which the truth can be served to those who will be benefited by it. We have full confidence in the Lord's brethren, and know that they will use every possible opportunity to let their light shine—if not in cooperation with the effort we are making, then in some other way.

Some are expecting to take up the full time service in the colporteur field. Some, not in a position to enter the work themselves, are offering rooms for the use of those who are able thus to serve. Let us realize, dear brethren, that no greater favor has ever come to God's people than to be privileged now to have some little share in His work in these the closing days of the harvest. And undoubtedly there is some harvest or gleaning still to be done. In many classes new interest has been found within the last year—interest that has developed to the point of full consecration. Shall we say to these dear ones, Nay? Or, shall we be enthusiastic about the possibility of finding still other grains of wheat that are waiting to be garnered?

Of course, if possible, you will want to attend the 4th Annual Reunion Convention at Pittsburgh, Pa., October 28-30, The program will be of unusual interest. All sessions will be held in the O. of I. A. Temple, (Old Bible House) 610 Arch St., N. S. Pittsburgh, Pa. All believers in the Ransom are invited.

Hard times, distance, family cares, etc. will prevent many from going to the Pittsburgh Convention, but the important points discussed by the speakers, testimonies, and general "atmosphere" of the convention will be available to all at the nominal cost of 25 cents—5 reports for $1. This report will be excellent for loaning or giving to our friends still in bondage. Order your supply now. It will bring the convention to your own home. Even if you attend the convention you will want the report to remember it by. Address all orders to,