HARVEST GLEANINGS III Zion’s Watch Tower Extra, April 25, 1894
A CONSPIRACY EXPOSED AND HARVEST SIFTINGS Little did the Editor think, when penning words of caution to watch and pray, printed in our issue of April 1, under the caption, "Lest Ye Enter into Temptation," that they were so soon to prove so necessary and timely as they have since proved.
The story we here relate is a sad one; but it seems our duty to tell it in detail, because those most concerned were introduced to our readers and frequently mentioned in these columns in warmest terms of brotherly regard. It is proper now, therefore, that you should know of their deflection. This painful story we have published separate from our regular issues, that if possible only the elder, and it is to be hoped steadfast, readers of the Watch Tower may know of it, lest others- "babes" - might be stumbled.
Those who have been readers of the Watch Tower for several years, well know that on the strength of the words of our Lord and the Prophets and Apostles (Dan. 12:10; Psa. 91:7; 1 Cor. 3:13; Matt. 13:41) we have been expecting "siftings" and "stumblings" and the "falling" of many in this "evil day." Such, therefore, like ourselves, will not be so greatly surprised at the facts, although like ourselves they may well be surprised, each time, to know who stumbles and over what. Unsuspicious hearts are always surprised; and the best and purest hearts are generally unsuspicious.
To prepare the reader for what follows, it is proper to state that the conspiracy of which it is our unpleasant task to tell you, and of which the Editor was made the subject, resembled more the betrayal of our dear Master (as some of the friends here remarked) than anything else to which we can compare it. We had no suspicion of it whatever, until five days before, and only since have learned that it had been gradually forming for the past two years; that it had been expected to "explode" the matter like "a bomb, and blow [dear?] Brother Russell and this work sky-high" at the Spring Meeting a year ago, and by thus breaking his influence to get free from what they call "bondage to Brother Russell," and force open to their own uses and abuses the columns of ZION’S Watch Tower, which they claim a [HGL115] right to command; -because it is Zion’s Watch Tower, and they are members of Zion.
They were greatly disappointed, it appears, when that meeting was abandoned in favor of the Chicago Convention later, but declared that the "bomb" would "explode in less than eighteen months"-referring doubtless to the expected Memorial meeting this Spring. But Providence again foiled the scheme by leading us unwittingly to decide not to call such a meeting this year. We knew at the time that they were greatly disappointed, for they said so; but we had no idea that they had such murderous plans and hearts. We use the word "murderous" advisedly, because we esteem that to kill the character and influence of a man is a baser murder than to kill his body merely, and that the murder of the character of one the least of God’s children is worse in the sight of God than the physical murder of a worldly man. (See Matt. 18:6; 1 John 3:15.) Perhaps few realize this matter so; but we submit that it is the correct view, as shown by the foregoing Scriptures. If all could get this true view of the matter, they would see the importance of the Apostle’s words-Let all evil speaking, backbiting, slander, malice, envy, strife, be put away from you, as becometh saints. -Eph. 4:31; Col. 3:8-10.
About January ‘93, when they still expected the Spring Meeting to be held that year, they began preparing for it, by hints and suggestions, privately given, that there was something grievously wrong with Brother Russell’s business character and methods. This was expected to undermine the confidence of the flock here and to prepare them to believe the "bomb," when exploded at the time of the Convention, when representatives of the truth from all over the country would be here. Of course this was done with many protestations of deep sorrow for "poor Brother Russel" - nothing being stated positively, but everything bad being hinted. My friends would have brought the matter to my attention at once, but of course were diffident about inquiring into my personal affairs and business, -especially as they knew nothing definitely to inquire about. At last, however, I got some idea that "some ugly rumors" were afloat, and at once called together about forty of the principle brethren and sisters of the congregation here, including those whose names seemed to be associated with the "ugly rumors," -which were some of these who, we now find, were even then conspirators. We stated the case, and requested and urged that any and every thing known be told to us all, so that if any misunderstanding had occurred it could be set straight at once; for I assured them that there could be no real foundation to any rumors, my business career, like my religious course, being straightforward and based on principles of justice and truth. All denied any knowledge of anything derogatory to my character, and went away satisfied, except the conspirators, one of whom, (Mrs. Zech) I now learn, while speaking fairly to my face and seemingly joining with the others, remarked privately, afterward, "I could have turned the entire course of that meeting if I had chosen," - referring evidently to the "bomb" which it had been decided should be kept, - to be exploded at the expected Memorial Convention of ‘94.
At the said meeting at my home, I gave a little resume of my business affairs, protesting, however, that I did so only for their and the truth’s sake, and that my business affairs had as much right to privacy as those of any one else; and so I here protest again, but, later on, will go into details, -only for the sake of hindering God’s "little ones" from being "stumbled" by the false statements which have already been circulated privately, by letter, and at the Chicago Convention last Summer, and now, within the past few days, in print (the oral "bomb" project having failed). The venomous circular recently issued by O von Zech, E Bryan, J B Adamson and S D Rogers is now to be the "bomb" designed to destroy confidence in Brother Russell (whom Providence has made to some extent an under-shepherd to the Lord’s sheep), and thus to shatter the work-in order that the conspirators may gather some of the wreckage; for already they have a new paper under way.
So much for the conspiracy, of which we were in ignorance until a few days ago. Meanwhile, the conspirators were fair to my face and spoke endearing words, as will be shown later on in this case by some of their letters to myself and wife, written during the very time they were concocting their scheme and keeping their "bomb." Meanwhile, we were their sincere friends, and all but one of them has shared the hospitality of our home within the last three months. Yes, at the very time that they were preparing the circular, designed to assassinate my character, one of them, in the presence of a dozen brethren, offered me his hand, as Judas kissed the Master. But by that time, although I knew much less than I now do of his perfidy, I knew him to be my slanderer and refused his hand, telling him that the right hand of fellowship meant something to me, and that I had no desire to give it to those who stealthily and murderously stabbed my character behind my back.
But now for the details of the matter: -
To give a connected view of the things which have transpired here lately, we must recall to the TOWER readers the facts stated in our issue of April 1, under the caption- "The Work in England." (And we assure you that every word of it is strictly correct; and that the figures given, as showing the funds of the Tract Society supplied in books for Brother Rogers’ expenses, are net after deducting all money received from him and all books transferred to other colporteurs in England and all books now stored there. These figures, however, include books supplied to Bro. Rogers in the U S before he started for England, from the proceeds of which his expenses there were to be paid. It should be noted, too, that we state in the TOWER the amount of money Bro. Rogers would have received for the books at "retail." We thus particularize because he, in an ambiguous manner, denies the statement.)
We heard Bro. Rogers’ proposed mendicant plan in the presence of our office assistants (who with ourselves constitute our household), until Bro. Rogers said that he had told us all about it and "could think of nothing more to explain." As before stated, we assured him that we could not think of adopting his plan and discarding the successful one now in operation, but urged him to try it himself if he felt sure that it was the Lord’s will concerning him. He replied that we were "rejecting the Lord’s message," etc. (We learn since that he no longer relies for leading upon the Word of the Lord and his providences in Answer—to prayer, but that, instead, he sits down and thinks by the hour—as) [HGL116] (he did during his stay at our home-and believes that the Lord thus reveals things to him. Alas! how many have been misled by this and similar misapprehensions, and to the neglect of the Word of God, which is "able to make wise unto salvation," and through which the man of God may be thoroughly furnished unto every good work. (2 Tim. 3:15-17) Just what bad condition of heart lies at the bottom of such a course we may not be able to discern, but it seems generally to be spiritual vanity.) This was Monday evening; the next two days he visited considerably with Bro. Zech. We know not what passed between them except that by Wednesday night their causes were one; Bro. Zech evidently appreciating the idea of "taking the money from the fish’s mouth." If Bro. Zech thus embraced Bro. Rogers cause it was but natural that Bro. Rogers should fall in with Bro. Zech’s "grievances," and they strengthened each other’s hands and hearts in evil. We since learn that on the Saturday evening previous one of Bro. Zech’s family, Paul Koetitz visited Bro. Erlenmyer (whom he had previously tried to poison against me) and in great glee said, We have Bryan and Adamson and now here is Rogers all the way from England. It seems as if the Lord sent him at this time. That makes four, and there are a lot more. Just wait, something terrible is going to happen. And Bro. and Sister Zech and Paul Koetitz were at his house a week previous and stayed until midnight talking about Bro. Russell and a coming catastrophe. They gave Bro. Russell a black character, and Bro. Zech said he was going to tell all to the Congregation, soon. Bro. E said, Why not talk the matter over with Bro. Russell? He replied, It is no use, he would explain everything away; -the congregation ought to know these rotten things. Bro. E was much distressed and waited in fear for the "boiling pot" to "boil over."
To start the matter, Bro. Rogers, Bro. and Sister Zech and Bro. Paul Koetitz attended one of the six Wednesday Evening Prayer and Testimony Meetings, held for nearly a year in this vicinity. There, in the absence of Bro. Russell, those meetings were denounced, and Bro. Russell, for his connection with their institution, was denounced as a "pope," etc. The leader of the meeting in vain called for order and told them that the meeting was for the purpose of divine worship and praise, and for mutual assistance in spiritual development. Mrs. Russell was present and reproved both the interruption and the unkind spirit manifested. She pointed out that while the meetings were suggested and recommended by me, the matter was left to the congregation, nearly all of which had taken up with the suggestion and voted to have the meetings-not for doctrinal discussions, etc., but solely and only for worship and spiritual upbuilding.
She pointed out, also, that none were in any sense forced to attend; and that those who did not care for prayer and conference in harmony with the object of the meetings should stay away and give to the others who did so desire, proper liberty to worship God as they pleased. She pointed out, too, that there are many meetings at which doctrinal subjects, etc., are considered. She showed plainly that while Bro. Russell’s course contained nothing like a popish disregard of the wishes of others, the course of Bro. Rogers, in coming from England to force his ideas upon Bro. Russell, and now the course of all these in interrupting the worship of others, was decidedly popish, if indeed it were not worse than popish. Finally the discontents withdrew; Bro. Rogers staying that night at Bro. Zech’s.
But I was unsuspicious all the while and lost the morning of that very day from the Lord’s work (DAWN, VOL IV) to collect money to make good my check of $700, given to Bro. Zech the afternoon before to keep his note from going to protest. The next day Bro. Rogers returned to our house for another conference (at which the entire family was present and which occupied the whole morning), and remained for dinner. After dinner he said he was going to Zech’s but would be back for tea; but we told him that as he had been ten days at our home interrupting important work, and as Bro. Zech with whom he was more in harmony had made him welcome, we would not invite him to stop longer in our home. He then went to Bro. Zech’s house, where, evidently, it was decided that now would be the most favorable time to explode the "bomb" that had been kept for some eighteen months. So Bro. Rogers was sent west, arranged with Bro. Bryan, who was to manipulate an assorted lot of grievances and damaging charges against Bro. Russell, and got Bro. Adamson into line; -who, it seems, had some previous knowledge of the conspiracy. Brother Adamson had a grievance relative to his tract, as will be explained further on; and being one of the older colporteurs, it was hoped that his name would add to the destructive force of the coming "explosion." They had seen Bro. Russell pass through trying experiences with "false brethren" before, for God and truth were on his side; but never before had they seen such a combination against him; and they encouraged themselves that now Bro. Russell would be humbled in the dust, and they would profit thereby.
THE CONSPIRACY CULMINATES Accordingly, they-Rogers, Adamson and Bryan-gathered at Bro. Zech’s home, and with him and his family, sent out, on Wednesday, April 4, special letters to the Church at Allegheny, inviting them to gather at Bro. Zech’s house the next evening to hear matters of importance, etc., - meaning the "bomb" and smaller fire works.
About forty or fifty of the congregation attended, all of whom except one, so far as we are aware, received special invitations to be present. As we were not present, we submit the report of Bro. E C Henninges, the Secretary of that meeting, well known to many of our readers. It is as follows: -
THE SECRETARY’S REPORT "In response to invitations sent out, signed E Bryan, S D Rogers, J B Adamson and O von Zech, requesting attendance at Bro. Zech’s house on April 5, at 7:30 P M, to hear ‘things concerning our highest welfare,’ about forty of the Church at Allegheny attended. Finding on arrival that it was to be a congregational meeting at which some kind of charges were to be preferred against Bro. Russell, a Chairman and Secretary were called for by those in attendance, that whatever was done might be ‘done decently and in order;’ besides which, if seemed proper that if the Congregation were to ‘hear’ the complaints, it implied that [HGL117] they were to render their judgment or verdict, and all this required proper order and a congregational head or chairman to the meeting and an authorized record. And further, some present who had knowledge of Bro. Russell’s past experiences with Bros. Zech, Bryan and Rogers, foresaw that it would be most unjust to have the self-constituted impeaching committee appoint one of their own number to manage the trial, as they insisted on doing, and at the same time call it a congregational meeting. After nearly an hour had been spent in trying to get the congregation to sit quietly and hear their best friend traduced, without any power to properly inquire into facts, etc., the four complainants were overruled by the congregation, and Bro. H C Wolf was chosen Chairman, and myself Secretary, of the meeting."
"Bro. Bryan was first introduced, but became, under some interruption, so excited, disorderly and rebellious that he grievously insulted the congregation by saying, ‘I refuse to recognize the authority of the Chair.’ It was promptly moved and seconded that we hear Bro. Bryan no further; but an amendment, giving him the alternative of apology or dismissal was carried. On his declaration that he had ‘no thought of apology,’ he was dropped, after having occupied the floor for about fifteen minutes."
"Bro. Rogers had the next opportunity, and spoke for nearly two hours. He gave a resume of his plan, which several of us had heard before at Bro. Russell’s house, a report of which was given in ZION’S WATCH TOWER of April 1, ‘94, under the heading, ‘The Work in England.’ At Bro. Russell’s he said he had not yet tried his new method. At Bro. Zech’s he declared that he ‘had tried this method largely in London,’ and it was ‘very successful.’ He stated, as grievances, four ways in which he claimed Bro. Russell had injured him. (1) By pointing out that the printed page is the best way to preach the Gospel. (2) On account of this he got the feeling that he must sell so many books per day to pay expenses, and this kept him from trusting the Lord. These two things kept him in a great bondage which he had felt, but the cause of which he and only lately realized. (3) By telling him that he had ‘NO talent’ for public speaking. (4) By advising him to change his London meeting to one in Bible-class style. This last he regards as an ‘assumption of control of my privileges.’"
"Bro. Zech spoke at odd times against Bro. Russell in general terms, to the effect that Bro. Russell had too much authority and lack of love for the brethren; also ‘Bro. Russell does great sins; and, if you do not want to hear it, you are partaker of his sins.’ Twelve o’clock, midnight, came without Bro. Adamson having had his say except in the opening prayer, in which he thanked God for having the privilege of sharing in ‘this great reform movement’ for liberty and equality amongst the brethren."
"Upon motion, the meeting adjourned, while Bro. Bryan shouted that they would be heard from fully in a few days-that a hall would be rented where they [the four] could have matters all their own way, and that it would not be called as a congregational meeting and that ‘this thing will not down; we will print it and publish it to all the world,’ etc."
"Respectfully submitted, E C Henninges."
After the meeting had dismissed, a few were invited to stay longer, and did stay until four o’clock A M. Then were detailed the other matters, and through some who were there we finally got to know about the "bombs," etc. When asked if they had gone to Brother Russell and asked whether he could or would give them an explanation, they replied that some of the minor charges had been presented and that "he had explained them away;" but they had never mentioned the two leading items (the "bombs" which they had been keeping for eighteen months). When asked why they had not presented those leading matters to Bro. Russell they replied, -We knew before-hand that Bro. Russell could Answer—them, and explain them all away. "And so" said the inquirer, "you thus confess that you did not want an explanation, but wanted to slander Bro. Russell."
THE CONSPIRACY EXPOSED The next Sunday afternoon, after the discourse, strangers were dismissed during the singing of a hymn and the regular congregation was requested to tarry. To those who remained we gave a full history of the matter, in substance as we now present it below: -
The conspiracy which reached a head on Thursday evening April 5, at the residence of Bro. and Sister Zech was a surprise to us all; and although we now find that it had been forming for nearly two years, yet, so far as we can learn, Bros. Adamson and Rogers had nothing to do with it until the past few weeks, although the former had considerable information respecting it. But their readiness to become participants therein speaks for their hearts much of the same "gall of bitterness" which has for a longer period been the power of Satan working in the others; -for we cannot but believe that Satan has been the moving and inspiring conspirator-moving to envy, jealousy, etc., and now, finally, to an attempt to assassinate my character and thus to greatly injure the cause which, under God’s providence, I represent to a considerable degree.
When I shall now relate to you in detail the charges brought against me, you will indeed be surprised that "brethren" could be so confused by Satan as to become his tools and to attempt to make charges and "bombs" OUT OF NOTHING. I am not surprised at Satan; for I well know that he has long sought occasion against me, because of my activity against him and his works and in the service of the Lord. He has repeatedly set for me pitfalls and snares, but by the grace of God I escaped them. I am not surprised, therefore, that after besetting me for years and finding no real charges to bring against me, the great Accuser of the Brethren finally endeavors to misconstrue virtues and make them appear to be vices.
Born in this city of Allegheny, which, with the exception of about three years, has always been my home, I should be, and am, well known here. My religious views, of course, make me a mark, a target; and on this account if anything were known derogatory to my character, either in morals or in my business dealings, surely there are thousands of tongues in Pittsburg and Allegheny that would not hesitate to make abundant use of them to oppose my religious teachings. Can any one doubt that if such things could be produced, Satan would have found willing agents to publish them to the world long ago, to counteract the religious truths I publish, which they oppose, yet cannot gainsay nor contradict? [HGL118] But what even the godless world would not do, because too honest, Satan now succeeds in getting some "brethren" to attempt. We do not claim that they realize what they are doing; -no, we trust that they do not fully realize the atrocity of their crime. For, if they have pursued their course for eighteen months with a full appreciation of its atrocity there would surely be little hope for them. We trust, therefore, that of them as of some of old it is true, -"they know not what they do," the god of this world having so thoroughly blinded their moral sight.
Yet while hoping that sometime they may get free from their captor, Satan, we cannot think that they have gotten into their present dreadful condition inadvertently, or merely by error of judgment. If their hearts were right God would not have permitted their poor judgment to get them into their present plight. We fear, from the bad fruits which they are bearing, that ambition and envy have for some time been "roots of bitterness" which only recently blossomed, and are quickly yielding the fruitage denounced in God’s Word as works of the flesh and of the devil, -malice, hatred, contentions, envy, strife, back-bitings, slanders and every evil work.
Those whose hearts could treasure up supposed "bombs" for eighteen months to explode in the midst of the Church and ruin the character of a brother, who meantime did more than a brother’s part to them (as will be shown later), and who all this time called him "dear Brother Russell" and wrote him letters expressive of their love and esteem-these have a depth of wickedness and deceit which would shock a noble-minded worldly man not a professing Christian, and ignorant of the great light of present truth. Blasphemous unbeliever as he is, we believe that Mr. Robert Ingersoll would have no sympathy with such ungodly works of darkness; -he has enough of manhood to keep him out of such a snare of the devil.
BROTHER ROGER’S GRIEVANCES We will examine these charges separately. We have already referred to Satan as the chief conspirator and it is not difficult to judge of his motives. We have also mentioned Bro. Roger’s grievances-that he was not allowed to overthrow the present Colporteur work and substitute his new preference.
We never forbade Bro. Rogers or others to preach Christ in any and every way they can. Quite to the contrary, as many can testify, we have always urged upon all the necessity for watching for the hearing ears, and that where such are found they do all they can to supplement the influence of the DAWNS. But we have advised, and do still advise, that it is useless to get into a wrangle and dispute and waste time at every house. Far better leave the majority of people to fight with DAWN and the BIBLE, than for the average colporteur, or indeed any one, to attempt it. Stir up the curiosity and interest of the purchaser, so that he will surely read, and then endeavor to water and to harrow before going to the next field of labor, -has been our advise to all colporteurs. And on their Report-blanks we have a space left, in which we request that they mention the number of persons with whom they have had special talks, and another blank in which we request them to state how many they have found who seem to be true wheat. Does this look as though we endeavored merely to see how many DAWNS could be sold, regardless of any work upon the heart?
Furthermore, several of the Brethren who seemed to have some ability for public speaking, have been supplied without charge with large charts similar to the one in DAWN, VOL 1. (which cost us eight dollars each, in quantities), to enable them to preach when opportunity offers. Bro. Adamson, one of the conspirators, has such a chart. Indeed, about two months ago, we contracted with a painter in Pittsburg to prepare one hundred cloth charts, five feet long, on rollers, suitable for parlor-meetings. These will soon be ready and will be supplied to TOWER readers at about one-third what they would cost to get them up singly. Thus different little groups can edify and instruct each other, as well as their neighbors. Already there are two, and I am now making arrangements for two more, who seem "apt to teach," to go from place to place and hold meetings, public and private, chiefly the latter. Do these things look like objections on my part to oral teaching? Surely not; and Bro. Rogers knows that he misrepresents me, whatever may be his object in so doing.
We do learn, however, since the publication of the article, - "The work in England," —that Bro. Rogers had a very poor plan for colporteuring. Brother Utley, to whom Bro. Rogers gave some lessons, writes that he could not conscientiously adopt the plan, which, while successful as to sales, really did not make any opening for the reception of the truth. He describes the method thus: Rogers rings bell—servants appears—Rogers says, Please tell the lady that a minister wishes to see her. Servant leaves him in the hallway and he pushes on into the parlor. The lady enters, somewhat indignant at the intrusion, but is awed by the words, "I am a minister of the gospel," and readily consents to her name being entered for the three books to help on some good work.
Sister Burroughs writes on the subject as follows:
"A sister here asked me if I did not think it would be well to let Bro. Russell know how much harm had been done here by Mr. Rogers in his very disagreeable manner of insulting those who refused to buy ‘DAWN;’ but I thought he was in England and beyond giving further offense here, so we would not trouble you, but took him to the Lord in prayer-that he might be humbled and given a better spirit."
We can assure Bro. Rogers and others that the trouble is not with the colporteur work, but with his methods of doing it. Others are still greatly blessed in it, and are a great blessing to the Lord’s hungry sheep, preaching so much of the plan as the people have ears to hear and leaving the books to preach to them many things which they would not hear orally.
Another grievance was that when he came here from England I did not show him special attention more than to others, by inviting him onto the platform, and to speak to the congregation, and to lead a Wednesday meeting.
Such a complaint surprised me greatly, but gave evidence of a root of pride as well as of bitterness. I fear that I have already pushed him forward too much, and to his injury.
Recognizing all of the consecrated as Royal Priests, it has been my custom to ignore distinctions, and when [HGL119] another speaks I myself take a seat with the congregation. Our congregation almost every Sunday has from two to five ex-ministers of various denominations who at times have addressed the congregation, -in my absence.
BROTHER ADAMSON’S GRIEVANCES Bro. Adamson’s grievances may be summed up as follows: He has for some four years held some views upon some of the parables, which I consider incorrect and misleading expositions. These he brought forward at the Spring Convention of 1892, in connection with a little talk to the colporteurs after the close of the meeting proper. Seeing that those who heard him had not generally caught the drift of his thoughts, my remarks following his were few, because I had no desire to hold up his views to ridicule-for some of them were too childish to treat in any other manner. I merely remarked that Bro. A’s views of these parables, they would notice, differed a little from my own view, which I stated in a few words. But, said I, since the Lord expounded only a few of his parables, and since we know that they do not mean what they say, but are figurative, it would not be in order for any one to be dogmatic in interpreting them: it is well also to remember that no doctrines should be built upon parables; at most they may be used to illustrate doctrines made plain by non-symbolic scriptures. Thus, kindly, did I push aside, rather than crush, what then seemed to me harmless, nonessential differences.
But, alas! how great a flame a little spark may kindle. Had I realized, then, how an insignificant difference may be used by the Adversary for evil, how gladly I would have spent several hours in pointing out what seemed to me to be Bro. A’s errors of interpretation. But I was busy, and said to myself- "In nonessentials charity and liberty."
I now learn that Brother Adamson, like many others, has been under the influence of the Allegheny conspirators for more than a year. I noticed a change in his letters and manner, and in his zeal for the work, but could not account for it, until I learned of the "bombs" conspiracy, a few days ago.
About a month ago several brethren wrote to me saying that Bro. Adamson was preparing and intending to publish a tract, that he was writing to them for money to publish it, and that he had requested that the matter be kept secret from me, which request they felt it a duty to the Lord and his truth to disregard. In some of these letters Bro. A explained that the coming tract would contain some of his views on some of the parables, and at least one or two parables as treated by Bro. Russell, and some other extracts from Bro. Russell’s writings.
Bro. Weber received one of Bro. A’s appeals for aid. He answered it kindly saying that he hoped to see him soon. Shortly after, he came from Maryland to Allegheny at Bro. Bryan’s request to meet him on very important business, which business he found after his arrival was to sit in judgment upon and condemn Bro. Russell. After this interview, seeing the evil disposition manifested by Bro. Bryan, and his threatening attitude (which will be explained later), and knowing that in some way he was already influencing Bro. Adamson, and that he was about to visit Bro. A, Bro. Weber thought it would be well if he and I should visit Bro. Adamson at once, and if possible shield him from the subtle and evil influence of Bro. Bryan, who had stated his intention of leaving the city for Chicago the next day to see Bro. A. We therefore started that evening.
Our talk with Brother and Sister A was a kindly one, in which I pointed out what I consider to be his errors of interpretation of some of the parables, particularly one of them (Matt. 5:25, 26), which seemed to convey the idea that the world during the Millennial age would each man pay the penalty of his own sins to the "uttermost farthing"; and I showed that with such a view in mind some might draw the conclusion, even if not meant, that the death of Christ was not necessary as a ransom price for all. We then told him of the unhappy change that had come over Bro. Bryan and of his strange and unwarrantable attitude toward myself and the work in general, that he might know something of the spirit which was prompting a new trial of his faith.
But Bro. A’s manner was not as formerly, and premonitions of his present condition of heart and mind were distinctly felt. I further stated that his proposition to place his tract in the hands of the Dawn Colporteurs for sale (of which he had not informed me, but which I learned through others) would be contrary to our arrangements with them-that those who handle DAWN should do so to the exclusion of everything else. This is a general rule among those who employ agents in any business, the object being to concentrate the entire effort on the one thing- "This one thing I do," and it is largely due to this regulation that the work has been so successful thus far. Therefore I had to assure Bro. A that we could not institute any precedent in favor of his tract.
Bro. A makes a great mistake in saying, "Bro. Russell’s spokesman offered me twenty dollars not to print the tract." His reference evidently is to Bro. Weber, who was not my spokesman. Whatever Bro. W said he said for himself entirely, and he says that what he did was to offer twenty dollars to cover certain expenses already incurred if Bro. A desired to discontinue the preparation of the tract, and give his energies as formerly in the direction of his special talent-the Colporteur work.
Brother A’s grievances are two: (1) We were informed about his tract before he got it out. (2) We found that he had on the face of his tract the words Old Theology Tracts and Tower Bible and Tract Society, Bible House, Allegheny, which deceptions we would not permit. After two notifications that we considered those references unjust and deceptive, and that he had no legal or moral right to so misuse our names to gain credence for his tract, he still persisted, and had many of them printed thus, Bro. Zech upholding him in it and doing the work. Finally, however, threatened Bro. Zech’s partner (who although not interested in the truth, seemed to have better ideas of moral honesty) with damages if they let the tracts go out in that form, and they thus were forced to remove the deceptive title pages.
Seeing him thus out of all harmony with the Tract Society, and as he had gotten into debt to the Tower Publishing Co. (not to the Tract Society) $218.00, during the time he spent in preparing his tract, we offered to credit on his TOWER PUB CO account all that he ever donated to the Tract Fund —$139—if he so desired and [HGL120] would resign the Directorship in the Tract Society, —to which, being continually absent from the city, he could not and did not give the least attention. This he refused to do; and, from what he says, he intends to owe the Tower Pub. Co. its $218.00 balance as long as he lives.
He states that he spent hundreds of dollars and traveled about without salary, circulating pamphlets at Camp-meetings, etc. It is true that the Tract Fund paid him no stated salary, but the way in which he states the matter is calculated to give a false impression. The fact is, that money was furnished him for all his expenses; and so far as we have any knowledge, he used it for all his expenses. Of the $218 now owing to the TOWER PUB CO (not to the Tract Society) $35 was sent him in cash about one month ago to help him make a payment due on some real estate in Chicago, purchased last year.
Bro. Adamson tries his hand at evil surmisings and says, "I believe that much more than I owe was expended in attempting to thwart Bro. Rogers’ work in England." I reply, Aside from my time and stationary, I spent only twenty cents for four stamps, and this was not charged to the Tract Fund. Two of these stamps carried to Bro. Rogers the kindly put suggestions that his talent lay not in the direction of public speaking, as mentioned in the article "The Work in England;" -the third stamp carried a reply to Mr. Elliot Stock, of London, who had complained that Bro. Rogers was collecting money under false representations, from people who supposed that they were donating funds to the British and Foreign Bible Society, but who were finding out, from the tracts left them, that they were mistaken. I replied, that surely some mistake had occurred, for I knew that Bro. Rogers would make no misrepresentations, and that none of our colporteurs were authorized to solicit money, directly or indirectly, and that I would request Bro. Rogers to call personally and explain. The fourth stamp was used to advise Bro. Rogers of this, and to caution him that he be very careful that the truth be not evil spoken of, and to ask him to see Mr. Stock and explain matters, as I felt sure he could do; for his letters stated that he represented himself as the agent of our Society.
This is a dispassionate statement of the injury Bro. A has received at my hands. For all this he and the others reach the conclusion that Bro. Russell can only be completely overwhelmed by calling him, - "The Man of Sin."
Now we come to the consideration of the grievances of the chief conspirators-Bro. and Sister Zech whom we shall treat as one, including their household, and Bro. Bryan.
BROTHER ZECH’S GRIEVANCES Here, as it relates to this case, it is necessary to give a little resume of my business history from ‘81 onward. I was then engaged in mercantile business and had a large store on the principle street of Pittsburg, and three branch stores. These were chiefly controlled by clerks and merely had my supervision; the most of my time being occupied in the publishing of the WATCH TOWER, Food for Thinking Christians, etc., which was circulated in large quantities. As the literary work increased it became necessary to dispose of these stores; and as I found it much easier to spend money than to earn it, I concluded that the capital formerly invested in the stores should not all be lavishly spent even in the good work of circulating the tidings of great joy: that the Lord would be better served if it were invested so that my time could go to his service, than if all were spent at once in his service and I then were obliged to give my entire time to business; for my determination has always been that I would never beg, either for ourselves or for the Lord’s cause; but that the same Lord who blessed Peter’s fishing and Paul’s tent-making (Matt. 17:27; Acts 18:3; 1 Thess. 2:9; 2 Thess. 3:8) could bless, according to his wisdom, my business talents.
My money-capital being limited, I saw that it would never do to invest the funds in mortgages or in a bank, because the interest on the sum would be inadequate to the demands of ourselves and the work. Under what seemed to be a providential leading, I decided to invest with others in some oil property-oil wells. I chose this business because it seemed to be profitable, and because it would require little or no time and personal attention; for others, interested in looking out for their own interests, necessarily looked out for mine also. And this judgment has, on the whole, proved correct-several coins have been taken from this fish’s mouth for our support and for the Lord’s cause. -Matt. 17:27.
When Bro. Zech received the truth and left the Lutheran church, he owned a good property which, aside from being a home free of rent, paid his taxes and left him a net income of about ten dollars per month. Full of zeal for the newly-found truth, he engaged with me to translate articles from the WATCH TOWER into German, which I published in great quantities. He also proposed to translate M DAWN, VOL I, and to do the type-setting on same if I would pay for the electro-plates, supply the paper, printing and binding, and that we be share-owners in the work when completed.
We agreed to this, and it was begun. But watching the results of the circulation of the German TOWERS, and seeing them to be very meager, I foresaw that the publication of the German translation of DAWN would be very unprofitable, and so pointed out to Bro. Zech, urging that his income and the needs of his family would not justify him in doing all that his zeal had prompted him to propose. At that time he had translated about two hundred and fifty pages and had set in type about one hundred pages, and my suggestion was: Now, Bro. Zech, suppose we reckon that the time already spent by you on this volume represents the translation of the whole of it and suppose that this be your donation to the German cause, and I will proceed with the publishing, paying all of the expenses-what I shall pay you for your time in translating the remainder of the volume being reckoned as pay for the type-setting already done by you. This was mutually agreed to.
Meanwhile, my early suggestion, that Bro. Zech get at some sort of "fishing" or "tent-making," forced itself upon my attention. Various occupations were thought of, but none seemed so favorable to him as type-setting, and he requested that he be permitted to learn English type-setting and have the job of preparing the WATCH TOWER every month. I foresaw difficulties from his lack of a knowledge of the trade, as well as from his lack of knowledge of English, and urged that he choose something else. But, as [HGL121] nothing else so favorable offered, and, as he urged that he would see that his blunders should cost me nothing-that the work should cost me no more than I was then paying to a Pittsburg firm—I consented. Under these arrangements I paid him thirty-five dollars a month for a time; afterward when he became more expert, and when we began to set up M DAWN, VOL II, I increased the pay to forty dollars per month, and later, when he requested that he be paid by measure for the type-setting, and told me that he thought he could earn more money that way because he was getting more expert and would work longer hours, I consented; but instead of paying him the Union rates, I paid him more; namely forty cents per thousand ems, - because he was a Brother.
Later, when Bro. Zech had inherited something like fifteen to eighteen thousand dollars, from his father’s estate in Germany, he thought that he would like to build somewhere near our home; and knowing that I owned some lots opposite it he inquired whether I would sell to him. I assured him that I would be pleased to have him for a neighbor, and gave him a price on eight small lots. I told him that I thought them worth four thousand dollars at the rate other lots in that neighborhood were selling-for him to inquire and thoroughly inform himself-but that as a brother in Christ I would give him a discount of $1000. So he bought the eight lots and paid me $3000. But he has since "whispered" that he was cheated.
Seeking an investment for some of his money, and knowing that I had some interests in the oil business, he asked my advice as to investing in that business. Judging that he would be one greatly affected by either a loss or a gain I advised him not to engage in the oil business.
My book-keeper and general business representative at that time, Bro. Geo. Rindfuss, was very intimate with Bro. Zech. Bro. Rindfuss it seems advised Bro. Zech differently, respecting the oil business, and Bro. Zech seemed to misunderstand me and to imagine that from jealousy I had advised him against his best interests, lest he should prosper greatly; -but nothing could have been farther from my thoughts.
About this time Bro. Rindfuss, as my business representative, called attention to the fact that I would soon need considerable money and suggested that he try and sell an eighth interest in some oil property for which not long before I had paid $3500. I consented. In a few days he reported that he could get $3300, and urged that I accept it as it was for a friend, -Brother Zech. I objected that Bro. Zech was unused to business, and if anything should go wrong he might reflect upon me for having helped him into it. The reply was that the property was as safe as could be found, and that Bro. Zech was not a child and knew what he was doing; and that besides Bro. Zech had been to see the property, while I had never seen it, having bought it on the explanation of Bro. Rindfuss and others, without taking time to visit it. So I consented, and as a favor to Bro. Zech sold him a one-eighth interest in the property for $200 less than it cost me and less than Bro. Rindfuss paid for a similar interest purchased from another party. I still, however, owned an eighth interest.
To the complete surprise of all concerned, the property suddenly declined in oil production, and hence also in value, until what I had paid $3500 for was not worth $700. As we had feared, Bro. Zech’s feelings suffered severely by the fall from great expectation to such realizations; and, although without cause, he proclaimed that I was responsible for his loss. I then felt that it would be to the brother’s benefit spiritually and to the Lord’s praise, and at the same time to the assistance of the German work, that I should help him out of his difficulty. Accordingly, I advised him to have nothing more to do with the oil business, and I managed to purchase back the said interest, worth at the time $700, and another small interest purchased of Bro. Rindfuss, and worth at the time $300, and so pay him for these their net cost (adding expenses and deducting oil received by him), which amounted to $3386. This sum by arrangement was paid him with my notes bearing six per cent interest and running for some time. They have since been paid in full with interest - $2386 and interest more than we knew the properties were worth, -and they never were worth more afterward.
Meantime Bro. Zech had urged that I go into the printing business with him, as a partner; but I refused, and advised him that it was a troublesome business. I never advised him to invest time or money in the business. On the contrary, I advised him against it. However, when he afterward found an partner and desired to do our work I promised him an preference over others, prices and work being equal; and this preference he has always had. Meantime, also, he had desired to have the full control of the German work and we sold him the plates, etc., of the German DAWN, VOL I, at cost, -giving him privilege also to translate and publish the series, a condition being that he should supply the books at the same prices that we had been supplying them to the public and to colporteurs, and the promise made that if at any time Bro. Zech could not or would not supply the books at the same prices, the privilege of publishing them should revert to the TOWER PUB CO The restriction as to price was afterward modified as respects Vols. II and III, and they are now sold at a higher price, yet only about cost, because fewer are sold. And to meet Bro. Zech’s views I agreed to pay him the full retail prices on all German Dawns I have occasion to purchase from him.
Judge of my surprise when, in January 1893, Bro. Zech told me and others that I had treated him shamefully, etc. I said to myself, If this be bad treatment, what would be considered good treatment? A number of the church friends of all concerned were called together to hear the matter and advise.
Brother and Sister Zech and family urged that I should pay more to Bro. Zech’s firm for the printing and binding of the Dawns than responsible firms would charge for the same work. He complained, too, about being limited in the selling price of Dawn Vol. I; and declared that I had almost starved them at first on $35 and $40 per month, etc. I explained our dealings as above to the friends present and that we were paying our brother about twice as much as he could have gotten elsewhere-if he could have gotten any opportunity or pay when new at the business. I explained, as I do now, that it was no more my duty to pay a brother more than a worldly firm would charge, than it was his duty as a brother to do the work for less. Business should be done [HGL122] on the lines of justice: charity and love can find exercise in other ways-as, for instance, in our dealing with Bro. Z in the oil transaction, in which we made him and the German work a clean present of $2386 with interest. Bro. Zech complained that we gave one lot of DAWNS to another firm to print and bind. I showed the friends that Bro. Zech’s firm was continually complaining that they were losing money on the Dawn work, while others were bidding lower, and were anxious to get the work. Bro. Zech’s firm being full of work we finally gave one lot to another firm at a saving of $130 on twenty thousand books. And then I gave about one hundred dollars of that saving to the German cause, by donating the cost of the electro-plates for the third volume of German DAWN
It is almost needless to say that the friends after hearing us both fully-until daylight of Feb. 5, ‘93-assured Bro. Zech that Bro. Russell’s course was not only just, but very generous and brotherly toward him. His judgment was so warped, however, that he could not see the matter at the time; but a day later he expressed himself differently by letter to us and to all. The following is a verbatim copy of his letter:
Allegheny, Pa., Feb. 6, ‘93
"Dear Brother Russell: -Thinking the matter over since our long conference with the different brethren and sisters in your house on February 4th, I find that I have erred in my judgment regarding the charges made against you, and I therefore express my regret for having done so and for the trouble and anxiety resulting from it. May the Lord grant us that no such misunderstanding will arise again to injure our mutual brotherly feeling and fellowship. And since so many of our friends have been witnesses, I would be very pleased to express the above sentiment in their hearing, or, if you deem it preferable, to have them read this letter. In sincere love and fellowship, Your brother in Christ, Otto Von Zech."
"P S So far as Sister Zech is concerned, I must state that she never agreed with me concerning the right I thought I had to claim, but took, so she says, the position she did from a sense of wifely duty. O V Z"
This experience led to the preparation of the article entitled, The Relative Claims of Love and Justice, which, that it might not be construed as a blow at Bro. Zech, was held back and published in the Tower of June 1, ‘93.
Below is a copy of a letter presented to Sister Russell and myself about a month previous:
Christmas 1892.
"Dear Brother Russell: -I embrace the opportunity of this celebration of our Redeemer’s birth to tell you in writing what I could not so well express orally. I want to make you the best Christmas present I know of in telling you of our deep and ever increasing gratitude and love toward you and Sister Russell for your work’s sake, and for the kindness and love shown and daily bestowed upon us."
"In reading the other day what the Apostle says, that ‘we all with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord are ( being) changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Lord’s spirit,’ and finding that the Apostle spoke thus not of the future but of the present, I could not help thinking, Yes, that is so. If we look back these seven years since we came into this marvelous light by the grace of God, we have experienced an ever increasing and burning love toward those who had been God’s blessed agents to help us see the truth."
"And I concluded, dear Brother and Sister, to let you know this our sentiment as our best gift we possibly could give, and thus to thank you from our hearts for your labor of love which our Heavenly Father has so abundantly blessed also toward us, and at the same time for the firm stand you take and always took in the defense of the central truth in our Father’s plan-the ransom for or instead of us."
"May our Lord and Shepherd grant us to stand side by side in this battle till it is over. In Him we will remain, Your Brother and Sister Zech." It seems strange indeed that people could write such letters and yet keep "bombs" ready and waiting for convenient "explosion."
This comprises all of Bro. Zech’s grievances, except as relates to the Wednesday evening prayer and conference meetings, which we will now notice.
A little more than a year ago, studying the spiritual needs of the flock, and remembering that our central prayer meeting had been a failure, because the friends here are widely scattered, we conceived the plan of having meetings in various parts of these two cities, not for Bible study, but for prayer and testimony, for the cultivation of the fruits of the spirit and the binding together of the body of Christ in love and Christian fellowship. I suggested to the Church the advisability of such meetings, urging that while doctrines are necessary, the cultivation of the fruits of the spirit is the real object of all doctrine. I asked those who favored the plan to signify it by rising; and almost all arose, Bro. Zech and family being conspicuous as voting against the meetings, -which they had a full right to do. I was not surprised at the matter, however, as I knew that Sister Zech had frequently expressed herself as having no confidence in prayer.
Next we asked for houses to be volunteered in which the meetings could be held, and several promptly offered, the object of the meetings being clearly understood by all as not doctrinal, but social meetings.
I then appointed leaders of those meetings-asking Bro. Zech first, whether he would serve. He declined. Later he started a German meeting at his house for doctrinal disputations, which of course, was all right; for the appointment of the social meeting did not hinder any who pleased from holding or attending other meetings. But because I urged that these meetings, appointed for social worship, should be held strictly to their object, Bro. Zech and his wife complained that I was a pope, and privately, we now learn, endeavored to raise a spirit of opposition in others, but without success, as the congregation appreciates the meetings greatly. Bro. and Sister Zech, after trying for six months to discourage the meetings, began to attend them: and we were greatly encouraged for two months, -especially when at a general church meeting (Dec. ‘93) Sister Z testified before all, of the benefit she had derived from those meetings. This sympathy and interest ceased, and they at once changed their plans, when it was known that there would be no general Convention here this Spring. [HGL123] The charge of "bondage" and "under my thumb," etc. which now they make public, I find has been a part of their "whisperings" for the past four years. They did what they could to prejudice the mind of the Tower office helpers: slanderous falsehoods, called "revelations" were made to them, to undermine their confidence and poison their minds against me; so that when the time for "exploding" the "bombs" should come, I should have no friends. Three years ago Sister Ball was invited over to their home to spend the evening and then advised, confidentially, that she was imposed upon by us, etc., etc., etc. Sister Russell and myself then visited them, showed the error of this course and they apologized. But within a year it now seems that they began again: Bro. Henninges was "talked to" about being in bondage to Brother Russell; and it was intimated that he was a fool for staying here. Bro. Campbell was made a "confidant" before he had been here a month, every endeavor being made to prejudice him against me. Bro. Abbott was similarly approached; and when questioned as to his salary, replied: "I am not sure that Bro. Russell would want his private affairs discussed, but I will tell you this much: he is paying me more than I asked for." An attempt was even made to alienate my wife, and to make her my enemy; but praise God it did not succeed. I can now heartily thank the Lord that I have such faithful, proved ones so closely associated with me in the work. It is strange how blind I must have been, not to have noticed what others all around seem to have seen and heard. But I placed too high and estimate upon those who bear the, to me, sacred name of "brethren."
Since Bro. Zech has alluded to the events of Christmas evening 1892, I must give the facts. Sister Russell and I invited Bro. and Sister Zech and a few other friends to a six o’clock Christmas dinner. After dinner, while in the parlor, Sister R interrupted me in some trivial matter, and then catching herself asked me to proceed. I replied, "No; you tell it-you are the head of the house." This I admit was sarcastic; and seeing that it hurt Sister Russell’s feelings and that she at once disclaimed any wrong intent, I excused it, and said that I did not mean it literally, that indeed Sister Russell is a very model wife, etc., and thus the matter ended.
But Bro. Bryan (who we will see presently is a most peculiar person, who fancies himself able, as he is ever willing, to give everybody instruction, and whose idiosyncrasies I had put up with for several years, as a member of our family and one of the office helpers), fancied that the above incident gave him a chance to meddle; and so the next morning at breakfast he took occasion to insult me. His remarks were ten times as strong as mine of the evening before, and wholly inexcusable. Sister Russell remonstrated, that his remarks were out of order, and I at once told him that I had borne his insolence and meddlesome busy-body disposition entirely too long; and now to go at once from the home whose head he had not respected and to whose every member he had made himself a disturber.
He went at once to Bro. Zech’s where he was made warmly welcome as a co-conspirator against Bro. Russell, but their cause would suffer if he left the Tower office before the "explosion;" so they got up a letter and with one argument or another got those who had been present on Christmas evening to sign it. That is the letter which Bro. Zech drags into his statements of his grievances. But their real object was to get me to take Bro. Bryan back into the TOWER office. Of the circumstances under which the signatures were obtained the signers themselves have something to say below. Those circumstances exonerate all of them except the conspirators, Bro. and Sister Zech and Bro. Bryan, whose malicious intent seems now very manifest; but of course I knew no difference among them at that time.
I very humbly consented that these friends should help me mind my business: and at the request of that letter invited them all to meet me at my house. When they arrived, by way of showing them that I considered this an interference in my affairs in a way that they would not like to have me interfere in theirs, I suggested that perhaps the meeting had best be turned into one for the investigation and criticism of the private affairs of all present. I suggested that I knew considerable of their private matters which it would be quite embarrassing to us all to have related, even to a small audience (referring specially to Bro. and Sister Zech and Bro. Bryan); but that if it was their duty to investigate my private affairs it must be equally my duty to investigate theirs.
The three in question got loud and angry and dared me to say what I could. But I assured them that I had no thought of telling anything-that I had no such misconception of duty, but merely wished to remind them of the propriety of not being busybodies in other men’s matters. We then proceeded to the consideration of Bro. Bryan’s offense, and the company united in telling him that his course was wrong, and advising him to confess it and apologize-which he did do that evening. (Judge then of the unfairness of Bro. Zech’s statement on this subject.) This led to the discussion of the subject, Who is the head of the family? Sister Zech, who had gotten some extreme ideas on the subject, called up the question, and expressed the opinion that the Apostle Paul’s expressions on the subject were incorrect. My views on the subject appeared in print later, -in the Tower of May 1, ‘93, in the article "The Twelve Apostles," etc., and in July ‘93-a double number-on "Man and Woman in God’s Order."
The following kind letter has just been received, and we make room for it as it bears directly on this subject.
Alleheny, Pa., April 23, 1894.
"Dear Bro. Russell: -We, as your friends, whose names are appended to the portion of a letter published by Otto von Zech, feel a deep sense of regret, not only for your sake, but also for our own, at the light in which it makes us appear; for we have no sympathy whatever with the spirit and intent of his libelous circular."
"We desire, therefore, to acquaint you with the peculiar circumstances attending our signing it, which we have not previously explained, because of the completeness with which the entire matter was BURIED (so far as you were concerned) the same week it occurred. The circumstances are as follows:"
"We with others of the Church of Christ here had prepared some New Year presents for you and Sister Russell, and Bro. Zech had been appointed to make the presentation speech and had proffered his home for the [HGL124] presentation, because so near to your own that the things we proposed to present could be readily transferred, after the surprise of New Years’ night, 1893."
"When Bryan left your home and went to Zech’s they commended his conduct, claimed that a great wrong had been done him, and prepared the letter in question. The signatures were obtained in this way: Mr. Zech with the letter in hand called upon each one and in an excited manner represented that a great injustice had been done Bro. Bryan-that he had been rudely thrust out of his place in the TOWER office and Bro. Russell house, through the tyranny of Bro. Russell. He then added that Bro. Russell had too much power and ought to be taught a lesson; and that although the presents were at his house and the congregation were invited to assemble there, he could not make the presentation speech with good grace unless this matter of Bryan’s were settled and he returned to his former position. Now, said he, if you add your signatures to this letter, requesting a meeting of us all with Bro. Russell, we can have this matter settled and then we will carry out the previous arrangements."
"By such talk he obtained our signatures, but not for the object apparent in the letter, the language of the letter passing comparatively unnoticed, because our attention was specially drawn to Zech’s excited words with reference to Bro. Bryan. It would now appear that this was intentional on his part, and that he kept a copy of the letter for its recent malicious use; and on the evening appointed, although Bryan and Zechs continually persisted in dragging up the little matter about Sister Russell, both she and we protested that that was unnecessary and that that was entirely settled between you and her."
"Although feeling the matter was none of our business, we added our signatures because we were so anxious to have everything smooth and pleasant before the evening of the presentation, then so close at hand, and fearing that if we did not there would be some unpleasantness with Bro. Zech before the congregation which was to assemble for a purpose so different. The letter concluded as follows: ‘May our dear Lord guide and direct your judgment or ours, that it may all be to his glory. Yours in the Redeemer. (Signed.).’ The signatures were obtained only with this object in view, and on condition that the matter should never be mentioned outside of the number present that evening. This promise they have entirely failed to keep, and ever since have talked of it in private; and now, judge of our surprise and chagrin on finding a portion of that confidential letter in print and our names heralded as busy-bodies in the affairs of one whom we love and esteem as a tried and faithful servant of our dear Redeemer and Lord and in whose integrity as a Christian brother we have full confidence: and as having part in the present infamous conspiracy to overthrow him from the place which he holds, and that rightly, in the hearts of many of the Lord’s people. It is an unwarrantable misuse of our names, against which we (as the signers) most earnestly protest."
"At the meeting which resulted, all (including Zechs) admitted the justice of your course toward Bro. Bryan, whom we and they urged to apologize for his misjudgment ( we did not at the time doubt his good intention); and he did so in our presence. Thus the matter ended, and a pleasant New Year’s evening followed."
"Otto von Zech’s conduct and libelous circular remind us of Korah, the ‘ringleader’ of the rebellion against Moses and Aaron (Num. 16 and 26:9-11), who, with Dathan, Abiram and On, was not content with his honorable post, but ‘sought’ the office of Moses. From the above reference we discern that Korah with the other three charged Moses (without cause) with the very sin which he and his associates themselves committed. We find the same ambition, jealousy and pride in the conduct of Ahithophel, who, being King David’s counsellor and friend, became, through this same leaven of sin, the most treacherous enemy of the servant of God; but David’s heart remained loyal, and his prayer to the Lord ‘turned’ Ahithophel’s bad-intended course into what his name signifies, foolishness; for, said David, ‘O Lord, I pray thee, turn the (treacherous) counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.’ (2 Sam. 15:31.) A like conspiracy we find against the Apostle Paul, when they banded themselves together to ‘kill him.’ (Acts 23:12.) And a like conspiracy was kindled against our dear Redeemer by certain ones of his time; for they ‘consulted that they might take Jesus by subtlety, and kill him.’ (Matt. 26:4, 5) And again, it is written, ‘They hated him without a cause.’ (John 15:25) May the dear Lord strengthen your mind and heart, so that through you, dear Brother, the proclamation of the gospel cause may be fully established."
"Hoping that this explanation will fully clear us in your eyes from any connection with the libelous circular, and desiring that, if opportunity present itself, you will make this known to any who may have seen the present statement of the conspirators, We remain, yours in love and service of the truth, J A Weimar, Elizabeth K Weimar, John Cromie, Laura J Raynor, H C Wolf, Rose J Ball."
"P S -Brothers Ohlsson and Winter are not now in the city, and hence their signatures have not been obtained; but besides them the only other signers, exclusive of ourselves, are the conspirators."
Let me here remark, incidentally, that if there are any of God’s married children whose interests are more thoroughly one, and whose esteem for each other is greater than that which exists between Sister Russell and myself, we would be glad for them to have it so; but we have no present reason for so believing. Ours, we feel, is indeed a union in the Lord, which we believe that even death will not sever.
Is it any wonder that, when I came to know the depth of their perfidy, I refused to allow Bro. Zech to preach in the chapel-the use of which for years I have furnished free of charge to the German friends? Could I, in justice, do less than inform those German brethren and sisters (about twelve persons), that while they were as welcome as ever to use the chapel every Sunday morning, Bro. Zech had proved himself wholly unworthy of my confidence, and that I felt that it would be wrong to supply him the opportunity to attempt a further defamation of my character, by misrepresentations slobbered over with protestations of brotherly love? Indeed, I am of the opinion that not one man in a thousand, professor or non-professor, would have had so little shame as to have attempted further [HGL125] abuse of my generosity, after having publicly done all he knew how to defame me. He claims to have been "under bondage" to me. So I at once forced him to become a free-man by refusing him longer the privilege hitherto enjoyed of speaking to the German friends in the chapel. But even this enforcement of liberty is one of his charges against me.
BROTHER BRYAN’S GRIEVANCES Bro. Bryan served the cause in the TOWER office for several years-well in many respects. But by heredity he has a very violent temper, a vindictive disposition and a penchant for minding others people’s affairs. It is with deep regret that I thus write, and now only because it seems a necessary explanation of what follows. When I say he evidently inherited these ungainly traits I consider that I am making an apology for him. Time and again have I helped to settle differences between him and the other office helpers, in which he was uniformly to blame-generally trying to mind some one else’s business; and time and again has he repented and lamented his course and promised to turn over a new leaf. But his difficulty seemed to grow upon him. He got worse and worse. He at least six times during the last three years of his stay urged that he should leave the office for the relief of others; and each time I persuaded him to try to do better: yet, when at last I concluded to let him go, he seemed determined to stay. I could not then judge why, but can now see that it was because he had become one of the conspirators and was waiting for the time to explode the bombs. It was after his conduct finally became unbearable, that I wrote him the following letters.
Allegheny, Pa., Mar. 2, ‘93.
"Dear Brother Bryan: -Your note, which I requested last evening, saying, if there are other matters ‘that you say would still be difficulties, even if you could determine not to meddle with and annoy Sister Ball,’ is before me. In reply I must tell you that this note manifests still more of the same wrong spirit of which I complain on behalf of Sister Ball."
"It shows that you not only want to annoy and manage her and her work, but that you also want to do the same for me and my business, and that of the entire office and home. I have assured you repeatedly of my Christian love and my care for your every concern, and my desire that you enjoy every comfort and pleasure which our home and office afford, but you seem to think that every thing should be run according to your ideas, which is neither possible nor reasonable."
"For over two weeks (I might almost say three years) you have been worrying the office and home circles, and that without any justification. You should be conscientious enough to admit that you have no right, human or divine, to interfere with Sister Ball’s rights or business, nor with mine, nor with those of others. If, therefore, this matter can be fixed only by your leaving the TOWER office, do not persuade yourself to a false view, in supposing that you will be going forth for righteousness’ sake, or for conscience’ sake; for, on the contrary, it will be because you are a persistent busybody in other people’s affairs-and an intentional one, since instead of acknowledging the fault you attempt to excuse it, and even argue by the hour that you have a right to judge the conduct and even the consciences of others, and to give them tongue chastisements and other incivilities until they adopt your conscience as instead of their own and repent to you, etc. I should tell you also that Sister Ball is not the only one who has mentioned your interferences."
"A month or so ago Bro. Henninges said to me: -‘Bro. Russell, cannot I do some of the work of the composing room, or in some way shift so as not to be so much of an annoyance to Brother Bryan?’ I replied that I thought I had a plan for dividing the work which would harmonize the difficulties peacefully, and to wait and see."
"Within a week Bro. Page said, ‘Bro. Russell, I feel that I am the seat of Bro. Bryan’s trouble, and while I came here, as I believe, under the Lord’s leading, do not let me stand in the way of the smooth running of the Lord’s work. At the same time I scarcely think that you do your duty toward Bro. Bryan and the others, and the work, to permit him to interfere with and snap the head off everybody and everything. In a worldly office such conduct would not be endured five minutes.’"
"I explained how I believed the trouble to be in part a heredity and that I was trying to have you take the right view of it, and that if you could see it fully and clearly I had confidence that you would do differently. But why you cannot or will not see so plain a matter I cannot understand."
"You know better than any one else, dear brother, how, with great patience, prompted by loving interest for you and for the work, I have tried to have you see the error of being a busybody-especially so when you knew that those you interfered with are fully as conscientious as yourself, -and full more so on the subject of respecting the rights and liberties of others."
"I have exhausted every proper means at my command to have you see right and DO RIGHT But you all the more assume a self-righteous air and insist that you have a right to be the judge of the rights, liberties and consciences of others."
"This I can no longer permit. It becomes my duty, therefore, dear brother, to say, Stop this wrong-doing and uncharitable judging! and if you will not stop it you must cease to occupy the place you have occupied for so long in the office."
"Nevertheless, dear brother, it will be in sorrow and not in anger that we will part with you. You have many excellent traits to which I cheerfully bear witness, and I shall always feel a deep interest in your welfare, and should opportunity ever offer I will be glad to prove this in some more substantial way. But if disposed to see your error and to manifest a reform of your course, not only I, but all the ‘family’ I am sure will be glad, not only to have you stay with us in the work, but to assist you and bear with you. Please let me have your decision this evening, on the lines laid down in this letter."
"With deep brotherly love and unceasing interest in your present and future welfare, I remain your servant in the Lord, C T Russell."
March 3, ‘93.
"Dear Brother Bryan: -My letter of yesterday was very [HGL126] plain. While assuring you of my love and interest, it stated the necessity and laid down the conditions upon which you should have acted pro or con at once. Matters have run along now for nearly two weeks in a very unsatisfactory manner and one very disadvantageous to the Lord’s work. Others are idle while you have and hold onto more than you can do."
"Forbearance longer would not be a virtue. Your letter or note in reply to mine of yesterday is not a reply-merely a delay. What can be your object? I must insist, dear brother, either that you fully consent to all the reasonable requirements of my letter of yesterday, and indicate this in no uncertain words, or else that you hand over your keys and place, that some one conscientious enough to recognize and respect the rights of others may, with those who love and make for peace and right, occupy in your stead."
"After reading this letter and communing with the Lord, remembering that my course is the one of duty and that I still abound with love for you, save me further annoyance by acting at once. You had best re-read my letter of yesterday. May the Lord guide you, has been my earnest prayer for several days, but a conclusion must be reached now."
"With continued brotherly love and interest, and the hope that you may gain the victory over self-will and other foes, and humble yourself to be and do what you see to be the right, I remain,"
"Your loving servant in Christ, C T Russell."
"P S -If you decide to quit the work and need money let me know how much."
Bro. Bryan finally concluded to go into the colporteur work, and we parted seemingly warm friends, as the following extracts from a letter received later shows; their "bomb" plot seemingly having been abandoned for a time.
Richmond, Va. March 15, ‘93.
"Dear Brother Russell: -I feel like giving you a little report of myself and my doings, in addition to what I wrote on recent postals."
"The whole situation here seems as favorable as any that could have been chosen. To be with your father’s family has been most helpful. Then I have made a little beginning in canvassing that is not discouraging, though not nearly so good as I wish it were. Then, through advice from you, three brethren visited us last Sunday. I was very favorably impressed by the appearance of—-. If I am not mistaken, he is quite able to be a local teacher and leader. And he seems to have a beautiful spirit. Some brethren here had been meeting with a little group of Adventists; but quite lately the latter withdrew to another room. To our great pleasure, these brethren said they had already secured a room and arranged to have a regular Sunday meeting. They wished they had known earlier of the presence of your father’s family in Richmond. I anxiously await the meeting next Sunday and will tell you how things seem. If I had the address of all Tower readers, could call on them and judge whether to notify them of the meeting and invite them to it. I have reconnoitered a little, and find good, long streets of residences evidently of the class where I will get access to the husband or wife, and not to the servant alone. I am quite hopeful that my record will grow better, as I get into the adjoining territory named."
"I have been out four days-not putting in very full time some days. The ‘score’ is: 5, 6, 8, 9-orders taken."
"Asking to be remembered also to Sister Russell and all, Yours in the faith, Elmer Bryan."