Brother Russell never claimed divine inspiration in his writings. He did claim, and certainly did have, divine supervision and enlightenment of mind. He wrote:

“Divine Providence has furnished the people of God at this time, an outline of the Divine Plan, and a detail of Bible doctrines, such as God’s people never before had in their possession. Without claiming any inspiration for the Studies in the Scriptures, we surely may claim a Divine supervision in respect to the matter which they contain, and the time of their presentation. Whoever admits that we are in the harvest time at all that we have been in it since 1875–must acknowledge this also; that the Lord promised that at that time he would cause his people to sit down to a bountiful repast of spiritual food, and that he would be their servant, and bring forth to them

`things new and old.’ (Luke 12:37) All who recognize these things must recognize these Studies in the Scriptures as being identified with the fulfillment of that promise.” Reprints, page 4709.

On the afternoon of October 31, 1916, Ezekiel’s prophecy was fulfilled:

“And behold, the man clothed with linen, which had the ink-horn by his side, reported the matter saying, I have done as thou hast commanded me.” Ezek 9:11

On that day, with exceeding joy, he met face-to-face his Lord and Master whom he loved so much and served so faithfully. On that day was fulfilled the prophecy of Jesus:

“He that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal; that both he that soweth, and he that reapeth, may rejoice together.” John 4:36

Did you know that Brother Russell remembered you in his will? Yes, he did. Let me read it to you. Under the heading, Legacy of Love, he said:

“To the dear Bethel family, collectively and individually, I leave my best wishes, in hoping for them of the Lord His blessing, which maketh rich, and addeth no sorrow.”

Then he also left a legacy of love to each one of you gathered here right now. He said:

“The same I extend in a still broader sweep, to all the family of the Lord, in every place especially to those rejoicing in the harvest truth!”

I think that described this convention.