St. Paul Enterprise, June 4, 1915:

In a letter, read to the Philadelphia class recently, Pilgrim Brother Barton, relates a very interesting incident of the European war that was told him during a visit to Chicago. A brother in Austria, being compelled to serve in the army, determined to fire his rifle in the air when engaged in battle, rather than to be guilty of the blood of any of his fellow men. This the brother did and when, later on, the order came to charge bayonets, he ran forward with his bayonet pointing toward the heavens instead of toward the breasts of the foe. Imagine his surprise, then, when he saw that the Russian soldier upon whom he was advancing was doing the same thing. Instead of rushing helplessly upon Russian steel he was charging a man who stolidly held his piece upright with bayonet pointed toward the clouds. As he came closer he learned the reason. The Russian soldier wore a Cross and Crown pin, insignia of the International Bible Students Association, emblem of that brotherhood of the spirit that transcends all geographical or national relationships. The Austrian brother could not. speak Russian but he had a photograph of brother Russell in the pocket of his blouse. Hastily drawing it forth he held it up before the Russian soldier and there, in the midst of the battle, its din and confusion, these two so strangely met children of the King of kings peacefully and lovingly clasped hands. Neither could speak nor understand the others national tongue, the language of their flesh, but each could and did speak and understand that international, universal, tongue of the Holy Spirit, the language of love.

By taking the Russian brother to the rear as a prisoner of war both brethren were spared any further participation in the battle. The Austrian brother was afterward wounded in another battle and sent to the hospital. Thus by Divine providence both brethren were spared for some further usefulness.

Elizabeth B. Jones, Pomona, Kansas, August 1915

Dear Sister in Christ: – The Lord has surely been allowing you to pass through the furnace, but your words reveal the fact that your fiery trials have not shaken your faith in the assurance that all things work together for good to them that love God. It will not be long until these experiences will all be past and then we shall see still more clearly that our Father’s hand will not permit His child a needless tear.

It is very difficult to advise another as so very many things have to be considered and usually no one knows all these things like those involved. However, one can often make suggestions which will be helpful, and I have asked the Lord for the necessary assistance to write what would do you the greatest good.

I am sure the Lord must be pleased with the spirit in which you have met your hardships, and persevering in that same spirit I believe you will hear His “well done …”

However, you can pray for the friends. I would suggest that you be as considerate of their views as possible, and yet when the Lord’s Word plainly indicated otherwise, kindly and firmly indicate your determinations be true to the Lord. Try to make allowance for them and ask for Divine wisdom to help you.

Of course these things will take your time and thought, but do not permit that to discourage or worry you. Try to keep them from burdening your mind too much, but they will require attention. However, the Lord knows that, and will make allowance for you. He careth for you.

I would be glad to say something further to help you, but fear that only in this general way can I write. As you reason out the Lord’s will it will develop in you spiritual discernment, and the spirit of a sound mind will become more manifest in you.

I shall pray for you and hope to find you among the faithful overcomers. Yours in the Power of the Cross of Christ,

B. H. Barton