For a time after Brother Russell passed beyond the veil, most of the brethren held strictly to the truth as it came from his pen; although from the start it became apparent that matters of minor importance were engaging the attention of those who were taking a leading part     in continuing the work. Early in his ministry, Brother Russell surveyed the general framework of the truth and concluded that, in order to treat all of its phases in the detail needed to clarify the message and to separate the truth from the superstitions of the Dark Ages, a set of seven books would be needed. In the seventh he expected to deal primarily with the Book of Revelation.

He died without writing the seventh book which he had contemplated. This left the way open for speculative minds to go to work, and they did. In a remarkably short time a “Seventh Volume” was published with the claim that it was the posthumous work of Brother Russell. It created a stir among the brethren, resulting in divisions in many places. It was not truly the posthumous work of Brother Russell, and in some ways it was contrary to both the letter and the spirit of his teachings.

It was made a test of fellowship in many ecclesias; it was one of the first major issues to arise which diverted attention from that glorious and all-important theme of the true Gospel. The “Seventh Volume” itself did not deny the doctrine of restitution, nor any of the other doctrines of the truth, but the attention which was focused upon  its speculations tended to take the eyes and hearts of the brethren away from that main theme which had satisfied their longings as nothing else had done. It marked the beginning of an era among the brethren in which the trend was to relegate first things to the background and to focus the attention of the consecrated upon side issues of speculative and nonessential theories.

The story of the “Seventh Volume” would not be complete should we fail to mention that, in a remarkably short time after it was published, it was virtually rejected by the publishers. It is well nigh impossible to believe, yet true, that whereas when this book was first published those who did not accept it were condemned and disfellowshiped, within a few years those who did accept it were disfellowshiped.

The repudiation of the “Seventh Volume” by its publishers was quite in keeping with a general development which became manifest about 1924. At that time there began a departure from the truth, as the brethren had learned and proved it under the leadership of Brother Russell. As it was claimed that the “Seventh Volume” was written by Brother Russell, it was but natural that it should be discarded. Eventually, all Brother Russell’s writings, including the six volumes of Studies in the Scriptures, passed out of print.

The departures from pure truth were slight at first. Many did not discern them; and many of those who did consoled themselves with the thought that this trend would not continue. However, as each item of truth was set aside by The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, and an erroneous substitute put in its place, some withdrew their support from the general effort. This  went on year after year, with more and more of the “old- timers” leaving the original organization as its teachings departed further and further from what they were when Brother Russell died.

The claim was made that the brethren were progressing in the light, a light which was to shine more and more unto the perfect day! But was this claim true? Let us see. As we have noted, the great theme which made the truth so marvelous and so far in advance of anything taught  by churchianity, was that of restitution—the glorious Gospel which was spoken by the mouth of all God’s holy prophets since the world began. The practical, everyday meaning of this was that those who believed and rejoiced in it, could exercise hope for those who did not accept it in this life.