In our attempt to analyze the meaning of developments among Bible Students since Brother Russell died, we have shown the loss of joy and unity which resulted from a neglect to think of the truth from the standpoint of the responsibility it has placed upon us to be faithful ambassadors for Christ. This has not been with the thought of suggesting that other phases of the Christian life should be ignored. Far from it! As we see the matter, it was largely the service of the truth that had been neglected, and for this reason we have focused attention upon this point.

The service of the truth was neglected from two standpoints. In some circles, while there has been much service, it has not been a service of the uncorrupted truth, but a service of error. Among other brethren, until recent years, while the truth has been generally adhered to, there has been little or no activity in proclaiming it. In both  cases spiritual injury resulted to the Lord’s people.

By organized and individual effort, devotionalism and character development have been stressed. We rejoice in this, and it would be tragic indeed to neglect these phases of the Christian life. But in our narrative of events we have endeavored to call special attention to what had been overlooked; rejoicing, of course, in that which had been continued. Recognizing the healthy spiritual growth of the Lord’s people during the years Brother Russell was with us, it should be apparent that a returning to that same balanced program would result in a similarly healthy and joyous condition among us.

Specifically, then, what was that program? We believe the best example of it is the balanced spiritual diet presented to us in Studies in the Scriptures. In these God- given keys to the Bible we have the doctrine of the Divine plan stated and explained and restated. We have error demolished. We have prophecies examined and explained, including time prophecies. We have the devotional life of the Christian encouraged, and the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts made understandable. Besides all of this, Studies in the Scriptures exhort us over and over again to be zealous in the service of the truth, and particularly as we enter the “time of trouble.”

A balanced program for a Christian, then, is not alone a study of the doctrinal features of the Divine plan; it is not exclusively meditation and prayer; it is not all works; it is not merely a study of the prophecies. It is all of these together, cooperating harmoniously under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit of love. By all of these a Christian maintains his clear vision of truth and is kept close to the Lord.

Is it not important, as we come nearer and nearer to  the kingdom, to seek this way of the Lord; these green pastures of Divine blessings in which the early harvest church rejoiced, and so many are still rejoicing? Paul wrote to the Hebrews, “Call to remembrance the former days.” (Heb. 10:32) Is it not fitting that we do this now; and not only recall those happy days in the truth and its service when Brother Russell was with us but to adopt the same program that blessed us back then? Certainly the rich joys of those days await all who return to the things which produced such exhilaration!

Yes, thousands of brethren today are enjoying the same richness of Christian experience in the truth as they did in the “good old days” of the past; not because they have found new truth, but because they are adhering to the pure truth which they have learned and proved. Their joy is not the result of finding a new way to live the Christian life, but because they are living the Christian life as taught by Jesus, the apostles, and Brother Russell. Why should we not all have this same joy?