The vow managed to itself become a subject of considerable controversy. Some Bible Students refused to accede to it, citing earlier writings of Russell that were firmly against the taking of vows. Nobody minded Russell taking a vow if his conscience compelled him to do so, but suggesting that every full or part-time “pilgrim” (traveling representative) and Bible House worker (Bethelite) should take it, and publishing the names of those who did as a further means of coercion, seemed a step too far.[126]
