Old light seems brighter...

by mebaqqer 3 Replies latest watchtower bible

  • mebaqqer
    mebaqqer

    Studies in the Scriptures, Volume 6 - The New Creation, Study VI Order And Discipline In The New Creation, pp. 323, 324:

    But the most important meeting in our judgment, the most helpful, next to the devotional meeting first described, is one in which the whole company of believers take part under sometimes one chairman, or leader, and sometimes another. For these meetings either a topic or a text of Scripture may be taken up for discussion, and the leader, looking over the subject in advance, should be intrusted with authority to divide it amongst leading brethren, if possible appointing them their parts a week in advance, that they may come to the meeting prepared to offer suggestions, each along the line of his own particular department of the topic. These principal participants in the examination of the subject (perhaps two, or perhaps a half dozen, or more, as the number of competent persons, the size of the congregation, and the weight of the topic might demand) will find the Berean Bibles with the references to Studies and Reprints and the Topical Indexes, very helpful. Let them either present the matter in their own language, or find special extracts from Studies, Reprints, etc., right to the point, which they might read in connection with some appropriate remarks.
    When the meeting has been opened by praise and prayer, the topics may be called for in their proper turn by the Chairman; and after each appointed speaker has presented his findings on his phase of the subject it should be open to the entire class for questions and expressions, either in harmony with, or in opposition to, what has already been presented by the leading speaker on the topic.

    Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence, Be Ye Wise As Serpents-Harmless As Doves, June 1, 1893, pg. 168 [R1536]

    Neither must you lean upon the DAWN and the TOWER as infallible teachers. If it was proper for the early Christians to prove what they received from the apostles, who were and who claimed to be inspired, how much more important it is that you fully satisfy yourself that these teachings keep closely within their outline instructions and those of our Lord;—since their author claims no inspiration, but merely the guidance of the Lord, as one used of him in feeding his flock...Indeed, time and again I have seen that the teachings of those who make utterances of their own, but in the name of Christ, by claimed inspiration, or special revelations, or boasted wisdom (which is the real spirit of popery), and without proof from the Scripture, are received by many. And I am confident that the DAWN and TOWER would have many more friends and believers if they followed this (popery's) course;—for as some one has said, "People prefer to be humbugged." But such a course I dare not follow; I must be true to the Lord and declare his Word, and let him take charge of the consequences.

    What do you guys think?

  • darth frosty
    darth frosty

    As had been repeatedly stated their own words will kill them.

  • anakolouthos
    anakolouthos

    mebagger, I know what you mean. I've been reading some of the older publications, especially Russell's writings, & have really enjoyed some of what Russell had to say. You can't deny he had a lot of crazy ideas, but I thoroughly like his style & the warmth that comes through in his writings. Your topic made me remember my favorite quote from the "old light": "Beware of "organization." It is wholly unnecessary. The Bible rules will be the only rules you will need. Do not seek to bind others consciences, and do not permit others to bind yours. Believe and obey so far as you can understand God’s Word today, and so continue growing in grace and knowledge and love day by day." (WT 9/1895) It would be nice if the Society's leaders still felt this way! You don't see anything like that in today's Watchtowers. It's a shame so many good things that Russell built up got crapped on by Rutherford. The light is still flickering today...

  • drew sagan
    drew sagan
    but I thoroughly like his style & the warmth that comes through in his writings.



    Actually it has been argued that that warmth did not originate from Russell, but was more in line with the writings of his wife. I think the info is out there that some of the Studies books as well as many other articles in the tower that ones thought where coming from Russell where actually coming from Maria, hence the reason she actually fought for power in the early days.

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