1850, The Watch Tower: Or, Man in Death; and the Hope for a Future Life-PDF

Atlantis

If you are interested in the writings of George Storrs, you will be excited to learn that one of the biggest finds in old Adventist literature is now on Barbara Anderson's website, www.watchtowerdocuments.com . The book is mentioned in Jehovah's Witnesses-Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, page 48 in the footnote as follows:
*The expression "Watch Tower" is not unique to Russell's writings or to Jehovah's Witnesses. George Storrs published a book in the 1850's called The Watch Tower: Or, Man in Death; and the Hope for a Future Life. The name was also incorporated in the title of various religious periodicals. It stems from the idea of keeping on the watch for the outworking of God's purposes. - Isa. 21:8, 11, 12; Ezek. 3:17; Hab. 2:1.
One wonders if Storr's book was actually in the WB&TS's archives and if the author actually saw it because it was stated in the footnote that the book was published in the 1850's, when, actually, the book was published in 1850. Also, the title reads as written below, all letters in the title are capitalized, not as it was written in the footnote.

Even though the use of the word, Watchtower, or words, Watch Tower, were used in titles by some 19th century Adventists for their tracts and brochures, can it be that C. T. Russell actually took the name, WATCH TOWER, for his journal from George Storrs book? Interestingly, the words,THE WATCH TOWER, in Storr's title look just about the same as on Russell's journal's cover. In addition, the scripture on the front cover of Zion's WATCH TOWER is the same one, Isa. 21:11, 12, that is found under Storr's title and discussed in the first few paragraphs of Chapter 1 of his book.

We know that Russell gave limited credit to Storrs, Stetson and others for discovering some Bible "truths." Nevertheless, he did take credit, and today's Watch Tower organization gives him credit for bringing together all the "scattered fragments of truth." On page 48 of Proclaimers its author explains that "...no one at that time did more than C. T. Russell and his associates to make this truth known."

In that many researchers claim that Russell copied more from Storr's teachings than both he and the the Watch Tower Society are willing to admit, the last thing Watch Tower leaders want anyone to conclude is that Russell took his idea of name and scripture from George Storr's 1850 book for the cover of his new journal; hence, in that footnote in Proclaimers, it is pointed out that the "expression" Watch Tower" is not unique to Russell's writings but other religious periodicals used it too. In this way the idea that Russell plagiarized from Storrs was dealt with.

Until just a few months ago, this 96-page, rarest of rare 1850 Storrs book about soul-sleep or conditionalism, could not be located until it was found in a Florida University library. The following is the first page from Chapter 1:
THE WATCH TOWER :
OR ,
MAN IN DEATH:
AND
THE HOPE FOR A FUTURE LIFE.

"Watchman, what of the Night!"
"The morning cometh." Isa. 21:11, 12.

"The chief Watchman of the flock, in ancient times, had his "Watch Tower," from which he could survey the most distant field where his flock ranged. Concern for them would cause him to give many anxious looks in the direction they had gone; and night might sometimes overtake them in the field. Still he keeps a vigilant look-out for them. He watched the going down of the sun, and looked for the morning, when that glorious orb would re-appear. Under-shepherds might often inquire--"The morning cometh."

So, looking out upon the setting sun of this life, the watchful mind may be led to inquire, "Will the orb of day ever return?" or, "If a man die, shall he live again?" Job 14:14. "Will he be revived into life?" Night has closed in upon him, and all is dark and cheerless in death, unless there are good and sufficient reasons for faith in a future life; and the anxious Watcher cries out--"I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in His word do I hope. My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say more than they that watchfor this morning." Psa. 130:5, 6.

From the Watch Tower we observe the night closing in on our friends and fellow-travelers; and our anxious hearts long to see clearly through the darkness thrown over them by the closing tomb. Fancy cannot, and will not satisfy thoughtful minds in this matter."

The link to download the book is www.watchtowerdocuments.com/index.html To find the download, scroll down to the middle of the page to the words, Exclusive Documents, and underneath it reads : "We also have an exclusive download of George Storr's 96-page book from 1850 titled "The Watch Tower or Man In Death and the Hope of a Future Life". This newly discovered document has never been seen on the internet before. [ Download now... ]" or go to:

http://www.watchtowerdocuments.com/documents/1800.html where the book is listed on the 1800s Document page. It is the second document listed after the date 1850.

Enjoy,
Atlantis=

FatFreek 2005

Very interesting recap, Atlantis. Another welcome find for Watchtower researchers.

You have a PM.

Len Miller

Marvin Shilmer

Atlantis and Barb,

This is a fabulous find. Researchers have wondered about this book for years! Now you two have generously shared your fine work for everyone.

Thanks much!

Marvin Shilmer

Atlantis

FatFreek 2005:

Thank you so much for your kindness!

I checked my pm box and did not find any message from you. I hope that others haven't written to us and the same thing happened. In fact, I checked for your message 3 times and no message from you appears there. Is there another way we can communicate? If you have a request I will be happy to help.

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Marvin Shilmer:

You are very kind Marvin! Thank you also for your rare finds. Fantastic work you have put together on your blog, and I know everyone here appreciates all your hard work. I know I do!

A&N