I have my nicotined stained fingers on something that may fascinate you. I've had it a while, and now must come forth to make full admission:
This is a Teaser Introduction to someting that will shock some, and not surprise others, but many nevertheless may not know where this came from:
"Anyone who takes the Bible as his Standard of Faith and accepts it as the word of God and conforms his life to its teachings may become a member."
"Each interprets the Bible in his own way and follows its teachings."
Question: He is to be his own interpreter of the Scriptures?
"Yes Sir."
The above was stated by W. E. Van Amburgh, one of the seven Officers of the Watchtower Society on trial for their lives in 1918. Joesph F. Rutherford was the main co-Defendant. In their comments, they were trying to push the responsibility of JW (Bible Student's) beliefs and practices onto the individual members ... so that they, the Society/Officers would not be seen as responsible for their otherwise alleged acts of sedition.
Most all of you have heard how the Society claims that Rutherford and the other Officers were Railroaded off to trial and then to jail for 18 months. The Society loves to invoke images of jack-booted police dragging poor innocent Watchtower Officers off into the night before a somber Magistrate who hears a little evidence and then hastily pronounces guilt.
FAR FROM IT! Few, if any JWs have ever read the trial transcript, saw the evidence, or understood that this was anything but a railroad job ... no it was a long trial, with many months of pre-trial investigations, much evidence presented, and Judge Rutherford hired a fine private lawfirm to represent himself and the other Officers. No, this was a most fascinating trial ... I will post some of the choice gems from this trial in the near future.