Posts by West70

11

The Persecuted Has Become The Persecutor!

by ozziepost in

i was thinking about one of jesus' parables today; the one about "the unmerciful servant" in which jesus tells of a servant who implored his master, the king, for patience in settling a debt.

the master took pity and forgave the debt, whereupon the servant went to a fellow servant who owed him money.

as with the first servant, the other servant pleaded for time to pay, but instead of being merciful, as the king had been to him, he exacted the full penalty for a bad debt, having him thrown into prison.

West70

Since the 1930s, the Watchtower Society has repeatedly used its Legal Department to extract every sliver of civil rights and liberties afforded it under the laws of the United States.

The Watchtower then boasts how their legal battles have resulted in greater freedom and liberty for all Americans.

Yet, behind the scenes, many of those same rights and liberties are intentionally and blatantly denied to its own members of the "new world society".

49

Charles Taze Russell & His Secret Mission To S. California That Killed Him

by West70 in

the last 5 months of charles taze russell's life was quite hectic, and according to reports in the watch tower magazine, russell's health was declining throughout.

in september, 1916, russell went on a convention train tour which lasted nearly the entire month.

this train tour included stops in several southern california locations around the 8th through the 12th.

West70

I hate to hijack this NOW "conspiracy theory" thread about Rutherford murdering Russell, but permit me to bring back up my original questions:

---------------------------

The last 5 months of Charles Taze Russell's life was quite hectic, and according to reports in the Watch Tower magazine, Russell's health was declining throughout.

In September, 1916, Russell went on a Convention Train Tour which lasted nearly the entire month. This train tour included stops in several southern California locations around the 8th through the 12th.

Russell arrived back in Brooklyn sometime in the last few days of September. After making a number of administrative adjustments, on October 16, Russell and evidently only Menta Sturgeon jumped on a train again and headed back to California. Alhough Russell and Sturgeon made a number of "pilgrim" stops along the way, particularly in Texas, it seems that the real purpose of the trip was to again visit the southern California area.

Note the following excerpt from Sturgeon's account of the trip, which seems to throw out some very strong "hints" about some "problems" occurring which related to "business propositions". Russell spent an entire day somewhere in southern California that was off the main railroad line. The next day's trip to speak to the LA Bible Students appears to have been done only to provide "cover" for the real purpose of the trip. After the LA speech, Russell headed back to Brooklyn, but never made it.

Anyone have any idea what "business propositions" in southern California were so significant that Russell could not have handled such by letter or telegraph?

------------------------

LET ME BE MORE DIRECT.

There is a "story" posted on the net, which can be found by "googling" some of the "keyterms" I have used that somewhat fits with the possibility that Russell and some of his followers had a business operation going on in southern California around this time which went bust.

Frankly, it sounds more like a bad "urban legend" to me, but I thought maybe some of you WatchTower researchers here maybe had already run down the original source so as to either confirm or deny. The "story" has points to it that sound credible, but also points that sound unreasonable -- almost like it had been "planted" by a Watchtower opposer????

I'm not spelling out the details so as to not trample on any other possile info that I may have overlooked or that I have not been able to obtain.

41

BIG WEEKEND JW NEWS STORY EXPOSES HEARTLESS CULT

by West70 in

the following newspaper article appears to be the original (and more lengthy and indepth) article from which associated press took their "summarized" (and less informative) story which is being picked up by a number of television stations and newspapers across the u.s. .

this better version should be forwarded to media outlets as a more informative version for their audience.

they also embrace political neutrality.

West70

The following newspaper article appears to be the original (and more lengthy and indepth) article from which Associated Press took their "summarized" (and less informative) story which is being picked up by a number of television stations and newspapers across the U.S.

This BETTER VERSION should be forwarded to media outlets as a more informative version for their audience.

Its a pity that the reporter did not expound more on "JW SHUNNING", and explain to the world that the REAL REASON that the two JW parents did not meet and greet their two sons, and show their appreciation that they had returned from Iraq alive, was because they themselves -- these two Jehovah's Witness parents -- had already symbolically "stoned" their own sons to death even before they left for Iraq. These boys were already DEAD in these Jehovah's Witness parents' eyes.

The world needs to know the intimate details of the beliefs and teachings of this heartless satanic CULT.

------------------------------

http://www3.cantonrep.com/printable.php?ID=251095

Family splits over sons' military service; war conflicts with their beliefs

By CHARITA GOSHAY

CANTON - The Marine Corps Reserve 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines returned home from Iraq to the open arms of grateful family members.

Jason and Johel Woodliff had only each other.

The brothers say they were not greeted by their family upon their return on Oct. 6, because of religion.

The Woodliffs' parents are devout Jehovah's Witnesses, who oppose war and military service.

Graduates of Washington High School in Massillon, the Woodliffs said they had a strict upbringing based on their parents' faith, and that the real trouble began when they announced their intentions to become Marines.

"When they found out I wanted to join, they were very upset about it," said Johel, 20, who turned down a college scholarship to join the Marines in 2003.

"I let them know that as I grew older, I had done some research on the religion, and that it didn't abide with my beliefs."

Jason, 23, claims that when he informed his parents in 2004 that he too intended to join the Marines, he was asked to leave the house.

"I was 18 years old, living by myself in a trailer," he said. "I haven't had a conversation with my dad in five years. For him, it's 100 percent about the religion."

Though the Bible is filled with accounts of battles and war imagery, J.R. Brown, director of public information for the Watchtower Bible Tract Society, confirmed that Jehovah's Witnesses don't participate in military service based on their interpretation of Scripture, and that the actions of the Woodliffs' parents are consistent with the faith.

"As Christians, we're neutral with respect to the conflicts that nations have," he said. "Our neutrality is just in regards to conflicts of men. This doesn't mean we're adversaries. We try to (convey) that to the person as best we can, but because they're usually partisan, they think we're against them. That's not the case. We're truly neutral."

Brown noted that numerous U.S. court decisions have recognized members' right to neutrality.

"We're not be feared," Brown said, adding that the church is merely adhering to Jesus' admonition to, "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's and unto God, the things that are God's."

disassociation

Brown acknowledged that family members who enter the military voluntarily, risk "disassociation."

"We as an organization or local congregation do not initiate this action," he explained. "Rather than 'disfellowship,' we use 'disassociation' as a term. That means the individual made a conscientious decision that he or she would no longer ascribe to the principles that we do. He or she has decided to take a side; the individual has left the position of 'neutral.' We look at disassociation as accepting the person's decision to take a side."

Given that the faith places a great deal of emphasis on the family, Brown concedes that others might see the policy as contradictory.

"It depends on how you look at your Christian responsibility," he said. "We look at our responsibility before God as our first and foremost responsibility. As our creator, he comes first. We feel our position of neutrality is based on our love for him. If a family member does not accept the same decision, we feel they have to bear the consequences. It pains us. We're human too."

Brown said members must prioritize their allegiances.

"You have to decide who's first in your life, is it God more than any human?" he said. "The fact is, we do not even put ourselves and our own interests ahead of God. He's our creator. Our allegiance is first to him. In making that decision, it does at times create problems within the family. Husbands, wives, parents can be torn; there's love there. But the apostle said we must obey God as ruler rather than man."

The brothers said that although they no longer embrace a particular faith, they believe in God and the Bible, adding that many Marines are deeply religious.

"There are Scriptures written all over Iraq," Johel said. "My favorite is John 15:13."

Attached to Johel's dog tags is a worn medallion of St. Michael, the warrior angel. He also carries a camouflage-paperback Bible.

"War shouldn't be necessary, but war has existed since the beginning of man," he said. "The Bible speaks of war constantly. King David was one of the greatest warriors. It shouldn't be a necessity, but it's a reality."

moral conflict?

The Rev. Wendy Bausman, a retired Navy chaplain and an associate pastor at Christ Presbyterian Church, ministered to Marines and sailors for 14 years.

"I didn't have a conflict serving in the military," she said. "But I was a non-combatant, which put me in different category. It would have been really challenging for me (in uniform), simply because of handling a weapon. I'm not comfortable with that."

Bausman said she did encounter service people who became conscientious objectors.

"The first person they go to outside their chain of command, is the chaplain," she explained. "A chaplain listens, counsels and writes a recommendation. They also must discern if the person is just trying to get out of the military, or it's something sincere."

She recalled one Marine who became an objector after joining a Mennonite church.

"It was really an honest introspection," she said. "He was struggling with the military once he became a Mennonite." unconditional love

The Woodliff brothers said they really didn't expect their parents to attend their homecoming.

"I begged my mother to come, but I knew she wouldn't," Johel said. "Several families know our situation and have taken us under their wing. My mom knows I'll always have love for her. I believe love is unconditional."

His brother is less forgiving.

"What's the most important thing in the Bible? Love and family," Jason asked.

"It's not like I blasphemed God or worshipped the devil. It's just ridiculous to me."

parents' reply

In a written statement, Thomas and Mia Woodliff respond: "We love our sons and are saddened that they have expressed public disappointment regarding what should be a private, family matter, that is, our choice not to attend the recent homecoming party for the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines. As you know, we are Jehovah's Witnesses and are neutral as to the political and military affairs of the world. We base our beliefs on Scriptures such as John 17:14, 16, Matthew 5:43, 44 and Matthew 26:52 among others. This means we are neither for nor against the political involvements of the 200-plus nations that we can be found in. This does not mean that we do not love the land in which we live, or that we disrespect the government or those in authority. We recognize that each nations ruling authority has the right to enact and enforce laws, make foreign policy and to purse its own sovereign interests. We simply choose not to participate.

"However, we are generally known as exemplary taxpayers and citizens and we try to follow the laws of the land to the extent that our Bible-trained conscience will individually permit. Which leads us to the main point of our statement. Our two sons were taught to be peace-loving followers of Jesus Christ. Instead, they have chosen a different path. We respect their right to chose whatever lifestyle they wish. And we hope one day for reconciliation so that we can be a united family again. We have many fond memories of the abundant good times we shared together. In the meantime, please be assured that the current difference in point of view, and the separation in ties that has occurred as a result, does not mean that we love our children less."

WHAT DO WITNESSES BELIEVE?

Founded in 1881 by Charles T. Russell of Pittsburgh, Jehovah's Witnesses, or the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, centers on preparation for the second coming of Christ.

Witnesses believe that Christ returned to Earth in 1914 by way of an "invisible presence," and that his presence remains on earth today.

Though members consider themselves Christians, their doctrine rejects several tenets of orthodox Christianity: n Witnesses reject the concept of a "triune" God. They believe that Jesus was God's first creation, not God incarnate. They also believe the Holy Spirit is a "force" of God, not the third person of the Trinity.

n Witnesses reject the Christian tenet that Jesus' resurrection was physical; rather, they believe he received a "spirit" body and that his physical body was disposed of by Jehovah.

n They also reject the idea of an eternal hell, believing instead that people who refuse to repent will suffer an eternal death.

n Witnesses also eschew blood transfusions, based on the Book of Leviticus in the Old Testament, which forbids ingestion of meats containing blood, and Acts 15:29 in the New Testament.

n Christmas, Easter and family birthdays are not observed because Witnesses believe they're based on pagan traditions.

n Jehovah's Witnesses refuse to salute the flag or engage in military service, based on their belief that God will fight all battles and exact justice. They also embrace political neutrality.

n During World War II, more than 2,500 members were killed in Nazi concentration camps. Prior to the war, Witnesses were branded heretics by mainline German churches in Germany. In 1935, the sect was outlawed. Even after the war, persecution of members continued throughout the world.

n Currently, nearly 1,000 Jehovah's Witnesses are in jail in South Korea for refusing to serve in that country's military. South Korea has no provision for alternative service.

http://www.cantonrep.com

E-mail the webmaster at: [email protected]

49

Charles Taze Russell & His Secret Mission To S. California That Killed Him

by West70 in

the last 5 months of charles taze russell's life was quite hectic, and according to reports in the watch tower magazine, russell's health was declining throughout.

in september, 1916, russell went on a convention train tour which lasted nearly the entire month.

this train tour included stops in several southern california locations around the 8th through the 12th.

West70

Consider the following Notice that Russell published in the September 1 issue of the WT, just prior to his first trip to California:

-------------------------------------------

"Brethren write us from time to time respecting inventions, patents, mining claims, etc., desiring that THE WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY should join with them in the development of these --kindly offering the principal portion of all the profits.

"We greatly appreciate these kind offers, the generous hearts behind them, and the love for the Truth and its service thus manifested. But we are obliged to refuse all such offers, because the Society engages in no kind of business for profit. It confines its business transactions to financiering the Pilgrim Work, publishing the SCRIPTURE STUDIES, etc., and supplying them at cost or below cost; publishing THE WATCH TOWER, publishing the BIBLE STUDENTS MONTHLY, etc., and in the presentation, and formerly in the showing, of the PHOTO-DRAMA OF CREATION.

"The Society engages in no kind of mining or patent business or speculations. The money under its control comes from the Lord's consecrated people, and often represents hard-earned funds and self-sacrificing economy; it is used strictly and only for the forwarding of the Truth according to the best judgment of the executive officers.

"This does not mean any unwillingness to counsel with any of the brethren in respect to their earthly affairs and interests. We are glad to give such advice as we may be able to give on every matter, temporal or spiritual, involving the interests of the Lord's consecrated saints.

-------------------------------------

This Notice just struck me as odd. Was the Society so inundated in 1916 with such "business propositions" that it was worthy of space in the WT magazine to stop such?

Would not anyone making such a "business proposition" already know that the Society did not and would partner with such?

To me, this sounds more like an effort by Russell to quash ongoing rumors linking the Society to "a project" that possibly he and others connected with the Society might already be doing on the side????

Remember that contributions fell drastically after Oct 1914, and probably even more after Oct 1915.

I know that other WT researchers probably know where I am going with this. If so, have you eliminated that as a possibility for the purpose of this trip that ended up killing Russell?

49

Charles Taze Russell & His Secret Mission To S. California That Killed Him

by West70 in

the last 5 months of charles taze russell's life was quite hectic, and according to reports in the watch tower magazine, russell's health was declining throughout.

in september, 1916, russell went on a convention train tour which lasted nearly the entire month.

this train tour included stops in several southern california locations around the 8th through the 12th.

West70

The last 5 months of Charles Taze Russell's life was quite hectic, and according to reports in the Watch Tower magazine, Russell's health was declining throughout.

In September, 1916, Russell went on a Convention Train Tour which lasted nearly the entire month. This train tour included stops in several southern California locations around the 8th through the 12th.

Russell arrived back in Brooklyn sometime in the last few days of September. After making a number of administrative adjustments, on October 16, Russell and evidently only Menta Sturgeon jumped on a train again and headed back to California. Alhough Russell and Sturgeon made a number of "pilgrim" stops along the way, particularly in Texas, it seems that the real purpose of the trip was to again visit the southern California area.

Note the followig excerpt from Sturgeon's account of the trip, which seems to throw out some very strong "hints" about some "problems" occurring which related to "business propositions". Russell spent an entire day somewhere in southern California that was off the main railroad line. The next day's trip to speak to the LA Bible Students appears to have been done only to provide "cover" for the real purpose of the trip. After the LA speech, Russell headed back to Brooklyn, but never made it.

Anyone have any idea what "business propositions" in southern California were so significant that Russell could not have handled such by letter or telegraph?

Frankly, I do NOT believe this relates to the issue of Rutherford's later taking over control of the Society. I believe something else was going on in S. Ca. Anyone else have any ideas or speculations. Please keep in mind that this is 1916; not pre-1914.

--------------------------

"On Friday night, when we reached a junction point in California where we had to change trains, Brother Russell arose and dressed as usual, although, of course, he was very weak. This is just what we thought he would do when it came time for his next meeting; for he had often done so before. All day Saturday, under severe pain, in great weakness, with obstructions piling up before him every moment, he struggled with business propositions like a giant. We have never seen or heard of anything to equal his heroism. Friends had disappointed him, and he wondered if the Lord were not against him in some things. His trials thickened and deepened. Not a murmur or complaint did he utter. He had promised the Lord that he would not, and he kept his promise. He was so great that I nearly always hesitated about drawing near to him.

"Our train was an hour or more late in arriving in Los Angeles on Sunday morning, October 29th, ... ."

87

To: Barbara Anderson -- Re: First WatchTower President

by West70 in

i am primarily posting this to barbara anderson, but obviously everyone is welcome to correct or comment on my remarks as they see fit.

mrs. anderson, i realize that trying to cover all bases in your pending russell bio would be impossible, but i do hope that you will be able to include a section on the first president of the watch tower society, william h. conley.

i hope that you have had a chance to research conley with some degree of thoroughness, so as to dispel some of the half-truths that some bible students and jws try to promote (such as that conley's age and health caused his inactivity with russell after 1881).

West70

Thanks Steve for your excellent info. I'm tired, so I'll wait until tomorrow to comment or ask questions.

64

Rutherford's wife, why the info blackout?

by VM44 in

jw
friends

rutherford ruled the watchtower organization from 1916 to 1942, traveled extensively, had several residences, most notably, beth sarim.

but absent always was his wife, mary, not to mention his son, malcolm as well.. ok, rutherford was so well known, why did no one inquire about his son and wife?.

when rutherford resided at beth sarim in san diego, why was his wife not there with him?

West70

I just did a quick scan of this thread and I saw at least 2 different posts which state that Malcom Rutherford was NOT connected with the WatchTower Society, nor was a JW.

That is WRONG!

Malcom Rutherford served as Charles Taze Russell's personal stenographer, and the August 1, 1911 issue of the Watch Tower Magazine even compiments him as being "faithful" and that he "materially assisted in the work" during the summer Convention Tour across the U.S. and Canada.

Malcom also served as Russell's stenographer during the 1913 Convention Tour.

Although I don't know of any other references to Malcom, these two instances would seem to indicate that Malcom was a Bethelite who accompanied his parents Joseph and Mary when they moved to Bethelehem. :)

It is entirely possible that some Watch Tower references to "Bro. Rutherford" during and after this time period were actually referring to Malcom rather than the Judge.

87

To: Barbara Anderson -- Re: First WatchTower President

by West70 in

i am primarily posting this to barbara anderson, but obviously everyone is welcome to correct or comment on my remarks as they see fit.

mrs. anderson, i realize that trying to cover all bases in your pending russell bio would be impossible, but i do hope that you will be able to include a section on the first president of the watch tower society, william h. conley.

i hope that you have had a chance to research conley with some degree of thoroughness, so as to dispel some of the half-truths that some bible students and jws try to promote (such as that conley's age and health caused his inactivity with russell after 1881).

West70

Steve:

Thanks so much for posting all this additional info. I didn't want to say anything in my last post, but yes, I had seen the TKC excerpt before, just as I have seen Russell's ZWT article about Peters and Theocratic Kingdom. However, quite frankly, I had forgotten both. I'm not that old, but I do have a bad case of CRS. If you had not posted these, I don't know when or if I would have remembered them. I'm sure there are also some readers who have not seen these excerpts.

With regard to Theocratic Kingdom, I need to wade through my boxes, dig them out, and refresh my memory as to what they say about Barbour, Storrs, etc. Do you happen to have a list of the volumes and page numbers for all the people you listed?

I'm not sure that I am clear in my previous posts. Yes, I agree that the founding of ZWTTS, and the publishing and distribution of FOOD and TAB were initially motivated by Russell's expectations for 1881. However, by the time that the tracts actually were distributed, it is my recollection (correct me if I'm wrong) that Russell was already revising some things.

Also, as indicated above, I don't believe Conley was disappointed or disillusioned in 1881, but that such occurred sometime thereafter between 1882-4.

With regard to comparing Barbour's and Russell's belief in a "secret" and "invisible" parousia with the beliefs of other theologians of that period and even today, I would advise "caution". Although B&R's interpretations seem at glance to be similar to some other's interpretations, I don't beleive they really are. Pre-trib rapture views that Christ returns for Xians at the beginning of a 7 year or a 3.5/3.5 years Tribulation period do not necessarily equate to the "return" that B&R thought occurred in 1874. Is not their "invisibly present in the vicinity of the earth" (my wording) unique to B&R? There are also the differences in the timing of the resurrection and "rapture", as well eventually after 1878 and 1881 as to definition of the Trib period(s), and what occurrs at the end of such. I don't claim to be up to date on any of the previous -- either B&R or other's interpretations.

With regard to Russell's acquaintance with Peters, such could have been through Conley, or even possibly Joseph Russell. Joseph Russell and family apparently lived in Philadelphia during some of the same periods of time as did George Storrs, Henry Grew, and of course Joseph Seiss.

One of my major suspicions is that Joseph Russell was at least acquaited with some of these characters and/or their writings, and that he had introduced such to Charles Taze.

As for Joseph Seiss, he was known to just about any Lutheran who was not living in a cave. Seiss visited the Pittsburgh area Lutheran churches during his travels, and was even offered a Pastorage (or whatever) in a Pittsburgh church in the late 1850s.

I can't recall their name right now, but the Millenarian sect of Lutherans who somewhat paralleled the Second Adventists were headquartered in Economy, Pennsylvania in the 1860s. Economy is only 25-30 miles NW of Allegheny, thus these folks would have exercised some influence amongst Pitt Lutherans and others. Interestingly, they taught NO MARRIAGE. They also believed the Second Advent would occur around 1868-8, or soon thereafter.

I would enjoy your corrections or comments. Thanks.

87

To: Barbara Anderson -- Re: First WatchTower President

by West70 in

i am primarily posting this to barbara anderson, but obviously everyone is welcome to correct or comment on my remarks as they see fit.

mrs. anderson, i realize that trying to cover all bases in your pending russell bio would be impossible, but i do hope that you will be able to include a section on the first president of the watch tower society, william h. conley.

i hope that you have had a chance to research conley with some degree of thoroughness, so as to dispel some of the half-truths that some bible students and jws try to promote (such as that conley's age and health caused his inactivity with russell after 1881).

West70

Stev:

Thanks for posting that TKC excerpt. I'm not sure how you intended the contents to reflect on my assertions, so please post such. I'm often wrong as often as I am correct on early Russell and Watchtower history, since Russell did not print anymore of the history than he had to, and even then, you better not take it at face value.

This excerpt does now allow one to compare "tract pages" circulated in 1881 with the "record" which Russell reported in the 1894 Annual Report. Russell stated that 1894's 23,321,000 tract pages was ZWT Tract Society's most successful year ever. However, when you multipy 1,400,000 copies of FOOD by 166 pages, that equals 232,400,000 tract pages, if my calculator got the zeros right. Assuming so, 1894's "record" was only 10% of 1881's circulation. Is that right?

Also, the $42,000. which Russell reports spent on FOOD does not match the $35,XXX. which ZWTTS reported as receipts for 1881, nor does it match it if you include 1882's reported receipts of $3XXX.

Do you suppose Russell was saying that an additional $42,000 was spent on "distribution alone"? If so, then I definitely know why Conley was peeved.

I can't really see how the excerpt changes my other assertions, so please help me if I am in "brain-lock".

Thanks.

87

To: Barbara Anderson -- Re: First WatchTower President

by West70 in

i am primarily posting this to barbara anderson, but obviously everyone is welcome to correct or comment on my remarks as they see fit.

mrs. anderson, i realize that trying to cover all bases in your pending russell bio would be impossible, but i do hope that you will be able to include a section on the first president of the watch tower society, william h. conley.

i hope that you have had a chance to research conley with some degree of thoroughness, so as to dispel some of the half-truths that some bible students and jws try to promote (such as that conley's age and health caused his inactivity with russell after 1881).

West70

Stev:

WADR, I disagree that Conley became disillusioned with Russell due to Russell's failed predictions for 1881.

First, I believe that Conley may have put up as much as $30,000 of the over $35,000. donated to ZWT Tract Society in 1881. (Just look at what donations averaged from 1882 into the early 1890s, when "members" and "donations" finally started picking up.) In 1881, $30,000. was a small fortune.

I believe it is more likely that Conley was disappointed that his outlay of this "fortune" did not bring any more results than it did.

ZWT Tract Society was legally formed in Spring (was it March?) 1881. I don't believe "FOOD" had any major circulation until late Summer or Fall, and "TABERNACLE" wasn't even ready until around December. By the time all these factors were planned and executed, I believe that Conley already knew Russell was wrong about a 1881 rapture.

As I pointed out on page 1 of this thread, although Conley was an "Advent Christian", I don't believe that he was a hardcore "timist" or "date-setter". As previously noted, in 1873/4 when the "time brethren" ACCs were predicting the fiery Second Advent, Conley was busy establishing the new "Riter & Conley" partnership after the death of the business founder, and keeping business operations going. (However, I do believe that even Conley and other "non-timist" ACCs believed that the SA was due "any time", and that they probably quietly hoped their "time brethren's" predictions were accurate. Recall that even "highly-burned" George Storrs refused to condemn the 1873/4 predictions.)

Also, remember that 1881 was not the first time Russell's predictions had failed to materialize. Remember 1878!!! Conley had to "forgive" Russell for 1878 also. Who knows if Conley even believed in Russell's 1878 or 1881 predictions. We must keep in mind that the ACC mindset of the 1850s-1880s parallels very closely that of the JWs of the 1910s-2005. While "date-setting" is the life-blood of the two movements, some followers had different commitment levels to different dates, and even that varied fromtime period to time period. One follower might be highly committed to one date prediction, and then 20 years later be committed only to "any day now", and vice versa.

We do know that "something" drastic happened to the Conley and Russell Families relationship between 1882 and mid-1884. We need to keep in mind all that these two families had been through during the 1870s.

Although I believe Conley's "disappointment" was due to practically no results from his $30,000 (?) donation, I can't help but wonder if his "disillusionment" was something more. After all, why be disillusioned NOW, after 1878 and 1881?

In 1893 and 1894, ZWT Tract Society distributed roughly 1.2 to 1.3 million "tracts" each year, and paid Tower Publishing Company roughly $7000 each year for such. In 1881, ZWTTS paid over $35,000 to distribute roughly the same number of tracts. Did Russell's publishing operation take a cut of this $35,000 in 1881, as it did in later years? Or, did ZWTTS pay some other publisher an exorbitant amount for the same amount of tracts? Given both Russell's and Conley's proven business acumen, I doubt that ZWTTS would have overpaid someone else that large of an amount.

Given all that they had been through "religiously" over the years, I believe that Conley would have had to have felt that Russell had taken advantage of him to some degree for Conley to part company.

While Conley's 1894 LTTE might indicate such was not the case, just keep in mind that "time heals all wounds", plus Conley was then in the twilight of his life, and probably looking to put the past behind them.