One of the more interesting facts about the early Organization is how Jehovah brought together the men that would be needed. If you consider how MacMillian and Rutherford and others were introduced to the Truth and how quickly they were put to use and trained, it becomes apparent that Jehovah was setting these men up for some very important work in moving the Earthly part of the Organization forward. I want to share Judge Rutherford's story. How did Jehovah bring the Truth to Judge Rutherford? An experience from 1894, and a letter. "Gentlemen: - Enclosed herewith please find Exchange On New York for the sum of $6 .00, for which please send me ZION's WATCH TOWER One year and copies Of MILLENNIAL DAWN. By way of explanation for ordering this amount of books, I desire to say that, about two months ago, two young ladies [Watch Tower pioneers] came into my [law] office selling those books. I was very busy when they presented their card; and, seeing that they were ladies selling books, I bought the three volumes, thinking that by so doing I was helping them out. I have since concluded that these ladies brought to me "glad tidings of great joy." I took the books home, and thought little of them, until a few weeks ago, when I had some spare time, I began reading the first volume, and it was so very interesting that I could not stop. The result is, my dear wife and myself have read these books with the keenest interest, and we consider it a God-send and a great blessing that we have had the opportunity of coming in contact with them. They are indeed a "helping hand" to the study of the Bible. The great truths revealed in the study of this series have simply reversed our earthly aspirations; and realizing to some extent, at least, the great opportunity for doing something for Christ, we intend to take advantage of this opportunity in distributing these books, first, among our nearest relatives and friends, and then among the poor who desire to read them and are unable to purchase ; and for that reason we desire these extra copies . . . . Yours, etc . Lawyer J.F. Rutherford 1894" There are two points in this letter that has always impressed me. We think of Brother Rutherford as gruff and sharp in his speech and manner, and to some he was. But notice, he bought the books to help out the ladies. He was kind and thoughtful. Also, his humility. Brother Rutherford was a big boisterous man, yet in this letter he displayed humility in that without question he set out to start in the preaching work. So how quickly did things change for Brother Rutherford? Notice the "Diving Purpose" book page 65. "That's right. Then, twelve years later, in 1906, he dedicated his life to Jehovah God, thus becoming an ordained Christian minister as well as an attorney." Rutherford was baptized in 1906 and after that things moved very quickly. "Divine Purpose" book page 65. "In 1907 Rutherford became the Watch Tower Society's legal counselor at the Pittsburgh headquarters to handle its court cases. And at the same time he was sent out to give public talks as one of the pilgrim representatives of the Society." Rutherford was quickly put to use. Keep in mind this man gave up his law practice to devote his time and service to the Lord's work. In 1908 Rutherford along with others were dispatched to Ney York to look for a place to relocate the headquarters. I will do more post on Brother Rutherford at a later time. However, it is very apparent that Jehovah put this man to use right away.
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AuthorI enjoy history, research and study. Archives
December 2024
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