Was the F & D always a "class"?

by openminded 14 Replies latest jw friends

openminded

I need you guys to point me toward any proof that the WTS used to beleive that the F & D was Russel himself and not a group of chosen ones. THANKS in Advance -OM
dungbeetle

The harp of God Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (1921)
page 239, paragraph 420
420 Without a doubt Pastor Russell filled the office for which the Lord provided and about which he spoke, and was therefore that wise and faithful servant, ministering to the household of faith meat in due season. Pastor Russell finished his earthly course in 1916.
If I knew how, I would be happy to put a scan of the page in here. There is much more to it than just this paragraph.
dungbeetle...roll, roll, roll that dung!
MacHislopp

Hello Openminded,
thanks for your question, and just
quickly to add something to db's answer :
Referring to C.T. Russell, the book " Jehovah's witnesses
in the divine purpose " published in 1958, wrote in page 95,
2nd col. :
" It was the published and eccepted thought down till
1927 that he was "that servant" of Matthew 24:45 ." *
*f.n. w. 1927 pp.55,56
So you can see that for DECADES C.T. Russell was " that servant"
and not part of the class. Later, with ...revised version of the
facts...came - the class - , the - governing body - etc. etc.
,
Greetings, J.C.MacHislopp
" One who has an accurate knowledge
of God's Word will have no problem
in refuting false religious ideas".
RR

It should be noted that, Russell himself did not believe he was the FDS. His wife was the one who pushed the issue. His writings support both views. But he never claimed it for himself. Rutherford in trying to appease the Bible STudents of that time, really pushed the issue, even claiming Russell was still directing the Society from heaven.
Rutherford never claimed the title for himself, instead he dubbed himself the greatest Bible expositor of his time. He later held to the idea that the FDS was all anointed ones, and then later during the Knorr/Franz era, this group was idenfied exlusively by the GB. Although the GB claim they just represent the FDS. But you and I both know that is not the case. When WItnesses refer to the FDS, they refer to ONLY the GB, not Br. Joe in the back of the hall.
If you need a copy of any of the references given in this thread, let me know!
RR
____________________________
Religion is man's attempt to reach God,
Jesus is God's attempt to reach man.
MrMoe

Thanks for the insight RR-
My thoughts are that according to the bible the faithful and discreet is any one person doing the will of God and that upon the "rapture" when Jesus arrives this faithful person will be rewarded. Proper "food" is preaching work done by this faithful slave when he provides the message of good news and life in heaven to those who are distressed over being sick, poor etc. No where does the bible call this person a class. I am so damn sick of classes - and the WT is one of the most guilty for causing upper and lower class/rank JW's.
slave

only those who are faithful and discreet know the answer.
AlanF

To openminded:
: I need you guys to point me toward any proof that the WTS used to beleive that the F & D was Russel himself and not a group of chosen ones.
Below is an extract of a post I made to one "Dunsscot" several months ago on this subject. You'll find proof from the pages of The Watchtower that it indeed taught that Russell was "that slave":
Here is one quotation from Watchtower literature (the 1973 book God's Kingdom of a Thousand Years Has Approached) that Dunsscot set forth to 'prove' that Russell was humble, and more importantly, that he never claimed to be "the faithful and wise servant":
*** ka 345-6 17 The "Slave" Who Lived to See the "Sign" ***
... Watch Tower issue of November, 1881, page 5. In the fourth- and fifth-last paragraphs of the article "In the Vineyard," he {Russell} said:
We believe that every member of this body of Christ is engaged in the blessed work, either directly or indirectly, of giving meat in due season to the household of faith. "Who then is that faithful and wise servant whom his Lord hath made ruler over his household," to give them meat in due season? Is it not that "little flock" of consecrated servants who are faithfully carrying out their consecration vows-the body of Christ-and is not the whole body individually and collectively, giving the meat in due season to the household of faith-the great company of believers?
Blessed is that servant (the whole body of Christ) whom his Lord when he has come (Gr. elthon) shall find so doing. "Verily, I say unto you, that he shall make him ruler over all his goods." "He shall inherit all things."
31 From this it is clearly seen that the editor and publisher of Zion's Watch Tower disavowed any claim to being individually, in his person, that "faithful and wise servant." He never did claim to be such.* However, he did continue to edit the Watch Tower magazine down to the day of his death on October 31, 1916.
So in 1881, Russell believed that "that servant" was really "the church", that small group of Christians who were 'taking the lead' in teaching other Christians. However, any serious student of the history of the Watchtower Society knows that the bolded statement in the above-quoted paragraph 31 is a bald-faced lie. In 1895 Russell's wife Maria convinced Charles that he was indeed "that servant" and he included thinly veiled references to himself as "that servant" in subsequent issues of Zion's Watch Tower. He never explicitly claimed such in printed publications but in private conversation the Society itself documents that he did (see below for references). For a lot more detail on this, see James Penton's Apocolypse Delayed (2nd edition, pp. 33-35).
A little research shows that the above-quoted book contains a second lie. The 2nd statement in paragraph 31 contains a footnote, which says:
See the book The Battle of Armageddon, published in 1897, page 613, under the heading "Dispensing of Food to the Household.-Matt. 24:45-51; Luke 12:42-46."
But Russell's 1897 book actually says this concerning "the faithful and wise servant" (p. 613, 1916 edition):
The intimation here seems to be, that at the particular time indicated by the prophecy, -- namely, during the Lord's presence {which Russell taught began in 1874; original is bolded}, and at the time of the gathering of the elect {which Russell taught began between 1844 and 1874} -- our Lord, the great Servant of his people, will make choice of one channel {original is bolded} for dispensing the meat in due season, though other channels or "fellow servants" will be used in bringing the food to the "household." But the servant is merely a steward, and liable to be removed at any moment, should he fail to fully and duly acknowledge in every particular, the Master... Faithfulness on the part of said steward (both to the "Master" and to "his fellow-servants" and "the household") will be rewarded by his continuance as steward; -- so long as he serves faithfully, he may continue, and may serve the household ... But if unfaithful he will be deposed entirely and put into outer darkness, while presumably another would take the place, subject to the same conditions.
Obviously at that time, Russell was teaching quite the opposite from what he taught in 1881, namely, that the "faithful and wise servant" is a person and not a group within the Christian church.
The fact that C. T. Russell came to believe that he personally was the "faithful and wise servant" or the "faithful and discreet slave" is proved by a number of direct statements in Watchtower literature.
From The Watch Tower, December 1, 1916 (p. 5998 Reprints):
It is here interesting to note that Jesus said, "Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord, when he cometh, shall find so doing! Verily, I say unto you that he shall make him ruler over all his goods." Thousands of the readers of Pastor Russell's writings believe that he filled the office of "that faithful and wise servant," and that his great work was giving to the household of faith meat in due season. His modesty and humility precluded him from openly claiming this title, but he admitted as much in private conversation.
From The Finished Mystery, Studies in the Scriptures, Series VII, "75,000 Edition", 1917, p. 4:
In 1879 Charles Taze Russell began the publication of THE WATCH TOWER, of which he was the sole editor as long as he remained on earth. THE WATCH TOWER was, and is, the first and only journal declaring the presence of the Lord Jesus. Pastor Russell being the messenger to the Laodicean Church, and occupying the position of the Lord's special servant to give the Household of Faith meat in due season, it was to be expected that he would bring forth from the Lord's great "Storehouse" the needed spiritual food for the Church, in harmony with God's will. By the Lord's grace he wrote the six volumes of STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES, which writings, aside from the Bible, have gladdened more hearts and thrilled Christians with greater hope and joyful expectation than have any other writings extant. These books have been properly designated "Keys to the Divine Plan of the Ages."
From The Watch Tower, March 1, 1922:
p. 70:
"NONE OF THE WICKED SHALL UNDERSTAND"
... It will be disputed by some even who have come to a knowledge of present truth, that Brother Russell occupied any more peculiar relationship to the Lord than any other servant of follower of Jesus. In him we find another example of one who applied his heart to wisdom.
What was his peculiar relationship to the Lord, and why was and still is he the special target of the adversary? Let us examine the evidence here upon these points.
pp. 72-74:
THE WISE SHALL UNDERSTAND
...
Jesus plainly said that during the time of his presence he would have a faithful and wise servant whom he would use to give meat to the household (of faith) in due season. Every one today who has a knowledge of the divine plan of the ages must truthfully answer that he derived that knowledge from studying his Bible in connection with what Brother Russell wrote; that before such time he did not even know that God had a plan of salvation. Every person who today is rejoicing in the light of the truth of God's Word realizes that the Lord brought to him that truth, unfolding it through the ministrations and work begun by Brother Russell shortly following the presence of the Lord.
Was he a servant of the Lord? No one who knew him and who tells the truth can deny the fact that he was a servant, because he gave his time over to service. He devoted all of his earthly possessions that others might gain a knowledge of God's plan. He devoted his life from the time of his early manhood until his death in going throughout the earth serving others in the name of the Lord.
A FAITHFUL AND WISE SERVANT
Was he faithful? This question must be answered in the affirmative...
WISE TOWARD GOD
...
The indisputable facts, therefore, show that the "time of the end" began in 1799; that the Lord's second presence began in 1874; that the harvest followed thereafter and greater light has come upon the Word of God. In this connection, then, let us note the words of Jesus: "Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing." (Matthew 24:45, 46) It must be conceded, then, that at the end of the world, at the "time of the end", during the presence of the Lord, during the harvest, he would have in the earth a servant who would be faithful and wise. The physical facts show that Brother Russell met every one of these requirements. This prophetic utterance, then, has been fulfilled. Therefore fulfilled prophecy, or physical facts, and the circumstantial evidence are conclusive proofs that Brother Russell filled the office of that faithful and wise servant. He applied his heart unto wisdom.
Note that the arguments presented in the above quote are virtually identical to those that Russell presented in his 1897 book.
From The Watch Tower, May 1, 1922 (pp. 131-132):
AMBITION'S FRUITAGE
Ever and anon there arises some one who has been following the Lord, for a time at least, who possesses a measure of beauty of mind and character, and possibly of person---one who takes himself too seriously. He succeeds in convincing himself that the Lord has appointed him to look after things divine and to lead God's people out of the wilderness. As he goes on in this way, he becomes convinced in his own mind that the Lord made a mistake in selecting Brother Russell as that servant; and this doubt leads to the conclusion later on that Brother Russell was not "that servant" at all. He begins to doubt what Brother Russell wrote, and so expresses himself. Now he disregards the Lord's Word, which says: "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Thus disregarding this admonition, and being led on by the subtle influence of the adversary, he convinces himself that it is his solemn duty to undo all the things that Brother Russell taught and to turn the church's vision in the right way. He prepares a manuscript and charts in support of same, setting forth his views. Submitting it to others and being advised that his thoughts are wrong, he construes this to mean a desire to prevent him from permitting his light to shine, and disregards such advice. So thoroughly is he impressed that he must thus teach the people and undo that which has been taught, that he begins the publication of his thoughts and to send these forth to the consecrated. His arguments seem plausible to those who make only a superficial examination, and especially to those who have forgotten what they were taught. Doubt arises in the minds of some who thus read. Now the test is on...
FAITHFULNESS IS LOYALTY
To be faithful means to be loyal. To be loyal to the Lord means to be obedient to the Lord. To abandon or repudiate the Lord's chosen instrument means to abandon or repudiate the Lord himself, upon the principle that he who rejects the servant sent by the Master thereby rejects the Master.
There is no one in present truth today who can honestly say that he received a knowledge of the divine plan from any source other than by the ministry of Brother Russell, either directly or indirectly. Through his prophet Ezekiel Jehovah forshadowed the office of a servant, designating him as one clothed with linen, with a writer's inkhorn by his side, who was delegated to go throughout the city (Christendom) and comfort those that sighed by enlightening their minds relative to God's great plan. Be it noted that this was a favor bestowed not by man, but by the Lord himself. But in keeping with the Lord's arrangement he used a man. The man who filled that office, by the Lord's grace, was Brother Russell.
Jesus clearly indicated that during his second presence he would have amongst the church a faithful and wise servant, through whom he would give to the household of faith meat in due season. The evidence is overwhelming concerning the Lord's second presence, the time of the harvest, and that the office of "that servant" has been filled by Brother Russell. This is not man-worship by any means. It matters not who Charles T. Russell was--whether he was a doctor, a hod-carrier or a seller of shirts. St. Peter was a fisherman; St. Paul a lawyer. But these matters are immaterial. Above all, these men were the chosen vessels of the Lord. Regardless of his earthly avocation, above all, Brother Russell was the Lord's servant. Then to repudiate him and his works is equivalent to a repudiation of the Lord, upon the principle heretofore announced.
That last statement has evolved so as to become today's Fundamental Doctrine of Jehovah's Witnesses.
From The Watch Tower, March 1, 1923 (pp. 67-69):
HIS SECOND COMING
The fact of our Lord's second coming is definitely settled by the Scriptures. (John 14:2, 3; Acts 1:11; 2 Timothy 4:8) The Scriptures show that his second presence was due in 1874. (See C83-127.) Also it is definitely settled by his own words, that at the time of his second presence he would gird himself, cause his servants to sit down to meat, and would come forth and serve them. (Luke 12:37) He also firmly establishes the fact that during his presence he would conduct a harvest work (Matthew 13:18-40; 24:31); and with equal force he states that at that time he would appoint some one to the office of that "faithful and wise servant" and make him ruler over all his goods. (Matthew 24:45-47) These points are incontrovertible; therefore must be considered by all reasonable and fair-minded Christians as conclusively settled.
By proof is meant the physical facts in fulfilment of prophetic utterances by the Lord or some of his inspired witnesses. This proof shows that the Lord has been present since 1874, and that he has been conducting and is still conducting a harvest work; and that this harvest work has gathered together from every creed and denomination, and from the four quarters of the earth, as well as from all the ecclesiastical systems, those who really love the Lord. It must be conceded, then, that this work of the Lord is done in an orderly way. He could do it in no other way except in an orderly way. If it is conceded that he began his work in an orderly way, the burden of proof is on the objectors to show that he would afterward change his course and do that work in a disorderly way. The presumption must be indulged that he would continue it in an orderly way, even to a completion.
In connection with his presence and the harvest work, the office of that "faithful and wise servant" is important, and is made so by the Lord himself. The one who fills that office is made ruler over all the Lord's goods during the time of his incumbency in office. The office of that "faithful and wise servant" therefore is a part of the orderly manner in which the Lord carries on his work during his second presence. The office is of far greater importance than the individual who fills the office; for if the officer placed in the office should fail to fill it properly, the office would still exist, and the Lord could easily appoint or assign some one else to fill that office.
We believe that all who are now rejoicing in present truth will concede that Brother Russell faithfully filled the office of special servant of the Lord; and that he was made ruler over all the Lord's goods.
The above teaching about Russell is crystal clear. The quoted Watch Tower article then goes on to explain exactly what Russell meant in earlier Watch Tower articles when he referred to one individual as being "that servant". This proves exactly what the Watchtower Society was teaching and caused Bible Students to believe up until 1927. It proves that today's statements by the Society that indicate that Russell did not teach that he was "that servant" are pure historical revisionism -- bold-faced lies. The article continues:
Discussing this question of "that servant" himself in THE WATCH TOWER (April 15, 1904), Brother Russell said:
" `Who then is the faithful and wise steward whom his Lord shall set over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season?' The implication seems to be that when the right time should come for understanding the parable, it would be clearly set forth: that at the time of the parable's fulfilment the Lord would appoint a servant in the household to bring these matters to the attention of all the servants, and that certain responsibilities would rest upon such a one respecting the dispatch of his duties. If faithfully performed, a great blessing would be his reward; and if unfaithful to his charge, severe penalties would be inflicted. The implication would be also that if faithful the servant would be continued in his service, and if unfaithful he would be dismissed and another take the position and its responsiblities.
". . . there would be no violation of principle, however, in supposing that the Lord at the time indicated would specially use one member of his church as the channel or instrument through which he would send the appropriate messages, spiritual nourishment appropriate at that time; because at various times in the past the Lord has used individuals in such a manner."--WATCH TOWER REPRINTS, pages 3355, 3356.
If Brother Russell filled that office, then it must be conceded that he did so under the supervision of the Lord. "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord." (Psalm 37:23) Acting under the supervision of the Lord, Brother Russell organized the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society. In expressing his reason why the Society was organized, he said:
"It seems tolerably certain that some of the saints will be in the flesh during a great part at least of the `time of trouble'; and if so, there will be need of printed matter, tracts, etc., as much then, perhaps, as now, and possibly will be more heeded; for when the judgments of the Lord are `in the earth the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.' (Isaiah 26:9) Should those at present prominently identified with the work {undoubtedly referring to himself} not be the LAST to be `changed,' some interruption of the work might result; but this may be obviated by having a legal standing, granted by a State Charter."--WATCH TOWER REPRINTS, page 671.
I must point out that "page 671" from Watch Tower Reprints is from the October, 1884 issue. Thus, according to the Watchtower Society in 1923, Russell as early as 1884 was "undoubtedly referring to himself" as "that servant". The article continues:
In modest phrase Brother Russell here clearly indicated that it was his thought that the Society, as organized in an orderly manner, would carry on the work begun by him and finish that which had been committed to him personally. Often when asked by others, Who is that faithful and wise servant?--Brother Russell would reply: "Some say I am; while others say the Society is." Both statements were true; for Brother Russell was in fact the Society in a most absolute sense, in this, that he directed the policy and course of the Society without regard to any other person on earth. He sometimes sought advice of others connected with the Society, listened to their suggestions, and then did according to his own judgment, believing that the Lord would have him thus do.
Since Brother Russell's "change" some who believe that he filled the office of "that servant" have said that the Lord has cast off the Society. Is such a conclusion either reasonable or Scriptural? Brother Russell's own thought was that the Society would continue to do the Lord's work as above indicated. Besides, if the Lord was pleased to have this organization started originally for his purposes, why should he cast it off? Why not continue to direct the servants therein according to his own will or supply other servants? Such is the reasonable conclusion.
Do not the facts prove beyond a doubt that the Lord has been doing some harvest work during the past six years and since the death of Brother Russell? During that time have not many been gathered to the Lord, even out from the world, and have manifested every evidence of acceptance with the Lord? If the Lord, then, has been doing a work and is still doing it, is it reasonable to conclude that he is doing it in an orderly manner? If the Society is not being used to fulfil the office in carrying out the work, then who is? Can any of the murmurers or objectors point to another arrangement the Lord has in which he is carrying out his work? If any of them know of any other arrangement, let them come forward and name it. If there is any such other arrangement that the Lord has, all the saints will want to be in harmony with it and serve in the Lord's way, and not man's way.
WHAT CONSTITUTES THE SOCIETY?
The word Society as used herein is a generic term applied to the body of consecrated, anointed Christians throughout the world engaged in the work of representing the King and the King's interests on earth. It is an organization for the purpose of doing the Lord's work in an orderly way. This organization has its officers, elected in an orderly manner. The officers are not the Society, but are servants of the Society. Should every individual now in the Society prove disloyal, the Lord could put others into their places, and still the Society would exist and continue his work. Let us be wise enough to make the distinction between office and individual. All the individual members of the Society may make mistakes, being imperfect, but that would not mean that the Lord would cast off his organization and go about doing his work in a disorganized manner.
If it is seen, then, that the Lord is conducting his work through his followers organized into a body for that purpose, and doing it in an orderly way, then all saints should wish to abide together in harmony and work together in harmony, following peace and holiness, having their hearts and minds united together in love; and in no other way could they get on. (Hebrews 12:14; Colossians 2:1-3, Diaglott) Each one, then, who represents the Lord should be looking out well for the interests of the King and his kingdom. Each one who possesses the spirit of the Lord will be glad to leave all judgment of his brother to the Lord, and to follow the admonition given by the Scriptures to cover the defects of his brother with the mantle of love. He will keep in mind that every servant must make his accounting to the Lord and not to any other body member.
For the following, see also the Proclaimers book, page 143.
In the February 15, 1927 Watch Tower article "Servant--God and Evil" the Society reconsidered Matthew 24:45, 46 and then repudiated its earlier view of C. T. Russell; he was no longer "the faithful and wise servant". After a good deal of discussion the article concluded (pp. 55-57):
Jesus said that he would make them {the `faithful ones'} `ruler over all his goods'. To rule, as stated here, means to be appointed as a convoy or guard or escort. It would mean then that those faithful ones are designated by the Lord to look after his kingdom interests on the earth. Now let each one answer the question for his own satisfaction: Who on earth are now earnestly and zealously looking after the kingdom interests by proclaiming the day of God's vengeance, holding up the standard for the people, testifying that Jehovah is God, and declaring that the kingdom of heaven is at hand? All who answer truly must admit that there is but one small body of Christian people on earth, and that these are working harmoniously together to this end, and that there is none other so doing. The same class of Christians collectively are feeding each other upon the Word of God, and are diligently endeavoring to feed the prisoners who are also of the household of faith.
There seems to be no ground, within the meaning of the Scriptures, for concluding that "the faithful and wise servant" refers to any individual person, but does have reference to the feet members of Christ on earth--those who are blind to everything except to the will of the Lord, and who are harmoniously lifting up their voices together in declaring his message of the kingdom...
What is here said is no reflection on anything that has heretofore been written. Some have claimed that the scripture, "The faithful and wise servant," specifically applies to Brother Russell. He never made that claim himself. That Brother Russell was greatly used of the Lord no one can doubt who knew him. That the Lord used him more wonderfully than any one on earth since St. Paul's day there can be no doubt. But that does not at all affect the explanation of this scripture. It is clearly manifest from the scriptures hereinbefore cited that the elect Servant of God is Christ, Jesus the Head and his body members; and that Christ Jesus speaks of these faithful members as a part of himself.
To say that "that faithful and wise servant" specifically applies to one individual and to none other would imply that a large proportion of the body members of Christ could not be classed either as faithful or wise. That would be doing violence to the scripture. It is only the wise and faithful that God has promised shall be preserved in this time of stress. "O love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful."--Psalm 31:23...
Furthermore, if the coming mentioned in the above text refers to the Lord's coming to his temple, and the text applies after he comes to his temple, it is manifest that this scripture could not be understod prior to 1918. The Lord does not interpret his Word in advance...
With these physical facts with which we are all familiar now in mind, let us read this scripture and answer the question: "Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season?" (Matthew 24:45) The answer to this is, Those found faithful when the Lord comes to his temple. The goods of the Lord are all his interests. The Lord has made this faithful and wise class ruler over all his goods, or kingdom interests, on earth. Continued faithfulness unto death is required of each one who remains in this wise and faithful Servant class.
By this time readers will have noted that the last bolded statement in the above quote is a bald-faced lie, that Russell "never made that claim himself" about being "that servant". Remember that the December 1, 1916 Watch Tower, stated clearly that "he admitted as much in private conversation". So beginning in 1927, the Watch Tower Society began lying about Charles Taze Russell's beliefs and teachings. It continues through today.
AlanF
AlanF

Hi RR,
: It should be noted that, Russell himself did not believe he was the FDS.
By the end of his life, he most assuredly did, according to his closest associates. Note this, from The Watch Tower, December 1, 1916 (p. 5998 Reprints):
It is here interesting to note that Jesus said, "Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord, when he cometh, shall find so doing! Verily, I say unto you that he shall make him ruler over all his goods." Thousands of the readers of Pastor Russell's writings believe that he filled the office of "that faithful and wise servant," and that his great work was giving to the household of faith meat in due season. His modesty and humility precluded him from openly claiming this title, but he admitted as much in private conversation.
If Russell's closest associates said that he "admitted as much in private conversation", who are we to claim different? Note that this appeared in the December 1 Watch Tower, whereas Russell died just a month earlier on October 31. Because of the extremely short time span between Russell's death and the remarks, which were certainly rushed into print so as to be available not later than the December 1 publication date, it is evident that the above remarks were made by Russell's closest supporters, and not by anyone that J. F. Rutherford might later have influenced to make nasty remarks about Russell. Why would they give false information about Russell's view of himself to anyone, especially in the pages of The Watch Tower, which they held to be the mouthpiece of God?
In accord with the above remarks, note what Russell's associates wrote in The Finished Mystery, Studies in the Scriptures, Series VII, "75,000 Edition", 1917, p. 4:
In 1879 Charles Taze Russell began the publication of THE WATCH TOWER, of which he was the sole editor as long as he remained on earth. THE WATCH TOWER was, and is, the first and only journal declaring the presence of the Lord Jesus. Pastor Russell being the messenger to the Laodicean Church, and occupying the position of the Lord's special servant to give the Household of Faith meat in due season, it was to be expected that he would bring forth from the Lord's great "Storehouse" the needed spiritual food for the Church, in harmony with God's will. By the Lord's grace he wrote the six volumes of STUDIES IN THE SCRIPTURES, which writings, aside from the Bible, have gladdened more hearts and thrilled Christians with greater hope and joyful expectation than have any other writings extant. These books have been properly designated "Keys to the Divine Plan of the Ages."
: His wife was the one who pushed the issue.
This is only partially correct. Early on, from 1881, Russell certainly taught that the "faithful and wise servant" was a composite entity, namely, those who were the pillars of the church. Maria Russell certainly originated the teaching that C. T. was the FDS, but by late 1897 they were separated and she had no more input to the teachings of the Watch Tower Society. In 1897 Russell published the book The Battle of Armageddon, which under the heading "Dispensing of Food to the Household.-Matt. 24:45-51; Luke 12:42-46." said the following concerning "the faithful and wise servant" (p. 613, 1916 edition):
The intimation here seems to be, that at the particular time indicated by the prophecy, -- namely, during the Lord's presence {which Russell taught began in 1874; original is bolded}, and at the time of the gathering of the elect {which Russell taught began between 1844 and 1874} -- our Lord, the great Servant of his people, will make choice of one channel {original is bolded} for dispensing the meat in due season, though other channels or "fellow servants" will be used in bringing the food to the "household." But the servant is merely a steward, and liable to be removed at any moment, should he fail to fully and duly acknowledge in every particular, the Master... Faithfulness on the part of said steward (both to the "Master" and to "his fellow-servants" and "the household") will be rewarded by his continuance as steward; -- so long as he serves faithfully, he may continue, and may serve the household ... But if unfaithful he will be deposed entirely and put into outer darkness, while presumably another would take the place, subject to the same conditions.
Obviously at that time, Russell was teaching quite the opposite from what he taught in 1881, namely, that the "faithful and wise servant" is a person and not a group within the Christian church.
: His writings support both views.
Not really. While he refrained from publicly claiming the title of "faithful and wise servant", his writings reveal that he really did think that he held this 'position' even though he did not directly claim it. A number of articles in The Watch Tower from 1897 on support this.
: But he never claimed it for himself.
Correct -- in public.
: Rutherford in trying to appease the Bible STudents of that time, really pushed the issue, even claiming Russell was still directing the Society from heaven.
Right, but that is irrelevant to the fact that within a couple of weeks at most, before Rutherford had any real power, Russell's most ardent supporters wrote that he did indeed privately claim the title.
: Rutherford never claimed the title for himself, instead he dubbed himself the greatest Bible expositor of his time.
The latter statement is certainly true.
: He later held to the idea that the FDS was all anointed ones,
Please provide documentation from any Watch Tower literature between 1897 and 1916 that supports your claim.
: and then later during the Knorr/Franz era, this group was idenfied exlusively by the GB.
Actually, it was in 1927 that Rutherford rejected his previous teaching about the FDS. Then he taught that the FDS was for all practical purposes the directors of the Society, who he controlled completely, so that in practice it was Rutherford who was now, in JW/Bible Student teaching, the FDS.
: Although the GB claim they just represent the FDS. But you and I both know that is not the case. When WItnesses refer to the FDS, they refer to ONLY the GB, not Br. Joe in the back of the hall.
Quite so.
AlanF
dungbeetle

Let me get this straight ....
There is EVIDENCE somewhere that Maria Russell ORIGINATED this teaching about Russell being 'the faithful and discreet servant"?"
1) So the fact that it was Maria who took Russell to court to stop him,

2)it was Maria who exposed him publicly as a liar and a cheat and an evader of taxes and court judgements;
3)that it was Maria who fled Russell to her relatives in Chicago,
4)that it was Maria who won suits against Russell at least twice which was remarkable for a woman of her times;
I think the evidence is strongly in favor of RUSSELL being the originator of that blatant lie. Yes, Maria, out of love for her husband and who knows what other reason, may have gone along with it...but only for a short while.
When Russell finally turned on her, which is what all paranoid religious nuts with delusions of grandeur (in my opinion) eventually do she stood up against him, would not be cowed, and she WON.
If only there were more women like her within the JW's today. maybe there would be fewer than 26 smiling faces on the cover of the May 22, 1994 Awake. <sigh>
Dungbeetle....whose crap-cleaning job NEVER ends....
AlanF

Hi DB:
: There is EVIDENCE somewhere that Maria Russell ORIGINATED this teaching about Russell being 'the faithful and discreet servant"?"
Sure, in an 1895(?) Zion's Watch Tower, I believe. I'll check details later today.
What happened was that Charles and Maria had a falling out, then they tried to work things out. During that time she came up with the idea that "the faithful and wise servant" was not a class, as C. T. had taught, but was a single individual. She then applied it to C. T., who did not object too much. Gradually he seems to have accepted the title, although he never publicly claimed it.
AlanF

Was the F & D always a "class"?

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