Jehovah Chose the Jehovah's Witnesses by Giving Them a Load of Coal!

by VM44 12 Replies latest watchtower scandals

• 

  VM44

  In the1975 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses on Page 121, it says:

  Upon Brother Rutherford’s return to the Society’s Pittsburgh offices, he instructed the Society’s vice-president, C. A. Wise, to go to Brooklyn and see about reopening Bethel and renting premises where the Society could begin printing operations. The conversation went like this:

  "Go and see whether it is the Lord’s will for us to return back to Brooklyn."

  "How will I determine as to whether it is the Lord’s will for us to go back or not?"

  "It was a failure to get coal supplies in 1918 that drove us from Brooklyn back to Pittsburgh. Let’s make coal the test. You go and order some coal." [In New York coal was still being rationed at the end of the war.]

  "How many tons do you think I should order to make the test?"

  "Well, make it a good test; order five hundred tons."

  That is just what Brother Wise did. And upon making application to the authorities, he was granted a certificate to get five hundred tons of coal. Immediately he wired J. F. Rutherford. That much coal would ensure operations for a number of years. But where could they put it all? Large sections of the Bethel home’s basement were converted into coal storage space. This successful test was taken as an unmistakable indication that it was God’s will that the move to Brooklyn be made. So it was, as of October 1, 1919.

  http://blogs.ebay.com.au/professortextbook/entry/Jehovah-Chose-the-Jehovahs-Witnesses-by-Giving-Th/_W0QQidZ50095019
• 

  VM44

  Something isn't right about the above story!

  I smell baloney!
• 

  VM44

  "Let's make coal the test"

  Didn't Rutherford know that the scriptures state firmly that "Thou shall not put the Lord to the test"?
• 

  blondie

  Actually, at this time the WTS were known as Bible Students (no jws until 1931).

  This wasn't much different than Russell's statement that as long as voluntary donations came in to support the WTS, it meant they had God's backing.

  (Russell's biography)

  During the 42 years of Pastor Russell’s Christian work he never directly or indirectly solicited money. No collection was ever taken at any meeting addressed by him or by any of his associates. He had faith that the Lord would supply sufficient money to carry on his work; that the work was the Lord’s, and not man’s. The fact that voluntary contributions were liberally made by many persons throughout the world proved that his conclusions were correct.
• 

  superpunk

  Didn't Rutherford know that the scriptures state firmly that "Thou shall not put the Lord to the test"?

  It's really no different than the fleece test. Which would also be a contradiction, there.
• 

  truthsetsonefree

  Isn't a version of this story also in Faith On The March?
• 

  drew sagan

  The best part about these kinds of scenarios is that whatever the outcome, God is always directing!

  - No Coal = God wants us to move to Pittsburgh

  - Coal = God wants us to stay in Brooklyn

  The general assumption that God is directing overshadows everything. A much better test would be "if we don't get this coal we should pack up and quit". Without something of value on the line what difference does it really make?
• 

  ninja

  oh for a match and some firelighters back then
• 

  daniel-p

  It's really no different than the fleece test. Which would also be a contradiction, there.

  So the Bible shows that you can only test Jehovah if you're super high up, like either Gideon or Rutherford. All others are peons and deserve no answer.
• 

  OUTLAW

  Back then the WBT$ celebrated Christmas..Russel had been bad that year,so Santa sent him coal....Not God!...............................LOL!!...OUTLAW