Rutherford said "God does not have an Organization" in WT. Where? (page 2)

possible-san

Wasanelder Once.

As far as I know, the society of those days had stated as follows.
I think that the information which you are searching for is probably also alike.

"In 1884 he caused to be incorporated the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, intended by him to continue the work of the harvest after his earthly career was finished, and which is yet carrying it on.
This great work of gathering together Christian people can be designated in no other way than as a harvest, and fully meets that which was foretold by the Lord Jesus. This work, which has covered a period of about forty-five years, has never had for its purpose the forming of any arrangement by which Christians join anything. Its purpose and work has been and is to enlighten men and women concerning the great divine plan, and by this means of proclaiming the message of truth has gathered together Catholics and Protestants, Christians from all denominations in all parts of the earth. These Christians are not the followers of Pastor Russell, but are followers of the Lord and qotce to feed upon the food that the Lord has provided for them through his wise and faithful servant,
(The Harp of God, 800,000 Edition, Written in 1921 by Joseph F. Rutherford. par. 421, 422)
"During the period of time since 1874 there has been a great gathering together of Christian people from different quarters of the earth, without regard to creed or denomination. These have come from both Catholic and Protestant churches and outside of all churches. They have not sought members, but they have been drawn together for the study of God's Word, and they love the Lord and love his cause above everything else...
While this work has been going on, the Lord has been gathering together the truly consecrated Christians without regard to creed or denomination, and he has designated them as "wheat". This great work of gathering together Christian people can be designated in no other way than as a harvest, and clearly means that which was foretold by the Lord Jesus. It has never been the purpose of these Christians to assemble themselves as Bible Students to induce any one to join them; in fact, they have no membership roll."

(The Harp of God, 3,710,000 Edition, Written in 1921 by Joseph F. Rutherford. par. 412, 414)
http://www.strictlygenteel.co.uk/harp/harp9.html
"During the period of time since 1874 there has been a great gathering together of Christian people from different quarters of the earth, without regard to creed or denomination. These have come from both Catholic and Protestant churches, and from outside of all churches. They have not sought members, but they have drifted together for the study of God's Word, and they love the Lord and love his cause above everything else. ...
This great work of gathering together Christian people can be designated in no other way than as a harvest, and fully means that which was foretold by the Lord Jesus. It has never been the purpose of these Christians to assemble themselves as Bible Students in order to induce anyone to join them; in fact, they have no membership roll."
(Creation, 1,100,000 Edition, Written in 1927 by Joseph F. Rutherford. pp. 320-322 (pp. 299-301, in 1,645,000 Edition))
http://www.strictlygenteel.co.uk/creation/creation12.html

Well, if you search the word "organization" in materials of those days, it is written as follows.

The Watch Tower 1917 January 15 p.22 "The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society is the greatest corporation in the world, because from the time of its organization until now the Lord has used it as his channel through which to make known the glad tidings."
http://www.quotes-watchtower.co.uk/god_s_organisation.html

And another information:

My website. (What pastor Russell said)
http://godpresencewithin.web.fc2.com/pages/jw/hesaid.html

possible

I think this is what I read. I guess it's not too different from what is taught now. I just remember it then as weird to see the statement considering the requirement now to be part of God's Earthly Organization.

WT March 15th 1918 article: Our Safe Refuge:

Heading: Divine Wrath Upon False Systems

Thousands have been wrongly induced by the blind clergy to believe that they are God's people if they merely join themselves to some earthly organization and support the clergy, no matter what else they may do. These blindly follow the clergy, concerning whom Jesus said: "If the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch" in the great time of trouble that is now impending. (Matthew 15:14)

PSacramento

"A Christian, therefore, cannot be baptized in the name of the one actually doing the immersing or in the name of any man, nor in the name of any organization, but in the name of the Father, the Son and the holy spirit." Watchtower 1955 July 1 p.411

"We do not dedicate ourselves to a religion, nor to a man, nor to an organization. No, we dedicate ourselves to the Supreme Sovereign of the Universe, our Creator, Jehovah God himself. This makes dedication a very personal relationship between us and Jehovah." Watchtower 1966 October 1 pp.603-604"

These two in of themselves deal a huge blow on the whole notion of "God's organization" and really dig into the whole chnage in Baptizmal rites.

GrandmaJones

marked

yknot

glad you found what you were looking for ....... of course being in 1918 it was 'evidently' expoused under the guidance of angels (Gal 1:6-9) via retrodating of the 1930s (Preservation 1932, pg 193,194)

Marvin Shilmer

Wasanelder Once,

My library holds a letter dated Nov. 27, 1933 on Watchtower letterhead issued from the Presidents Office and signed by Rutherford that includes the following paragraph:

“The Lord is separating the sheep (that is, the obedient ones) from the goats (that is, the disobedient ones), and this he is doing by brining to their attention the great truths of his Word. Do your part to get the truth to the people. This means that you are joining no earthly organization, but that you are joining yourself to the Lord and joyfully serving him, appreciating the fact that his kingdom under Christ is the hope of the human race.—(Matt. 12:21)”

This letter was issued by Rutherford in response to a question, and in reply the writer was advised to seek baptism and that “Anyone who trusts in Jehovah and Christ Jesus could administer or perform the baptismal service.”

Marvin Shilmer

Atlantis

This is the letter Marvin is speaking about.

http://www.watchtowerdocuments.com/downloads/1933_Nov_27_Rutherfords_letter_Joining_Christ_not_any_organi.pdf

Atlantis

Mad Sweeney

Great thread. I love the old stuff and how it is in direct conflict with noo lite.

Mickey mouse

WT 1895 15 September article “How to Conduct Group Meetings”

“Beware of ‘organisation’. It is wholly unnecessary. The Bible rules will be the only rules you will need. Do not seek to bind others’ consciences and do not permit others to bind yours. Believe and obey so far as you can understand God’s word today, and so continue growing in grace and knowledge and love day by day”.

jwfacts

not from Rutherford, but a similar quote.

"Ask yourself now, Did Christ Jesus, who set our example and told us to follow his example to gain life, join any church organization in his day? No, God does not require us to do that; but he requires us to worship him... We have the Bible to show us the right way. Certainly it is not necessary for a person to become a member of a church to gain everlasting life."Watchtower 1953 Mar 1 p.143

Rutherford said "God does not have an Organization" in WT. Where?

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