Crofty,
Miller developed a distinctive hermeneutic, a doctrinal set unique to Adventism. It differed in key areas from traditional belief systems. Russellism does not use the Adventist belief system nor did Russell use Adventist exegesis. Russell was raised in Calvinism. Calvinist students of prophecy were Literalists.
When Russell settled on a belief system it was Literalism that he chose, adopting almost entire American Literalism, usually described as Age to Come belief. This system has its roots in the Ancient church. Mom discusses all of this at length in the introduction to Separate Identity, vol 2.
Adventists and Literalists slugged it out doctrinally, and sometimes they were verbally abusive. Adventists shunned Literalists. The two differed on end times events, the status of the Jews, and other matters. Russell was not an Adventist.
He wasn't influenced in doctrine by Masons either. That's one of the silliest claims I've read here. Some point to the cross and crown symbol on Zion's Watch Tower. It was commonly use by churches and in that usage predates any Masonic use of it. And can you find a place where that symbolism is distinctively Masonic? The whole Russell was a Mason claim is myth. I know it appears that I advertise mom's books here, but she and Bruce, her writing partner and series 'editor', address these issues as academics, not as myth makers. And I think people should read the three books that have been published to date. They are detailed. The research is reproducible. And they are even-handed, knocking off myths crafted by those who admire Russell and those who hate him.
For many years my mom was the principal editor of their history blog, taking over from B. W. Schulz during a prolonged illness. It is worth reading. https://truthhistory.blogspot.com/
You should note that mom's introductory essay to Separate Identity, vol. 2, delves into the roots of Russellism and examines the question of Russellite Adventism. An appendix to vol 1 considers Russell and the Masons. Their book on Barbour is being revised. I'd wait to buy that until the revision comes out. I've been reading Bruce's rough drafts. Interesting.
Separate Identity vol 1 is moderately priced. Vol 2 as paper is more expensive; it's twice as long as v. 1. But volume two is available as an ebook for about half the cost.
Detest Witnesses if you must. Reject Russell's theology, some of which seem silly to me. But at least do it in an informed way. Stop parroting the fake, silly, misguided nonsense that fills the Internet.
-Annie