Yeah, I should probably have posted this in Beliefs & Doctrines , but considering that this is from the very first Watch Tower ever printed, and especially considering what it says, I thought maybe it would be of general interest.
From the July 1, 1879 WT (reprints)(entire article):
CTR is sometimes vilified for having some very bizarre ideas (and he did have a few odd balls ), but, ya know, I gotta give the guy credit where credit is due: he was basically an open-minded fellow, and oh my, how different the WTS would be today if it had followed these tenets.?WHAT IS TRUTH??
This question is one which every sincere Christian should ask and seek to answer. We should learn to love and value truth for its own sake; to respect and honor it by owning and acknowledging it wherever we find are it and by whomsoever presented. A truth presented by Satan himself is just as true as a truth stated by God.
Perhaps no class of people are more apt to overlook this fact than the Christian. How often do they in controversy overlook and ignore the truth presented by their opponents. This is particularly true when arguing with an infidel. They feel at perfect liberty to dispute everything he says on religious subjects. This is not the correct principle. Many infidels are as anxious to speak and believe the truth as are Christians?and if in converse with them we ignore truths which they may advance, we not only fail to convince them of our truths, but put an end to all hope of reaching them; for our failure to admit the evident truth which they advance begets in them contempt for the one who is not honest enough to admit one truth because he does not see how it can be reconciled to another.
Accept truth wherever you find it, no matter what it contradicts, and rely for ability to afterwards harmonize it with others upon ?the Spirit of truth, which shall guide you into all truth,? as Jesus promised.
Truth, like a modest little flower in the wilderness of life, is surrounded and almost choked by the luxuriant growth of the weeds of error. If you would find, it you must be ever on the lookout. If you would see its beauty you must brush aside the weeds of error and the brambles of bigotry. If you would possess it you must stoop to get it.
Be not content with one flower of truth. Had one been sufficient there would have been no more. Gather ever, seek for more.
Weave them together as a garland??Bind them on thee as a bride doeth.? ?Bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart; so shalt thou find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.? (Proverbs 3:3)
C. T. R.
Craig