Advertising the
Message
When
the first volume of Millennial Dawn
neared publication, Russell placed an announcement in The Christian Herald. It piqued the interest of at least one Herald reader, leading to their
eventually committing themselves to Watch
Tower teachings. Publication was subsequently announced through The Herald and the book sent for. A. I.
Ritchie recalled his father sending for the book: “In 1886 my father saw your
advertisement in the Christian Herald that Volume I, Millennial Dawn, was in preparation. As soon as
he saw the announcement that it was ready, he sent his $1 and got its
teachings, accepting it as rapidly as he saw that it harmonized the Scriptures.”[1]
A
brief review of the book found in the October 7, 1886, issue of The
Christian Herald caused
controversy later. The review was very positive:
Millennial Dawn, the Plan of the Ages. A remarkable
book! A book for the times! It is emphatically A Helping Hand for Bible
Students. In these latter days, when Christians are so eagerly seeking the
light of God's word, to interpret passing events and to forecast the dawning
future, so pregnant with tremendous import to all mankind, this book comes as a
soothing, satisfying draught from the fountain of all truth, knowledge and
wisdom.
Every earnest seeker after truth, every sincere
student of the Bible, will do well to secure a copy of this remarkable book at
once and enjoy the feast of fat things which it contains.
Zion’s Watch Tower attributed the review to J. E. Jewett because the endorsement appeared
in a column moderated by him. It was written by Samuel I. Hickey, a
Presbyterian clergyman recently converted to Watch Tower theology. When Russell found out the truth, he
changed the attribution on missionary matter to reflect reality, but one
contentious person would suggest that it was a ‘fraud.’ Russell denied the
charge, and he seems to be blameless in the matter.
Because
the Christian Herald review was
glowing, Watch Tower representatives would use it into the Twentieth
Century, sometimes without regard to its origin among themselves. An example is
found in The Hopkinsville Kentuckian of
July
29, 1900, where two Watch Tower evangelists simply attribute the review to The Christian Herald. This was
misleading. The Herald was not a
friend to the Watch Tower movement.[2]
The rest of this post has been deleted.
3 comments:
Thank you.
I've not posted to your blog before but, like many others, I have appreciated and benefited from your hard work. I purchased your second publication and look forward to future publications as they become available.
A suggestion: Your exposure is very limited. Too few know of your blog and books. Perhaps "advertising" on various exJW forums by providing a few interesting quotes along with a link to your blog would stimulate more interest.
Hoping your health improves and with Christian love to all here, Lindita.
Perhaps this post is a test?
So I am writing to simply say that I have read it and been informed by it.
First: I wish both, Bruce and Rachael all best. I'm sorry that you are not well
Second: Everyone can see that this is research is a hard work, but really the best I've read and sure I will buy the new book if it released sometimes
Third: It's really sad to read that the blog will be stopped. It must be clear that not everyone can support it with information. So most of them are readers. The internet is full from Watchtower things, most of them are bad and uninteresting. So please give not up!! Greetings Bernhard
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