The Rules

It is necessary to restate the rules. 

This is a history blog. Polemics have no place here. We do not make room for posts or links to praise for men. Especially is that true for men who led disreputable lives. You may see men like that as a hero of the faith, but they still have no place here.

Today someone using the name Louis tried to post a link to the biography of a disaffected, former Witness. I disallowed it. I should add that the man in question and I were life-long friends. I know how he behaved when a Witness and I know how he behaved after leaving the faith. He wasn't the wise man you seem to think he was. I can tell you this from first-hand experience. But even if he was a complete stranger to me, I would not allow the link. 

This is a history blog. That is all it is. If you come here to promote your beliefs, or to justify yourself, you've come to the wrong place.  This blog is moderated. Either Jerome or myself will toss your post if you cannot live by the rules.

Amazon Japan Review of Separate Identity vol. 2

I have not read the entirety of this over 600 page behemoth of a book but what I have read is probably the most extensive, well researched, unbiased piece of scholarly work I have ever read, this should be the standard in which all scholarly work should strive for. Worth every dollar.

New to my Research Collection

 An early article refuting the Hell-Fire conclusions from the parable of The Rich Man. Some browsers will crop the image. Click on it to see the entire picture.

 A Mrs. Chas. Alkyer read the Eaton Debate pamphlet and converted from Methodism to Watch Tower belief. She recounted this in: Mrs. Chas. Alkyer to Editor St. Paul, Minnesota, Enterprise, July 25, 1916.

Can you identify this person? Can we find her first name?

Other Debates

While researching the Russell-Eaton debate of 1903, I've discovered many debates taking place in the 1920s. This wasn't exactly new. But the number of them was surprising. They are documented in the Enterprise. 

I do not have time to craft an article about the debates of the 1920s. Perhaps onr of our blog readers can do this.

Volunteer anyone?

I need - Eaton v. Russell

 I need your observations, documentation, anything about the Russell - Eaton debate of 1903.

A few more paragraphs

 Same as previous post. This won't stay up. If you wish to comment, now is the time to do it.

            He [Eaton] entered the Methodist Episcopal (Wisconsin Conference) ministry in the spring of 1871 with a License to preach. Clergy were admitted on “trial.”

remainder of this post has been deleted.

Three paragraphs

 These are from a history journal article I'm writing. Posted for your comments. It will come down soon, so comment now.

            Eaton just is. No discussion of the Russell-Eaton debate of 1903 describes him as anything but a pastor of a Pittsburgh church and as “Dr. Eaton.”

Remainder of this post has been deleted.

Listen to the entire lesson

 

M. Russell taught in this school

 Found this picture today. Enjoy.

Update of sorts

My thanks to those who sent well wishes. Along with other issues, I've been fighting an infection. The antibiotic is working, and I feel some better. 

A test revealed that the arteries in my extremities are in good shape. However an MRI shows significant deterioration in my neck and upper spine. Nerves are impinged. I will forego the surgery. At least for now.

They located three more tumors, one of which 'looks suspicious.' I will have that surgery sometimes early summer. 

I'm on two 'strong' medications that leave me dizzy and a bit disoriented. They affect my memory too. So I'm slow moving and mostly confined to my house. My neurological problems have increased. Pills for that too. 

While 'down and out' I've written a young adult/new adult novel. It required little thought. Will it be published? Probably not, but it was a mentally relaxing project. I'm calling it "Falcon's Crown: Kidnapped." 

I'm writing a journal article about Ephraim Llewellyn Eaton and the Eaton-Russell debate. The magazine for which I'm writing may refuse it because its editor is a partisan of Eaton. If so, I'll find another home for it. If you have any thoughts or information about Eaton, please share them, even if you think it's something I already know.

Bruce

End of the Enterprise

 

from The Golden Age for July 10, 1929, page 655

(depending on your device you may need to click on the graphic to see it in full)

     The New Era Enterprise (originally called The St Paul Enterprise) was an unofficial Bible Student newspaper for much of its history. It started publication in 1910, and was devoted increasingly to Bible Student news from 1914. Its first editor, William Abbott, became a Bible Student. The paper published pamphlets from time to time including the public speaking booklet The School of the Prophets in 1922.

     For historical research it is invaluable, especially in its life stories in obituaries, and many well known names appeared in its columns.

     Most library sources say the paper ended in 1930, but they all carry a question mark after that date. However, The Golden Age referred to its passing in the extract reproduced above. The writer noted that it had folded “sometime ago.” This information ties in with the extant file on microfilm belonging to the Minnesota Historical Society. The last issue on microfilm is for May 1, 1928.

     As The Golden Age became more well-known it took over the role of The Enterprise in some respects. Also The Enterprise was heavily criticised in the article “The Misleading Press” by Judge Rutherford (see Golden Age for December 2, 1925). The paper had censored one of his speeches while claiming to print it complete, and had been selling subscriptions on that understanding. From then on it was only a matter of time before the paper folded.

     Of interest in the above clipping – C E Stewart had been the editor of The Enterprise from 1918-1922, and felt the need to warn readers not to send money to its defunct offices. Stewart left the post in 1922 to go into Bethel, to work first on The Golden Age and then become part of The Watch Tower editorial committee.

Can you help?

 Bruce needs the talk outline for "Who are God's Ministers." The date is uncertain but probably from the 1950s.

A. d'I.-Stewart