A contemporary view of Russell

 

There is much of interest in Lizzie Avirett [editor]: P. G. S. Watson: A Memory Review of Prophetic Interpretation, Texas, 1917. 

Two extracts:

And in Mark 9:38-40 we read that John said: “Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and we forbade him because he followeth not us. But Jesus said: Forbid him not, for there is no man which shall do a miracle in my name that can lightly speak evil of me. For he that is not against us is on our part." (See also Luke 9:49-51. ) 

And notwithstanding all these commands and admonitions every great reformer or teacher who has dared to lay stress on any lesson he has learned from the scriptures, apart from the "Traditions of the elders" or of modern orthodoxy, from Luther and Whitefield down to Mrs. Eddy and Pastor Russell, have either been persecuted to death, or at least to the limit of their ability, by many who are leaders in the churches; for human nature is the same in all ages. – Page 64.

I heard the latter [Russell] in two lectures of over one hour each, and do not remember to have heard one word of criticism except of creeds. I have also heard some of our most noted Bible lecturers Dr. Talmage, and Prof. John Kohne among others, and so far as I'm a judge, Pastor Russell was not less proficient in his subject than they were in theirs ...” – Page 110. 

A somewhat defective but still readable scan is on goggle books.