The Olin R. Moyle Libel Case — Trial Record (1943)

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LIBEL CASE (1940-1943)

Olin R. Moyle

V.

Fred W. Franz, Nathan H. Knorr, Grant Suiter, Thomas J. Sullivan, William P. Heath, Jr., Hugo H. Reimer, William E. Van Amburgh, Arthur R. Goux, Charles A. Wise, Clayton J. Woodworth, Matthew A. Howlett, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society [and] had also etched his face with grief and care".

He stood up for the pope all right, "unconditional surrender" or not. You can judge whether he was standing up for America's commander-in-chief or was standing up for his own personal boss when he wrote this slobber:

No one understands more clearly than the pope the horror and the devastation of war, and of this war. No one suffers more poignantly, more deeply than he. He feels the sorrows of all. He sees the blood and the tears of all. He sees tremendous masses of men increasingly efficient in mutual massacre, increasingly enmeshed by tentacles of brutality and hate. He realizes that hate begets hate, that brutality spawns brutality and that revenge cries for revenge. The juggernaut of war crushes

forward and backward over nations and peoples. Men aflame with savage goadings rush onward crashing other men aflame and thus the conflagration mounts, spreads, devastates and consumes.

The pope thinks, works, prays and literally dies for peace. He wishes the conquerors to be not only just with the conquered but also merciful. He knows full well that revenge is a bitter, gnawing thing. "All nations, great and small," he says, "have a right to live." He exhorts nations and their rulers to make their actions agree with their principles.

Well, how about Ethiopia? Did that have a right to live? And how about the smaller sects? Do they have a right to live? Pacelli's answer to the last question would have to be, "No."

Libel Case Terminated

ALLEGING libel on the grounds of statements appearing in several issues of The Watchtower during 1939, suit was filed by Olin R. Moyle, of Wauwatosa, Wis., against the two corporate societies, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, of Pennsylvania, and Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, Inc., of New York; and, on the other cause of action, against J. F. Rutherford and eleven associates in the organization. Action for damages to the amount of 50,000 on each cause of action, or a combined total of100,000, was commenced October 11, 1940. Less than two years thereafter the defendant J. F. Rutherford died, but the suit continued to be pushed.

This unique libel suit came up for trial before Judge Ughetta of the New York Supreme Court in Brooklyn's Supreme Court Building on May 10, 1943. After an extended trial continuing until May 27, the jury rendered a verdict, voting ten to two, against the defendants of the case and awarded the complainant Moyle 15,000 on each count, or a total of30,000 damages. The presiding judge denied all motions

by defense attorney for alternative ruling and decided in agreement with the jury's verdict.

Appeal was at once taken from this decision to the court's Appellate Division, Second Department. After due re- argument by opposing attorneys before this court of five judges, followed by judicial deliberation, decision was rendered. It was three to two in affirmation of the judgment of the Supreme Court, but reducing the damages one-half, to $15,000.

According to due process of law, again the defendants took appeal from the decision, now to the state's highest court, the Court of Appeals at Albany, New York's capital. After due reargument and deliberation, this court of seven judges let their decision be known on November 22, 1944, affirming decision of the lower court, affixing the costs, but offering no opinion on the case.

Their decision being unanimous, and the defendants being unable to move for reargument of the case, the $15,000 damages was duly paid over, with interest accrued, to plaintiff Moyle, thus terminating the matter.

OLIN R. MOYLE Counselor 117 Adams Street. Brooklyn . New York Telephone Triangle 5-1474 July 21, 1939 Judge J. F. Rutherford, Brooklyn, N. Y.

Dear Brother Rutherford:

This letter is to give you notice of our intention to leave Bethel on September 1st next. This reasons for leaving are stated herein and we ask that you give them careful and thoughtful consideration.

Conditions at Bethel are a matter of concern to all of the Lord's people. Nowhere among imperfect men can there be perfect freedom from oppression, discrimination and unfair treatment, but at the Lord's headquarters on earth conditions should be such that injustice would be reduced to the minimum. That is not the case here at Bethel and a protest should be made against it. I am in a good position to make such protest because your treatment of me has been generally kind, considerate and fair. I can make this protest in the interests of the Bethel family and of the Kingdom work without any personal interest entering into the matter.

Treatment of Bethel Family.

Shortly after coming to Bethel we were shocked to witness the spectacle of our brethren receiving what is designated as a "trimming" from you. The first, if memory serves me correct, was a tongue lashing given to C.J.Woodworth. Woodworth in a personal letter to you stated something to the effect that it would be serving the devil to continue using our present day calendar. For that he was humiliated, called a jackass, and given a public lambasting. Others have been similarly treated. McCaughey, McCormick, Knorr, Prosser, Price, Van Sipma, Ness and others have been similarly scolded. They have been publicly called to account, condemned, and reprimanded without any previous notice. This summer some of the most unfair public reproaches have been given. J.Y.McCauley asked a question which carried with it a criticism of the present method of Watch Tower study. For that he was severely reprimanded. Your action constituted a violation of the principle for which we are fighting, towit, freedom of speech. It was the action of a boss and not that of a fellow servant. Securing an efficient mode of study with imperfect study leaders is no easy task, and no method yet produced has proved to be one hundred per cent perfect. You stated that no complaints had come to you concerning this method of study. If that be the case you have not had all the facts presented to you. There is complaint in various places that the Watch Tower studies have degenerated into mere reading lessons. It maybe that the present method is the best that can be used, but in view of known limitations honest criticism should not be censored nor honest critics punished.

Brother Worsley received a public denunciation from you because he prepared and handed to brethren a list of helpful Scripture citations on fundamental topics. How can we consistently condemn religionists for being intolerant when you exercise intolerance against those who work with you? Doesn't this prove that the only freedom permitted at Bethel is freedom to do and say that which you wish to be said and done? The Lord certainly never authorized you to exercise such high handed authority over your fellow servants.

Since the Madison Square Garden meeting there has been a distressing condition of restraint and suspicion at Bethel. The ushers were placed in a tough spot but did an excellent piece of work. They exercised care and diligence in watching arrivals at the Garden, and prevented a number of suspicious characters from entering. They were on the job immediately when the disturbance started and quelled a disturbance which would have otherwise reached serious proportions. But for two weeks following the convention there has been constant criticism and condemnation of them from you. They have been charged with dereliction of duty and labeled as "sissies". To see some of these boys break down and cry because of your unkind remarks is, to say the least saddening.

The brethren at Bethel have thoroughly demonstrated their loyalty and devotion to the Lord, and do not need to be berated for wrong doing. A suggestion or a kindly admonition from you would be more than sufficient to check any wrongful action, and would eliminate resentment and induce greater happiness and comfort for the whole family. You have stated many times that there are no bosses in the Lord's organization but the undeniable fact cannot be evaded that your actions in scolding and upbraiding these boys are the actions of a boss. It makes one sick at heart and disgusted to listen to them. If you will cease smiting your fellow servants Bethel will be a happier place and the Kingdom work will prosper accordingly.

Discrimination.

We publish to the world that all in the Lord's organization are treated alike, and receive the same as far as this world's goods are concerned. You know that is not the case.The facts cannot be denied.Take for instance the difference between the accommodations furnished to you,and your personal attendants,compared with those furnished to some of your brethren.You have many many homes, toowit,Bethel, Staten Island, California etc.I am informed that even at the Kingdom Farm one house is kept for your sole use during the short periods you spend there.and what do the brethren at the farm receive? Small rooms, unheated thru the bitter cold winter weather. They life in their trunks like campers. That may be all right if necessary,but there are many houses on the farm standing idle or used for other purposes,which could be used to give some comfort to those who work so long and so hard.

You work in a nice air conditioned room. You and your attendants spend a portion of the week in the quiet of country surroundings.The boys at the factory diligently work thru the hot summer months without such helps, or any effort made to give them. That is discrimination which should receive your thoughtful consideration.

Marriage

Here again is shown unequal and discriminatory treatment. One brother left Bethel some time ago for the purpose of getting married, and, so I am informed, was refused the privilege of pioneering in New York, apparently as an official disapproval of his action in leaving Bethel. On the other hand when Bonnie Boyd got married she didn't have to leave Bethel. She was permitted to bring her husband into Bethel in spite of the printed rule providing that both marrying parties should have lived there for five years.

Harsh treatment of one and favored treatment of another is discrimination, and should not have a place in the Lord's organization.

Filthy and Vulgar Language.

The Biblical injunctions against unclean, filthy speaking and jesting have never been abrogated. It is shocking and nauseating to hear vulgar speaking and smut at Bethel. It was stated by a sister that was one of the things you had to get used to at Bethel. The loudest laughter at the table comes when a filth or near filthy joke goes through, and your skirts are not clear.

Liquor.

Under your tutelage there has grown up a glorification of alcohol and condemnation of total abstinence which is unseemly. Whether a servant of Jehovah drinks alcoholic liquor is none of my business, except in giving a helping hand to a brother who is stumbled thereby. Whether I am a total abstainer is nobody's business but my own. But not so at Bethel. There appears to be a definite policy of breaking in new comers into the use of liquor, and resentment is shown against those who do not join them. The claim is made, "One can't be a real Bethelite without drinking beer." Shortly after we arrived it was arrogantly stated, "we can't do much with Moyle, but we'll make a man out of Peter." A New York brother intimated that I was out of harmony with the truth and with the Society because I didn't drink liquor. A New York sister stated that she had never used liquor or served it until some of the Bethel boys insisted upon it. A brother who used to drink liquor to excess became a total abstainer after getting the truth. He knew that a single drink of liquor would start him off to his former drinking habits, but in spite of that brethren from Bethel insisted upon his imbibing liquor and inferred that he was out of harmony with the organization through refusing. Total abstainers are looked upon with scorn as weaklings. You have publicly labeled total abstainers as prudes and therefore must assume your share of the responsibility for the Bacchus like attitude exhibited by members of the family.

These are a few of the things which should have no place in the Lord's organization. There are other more grievous injustices but I have had no personal contact with them and therefore do not discuss them.

It hasn't been an easy or pleasant task to write these things to you, and its still harder to make this protest effective by leaving Bethel.

We sold our home and business when we came to Bethel and fully intended to spend the rest of our lives at this place in the Lord's service. We leave in order to register most emphatically our disagreement with the unjust conditions related in this letter. We are not leaving the Lord's service but will continue to serve Him and His organization as fully as strength and means will allow.

Neither am I running away from battling the Devil's crowd in the courts. I expect to return to the private practice of law, probably in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and hope to be in the fight in every way possible. With this letter I am enclosing a statement of the major cases now pending in which I am actively participating. It would be unreasonable and unfair to drop these matters into your lap without further assistance or consideration. I am ready and willing to press these issues in the courts just as vigorously and carefully as though I remained at Bethel, and will do so if that is your desire.

We have considered this action for some time, but this letter is delivered to you just as we are leaving on a vacation trip for very specific reasons. First: It is desirable that you take time for thought and consideration of the matters herein set forth before taking any action. Hasty and ill considered action might be regrettable. Second: Frankly I have no desire for a verbal argument with you over these matters. I have had plenty of occasion to observe that a controversial matter does not receive a calm and reasoned discussion of the facts. Too often it turns into a denunciation of some person by you.

I am not interested in that kind of a wordy battle. These statements are the reasons presented by Sister Moyle and myself for leaving Bethel. If we speak erroneously or wrongfully we are responsible before the Lord for so speaking. If we speak truthfully, and we stoutly content that everything here related is the truth, then there is an immediate responsibility on your part to remedy the conditions necessitating this protest. May the Lord direct and guide you into fair and kindly treatment of your fellow servants is my with and prayer.

Your Brother in the Kings service,

Olin R. Moyle.

P. S. Should you desire to write to me concerning these matters during vacation a letter will reach me at Ticonderoga, New York, General Delivery after July 29th。 Taken from pp.

1975-1984 of Moyle vs. Franz et al.

Defendants Exhibit D-36

Brooklyn, N.Y., August 8, 1939

Minutes of the joint meeting of the Boards of Directors of The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, the Pennsylvania Corporation, and The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, Inc., of New York, on this 8th day of August, A.D.1939, at a meeting of the Boards of Directors of the aforementioned Corporations there were present all the members of the Boards, to wit:

J. F. Rutherford

C. A. Wise

W. E. Van Amburgh

T. J. Sullivan

C. J. Woodworth

H. H. Riemer

F. W. Franz

W. P. Heath, Jr.

Grant Suiter

A. R. Goux

N. H. Knorr

The President reported to the Boards of Directors a letter which he had received, addressed to him by O.R. Moyle who for some time past has acted as legal counsel for the Corporations. Thereupon the letter was read before the Boards, and which letter is marked "Exhibit A" and made a part of this record and filed amongst the papers of this Corporation. Upon the reading of the letter a motion was made by T.J. Sullivan that a committee be appointed to consider the letter and make recommendations to the President. This motion was duly carried. Thereupon the President appointed such a committee composed of T.J. Sullivan, H.H. Riemer, and Grant Suiter. The committee retired to consider the letter. After due consideration the committee unanimously reported a resolution which in words and figures is as follows, to wit:

"At a joint meeting of the Boards of Directors of the Pennsylvania Corporation, and the New York Corporation of the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society held at the office of the Society at Brooklyn, New York this 8th day of August 1939 at which other members of the family were present, there was read to said Boards and in the presence of O.R. Moyle a letter dated July 21, 1939 written by said Moyle and addressed to the President of the Society.

"For four years past the writer of that letter has been entrusted with the confidential matters of the Society. It now appears that the writer of that letter, without excuse, libels the family of God at Bethel, and identifies himself as one who speaks evil against the Lord's organization, and who is a murmurer and complainer, even as the Scriptures have foretold. (Jude 4- 16; 1 Corinthians 4:3; Romans 14:4.

"The members of the Board of Directors hereby resent the unjust criticisms appearing in that letter, disapprove of the writer and his notions and recommends that the President of the Society immediately terminate the relationship of O.R. Moyle to the Society as legal counsel and as a member of the Bethel Family.

"(signed)

T. J. Sullivan

H. H. Riemer

Grant Suiter"

A motion was made that the Resolution be adopted. The motion being duly seconded, the letter and the Resolution were discussed at length by each member of the Board. O.R. Moyle, being also present at this meeting, was invited by the President to make any statement he had or to make any defense he desired to make and his only statement was this, to wit: "I have nothing more to say. The letter speaks for itself." Thereupon the name of each member of the Board was called and each one voted to adopt the Resolution. Upon the adoption of the Resolution, the President made the following remarks, which are here inserted in the record, to wit:

"I have been at this desk for 22 years. I have had many accusations from the 'evil servant', but never had I had a worse one than this, if as bad. The complaint about me having different places in which to reside is the very language of the evil servant class. The accusations made in this letter that I have many places in which to live, and which are much better than any other members of the organization: The facts concerning this have been published time and again and the brethren everywhere know the facts, and they know that I do not own a foot of land under the sun; that those provisions have been made to further the kingdom interests, and, as stated in the book SALVATION, I wanted something as a tangible record and as evidence that we believe that God is going to bring back to the earth the faithful men of old. The Farm was bought for the support of this Family, and for other good reasons which I have not yet disclosed, but which are in the interest of the kingdom. As Brother Knorr has stated, this office was arranged for me, I had nothing to do with arranging it, but it was done by Brothers Martin, Knorr, Wise and Van Amburgh.

"I have been criticized in this letter for having an air-conditioned room. Brother Van Amburgh will bear witness to this, that my office is the hottest room in this building, right under the roof and difficult therein to get good air. An air-conditioned arrangement was put into Brother Van Amburgh's office first, and he is the one that came to me and begged me to put it into my office. The Society did not pay a dime of the cost. (Brother Van Amburgh verified this.) I think the criticism about that is a coldblooded cruelty, no matter whom it comes from. If it enables me to work, why should somebody criticize except one who has the spirit of the evil servant.

"REBUKES: Every rebuke I have administered has been given, as I believe, in the interest of the Society. The Apostle Paul was the special spokesman of the Lord Jesus Christ. As the WATCHTOWER has stated, Timothy and Titus pictured the Society and as the Lord through Paul instructed them so the Lord through the Society instructs and directs others. The Society speaks by its official Head. To Timothy Paul said: 'They that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear.' (1 Tim. 5:20) Concerning one who had taken a wrongful course Paul instructed Titus in these words: 'This witness is true, wherefore rebuke them sharply that they may be sound in the faith.' (Titus 1:13) Again, he said: 'These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.' (Titus 2:15) As I have often stated to some of the brethren, it hurts me far more to administer a rebuke than it does the one who receives it. If I see something in the organization going wrong, as I believe, then I would be unfaithful to the Lord if I did not rebuke such wrongdoer.

"I have tried to proceed according to the rule announced by the apostle, which is God's rule, that is to say: 'Whom the Lord loves he rebukes.' (Heb. 12:6) If every person is permitted to take his own course the organization would go to pieces. One who believes in the Theocratic government, and that Jehovah therefore is directing his people, must see that it is the proper course for the Society to arrange a system of study. Then if every person should be permitted to bring forth and adopt his own method of study that would mean acting contrary to the Lord's instructions. Rebukes are therefore necessary to bring such matters to the attention of others that they too may fear to go contrary to the Lord's arrangement.

"DISCRIMINATION: I have made no discrimination with reference to marriage. When Bonnie Boyd got married that was her business. It was my business to determine whether or not she should remain in the house. I either had to let her husband remain here or else dispense with her services. She has been my secretary for fifteen years and the most efficient one that I have had in the office. She has taken dictation for everything I have written, speeches, magazine articles, Watchtower, books and booklets.

It was for me to determine whether she should remain in the office and I did determine that she should and that was my affair and my responsibility, and not that of someone else.

"FILTHY LANGUAGE: If others in this house use it, that is their responsibility. The statement that filthy jokes are told at the table and that the family laughs at these and these only, is a damnable outrage and any man that says that such is the case is a deliberate liar regardless of who he is and from whence he comes.

"LIQUOR: This charge is vicious. I have always been open and aboveboard about such matter. Brother Van Amburgh was once a prohibitionist. Upon the doctor's advice he takes some intoxicating liquor and I help him to get it. Brother Wise has stated from three doctors he has been advised to drink beer. I have furnished liquor to Brother and Sister Sullivan, especially her when she was ill, and to others in the house. That is my business and my responsibility. (Speaking directly to Moyle) You denounce me as the 'god of wine', which is the meaning of Bacchus, which is the word you use. You had to go to mythology and not to the Scriptures and find this name for me. Mythology proceeds from the Devil and other wicked spirits. Jesus made wine, the apostle advised that it be taken in moderation and you are welcome to compare their statements to that of the evil spirits, if you wish. If your statement is not of the evil servant then I am not able to understand it. In this connection your charge against the family is vicious and false and shows that it proceeds from the spirit of the wicked one and is a damnable thing.

"Now, I say this to you, Moyle, you have allied yourself with the Devil; you have willingly, without any just cause or excuse even, withdrawn yourself from the Lord's organization, and you are going back to the Devil's organization to engage in the practice of law. I have never known any man to withdraw from the Lord's organization and go into the Devil's organization, that ended up right. When you say you want to continue to fight for the Lord, there is not a person in this presence that believes a word of that. Henceforth you shall never represent the Watchtower by my consent. This Resolution has been adopted. I shall follow it. You have served notice to leave September 1. You need not wait but move out of the house this day. If you wish to join the enemy and fight, do so. I have no use for a quitter. You are a quitter. You have furnished as an excuse that the president of this organization has not conducted the Society according to your ideas, and I don't think your ideas are Scriptural. In the 4 years that you have been here, I have never heard you ask or answer a single Bible question in the Bethel home. Any man that pretends to be of the Lord's organization, and who does not attend the studies and does not engage in the spiritual discussion in this home, but who devotes himself to his general work, and then goes about talking with others to cause discord and to find fault with the organization, cannot be in the truth.

I shall read this letter to the family or have it read. You may be present; if you wish to defend yourself. Henceforth I shall expect you to ally yourself with those who oppose the Society as long as I am here."

MOYLE: "I don't expect to ally myself with any opposition."

BRO. RUTHERFORD: "You complain about accommodations. You have the best room in the house aside from my own. What business is it of yours what somebody else has? That is not your business. You have gone to the Farm and talked to Brother Bogard's wife about conditions there. That is none of your business. If there was something wrong there you should have reported it to me. You have never reported it to me. If you were a real confidential servant of the Lord, and of this Society, you would have reported such things, but you did not.

"Quoting from the Apostle Paul in substance, your criticism of me is a small thing. I care nothing about that. The apostle said: 'Moreover it is required in stewards that a man be faithful, but with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man's judgment...He that judges me is the Lord.' --1 Cor. 4:3, 4.

"If everything that you have stated in this letter were true, that is no excuse for what you have done. 'Who art thou that judgeth another man's servant? To his own master he standeth or falleth.'--Romans 14:4.

"Your difficulty, Moyle, is fear, probably not that you might receive some bodily injury, but fear you won't be approved of men and have it said you are a good fellow. In my opinion you are a religionist and not a Christian."

BROTHER HEATH: "Moyle, I wish to propound to you this question: Are you a Jesuit?"

MOYLE: "Absolutely no, a thousand miles from it."

BROTHER RUTHERFORD: "You might explain, Moyle, why you were so familiar in the court with McDonald, patting him on the back, when you knew that he was one of the leaders in the assault on the Lord's organization at Madison Square Garden. Had you performed your duty to our brethren the situation would have been far better for us now in the fight with the enemy who attempted to break up the Madison Square Garden meeting.

"TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Now, brethren, your advise and this Resolution is adopted and will be carried out."

The President thereupon ordered that said Moyle should be discharged as legal counsel for the Corporation and, in harmony with the Resolution, immediately terminated his relationship to the Society.

There being no further business, upon motion the joint meeting adjourned.

W. E. Van Amburgh Sec'y fact to the world in order that persons of good will toward God will flee out of Satan's organization and find protection under the Lord and ultimately gain life everlasting.

Those who perform their commission faithfully will have a part in the vindication of Jehovah's name, and, in doing that work in obedience to the Lord's commandment, they have entered into the joy of Christ Jesus, their Lord and Head.

"Never before were creatures granted such a privilege. Never again will creatures have a like privilege. Before them they see the kingdom, the Theocracy that shall forever rule in righteousness. They are blind to everything else, because the kingdom, to them, is everything. The remnant know that they must die as humans in order to enter fully into God's spiritual house. They are therefore fully determined to spend and be spent wholly in the service of Jehovah and his King. They are now joyful, and their joy will be complete when they have seen the Lord's victory at Armageddon.

Seeing and appreciating their relationship with the Most High, surely the faithful remnant will permit nothing to deter them in their continuous service

to Jehovah. They will go on in faith and with everincreasing courage unto the end. Now they know the meaning of the scripture, to wit, "Jehovah dwelleth in Zion." (Joel 3:21, A.R.V.; Ps. 132:13,14) Now the remnant have raised the song of joy, which will never end. To them the Lord says: "Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion; for, lo, I come, and I will dwell in the midst of thee, saith the Lord. And many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee; and thou shalt know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto thee. And the Lord shall inherit Judah his portion in the holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again. Be silent, O all flesh, before the Lord; for he is raised up out of his holy habitation." (Zech. 2:10-13) "Behold, I, and the children whom the Lord hath given me, are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the Lord of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion." (Isa. 8:18) The end of religion is in sight. The victory and vindication of Jehovah is near. The joy of the remnant and their companions increases, and they continue to sing the praises of the Most High.

Praise ye Jehovah. . . The works of Jehovah are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. His work is honor and majesty; and his righteousness endureth for ever. He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: . . . He hath showed his people the power of his works, in giving them the heritage of the nations. The works of his hands are truth and justice; all his precepts are sure. . . Holy and reverend is his name. The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom; a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.

—Psalm 111:1-10. A.R.V.

—Psalm 111:1-10, A.R.V.

INFORMATION

BEING reminded that this is the time when God is removing from his organization everything that can be shaken, "that those things which cannot be shaken may remain" (Heb. 12:26,27), the members of the board of directors of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, for the information and protection of those who are devoted to God's organization, request that The Watchtower publish what follows:

On the 21st of July, 1939, a paper writing in the form of a letter, signed by O. R. Moyle, was left at the desk in the lobby of the Bethel home addressed to the president of the Society. Because that paper involved the entire family at Bethel, it was properly brought before the board and before the family. The letter, being filled with false, slanderous and libelous statements, was vigorously condemned by the board, and by all the members of the Bethel family. The board unanimously adopted the following Resolution, which was also approved by the family:

"At a joint meeting of the boards of directors of the Pennsylvania corporation and the New York corporation of the WATCHTOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY held at the office of the Society at Brooklyn, N.Y., this 8th day of August, 1939, at which other members of the family were

present, there was read to said boards and in the presence of O.R.Moyle a letter dated July 21,1939,written by said Moyle and addressed to the president of the Society.

"For four years past the writer of that letter has been entrusted with the confidential matters of the Society. It now appears that the writer of that letter, without excuse, libels the family of God at Bethel, and identifies himself as one who speaks evil against the Lord's organization, and who is a murmurer and complainer, even as the Scriptures have foretold. (Jude 4-16;1 Cor. 4:3;Rom. 14:4)

"The members of the board of directors hereby resent the unjust criticism appearing in that letter, disapprove of the writer and his actions, and recommend that the president of the Society immediately terminate the relationship of O. R. Moyle to the Society as legal counsel and as a member of the Bethel family."

Aside from the introductory paragraph announcing the writer's purpose to leave Bethel at a fixed time, every paragraph of that letter is false, filled with lies, and is a wicked slander and libel not only against the president but against the entire family, and for that reason the letter has not been published by the Society. He requested Consolation to publish his letter, and Moyle, being refused, now causes his libelous paper to be published and circulated among certain companies of the consecrated, causing the same to be publicly read, and then by his own words, which may be called 'fair speech', he pretends to be in harmony with the Society, and thus further deceives the unsuspecting ones.

His only possible purpose in further publishing his letter is to justify himself and to 'cause division among the brethren', both of which are condemned by the Word of God. (Luke 16:15; Rom. 16:17,18) For this reason the brethren should be warned. "The afore-mentioned letter" being filled with lies leveled against the brethren, the same is hated by Jehovah: "Six things doth the Lord hate; yea, seven are an abomination unto him: . . . a false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren."—Prov. 6:16-19.

For four years Moyle was entrusted with the confidential matters of the Society, and then, without excuse, he assaults and maligns those who trusted him. Judas was entrusted by Christ Jesus with confidential matters, and Judas proved his unfaithfulness by furnishing to the enemy that which

By inducing others to join with him in the circulation and publication of his slanderous letter among the consecrated he makes others party to his wrong. The slanderous paper, being in opposition and against the interest of the Theocratic government, is pleasing only to the Devil and his earthly agents.

they could use and did use against the Lord. He who maligns the brethren of the Lord maligns the Lord himself, and the end of such the Scriptures plainly point out. Having been warned. each one must choose to join the "evil servant" and take the consequences (Matt. 24:48-51) or remain faithful to Jehovah and his government by Christ Jesus. Choose whom you will serve.

WHO INTERPRETS THE BIBLE?

MAN has a natural tendency to keep a record of events for his benefit and that of succeeding generations. This is proof that the Creator purposed it thus to be. God planted this faculty in man. Man is the highest of God's earthly creation; and since man has a tendency to keep a record of events, it is only reasonable that his Maker would provide a means for man to keep a record of the most important things concerning himself. If Jehovah God had to do with the keeping of such a record, then be it known that that record is correct and contains the truth.

The Bible is a history of God's creation of things earthly, and also gives such information concerning his heavenly creation as relates to man and man's home. The Bible is God's revelation of himself to his intelligent earthly creatures. It is his expressed will, and therefore is the statement of his law for the government of his intelligent earthly creatures. Most of the Bible is a record of things which have taken place, but which foreshadow greater things to come. As the inspired Bible writer states it, at 1 Corinthians 10:6,11: "Now these things were our examples, . . . Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." That part of the Bible which we call prophecy is the foretelling and recording of events that must come to pass, before they actually do come to pass. Prophecy is therefore the history of man written in advance. For this reason prophecy cannot be understood by man until it is in the course of fulfillment or has been fulfilled.

The writers of the Bible God chose to do the writing because of their faith in him and their faithfulness to him. As his unlimited power operated to create the things of the earth, so that power or spirit operated to direct and influence the mind of Moses and other holy men to make record of God's will concerning man. King David was one of these faithful men devoted to the Lord, and concerning that part of the Bible which he wrote he said: "The spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue." (2 Sam. 23:2) These faithful men of old are called "prophets", and they wrote prophecy. The apostle Peter, who was chosen by Jesus as one of his apostles, under inspiration wrote, at 2 Peter 1:19-21: "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy [spirit]."

Jehovah reveals himself and his purpose to his people in his own due time. His prophecy, therefore, cannot be understood until it is God's due time for understanding it. This was plainly stated to the prophet Daniel, who writes: "And I heard [the prophecy by the angel], but I understood not; then said I, O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things! And he said, Go thy way, Daniel; for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end." "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." (Dan. 12:8,9,4) For a long while students of prophecy have limited the fulfillment of these words last quoted to travel by man up and down through the earth by means of rapid transit machines, such as locomotives, steamships, automobiles, airplanes, and other like means; and also to the great increase of knowledge relating The WATCHTOWER

PUBLISHED SEMIMONTHLY BY

WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY 117 Adams Street Brooklyn, N.Y., U.S.A.

J. F. BUTHERFORD, President W. E. VAN AMBURGH, Secretary

"And all thy children shall be taught of Jehovah; and great shall be the peace of thy children." - Isaiah 54:13.

THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH

THAT JEHOYAH is the only true God, is from everlasting to everlasting, the Maker of heaven and earth and the Giver of life to his creatures; that the Logos was the beginning of his creation, and his active agent in the creation of all things; that the Logos is now the Lord Jesus Christ in glory, clothed with all power in heaven and earth, and the Chief Executive Officer of Jehovah.

THAT JEHOVAH'S ORGANIZATION is a Theocracy called Zion, and that Christ Jesus is the Chief Officer thereof and is the rightful King of the world; that the anointed and faithful followers of Christ Jesus are children of Zion, members of Jehovah's organization, and are his witnesses whose duty and privilege it is to testify to the supremacy of Jehovah, declare his purposes toward mankind as expressed in the Bible, and to bear the fruits of the kingdom before all who will hear.

THAT THE WORLD has ended, and the Lord Jesus Christ has been placed by Jehovah upon his throne of authority, has ousted Satan from heaven and is proceeding to the establishment of God's kingdom on earth.

THAT GOD created the earth for man, created perfect man for the earth and placed him upon it; that man willfully disobeyed God's law and was sentenced to death; that by reason of Adam's wrong act all men are born sinners and without the right to life.

THAT THE RELIEF and blessings of the peoples of earth can come only by and through Jehovah's kingdom under Christ, which has now begun; that the Lord's next great act is the destruction of Satan's organization and the establishment of righteousness in the earth, and that under the kingdom the people of good will that survive Armageddon shall carry out the divine mandate to "fill the earth" with a righteous race.

THAT JESUS was made human, and the man Jesus suffered death in order to produce the ransom or redemptive price for obedient ones of mankind; that God raised up Jesus divine and exalted him to heaven above every creature and above every name and clothed him with all power and authority.

"THEOCRACY" TESTIMONY PERIOD

The month of October begins a new service year and has been named "Theocracy" Testimony Period. The great Theocrat's provision for field service then is the book Salvation together with the new booklet Government and Peace, first to be released for distribution beginning with October. This combination of literature will be offered on a 25c contribution or corresponding value in other English-speaking lands. This Period is to be world-wide, and those lands not yet having translations of the above in their native language will offer a like combination of the latest book and booklet, Enemies or Riches along with Fascism or Freedom or Face the Facts. This announcement should suffice to start you to plan and prepare for an unstinted share in this Theocratic testimony. Your faithful report of work will help to make up an accurate world record.

"GOVERNMENT AND PEACE"

Honest hearers of the two speeches by the Society's president to the world convention and radio audience from New York city have been anticipating this new booklet, for it contains his rousing, Convention-feature speeches "Government and Peace" and "Victory". Millions of others of good will also will be eager to read this booklet. It is of 64 pages, and is self-covered, but the

ITS MISSION

THIS journal is published for the purpose of enabling the people to know Jehovah God and his purposes as expressed

in the Bible. It publishes Bible instruction specifically designed to aid Jehovah's witnesses and all people of good will. It arranges systematic Bible study for its readers and the Society supplies other literature to aid in such studies. It publishes suitable material for radio broadcasting and for other means of public instruction in the Scriptures.

It adheres strictly to the Bible as authority for its utterances. It is entirely free and separate from all religion, parties, sects or other worldly organizations. It is wholly and without reservation for the kingdom of Jehovah God under Christ his beloved King. It is not dogmatic, but invites careful and critical examination of its contents in the light of the Scriptures. It does not indulge in controversy, and its columns are not open to personalities.

YEARLY SUBSCRIPTION PRICE

UNITED STATES, 100; CANADA AND MISCELLANEOUS FOREIGN, 150; GREAT BRITAIN, AUSTRALASIA, AND SOUTH AFRICA, 6s. American remittances should be made by Postal or Express Money Order or by Bank Draft, Canadian, British, South African and Australasian remittances should be made direct to the respective branch offices. Remittances from countries other than those mentioned may be made to the Brooklyn office, but by International Postal Money Order only.

FOREIGN OFFICES

British ... 34 Craven Terrace, London, W.2, England

Canadian ... 40 Irwin Avenue, Toronto 5, Ontario, Canada

Australasian ... 7 Heresford Road, Strathfield, N. S. W., Australia

South African ... Boston House, Cape Town, South Africa

Please address the Society in every case.

(Translations of this journal appear in several languages.)

All sincere students of the Bible who by reason of infirmity, poverty or adversity are unable to pay the subscription price may have The Watchflower free upon written application to the publishers, made once each year, stating the reason for so requesting it. We are glad to thus aid the needy, but the written application once each year is required by the postal regulations.

Notice to Subscribers: Acknowledgment of a new or a renewal subscription will be sent only when requested. Change of address, when requested, may be expected to appear on address label within one month. A renewal blank (carrying notice of expiration) will be sent with the journal one month before the subscription expires.

Entered as second-class matter at the post office at Brooklyn, N. Y., under the Act of March 3, 1879.

unusual cover sets forth pictorially the circumstances of the Madison Square Garden public address. Time of release for public distribution is stated elsewhere. Your personal copy you may now send for, remitting 5e contribution.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

By reason of his unfaithfulness to the kingdom interests, and to those who serve the kingdom, O. R. Moyle is no longer with the Society. The full board of directors of the Society on August 8, by Resolution, unanimously demanded that the president sever Moyle's connection with the Society immediately. It was done Brethren will address their communications concerning their legal difficulties: WATCHOWFR BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY, Legal Desk, 117 Adams St., Brooklyn, N.Y.

"SALVATION"

This new book, written by the president of the Society, was the feature release at the recent world-wide convention of Jehovah's witnesses with its hub at New York City. The author of this book for the times describes it as "A text-book for the Jonadabs". But a study of its 384 pages of contents will prove to you it is

(Continued on page 271) ye terrified because of them."

Gog, who is Satan's invisible field marshal, has brought into the conspiracy all of his forces, and these are directing their efforts against Jehovah's "hidden ones" (Ps. 83:3); but those who trust Jehovah implicitly need not and will not fear. (Pss. 27:1; 118:6; Zeph. 3:16; Heb. 13:6; 1 John 4:17,18) Therefore the remnant in this day of judgment are bold in declaring the message of the kingdom and will continue so to do regardless of all opposition.

Prior to 1918 Jehovah caused the truth then due to be proclaimed on earth, and "Christendom" had an opportunity to know about the kingdom of God under Christ. While that work, the "Elijah work", as it is called, was thus being done, and particularly in the year 1918, the Lord's faithful people were ill-treated by "Christendom". Among God's covenant people in that time there were the "elective elders" who, like the "rich man", failed to serve God, and because of their unfaithfulness it became necessary to clear these out that the approved ones might be prepared for God's purposes. "For thus saith the Lord of hosts, As I thought to punish you, when your fathers provoked me to wrath, saith the Lord of hosts, and I repented not." (Zech. 8:14) The Lord did not repent, but has done the purging work that he may have a company who will "offer unto [him] an offering in righteousness". (Mal. 3:1-4; Ezek. 20:35-38) Judgment must begin at the house of God and continue until God's sanctuary is cleansed, and then lawlessness against God shall have an end.—1 Pet. 4:17; Ezek. 21:24, 25.

From and after 1922, and more particularly since 1926, Jehovah has prospered his "faithful servant" class. Jehovah foretold this in these words (Zech. 8:15): "So again have I thought in these days to do well unto Jerusalem, and to the house of Judah; fear ye not." This Jehovah has done because it is the time for the vindication of his name, and not because the remnant deserved the blessing. (Ezek. 36:21-23) The "man child" having been born by his "woman" in A.D. 1914 (Rev. 12:1-5), meaning the Kingdom having begun there, it is the "set time" to favor Zion, his capital organization, and to honor and vindicate Jehovah's name. This he will do by his kingdom under Christ. Ps. 102:13; Isa. 63:4.

LETTERS

RESOLUTION

The company of Jehovah's witnesses at Rio de Janeiro recently unanimously adopted the following resolution defining their stand for the Theocracy:

"We, Jehovah's witnesses organized and assembled in the company of Rio de Janeiro, in view of the notice of the exection by a firing squad of August Dieckmann for refusing to go to the front in the war between Germany and Poland, present through the president of the Society, J. F. Rutherford, our votes of full accord with the brethren who are faithful in Germany, on the side of Jehovah God, asking his protection for all who are bearing with dignity the perils to which we are at all times subjected, in order that we may hold in the highest place the name of the Almighty God, through Christ Jesus, and thus maintain our integrity to him, obeying faithfully his commandments."

JEHOVAR HAS LED AND BLESSED

DEAR BROTHER RUTHERFORD:

At the united service meeting of the Greater Glasgow company of Jehovah's witnesses it was unanimously agreed that we send to you once again an expression of our fervent love in the Lord, and our deep appreciation of the way in which Jehovah has led and blessed us through you in the year which has just passed.

Though the war clouds continue to hang ominously over us, and many of the brothers are likely to be haled before tribunals as conscientious objectors shortly, yet the zeal and loyalty of all the brethren has not diminished, but rather increased, as a result

of these conditions. We find the people as a whole more receptive of the message and our numbers continue to increase. What with this and the fact that, though the nation is at war, we are still able to continue almost unrestricted in our privileges of service, we realize that, though there is indeed on the earth "distress of nations with perplexity", yet we can now 'look up and lift up our heads and rejoice, for our redemption draweth nigh'.

We appreciate that Armageddon is very near, and we are determined by Jehovah's grace to stand shoulder to shoulder with you and to continue steadfastly in his service right to the end.

We render thanks to the Lord for the rich feasts of fat things coming to us through the columns of The Watchtower, and we pray that he may continue to bless you as you keep pressing the battle to the gates of the enemy.

IN FULL HARMONY

(The following is from the son of O. R. Moyle) DEAR BROTHER RUTHERFORD:

On August 8, 1939, when the Bethel family was asked to express their disapproval of the letter of O. R. Moyle, I expressed my approval by remaining sented. After prayerful and Scriptural consideration of the matter I am now of the opinion that my action was wrong.

I wish to state that I am in full harmony with the Theocracy of Jehovah and I recognize the Society as the visible part. I desire to co-operate to the best of my ability and opportunity.

Yours in the Kingdom interests,

(Continued from page 370)

PETER O. MOYLE.

lecture record on any particular subject of vital interest today. There are 64 pages of material, enclosed in a sturdy cover, and the booklet will be supplied on your contribution of 5c a copy. Those in organized companies should send in their orders in combination through the local company servant.

1940 CALENDAR

The 1940 Calendar sets out the text for the new calendar year, to wit: "My heart shall rejoice in thy salvation." (Psalm 13:5) A beautiful color illustration, specially painted, harmonizes with the theme of the text, and its portrayal of what is impending will

gladden your heart. Neat calendar pads indicate the special Testimony Periods of the year and the special lines of endeavor of the other months of activity in publishing the Kingdom gospel. Calendars, of which the supply is limited, will be sent on order, remittance accompanying, at 25c each, or $1.00 for five sent to one address. Companies will please order through their company servants.

"WATCHTOWER" STUDIES

Week of January 21: "Lazarus Comforted,"

1-24 inclusive, The Watchtower December 15, 1939. Week of January 28: "Lazarus Comforted,"

25-55 inclusive, The Watchtower December 15, 1939.

Now that government "upon his shoulder" is functioning! (Isaiah 9:6,7) Now the publishers of the Kingdom joyfully and incessantly announce God's judgments already written in the Bible against the "man of sin", against "Christendom", her rulers, and chief men, and against all who have defamed the name of the Most High. Fearlessly

and clearly they sound the warning of the great tribulation just ahead for all that dwell upon the face of the whole earth, and they make known how some may be shielded and protected and carried through that greatest of all calamities, in which the power of the Eternal One shall be shown in "his strange act".

Oh sing unto Jehovah a new song: sing unto Jehovah, all the earth. Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice...before Jehovah; . . . for he cometh to judge the earth: he will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with his truth.

—Psalm 96:1,11,13,A.R.V.

LETTERS

RESOLUTION

DEAR BRETHREN:

We, the Jefferson [Wis.] company of Jehovah's witnesses, acknowledge Jehovah God as the great Theocrat, that his organization is a theocracy, and that Christ Jesus is the Chief Officer thereof.

We are in full accord with Jehovah's Word, the Bible, and his explanation of the Bible which he is now revealing to us through his earthly channel, the WATCH TOWER, and realize it is our duty as his chosen servants to work together shoulder to shoulder in proclaiming his Kingdom message.

We resolve to let nothing hinder us in carrying out Jehovah's will, and will work together in unity under the direction of the Theocracy, with the hope and full assurance that we shall have Jehovah's approval and blessing.

DECLARATION

DEAR BRETHREN:

We of the Waupun [Wis.] company do hereby declare that we are wholly devoted to Jehovah's Theocracy under Christ;

That we absolutely refuse to consider the malicious letters which those of the "evil servant" class have been circulating among the brethren, seeking self-justification and sympathy;

That we will not co-operate with that class who oppose Jehovah's Theocratic Government under Christ.

THE CHANNEL THE LORD IS USING

DEAR BROTHER RUTHERFORD AND ALL THE BETHEL FAMILY:

Having read the article "Information" in the October 15 issue of The Watchtower, we wish to express our disapproval of the things done by O R. Moyle against the family at Bethel.

We do not know the contents of the letter written by Mr. Moyle, nor do we care to know. It is enough for us that our great God. JEHOVAH, is pleased to use you all in his service, and is showering you with blessings.

We believe that the Society is the channel the Lord is using to carry on his Kingdom interests in earth at this time, and that our brethren at Bethel are being spent in that service.

We never listen to accusations against Brother Rutherford or any faithful servant of God who is performing his given service in the Theocratic Government; for to do so would be disobedient

and dangerous to ourselves. All of the faithful, having been warned, would do well to be on their guard against the wiles of those "wild waves of the sea, . . . for whom the blackness of darkness hath been reserved for ever". (Jude 13, ARV) These do not discern the body, but, as Jude says, 'show respect of persons for the sake of advantage.'—Jude 16.

Owing to force of circumstances while I am still 'tent making' we are seldom where there is a company of servants We know that the faithful all over the earth will hasten to stand openly on the side of our brethren at Bethel, and against all wicked accusers We, also, wish to be found fighting shoulder to shoulder with our brethren, and to let it be known that, by Jehovah's grace, we shall ever be found standing for Jehovah God, his King Christ Jesus, the Kingdom, and all who faithfully serve that kingdom.

With much love, we remain.

Your brethren and fellow locusts,

GRACE FISKE, Pioneer.

RESOLUTION

DEAR BROTHER RUTHERFORD:

The brethren of the North unit [of Chicago, Ill, company] of Jehovah's witnesses have unanimously adopted the following resolution:

"We, Jehovah's witnesses of the North unit will be on the alert for any information from the enemy in relation to the things Brother Howlett brought to our attention Sunday, October 1, 1939, relative to O. R. Moyle. We are one hundred percent back of you in the Theocratic Government, pushing forward to publish the Kingdom as commanded by the Almighty God through his Vindicator King Christ Jesus."

IN HARMONY WITH ACTION TAKEN

We, the Racine [Wis.] company of Jehovah's witnesses, wish to express our disapproval of the actions of O R Moyle against the Society and its president. We do hereby acknowledge the WATCH TOWER SOCIETY as the visible channel of Jehovah's Theocratic Government, and we are in complete harmony with the action taken by the board of directors. We are thankful to the Society for sending Brother Howlett in our midst to explain the matter, which he did so well.

(Continued from page 194)

dates will be July 24-28 inclusive. Announcement is made in advance in order that Jehovah's witnesses and all people of good will may have ample opportunity to arrange their affairs so as to be at Columbus, Ohio, or other cities tied in by direct wire communication and loud-speaker equipment. By the Lord's grace, the president of the Watchtower Society will be in attendance in person at the key assembly in Columbus. For further details see The Watchtower, issues of June 1 and 15, 1940.

ADDRESS INFORMATION NOT APPEARING IN PREVIOUS ISSUE Beaumont, Texas: (Watchtower Convention Committee) (9292) 1355 Cottonwood St. Burlington, Vt.: (WCC) Box 75, Shelburne, Vt. Duluth, Minn.: (WCC) Box 2, New Duluth, Minn. (Douglas 510-W) El Paso, Texas: (WCC) 3020 Tularosa St. (MAin 5407) Memphis, Tenn.. 4 p.m. [CDST] report on the vitally important speech on "Integrity" by Judge Rutherford, and by its untrue personal slaps at the speaker.

A swift and deserved retribution and judgment came: at five o'clock this evening there was released for circulation among the people of St. Louis the printed copy of what the speaker actually did say in his speech. The August 15 issue of The Watchtower contained the full text of the speech, and now thousands of copies of this issue were made available to magazine distributors to put out immediately. This unexpected chance to return the fire of the enemy thrilled God's people, and forth they went with this new ammunition with boiling zeal, and shortly the entire supply of all magazines was exhausted. The pro-Catholic Globe Democrat of St Louis spoke of the speaker (a native Missourian) as a "tall, BALDING, wing-collared Californian", much after the manner as when the prophet Elisha was on his way to Bethel and many religious youths came out and mocked, saying, "Go up, thou bald head; go up, thou bald head!" and Elisha turned and uttered Jehovah's judgment upon them and two she-bears from the forest came and 'tore' 42 of them. Doubtless by the time this assembly closed the public press felt it had been torn by the claws of something far worse than two literal bears and that a "curse" rested upon it for its stubborn course of willful, lying mockery against the Elisha work today and those doing it.

Attendances at the sessions increased, as the assembly increased to 70,000 attendants, the number originally published as expected; and thousands more were yet en route to St. Louis. Much profit was derived from today hearing capable speakers deal with such subjects as "Magazine Route Work", "Magazine Street Witnessing," "Courage," "Jael's Experiences," "Zone Assembly and Its Purpose," and "Covenant Obligations". These speeches stressed Jehovah's Theocratic organization and its structure, and the work it is now commissioned to do, and the effective ways of getting the witness done; also the requirement to obey organization arrangements, and our obligations as consecrated Christians to fulfill our side of the covenant with Jehovah God as his faithful and true witnesses, if we would gain life and have part in the vindication of his greatly reproached holy name.

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