Hi Brother Perimeno,

I am very upset and crying so please bear with me. . . If I had researched the Watchtower when I came to know of the Witnesses, I probably would not be a Witness today. The reason is this, I run the opposite direction from evil.   Now there is alot of evidence that Russell was indeed a member of The Knight's Templar. I do realize that Masonic influence was very prevalent at the time and that some worldly associates of Russell were probably masons.  Also some of the goings on in the organization were of that masonic influence. Such as; symbols on early magazines and such.  When I was learning the truth I remember hearing of Brother Franz's book and was warned not to read it.  It was newly out at the time.  I never did read it and I am glad that I didn't.  The thread that talks about his book made it sound very discouraging. (I am not trying to imply that Franz was a mason, just using his book as another example of uncovering wrongs)  Okay so even if Russell wasn't a mason, and that was long ago, what about his death and burial site.   A masonic/illuminati pyramid for a gravesight marker?  Also the current use of assembly halls and kingdom halls with clear masonic/illuminati markers on these buildings.   This is still going on.  What's going on?  What does light have to do with darkness?  Why is this so important to me?   I now understand that prophesy has to happen and Jehovah has to clean house.   However, I can't help but think of all the people that did not learn the truth and who are currently not interested and would not touch it with a 10 foot poll, because of our beginnings and current bad things going on.  What I can't understand is why Jehovah would choose this channel to begin with.  He is such a loving God.  Wouldn't he ensure that at least in the beginning that all was absolutely clean.   After learning about all the masonic stuff I now understand why over the years that some at the door were upset and scared of the witnesses.   Russellites!   My father is an avid reader and knows a whole lot about our organization.   What about all the people that could have come in had they not been stumbled over these issues.

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Dear sister ...,

I can understand your concern about Jehovah not using a channel that would not seem above board. But that attitude of ours has been influenced by what we have been taught over the years by the Society. By emphasizing our own virtues, how wonderful and clean Jehovah's people are and how terrible Christendom and the world are we have kind of become arrogant, although not consciously. This attitude comes out often when we talk with fellow witnesses about relatives not in the truth or the world in general. But Jehovah sees things a bit different. The arrogant and proud servant of Jehovah today may be out of the truth tomorrow while the ones we look down upon now may in the future give praise to God with humility. If brother Russell was any of the things that others write about him (and I have not personally checked any of it out) I am certain that he would have made the necessary changes in time with the help of Jehovah's spirit. You ask: What I can't understand is why Jehovah would choose this channel to begin with.  He is such a loving God.  Wouldn't he ensure that at least in the beginning that all was absolutely clean.

Let’s look at the last point you make, "Wouldn't Jehovah ensure that at least in the beginning that all was absolutely clean." Consider how Jehovah dealt with the lineage leading to the Messiah. You would think that he would at least ensure in this case that in the beginning all was absolutely clean. And yet, Jehovah included as one of Jesus' early ancestress Rahab, a prostitute. (Joshua 2:1; 6:22,23) Immediately after, Jehovah included a Moabitess, Ruth, to also become an ancestor of Jesus, the great-grandmother of king David (Matt. 1:5,6) That is certainly not the way we would expect Jehovah to do things, and yet he did. And why? Because as you note, "He is such a loving God."

It should not surprise us that Jehovah would choose, among the weak and foolish, also those who are capable but have dubious backgrounds, as was Saul who became the apostle Paul. Perhaps some had a hard time accepting Paul or his counsel because of his background, yet it pleased Jehovah to use him in such an outstanding way. Yes, when it comes to writings included in the scriptures, Jehovah used Paul even more than any of the twelve apostles. I think this, what I just said, should also address your question, "Are there any instances in the bible where Jehovah used shaky ground as a foundation for his people."  Look at what Jehovah has to work with, there is no one that does not sin. Also to consider, the whole rebellion started because of a cherub becoming self-important. He was created faultless and yet became haughty because of his beauty. (Ezekiel 28:12b-17) So, a perfect start does not guarantee a good outcome, just as a bad start does not mean a bad outcome. Another encouraging thought, since Jehovah is not partial and he has used imperfect men to do his will, we can be certain that no matter what flaws we may have Jehovah is willing to use us also, for he knows that when we respond to his love we will make the necessary changes in time, and with his help, and that is all he expects of us.

I am absolutely convinced that Jehovah was and still is using the organization which makes up his household. The organization was formed because the laws of the land requires it, in whatever country we operate in. To have any legal recognition and thus have all the legal rights and protection, we need to abide by the laws of the land and be registered. As you know, in the United States one has to form a corporation which is modeled on the political setup of the country. It has to have a president, vice president, secretary, etc. and voting members which make up the board of directors. Very democratic. That is not against any of God's laws. What makes it bad is when we bring this arrangement into the congregations, where the president of the legal corporation also becomes the president of God's people, and the board of directors become our governing body. That is something that Jesus had forbidden his disciples to do. (Luke 22:25,26) But just because some brought the way of the world into God's household does not mean that Jehovah no longer recognizes us as his people making up his household. He still has his chosen ones and other faithful servants worshipping him and carrying out the assignment of preaching the good news of the kingdom within this arrangement. Although we may be chafing under the present arrangement, which deviated from God's way, we can be certain that Jehovah will set matters right in his due time. He has promised us that. And it is comforting to know that he does not hold accountable the sheep for what the shepherds have done or are doing. He will protect his sheep. We have his guarantee. (Eze. 34:1-16) So, hang in there a little bit longer. Jesus foreknew our present situation and encouraged us to endure. (Matt. 24:13) Although none of us have it easy some are having an extremely hard time and can only endure with Jehovah's help until his time to act arrives. Some are giving up because they cannot see beyond the legal entity and thus are leaving not just the organization, but also God's household.

I hope I have somewhat answered your question.