We have included excerpts for many of the links, followed by our own comments. To read the entire articles, click on the title of the articles provided. We do not necessarily agree with all of the conclusions presented.
What is presented is designed to show what the Cross and Crown symbolism actually meant to Russell.
The cross represents our faith in the death of Christ and our desire to walk in His steps; the crown represents the reward of glory, honor and immortality; and the wreath around the cross and crown represents the Restitution blessings coming to the world of mankind.
The above statement is most succinct in revealing exactly what the cross and crown meant to Brother Russell. All of this is in harmony with the Bible, and very directly shows that this was used as an illustration of what appears in the Bible itself. -- Isaiah 2:2-4; 11:6-9; Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23; Acts 3:21; Romans 3:20-22; 5:6,8,10; 1 Corinthians 15:3,21,22; Galatians 2:16; Philippians 2:8; 3:9; 2 Timothy 4:8; James 1:12; 1 Peter 5:4; Revelation 2:10.
Throughout Russell's works, we find references to the cross. Charles Taze Russell never claimed to not believe in the cross, as some have claimed. After Russell died, Rutherford wanted his followers to focus on his "Jonadab class". In effect, Rutherford was claiming that there was a special call for a group who would not be consecrated under the call to become joint-heirs, and thus the cross and crown symbolism would not apply to them. Thus, if appears probable that, in order to get his followers to not use the cross and crown symbol, he adopted the idea that Jesus did not die on a cross from others who had promoted such an idea, and that the "cross" was a pagan symbol. Upon careful study of this, however, we have concluded that there is actually nothing wrong with Russell's usage of the Biblical cross and crown imagery.
Many like to point to the pyramid monument that Rutherford authorized to be constructed in the Rosemont Cemetery, often speaking of this monument as being Russell's pyramid. On each side of that monument, one may find the cross and crown symbolism. We do note that the Knight's Templar, who profess to be Christians, make use of a similar symbol, although theirs is not actually the same as that on Rutherford's pyramid monument. The Biblical symbolism of a cross and crown has been used for many centuries by almost all the major Christian "denominations" with no thought that such Biblical symbolism is of the Masons.
Throughout Russell's works, we find references to the cross. Charles Taze Russell never claimed to not believe in the cross, as some have claimed. After Russell died, Rutherford wanted his followers to focus on his "Jonadab class". In effect, Rutherford was claiming that there was a special call for a group who would not be consecrated under the call to become joint-heirs, and thus the cross and crown symbolism would not apply to them. Thus, if appears probable that, in order to get his followers to not use the cross and crown symbol, he adopted the idea that Jesus did not die on a cross from others who had promoted such an idea, and that the "cross" was a pagan symbol. Upon careful study of this, however, we have concluded that there is actually nothing wrong with Russell's usage of the Biblical cross and crown imagery.
Many like to point to the pyramid monument that Rutherford authorized to be constructed in the Rosemont Cemetery, often speaking of this monument as being Russell's pyramid. On each side of that monument, one may find the cross and crown symbolism. We do note that the Knight's Templar, who profess to be Christians, make use of a similar symbol, although theirs is not actually the same as that on Rutherford's pyramid monument. The Biblical symbolism of a cross and crown has been used for many centuries by almost all the major Christian "denominations" with no thought that such Biblical symbolism is of the Masons.
Self-Denial and Cross-Bearing Conditions
Our point here is, however, that Russell's usage of the cross and crown symbolism is simply Biblical; it symbolizes suffering with Christ if one wishes to receive the crown of joint-heirship with Christ. (Romans 8:17) Such usage is not related to the Knights Templar and definitely offers no reason to imagine and assume that Russell's usage of the cross and crown has to mean that he was a member of an organization (Knights Templar) that teach almost the opposite doctrine from what Brother Russell presented. Many may not realize that in order to be a member of the Knights Templar, one has to accept the traditional trinitarian creeds. The message that Russell spent nearly his entire life preaching and defending is definitely not in harmony with those creeds.
Brother Russell's usage of the Biblical cross and crown illustration definitely has nothing at all to do with promoting heathen occultism, mysticism, spiritism, etc.
No Cross, No Crown (Poem)
St. Paul's Last Words
See also:
When Crown is Ours
Other Research:
Cross-bearing is closely related to self-denial, and yet a distinction between them may be noted.... We exhort,... [that] they may learn the full meaning of self-consecration and immolation which our Lord's words signify: and that they be not content with the wearing of a cross as an ornament, but grasp fully and clearly the purport of the Master's words respecting the true cross-bearing, that in due time they may also attain to the crown-bearing promised as a reward to the faithful.
Brother Russell in the article linked to shows that he connects the cross with the Christian's bearing sufferings and reproach for Christ so that he may attain the crown, evidently referring to joint-heirship with Christ. As far Russell himself was concerned, he made no endeavor to judge or settle who are or who are not finally to be of the 144,000 joint-heirs. Russell's beliefs concerning such were not the same as that of Rutherford's. Russell believed that the only call for Christians is to become joint-heirs with Christ. He recognized two other groups who fail to be of the 144,000: the "great company", and a "second death" class. He believed, however, that most would fail to be sealed as such and they would thus become of the great company (the great multitude of Revelation 7). He believed that both the 144,000 and the great company were to go to heaven, but only the 144,000 would sit on the throne with Jesus. Russell did not, as did Rutherford, endeavor to force a recognition of who belongs to which class, and claim some kind authority in this evil age for the 144,000 over the great company.
Our own views are not the same as Russell’s related to the 144,000, the twelve tribes and the great multitude of Revelation 7. We do believe, however, that we will not know who is of which group until after Satan is abyssed. For links to some of our own views, see our page: Tribes, 144,000 and the Great Multitude.
Our point here is, however, that Russell's usage of the cross and crown symbolism is simply Biblical; it symbolizes suffering with Christ if one wishes to receive the crown of joint-heirship with Christ. (Romans 8:17) Such usage is not related to the Knights Templar and definitely offers no reason to imagine and assume that Russell's usage of the cross and crown has to mean that he was a member of an organization (Knights Templar) that teach almost the opposite doctrine from what Brother Russell presented. Many may not realize that in order to be a member of the Knights Templar, one has to accept the traditional trinitarian creeds. The message that Russell spent nearly his entire life preaching and defending is definitely not in harmony with those creeds.
Brother Russell's usage of the Biblical cross and crown illustration definitely has nothing at all to do with promoting heathen occultism, mysticism, spiritism, etc.
Excerpt: WAS there ever a nobler soldier of the Cross than St. Paul – the Redeemer alone excepted? ... St. Paul, copying his Master, laid down his life for Jew and Gentile, bond and free, male and female, to assist in gathering the "elect" to be the Bride of Christ – that ultimately through the glorified King and his glorified Bride, all the families of the earth may receive the blessing which God waits to give to "all the families of the earth, through Abraham's Seed." – Galatian 3:29.
We should note that the Bible does not speak of being a soldier of the cross, but it does speak of being a soldier for Jesus. -- 2 Timothy 2:3.
Nevertheless, again, in this article, the use of the cross symbolism has nothing to do with heathenism, nor is the symbolism taken from the Freemasons or Knights Templar, but rather it is Biblical, being used as a symbol of service to God and Jesus.
Christ Within (poem)
Christ Within (poem)
O WHAT, if we are Christ's,Is earthly shame or loss?Bright shall the crown of glory beWhen we have borne the cross.
Brother Russell had this poem put in the book, Poems of the Millennial Dawn, and it was also published in the pages of the Watch Tower. Evidently, he believed this to be a good use of the Biblical symbolism of the cross and crown. We do not know who wrote this poem, but it is obviously written only with the idea of bearing the suffering for Christ and finally receiving the reward of the crown, which is what the cross and crown symbolism represents.
The poem, however, shows the scriptural meaning behind that cross (bearing our cross) with the hope of obtaining the crown of glory. Again, this has nothing at all to do with the Knights Templar, except that they might have made use of similar Biblical symbolism. Their usage of the Biblical cross and crown, however, offers no reason to imagine and assume that the usage of that symbolism by anyone else must mean usage of a "Knights Templar" symbol. It certainly doesn't offer reason to imagine and assume that such usage of a Biblical cross and crown means that we need to imagine and assume that anyone who makes use of such a Biblical illustration must be a member of the Knights Templar.
No Cross, No Crown (Poem)
Thou canst not hope to wear the Crown,If thou refuse the Cross!"
The poem linked to above was written by Gertrude Woodcock Siebert.. Again, however, we find no hint in any of her poems that she used the cross and crown in any other setting than that of Biblical symbolism.
It should be obvious, however, that Brother Russell allowed this to be published in the Watch Tower, because he felt it expressed the Biblical usage of the cross and crown, not because of any similar usage by the Knights Templar.
Excerpts:
The crown mentioned, the Apostle had seen for many years with the eye of his faith as a part of the Lord's promise.... That crown had been his cause of rejoicing for many years, not because of pride or ambition, but because of love and benevolence. He would love to receive that crown because it would be the mark of Divine appreciation and love for him; and a mark of his faithfulness.
Again, in the article linked to, we find that the cross and symbolism is simply shown to be Biblical. Paul certainly provides an example of bearing one's cross in order to receive the crown of becoming joint-heirs with Christ.
The New Creature's Resurrection BegunExcerpt:
Some of us wear what is known as a Cross and Crown Pin. The cross represents our faith in the death of Christ and our desire to walk in His steps; the crown represents the reward of glory, honor and immortality; and the wreath around the cross and crown represents the Restitution blessings coming to the world of mankind. -- Harvest Gleanings, Vol. 3, page 721.
Comments: These few words directly refer to the Biblical cross and crown symbolism, and Brother Russell gives a clear statement as to what this symbolism means, all of which is in harmony with the Bible. Nothing in it is referring to any Masonic rituals, the Knights Templar, nor any form of Satanism, heathenism, etc.
The Refiner's Fire (Poem)Excerpt:Ah, no! but He saw thro' the present crossThe bliss of eternal gain.
Indirectly, this poem also illustrates the Biblical usage of the cross and crown.
Excerpt:
The prophets spoke not only of the glory that should follow, but also of the sufferings of Christ (head and body) which must precede the glory. (1 Pet. 1:11.) The lesson to every one who has ears to hear it is, "No cross, no crown." Let us, then, humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, and rejoice in every step of the humiliation, that he may exalt us in due time to share the glories of his Son our Lord, and to share with him the grand work of blessing all the families of the earth.Here Brother Russell quotes the title from William Penn's poem, that is, "No cross, no crown". It should be obvious that Russell's usage of this symbolism was not under the influence of the Knights Templar. Some have claimed that William Penn was a member of the Knights Templar, but, as with Russell, they offer no proof of such other than what they have imagined and assumed.
See also:
When Crown is Ours
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The above is only a small sampling of articles and other material in Brother Russell's publications that in some way show Brother Russell's usage of the Biblical cross and crown. Anyone truly familiar with the work of Brother Russell would know that it is simply nonsensical to think that Brother Russell made use of the Biblical cross and crown symbol because of any supposed ties with the Freemasons or the Knight Templar. From the above and many other statements in the publications of Brother Russell, it should be obvious that his usage of the cross and crown symbolism is strictly Biblical. We cannot produce all his references to the Biblical cross or crown, but the above is a small sample. Nevertheless, his usage of these Biblical symbols has nothing to do with any kind of heathen or spiritistic occultism; nor does such usage come from the Knights Templar, as many like to claim.
Other Research:
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