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Watchman

Watchman Nee (Chinese: 倪柝聲; November 4, 1903 – May 30, 1972) was a Chinese Christian preacher, teacher, and author who founded the Little Flock movement, an indigenous network of independent house churches emphasizing local assemblies without denominational structures.^[1]^[2] Born in Shantou, Guangdong Province, to Christian parents, Nee converted to Christianity in 1920 at age 17 during his high school years and soon began itinerant preaching and writing on biblical themes such as the normal Christian life, spiritual growth, and the church's organic nature.^[1]^[3] His works, including The Normal Christian Life and The Spiritual Man, drew from extensive study of the Bible and Western Christian authors like J.N. Darby and Jessie Penn-Lewis, advocating a release from self-effort through identification with Christ's death and resurrection; these have been translated into multiple languages and influenced global evangelical thought.^[2]^[4] Nee's ministry expanded rapidly in the 1920s and 1930s, establishing over 700 assemblies across China by promoting believer's baptism, breaking of bread in simplicity, and rejection of clergy-laity distinctions, which challenged both Western missionary models and traditional Chinese religious practices.^[1] Despite personal health struggles and opposition from some fundamentalist groups who viewed his emphasis on mystical union with Christ as overly subjective, Nee prioritized scriptural fidelity over ecumenical compromise, leading to the growth of self-governing local churches.^[3]^[5] In 1952, amid the Chinese Communist takeover, he was arrested on charges of counter-revolutionary activities for refusing state oversight of churches and spent the final 20 years of his life in prison without trial or family contact, where he reportedly continued encouraging fellow inmates spiritually until his death from illness.^[6]^[3] His imprisonment highlighted tensions between autonomous Christian communities and authoritarian regimes, with posthumous publications sustaining his legacy amid ongoing suppression of his followers in China.^[6]

Core Concept and Etymology

Definition as Guard or Sentinel

A watchman, in its primary secular definition, denotes a person tasked with maintaining vigilance to safeguard property, premises, or communities from threats such as intruders, fires, or other hazards. This role emphasizes proactive observation and deterrence, often conducted during nighttime hours when risks of undetected entry or disturbance are heightened.^[7] Dictionaries from the early 19th century, such as Noah Webster's, explicitly equate the term with a sentinel or guard, underscoring duties like patrolling perimeters and sounding alarms upon detecting anomalies.^[8] The function of a watchman as sentinel involves stationed or mobile oversight, distinguishing it from passive security by requiring active scanning for potential dangers, including unauthorized persons or environmental perils like incendiary risks during wartime.^[9] In pre-industrial contexts, this entailed municipal appointees who enforced curfews, dispersed gatherings, and protected against theft or violence in urban settings, with responsibilities rooted in communal defense rather than formalized law enforcement.^[10] Unlike modern surveillance reliant on technology, the watchman's efficacy depended on personal alertness and immediate response, as evidenced by historical accounts of town watches alerting inhabitants to approaching perils.^[11] This definition aligns with etymological origins tracing to Middle English compounds of "watch" and "man," connoting a literal guardian embodying wakefulness against nocturnal threats, a connotation persisting in legal and occupational usages through the 20th century.^[12] While synonymous with terms like sentry or warden, "watchman" particularly evokes individual or small-group deployment for localized protection, prioritizing prevention through presence over reactive intervention.^[13]

Historical Linguistic Origins

The English noun watchman, denoting a guard, sentinel, or lookout, first appeared in late Middle English around 1350–1400 as the compound waccheman or wacche-man, formed by combining watch (vigilance or guardianship) with man (a person).^[14]^[12] Its earliest attested use dates to circa 1400, as in the Middle English poem Wars of Alexander, where it referred to a person set to observe or protect, often during night hours.^[12] The term's formation reflects the semantic evolution from periodic watches—divisions of the night for guarding—to the agent noun for the individual performing that duty.^[15] The root watch derives from Old English wæcce, meaning "a watching," "wakefulness," or "vigil," which stemmed from the verb wacian "to wake" or "to be awake."^[15] This Old English form traces to Proto-Germanic *wakjaną "to wake, watch," an extension of *wakjan associated with alertness, ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European *weg-ʰ- "to be strong" or "lively," evoking sustained vigor in observation.^[15] Meanwhile, man originates in Old English mann, denoting "human being" or "adult male," from Proto-Germanic *mann- and Proto-Indo-European *m̥h₁-n-, a widespread root for personhood across Indo-European languages.^[16] Though Old English employed weard (from Proto-Germanic *wardaz "guard") for similar roles like sentry or keeper, watchman as a distinct compound arose in Middle English to emphasize active, wakeful patrolling rather than static protection.^[12] By the mid-15th century, watchman had acquired figurative senses, such as "guardian" or "protector" of moral or spiritual order, influencing later usages in literature and theology.^[12] Cognates appear in other Germanic languages, like Middle Dutch wacman or Old Norse vǫkumaðr, underscoring a shared Proto-Germanic heritage for vigilance-based guardianship terms.^[15] The word's persistence into Modern English maintained its core denotation of nocturnal or vigilant oversight, distinct from professionalized policing that emerged later.^[12]

Historical Role in Society

Pre-Modern Law Enforcement

In ancient Rome, Emperor Augustus established the vigiles in 6 CE as a corps of approximately 7,000 freedmen and slaves organized into seven cohorts, each responsible for fire prevention, suppression, and nocturnal policing across two of the city's 14 regions.^[17] These watchmen patrolled streets at night to deter arson and theft, using buckets, axes, and hooks to combat fires in the densely packed urban environment, while also apprehending minor offenders and maintaining public order in lieu of a dedicated urban police force.^[18] Their dual role underscored the integration of fire watch with basic law enforcement, though limitations in equipment and authority often hindered effectiveness during major conflagrations, such as the Great Fire of Rome in 64 CE.^[19] Medieval England's watch and ward system, formalized by the Statute of Winchester in 1285 under King Edward I, required male householders over 15 to serve rotationally as unpaid night watchmen (watch) from sunset to sunrise, supplemented by daytime guards (ward) at city gates and markets.^[20] Watchmen, armed with staffs, lanterns, and rattles, patrolled to enforce curfews, arrest vagrants, drunks, and suspected thieves, and raise alarms for fires or disturbances, but their amateur status—often filled by the elderly, infirm, or indigent—frequently resulted in corruption, absenteeism, and minimal deterrence against organized crime.^[21] This communal obligation reflected feudal reliance on local militias rather than centralized authority, with sheriffs overseeing enforcement but lacking resources for proactive policing.^[22] In early modern Europe and colonial America, watch systems persisted with incremental reforms; English towns from the 1730s introduced paid watchmen via local improvement acts to bolster urban patrols, while rural areas depended on ad hoc constables.^[21] American colonies mirrored this model, as in Boston's 1636 ordinance mandating volunteer night watchmen to patrol on foot or horseback, monitoring for fires, stragglers, and illicit activity until dawn, with duties enforced through fines for non-participation.^[23] These pre-professional forces emphasized reactive vigilance over prevention, transitioning gradually toward salaried roles by the 18th century amid rising urban disorder, yet remained under-equipped and prone to inefficiency until the advent of organized police in the 19th century.^[24]

Transition to Professional Policing

In England, the traditional watchman system, which relied on unpaid or minimally compensated volunteers patrolling at night, proved inadequate for urbanizing populations amid rising crime rates in the early 19th century, with London's disorganized constables and watchmen unable to effectively prevent or respond to offenses.^[25] Sir Robert Peel, as Home Secretary, addressed these deficiencies through the Metropolitan Police Act of 1829, which established the world's first modern professional police force in London, comprising over 3,000 full-time, uniformed officers focused on preventive patrolling rather than reactive punishment.^[26] The force, initially derisively called "Peelers" or "Bobbies," operated under centralized command from Scotland Yard, emphasizing discipline, public cooperation, and minimal use of force, marking a departure from the fragmented, corruption-prone watchmen model.^[27] This reform significantly curbed violent crime in London, particularly robbery, by enabling consistent street presence and rapid response, as evidenced by a measurable decline in reported offenses following implementation.^[28] Peel's principles—such as policing by consent and the police as citizens in uniform—influenced global standards, with the Act requiring boroughs outside London to form similar forces by 1856 under the County and Borough Police Act.^[29] Watchmen were gradually phased out or integrated, with surviving roles like park watchmen gaining formal powers, badges, and equipment akin to police by the 1880s in some areas.^[30] In the United States, colonial-era watchmen systems, inherited from English common law and featuring part-time night patrols in cities like Boston (established 1631) and New York (1650s), mirrored these inefficiencies, often staffed by unreliable volunteers who prioritized order maintenance over proactive enforcement.^[23] The London model spurred American adoption, with Boston forming the first paid daytime police force in 1838, followed by New York in 1845, transitioning fragmented watchmen into salaried, uniformed departments with 24-hour operations and bureaucratic oversight.^[31] By the mid-19th century, over 30 major U.S. cities had established professional forces, reducing reliance on ad hoc watchmen and enabling specialized units, though early departments grappled with political corruption until progressive reforms in the early 20th century. This shift prioritized empirical accountability, with professional training and merit-based recruitment supplanting the discretionary, community-based watchman approach.^[32]

Religious and Prophetic Interpretations

Biblical References and Symbolism

In the Hebrew Bible, the term "watchman" (primarily from the root tsaphah, meaning to observe from a height or spy out) denotes a sentinel tasked with vigilance over cities or people, often stationed on walls or towers to detect and announce threats.^[33] This literal role extends metaphorically to prophets appointed by God to warn Israel of moral and spiritual dangers, as seen in Ezekiel 3:17, where God declares to the prophet: "Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give it warning from me." Similarly, Ezekiel 33:7 reinforces this duty, emphasizing the watchman's accountability: failure to relay divine warnings results in the bloodguilt of the unheeded people falling on the watchman himself. Isaiah employs the watchman motif to critique negligent leaders and envision faithful oversight. In Isaiah 56:10, Israel's watchmen are condemned as "blind, they all lack knowledge; they are all mute dogs, they cannot bark," symbolizing prophetic or priestly failure to alert against sin and impending judgment.^[34] Conversely, Isaiah 62:6 portrays divinely appointed watchmen on Jerusalem's walls who "shall never be silent day or night," interceding persistently for restoration and divine intervention. These passages underscore the watchman's dual role as observer and proclaimer, rooted in ancient Near Eastern practices of urban defense but elevated to convey God's sovereign call for communal alertness.^[35] Symbolically, the Biblical watchman represents prophetic responsibility, spiritual discernment, and the moral imperative of warning against peril, whether physical invasion or covenant infidelity. Prophets like Ezekiel embody this as intermediaries bearing divine accountability, where vigilance (tsaphah) implies not mere passive looking but active moral suasion to avert catastrophe.^[35] This imagery recurs in calls for unceasing prayer and fidelity, as in Habakkuk 2:1, where the prophet positions himself as a watchman awaiting revelation, highlighting themes of endurance and divine timing over human presumption. The motif warns against dereliction—blind or silent watchmen invite ruin—while affirming that true watchmanship aligns with God's justice, prioritizing empirical obedience to revealed truth over complacency.^[35]

Influence in Christianity and Other Faiths

The biblical imagery of the watchman, particularly from Ezekiel 3:17 where God designates the prophet as a sentinel to warn Israel of sin and judgment, profoundly shapes Christian understandings of prophetic and pastoral responsibility.^[35]^[36] Failure to deliver such warnings incurs divine accountability, as the watchman's bloodguilt attaches if the people perish unheeded, emphasizing causal links between vigilance and spiritual outcomes.^[37] This metaphor extends to New Testament exhortations for sobriety and alertness, as in 1 Thessalonians 5:6, influencing doctrines of ecclesiastical oversight where ministers guard against heresy and moral lapse.^[38] In Christian practice, the watchman role manifests in intercessory prayer networks and prophetic ministries, positioning believers as "watchmen on the walls" to detect spiritual threats, enforce boundaries, and protect communal faith integrity.^[39]^[40] Early church fathers analogized bishops to watchmen for their duty to preach impending eschatological judgment, a view echoed in Reformation-era emphases on sola scriptura-driven warnings against corruption.^[41] Modern applications, such as in Pentecostal and evangelical circles, include organized "watchman" prayer watches—documented since the 20th century—for national repentance and end-times preparedness, with groups like the United Church of God interpreting it as a mandate to alert modern societies to biblical prophecies of decline.^[42]^[43] Rooted in Hebrew prophetic texts like Isaiah 62:6, the watchman concept originates in Judaism as a symbol of communal guardianship against existential threats, informing rabbinic traditions of moral vigilance without the Christian soteriological expansions.^[44] In Islam, prophetic warnings parallel this—evident in Muhammad's role as a forewarner (nadhir) per Quran 7:188—but lack the specific sentinel metaphor, focusing instead on universal monotheistic alerts rather than localized wall-standing.^[45] Non-Abrahamic faiths show negligible direct influence, with analogous guardian archetypes in Zoroastrianism's fravashi protectors or Hindu dharma enforcers, though these derive independently from indigenous theologies rather than biblical transmission.^[46]

Notable Individuals

Watchman Nee and Christian Ministry

Watchman Nee, born Ni Shu-tsu on November 4, 1903, in Fuzhou, China, converted to Christianity in 1920 at age 17 after encountering the gospel through missionary Margaret E. Barber.^[47] He adopted the English name Watchman Nee, reflecting his commitment to spiritual vigilance, and pursued theological self-study influenced by Plymouth Brethren writings and figures like Robert Govett and J.N. Darby.^[5] In 1922, Nee severed ties with the Methodist Church to establish independent fellowships, emphasizing autonomous local assemblies without denominational structures, which formed the basis of the Little Flock movement.^[48] Nee's ministry expanded rapidly in the 1920s and 1930s, involving itinerant preaching, church planting across China, and extensive writing. He edited the devotional magazine Revival starting in 1923 and authored over 40 books, including The Normal Christian Life (1938), which expounds Romans-based teachings on the believer's identification with Christ's death and resurrection for victorious living, and The Normal Christian Church Life (1939), advocating scriptural church governance through plurality of elders and rejection of clergy-laity distinctions.^[1] His doctrines stressed the "deeper Christian life," mutual edification in local churches named after cities (e.g., Church in Shanghai), and the church as Christ's Body manifesting organically without human organizations.^[49] By the 1940s, his networks influenced thousands, promoting Bible distribution, conferences, and resistance to Japanese occupation through prayer and non-violent witness.^[5] Post-1949 Communist takeover, Nee faced intensifying persecution as authorities targeted unregistered churches. Arrested on March 10, 1952, in Shanghai, he was charged with counter-revolutionary activities, including alleged economic crimes and foreign ties, though contemporaries attribute it primarily to his faith and leadership fostering independent Christianity.^[6] Tried in 1956, he received a 15-year sentence but remained incarcerated beyond term, enduring labor camps and isolation; his wife, Charity Chang, visited sporadically until her death on November 7, 1971. Nee died in prison on May 30, 1972, reportedly from complications including tuberculosis, leaving a final note affirming joy in suffering.^[2]^[50] Nee's legacy in Christian ministry endures through his writings, translated into multiple languages and influencing global evangelicalism, particularly in house church models and Keswick-like holiness teachings. His emphasis on scriptural locality and spiritual warfare inspired underground churches in China, where his Little Flock assemblies persisted despite suppression, contributing to indigenous Protestant growth. Critics note potential overemphasis on mysticism or ecclesiological exclusivity, but proponents credit him with equipping believers for persecution via first-hand exposition of divine life over human effort.^[47]^[51]

Representations in Media and Fiction

Watchmen Graphic Novel and Adaptations

Watchmen is a twelve-issue comic book limited series written by British author Alan Moore and illustrated by American artist Dave Gibbons, originally serialized by DC Comics from September 1986 to October 1987.^[52] Set in an alternate history of the 1980s amid Cold War tensions, the narrative follows a group of retired superheroes investigating the murder of one of their own, revealing conspiracies involving nuclear apocalypse and moral ambiguity in vigilantism.^[53] The series employs nonlinear storytelling, dense supplemental texts like in-universe documents, and critiques of superhero tropes by portraying characters as psychologically complex, often psychologically damaged individuals rather than idealized archetypes.^[54] The work garnered critical acclaim for elevating comics as serious literature, winning the 1987 Hugo Award for Best Dramatic Presentation—the first for a comic—and the 1988 Locus Award for Best Science Fiction Novel, alongside multiple Eisner Awards for its writing, art, and innovation.^[55] Its influence reshaped the superhero genre, prompting darker, more realistic narratives in subsequent works like The Dark Knight Returns, though Moore later criticized the industry's turn toward grimdark aesthetics as misinterpreting his intent to subvert rather than glorify caped crusaders.^[56] Moore has described modern superhero fixation as an "embarrassing" cultural regression, arguing Watchmen exposed the genre's juvenile foundations and ethical voids, such as unchecked power and nationalism, without endorsing them.^[57] Adaptations include Zack Snyder's 2009 live-action film, which closely replicated the comic's visuals and structure but condensed the plot and emphasized spectacle, grossing over $185 million worldwide despite mixed reviews for diluting philosophical depth.^[58] A 2019 HBO miniseries, developed by Damon Lindelof as a spiritual sequel rather than direct remake, incorporated the original's lore while exploring racial injustice and authoritarianism in an alternate Tulsa, Oklahoma; it earned 26 Emmy nominations and 11 wins, including Outstanding Limited Series.^[59] Moore, who ceded rights to DC amid contractual disputes, has repudiated all adaptations, viewing them as commercial dilutions that prioritize marketability over the source's anti-superhero essence and insisting the story's integrity lies in its unfilmable, medium-specific form.^[60] Prequel comics like Before Watchmen (2012) expanded the universe without Moore or Gibbons' involvement, further straining creator relations with the publisher.^[57]

Contemporary Technological and Medical Uses

WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device

The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device is a percutaneous implant developed by Boston Scientific to seal the left atrial appendage (LAA) in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AF), thereby reducing the risk of thromboembolism by preventing clots formed in the LAA from entering systemic circulation.^[61] The device consists of a self-expanding nitinol frame with 10 fixation anchors and a polyethylene terephthalate fabric cap, available in diameters of 21 to 33 mm, selected to be 8-20% larger than the LAA ostium for secure apposition.^[62] Implantation occurs via a minimally invasive transseptal procedure through femoral venous access using a 14F sheath, guided by transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and cine-angiography, with the device deployable, repositionable, and retrievable if needed prior to release.^[62] Post-procedure, patients typically receive short-term anticoagulation or dual antiplatelet therapy (e.g., NOAC plus aspirin for 45 days, followed by clopidogrel plus aspirin to 6 months, then lifelong aspirin) to support endothelialization, which occurs within 45-90 days.^[63] The original WATCHMAN device received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval on March 13, 2015, for patients with non-valvular AF at increased stroke risk who are deemed suitable for short-term warfarin but have difficulty tolerating long-term oral anticoagulation (OAC).^[64] Approval was based on the PROTECT AF randomized controlled trial (RCT, n=707, 2:1 device-to-warfarin) and continued access registry, which demonstrated non-inferiority to warfarin for the primary efficacy endpoint of stroke, systemic embolism, or cardiovascular death (2.3 vs. 3.8 events/100 patient-years; relative risk 0.60, 95% credible interval 0.41-1.05) over 3.8 years, alongside superiority in intent-to-treat analysis.^[62] The PREVAIL RCT (n=407, 2:1) confirmed non-inferiority with improved procedural safety, reporting 2.2% acute ischemic stroke or systemic embolism and a reduction in pericardial effusion requiring intervention to 0.4% from 1.6% in PROTECT AF.^[62] However, early safety concerns included higher procedure- or device-related events (7.7% in PROTECT AF vs. 4.4% with warfarin), primarily pericardial effusions (2.9% requiring pericardiocentesis) and major bleeding.^[62] Device-related thrombus (DRT) incidence was approximately 1-3% across studies, with resolution often achieved via intensified antithrombotic therapy.^[62] Subsequent iterations addressed these issues: the WATCHMAN FLX, approved by the FDA in July 2020, features enhanced conformability with a closed distal end and shorter frame for broader LAA anatomies, expanding indications to non-valvular AF patients eligible for OAC seeking an alternative.^[63] The PINNACLE FLX investigational device exemption trial (n=400) reported high implant success (>95%), effective LAA closure (peri-device flow ≤5 mm in >90% at 12 months), and a primary safety endpoint rate of acute major adverse events (all-cause death, ischemic stroke, systemic embolism, or device/procedure-related issues requiring intervention) at 2.5% within 7 days post-implant.^[63] The WATCHMAN FLX Pro, approved September 6, 2023, incorporates tissue-recruiting elements and a low-profile delivery system, enabling same-day discharge in many cases while maintaining low complication rates (e.g., 0.49% major procedural adverse events in meta-analyses).^[65] ^[63] Real-world data from registries like CAP (n=566) and SURPASS reinforce efficacy, with >92% of patients discontinuing warfarin by 45 days and >99% by 1 year, alongside an 18% relative reduction in composite stroke/prevention events compared to predicted rates.^[61] ^[66] Long-term outcomes (>5 years) show sustained stroke risk reduction comparable to OAC, with potential advantages in hemorrhagic stroke avoidance, though ischemic stroke rates remain similar; overall, over 400,000 procedures have been performed globally, with procedural success exceeding 95% and key safety event rates as low as 0.48% in contemporary analyses.^[62] ^[66] While effective, patient selection is critical, as incomplete closure or DRT can elevate residual risk, and trials excluded those with complex LAA anatomies or contraindications to periprocedural antithrombotics.^[62]

Clinical Developments and Safety Concerns (2020s)

In the early 2020s, Boston Scientific advanced the WATCHMAN platform with the WATCHMAN FLX device, featuring a redesigned nitinol frame for improved conformability and reduced peri-device leak, approved by the FDA in 2020 for patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation (AFib).^[63] The subsequent PINNACLE FLX trial, involving 400 patients, demonstrated a 98% implant success rate and low complication rates, including 0% procedure-related mortality and 0.5% major bleeding at 30 days, supporting expanded indications.^[66] Real-world data from the SURPASS study, analyzing 97,185 patients in the NCDR LAAO Registry from 2021 onward, reported a 97.5% successful implantation rate and effective left atrial appendage closure (peri-device leak <5 mm) in 99.6% at 45 days, with 1-year outcomes showing 8.2% all-cause mortality, 1.2% ischemic stroke, and 6.4% major bleeding—rates comparable to or better than the original WATCHMAN despite a higher-risk cohort (mean CHA₂DS₂-VASc score of 4.6).^[66] The OPTION trial, a randomized study of 1,600 post-ablation AFib patients completed in 2024, found WATCHMAN FLX non-inferior to oral anticoagulants for preventing death, stroke, or systemic embolism (5.4% vs. 5.8% at 36 months) while superior for reducing non-procedural major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding (8.5% vs. 18.1%; P<0.0001).^[67] Safety profiles from these studies indicate lower procedural risks with WATCHMAN FLX compared to prior generations, including pericardial effusion requiring intervention in 0.5% and device-related thrombus in 0.44% at 45 days.^[66] However, persistent concerns include peri-device leaks and device-related thrombus, though incidence remains low (e.g., 16.9% with leaks >5 mm at 45 days in SURPASS, often resolving without intervention).^[66] A significant safety issue emerged in 2025 involving the WATCHMAN Access System, where negative left atrial pressures during conscious or deep sedation without positive pressure ventilation increased air embolism risk, potentially causing arrhythmia, hemodynamic collapse, stroke, or death.^[68] As of July 30, 2025, this led to 120 serious injuries and 17 deaths; Boston Scientific issued updated instructions for use emphasizing anesthesia protocols and air management, with the FDA classifying it as an acute procedural risk not affecting implanted devices.^[68] No recalls were mandated, but enhanced clinician training was recommended to mitigate recurrence.^[68]

References

[1]
Watchman Nee - Biographical Dictionary of Chinese Christianity
Preacher, teacher, writer; founder of Christian Assembly (Little flock). ... Born November 4, 1903, in Shantou, Guangdong, of churchgoing parents, Ni was called ...
[2]
About Watchman Nee — A Brief Biography - Living Stream Ministry
Watchman Nee was not only an excellent student of the Bible; he was also a studious reader of spiritual books. He was brilliantly gifted.
[3]
Biography of Ni Tuosheng / Watchman Nee (倪柝声弟兄-1903-1972)
Watchman Nee is one of the better-known Chinese Christians in the West due to several of his books. This biographical sketch does not focus on his well-known ...
[4]
Watchman Nee — A Seer of the Divine Revelation
Watchman Nee (1903-1972). Watchman Nee became a Christian in mainland China in 1920 at the age of seventeen and began writing in the same year.<|control11|><|separator|>
[5]
Watchman Nee (1903-1972): A Biographical Study (HTML)
Watchman Nee is considered one of the most important indigenous church leaders and thinkers in the history of Chinese Christianity.
[6]
Watchman Nee's Life and Ministry
He died in confinement on May 30, 1972. Watchman Nee was a man of sorrows and suffering. Throughout his entire history of following the Lamb, he suffered much.
[7]
WATCHMAN Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster
Sep 20, 2025 · The meaning of WATCHMAN is a person who keeps watch : guard. How to use watchman in a sentence.
[8]
WATCHMAN - Definition from the KJV Dictionary - AV1611.com
WATCHMAN, n. watch and man. A sentinel; a guard. Definitions from Webster's American Dictionary of the English Language, 1828.
[9]
Watchman - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms - Vocabulary.com
a security guard at a bank; fire watcher (during World War II in Britain) someone whose duty was to watch for fires caused by bombs dropped from the air.
[10]
wake-man and wakeman - Middle English Compendium
1. (a) A watchman, sentinel, protector; (b) one who remains awake or abroad at night; specif., a town guard or night watchman; also, a municipal officer.
[11]
Topical Bible: Watchman
1. (n.) One set to watch; a person who keeps guard; a guard; a sentinel. 2. (n.) Specifically, one who guards a building, or the streets of a city, by night.
[12]
Watchman - Etymology, Origin & Meaning
Watchman, from late 12th-century watch + man, means guard or sentinel, and figuratively a guardian, also a person known for wakefulness. Origin: c.1400.
[13]
WATCHMAN Synonyms: 31 Similar Words - Merriam-Webster
Synonyms for WATCHMAN: custodian, guard, guardian, warden, keeper, sentinel, sentry, warder, bodyguard, patrol.
[14]
WATCHMAN Definition & Meaning - Dictionary.com
noun · a person employed to guard buildings or property · (formerly) a man employed to patrol or guard the streets at night. “Collins English Dictionary — ...<|separator|>
[15]
https://www.etymonline.com/word/watch
[16]
https://www.etymonline.com/word/man
[17]
Vigiles | ancient Roman firemen - Britannica
Each cohort was responsible for fire and, especially at night, police protection in two regiones. As a further measure to impose order on the often violent ...
[18]
Vigiles: Ancient Rome's Fire Service - World History Encyclopedia
Dec 6, 2016 · The vigiles (or cohortes vigilum) were formed during the reign of Augustus to act as ancient Rome's permanent firefighting service.Definition · Evolution · Organisation & Duties
[19]
Vigiles | UNRV Roman History
The Vigiles served dual roles as both firefighters and nighttime police. Their primary duty was fire prevention and suppression in a city largely constructed ...
[20]
Methods of law enforcement in early modern England - BBC Bitesize
Watchmen carried a lamp and rang a bell to warn people to go home or risk being identified as criminals. They were also expected to arrest vagabonds and drunks.
[21]
Watchmen and constables - UK Parliament
From the 1730s local improvement Acts often included provision for paid watchmen or constables to patrol towns at night, while rural areas had less formal ...
[22]
Watch and Ward System - Parks - Major Reference Works
Jan 22, 2014 · The Watch and Ward system was the first organized attempt at policing the masses. The Watch and Ward was codified in the Statutes of Winchester in 1285.
[23]
History of Police in the US
Dec 27, 2022 · During the early days of English and French colonization, municipalities hired watchmen and constables to provide security. Established in 1729 ...
[24]
6.1 Early History of American Policing - Open Washington Pressbooks
Mirroring the British system, the night watch system consisted predominantly of volunteers who patrolled the city on foot or horseback throughout the night ...
[25]
https://scholarlycommons.law.northwestern.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=5222&context=jclc
[26]
Crime and Punishment: Robert Peel - The National Archives
The Act for Improving the Police in and near the Metropolis in 1829 saw the establishment of the Metropolitan Police Force in central London, including eight ...
[27]
Metropolitan Police - UK Parliament
In 1828, another Commons inquiry reported in favour of a police force for London, and in 1829 Peel's Metropolitan Police Bill received parliamentary approval.Missing: watchmen | Show results with:watchmen
[28]
Impact of the First Professional Police Forces on Crime
Mar 17, 2021 · The first professional police force significantly reduced violent crime, particularly robbery, but not property crime.
[29]
Perspective: Peel's Legacy | FBI: Law Enforcement Bulletin - LEB
Dec 1, 2011 · Law-abiding individuals who wanted to prevent crime formed disorganized groups with members serving as watchmen. Much to their liking, Peel was ...
[30]
From "watchmen" to proactive patrol: History of the US Park Police
Jun 30, 2015 · Around 1880, the watchmen finally received the same powers and duties as the Metropolitan Police and were issued badges, batons and whistles.
[31]
A New Era of American Policing | National Affairs
This approach to policing was vastly different from that of the watchmen who patrolled the streets in an unorganized and erratic manner.
[32]
A BRIEF HISTORY OF LAW ENFORCEMENT
King George II began paying some London and Middlesex watchmen in 1737 with tax money and this began the shift from private to government policing. In 1750, ...
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[34]
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[35]
What are watchmen in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org
Jan 4, 2022 · Watchmen in the Bible were guards responsible for protecting towns and military installations from surprise enemy attacks and other potential dangers.
[36]
Ezekiel As a Watchman - She Reads Truth
“Watchman” refers to the person whose job was to stand out on a tower and look out to warn of coming danger.
[37]
The Role of a Watchman: Part 1 - What Does It Mean for You?
May 31, 2007 · The Bible uses the role of a watchman to describe the work of a prophet among God's people. Is there more to this symbolism than many have understood?
[38]
Topical Bible: Christian Minister: Watchmen
In biblical times, watchmen were for safety. In Christian context, ministers are modern-day watchmen, responsible for spiritual well-being and guiding in truth.
[39]
Watchman Intercessor: 6 Purposes of the Bible Watchman
Sep 30, 2021 · A watchman's primary function is to be alert! And a watchman on the walls would look out for approaching messengers, danger, armies, or envoys.
[40]
Watchmen on the Walls - by Michael A. Milton, PhD
May 26, 2024 · God commands watchmen—a metaphor for the prophets of Israel—to diligently watch over Jerusalem, the gathering of God's people, the capital of ...
[41]
The concept of Watchman in Christianity
Oct 7, 2025 · A watchman serves as a guard, observing messengers and their intents. Moreover, in Early Christianity, the watchman symbolizes a bishop responsible for ...
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The Watchman's Mission | United Church of God
Jan 25, 2011 · The watchman's mission is to sound the alarm, like in ancient times, and to give warnings, as God did with Ezekiel, to modern descendants of ...<|separator|>
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What is the Ministry of the Watchman?
The ministry of the watchman is a ministry of prayer that deals with the confrontation of evil on several levels of spiritual authority.
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What Does the Bible Say about the Watchman on the Wall?
Aug 8, 2023 · The role of a watchman serves as a metaphor for vigilance, responsibility, and spiritual alertness. “I have set watchmen upon thy walls, O ...
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PROPHECY IN JUDAISM AND ISLAM - jstor
the concepts of prophecy of Judaism and Islam. The major problems we will be dealing with are the questions of if and how these two concep tions of prophecy ...
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The Watchman of Israel
The watchman, like Ezekiel, is commissioned to warn of spiritual destruction, indicating possible danger, and is responsible for the people's spiritual death ...<|control11|><|separator|>
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Who was Watchman Nee? | GotQuestions.org
Oct 27, 2022 · Nee Shu-tsu (English name Henry Nee) was a writer and church leader in China and the founder of The Little Flock movement.
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"I Maintain My Joy": The Life and Ministry of Watchman Nee
Watchman Nee's ministry began in earnest in 1922 when he decided to break with the Methodist Church and pursue Christian fellowship without denominational ...
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Sharper Focus on Watchman Nee - Christianity Today
Nee expounded his doctrine of the Church in The Normal Christian Church Life, one of more than a dozen books now translated. The larger availability of Nee's ...
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1972 - Watchman Nee - Asia Harvest
On June 21st he was found guilty of all charges and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment. Watchman Nee was sent to the Shanghai First Municipal Prison and placed ...Missing: facts | Show results with:facts
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Watchman Nee - The Deeper Journey - Patheos
Watchman Nee – 1903-1972. WATCHMAN NEE WAS born in 1903. In 1920 at the age 17, Nee Shu-tsu (Watchman Nee) was saved while being a high school student. He ...
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Watchmen - Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons: Books - Amazon.com
Locus AwardWinner, 1988 ; Will Eisner Comic Industry AwardsWinner, 2006 ; Publisher, DC Comics ; Publication date, April 1, 1995 ; Edition, First Thus.
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The Greater Good: Analyzing Morality in Watchmen | Writing Program
In 1986, Alan Moore's revolutionary graphic novel, Watchmen, redefined the superhero genre and pushed the bounds of what is considered great literature.
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Alan Moore – Watchmen (1986-87) Review
Apr 20, 2023 · I would say that Watchmen is the best deconstruction and reconstruction of the concept of the superhero that I have ever read.<|control11|><|separator|>
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Watchmen by Alan Moore | Goodreads
Rating 4.4 (590,925) Considered the greatest graphic novel in the history of the medium, the Hugo Award-winning story chronicles the fall from grace of a group of superheroes ...Missing: publisher | Show results with:publisher<|separator|>
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Watchmen creator Alan Moore: Modern superhero culture is ... - BBC
Nov 19, 2019 · One of the greatest comic book writers says it's embarrassing for adults to like superheroes.
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Superheroes a 'cultural catastrophe', says comics guru Alan Moore
Jan 21, 2014 · Comics god Alan Moore has issued a comprehensive sign-off from public life after shooting down accusations that his stories feature racist characters.
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Watchmen (2009) - IMDb
Rating 7.6/10 (604,592) Watchmen: Directed by Zack Snyder. With Malin Akerman, Billy Crudup, Matthew Goode, Jackie Earle Haley. In a version of 1985 where superheroes exist, ...Full cast & crew · Parents guide · Alternate versions · Trivia
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HBO's Emmy-Sweeping 'Watchmen' Miniseries Is Better Than Zack ...
Dec 29, 2023 · Zack Snyder tried to adapt Alan Moore's Watchmen, but Damon Lindelof's HBO miniseries is way better.
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Are there any details on the original Watchmen contract Moore ...
Mar 26, 2021 · Alan Moore & Dave Gibbons interviewed by (then journalist) Neil Gaiman COMICS JOURNAL #116 1987 At the time, only five issues of WATCHMEN ...
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[PDF] WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device
The WATCHMAN Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device is implanted at the opening of the left atrial appendage and is intended to prevent left atrial appendage ...
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Left Atrial Appendage Closure – The WATCHMAN Device - PMC
It is a parachute shaped implantable nitinol device encased within a trans-septal access sheath and delivery catheter.
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WATCHMAN FLX™ - Boston Scientific
WATCHMAN FLX is FDA APPROVED for use in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation patients who are eligible for anticoagulation therapy.
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FDA Approves LAA Closure Device - American College of Cardiology
Mar 13, 2015 · The PROTECT AF trial concluded that use of the watchman device for LAA ligation is feasible among patients with nonvalvular AF. The trial ...Missing: efficacy | Show results with:efficacy
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Boston Scientific Announces FDA Approval for the Latest ...
Sep 6, 2023 · Boston Scientific Announces FDA Approval for the Latest-Generation WATCHMAN FLX™ Pro Left Atrial Appendage Closure Device.
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Outcomes With the WATCHMAN FLX in Everyday Clinical Practice ...
Jul 26, 2024 · The results of this analysis reinforce the safety and effectiveness of WATCHMAN FLX with a key safety end point event rate of 0.48%, the ...
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https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2408308
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Early Alert: WATCHMAN Access System Issue from Boston Scientific
Aug 6, 2025 · The UDI allows for more accurate reporting, reviewing, and analyzing of adverse event reports so that devices can be identified, and problems ...