*** g73 10/8 p. 17 Mankind at the Crossroads by 1914 — Why? ***
The Turning Point Foreseen
But did you know that, long before 1914— in fact, more than a quarter of a century before —
persons were pointing ahead to that year as one to be of great significance for all mankind? History shows that sincere Bible students, known today as Jehovah’s witnesses, did just that. Note this:
Back on August 30, 1914, the New York World, in its magazine section, said, "The terrific war outbreak in Europe has fulfilled an extraordinary prophecy." It went on to state:
"For a quarter of a century past, through preachers and through press, the ‘International Bible Students’ [Jehovah’s witnesses] . . . have been proclaiming to the world that the Day of Wrath prophesied in the Bible would dawn in 1914.
"‘Look out for 1914!’ has been the cry of the hundreds of travelling evangelists who, representing this strange creed, have gone up and down the country enunciating the doctrine that ‘the Kingdom of God is at hand.’"
What did Russell actually "prophesy"?
"True, it is expecting great things to claim, as we do, that within the coming twenty-six years all present governments will be overthrown and dissolved . In view of this strong Bible evidence concerning the Times of the Gentiles, we consider it an established truth that the final end of the kingdoms of this world, and the full establishment of the Kingdom of God, will be accomplished at the end of A. D. 1914 ." Studies In the Scriptures Series II - The Time Is At Hand (1889) pp.99, 101
"In this chapter we present the Bible evidence proving that the full end of the times of the gentiles, i.e., the full end of their lease of dominion, will be reached in A.D. 1914; and that the date will be the farthest limit of the rule of imperfect men. And be it observed, that if this is shown to be a fact firmly established by the Scriptures, it will prove; Firstly, that at that date the Kingdom of God, for which our Lord taught us to pray, saying, Thy Kingdom come, will obtain full, universal control, and that it will then be set up, or firmly established, in the earth, on the ruins of present institutions."(The Time Is At Hand, 1888, p. 76, 77)
"Be not surprised, then, when in subsequent chapters we present proofs that the setting up of the Kingdom of God is already begun, that it is pointed out in prophecy as due to begin the exercise of power in A.D. 1878, and that the 'battle of the great day of God Almighty (Rev. 16:14) which will end in A.D. 1914 with the complete overthrow of earth's present rulership, is already commenced. The gathering of the armies is plainly visible from the standpoint of God's word." (Studies in the Scriptures, Vol. 2, The Time Is At Hand, 1889 Ed., p. 101. The 1915 Edition of this texts changed "A.D. 1914" to read 'A.D. 1915')
Rather than a mere "turning point", Russell was predicting Armageddon would occur in 1914.
The WT has often quoted the August 1914 "World" magazines comments as "proof" that Jehovah directed Russell to proclaim what would happen in 1914, and that Russell's 'predictions' happened just as he said they would. In fact, NOTHING Russell predicted for 1914 actually occurred.
This is a bald-facted WT lie!! Watch the following video to see what that "World" magazine article actually said and how WT has deceptively cherry-picked and edited the article to hide the truth. The specific reference begins at the 3:30 mark:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1puUP2vN7A&feature=player_embedded
...OUTLAW