Where I can buy a copy of actual WTS literature that shows the only channel of God's communication didn't "see" Christ had returned invisibly (as every eye would do according to Revelation 1:7) until well after the "event"? Which book do I need?
Thanks.
Need Hard Evidence of 1914 Embarassment
by Eyes Open 17 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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Eyes Open
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Eyes Open
Oh, The Proclaimers book does, doesn't it? Page 632. Still, might be nice to have a book post-1914 talking about a non-1914 return of Christ...
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Nathan Natas
The most important thing to which all the prophecies point and for which the apostles looked forward has been the second coming of the Lord. It is described by the Prophet as a blessed time. Daniel then says: “Blessed is he that waiteth, and cometh to the thousand three hundred and five and thirty [1335] days”. (Daniel 12: 12) The watchers here, without question, are those who were instructed by the Lord to watch for his return. This date, therefore, when understood, would certainly fix the time when the Lord is due at his second appearing. Applying the same rule, then, of a day for a year, 1335 days after 539 A. D. brings ns to A. D. 1874, at which time, according to Biblical chronology, the Lord’s second presence is due. If this
calculation is correct, from that time forward we ought to be able to find some evidences marking the Lord’s presence. -- The Harp Of God, © 1921, page 230"Harp" is filled with references to 1874.
By 1930 emphasis was shifting to 1914 as the magical date. Yet as late as 1929, WTB&TS publications were straightfowardly stating that the second presence began in 1874:
The Scriptural proof is that the second presence of the Lord Jesus Christ began in 1874 A.D. This proof is specifically act out in the booklet entitled Our Lord’s Return. In the Scriptures there are three different Greek words used in connection with the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Those words are, to wit: porousia (Matt. 24:3), which means presence; epiphaneia (2 Tim. 4 : l), which means presence and shining forth with increased light; and apokalupsis (Rev. 1: 1)) which means the presence of the Lord shining forth with increased light and to a complete uncovering or revelation. Thus is shown the progressive unfolding of the prophecies during the presence of the Lord. That is the period of refreshing mentioned by Peter, and that refreshing is given to, and is for, the benefit of the faithful students of God’s Word, because God has turned his face to them and the Lord Jesus Christ is manifesting hi presence and is ministering to them. -- PROPHECY, ©1929, pages 65, 66
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Nathan Natas
I just checked AbeBooks.com - you can get a copy of HARP (1921 version) for $8.96 and a copy of PROPHECY ( 1929 version) for $22. BEWARE that later editions were revised to change date references. ALSO BEWARE that not all booksellers make it clear which edition they are selling. Always ask for clarification or verification of the copyright date in the book.
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yknot
1921- Harp of God can be found on google books for free. Search Joseph Franklin Rutherford.
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Eyes Open
Many thanks. I ordered what I think were the earlier editions of Harp and Prophecy.
So... I'm sorry for my ignorance (I should know better having been in the organisation a long time), but am I right in thinking that the 1874 thing was covered up by later literature to a certain degree. If so, exactly where do I go to prove their dishonesty?
I mean, I was thinking the information alone is shocking, but did they misrepresent when they changed their teaching?
All help appreciated - for family. -
Gopher
The very name of their flagship magazine at the start was "Zion's Watchtower and Herald of Christ's Presence". The magazine was heralding the supposed invisible presence of Christ right then.
The 1874 date was quietly dropped, and the new understanding of 1914 being the BEGINNING of the Kingdom & the time of the end was first printed in the 1925 Watchtower article "Birth of a Nation".
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Eyes Open
So how comes a 1929 book (Prophecy) says 1874?
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Gopher
Good question, EO. I can only guess the answer.
Maybe the 1925 "new light" on the Kingdom didn't erase the 1874 teaching. Maybe Jehovah didn't reveal that bit of truth until the 1930's! Perhaps his people were only ready to handle so much brilliance from Brooklyn at one time!!!
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oompa
Eyes: So how comes a 1929 book (Prophecy) says 1874?.................... Not sure why you ask this.......but it is the same reason all lit for a long time says it is 1914......soon to change again............ooompa