Hello everyone,
I?ve been away for a while, but still preparing some topics. This one,
although presented already, in a variety of ways on this board , I do believe is
a very important one due to the use that the WTBS Inc. has done for many
decades now. My presentation is based on a simple statement made
by the apostle Luke , and it declares :
« ?*** Rbi8 Luke 1:3 ***
because I have traced all things from the start with
accuracy, to write them in logical order to you, ??.-
Having stated the above , I?m giving also as a reminder
a few WTBS Inc.?s quotes
*1st Quote from the year 1933 :
"If the message the Jehovah's Witnesses are bringing to the people is true, then it is of greatest importance to mankind. If it is false, then it is the duty of the clergymen and others who support them to come boldly forward and plainly tell the people wherein the message is false."
'The Golden Age' January 18th, 1933 page 252
*2 nd Quote from the year 1973 :
*** w73 7/1 p. 402 Praise Jehovah with His People ***
4 Consider, too, the fact that Jehovah?s organization alone, in all the earth, is directed by God?s holy spirit or active force. (Zech. 4:6) Only this organization functions for Jehovah?s purpose and to his praise. To it alone God?s Sacred Word, the Bible, is not a sealed book.
?.
How very much true Christians appreciate associating with the only organization on earth that understands the ?deep things of God?!
*3rd Quote from the year 1984 :
*** g84 8/22 p. 28 From Our Readers ***
You all loved it, didn?t you? You couldn?t resist taking a shot at the Catholic Church, could you? I will never forgive the way you mercilessly tore down the Pope. If Jehovah?s Witnesses must refer to cheap shots in attempting to bring down other religions, they?re in more trouble than the Catholics.
M. C., Florida
We surely were not trying to take cheap shots at the pope or the Catholic Church, nor were we criticizing Catholics. The Catholic Church occupies a very significant position in the world and claims to be the way of salvation for hundreds of millions of people. Any organization that assumes that position should be willing to submit to scrutiny and criticism. All who criticize have the obligation to be truthful in presenting the facts and fair and objective in assessing such. In both respects we try to live up to that obligation.?ED.
*4th Quote from the year 1989 :
From the book , ? You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth? published by the WTBS Inc. in 1989 :
*** pe chap. 22 p. 190 Identifying the True Religion ***
ONE TRUE RELIGION
19 It is only logical that there would be one true religion. This is in harmony with the fact that the true God is a God, ?not of disorder, but of peace.? (1 Corinthians 14:33) The Bible says that actually there is only ?one faith.? (Ephesians 4:5) Who, then, are the ones who form the body of true worshipers today?
20 We do not hesitate to say that they are Jehovah?s Witnesses. For you to be convinced of this we invite you to become better acquainted with them. The best way to do this is to attend their meetings at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah?s Witnesses.
*5th Quote from the year 1990 :
*** w90 12/15 p. 26 ?Seeking Delightful Words, Correct Words? ***
In our day the Greater Congregator, Jesus Christ, has provided spiritual resources far beyond those enjoyed by God?s people under ancient Israelite kings. (Matthew 12:42)
For over a century, delightful, correct words of truth covering every aspect of life have been presented in the Watch Tower Society?s publications and widely distributed in many languages.
*6th Quote from the year 1991 :
*** w91 12/1 p. 7 Is Any Religion Good Enough? ***
How to Choose the Right Religion
What will guide us in choosing the right religion? The Encyclopædia Universalis is correct when it highlights the importance of truth. A religion that teaches lies cannot be true. The greatest prophet that ever walked on earth stated: ?God is a Spirit, and those worshiping him must worship with spirit and truth.??John 4:24.
After this review of 6 examples, with a powerful implications for the WTBS Inc. , let's procede into the subject by ?trying to live up to : « ? the obligation to be truthful in presenting the facts and fair and objective in assessing such.?
For the sake of clarity I?ve divided the subject - for logical reasons -
into three parts :
Part ONE : The WTBS Inc. worlwide teaching about the
1874's date since C.T. Russell;
Part TWO : The WTBS Inc. worldwide teaching about
the change of date, from 1874 to 1914;
Part THREE : The WTBS Inc. wordwide 'masquerade' and pathetic
revised / rewritten history concerning the two dates ;
Here we go:
Part ONE : The WTBS Inc. worlwide teaching about the
1874's date since C.T. Russell;
To be able to ascertain the time when the date of 1874, begun to be
linked to Jesus Christ?s ?invisible second coming/return , one has to search in the WTBS Inc. scatterd quotes about the end of the 19 th
Century. The book ?Jehovah?s Witnesses?Proclaimers of God?s Kingdom? published in 1993, gives a clue.
*** jv chap. 5 pp. 46-47 Proclaiming the Lord?s Return (1870-1914) ***
Time Prophecies and the Presence of the Lord
One morning in January 1876 , 23-year-old Russell received a copy of a religious periodical called Herald of the Morning. From the picture on the cover, he could see that it was identified with Adventism. The editor, Nelson H. Barbour, of Rochester, New York, believed that the object of Christ?s return was not to destroy the families of the earth but to bless them and that his coming would be not in the flesh but as a spirit. Why, this was in agreement with what Russell and his associates in Allegheny had believed for some time! Curiously, though, Barbour believed from Biblical time-prophecies that Christ was already present (invisibly) and that the harvest work of gathering ?the wheat? (true Christians making up the Kingdom class) was already due.?Matt., chap. 13.
?.
This meeting confirmed their agreement on a number of Bible teachings and provided an opportunity for them to exchange views. ?When we first met,? Russell later stated, ?he had much to learn from me on the fulness of restitution based upon the sufficiency of the ransom given for all, as I had much to learn from him concerning time.? Barbour succeeded in convincing Russell that Christ?s invisible presence had begun in 1874
A few pages later, in the same book :
*** jv chap. 10 pp. 132-134 Growing in Accurate Knowledge of the Truth ***
Manner of the Lord?s Return
It was in the mid-1870?s that Brother Russell and those who were diligently examining the Scriptures along with him discerned that when the Lord returned he would be invisible to human eyes.?John 14:3, 19.
Brother Russell later said: ?We felt greatly grieved at the error of Second Adventists, who were expecting Christ in the flesh, and teaching that the world and all in it except Second Adventists would be burned up in 1873 or 1874, whose time-settings and disappointments and crude ideas generally as to the object and manner of his coming brought more or less reproach upon us and upon all who longed for and proclaimed his coming Kingdom.
These wrong views so generally held of both the object and manner of the Lord?s return led me to write a pamphlet??The Object and Manner of Our Lord?s Return.?? This pamphlet was published in 1877.
Brother Russell had some 50,000 copies of it printed and distributed.
?..
In 1876, when Russell had first read a copy of Herald of the Morning, he had learned that there was another group who then believed that Christ?s return would be invisible and who associated that return with blessings for all families of the earth.
From Mr. Barbour, editor of that publication, Russell also came to be persuaded that Christ?s invisible presence had begun in 1874. Attention was later drawn to this by the subtitle ?Herald of Christ?s Presence,? which appeared on the cover of Zion?s Watch Tower.?
It is clear that in the late 1870?s the date of 1874, was established/fixed/chosen/used as the beginning year of Jesus Christ?s invisible presence/return/coming .
To add specific testimony let?s take quotes from the WTBS Inc. publications, and starting
from an issue of the ? Zion?s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ?s Presence ? when Charles Taze Russell was still ".. .the sole editor as long as he remained on earth? " ( from The Finished Mystery , published by the IBSA in 1917 - publisher's Preface )
- Texts of the 'Z. Watch Tower' can be found and downloaded from various
free sites, including :
* agsconsulting.com ( http://agsconsulting.com/htdbnon/zwt0424.htm)
and
*Quotes-Jehovah?s witnesses .com (http://quotes.jehovahswitnesses.com )
°°°1881
*Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence May 1 1881 ***
We would like to correct this misapprehension once for all, by stating that we do not expect Jesus to come this year, nor any other year, for we believe that all time prophecies (bearing upon Jesus' coming) ended at and before the fall of 1874, and that He came there, and the second advent is now in progress and will continue during the entire Millennial age. We believe that his presence will be revealed to the eyes of men's understandings gradually during this 'Day of the Lord,' (forty years - from 1874 to 1914,) as it now is to ours; except that we, discern it through the word of prophecy revealed by the Spirit, and they will recognize his presence by His judgment upon Nominal Zion, and the World.
°°°1889
From the Book : ' The Time is at Hand' page 239
"Just so it has been in this harvest: Our Lord's presence as Bridegroom and Reaper was recognized during the first three and a half years, from A.D. 1874 to A.D. 1878."
°°°1890
* The Watchtower Reprints, October 1890, p. 1243
The Millennium of peace and blessing would be introduced by forty years of trouble, beginning slightly in 1874 and increasing until social chaos should prevail in 1914?
°°°1894
* The Watchtower Reprints, July 15, 1894, p. 1675
For instance, as we look back and note that the Scriptures marked 1873 as the end of six thousand years from Adam to the beginning of the seventh thousand, and the fall of 1874 as the beginning of the forty-year harvest of the Gospel age and day of wrath from the overthrow of all the institutions of ?this present evil world (or order of affairs),? we can see that facts have well borne out those predictions of Scripture.
°°°1898
From the Zion's Watch Tower - September 1st , 1898
(Link graciously offered by
http://agsconsulting.com/htdbnon/zwt0424.htm
[page 257]
VOL. XIX. SEPTEMBER 1 & 15, 1898. No. 17 & 18.
----------
CONTENTS.
----------
Council Bluffs Convention Notice, etc.............258
The Parousia of our Lord Jesus and
His Subsequent Apokalupsis and
Epiphania at His Second Advent..............259
For What are We Watching?.....................260
Proofs of His Presence........................265
"Behold the Bridegroom!"......................269
Presence Gradually Revealed...................271
"Cometh not with Observation".................273
"Knew not the Time of Their
Visitation".................................275
R2359 : page 259]
THE PAROUSIA OF OUR LORD JESUS
AND HIS
SUBSEQUENT APOKALUPSIS AND EPIPHANIA
--AT HIS SECOND ADVENT.--
"Watch, therefore; for ye know not the day* your Lord doth come." "What I say unto you, I say unto all [believers], Watch!"--Matt. 24:42; Mark 13:37.
°°°1904
* Thy Kingdom Come (copyright 1891) (1904 edition -- Millennial Dawn, vol 3) p.342
So, then, if we measure backward down the "First Ascending Passage" to its junction with the "Entrance Passage," we shall have a fixed date to mark upon the downward passage. This measure is 1542 inches, and indicates the year B.C. 1542, as the date at that point. Then measuring down the "Entrance Passage" from that point, to find the distance to the entrance of the "Pit," representing the great trouble and destruction with which this age is to close, when evil will be overthrown from power, we find it to be 3416 inches, symbolizing 3416 years from the above date, B.C. 1542. This calculation shows AD. 1874 as marking the beginning of the period of trouble; for 1542 years B.C. plus 1874 years AD. equals 3416 years. Thus the Pyramid witnesses that the close of 1874 was the chronological beginning of the time of trouble such as was not since there was a nation -- no, nor ever shall be afterward. And thus it will be noted that this "Witness" fully corroborates the Bible testimony on this subject?
°°°1906
* Studies in the Scriptures Vol. 2, 1906 p.240
A.D. 1874 when Christ the Bridegroom and Reaper actually came.
°°°1907
Here below a detailed discussion - concerning chronology , which was published in the Zion's Watch Tower October 1st, 1907 .-
(Link graciously offered by
http://www.agsconsulting.com/htdbnon/zwt0317.htm )
***************************
[page 289]
SEMI-MONTHLY
VOL. XXVIII OCTOBER 1 No. 19
A.D. 1907--A.M. 6036
----------
CONTENTS
Views from the Watch Tower........................291
A Denunciation of University of Chicago.......291
R. J. Campbell's Admirers.....................292
Roman Catholicism in Italy....................292
A Great Convention of Truth People................293
Knowledge and Faith Regarding Chronology..........294
[R4067 : page 294]
KNOWLEDGE AND FAITH REGARDING CHRONOLOGY
A DEAR Brother inquires, Can we feel absolutely sure that the Chronology set forth in the DAWN-STUDIES is correct?--that the harvest began in A.D. 1874 and will end in A.D. 1914 in a world-wide trouble which will overthrow all present institutions and be followed by the reign of righteousness of the King of Glory and his Bride, the Church?
We answer, as we have frequently done before in the DAWNS and TOWERS and orally and by letter, that we have never claimed our calculations to be infallibly correct; we have never claimed that they were knowledge, nor based upon indisputable evidence, facts, knowledge; our claim has always been that they are based on faith. We have set forth the evidences as plainly as possible and stated the conclusions of faith we draw from them, and have invited others to accept as much or as little of them as their hearts and heads could endorse. Many have examined these evidences and have accepted them; others equally bright do not endorse them. Those who have been able to accept them by faith seem to have received special blessings, not merely along the line of prophetic harmonies, but along all other lines of grace and truth. We have not condemned those who could not see, but have rejoiced with those whose exercise of faith has brought them special blessings--"Blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear."
Possibly some who have read the DAWNS have presented our conclusions more strongly than we; but if so that is their own responsibility. We have urged and still urge that the dear children of God read studiously what we have presented;--the Scriptures, the applications and interpretations--and then form their own judgments. We neither urge nor insist upon our views as infallible, nor do we smite or abuse those who disagree; but regard as "Brethren" all sanctified believers in the precious blood. On the contrary, it is those who differ who smite us and speak evil of us, because we do not welcome them as, with hammer and tongs, they seek to remove a mote which they think they see in our eye of understanding. They are our critics who always claim the infallibility. We go humbly onward, following the Apostle's example and words, "We believe and therefore speak";--whether others hear or forbear to hear. Is not this in accord with the Spirit of Christ? Is it not in accord with our Lord's instructions also,--"Forbid him not" (Mark 9:39); and again, "What is that to thee? Follow thou me." (John 21:22.) But some of those who come to a trifling point on which they disagree seem to imagine that the entire harvest work must be overthrown or at least stopped until they get their little jot or tittle satisfactorily adjusted. Such evidently make mountains out of mole hills, and forget that, if the present movement among [R4067 : page 295] the Lord's people is the harvest work or under the Lord's supervision at all, the Lord is responsible, and not they, and can be trusted to accomplish his own ends in his own best way without the violation of either the letter or spirit of his commands.
Recurring again to the query on Chronology we quote from DAWN-STUDIES, Vol. II., page 38, last paragraph, as follows:--
"In starting with the question, How long is it since man's creation? we should and do feel confident that he who gave the prophecies, and said that in the time of the end they should be understood, has provided in his Word the data necessary to enable us accurately to locate those prophecies. However, any who expect to find these matters so plainly stated as to be convincing to the mere surface reader, or the insincere skeptic, will be disappointed. God's times and seasons are given in such a way as to be convincing only to those who, by acquaintance with God, are able to recognize his characteristic methods. The evidence is given "that the man of God may be thoroughly furnished." (2 Tim. 3:17.) These well know that in all the paths by which the Father leads they must walk by faith and not by sight. To all who are prepared to walk thus, we expect to be able to point out at every step solid statements of God's Word--a sure foundation for reasonable faith."
In the same chapter we proceed to point out that many of the links of chronology in sacred and profane history are "broken, lapped and tangled so much that we could arrive at no definite conclusion from them, and should be obliged to conclude, as others have done, that nothing positive could be known on the subject, were it not that the New Testament supplies the deficiency." (Page 49, first paragraph.) Thus we sought to prove that chronology cannot be built on facts, but can be received only on faith. But again we urge a fresh reading of Vol. II. entire. If with these suggestions some shall lose their faith in our chronology, others and many more we believe will have their faith in it strengthened greatly.
We remind you again that the weak points of chronology are supplemented by the various prophecies which interlace with it in so remarkable a manner that faith in the chronology almost becomes knowledge that it is correct. The changing of a single year would throw the beautiful parallels out of accord; because some of the prophecies measure from B.C., some from A.D., and some depend upon both. We believe that God meant those prophecies to be understood "in due time"; we believe that we do understand them now-- and they speak to us through this chronology. Do they not thereby seal the chronology? They do to faith, but not otherwise. Our Lord declared, "The wise shall understand"; and he told us to "Watch" that we might know; and it is this chronology which convinces us (who can and do receive it by faith) that the Parable of the Ten Virgins is now in process of fulfilment --that its first cry was heard in 1844 and its second cry, "Behold the Bridegroom"--present--was in 1874. It is this chronology and none other which awakened us to trim our lamps, in harmony with the Lord's promise through the Apostle, "Ye brethren are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief ."
If our chronology is not reliable we have no idea where we are nor when the morning will come.
Bishop Ussher's chronology, as we have pointed out (DAWN II., p. 51) puts the end of six thousand years nearly a century future and would destroy every prophetic application as we have seen and profited by it.
And when we say "our" chronology we merely mean the one we use, the Bible chronology, which belongs to all of God's people who approve it. As a matter of fact it was used in practically the form we present it long before our day, just as various prophecies we use were used to a different purpose by Adventists, and just as various doctrines we hold and which seem so new and fresh and different were held in some form long ago: for instance --Election, Free Grace, Restitution, Justification, Sanctification, Glorification, Resurrection.
The work in which the Lord has been pleased to use our humble talents has been less a work of origination than of reconstruction, adjustment, harmonization. God's Word, the great harp from which now comes such wondrous music, was unstrung. One denomination had one string, another denomination had a different one--Election, Free Grace, Baptism, Second Coming of Christ, Time Prophecies, etc. They had twanged away, each on his own string, until all were disgusted at the discord and about ready to quit for relief--as they since have done, practically. Then came the Lord's time for putting the old harp in order again, for the use of his most faithful followers. To whatever extent the great Master has used any of us either in restringing and tuning the harp, or in calling to the attention of his "brethren" the harmony and the beauty of the melodious paeans therefrom in honor of the Almighty, let us praise him for the great privilege enjoyed, and use it.
The fact that we have reached this harmony just at the right time according to our chronology--just at the time promised by our Lord when he declared that, to those who would be ready and open to his knock promptly, he would "come in and sup with them," that he would "gird himself [become their servant] and come forth and serve them" (Luke 12:37)--is an evidence to us that the time features of the prophecies as we understand them are correct. To this great Chief Servant of his Church then we render thanks for the harmonious light of Present Truth--and are we not to consider that the chronology which has had so much to do with this light is also of him?
But let us suppose a case far from our expectations: suppose that A.D. 1915 should pass with the world's affairs all serene and with evidence that the "very elect" had not all been "changed" and without the restoration of natural Israel to favor under the New Covenant. (Rom. 11:12,15.)
What then?
Would not that prove our chronology wrong?
Yes, surely!
And [R4067 : page 296] would not that prove a keen disappointment?
Indeed it would! It would work irreparable wreck
to the Parallel Dispensations and Israel's Double,
and to the Jubilee calculations,
and to the prophecy of the 2300 days of Daniel,
and to the epoch called "Gentile Times,"
and to the 1260, 1290, and 1335 days,
the latter of which marking the beginning of the "harvest" so well fulfilled its prediction,
"Oh, the blessedness of him that waiteth and cometh unto the 1335 days!"
None of these would be available longer.
What a blow that would be!
One of the strings of our "harp" would be quite broken!
However, dear friends, our harp would still have all the other strings in tune and that is what no other aggregation of God's people on earth could boast. We could still worship a God so great and grand that none other could compare with him. We should still see the grandeur of his salvation in Christ Jesus--"a ransom for all." We should still see the wonders of "the hidden mystery," our fellowship with our Redeemer in "his [R4068 : page 296] death" and also "in his resurrection" to "glory, honor and immortality"--"the divine nature."
If, therefore, dearly beloved, it should turn out that our chronology is all wrong, we may conclude that with it we have had much advantage everyway. If the attainment of our glorious hopes and present joys in the Lord should cost us such disappointment as our friends fear, we should rejoice and count it cheap! If the Lord sees it necessary for the arousing of the "Virgins" to permit a false note upon the time bugle, let us take it joyfully as one of the "all things" working together for good to those who love him,--to the called ones according to his purpose. But let us not forget that the parable shows that the second awakening of the Virgins was no mistake! The Bridegroom came! The "wise virgins" had the necessary faith to follow; the others, too worldly-wise, lacked the faith and missed the high honors accorded to the Bride class, though privileged later to be her companions at the "marriage supper of the Lamb."
The best medicine, the best antidote for a poisoned faith in Present Truth, is a careful review of the presentations of the DAWN-STUDIES. If that fails we know nothing to recommend. But let us not forget that there were conditions precedent to our admission into this light, and that those conditions must be maintained if we would stay in the light. If, therefore, all or any portion of the light becomes darkened, our first query should be, "Am I living up to my covenant conditions --self-denial, self-sacrifice?" If we discover a coolness there we may know that we have found the real secret of our trouble and should at once "take it to the Lord in prayer."
(Btw the above quotes - concerning the chronology and the year 1874 - are longer due to their importanc and the implications. As a matter of fact, the quotes prove that brother Charles Taze . Russell , already, in the year 1907, considered the possiblity of a change,and its devastating results on all the ' prophetic applications '.-
"... Bishop Ussher's chronology, as we have pointed out (DAWN II., p. 51) puts the end of six thousand years nearly a century future and would destroy every prophetic application as we have seen and profited by it. "
So, imho, it is a precious reference to all those stil unaware of its existence.)
°°°1910
Thy Kingdom Come (copyright 1891) (1910 edition -- Studies In The Scriptures, vol. 3) p.342
So, then, if we measure backward down the "First Ascending Passage" to its junction with the "Entrance Passage," we shall have a fixed date to mark upon the downward passage. This measure is 1542 inches, and indicates the year B.C. 1542, as the date at that point. Then measuring down the "Entrance Passage" from that point, to find the distance to the entrance of the "Pit," representing the great trouble and destruction with which this age is to close, when evil will be overthrown from power, we find it to be 3457 inches, symbolizing 3457 years from the above date, B.C. 1542. This calculation shows AD. 1915 as marking the beginning of the period of trouble; for 1542 years B.C. plus 1915 years AD. equals 3457 years. Thus the Pyramid witnesses that the close of 1914 will be the beginning of the time of trouble such as was not since there was a nation -- no, nor ever shall be afterward. And thus it will be noted that this "Witness" fully corroborates the' Bible testimony on this subject??
From the book : ' Thy Kingdom Come' , page 234 "....three and a half years after his second advent at the beginning of the harvest period, in the fall of 1874."
°°°1912
* The Battle of Armageddon, (SS-4), 1912 ed., p. 621
Our Lord, the appointed King, is now present, since October 1874, A. D. according to the testimony of the prophets, to those who have ears to hear it??
°°°1917
From the book: ' The Finished Mystery' page386
"The Millennium (Rev. 20:3,4,7) began in 1874, with the return of Christ."
°°°1922
* The Watchtower, September 15, 1922, p. 278
No one can properly understand the work of God at this present time who does not realize that since 1874, the time of the Lord?s return in power, there has been a complete change in God?s operations.
°°°1922
* The Watchtower, November 1, 1922, pp.332-337 DISCOURSE BY BROTHER J. F. RUTHERFORD delivered at Cedar Point, Ohio, Friday September 8, 1922.-
Quotes :[?]
... The power exercised by Jehovah upon his people is the holy spirit. The tie that binds Satan to his followers is the evil spirit. Because of yielding to his machinations Israel was overreached by him. God pronounced a decree against the nation, and enforced that decree in 606 B.C.; and there Satan became the god of this world. He is also called the prince of the power of the air, thus indicating his organization visible and invisible.
[?]
Bible prophecy shows that the Lord was due to appear for the second time in the year 1874. Fulfilled prophecy shows beyond a doubt that he did appear in 1874. Fulfilled prophecy is otherwise designated the physical facts; and these facts are indisputable. All true watchers are familiar with these facts as set forth in the Scriptures and explained in the interpretation by the Lord's special servant.
Jesus himself declared that in the time of his presence he would conduct a harvest of his people, during which he would gather unto himself the true and loyal ones. For some years this work has been in operation and is nearing completion. He stated that during his presence he would have one who would fill the office of a faithful and wise servant, through whom the Lord would bring to his people meat in due season. All the facts show that those prophecies have been fulfilled.
DAY OF PREPARATION
Why has the King come? To set up his kingdom and reign as King. But he had a work to do before his reign began, and that is a preparatory work. Since there are to be associated with him in his reign his body members, these must be gathered together and prepared for the beginning of the reign. The gentile times under the supervision of the god of this world ended August 1, 1914. Before that date it would not have been consistent for the Lord, the King of glory, to take unto himself his great power and reign. (Ezekiel 21:27)
Since he has been present from 1874, it follows, from the facts as we now see them, that the period from 1874 to 1914 is the day of preparation. This in no wise militates against the thought that "the time of the end" is from 1799 until 11914. The period from 1799 to 1874 could not be said to be a day of preparation, but a day of increasing light. It is not reasonable to think that the King began to make preparations until he was present.
[?]
For six thousand years God has been preparing for this kingdom. For nineteen hundred years he has been gathering out the kingdom class from amongst men. Since 1874 the King of glory has been present; and during that time he has conducted a harvest and has gathered unto himself the temple class. Since 1914 the King of glory has taken his power and reigns. He has cleansed the lips of the temple class and sends them forth with the message of all messages. It is the message of the hour. It is incumbent upon those who are the Lord's to declare it. The kingdom of heaven is at hand; the King reigns; Satan's empire is falling; millions now living will never die.
Do you believe it? Do you believe that the King of glory is present, and has been since 1874? Do you believe that during that time he has conducted his harvest work? Do you believe that he has had during that time a faithful and wise servant through whom he directed his work and the feeding of the household of faith? Do you believe that the Lord is not in his temple, judging the nations of earth? Do you believe that the King of glory has begun his reign?
Then back to the field, O ye sonse of the most high God! Gird on your armor! Be sober, be vigilant, be active, be brave. Be faithful and true witnesses for the Lord. God forward in the fight until every vestige of Babylon lies desolate. Herald the message far and wide. The world must know that Jehovah is God and that Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords. This is the day of all days. Behold, the King reigns! You are his publicity agents. Therefore advertise, advertise, advertise, the King and his kingdom.?
°°°1923
* The Watchtower, March 1, 1923, p. 67
The Scriptures show that his second presence was due in 1874?This proof shows that the Lord has been present since 1874??
°°°1924
* The Watchtower, January 1, 1924, p. 5
Surely there is not the slightest room for doubt in the mind of a truly consecrated child of God that the Lord Jesus is present and has been since 1874? ?
°°°1926
From the book : " Creation " published in the year 1926, page 312
"To understand the events concerning the Lord's second presence from 1874 to 1914 requires one to be spiritually minded..."
°°°1928
From the book " The Harp of God", by J.F. Rutherford , published by the I.B.S.A., the "Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, N.Y. U.S.A." and the Peoples Pulpit Association, Brooklyn ,N.Y. " ( 1928 edition). page 251 and paragraph 430 :
" It would be reasonable to expect him to be present some time before he would take unto himself his great power to reign. His presence beginning in 1874, he has carried on his harvest work from 1878 forward, but has not interrupted the Gentile dominion until that dominion should end. The end of the Gentile rule, therefore, would mark necessarily The end of the world. We should expect, then, to find 1914 as the beginning of the end of the old world or Satan's organization. And that this would take place during the presence of the Lord he definitely stated."
°°°1929
* From the book ? Prophecy ? published in the year 1929, pages 65, 66
The Scriptural proof is that the second presence of the Lord Jesus Christ began in 1874 AD. This proof is specifically set out in the booklet entitled Our Lord's Return.
The above quotes, is the last one concerning the worldwide teaching that
« ?the second presence of the Lord Jesus Christ began in 1874 AD. «
As you can see the quotes are very clear and my comments are few.
For the moment, all the material above ends - Part ONE ? of the topic.
Greetings, J.C. MacHislopp
« The truth can never be hurt by a lie, but a lie can be exposed by the truth «