I haven't come across this before. It's from the March 15, 1986 Watchtower and is Brooklyn's way of confronting the issue of whether or not they are false prophets:
>>>>>>>>>>>14
Finally, we might consider what the Society has published in the past on chronology. Some opposers claim that Jehovah?s Witnesses are false prophets. These opponents say that dates have been set, but nothing has happened. Again we ask, What is the motive of these critics? Are they encouraging wakefulness on the part of God?s people, or are they, rather, trying to justify themselves for falling back into sleepy inactivity? (1 Thessalonians 5:4-9) More importantly, what will you do if you hear such criticism? If a person is questioning whether we are living in "the last days" of this system, or perhaps is entertaining ideas that God is so merciful that he surely will not cause the death of so many millions of people during the "great tribulation," then this individual already has prepared his heart to listen to such criticisms.?2 Timothy 3:1; Matthew 24:21.
15
Yes, Jehovah?s people have had to revise expectations from time to time. Because of our eagerness, we have hoped for the new system earlier than Jehovah?s timetable has called for it. But we display our faith in God?s Word and its sure promises by declaring its message to others. Moreover, the need to revise our understanding somewhat does not make us false prophets or change the fact that we are living in "the last days," soon to experience the "great tribulation" that will pave the way for the earthly Paradise. How foolish to take the view that expectations needing some adjustment should call into question the whole body of truth! The evidence is clear that Jehovah has used and is continuing to use his one organization, with "the faithful and discreet slave" taking the lead. Hence, we feel like Peter, who said: "Lord, whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of everlasting life."?John 6:68.<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
Englishman