Post by ResLight on Jul 3, 2023 19:36:39 GMT -5
www.bible.ca/Jw-Prophecy.htm
This site linked to above presents a lot of claimed prophetic blunders supposedly made by the Jehovah's Witnesses. The site itself does not speak of the quotes presented as being prophecies, or failed prophecies, but some often cite this site as proof of false or failed prophecies. I am not with the Jehovah's Witnesses, and while Russell was alive, there were no "Jehovah's Witnesses". I am only concerned with the alleged "prophecies", however, that some have thought to be made by Brother Russell.
One uses the list presented on the link above as related to Russell, stating that everything before 1917 was Russell. The reality is that in Russell's day, many things that appeared in the Watch Tower were not written by Russell, and often Russell himself stated he disagreed with many of the conclusions presented. Russell, of course, was not a prophet, and he consistently disclaimed being a prophet. He certainly never claimed any special authority as would a false prophet.
For links to research related Russell and the Jehovah's Witnesses:
ransomforall.blogspot.com/p/jws.html
For some of Russell's own statements related to the claim that he was a prophet:
ransomforall.blogspot.com/2023/01/not-prophet.html
.
The quote above is from the chapter entitled: "The Coming 40 Years of Trouble" of the book, The Three Worlds.
However, perhaps one should also note the sentence following, which states:
"The evidence of this will be given in a series of tracts, of which this is No. 1. And also soon to be published in book form."
What was presented was the scriptural evidence for the conclusion given. Based on the interpretation of the prophecies and parallels as that time, it appeared that the end of the age had begun in 1874 and that it was to last for forty years, that is, until 1914.
The book, The Three Worlds, was actually written by Nelson H. Barbour. Russell financed the publishing of the tracts and the book, and offered suggestions regarding what should appear in the book and thus he is listed as co-author. Russell himself explained the expression found in the King James Version as the "end of the world" should actually be the end of the age. Barbour was never a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses, nor was Russell ever a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses.
The entire book, The Three Worlds, was republished in Volume 1 of "Harvest Gleanings", and may be found online at mostholyfaith.com/Beta/bible/Harvest_Gleanings/HG02.asp
The book may also be found online at:
archive.org/details/TheThreeWorlds/1877_The_Three_Worlds/
For some of Russell's own statements related to the "end of the world" and 1914:
Barbour, however, consistently gave his conclusions based on what is found in the Bible. He did not claim to be a prophet as described in Deuteronomy 18:20-22, nor did he assume any kind of special authority.
Nevertheless, Barbour produced the "evidence" from the Bible itself that led him to his conclusions. Barbour nowhere claimed that his conclusions based on Biblical evidence was infallible, or that they were divinely inspired prophecies.
Barbour believed that the time period "the end of the world" -- actually the end of the age -- had begun in 1874 as discussed in his book, The Three Worlds. Russell also believed this and held to this belief until his death in 1916. Barbour believed that the "harvest" period would 3 1/2 years from October of 1874 to the spring of 1878. Russell, however, usually avoided the phrase "end of the world" as many believed that this meant the end of the planet earth. He usually spoke of the "end of the age" rather than the "end of the world".
Barbour stated:
He was obviously wrong about this, but this does mean that he had given a false prophecy, since nothing was presented as being a prophecy from God.
As he presented in the first chapter of his book, he believed that Armageddon -- the time of trouble -- was to last for 40 years, from October of 1874 to October of 1914.
The conclusions presented in the book, The Three Worlds, however, are not presented as being divinely-inspired prophecies. To claim that the conclusions or expectations presented in the book constituted Barbour or Russell as being a prophet as described in Deuteronomy 18:20-22 is false. Barbour did not say that his conclusions and/or expectations were what God had spoke to him.
Barbour later stated:
Barbour was certainly convinced that the Biblical evidence showed his conclusion to be correct. At the same time he admitted that his reasoning could be faulty in some unknown way. He spoke of what he presented as by his opinion, which could be faulty. This certainly offers no reason to think that he was claiming that his printed expectations were divinely inspired prophecies.
The book, The Three Worlds, however, was published before Russell had created the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, and many decades before the Jehovah's Witnesses' organization was created with the idea of a central authority on earth that everyone had to look to for beliefs and to tell them what they should do, etc. Barbout was certainly not speaking for such an organization.
The above is evidently referring to the article "The Ten Virgins" that appeared The Watch Tower of October 1879. The quote given was not from C. T. Russell, but rather it was a statement by John H. Paton, apparently transcribed from a sermon.
What Paton actually stated:
Nothing at all here that says that Paton was claiming his words to be "prophecy" or "infallible". Rather he states his belief, his conclusions. There is definitely no "prophecy" in his words. Rather we find a conclusion stated. Of course, many Bible Students, myself included, believe -- without being dogmatic about it -- that Christ returned in 1874 as the bridegroom. On the other hand, many Bible Students are very dogmatic about 1874. Brother Russell, however, stated:
There was, however, nothing stated that this was a doctrine that all the Bible Students had to accept. No claims of any kind of central authority was made that one had to come to in order to be saved, or to be accepted in fellowship as a Christian. As Brother Russell stated, however, "Each hearer must use his own judgment, do his own Bible study, and reach his own conclusions." ("Battle of Armageddon" - Sermon given November 3, 1912 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, as reproduced in the St. Paul Enterprise, November 21, 1916, page 1.)
The next quote presented is:
This is quoted from the article "Caught Up in the Clouds". The author is not given, but it probably was written by Russell, or at least edited by him.
mostholyfaith.com/Beta/bible/Reprints/Z1880NOV.asp#Z1:9
Rather than claiming to be a prophet, the author of the article refers to the "evidences" related to what is being stated. Those "evidences" are found in the Bible itself. The evidences lead to the conclusions given. At that time, Russell came to the conclusion, in harmony with what Barbour had presented, that the "time of trouble" was forty years -- from 1874 to 1914. He had evidently obtained this conclusion from Barbour. However, in 1904 Russell rejected this conclusion and came to be conclusion that the time of trouble could not come until after the completion of the times of the Gentiles.
The above quoted from the "View From the Tower" section of the Watch Tower of January 1886. This was probably written by Russell, but it is possible that it was written by someone else. The statements given are presented as being the Tower's "view". In 1880, Russell was still holding to the idea that the time of trouble was 40 years in length and that it had begun in 1874 and that it would last until 1914. In 1904, Russell rejected this conclusion, when he came to understand that the time of trouble was to begin after the end of the time of the Gentiles, not 40 years before 1914.
Again, this is not presented as a prophecy, but rather as the conclusion reached at that time.
This is attributed to Russell, although some claim that parts of his books were not actually written by him. Evidently, he did, however, give the final authorization for the content. At any rate, the conclusion given is not stated as being dogma that all Bible Students had to accept. It is given as a conclusion based on "Bible evidence". Some, however, quote the above in such a way that it made to appear to be a prophecy or dogma, rather than simply a presentation of conclusions based on "Bible evidence".
Nevertheless, we again note that Russell rejected the conclusion given in the quote above in the year 1904, since in 1904 he came to understand that the beginning of the time of trouble was to be after the end of the times of the Gentiles. Russell never fully updated his Studies to reflect the conclusion presented in 1904.
Related:
The JW Organization, Armageddon, 1914, and Russell
Armageddon Will Be in 1914 or 1915?
Russell's Changes to the Scripture Studies
The above quotes certainly do not represent any "prophecy" from Russell, nor does providing the quotes tell us how the statements are an alleged "prophetic blunder", although I am sure that from the JW perspective, it could be considered a "blunder". Brother Russell presented the above words, not as being a divinely-inspired prophet, but as a result of study of Biblical chronology. Nor did he present his statements as being the head of some organization claiming some kind of authority over fellow believers.
Sometimes someone may point to the one publication as saying 6,000 years from Adam's creation was in 1872 and then point to another publication (usually at a later date) where it says that 6,000 years from Adam's creation was in 1873, and formulate a false claim that Russell changed 1872 to 1873, or that this is a contradiction. Such are either ignorant of Russell's usage of Biblical chronology, or willfully misrepresent Russell regarding this. From the chronological viewpoint of a Jewish year beginning in (or near) October, such would make 1873 as actually beginning in October of 1872. Thus, Russell sometimes referred to the seventh thousand years as beginning in 1873, or the six thousand years as ending in 1872, etc.
We should note, however, that his stating his belief that the seventh thousand years began in 1872 is not referring to the beginning of Jesus' millennial reign of 1,000 years, although Russell considered the ending of 6,000 years from Adam's creation as evidence that the foretold millennium had begun. Russell often pointed to 1874 as the year of the beginning of Jesus' millennial reign, but he was not dogmatic about this. Indeed, he was not dogmatic about 6,000 years from Adam's creation as ending in 1872.
6,000 years from Adam's creation -- 1872 or 1873?? (Link to old site; will need to be changed)
Before this, Brother Russell had written: "True, it is expecting great things to claim, as we do, that..."
Russell was presenting his own conclusions based on the studies presented. Again, however, in 1904, ten years before 1914, Russell rejected the idea that Armageddon (the time of trouble) had begun in 1874 and that it would end in 1914, and in doing this, he also rejected the idea that all the present government would be overthrown in 1914.
Here, Brother Russell stated, without being dogmatic, that it was his view that the dates were God's dates, not his. As far as the dates were concerned, he died in 1916, still holding to the belief that these were God's dates. I also believe that they are God's dates, but I would not be dogmatic about it.
However, Russell claimed no authority to judge anyone who did not accept his view that these were God's dates. Not all the Bible Students accepted all the dates; some accepted none of the dates. The same is still true among Bible Students today. Russell even presented various viewpoints held by his associates in the pages of the Watch Tower.
ransomforall.blogspot.com/2023/03/pyramid-claims.html
I am not sure why the above is being cited as a prophetic blunder. Most of the above only repeats in modern terms what is stated in various prophecies of the Bible. Indeed, the quote as given skips over places where Russell cited scriptures. The last sentence quoted appears to be based on one of the plans of equalization of wealth and labor.
mostholyfaith.com/Beta/bible/volumes/D13.asp
1916 We see no reason for doubting, therefore, that the Times of the Gentiles ended in October, 1914; and that a few more years will witness their utter collapse and the full establishment of God's kingdom in the hands of Messiah." (Watchtower Reprints, VI, Sept 1, 1916, p. 5950)
(Since many often attribute many of the quotes on the site after 1916 as being from Russell, we may, God willing, later add such quotes to this.)
This site linked to above presents a lot of claimed prophetic blunders supposedly made by the Jehovah's Witnesses. The site itself does not speak of the quotes presented as being prophecies, or failed prophecies, but some often cite this site as proof of false or failed prophecies. I am not with the Jehovah's Witnesses, and while Russell was alive, there were no "Jehovah's Witnesses". I am only concerned with the alleged "prophecies", however, that some have thought to be made by Brother Russell.
One uses the list presented on the link above as related to Russell, stating that everything before 1917 was Russell. The reality is that in Russell's day, many things that appeared in the Watch Tower were not written by Russell, and often Russell himself stated he disagreed with many of the conclusions presented. Russell, of course, was not a prophet, and he consistently disclaimed being a prophet. He certainly never claimed any special authority as would a false prophet.
For links to research related Russell and the Jehovah's Witnesses:
ransomforall.blogspot.com/p/jws.html
For some of Russell's own statements related to the claim that he was a prophet:
ransomforall.blogspot.com/2023/01/not-prophet.html
1877 'The End Of This World; that is the end of the gospel and the beginning of the millennial age is nearer than most men suppose; indeed we have already entered the transition period, which is to be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation Dan. 12:3." (N.H. Barbour and C.T. Russell, Three Worlds, and the Harvest of This World, p. 17).
The quote above is from the chapter entitled: "The Coming 40 Years of Trouble" of the book, The Three Worlds.
However, perhaps one should also note the sentence following, which states:
"The evidence of this will be given in a series of tracts, of which this is No. 1. And also soon to be published in book form."
What was presented was the scriptural evidence for the conclusion given. Based on the interpretation of the prophecies and parallels as that time, it appeared that the end of the age had begun in 1874 and that it was to last for forty years, that is, until 1914.
The book, The Three Worlds, was actually written by Nelson H. Barbour. Russell financed the publishing of the tracts and the book, and offered suggestions regarding what should appear in the book and thus he is listed as co-author. Russell himself explained the expression found in the King James Version as the "end of the world" should actually be the end of the age. Barbour was never a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses, nor was Russell ever a member of the Jehovah's Witnesses.
The entire book, The Three Worlds, was republished in Volume 1 of "Harvest Gleanings", and may be found online at mostholyfaith.com/Beta/bible/Harvest_Gleanings/HG02.asp
The book may also be found online at:
archive.org/details/TheThreeWorlds/1877_The_Three_Worlds/
For some of Russell's own statements related to the "end of the world" and 1914:
Barbour, however, consistently gave his conclusions based on what is found in the Bible. He did not claim to be a prophet as described in Deuteronomy 18:20-22, nor did he assume any kind of special authority.
Nevertheless, Barbour produced the "evidence" from the Bible itself that led him to his conclusions. Barbour nowhere claimed that his conclusions based on Biblical evidence was infallible, or that they were divinely inspired prophecies.
Barbour believed that the time period "the end of the world" -- actually the end of the age -- had begun in 1874 as discussed in his book, The Three Worlds. Russell also believed this and held to this belief until his death in 1916. Barbour believed that the "harvest" period would 3 1/2 years from October of 1874 to the spring of 1878. Russell, however, usually avoided the phrase "end of the world" as many believed that this meant the end of the planet earth. He usually spoke of the "end of the age" rather than the "end of the world".
Barbour stated:
And that time has already commenced, the harvest, or end of the aion [age] began on the tenth day of the seventh month in 1874. And this "time of harvest," measures three and a half years. (Found on page 25 of Harvest Gleanings)
He was obviously wrong about this, but this does mean that he had given a false prophecy, since nothing was presented as being a prophecy from God.
As he presented in the first chapter of his book, he believed that Armageddon -- the time of trouble -- was to last for 40 years, from October of 1874 to October of 1914.
The conclusions presented in the book, The Three Worlds, however, are not presented as being divinely-inspired prophecies. To claim that the conclusions or expectations presented in the book constituted Barbour or Russell as being a prophet as described in Deuteronomy 18:20-22 is false. Barbour did not say that his conclusions and/or expectations were what God had spoke to him.
Barbour later stated:
But I am not willing to admit that this calculation is even one year out. Not from dogmatism, for I am ready to admit that my opinion, or my reasoning, may be as faulty as that of many others; and if, in the present case, there was but this one argument, I should say, it is quite possible errors may be found arising in some unexpected quarter. But there is such an array of evidence. Many of the arguments, most of them, indeed, are not based on the year-day theory, and some of them, not based even on the chronology; and yet there is a harmony existing, between them all. If you had solved a difficult problem in mathematics, you might very well doubt if you had not possibly made some error of calculation. But if you had solved that problem in seven different ways, all independent one of another, and in each and every case reached the same result, you would be a fool any longer to doubt the accuracy of that result. And this is a fair illustration of the weight of evidence that can be brought to bear on the truthfulness of our present position. -- Found on page 50 of Harvest Gleanings, Volume 1.
Barbour was certainly convinced that the Biblical evidence showed his conclusion to be correct. At the same time he admitted that his reasoning could be faulty in some unknown way. He spoke of what he presented as by his opinion, which could be faulty. This certainly offers no reason to think that he was claiming that his printed expectations were divinely inspired prophecies.
The book, The Three Worlds, however, was published before Russell had created the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, and many decades before the Jehovah's Witnesses' organization was created with the idea of a central authority on earth that everyone had to look to for beliefs and to tell them what they should do, etc. Barbout was certainly not speaking for such an organization.
1879 "Christ came in the character of a Bridegroom in 1874.... at the beginning of the Gospel harvest." (Watchtower, Oct 1879, p. 4)
The above is evidently referring to the article "The Ten Virgins" that appeared The Watch Tower of October 1879. The quote given was not from C. T. Russell, but rather it was a statement by John H. Paton, apparently transcribed from a sermon.
What Paton actually stated:
Now brethren, all who can hear me, I want it clearly understood that I have not given up the application of the parable, and can see no sufficient reason for so doing. I believe the going forth ended in 1844, that the tarrying ended in 1874, and therefore the cry pointing to 1874 was the midnight cry, and I believe it was consistent that the name "midnight cry" then disappeared from the publication, because, as stated at the time, it had done its work; but in harmony with that faith I also believe that Christ came in the character of a Bridegroom in 1874.
That John introduced Christ in that character at the beginning of the Jewish harvest, to complete the pattern (John 3:29), is to us an additional evidence of the position that the parallel was due in 1874 at the beginning of the gospel harvest.
That John introduced Christ in that character at the beginning of the Jewish harvest, to complete the pattern (John 3:29), is to us an additional evidence of the position that the parallel was due in 1874 at the beginning of the gospel harvest.
Nothing at all here that says that Paton was claiming his words to be "prophecy" or "infallible". Rather he states his belief, his conclusions. There is definitely no "prophecy" in his words. Rather we find a conclusion stated. Of course, many Bible Students, myself included, believe -- without being dogmatic about it -- that Christ returned in 1874 as the bridegroom. On the other hand, many Bible Students are very dogmatic about 1874. Brother Russell, however, stated:
We do not affirm, dogmatically, that He came in 1874, but we say that to us it is the evident teaching of the Scriptures. -- Watch Tower, January 15, 1912.
There was, however, nothing stated that this was a doctrine that all the Bible Students had to accept. No claims of any kind of central authority was made that one had to come to in order to be saved, or to be accepted in fellowship as a Christian. As Brother Russell stated, however, "Each hearer must use his own judgment, do his own Bible study, and reach his own conclusions." ("Battle of Armageddon" - Sermon given November 3, 1912 at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, as reproduced in the St. Paul Enterprise, November 21, 1916, page 1.)
The next quote presented is:
1880 "We need not here repeat the evidences that the "seventh trump" began its sounding A.D., 1840, and will continue until the end of the time of trouble, and the end of "The times of the Gentiles," A.D., 1914, and that it is the trouble of this "Great day," which is here symbolically called the voice of the Archangel when he begins the deliverance of fleshly Israel. "At that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince (Archangel) which standeth for the children of thy people and there shall be a time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation." Dan. xii. 1. Nor will we here, again present the conclusive Bible proof that our Lord came for his Bride in 1874, and has an unseen work as Reaper of the first-fruits of this Gospel Age. (Zion's Watchtower November, 1880 p. 1)
This is quoted from the article "Caught Up in the Clouds". The author is not given, but it probably was written by Russell, or at least edited by him.
mostholyfaith.com/Beta/bible/Reprints/Z1880NOV.asp#Z1:9
Rather than claiming to be a prophet, the author of the article refers to the "evidences" related to what is being stated. Those "evidences" are found in the Bible itself. The evidences lead to the conclusions given. At that time, Russell came to the conclusion, in harmony with what Barbour had presented, that the "time of trouble" was forty years -- from 1874 to 1914. He had evidently obtained this conclusion from Barbour. However, in 1904 Russell rejected this conclusion and came to be conclusion that the time of trouble could not come until after the completion of the times of the Gentiles.
1886 "The outlook at the opening of the New Year has some very encouraging features. The outward evidences are that the marshaling of the hosts for the battle of the great day of God Almighty, is in progress while the skirmishing is commencing. … The time is come for Messiah to take the dominion of earth and to overthrow the oppressors and corrupters of the earth, (Rev. 19:15 and 11:17, 18) preparatory to the establishment of everlasting peace upon the only firm foundation of righteousness and truth." (Zion's Watchtower, January, 1886;Watchtower reprints I, p. 817)
The above quoted from the "View From the Tower" section of the Watch Tower of January 1886. This was probably written by Russell, but it is possible that it was written by someone else. The statements given are presented as being the Tower's "view". In 1880, Russell was still holding to the idea that the time of trouble was 40 years in length and that it had begun in 1874 and that it would last until 1914. In 1904, Russell rejected this conclusion, when he came to understand that the time of trouble was to begin after the end of the time of the Gentiles, not 40 years before 1914.
Again, this is not presented as a prophecy, but rather as the conclusion reached at that time.
1888 "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)
This is attributed to Russell, although some claim that parts of his books were not actually written by him. Evidently, he did, however, give the final authorization for the content. At any rate, the conclusion given is not stated as being dogma that all Bible Students had to accept. It is given as a conclusion based on "Bible evidence". Some, however, quote the above in such a way that it made to appear to be a prophecy or dogma, rather than simply a presentation of conclusions based on "Bible evidence".
Nevertheless, we again note that Russell rejected the conclusion given in the quote above in the year 1904, since in 1904 he came to understand that the beginning of the time of trouble was to be after the end of the times of the Gentiles. Russell never fully updated his Studies to reflect the conclusion presented in 1904.
*****
I hope, God willing, to return later to examine more of this.
************************
I hope, God willing, to return later to examine more of this.
************************
1889 "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')
Related:
The JW Organization, Armageddon, 1914, and Russell
Armageddon Will Be in 1914 or 1915?
Russell's Changes to the Scripture Studies
1889 "Here we furnish the evidence that from the creation of Adam to (but not including) A.D. 1873 was six thousand years. And though the Bible contains no direct statement that the seventh thousand will be the epoch of Christ's reign, the great Sabbath Day of restitution to the world, yet the venerable tradition is not without a reasonable foundation." (Studies in the Scriptures, Vol. 2, p. 39. 1889)
1889 "If, then, the seventh thousand-year period of earth's history be an epoch specially noted as the period of Christ's reign, we shall by showing that it began in 1873, be proving that we are already in it." (Studies in the Scriptures, Vol. 2, p. 40. 1889)
1889 "In this chapter we present the Bible evidence which indicates that six thousand years from the creation of Adam were complete with A.D. 1872; and hence that, since A.D. 1872 are chronologically entered upon the seventh thousand or the Millennium." (Studies in the Scriptures, Vol. 2, p. 33, 1889)
The above quotes certainly do not represent any "prophecy" from Russell, nor does providing the quotes tell us how the statements are an alleged "prophetic blunder", although I am sure that from the JW perspective, it could be considered a "blunder". Brother Russell presented the above words, not as being a divinely-inspired prophet, but as a result of study of Biblical chronology. Nor did he present his statements as being the head of some organization claiming some kind of authority over fellow believers.
Sometimes someone may point to the one publication as saying 6,000 years from Adam's creation was in 1872 and then point to another publication (usually at a later date) where it says that 6,000 years from Adam's creation was in 1873, and formulate a false claim that Russell changed 1872 to 1873, or that this is a contradiction. Such are either ignorant of Russell's usage of Biblical chronology, or willfully misrepresent Russell regarding this. From the chronological viewpoint of a Jewish year beginning in (or near) October, such would make 1873 as actually beginning in October of 1872. Thus, Russell sometimes referred to the seventh thousand years as beginning in 1873, or the six thousand years as ending in 1872, etc.
We should note, however, that his stating his belief that the seventh thousand years began in 1872 is not referring to the beginning of Jesus' millennial reign of 1,000 years, although Russell considered the ending of 6,000 years from Adam's creation as evidence that the foretold millennium had begun. Russell often pointed to 1874 as the year of the beginning of Jesus' millennial reign, but he was not dogmatic about this. Indeed, he was not dogmatic about 6,000 years from Adam's creation as ending in 1872.
6,000 years from Adam's creation -- 1872 or 1873?? (Link to old site; will need to be changed)
1889 "In the coming 26 years, all present governments will be overthrown and dissolved." (C.T. Russell, Studies in the Scriptures, Vol. 2, p. 98-99, 1889)
Before this, Brother Russell had written: "True, it is expecting great things to claim, as we do, that..."
Russell was presenting his own conclusions based on the studies presented. Again, however, in 1904, ten years before 1914, Russell rejected the idea that Armageddon (the time of trouble) had begun in 1874 and that it would end in 1914, and in doing this, he also rejected the idea that all the present government would be overthrown in 1914.
1889 "Remember that the forty years' Jewish Harvest ended October A.D. 69, and was followed by the complete overthrow of that nation; and that likewise the forty years of the Gospel age harvest will end October, 1914, and that likewise the overthrow of 'Christendom,' so-called, must be expected to immediately follow." (Studies in the Scriptures, Vol. 2, p. 245)
1894 "Seventeen years ago people said, concerning the time features presented in Millennial Dawn, They seem reasonable in many respects, but surely no such radical changes could occur between now and the close of 1914: if you had proved that they would come about in a century or two, it would seem much more probable. What changes have since occurred, and what velocity is gained daily? 'The old is quickly passing and the new is coming in.' Now, in view of recent labor troubles and threatened anarchy, our readers are writing to know if there may not be a mistake in the 1914 date. They say that they do not see how present conditions can hold out so long under the strain. We see no reason for changing the figures-nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, God's dates, not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble." (Zion's Watchtower, Can It Be Delayed until 1914? C. T. Russell July 15, 1894, Also in Watchtower Reprints, l894 p. 1677)
1894 "A few more years will wind up the present order of things, and then the chastened world will stand face to face with the actual conditions of the established Kingdom of God. And yet the course of the Church is to be finished within the space of time that intervenes." (Watchtower p. 56, 1894)
1894 "We see no reason for changing the figures - nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, God's dates, not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble." (Watchtower July 15, 1894, p 266; p 1677 reprints)
Here, Brother Russell stated, without being dogmatic, that it was his view that the dates were God's dates, not his. As far as the dates were concerned, he died in 1916, still holding to the belief that these were God's dates. I also believe that they are God's dates, but I would not be dogmatic about it.
However, Russell claimed no authority to judge anyone who did not accept his view that these were God's dates. Not all the Bible Students accepted all the dates; some accepted none of the dates. The same is still true among Bible Students today. Russell even presented various viewpoints held by his associates in the pages of the Watch Tower.
1897 "...this measurement is 3416 inches, symbolizing 3416 years.... This calculation shows A.D. 1874 as marking the beginning of the period of trouble...." (Russell, Studies in the Scriptures: Thy Kingdom Come, Series III, p. 342, 1897 edition [1916 edition changed to read: "We find it to be 3457 inches, symbolizing 3457 years.... Thus the Pyramid witnesses that the close of 1914 will be the beginning of the time of trouble...."] note: the measurement was the length of an interior passageway discovered inside the Pyramids. It has no reference in Scripture.)
ransomforall.blogspot.com/2023/03/pyramid-claims.html
1897 "Complete destruction of the 'powers that be' of 'this present evil worlds - political, financial, ecclesiastical - about the close of the Time of the Gentiles; October A.D. 1914." (C.T. Russell, Studies in the Scriptures, IV, p. 622, 1897)
1897 "Our Lord, the appointed King, is now present, since October 1874, A.D....and the formal inauguration of his kingly office dates from April 1878, A.D." (Studies in the Scriptures, Vol.4, p.621, 1897)
1897 "The distillery, the brewery, the saloon, the brothel, the pool-room, all time-killing and character-depraving business will be stopped; and their servants will be given something to do that will be beneficial to themselves and others. "Similarly, the building of war-vessels, the manufacture of munitions of war and defense will cease, and armies will be disbanded. The new Kingdom will have no need of these, but will have abundant power to execute summary justice in the punishment of evil doers... "The banking and brokerage business, and other like employment's, very useful under present conditions, will no longer have a place; for under the new conditions the human race will be required to treat each others as members of one family, and private capital and money to loan and to be needed will be things of the past. Landlords and renting agencies will find new employment also, because the new King will not recognize as valid patents and deeds now on record. "...namely, that with present conveniences, if the whole people were put to work systematically and wisely, not more than three hours labor for each individual would be necessary." (Studies, Vol. IV, pp. 633-635, 1897)
I am not sure why the above is being cited as a prophetic blunder. Most of the above only repeats in modern terms what is stated in various prophecies of the Bible. Indeed, the quote as given skips over places where Russell cited scriptures. The last sentence quoted appears to be based on one of the plans of equalization of wealth and labor.
mostholyfaith.com/Beta/bible/volumes/D13.asp
1902 "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 by the end of A.D. 1914." (The Time Is At Hand, 1902 edition, p. 99)
1903 "When Uranus and Jupiter meet in the humane sign of Aquarius in 1914, the long-promised era will have made a fair start in the work of setting man free to work out his own salvation, and will insure the ultimate realization of dreams and ideals of all poets and sages in history." (Watchtower, May 1, 1903, p. 130-131; p3184 Reprints)
1904 "According to our expectations the stress of the great time of trouble will be on us soon, somewhere between 1910 and 1912, culminating with the end of the 'Times of the Gentiles,' October, 1914." (The New Creation, Studies in the Scriptures, Vol. 6, p. 579, 1904)
1908 "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." (The Time Is At Hand; 1889; 1908 ed.; p. 99)
1908 "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" (The Time Is At Hand; 1889; 1908 ed.; p. 99)
1914 "Even if the time of our change should not come within ten years, what more should we ask? Are we not a blessed, happy people? Is not our God faithful? If anyone knows anything better, let him take it. If any of you ever find anything better, we hope you will tell us." (Watchtower, Dec 15, 1914, p. 376.)
1914 "Studying God's Word, we have measured the 2520 years, the seven symbolic times, from that year 606 B.C. and have found that it reached down to October, 1914, as nearly as we were able to reckon. We did not say positively that this would be the year." (Watchtower, November 1, 1914, p. 325)
1914 "While it's possible that Armageddon may begin next Spring, yet this purely speculation to attempt to say just when. We see, however, that there are parallels between the close of the Jewish age and this Gospel age. These parallels seem to point to the year just before us part particularly the early months." (Watchtower Reprints, VI, Sept 1, 1914, p. 5527)
1914 "There is absolutely no ground for Bible students to question that the consummation of this Gospel age is now even at the door, and that it will end as the Scriptures foretell in a great time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation. We see the participants in this great crisis banding themselves together… The great crisis, the great clash, symbolically represented as a fire, that will consume the ecclesiastical heavens and the social earth, is very near." (Watchtower Reprints, VI, May 1, 1914, p. 5450)
1915 "The present great war in Europe is the beginning of the Armageddon of the Scriptures Rev 19:16-20). It will eventuate in the complete overthrow of all the systems of error which have so long oppressed the people of God and deluded the world. We believe the present war cannot last much longer until revolutions shall break out" (C.T. Russell, Pastor Russell's Sermons, p. 676, Sometime during World War I)
1915 Here we furnish the evidence that from the creation of Adam to A.D. 1873 was six thousand years. And though the Bible contains no direct statement that the seventh thousand will be the epoch of Christ's reign, the great Sabbath Day of restitution to the world, yet the venerable tradition is not without reasonable foundation. (The Time Is At Hand; 1889; 1915 ed.; p. 39)
1915 If, then, the seventh thousand-year period of earth's history be an epoch specially noted as the period of Christ's reign, we shall, by showing that it began in A.D. 1873, be proving that we are already in it. (The Time Is At Hand; 1889; 1915 ed.; p. 40)
1915 Firstly, that at that date [1914] the Kingdom of God, for which our Lord taught us to pray, saying, "Thy Kingdom come," will begin to assume control, and that it will then shortly be "set up," or firmly established, in the earth, on the ruins of present institutions. (The Time Is At Hand; 1889; 1915 ed.; p. 77)
1915 "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 near the end of A.D. 1915. (The Time Is At Hand, 1915 edition, p. 99)
1915 "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. 1915, with the complete overthrow of the earth's present rulership, is already commenced." (The Time Is At Hand; 1889; 1915 ed.; p. 101)
1915 "As in the type that date - three and a half years after the death of Christ - marked the end of all special favor to the Jew and the beginning of favor to the Gentiles, so we recognize A.D. 1881 as marking the close of the 'high calling,' or invitation to the blessing peculiar to this age - to become joint-heirs with Christ and partakers of the divine nature." (The Time Is At Hand; 1889; 1915 ed.; p. 235)
1915 So it was in this harvest also up to A.D. 1878 the time prophecies and the fact of the Lord's presence, substantially as here presented, though less clearly, was our message. Since then the work has widened, and the view of other truths has become brighter and clearer; but the same fact and scriptures, teaching the same time and presence, stand unchallenged and incontrovertible. (The Time Is At Hand; 1889; 1915 ed.; p. 236)
1915 The Gentile Times prove that the present governments must all be overturned about the close of A.D. 1915; and Parallelism above shows that this period corresponds exactly with the year A.D. 70, which witnessed the completion of the downfall of the Jewish polity. (The Time Is At Hand, 1915 edition, p. 242)
1915 We are already living in the seventh millennium - since October 1872. (The Time Is At Hand; 1889; 1915 ed.; p. 363)
1915 The Battle of Armageddon, to which this war is leading, will be a great contest between right and wrong, and will signify the complete and everlasting overthrow of the wrong, and the permanent establishment of Messiah's righteous kingdom for the blessing of the world. … Our sympathies are broad enough to cover all engaged in the dreadful strife, as our hope is broad enough and deep enough to include all in the great blessings which our Master and his Millennial kingdom are about to bring to the world. (Watchtower Reprints, VI, April 1, 1915, p. 5659)
1915 To our understanding the general call to this joint heirship with our Redeemer as members of the New Creation of God, ceased in 1881. (The New Creation; 1899; 1915 ed.; p. 95)
1916 "The Bible chronology herein presented shows that the six great 1000 year days beginning with Adam are ended, and that the great 7th Day, the 1000 years of Christ's Reign, began in 1873." (The Time Is At Hand, Foreword, p 2, 1916)
1916 We see no reason for doubting, therefore, that the Times of the Gentiles ended in October, 1914; and that a few more years will witness their utter collapse and the full establishment of God's kingdom in the hands of Messiah." (Watchtower Reprints, VI, Sept 1, 1916, p. 5950)
(Since many often attribute many of the quotes on the site after 1916 as being from Russell, we may, God willing, later add such quotes to this.)
