We see no reason for changing the figures — nor could we change them if we would. They are, be 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 times of trouble. We see no reason for changing from our opinion expressed in the view presented in the Watch Tower of January 15, ’92. We advise that it be read again. (Zion’s Watch Tower 7/15/1894 p. 1677, emphasis in the original)
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 that date will be the farthest limit of the rule of imperfect men. (The Time is at Hand, Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, 1909 edition p. 76)
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 Time is at Hand, WTBTS, 1909 edition p. 101)
And the parallelism continues to the full end of the harvest of this dispensation — until the overthrow of hte professedly Christian kingdoms, really “kingdoms of this world,” and the full establishment of the Kingdom of God in the earth at A. D. 1914, the terminus of the Times of the Gentiles. (Thy Kingdom Come, WTBTS, 1907 edition, p. 126)
The Watch Tower, and its companion publications of the Society, for forty years emphasized the fact that 1914 would witness the establishment of God’s Kingdom and complete glorification of the church. During that period of forty years God’s people on earth were carrying on a witness work, which work was foreshadowed by Elija and John the Baptist. All the Lord’s people looked forward to 1914 with joyful expectation. When that time came and passed there was much disappointment, chagrin and mourning, and the Lord’s people were greatly in reproach. They were ridiculed by the clergy and their allies in particular, and pointed to with scorn, because they had said so much about 1914, and what would come to pass, and their ‘prophecies’ had not been fulfilled. (Light vol. 1, WTBTS, 1930, p. 194)
Who is at fault?
New features of the work have required new methods, which has meant revisions and changes from time to time in organization instructions, but it is all a part of the advancement of Jehovah’s theocratically controlled organization under the immediate direction of Jehovah God himself. Therefore, these revisions and changes are themselves fully theocratic, so they do not alter in any way the fully theocratic structure of the organization. (WT, 6/1/65 p. 352)
AnswersAZ 