Year 1923 – More expectations
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No new Watchtower Society book was published in 1923. Only a well-known brochure was published, but it didn’t deal with 1925 in particular, although it treated about the end of death:
Those who are obedient to righteousness under that trial shall live forever on the earth. The time must therefore come when it can be truly said “millions now living will never die.” That time is now here. (World Distress—Why? The Remedy 1923 p. 51).
1923 is the time when the “millions campaign” was still in progress:
Also in 1923 the Society began setting aside several Sundays a year for a “world-wide witness.” This involved a united effort in holding simultaneous public meetings throughout the earth. All the Bible Students were encouraged to advertise such lectures as “Satan’s Empire Falling—Millions Now Living Will Never Die.” (1975 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses p. 133).
At that time the Watchtower Society’s magazines published further articles on 1925:
Some are inclined to become doubtful about 1925; hence they are growing lukewarm. But, beloved of the Lord, what difference does it make whether the things expected to transpire in 1925 do transpire or not? God will not change his plans. He made his plans long ago. He has made no mistakes. He will carry them out, and bring to pass exactly what he has prearranged. (...) But suppose 1925 finds the bride class all beyond the vail. If you have held fast to the faith in the spirit and have not relaxed your zeal for the King and the kingdom, then your joys will be full and complete. It is safer not to take any chances now by becoming weary in well-doing. (The Watchtower February 1, 1923 p. 35).
(...) and that the present crisis in the world is caused by the long- looked-for King of Glory the Lord Jesus, taking unto himself his great power and beginning his reign, by first dislodging Satan and overturning the churches which have supported Satan’s organization, making way for the era of peace and happiness in the joyous time just over the horizon of 1925, when God’s will shall be done on earth as it is done in heaven. (The Watchtower March 15, 1923 p. 86).
Question: Did the order go forth eight months ago to the Pilgrims to cease talking about 1925? Have we more reason, or as much, to believe the kingdom will be established in 1925 than Noah had to believe that there would be a flood?
Answer: It is surprising how reports get abroad. There was never at any time any intimation to the Pilgrim brethren that they should cease talking about 1925. (...) Our thought is, that 1925 is definitely settled by the Scriptures, marking the end of the typical jubilees. Just exactly what will happen at that time no one can tell to a certainty; but we expect such a climax in the affairs of the world that the people will begin to realize the presence of the Lord and his kingdom power. (The Watchtower April 1, 1923 p. 106).
More and more love is called for, now that it is but a few short years until the glorious Sun of Light will shine in full brightness for the ingathering and reconciliation of the willing and obedient of the whole world. (The Watchtower May 1, 1923 p. 132).
The first phase began with our Lord’s return in 1874. Its marked periods are 1878, 1881, 1914, 1918, 1925. Zion represents the place of power out of which light shines (Psalm 50:2; Isaiah 2:3), whether now or in the established kingdom. (The Watchtower May 1, 1923 p. 138).
Have you, then, entered into this joy of the Lord? If so, you are not worrying about the day nor the hour of going into the kingdom, but you are more concerned about doing now and doing joyfully what your hands find to do. The year 1925 is set before the church as a date; and some are marking that as a date certain when they will enter into the kingdom. And some, as in 1914, are inclined to say: ‘If it does not happen then, I will repudiate the whole thing.’ Such could not be pleasing to the Lord. The church may enter into glory before 1925. But suppose it is later. That should make no difference whatsoever with the consecrated. (The Watchtower October 1, 1923 p. 297).
Brother Rutherford was right when he said that tribulation will begin from the North. This saying is being fulfilled now. The Jews are being chased out of Russia to Palestine. Verily 1925 will show in fact the fulfilment of prophecy, in which year blessings will begin from Abraham. (The Watchtower December 15, 1923 p. 376).
The second magazine also presented statements on the year 1925 several times:
The Golden Age January 31, 1923 p. 273; The Golden Age February 28, 1923 p. 335; The Golden Age March 14, 1923 p. 358; The Golden Age May 23, 1923 p. 531; The Golden Age June 6, 1923 p. 562; The Golden Age August 1, 1923 p. 697.
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