Year 1925 – Dimming expectations
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When nothing happened in 1924, then the hopes of the Watchtower Society publishers turned to the years 1925-1926.
The “Millions Campaign” continued until the very end…, till the year 1925:
From 1918 until 1925, the talk “Millions Now Living Will Never Die,” which explained the hope of everlasting life on earth, was presented by Jehovah’s servants in over 30 languages worldwide. (The Watchtower August 15, 2009 p. 16).
In 1925, when I was three years old, my parents attended a Bible talk in our hometown of Newcastle, Australia. The talk, “Millions Now Living Will Never Die,” convinced my mother that she had found the truth, and she began to attend Christian meetings regularly. My father’s interest, though, quickly waned. He objected to Mother’s newfound faith and threatened to leave if she did not give it up. Mother loved my father and wanted to keep the family together. (...) My father left, and afterward I saw him only occasionally. (The Watchtower March 1, 2006 p. 12).
In 1925, when I was 14, a tract was put under our door that invited us to a public lecture in West Ham town hall. My mother and a neighbor decided to attend the talk, and my sister and I accompanied them. That talk, “Millions Now Living Will Never Die,” sowed the seeds of Bible truth in Mother’s heart. (The Watchtower May 1, 1998 p. 26).
It is interesting that those publishers who encountered the Watchtower Society’s teaching at the end of the “Millions Campaign” did not become discouraged that nothing happened in the year 1925. Probably only the husband mentioned in the testimony of the female publisher stated that the organization's interpretation was running nowhere.
In the “year 1925” the proof of believing in the beginning of the resurrection in that time was the following fact:
A. H. Macmillan was sent by ship to Palestine in 1925 because of special interest in the role of the Jews in connection with Bible prophecy (Jehovah’s Witnesses—Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom 1993 p. 142).
Although 1925 has come and was about to go, the Watchtower Society still confidently proclaimed its assurances, even there were some signs of doubt:
The year 1925 is here. With great expectation Christians have looked forward to this year. Many have confidently expected that all members of the body of Christ will be changed to heavenly glory during the year. This may be accomplished. It may not be. In his own due time God will accomplish his purposes concerning his own people. Christians should not be so deeply concerned about what may transpire during this year that they would fail to joyfully do what the Lord would have them to do. (The Watchtower January 1, 1925 p. 3).
During this period, a comprehensive article was published, THE YEAR OF JUBILEE (The Watchtower February 15, 1925 pp. 51-59), that discussed a bit differently the expectations for the years 1925- 1926:
But the Jews as a nation are not in their land, and cannot keep 1925 as a jubilee. Has God, therefore, changed his time schedule for the antitypical jubilee? We find no scripture implying that he has. On the contrary, the physical facts about us, viewed in the light of prophecy, indicate that he is carrying out his original plan exactly on time. What, therefore, may we reasonably expect for 1925 and the years immediately following? (The Watchtower February 15, 1925 p. 52).
The number ten is often used in the Scriptures, and apparently there is some peculiar significance attached to it. (...) Ten years from 1914 is 1924. If the Jews were in their homeland we would have expected the blowing of the typical jubilee trumpets to begin about October 1st, 1924, announcing the year 1925 as the jubilee (The Watchtower February 15, 1925 p. 54).
The International Bible Students have for years been calling attention to the Bible prophecies that this world (age) is passing away, that the great antitypical jubilee for the world is at hand, and that 1925 would be a marked year. (The Watchtower February 15, 1925 p. 54).
In discussing the jubilees in Volume Two of SCRIPTURE STUDIES Brother Russell pointed out that the last typical jubilee should merge into the antitypical jubilee, and might, therefore, be properly considered as the beginning of the antitype. In the type, the year 1925 would have been confined to the natural Israelites. What would be more reasonable now than to expect that the year 1925 will be of special interest to the antitypical Israelites? In the type the priests and Levites would have been very busy during the year, assisting their fellows and the people properly to settle their affairs and relationships in harmony with the Law and their inheritances. This would have been in preparation for the work commenced in 1926 for the Gentiles. If we have correctly interpreted the matter, 1926 is still the year for God’s blessings to begin towards the Gentiles. What would be more reasonable than to expect that 1925 will be a very stirring and busy year for the antitypical Israelites, as God will be settling their arrangements and positions in the Body preparatory for their work to begin with the Gentiles on time? It would, therefore, seem reasonable to expect that 1925 will be one of severe testings upon the individual members of the antitypical Israelites. (...) We see, then, that we have good reason to expect some manifestation of divine guidance, and evidence that we are in the right way, doing the right work at the right time. (The Watchtower February 15, 1925 p. 56).
Does it not also indicate, according to the dates above given, that the last chronological typical jubilee began in July, 1924, instead of October; and that the antitypical jubilee may begin about July- August, 1925? Would it be unreasonable to expect that Jehovah will mark that date to the world as clearly as he did the year 1914? and as clearly as he has marked the beginning of 1925 to the Church? That 1925 will be a phenomenal year in many respects is evident. (The Watchtower February 15, 1925 p. 56).
The Catholics are celebrating their “jubilee”, which began Christmas Eve, December 24th, 1924. The “jubilee door” of St. Peter’s at Rome was opened by the Pope at that time, and is to remain open for one year. All who pass through the door are promised his special blessing. (...) The Jews also are looking upon 1925 and expect to receive some special blessing from Jehovah, though they do not seem to be certain what it may be. We do not know where they received their intimation, unless they have been reading some of our SOCIETY’S literature. Nevertheless they are expectant. (The Watchtower February 15, 1925 pp. 56-57).
We may reasonably expect that 1925 will be a very active year for the saints on this side the vail; and also that the adversary will be increasingly active in his opposition, as he knows that his time is shortening. (...) This will anger them, and they may attempt strenuous measures to suppress it, in order to direct attention from themselves and to hold their power over the masses. How long before they attempt this we may not know, nor need it trouble us. Our Captain is in full control of the situation, and victory is sure. (The Watchtower February 15, 1925 p. 57).
How much of all this will come to pass in 1926 is not stated. At present we do not find any definite date beyond 1926 indicated in the Scriptures. When the Bible Students found 1914 in the Bible they heralded it far and wide, but the Lord left the curtain down at that date until we had reached it. God set his seal upon 1914, and the work started that year is still going on. We find the date 1925-1926 clearly indicated in the prophetic outline, and the Lord has not lifted the curtain sufficiently for us to see distinctly beyond. We feel sure that he will set his seal upon that date as clearly as he did upon 1914, and he will then let us see beyond as soon and as far as will be good for us. Let us learn from experiences of the past not to be too positive about details. We need have no worry. (The Watchtower February 15, 1925 p. 58).
Many of us may be called home during 1925 and 1926. Whether we shall be called, or whether Jehovah shall leave some of us here for a little further work, what does it matter? If we are faithful, we are just as acceptable and commendable on this side the vail, and just as sure of our reward. (The Watchtower February 15, 1925 p. 58).
The quoted article no longer sets the date of the patriarchs’ resurrection, although it is still claimed that Jerusalem will be the capital of the world, and the resurrection of other people will take place in about 25 years:
The ancient worthies are to be brought forth and made princes in all the earth. (...) We know the work of restitution must come to the Jews first, and through them to the rest of the world. As the Scriptures state that Jerusalem is to be the capital of the world and that the ancient worthies are to be princes in all the earth, we are warranted in expecting that the kingdom work will begin at Jerusalem. (...) Jerusalem will need a great deal of cleansing before it will be in condition to be the capital of the world. The city may be undergoing changes during all the Millennial Age, but it will take several years to do some necessary preliminary work. (...) Probably those of the righteous who will be carried through the great time of trouble will be dealt with first, before those in the graves will be brought forth. It does not seem unreasonable, therefore, to think that twenty-five years, possibly more, will pass before the awakening of the dead shall begin. (The Watchtower February 15, 1925 p. 57-58).
In the following months, the expectations related to 1925 were less and less decided:
We are well along in 1925. Let everyone now who ready loves the Lord put aside selfishness and, moved by the spirit of a loving devotion to the cause of righteousness, make the few remaining months the greatest witness yet given for the King and his kingdom. (The Watchtower May 1, 1925 p. 137).
No doubt many of the dear saints will be permitted thus to judge angels daring the year 1925, but to such as are pure in heart no harm will come. (The Watchtower June 1, 1925 p. 174).
The Lord is in his temple. The King and his kingdom are here, Whether all the church is taken beyond the vail in 1925 or not is a matter of little moment. If we realize that we have found a safe hiding place in the Lord and that we are commissioned to be his witnesses, then let us delight ourselves in the Lord and joyfully perform the blessed duties granted unto us whether on this side a few months or a few years. (The Watchtower August 15, 1925 pp. 247-248).
The end of 1925 is about here. Some have expected to see the work of the church in the flesh completed this year. Probably this expectation has been induced somewhat by the desire to end earth’s journey of toil and to sit at ease in glory. If so, then is not there a measure of selfishness in such a desire and expectation? Selfishness could not be pleasing to the Lord. (The Watchtower September 1, 1925 p. 259).
The Lord has never told us just what year, day nor hour we might expect the last members to be taken into heavenly glory. Why should he inform us before his time, and why should we even desire to possess this knowledge before the Lord’s due time? (...) Because 1925 is about ended and, as we believe, many of the members of the church are still on earth, there is likely to be a tendency on the part of some to become negligent concerning the interests of the kingdom and of the work that is yet to be done. (The Watchtower September 1, 1925 p. 260).
It is to be expected that Satan will try to inject Into the minds of the consecrated the thought that 1925 should see an end of the work, and that therefore it would be needless for them to do more. (The Watchtower September 1, 1925 p. 262).
It seems that the anointed in such an attitude would not be at all anxious about what may or may not transpire in 1925. They will see that they have everything to lose by becoming negligent and indifferent, and everything to gain by remaining steadfast, diligent and faithful. (The Watchtower September 1, 1925 p. 262).
(...) that the Lord has given his people certain points in chronology; that the fulfilment of prophecy shows the dates 1914, 1918 and 1925 to be clearly marked; that the Scriptures nowhere show just what day or year the glorification of the church takes place; therefore that with the passing of 1925 time is no more so far as the church is concerned. (The Watchtower October 15, 1925 p. 308).
The year 1925 was also the time when the new book was printed, directed mainly to the Jews. It was named Comfort for the Jews. Here are the most important passages concerning the year 1925:
What then should be expected at the end of 1925? This may be determined by reference to the law given to Israel through Moses. That law provided that in the year of jubilee “ye shall return every man unto his possession”. Thus the law states that the jubilee is the time of restitution. Since restitution is the blessing clearly intended by the promise God gave to Abraham, and since everyone of the prophets from Samuel to Malachi foretold the coming times of great restitution of all things, it follows that the beginning of the antitypical jubilee marks the beginning of the times of restitution. (Comfort for the Jews 1925 pp. 86-87).
If the end of 1925 marks the end of the last seventy-year period, then it follows that we should expect the people to begin to receive some knowledge concerning God's great plan of restoration. The Jews are to have the favors first, and thereafter all others who obey the Lord. There could be no restoration without knowledge, even as it is impossible to give a man anything unless he knows about it. A gift is a contract, and knowledge is the first and essential element on the part of both giver and receiver. (Comfort for the Jews 1925 pp. 87-88).
Reader will note that in the above passages there is nothing about the resurrection of patriarchs or Jews, but only about a restitution in general sense.
In 1925, J.F. Rutherford published one of his pamphlets, Our Lord's Return. Here are the words used to point out the time of the “harvest” (1874-1924):
(...) and since the Lord used the natural wheat harvest of Israel as a picture of the harvest of his people, it might not be out of place here to say that from the time of the beginning of the Jewish harvest until Pentecost was fifty days; and carrying out the Biblical rule of a day for a year, it would not be unreasonable to conclude that the harvest of the Gospel Age would cover a period of fifty years. During the period of time since 1874 there has been a great gathering together of Christian people from different quarters of the earth, without regard to creed or denomination. (Our Lord’s Return 1925 pp. 30-31).
This brochure mentions the Watchtower Society’s campaign of millions who will never die:
During this period of time these Christians have gone throughout the earth proclaiming that the kingdom of heaven is at hand; and now they are particularly announcing to the people the presence of the Lord—that his kingdom is at hand; that millions now living will never die. (Our Lord’s Return 1925 p. 31).
Numbers of public lectures delivered upon this subject throughout Christendom have gladdened the hearts of hundreds of thousands of people, comforting those that mourn. In 1920 this message was put into printed form in the book entitled “Millions Now Living Will Never Die”; and in the lands where the greatest persecution prevailed against the people of the Lord, greatest has been the witness. Within eight months 2,500,000 copies of this book were placed in the hands of the people; and yet the message goes on, giving a wider and wider witness, looking forward to the full consummation of “the time of the end”, and the end of the old order and the incoming of Messiah's kingdom. (Our Lord’s Return 1925 p. 41).
The sense of expectation for the year 1925 (when the said brochure was published), is best presented in a testimony of a publisher who “produced” that publication:
My first assignment was feeding the booklet Our Lord’s Return [released in 1925] onto a stitching machine. The overseer explained how to do it and, pointing to a huge pile of booklets, he said: “Hurry up and get the job done because Armageddon is coming!” (The Watchtower August 15, 1982 p. 10).
Let us also quote words from another brochure that was published in 1925:
The year 1925 is just beginning. Thoughtful men at such times try to scan the horizon to see what are the prospects for the year. (...) It seems to me that the situation is well summed up by the words of one of the world's great statesmen, who write frequently for the public press and who at the conclusion of 1924 had this to say about world conditions: “The deepest impression left on my mind by 1924 is of a world once more reconciled to black...” (Comfort for the People 1925 pp. 3-4).
Suppose George Washington, in his farewell address, had told the people of the United States that from 1914 to 1925 would be a time of trouble, great distress and perplexity; and that these things would be but a harbinger to a better time just at hand; and that shortly following these troublous times conditions would greatly improve for the better and for the benefit of the people. How many people, do you imagine, would be carefully considering just now what Mr. Washington had predicted? But mark you, one far greater than Mr. Washington foretold this much and more. (Comfort for the People 1925 p. 6).
Much has heretofore been said about 1925. Many men of the world, drawing on their own wisdom, have pointed it out as an important year. Others have referred to the Bible, which is the only true source of information on the subject. Many people are looking for something phenomenal to happen. But if we see that we are in a time when prophecy is being fulfilled, that should be sufficient to cause us to consider calmly and carefully these prophecies as they are fulfilled, and to know that a great, wise and loving God will guide in the right paths the destinies of those who try to serve him, and that ultimately they will receive a blessing. (Comfort for the People 1925 p. 9).
According to their jubilee system, which God inaugurated with them under. Moses, their last typical jubilee is the year 1925; and shortly thereafter the great blessings which God has promised to the Jews should begin to be made manifest. We may look with keen expectancy for some marked manifestation of God's favor in the latter part of 1925, or shortly thereafter. (Comfort for the People 1925 p. 39).
Other magazines also dealt with the issue of 1925 several times:
The Golden Age January 14, 1925 p. 256; The Golden Age March 11, 1925 p. 384; The Golden Age April 8, 1925 p. 444; The Golden Age October 7, 1925 p. 20; The Golden Age November 18, 1925 p. 126; The Golden Age December 2, 1925 p. 157; The Golden Age December 30, 1925 p. 221.
One more comparison will be appropriate here. Earlier, as we reported, the Watchtower Society taught about the date “around April 1” and its specific expectations:
(...) or about April 1, 1925, at which time we may expect the resurrection of the Ancient Worthies and the beginning of the blessing of all the families of the earth, living as well as dead. (Millions Now Living Will Never Die! 1920 p. 110).
Here is a statement, dated May 1, 1925 (that is, a month after April 1), quoted by one of today’s publications:
Back in 1925, the May 1 Watch Tower said: “We should not arbitrarily say what God will or will not do. . . . [But] we are led to the conclusion that the members of the Church [anointed Christians] will be glorified before the resurrection of the ancient worthies [faithful pre-Christian witnesses].” (The Watchtower May 15 1997 p. 20).
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