The Gentile Times Reconsidered Chronology Christ

The History of an Interpretation 71
would the end of the Gentile Times mean?” The surprising answer
given is that the Bible Students “were not completely sure what
would happen”!
Although some of the predictions are briefly mentioned, the
Society carefully avoids terming them “predictions” or
“prophecies.” Russell and his associates never “predicted” or
“foretold” anything, never claimed to present “proof” or
“established truth.” They just “thought,” “suggested,” “expected,”
and “earnestly hoped” that this or that “might” happen, but they
“were not completely sure.” 102 Thus the predictions are wrapped
up in language that completely masks the true nature of the
aggressive doomsday message proclaimed to the world by the
International Bible Students for over a quarter of a century before
1914. Disguising the presumptuous predictions in such vague and
unassuming words and phrases, of course, makes it easier to
“humbly” concede that these failed.
102 Jehovah’s Witnesses—Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom (1993), page 135.
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