1914: The Generation That Will Not Pass Away? #1

In January there were two separate news items about the deaths of two soldiers who had each fought in World War I (1914-18),

[Above: The Watchtower, May 15, 1984, cover. Comments from the Friends]

The older of the two was 110 and fought on the side of France, leaving only one other French World War I soldier, also aged 110, remaining:

"France's oldest WWI veteran dies," BBC, 20 January 2008 ... One of the last two surviving French veterans of World War I has died at the age of 110. Louis de Cazenave, who fought in the Battle of the Somme in 1916, died in his sleep at his home in Brioude, central France, his son Louis said. Mr de Cazenave's death leaves Lazare Ponticelli, also 110, as the last "poilu", or French WWI veteran. ...

The other was 107 and was the last known soldier to fight in the first World War on the side of Germany:

"Germany's 'last' WWI veteran dies," BBC, 26 January 2008 ... The man believed to have been Germany's last World War I veteran has died peacefully at the age of 107. Erich Kaestner, who at 18 was sent to the Western Front but served only four months in the army, died in a Cologne nursing home, his son said. ...

This highlights again the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society's "1914 The Generation That Will Not Pass Away" false prophecy, according to the Biblical standard in Deuteronomy 18:20-22 "when the prophet speaks in the name of Jehovah and the word does not occur or come true, that is the word that Jehovah did not speak" (my emphasis):

"However, the prophet who presumes to speak in my name a word that I have not commanded him to speak or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet must die. And in case you should say in your heart: `How shall we know the word that Jehovah has not spoken?' when the prophet speaks in the name of Jehovah and the word does not occur or come true, that is the word that Jehovah did not speak. With presumptuousness the prophet spoke it. You must not get frightened at him."

Again I have had to split this post into two-parts because it grew too long. Bible references are to the Society's New World Translation (NWT) unless otherwise indicated.

The Watchtower Society admitted in 1971 that the criteria for a true prophet included: "the true prophet would speak in Jehovah's name" and "the things foretold would come to pass" (my emphasis):

"In some cases, such as that of Moses, Elijah, Elisha, and Jesus, God's prophets performed miraculous works that attested the genuineness of their message and office. Not all, however, are recorded as performing such powerful works. The three essentials for establishing the credentials of the true prophet, as given through Moses, were: the true prophet would speak in Jehovah's name; the things foretold would come to pass (Deut. 18:20-22); and his prophesying must promote true worship, being in harmony with God's revealed word and commandments. (Deut. 13:1-4) ... Jesus' later warning concerning false prophets paralleled that of Moses. Though using his name, and giving `signs and wonders to lead astray,' their fruits would prove them `workers of lawlessness.' - Matt. 7:15-23; Mark 13:21-23; compare 2 Peter 2:1-3; 1 John 4:1-3. ... All such false prophets were to be put to death.-Zech. 13:2, 3; Deut. 13:5." ("Aid to Bible Understanding," Watchtower Bible & Tract Society: Brooklyn NY, Second edition, 1971, p.1348).

Indeed, in 1968, it admitted that, "those ... who predicted an `end to the world,' even announcing a specific date" but "The `end' did not come. ... were guilty of false prophesying" (my emphasis):

"True, there have been those in times past who predicted an `end to the world,' even announcing a specific date. The `end' did not come. They were guilty of false prophesying." ("A Time to `Lift Up Your Head' in Confident Hope," Awake! , October 8, 1968, p.23).

Since at least 1972 the Watchtower Society has claimed to be a "prophet" in the same sense that the Biblical prophets, such as Ezekiel were (the title of the article, "They shall know that a Prophet was among them," The Watchtower, April 1, 1972, p.197, is based on Jehovah's words to Ezekiel in Eze 2:5 & 33:33, distinguishing him from false prophets by his predictions coming true). In that article, the Society claims to be Jehovah's "special messengers, "the ones commissioned to speak for God," "to declare things to come" (my emphasis), and that from at least the time they were "known ... as International Bible Students" (which was founded in 1914 by the Society's founder Charles Taze Russell):

"A third way of coming to know Jehovah God is through his representatives. In ancient times he sent prophets as his special messengers. While these men foretold things to come, they also served the people by telling them of God's will for them at that time, often also warning them of dangers and calamities. People today can view the creative works. They have at hand the Bible, but it is little read or understood. So, does Jehovah have a prophet to help them, to warn them of dangers and to declare things to come? ... These questions can be answered in the affirmative. Who is this prophet? The clergy of the so-called `Christian' nations hold themselves before the people as being the ones commissioned to speak for God. But ... they have failed God and failed as proclaimers of his kingdom ... However, Jehovah did not let the people of Christendom, as led by the clergy, go without being warned ... He had a `prophet' to warn them. This `prophet' was not one man, but was a body of men and women. It was the small group of footstep followers of Jesus Christ, known at that time as International Bible Students. Today they are known as Jehovah's Christian witnesses." ("They shall know that a Prophet was among them," The Watchtower, April 1, 1972, p.197). [Click here for page image]

Here are quotes (all from Watchtower literature that I own, or have downloaded actual image copies from the Internet), so that I may show the originals to the JW elder named Charlie who is conducting a home `Bible' study with me (however see PS). The quotes are generally in descending chronological order (oldest first). They document that: 1) the Watchtower Society's original prophecy that "many," i.e. a "great crowd," of the generation that was "old enough to witness with understanding what took place when the `last days' began" in 1914," "would not pass away before Armageddon breaks out"; and 2) the Society then progressively modified its prophecy as it became apparent that it was nearing failure, thereby showing that the Society itself tacitly admitted it was a false prophecy, and therefore it was a false prophet, according to Dt 18:20-22 above. But the Watchtower Bible & Tracy Society may be able deceive its followers, and even itself (2Tim 3:13 NIV), but it cannot deceive God. He knows that if a prophecy needs to be changed to avoid it being shown to be false, then it always was false!

At least as early as 1955 (i.e. over half a century ago), the Watchtower Society predicted that "there is a great crowd of people of good will today living who will survive the world catastrophe of Armageddon," that "Armageddon is so near at hand it will strike the generation now living" (my emphasis):

"Because there is a great crowd of people of good will today living who will survive the world catastrophe of Armageddon and enter the world of new heavens and new earth without going down into the grave or ever afterward having the need to die and cease to exist. That means that Armageddon is so near at hand it will strike the generation now living." ("You May Survive Armageddon into God's New World," Watchtower Bible & Tract Society: Brooklyn NY, 1955, p.11).

and that "what is to happen inside this generation ... living since A.D. 1914" is that "Christendom and her religious organization" (i.e. everything but JWs) would be destroyed "in the opening phase of the `war of the great day of God the Almighty,"or Armageddon (my emphasis):

"The remnant of Jews who had called upon Jehovah's name through faith in his Son Jesus Christ escaped the frightful destruction upon earthly Jerusalem and Mount Zion at that climax of the `great and illustrious day of Jehovah.' This is not without solemn meaning for this generation living since A.D. 1914. For what happened back there to literal Jerusalem and Judea was a prophetic pattern of what is to happen inside this generation to their modern counterparts, Christendom and her religious organization, in the opening phase of the `war of the great day of God the Almighty.' ... the larger and final fulfillment of Joel's prophecy is within this generation .... That leaves Joel's prophecy ... to be fulfilled completely in all its details down here within this generation." (Ibid., 1955, pp.191-192).

However, I cannot see where the Society specified how many of this "great crowd" were from the "generation living since A.D. 1914," so I will not include the above prediction in my false prophecy test.

In 1958 the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society prophesied that, "Many are the people alive since 1914 who will still be living when it is time for Armageddon to begin" (my emphasis):

"We know Armageddon is near for another reason. Jesus said that the generation of people living when the `time of the end' began would not pass away before Armageddon breaks out. When did Jesus say this? When he told us about the many parts of the sign of the `time of the end.' That sign is made up of different happenings. All these happenings must come upon one generation to make up the sign. Since 1914 they have come. What does this mean? Jesus answers: `When you see all these things, know that he is near at the doors. Truly 1 say to you that this generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur.' (Matthew 24: 33, 34) Many are the people alive since 1914 who will still be living when it is time for Armageddon to begin." ("From Paradise Lost to Paradise Regained ," Watchtower Bible & Tract Society: Brooklyn NY, 1958, p.205).

Nine years later, in 1967, the Watchtower Society added that it was of "the generation ... who saw with understanding the developing sign of the `last days' from their start in 1914," i.e. "the adult generation of that time," that "The end of this wicked system ... will come before all members of that generation pass away." And since then "the youngest" of that generation were "well over sixty years of age ... The time left" was "very short" (my emphasis):

"The end of all the chaotic conditions in this system of things will not be delayed. But when will it come? After enumerating the many unpleasant conditions marking this `time of the end,' Jesus added the key thought: `This generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur.' (Matthew 24:34) Which generation did he mean? The one that would see the beginning of the woes he mentioned. Thus the generation living in 1914 can expect to see the end of this wicked system of things. It is to be carefully noted that the youngest of those who saw with understanding the developing sign of the `last days' from their start in 1914 are now well over sixty years of age. The greater part of the adult generation of that time is now well along toward its complete passing away. The time left, then, is definitely limited. It is very short. Note, too, that Jesus pointedly said: `This generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur.' The end of this wicked system and of all wickedness will come before all members of that generation pass away. So in answer to the question: `How much longer will it be?' the Bible replies, `Not long, for the end of wickedness is near." ("Did Man Get Here by Evolution or by Creation?," Watchtower Bible & Tract Society of New York: Brooklyn NY, 1967, pp.171-172. Emphasis original).

So in 1958, with the youngest of the generation born in 1899 approaching sixty, the Society had shrunk "the great crowd" down to "many" and nine years later, in 1967, with that generation now "well over sixty," the "many" had been shrunk down to one, i.e. "before all members of that generation pass away"!

However, a year later in 1968, the "many" had shrunk down only to "some", i.e. "people still living who were alive in 1914 and saw what was happening then and who were old enough that they still remember those events ... Some of them will still be alive to see the end of this wicked system" (my emphasis):

"The Last Days of This Wicked System of Things THE Bible speaks of the time in which we are living as the `last days' or the `time of the end.' (2 Timothy 3:1; Daniel 11:40) The facts show that this is a limited period that has a definite beginning and a definite end. It began in 1914 when Jesus Christ was enthroned as king in the heavens. It will end when God destroys this present wicked system of things. What a relief it will be when the organizations and persons that cheat and oppress, and all who endanger the security of their fellowmen, are gone! ... How soon will that be? God's own Son, Jesus Christ, gives the answer. After drawing attention to the many things that mark the period from 1914 onward as the `time of the end,' Jesus said: `This generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur.' (Matthew 24:34) Which generation did he mean? ... Jesus had just referred to persons who would `see all these things.' `These things' are the events that have taken place since 1914 and those yet to occur down to the end of this wicked system. (Matthew 24:33) Persons born even as much as fifty years ago could not see `all these things,' They came on the scene after the foretold events were already under way. But there are people still living who were alive in 1914 and saw what was happening then and who were old enough that they still remember those events. This generation is getting up in years now. A great number of them have already passed away in death. Yet Jesus very pointedly said: `This generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur.' Some of them will still be alive to see the end of this wicked system. This means that only a short time is left before the end comes! (Psalm 90:10 ...) So now is the time to take urgent action if you do not want to be swept away with this wicked system." ("The Truth that Leads to Eternal Life," Watchtower Bible & Tract Society: Brooklyn NY, 1968, pp.94-95. Italics original).

Note also that the above prophecy specifically stated that "Persons born even as much as fifty years ago" , i.e. in 1918, "could not see `all these things.'" Moreover, in 1914 they had to "old enough that they still remember those events."

In the Awake! of October 8, 1968, the Society further defined how old they had to be in 1914 to "witness with understanding what took place" (italics original), i.e. they had to be at least "15 years of age" in 1914 (i.e. born in 1899), and it admitted that "The remaining ones are approaching old age" (my emphasis):

"THE fact that fifty-four years of the period called the `last days' have already gone by is highly significant. It means that only a few years, at most, remain before the corrupt system of things dominating the earth is destroyed by God. How can we be certain of this? One way is by noting what Jesus said when he gave his great prophecy about the `last days'. After he listed the many events that would mark this period, he also stated, `Truly I say to you that this generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur.' - Matt. 24:34. `Jesus was obviously speaking about those who were old enough to witness with understanding what took place when the `last days' began. Jesus was saying that some of those persons who were alive at the appearance of the `sign of the last days' would still be alive when God brought this system to its end. Even if we presume that youngsters 15 years of age would be perceptive enough to realize the import of what happened in 1914, it would still make the youngest of `this generation' nearly 70 years old today. So the great majority of the generation to which Jesus was referring has already passed away in death. The remaining ones are approaching old age. And remember, Jesus said that the end of this wicked world would come before that generation passed away in death. This, of itself, tells us that the years left before the foretold end comes cannot be many." ("What will the 1970's Bring?," Awake!, October 8, 1968, p.13-14. Italics original). [Click here for page image]

Fourteen years later, in 1982, the Society continued to prophesy that of "the generation of people who were living in 1914 ... some of them will still be alive to see the end of this wicked system." But whereas in 1968 they were "approaching old age," in 1972, "Those persons yet remaining of that generation are now very old," and so, if the prophecy was to be true, then "Shortly now there will be a sudden end to all wickedness and wicked people at Armageddon" (my emphasis):

"After considering the foregoing, is it not clear that `the sign' Christ gave and the evidences foretold by his disciples are now being fulfilled? Although there are many other proofs, those listed here should be enough to show that we really are living in the time the Bible foretold as the `last days.' ... Yet some persons may say: `Such things as wars, famines, pestilences and earthquakes have occurred often throughout history. So it would not be hard to foretell that they would occur again.' But think: The Bible not only foretold these things, but indicated that they would occur on a worldwide scale. Also, the Bible said that all these things would happen upon the generation that was alive in 1914. ... After drawing attention to the many things that have marked the period from 1914 onward, Jesus said: `This generation will by no means pass away until all these things [including the end of this system] occur.' (Matthew 24:34, 14) Which generation did Jesus mean? He meant the generation of people who were living in 1914. Those persons yet remaining of that generation are now very old. However, some of them will still be alive to see the end of this wicked system. So of this we can be certain: Shortly now there will be a sudden end to all wickedness and wicked people at Armageddon." ("You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth," Watchtower Bible & Tract Society of New York: Brooklyn NY, 1982, p.154).

By 1989, the Watchtower was still saying of "The present wicked system of things" that "some of the generation alive then will also be on hand to witness its complete end" (my emphasis):

"Last Days Definition: The Bible uses the expression `last days' to refer to the concluding time period leading up to a divinely appointed execution that marks the end of a system of things. The Jewish system with its worship built around the temple in Jerusalem experienced its last days from 33 to 70 C.E. What occurred then was pictorial of what would be experienced in a greatly intensified way and on a global scale at a time when all nations would be facing the execution of judgment decreed by God. The present wicked system of things, which extends worldwide, entered its last days in 1914, and some of the generation alive then will also be on hand to witness its complete end in the `great tribulation.'" ("Reasoning from the Scriptures," Watchtower Bible & Tract Society of New York: Brooklyn NY, Second edition, 1989, p.234).

And as "The `generation' that was alive at the beginning of fulfillment of the sign in 1914 is now well along in years," therefore "The time remaining must be very short" (my emphasis):

"To what do all these events of `the last days' point? Luke 21:31, 32: `When you see these things occurring, know that the kingdom of God is near [that is, the time when it will destroy the present wicked world and itself take full charge of earth's affairs]. Truly I say to you, This generation will by no means pass away until all things occur.' (The `generation' that was alive at the beginning of fulfillment of the sign in 1914 is now well along in years. The time remaining must be very short. World conditions give every indication that this is the case.)" (Ibid, 1989, p.239).

But the "some" had now shrunk down to, "Before the last members of the generation that was alive in 1914 will have passed off the scene" will "the end of this wicked world come":

"Before the last members of the generation that was alive in 1914 will have passed off the scene, all the things foretold will occur, including the `great tribulation' in which the present wicked world will end.- Matt. 24:21, 22, 34. When will the end of this wicked world come? Jesus answered: `Concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father.' However, he also stated: `Truly I say to you that this generation [that was alive when `the sign' of `the last days' began its fulfillment] will by no means pass away until all these things occur.'-Matt. 24:36, 34. Also, after telling of events that would follow the establishment of the Kingdom in the hands of Jesus Christ in 1914, Revelation 12:12 adds: `Be glad, you heavens and you who reside in them! Woe for the earth and for the sea, because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing he has a short period of time." (Ibid., 1989, pp.97-98. Emphasis original).

Continued in part #2.

PS: Charlie came yesterday, but in the midst of a friendly discussion, said he was not coming again, except to drop off a copy of "Should You Believe in the Trinity?" and the Watchtower Library CD. We parted on friendly terms and I will continue to pray for him. I may report on my meetings with him in the near future.

See `tagline' quotes below (my emphasis bold and original emphasis italics) from non-JW literature about this particular 1914 false prophecy of the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society.

Stephen E. Jones.
My other blogs: CreationEvolutionDesign & TheShroudofTurin

---

"Matthew 24:34 "Assuredly, I say to you, this generation will by no means pass away till all these things are fulfilled." (NKJV) Which generation? The subject is a matter of debate among Christian Bible readers-but not among Jehovah's Witnesses, because their organization has told them specifically that `the evidence points to the 1914 generation as the generation spoken of by Jesus. Thus, "this generation will by no means pass away until all these things (including the apocalypse) occur"' (The Watchtower, 2/15/86, p. 5). For many years, each issue of their Awake! magazine has featured this statement of purpose on page 2: `Most importantly, this magazine builds confidence in the Creator's promise of a peaceful and secure New Order before the generation that saw the events of 1914 passes away.' The Awake! issue of October 8, 1968, defined the generation even more precisely by saying, `Jesus was obviously speaking about those who were old enough to witness with understanding what took place,' suggesting that these would be `youngsters 15 years of age' (p. 13, italics theirs). They said most definitely that `the `generation' logically would not apply to babies born during World War I' (The Watchtower, 10/1/78, p. 31). One need only calculate that someone fifteen years old in 1914 would be twenty-five years old in 1924, thirty-five years old in 1934-and eighty-five years old in 1984-to realize that the Watchtower's `generation that will not pass away' was almost gone by the mid-1980s. The prophecy was about to fail. But, rather than change the prophecy, JW leaders simply stretched the generation. Instead of fifteen-year-olds, who could witness `with understanding' what took place in 1914, they began to indicate instead that the generation would be made up of `those born around the time' (the very babies that they had earlier excluded!), saying: `If Jesus used `generation' in that sense and we apply it to 1914, then the babies of that generation are now 70 years old or older' (The Watchtower, 5/15/84, p. 5). ... persons who make false prophecies fall into the categories of those the Lord warned us to watch out for: `For false christs and false prophets will arise and show great signs and wonders, so as to deceive, if possible, even the elect' (Matt. 24:24, NKJV). For information on the Watchtower organization's hundred-year history of false prophesying, see our discussion of Deuteronomy 18:20-22." (Reed, D.A., 1986, "Jehovah's Witnesses Answered Verse by Verse," Baker: Grand Rapids MI, Thirty-first printing, 2006, pp.56-57).

"Deuteronomy 18:20-22 `However, the prophet who presumes to speak in my name a word that I have not commanded him to speak or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet must die. And in case you should say in your heart: `How shall we know the word that Jehovah has not spoken?' when the prophet speaks in the name of Jehovah and the word does not occur or come true, that is the word that Jehovah did not speak. With presumptuousness the prophet spoke it. You must not get frightened at him.' (NWT). The Watchtower organization identifies itself as `The Prophet,' saying: `This `prophet' was not one man, but was a body of men and women. It was the small group of footstep followers of Jesus Christ, known at that time as International Bible Students. Today they are known as Jehovah's Christian witnesses. They are still proclaiming a warning...' (The Watchtower, 4/1/72, p. 197). The added claim is made that: `Unless we are in touch with this channel of communication that God is using, we will not progress along the road to life, no matter how much Bible reading we do' (The Watchtower, 12/1/81, p. 27)." (Reed, 1986, pp.30-31).

"Are these claims true? Is the Watchtower organization really the Prophet, the channel of communication from God? Or, is it a false prophet, fitting the description of Deuteronomy 18:20-22? The test is simple: Step #1-We know the organization `spoke in the name of Jehovah'; Step #2-We must determine whether or not the prophecies actually did occur or come true. Let's examine the facts: Throughout half of its hundred-year history, the Watchtower Society taught the belief of its founder and first president, Charles Taze Russell, that the Great Pyramid of Egypt was `inspired' of God just like the Bible (see the Watchtower's book Thy Kingdom Come, 1903 edition, p. 362). The Society's publications translated inches of pyramid measurements into calendar years, in attempts to foretell future events. Thus, they predicted that the Battle of Armageddon `will end in A.D. 1914 with the complete overthrow of earth's present rulership' (The Time Is at Hand, 1904 edition, p. 101). Obviously, this did not occur or come true. Still determined to act as a prophet, the Watchtower Society went on to predict an earthly resurrection for the year 1925: `They are to be resurrected as perfect men and constitute the princes or rulers in the earth, according to his promise.... Therefore we may confidently expect that 1925 will mark the return of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the faithful prophets of old' (Watchtower's book Millions Now Living Will Never Die, 1920, pp. 89-90). Did this occur or come true? No! More recently, the organization misled millions into believing that `the end' would come in 1975. They asked: `Why Are You Looking Forward to 1975?' (title of article in The Watchtower, 8/15/68, p. 494): Are we to assume from this study that the battle of Armageddon will be all over by the autumn of 1975, and the long-looked-for thousand-year reign of Christ will begin by then? Possibly, but we wait to see how closely the seventh thousand-year period of man's existence coincides with the sabbathlike thousand-year reign of Christ. If these two periods run parallel with each other as to the calendar year, it will not be by mere chance or accident but will be according to Jehovah's loving and timely purposes... . It may involve only a difference of weeks or months, not years [p. 499]. Certainly, by now, enough weeks, months, and years have passed to prove that this prophecy concerning 1975 did not occur or come true." (Reed, 1986, pp.31-32).

"A JW may try to defend the Watchtower Society, saying that those false prophecies were all `mistakes' and that the organization has learned from these mistakes and no longer makes prophetic statements about when the end will come. In that case, ask the Witness to take out a copy of his latest Awake! magazine. Inside the front cover, on the page listing the contents of the magazine, there is a statement of purpose telling why Awake! is published. Ask the Witness to read it. As of this writing (1986), each issue still says: `Most importantly, this magazine builds confidence in the Creator's promise of a peaceful and secure New Order before the generation that saw the events of 1914 passes away.' Another prophecy! ... The facts are inescapable: The Watchtower Society spoke as a prophet, in the name of God, and what was prophesied did not come true. What does this mean for the individual Jehovah's Witness? Invite one to read what God's Word says about false prophets-and then ask what God would have him or her do. The Bible contains these warnings from Jesus Christ: `Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.' `For false Christs and false prophets will arise ... ` (Matt. 7:15, and 24:24, RSV). And the strong words quoted above from Deuteronomy 18:20-22, besides expressing God's judgment that the false prophet `must die,' also tell listeners, `You must not get frightened at him.' Rather than remain fearfully obedient to Watchtower leaders, the individual Jehovah's Witness who recognizes the organization as a false prophet should quit following it and start following the true Prophet, Jesus Christ." (Reed, 1986, pp.32-33).

"'Jesus was obviously speaking about those who were old enough to witness with understanding what took place when the `last days' began.... Even if we presume that youngsters 15 years of age would be perceptive enough to realize the import of what happened in 1914, it would still make the youngest of `this generation' nearly 70 years old today... . Jesus said that the end of this wicked world would come before that generation passed away in death.' A 10/8/1968, p. 13. `Thus, when it comes to the application in our time, the `generation' logically would not apply to babies-born during World War I' WT 10/1/1978, p. 31. `It is the generation of people who saw the catastrophic events that broke forth in connection with World War I from 1914 onward.... If you assume that 10 is the age at which an event creates a lasting impression ...' WT 10/15/1980, p. 31. `If Jesus used `generation' in that sense and we apply it to 1914, then the babies of that generation are now 70 years old or older.... Some of them `will by no means pass away until all things occur.' WT 5/15/1984, p.5." (Reed, D.A., ed., 1990, "Index of Watchtower Errors, 1879 to 1989," Compiled by Steve Huntoon and John Cornell, Baker: Grand Rapids MI, p.102. Emphasis Reed's).

"'This Generation' `Jesus was obviously speaking about those who were old enough to witness with understanding what took place when the `last days' began.... Even if we presume that youngsters 15 years of age would be perceptive enough to realize the import of what happened in 1914, it would still make the youngest of `this generation' nearly 70 years old today... . Jesus said that the end of this wicked world would come before that generation passed away in death.' A 10/8/1968, p.13.... the generation alive in 1914, some will see the major fulfillment of Christ Jesus' prophecy and the destruction... .' A 10/8/1973, p.19.`Thus, when it comes to the application in our time, the `generation' logically would not apply to babies born during World War I' WT 10/1/1978, p.31.`It is the generation of people who saw the catastrophic events that broke forth in connection with World War I from 1914 onward.... If you assume that 10 is the age at which an event creates a lasting impression...... WT 10/15/1980, p.31.`If Jesus used `generation' in that sense and we apply it to 1914, then the babies of that generation are now 70 years old or older.... Some of them `will by no means pass away until all things occur.' WT 5/15/1984, p.5.`Before the 1914 generation completely dies out, God's judgment must be executed.' WT 5/1/1985, p.4. Awake! magazine discontinues statements in masthead about the generation that saw 1914. A 1/8/1987, p.4. Awake! magazine resumes statements in masthead about the generation that saw 1914. A 3/8/1988, p.4.`The Hebrews ... reckon seventy-five years as one generation... .' A 4/8/1988, p.14.`Most of the generation of 1914 has passed away. However, there are still millions on earth who were born in that year or prior to it.... Jesus' words will come true, `this generation will not pass away until all these things have happened.' A 4/8/1988, p.14.`He [the apostle Paul] was also laying a foundation for a work that would be completed in our 20th century.' WT 1/1/1989, original magazine, p.12.`He [the apostle Paul] was also laying a foundation for a work that would be completed in our day.' WT 1/1/1989, bound volume, p.12." (Reed, 1990, pp.110-111).