The Governing Body makes a big deal over the fact that the Bible Students (as Jehovah’s Witnesses were then known), led by “Judge” Rutherford, began a preaching campaign in 1919 based around the slogan “Advertise, Advertise, Advertise, the King and His Kingdom”.

This campaign is held up as proof that Jesus had selected this band of merry Students in 1919 (there you go, Watchtower apologists; that’s the proof you’ve failed to offer*):

In 1919, Jehovah used his power to deliver a small remnant of these anointed ones from captivity to false religion. Their accomplishments during this time of the end can only be attributed to God’s power. Watchtower March 15 2009 Page 23

Giving us some background information on this time, AH Macmillan in his book “Faith on the March” (which documents his “finding the truth” through CT Russell (such “truths” have since been rejected wholesale by the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, so the man actually believed, taught and preached “falsehoods”)).

Here he quotes “Ju[uuu]dge” Rutherford[z]‘s “stirring” talk following his release from prison (part of the alluded to “deliverance” mentioned in the above quoted Watchtower):

“For six thousand years God has been preparing for this kingdom. For nineteen hundred years he has been gathering out the kingdom class from amongst men.

Since 1874 the King of glory has been present; and during that time he has conducted a harvest and has gathered unto himself the temple class.

Since 1914 the King of glory has taken his power and reigns. He has cleansed the lips of the temple class and sends them forth with the message. The importance of the message of the kingdom cannot be overstated.

It is the message of all messages. It is the message of the hour. It is incumbent upon those who are the Lord’s to declare it.

The kingdom of heaven is at hand; the King reigns; Satan’s empire is falling; millions now living will never die….
The world must know that Jehovah is God and that Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords. This is the day of all days.
Behold, the King reigns! You are his publicity agents. Therefore advertise, advertise, advertise, the King and his kingdom! “

Macmillan continues:

Suddenly, as these words filled the auditorium, a platform length banner was unfurled that echoed the stirring phrase: “Advertise the King and Kingdom.” A mighty shout went up from the assembly.

Stirring times indeed, and all part of the body of evidence used by the Governing Body somehow prove that they speak for God on earth.

However, how much, if any, truth is found in Rutherford’s bold proclamations in 1919?

Well, for starters he claimed that Jesus had returned in 1874.

That was “current truth” among the Bible Students (as Jehovahs’ Witnesses were then known), a “truth” that was actually false.

Remember, it was this truth that caused CT Russell to sell his business and embark on a nationwide preaching tour, declaring that Christ had invisibly returned in 1874.

Remember, the Bible Students believed they were the body of Christ’s brothers who’d opened to the door to the Lord in 1874, meaning that when he actually did return, according to current Governing Body doctrine, in 1914, the Bible Students wouldn’t have opened the door to the bridegroom; they’d welcomed him 40 years earlier…

This would have, of course, completely disqualified them from being chosen as the “faithful and discreet slave” “class” by Jesus 4 or 5 years later.

Isn’t it par for the course that the Governing Body relies on an event in 1919 that was completely based on a false teaching to prove that they now, 91 years later, speak for Jehovah God?

Do they assume that Jehovah’s Witnesses are too blind or gullible to realise that this “Advertise, Advertise, Advertise…” talk was a pile of nonsense based upon doctrines that have been wholesale abandoned by the “faithful and discreet slave” “class”, other than the noble idea of proclaiming Christ as Lord and King?

Look again at the quotation from Rutherford’s talk; “millions now living will never die“? Really? Did that pan out? It’s interesting that the Governing Body now refers to the talk and pamphlet based on the above quoted discourse by Rutherford as “Millions Now Living May Never Die”.

Perhaps Jehovah’s Witnesses should spend time studying the history of the organisation they obediently and unquestioningly follow. Perhaps they’ll see that Jesus Christ alone is the Way, the Truth and the Life, not 8 guys in an America board room, no matter what claims they make about their past.

* that wasn’t hard, was it?