Russell never claimed to be a prophet, and he even disclaimed being a prophet.
Of course, there were some of his associates (for example, Joseph Rutherford), who claimed that Russell was a prophet, but Russell himself flatly stated: “I am not a prophet.”
See:
Did Russell Claim to Be A Prophet?
ctr.reslight.net/?p=806
If it walks like a duck, looks like a duck…
A rose by any other name…
And the ever popular, “He was taken out of context”…
The following quotes are all taken from Watchtower publications under Russell’s watch:
“The seventh trumpet sounds from Aug. 1840, until “the time of trouble,” or day of wrath is ended. Hence, it doubtless ends with the times of the Gentiles, and this forty years of conquest; and therefore, sounds until A. D. 1914; at the end of which, Babylon the great, will have fallen, and the “dragon” be bound: that is, the nations will be subdued, and “the prince of this world cast out.”” Three Worlds and The Harvest of This World (1877) p.143
“HARVEST” is a term which gives a general idea as to what work should be expected to transpire between the dates 1874 and 1914." Studies In the Scriptures Series III - Thy Kingdom Come p.135
“These, already examined, show that the close of 1874 marked the beginning, as the close of 1914 will mark the end, of this 40 years of harvest; while all the minutiae of the order and work of this harvest were portrayed in that of the Jewish age, its type.” Studies In the Scriptures Series III - Thy Kingdom Come pp.149-150
“True, it is expecting great things to claim, as we do, that within the coming twenty-six years all present governments will be overthrown and dissolved . In view of this strong Bible evidence concerning the Times of the Gentiles, we consider it an established truth that the final end of the kingdoms of this world, and the full establishment of the Kingdom of God, will be accomplished at the end of A. D. 1914 . Be not surprised, then, when in subsequent chapters we present proofs that the setting up of the Kingdom of God is already begun, that it is pointed out in prophecy as due to begin the exercise of power in A.D. 1878, and that the “battle of the great day of God Almighty” (Rev. 16:14), which will end in A.D. 1914 with the complete overthrow of earth’s present rulership, is already commenced. The gathering of the armies is plainly visible from the standpoint of God’s Word.” Studies In the Scriptures Series II - The Time Is At Hand (1889) pp.99, 101
" we have seen that God has a set time for every feature of his plan, and that we are even now in this “Day of Vengeance,” which is a period of forty years; that it began in October, 1874, and will end in October, 1914 [very shortly]." Studies In the Scriptures Series IV - The Day of Vengeance -pp.546, 547
“That the deliverance of the saints must take place some time before 1914 is manifest, since the deliverance of fleshly Israel, as we shall see, is appointed to take place at that time, and the angry nations will then be authoritatively commanded to be still, and will be made to recognize the power of Jehovah’s Anointed. Just how long before 1914 the last living members of the body of Christ will be glorified, we are not directly informed; but it certainly will not be until their work in the flesh is done; nor can we reasonably presume that they will long remain after that work is accomplished. With these two thought in mind, we can approximate the time of the deliverance.” Studies In the Scriptures Series III - Thy Kingdom Come (1908 ed.) p.228
…and there are many, many more. He didn’t have to declare “I’m a prophet”, his writings told the whole story.
And to Samie. It’s beliefs like your that make me so glad that I found Christ’s body, the Catholic Church. Keep it up! You give a great witness for our faith!
