1844 Prophecy

On the webpage at:

http://www.freewebs.com/wwwsoundnessofmindcom/charlestazerussell.htm

we are being told:

Nelson H. Barbour (1824-1908, NY)–Millerite Adventist taught that the rapture would occur in April, 1878. Paired up with Russell 1876-1881. Influenced Russell by teaching an invisible return of Christ. Split over differences after failed prophecy of Christ�s return in 1844 and debate over Christ�s ransom.

This appears to be saying that Russell split with Barbour over an alleged “failed prophecy” of Christ’s return in 1844. Could be a typo, possibly meant to be 1874. Regardless, Russell was not even born in 1844, so I do not see how he could be having any differences with anyone concerning an alleged failed prophecy concerning Christ’s return in 1844.

There was some difference, however, regarding 1878, not over Christ’s return (which neither was expecting for that year), but over what had happened on that date.

If 1874 was date meant, I believe both Russell and Barbour had agreed, at least until 1878, that Christ had already returned invisibly in 1874. Russell himself never made any predictions concerning either 1844 nor 1874. It was not until two years after 1874 that Russell accepted that Jesus had already returned in 1874. There was no failure concerning that date.

Neither Russell nor Barbour, however, ever claimed to be making any prophecies. Russell disclaimed be a prophet many times, but rather he claimed to be a student of prophecy. Thus there were no “failed prophecies”, not unless one may believe that the Bible itself contains “failed prophecy”.

See:

http://reslight.net/forum/index.php?topic=157.0

Russell’s own words regarding his differences with Barbour may be found at:

http://ctr.reslight.net/sup1879.html