No. 395
(Mark 11:1‑11)
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee.” – Zechariah 9:9.
The message of John the Baptist was, “The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” This same message Jesus bade His disciples carry from village to village throughout Palestine. This same message was the burden of His preaching and the theme of His parables. Finally, at the close of His ministry, the kingdom came to the Jewish nation in the sense it was offered to them – it was theirs for the accepting. Today’s lesson tells of the formal offer of the kingdom by Jesus and of the neglect of the Jews as a people to accept it. Thus “He came unto his own, and his own received him not” (John 1:11) except a few. His own nation rejected Him and five days later crucified Him. A little later, at Pentecost, a few who received Him were begotten of the holy Spirit and became the nucleus of Spiritual Israel, in preparation for the glorious Kingdom and the work which is to be accomplished at His Second Advent.
On the evening preceding the story of this lesson, Jesus and His disciples were at Bethany, the guests of Lazarus, Martha and Mary, who had prepared a special feast for Jesus, whom they loved dearly. This was the Lazarus whom He had awakened from the sleep of death but a short time before. The feast took place at the close of the Jewish Sabbath day. The next morning corresponded to our Sunday, the first day of the week.
THE CRISIS OF ISRAEL’S EXPERIENCE
In preparation for presenting Himself as King, Jesus sent two of His disciples for an ass’s colt, telling them where they would find it, and instructing them to say that it would be returned after the Master had used it. By the time the colt arrived, a considerable multitude had gathered – people of the village of Bethany and others who had come out of Jerusalem, about two miles distant, to see Jesus and to see Lazarus, upon whom the notable miracle had been wrought. It had long been the custom of the kings of Israel to ride to their coronation upon an ass; and the multitude seemed to enter into the spirit of this occasion and to realize what it meant that Jesus was about to ride into Jerusalem on this colt. It signified that finally He was ready to assume the office of King.
For some time the disciples had recognized Him as the Messiah, the glories of whose reign they were to share; and the multitude in general had learned to so regard Him, saying, “When Messiah cometh, will he do greater works than this man?” – could we expect anything more of Messiah than we see being accomplished by this man Jesus? But this was the first time Jesus had formally put Himself forward. On previous occasions, when they had sought to take Him by force to make him a king, He had withdrawn Himself, realizing the time was not yet come. Now, so far from withdrawing, He was taking the active part, sending for the colt, preparing for the triumphal ride to the capital of the nation as its King.
We may be sure that the hearts of the apostles thrilled with excitement as they thought of the nearness of their Master’s glory and of their own share in it; for as yet they did not realize the full import of His words to the effect that He must be crucified and must depart to a “far country,” even Heaven itself, and be invested with authority, and later return to establish the Kingdom which would bless the world.
Jesus, however, was fully aware that the presentation of Himself as King was a formal matter, fulfilling the prophecy and leaving the nation of Israel without excuse. If, when He entered the city, the people should rise en masse, acknowledge Him and acclaim Him, then indeed they would be in line with the Divine requirements which would bring them the greatest of all blessings. But Jesus knew that prophecy had already declared that He would be despised and rejected, and that His own people would hide their faces from Him in shame. (Isaiah 53:3) The journey and the preparation for it, therefore, meant something very different to Jesus from what it signified to the disciples and the multitude
“THE STONES WOULD CRY OUT”
When the ass arrived, some of the people put their garments upon it in lieu of a saddle; Jesus mounted, and the procession began. Some went before Him and some followed after. The people were familiar with the prophecy relating to Messiah’s coming, which declared, “Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem! behold, thy King cometh unto thee; He is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass.” (Zech. 9:9) They were familiar also with the “shout” the prophets had foretold and the responses – one party crying, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the King of Israel, that cometh in the name of the Lord!” Again came the cry, “Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord!” Then the response, “Hosanna in the highest!” These different expressions are recorded by the different evangelists.
But not all were enthusiastic acclaimers of Jesus; a discordant note was heard. Some of those who had come from the city through curiosity criticized the shouting, and wondered why Jesus did not rebuke the people for ascribing so great honor to Him. They sent word to this effect to Jesus through His disciples. Jesus made the answer that a great prophecy was being fulfilled. The Prophet Zechariah had by inspiration said, “Shout, O daughter of Jerusalem!” and such a shout must be made. Jesus declared that if the multitudes had failed to shout, the prophecy would still have been fulfilled the very stones would have cried out.
THE FIRST PALM SUNDAY
It is customary with some Christians in various parts of the world to commemorate especially that Sunday of the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. The record tells that on the journey many of the people strewed their garments in the way, as a mark of respect and honor, waiting until the little animal had passed over them, and then running on before and placing them again. Others brought ferns, flowers and grasses, and strewed them in the way. Still others, St. John’s Gospel tells us, brought branches of palm trees.
It was a jubilant procession fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah. Yet to Jesus it had the sad feature, as indicated by the account. When they had reached the turn of the Mount of Olives, which brought Jerusalem into view, the Master halted the procession while He looked over the city and wept, saying, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen gathereth her brood under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate; and verily I say unto you, Ye shall see me no more until that day [nearly nineteen centuries later] when ye shall say, Blessed is he that cometh in the name of Jehovah!” (Matt. 23:37‑39)
Jesus realized that that day was a turning point with the Jewish nation – that their rejection of Him meant their rejection by the heavenly Father for a long time. It meant that they would be cast off from Divine favor, except a few who would become His disciples. It meant that during those long centuries the highly favored people of Abraham’s natural seed would be in distress. It meant that the favor of God, which had been with them for centuries, would instead be extended to the Gentiles, to gather out of the Gentiles a company of faithful, saintly ones to be associates and joint‑heirs with Jesus and the faithful ones of the Jews in the heavenly Kingdom. It meant that not until this elect, heavenly, spiritual Kingdom class should be received to glory would the Jewish people be again received into fellowship with God.
St. Paul markedly calls our attention to this fact that the rejection of Israel is not permanent, but only for a time – only until the complete number of faithful saints be gathered out from amongst the Gentiles. Then God’s favor will return to natural Israel, and subsequently extend to all the families of the earth. – Romans 11:25‑32.
JESUS THE PRINCE OF PEACE
How different was this entry of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, from the triumphal marches of earthly conquerors and kings! In the excitement of human passion and the prejudice of human minds a special halo of glory has surrounded the world’s conquerors. Heroic deeds, valiant conquests, as pictured by historians have a charm. The rising generation reads with thrilling interest of the prowess of Alexander the Great, of the Spartans of Greece, of the Caesars of Rome, and in more modern times of Robert Bruce, of Napoleon and Wellington, of Generals Grant and Lee, Sherman and Johnson, Sheridan and Stewart. The home‑comings of all of these were triumphal marches, in many cases rendering honor to whom honor was due.
Nevertheless, in every instance the mind’s eye necessarily closes against scenes which led up to such triumphs. We try to forget the millions of slain and wounded, and other millions of mourning widows and orphans. We try to forget the smoking ruins of homes behind those victorious armies. However necessary war at times may seem to be for the maintenance of justice, nevertheless all must concede that the blessings purchased by the sword are procured at a terrible cost.
From this viewpoint Jesus, the Prince of Peace, followed by an army of saints who are walking in His foot‑steps, presents a beautiful picture ‑ even to the worldly. These victors ‑ Leader and followers – conquer by dying. Thus Jesus said to His followers, “Whosoever will save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the Gospel’s shall find it.” (Mark 8:35) Thus viewed, all the followers of the Lamb are self‑sacrificers, as the Bible declares: “I beseech you, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God ‑ your reasonable service.” (Romans 12:1) Such victory – victory through death – is difficult for the majority of people to understand! What is the philosophy of it? Where is the victory?
VICTOR‑KINGS THROUGH DYING
Well may it be asked, Wherein is the victory of Christ and His followers in laying down their lives for the brethren and in support of truth and righteousness? Only the Bible answers the question, and only those who exercise faith can understand the Bible answer. The Bible declares that the real victory of Christ and the Church is over self. Their crowning day is future ‑ their triumph will be then.
The triumphal entry of Jesus on the ass was only typical. The antitype will be glorious – beyond the veil. As Jesus after His resurrection was “received up into glory,’ so also He has promised His Church that their resurrection shall change them from imperfect human beings to perfect spirit beings, joint‑heirs with their Master, their Redeemer, in the glorious Millennial kingdom which is to bless the world.
After Jesus had risen from the dead, He explained to His perplexed disciples what His death signified, saying, “Ought not Christ to have suffered these things [death] and to enter into His glory?” (Luke 24:26) So St. Paul has declared in respect to all who will be Jesus’ associates in the Kingdom – they must suffer with Him if they would reign with Him. (2 Timothy 2:12) Christ and His Church die to human hopes and interests, present and everlasting – laying down their lives, suffering for righteousness’ sake. Their reward is two‑fold: (1) Their own personal exaltation to a heavenly, spirit glory, like unto the angels, and yet more glorious – “far above angels, principalities and powers and every name that is named.” (2) The Kingdom glory – the joy of being the Divine agents for human restoration.
From this, the Bible viewpoint, the Christian warfare is different from every other warfare known to the world. It is a fight against sin, a fight against self‑will, a full submission to the Divine will, a victory through death. “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of Life.” (Revelation 2:10) “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” (Revelation 3:21) No wonder that a proposition of this kind is but imperfectly understood by the world! “The world knoweth us not, even as it knew him not.” (1 John 3:1) And this is one of the requirements of the Gospel, that Jesus and His followers shall submit themselves to be misunderstood by the world. We are counted fools for Christ’s sake. – 1 Corinthians 4:10.
It requires some stamina to be a loyal follower in the foot‑steps of Jesus, misunderstood as He was misunderstood by those of His day, reviled as He was reviled. “They shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.” (Matt. 5:11) It is only when we understand through God’s promises that in these trying experiences of Christ and His followers there is a glorious purpose, that we are able to endure them with any measure of rejoicing. Only these are granted of the Lord the eye of faith which can clearly discern things beyond the veil – the glory, honor and immortality, and the kingdom which the Lord promised to His faithful followers.
“THE WRATH OF THE LAMB”
Since Jesus is the Prince of Peace, how shall we understand various passages of Scripture which refer to Him as a mighty Conqueror in bloodstained garments, taking vengeance on His foes? But especially, how shall we understand the declaration that, at His coming in the clouds of heaven, all the tribes of the earth shall wail because of Him?
Of this Prince of Peace it may be said that He will wound to heal, that whatever disasters He may bring or permit to come upon the world will be so overruled as to make of them blessings in disguise. Undoubtedly much that is said respecting our Lord is highly symbolic. For instance, He is to smite the nations with the sword that proceedeth out of His mouth ‑ the Word, or message, of truth. Such a smiting is in full conformity with the declaration that when St. Peter preached the Gospel at Pentecost, some of his hearers were “cut to the heart”– not with St. Peter’s literal sword, but with “the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” Eventually, that sword will smite all opponents of righteousness for their good. Only the willfully wicked will eventually be destroyed.
We are not to forget, however, that the inauguration of the Messianic Kingdom is to be in the midst of the Time of Trouble, and that Christ will have to do with the bringing, or at least the permitting, of that trouble. Apparently mankind will be permitted to bring the great trouble at the end of this Age upon themselves. There are forces of evil, Satan and his angels, ready to do us harm and, through human forces, sin‑forces entrenched in human nature, ready to do harm to the social fabric. The Bible represents that Divine power holds these in check – the four angels holding the four winds ‑ that they shall not blow upon the earth to its injury until the appointed time, until all of God’s elect Church shall have been sealed in their foreheads – their intellect – with the truth.
At the appropriate time those “winds” of strife will be let loose, and great will be the trouble, until in due time the King of kings and Lord of lords shall intervene to rescue the race from itself and from the adversary. Then Satan shall be bound for a thousand years, and Messiah’s Kingdom shall be established for the blessings of all the families of the earth.
Arm me with thy whole armor, Lord;
Support my weakness with thy might;
Gird on thy thigh thy conquering sword,
And shield me in the threatening fight.
From faith to faith, from grace to grace
So in thy strength shall I go on,
Till I appear before thy face,
And glory end what grace begun.
(Pastor Russell, Reprints 5494‑5496, JULY 1, 1914)
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QUESTIONS OF GENERAL INTEREST
QUESTION: – Are the sins of the world all canceled at death? or, is only their Adamic penalty paid? and do they have an individual penalty still to pay?
ANSWER: – The sins of the whole world are paid, as far as Divine justice is concerned that is to say – God’s account against Adam and his posterity has been sold, transferred and set over to Him who purchased the same with His own precious blood. The sins of the world are not canceled, so far as they are concerned; but a way is opened up, under the New Covenant, by which each can obtain release. The terms are that when brought to a knowledge of Christ and the redemption in Him each for himself shall will to reform and no longer to serve sin, but to serve the Redeemer and obey Him.
In view of this opportunity of retracing steps, it is proper for us to say that every word and action on the part of the world is either building up character or undermining it – either blessing or injuring the doer – either increasing or decreasing the number and weight of his stripes or punishment, all of which will be corrective.
Thus we may say that the Adamic penalty is set aside until such time as the individual shall have been granted a trial on his own account. If in this trial on his own account he sins willfully refusing to follow the instructions of his Redeemer, he will drop back again into the original penalty – which will be the Second Death. [Of which there will be no recovery.]
Thus seen, the only individual penalty they have to pay will be that represented in their own degradation. We might include in this penalty any sins which they might commit in the present life against any degree of light; for such sins bring a special searing of conscience which the same deeds committed in ignorance would not bring. Hence all who thus sin against light receive proportionately a deeper degradation and will have correspondingly the more difficulty in extricating themselves, and returning to perfection [as Adam was] under the favorable conditions of the next Age.
The world of mankind are not reckoned as coming into existence a second time, but as having their previous existence revived and continued, with the privilege of accepting Christ under the New Covenant [to be made with the Jews – Jer. 31:31‑33], and being regenerated by Him, and thus attaining life – resurrection by judgment, which will progress throughout the Millennial Age, and reach completion at its close – those who accept will reach perfect life, while those who reject will be destroyed in the Second Death. From this standpoint the only effect of good and evil in the present life will be upon man’s own conscience and character.
In respect to 1 Pet. 4:6, briefly, I understand this to mean: that for instance we who hear the Gospel and who accept its terms have a two‑fold standing ‑ or are viewed in life from two different standpoints. The world views us and judges us according to the flesh, as human beings, just the same as the remainder of the world, but God judges us differently ‑ to Him we are new creatures, and He judges us according to our spirit, will, intention, and not according to the weaknesses and imperfections of the flesh. Hence it is that although we know that in our flesh dwelleth no perfection, nevertheless “The righteousness of the law is fulfilled in us” – because God judges us not according to the flesh but according to the spirit.
(Pastor Russell, Reprint 3105, November 1, 1902)
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The Jews, you know, are a very intelligent people, the very highest at that time in religious attainment. No other nation was so well advanced. The law that God had given them for several hundred years had brought the Jewish people up to a very high development, and I should not wonder if there are more Jews proportionately in the Little Flock than any other class. But they got the first call – to the Jew first so in the next Age, during the restitution [Acts 3:19‑21], it will be “to the Jew first.”
The Scriptures clearly intimate that the blessings will come to the Jews immediately after this Gospel Age ends; that the blessings from Messiah will come first to natural Israel, all that God promised them. He never promised Israel spiritual things. If we will read through the Bible from Genesis to Malachi, you will see God never made a suggestion to the Jew of anything of a heavenly kind. To the contrary, the blessings promised to them were all earthly. For instance, after telling about the renewed earth, after Messiah’s reign would commence, God said through the prophet, “Ye shall build houses and inhabit them, and shall plant vineyards and eat the fruit of them, and you shall long enjoy the work of your hands.” These are earthly blessings of the Lord and will be to all mankind, beginning with the Jew and extending to all nations and kindreds and tongues.
(Excerpts from What Pastor Russell Said, pp. 281‑282)
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QUESTION: – What is meant by Messiah’s Kingdom?
ANSWER: ‑ Our understanding is that Messiah’s Kingdom will be a spiritual one, invisable to mortals, yet all‑powerful for the accomplishment of the great things promised in the law and prophets. The empire which He will establish, invisible to man, will take the place of the empire of Satan, likewise invisible. [Our Lord said, “Now is the judgment of this world; now shall the prince of this world be cast out.”] The King of Glory will replace the prince of darkness. Principal amongst Messiah’s earthly agents and representatives will be Abraham, Isaac and all the prophets, raised to full, human perfection. (Heb., Chapter 11) Instead of their being, as heretofore, the fathers, they shall be the children of Messiah, whom He will make “princes in all the earth.” (Psa.45: 16 – see Isa. 2:3) To this Kingdom the nation of Israel will speedily unite. Eventually every nation will come into harmony with Messiah, and all people will be privileged to come under Israel’s New Covenant then established by the great “Messenger of the Covenant, whom ye delight in.” (Jer. 31:31‑34; Mall 3:1‑3)
The glorious Messiah, whom the Jews identify with “Michael, the great Prince, which standeth for thy people” (Dan. 12:1), the Muslims also expect, and identify Him with Mohammed of the past. The Free Masons also expect the same glorious personage and, in their traditions, identify Him with Hiram Abiff, the great Master Mason. This same great Messiah, Michael, the Archangel, the antitypical Melchizedek, Priest as well as King, we identify as “the man Jesus Christ, who gave Himself a ransom‑price for all, to be testified in due time.” (1 Tim. 2:6)
But when the Great King shall appear in His glory and establish His Kingdom with Israel, He will be, as promised by the prophets, “The desire of all nations.” (Hag. 2:7) Then all the blinded eyes shall be opened and all the deaf ears shall be unstopped. (Isa. 35:5) Then, who He is, and how He should be identified with Abraham’s seed and David’s line, will be clearly known to all in heaven and all on earth. Not now, but when the King shall reign in righteousness, and shall fully understand the significance of Zechariah’s prophecy (12:7‑10) and of Psa. 22:16 [“They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.”– Isa. 11:9]. Content that Messiah shall show the truth in His day of revelation we are glad to point Jews, Muslims, Christians, all, to the glorious Messiah, and the great work of blessing for all the nations, which God will accomplish through the seed of Abraham, according to His covenant and His oath.
(Pastor Russell – Reprint 5031, May 15, 1912)
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QUESTION: ‑ Will you please explain Rev. 20:12, “the books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life”?
ANSWER: – ‘‘The books were opened” simply means our present Bible will be made plain, expounded, explained to all mankind during the Millennial reign. Our present Protestant Bible contains 66 books, 39 of which are in the Old Testament and 27 in the New testament. The meaning of the word “Bible” is “the books,” and it would have been just as correct and more revealing had the text read, “the Bible was opened”; but clearly enough, the Lord did not wish to make the statement so easily understood for all at this time. “Another book” is probably a third section of our Bible, which will be given during the Millennium for further revelation and guidance of the human race. In Joel 2:28 it is stated, “your old men [Ancients] shall dream dreams, and your young men [Youthfuls] shall see visions.” The Ancients and Youthfuls are the Ancient and Youthful Worthies, who will receive inspired messages, as did the Ancient Worthies to build the Old Testament; and these inspired works will comprise “another book” to be added to our present Bible, or The Books.
(Brother Hoefle, Reprint No. 66, November, 1960)
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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST
In response to your request for a little memoir of the work done by my late husband, Casimir Lanowick, on behalf of God’s ancient chosen people, it occurs to me to tell of an interesting encounter we had in Haifa in 1950, on our first trip to Israel.
We stayed in an old but charming hotel in the German Colony section of town. The Appinger Hotel was operated by Swiss Jews and hence had a special quality of efficiency and hospitality, but not too many guests because in those years of “tzena” (austerity) Israel was trying to cope with receiving and settling thousands upon thousands of refugee Jews who poured into their new homeland – mostly from Europe. One day when we were filming at the port, for instance, 5,000 arrived within 24 hours! (I have some touching motion picture footage that Casimir took that day from a special vantage point accorded us by the port authorities.) See Jeremiah 31:8.
Since it was rather quiet at the hotel, we would often chat with the concierge mornings and evenings. He seemed to be well versed regarding Israel affairs, so Casimir asked him for a list of all the newspapers published in Israel. At that time papers came out in dozens of languages because the new arrivals were not yet versed in Hebrew and needed the news in the various tongues of the countries from which they came.
Knowing of the extensive work of Pastor Charles Taze Russell in Europe, widely lecturing to Jewish audiences in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, assuring them of God’s promises to re‑establish the nation of Israel, Casimir felt sure that quite a few Jews in Israel had known about his work for the Jews. Of course, our new‑found friend at the hotel was curious as to why we wanted such a list of newspapers, so Casimir told him what he had in mind. Well, this gentleman’s response was amazing! “Why,” he said, “I know about Pastor Charles Russell. When we studied at the Hebrew University and took the class on Zionism, Pastor Russell’s name was at the top of the list of Christian Zionists!”
What a thrill that was to us. Pastor Russell’s work was being taught at the prestigious Hebrew University in Jerusalem. As it turned out, we could not afford to place the newspaper ads when we investigated the costs involved. But we never forgot this incident and reported it widely in our lecture work after we returned in the U.S.
Yours for Zion’s sake, -----------, P. O. Box 400, Paradise, CA 95967
P.S. – We did meet two Bible Students that year in Israel ‑ a brother from Poland, in his early 50’s, and a lovely young girl, the daughter of a Bible Student in Poland whose father sent her ahead to Israel in the hope of joining her soon.
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Dear Sister: Love and peace in our Beloved Lord!
Thank you, dear, for bringing to David Horowitz’ attention that I did not receive the Bulletins for which I subscribed back in 1986. Am pleased to inform you that he sent me 2 issues – Winter 1987‑88 and Summer of 1988. Also sent me his notes of June 21st. So thanks to you I have enjoyed those Bulletins immensely, and delighted to see your picture and his on one. Am passing around these Bulletins to members of our Class.
Bless your dear heart for your interest in this matter and for your labors of love for His people.
In His merciful Grace, ------- (CONNECTICUT)
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Dear Brethren,
I wish herewith to express my very great thanks for the papers as you are constantly sending me – with quite in line with the Divine Plan of the Ages. Armageddon is unavoidable: Christ’s Kingdom is at hand! I enclose a check to help in the expense.
Sincerely your brother, ------- (SWEDEN)
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Dear Friend: Shalom! Your greeting is very much appreciated.
Many thanks for your beautiful, welcome letter, commenting on the material you received from me. Your attitudes and reactions made me happy – to find a kindred soul who appreciates the deeper exercises of the mind and spirit. Yes, of course, you may use my material in your papers. It is customary to give credit to the author of any piece that goes into print.
You will be interested to know that I am getting over a fast of three weeks, and recovering slowly. My body received a good housecleaning. The project had a dual purpose – both physical and spiritual. Very few people of my years – February 3rd, 1900 would do this, but my body was in good condition and quite youthful, so I took the chance. Mind and soul are forever youthful.
Have read the four papers you sent me and am mighty grateful. IN THE BEGINNING, Parts one and two, are fascinating, and it is pleasing to me that you and your husband are championing the “Creationist” side of the controversy. To me it seems the intelligent approach. The arguments you present are powerful. The materialistic, mechanist mind, possessed by most “scientists,” cannot grasp the abstractions. ... You are both to be congratulated on the ability and the art of corralling so much Bible material with which to prove your postulates.
Again thanks for your beautiful letters and the splendid material. I trust your niece will appreciate the material you sent her.
Sincerely, as ever, ---------- (NEW YORK)
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Dear Sister and Brethren: Grace and peace!
As you may have guessed, we have been having a rather hectic time during the last few weeks, which has interfered with our normal routine. We have not been at home to settle down to letter‑writing. Our apologies for this, but we know you will understand as we get older we certainly have to slow down.
However, for the time being, we are at home, and have actually before us a rough outline of our intended reply to your letter of July 14, which we will not repeat as events have overtaken us somewhat. ... ...
We have no contact with M.H., but we believe we just missed meeting the brother mentioned. This happened over a year ago. ... It was not until we received it, Frank remembered the brother visiting him. ... It is a strange world. We shall appreciate hearing more about the situation.
Yes, we do get the Bulletins from David Horowitz ... As to Brother ‑‑‑ , he is over 80 now, and has been for many years in the same class. We can only encourage him to make a stand on “open Bible study.” He knows Brother Russell’s reference on the matter. Brother Ron has cancer of the liver. ...It was a great shock to all of us.
You will be pleased to know, we are sure, that we have had very favorable letters from Philip Fletcher as well as from his mother. Both include warm invitations to visit them – and, of course, we are ready to do what we can in the matter. ...
Another interesting item was when we had our holiday week in July at a Residential School for further education, we met a young lady who was most interested in the Truth. We gave her the “Divine Plan” in magazine form, and she was most appreciative. Here’s hoping we meet again.
I think we have mentioned everything we wanted to. ... Enclosed is a copy of a letter of Philip’s. My response to their letters has been delayed. I hope we hear soon. God bless you and all your co‑laborers.
With Christian love, ------- (ENGLAND)
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Dear Mrs. Hoefle,
I am a student of the history of the Christian religion, especially of those in America. I would like to know more about C. T. Russell – particularly from 1869 – 1884, a period I have been unable to find much information about and those associated with Russell during that period.
Please send me the book about Pastor Charles Taze Russell, An Early American Christian Zionist and a copy of The Divine Plan of Salvation. Thank you for the literature you have sent me.
Sincerely yours, ------- (CALIFORNIA)
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