NO. 281: THE JULY-AUGUST 1978 PRESENT TRUTH

by Epiphany Bible Students


No. 281

In the above-mentioned Present Truth, RGJ again repeats his many errors on his non-existent class of Campers Consecrated, reiterating that they will be the first blessed in the Kingdom instead of “to the Jew first.” It doesn’t seem to bother him that his contentions set aside the clear Scriptures, as well as the teachings of the two Messengers that we have quoted in our papers. His “strange fire” (false doctrine) has no Scriptural foundation, nor any support from That Servant or the Epiphany Messen­ger; therefore, it comes within the scope of the bottomless pit (Rev. 20:3 – error, which has no bottom in it). “Search for the truth is the noblest occupation of man; its publication is a duty,” is a saying worthy of practice; and we again quote some of the teachings of the “faith once delivered unto the saints,” which refute RGJ’s errors:

“Hence it will be after the Gospel Age when the New Covenant will be made, and that with Israel only.” (E-6:699)

“When we ask ourselves what the blessings are that the New Covenant will Millen­nially confer upon Israelites and Israelite-made Gentiles, we find them summed up in Christ’s perfect human body and life, right to perfect human life and its life-rights.” (E-6:709)

“We are guaranteed that a full opportunity will reach all, but that opportunity will be under the terms of the New Covenant for the blessing of all the families of the earth. It will be first applied to the Ancient Worthies; they will get the bless­ings and privileges of the New Covenant immediately. After that it will be ‘to the Jew first’, because of his long waiting for such a kingdom, and his waiting for such a king­dom will be rewarded with the joy and blessing which he will at that time enter into.” (Reprints 4760, col. 1, par. 3)

“The great Mediator of the New Covenant will not be seen with the natural eye.... The first to ‘look upon him whom they pierced’ will be the natural Israelites .... they will be trained, chastened, blessed and uplifted by him during the Millennium.” (Reprints 4544, top, col. 2)

The Berean Comment on Rom. 2:10: “To the Jew first... during the Millennium, as a natural result of his training under the Law.” (Their training will have the de­sired results under the New Covenant, because they will then be able to obey and live.)

THREE GENERAL GROUPS

RGJ lists Three General Groups of the quasi-elect on pp. 50,51, which we now briefly review: The first, he says, is made up of those Jews who during the Jewish and Gospel Ages have come into harmony with the Abrahamic and Mosaic Covenants, though not consecrating. And the second General Group consists of those Gentiles (and some Jews), while not consecrating, have repented of their sins and accepted Jesus as their Savior and have remained faithful to the Ransom and to righteousness. RGJ cites us to Z 5164, and quotes par. 4 of this article on p. 58, col. 1, par. 2, in an effort to “prove” that he has the support of That Servant for his false doctrine. Why didn’t he refer to the whole article? We answer, Because that article annihilates his conten­tions that the natural Jew is not “first.”

In Reprints 5163, bottom, and 5164, top, That Servant says: “This New Covenant is to be made with Israel alone: for God never purposed to make a covenant with the Gen­tiles. The New Covenant will properly be so called because it will take the place of the Old Law Covenant, which God made with Israel and was broken by them. After Israel has been fully established under their New Covenant, all other nations will be privi­leged to come into relationship after the manner set forth in the Law (Gentiles who be­came “proselyte Jews”—JJH). All the world will eventually be blessed thereby. The New Covenant, then is to be made with such of Abraham’s descendants as are able to re­ceive it.”

As our readers can see, That Servant’s Z 5164 article that RGJ cited to prove his contentions, actually “dis”proves them: the article indisputably teaches that it will be “to the Jew first,” as is taught in the Scriptures. RGJ used another of That Ser­vant’s articles to “prove” Cornelius was not “repentant and believing”; and we quoted from that same article that so annihilated his contention that we have heard no more from him about Cornelius.

Why is RGJ so confused that he quotes from such articles that refute his errors instead of supporting them? We answer, He is so confused and befuddled with his errors that he can “see” only what he wants to see; and the same is true about his sectarian helpers, who may be the ones primarily responsible for such foolish mistakes. However, it is our fond hope that RGJ will see from Z 5164 that Brother Russell doesn’t support his errors in any place, and be persuaded to cease mentioning Campers Consecrated, and related errors, as he has done with his contentions about Cornelius.

RGJ’s third General Group is the Consecrated Epiphany Campers. He says they will attain to a much greater degree of harmony with truth and righteousness in this life than do either of the two unconsecrated groups mentioned (p. 51); and on p. 53 (26) he refers to Medan – the Consecrated Epiphany Campers, the highest class among the quasi-­elect.

Here is what That Servant says about the “highest class”: “The Apostle says that it is to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. In other words, he gives us a picture that God’s blessings of every kind begin with the Jew. He gave the Jew the first oppor­tunity under the Abraham Covenant, when Christ came to His own and His own received Him not. And when it comes to the blessings of the New Covenant, the opportunity will come to the Jew first, and he must take his stand, but it is ultimately to reach all the fam­ilies of the earth. The Jews may come and share with the Church, and with the Ancient Worthies, in the matter of carrying this glorious message to the other nations ... it will be to the Jew first and also to the Gentile.” (Question Book, p. 165)

“The Scriptures teach us it (the Kingdom—JJH) will begin with the Jews. They will be the first to be favored in that restitution time. God’s favor will come first to them through the Ancient Worthies, and then through them afterwards to all nations, kindreds and tongues.” (Question Book, p. 217)

But so far it seems that RGJ will “continue in his errors,” keep “casting aside” clear Scriptures and the teachings of the Messengers, just as do the Witnesses. However, RGJ does distribute the Parousia and Epiphany books that dispute his errors, which is commendable – as he refutes himself with these writings. If his Consecrated Campers would study Epiphany Volume Four on Youthful Worthies and Tentative Justification, if they have “good and honest hearts,” they will come to a “knowledge of the truth.” They will learn that the Epiphany Messenger, as well as That Servant, taught that Youthful Worthiship would be available “until restitution begins” – also Tentative Justification would be available for such consecrators; that Tentative Justification and Youthful Worthiship are synonymous.

THE EPIPHANY PERIOD

According to RGJ, the Epiphany has overlapped into the Basileia for 24 years ­and this “overlapping” is before the three main features of the Epiphany, or the Time of Trouble, have even started: Armageddon, Anarchy and Jacob’s Trouble! His Campers Consecrated doctrine has caused him to go into one error after another in his effort to support it. At one time he was clear on Tabernacle types, Tentative Justification, etc., according to his letter in E7:165-166. But since 1954 he has taught that Tenta­tive Justification is in the Epiphany Camp and also in the Millennial Camp. However, in this Present Truth he may have come back to “Tentative Justification will continue until restitution begins,” according to p. 58 (70) where he cites E-4:346 as proof. In that same book, the Epiphany Messenger teaches that Tentative Justification and oppor­tunity for Youthful Worthiship are synony­mous – that is, both will operate “until resti­tution begins.” (E-4:342)

It seems that RGJ is like the Jews at our Lord’s First Advent: “Thou knewest not the time of thy visitation.” (Luke 19:44 – see Berean Comment) If we are faithful we look to the Lord’s Word as our guide; and 2 Thes. 2:8 clearly tells us the “times” in which we are now living: “And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness (epiphan­eia) of his coming (parousia).” So we are in the Epiphany – and will be until Papacy is destroyed, and until the end of Anarchy and Jacob’s Trouble. (See E-4:53,54) Berean Comment on 2 Tim. 3:17: “There is no need for assistance from dreams ... The Spirit shall guide you into all Truth.”

So the Lord’s faithful children know the “times and seasons” even though some of the best of the Lord’s people have made mistakes in their expectations: That Servant ex­pected the Time of Trouble to be over in a few years; and Brother Johnson thought it would be a period of forty years – although he had only types and parallels to corroborate his expectation. Such expectations by faithful Mouth­pieces were permitted for a “trial of your faith.” Had they lived they would have seen their mistakes, of course, even as they were humble enough to admit some of the mistakes they made while they were with us. However, they both taught, with Scriptural proof, the events that would occur in the Epi­phany, or the Time of Trouble. So we are indeed furnished with necessary knowledge to recognize the “times and seasons” in which we are living; and if we need further light in our walk by faith, we can rest assured that the Lord will provide such light: “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” (Amos 3:7 – See Berean Comment)

THE EPIPHANY CAMP

As most Truth people know, a place in the Tabernacle types a condition in the antitype; and the Camp condition is a temporary condition in the Faith Age, as well as in the Millennial Age. The type represents a temporary and imperfect condition ­therefore, no consecration can be made in the Camp to God: He doesn’t accept anything less than perfection. Christ’s merit is in the Court during the Faith Age, therefore those that consecrate are “counted perfect,” even though they are tabernacling in imper­fect flesh. There is an embargo on the Court until all the occupants have finished their course. There is never an imputation of Christ’s merit in the Epiphany Camp or in the Millennial Camp. The Merit is applied in the Millennial Camp after the embargo is lifted from the Court.

We call Tabernacle Shadows the “greatest little book” that has ever been written ­because these types and shadows are all-inclusive of the Plan of Salvation for all man­kind – for the elect in the Faith Age, and for the non-elect in the Millennial Age; and these types and shadows have clear Scriptures to corroborate them. When types and paral­lels are produced that don’t have plain Scriptural terms to corroborate them, we should be wary of them. As Brother Russell says: “A type must not be used to teach a doctrine, but merely to illustrate one that is already taught in plain terms.” But the types in Tabernacle Shadows are unmistakably corroborated by plain Scriptural teaching. The Epi­phany Messenger often emphasized that those thoroughly instructed in Tabernacle Shadows and Justification would never go too far into error.

But what do we find among some of the Truth groups! JFR cast aside Tentative Justi­fication, Tabernacle Shadows and the Six Volumes of Scripture Studies; and RGJ has perverted Tentative Justification and cast aside many basic types of Tabernacle Shadows – also has revolutionized against many basic Truths of both Parousia and Epiphany teach­ings. All his Campers Consecrated who have a “good and honest heart” would come to a “knowledge of the Truth” if they were given an opportunity.

No imperfect person can consecrate in the Epiphany Camp and God accept his conse­cration; but it will be different in the Millennial Camp, all Restitutionists will be imperfect, but they will not only be permitted to consecrate but will be commanded to consecrate – or commanded to obey the rules of the Kingdom. The “sinners” against the New Covenant will not be allowed to hurt or harm any one else: they will not be permit­ted to teach others error – there will be no error there – “no night there” (Rev. 21:25). In the Faith Age the “sinners” against their Covenant have been permitted to harm others, to teach them error, etc. The Measurably Faithful and the Unfaithful have done others much harm during this Age both spiritually and physically.

During the Kingdom the Restitutionists make their consecration to the Christ ­and they have a Mediator between them and God’s Justice. God has turned the whole process over to Jesus and the Church. In the Gospel Age their consecration is to God ­and instead of a Mediator they have an Advocate – He is not only the Advocate for the Church, but also for the Great Company. How could the Great Company receive Divine forgiveness for the willful sins that lost them their crowns unless they have an Advo­cate to plead their cause for them? Also the Youthful Worthies need an Advocate – although their Advocate is tentative the same as their justification. But they need Jesus, too. They daily ask for forgiveness of their trespasses – through Jesus.

Why does RGJ emphasize the Epiphany and Millennial Camps! We answer, It is his fantasy about Campers Consecrated – a new doctrine he has produced. The Epiphany Mes­senger clearly and emphatically taught that no Great Company can produce a new doctrine ­not only Great Company, but none of the members of the Little Flock can do so, aside from the Star Members. (See E-11:495) We should remember that the Camp condition in the Kingdom applies only to the imperfect condition of the Restitutionists. As they walk up the Highway of Holiness, they are entering a righteous condition: their per­manent abode will not be the Camp! It is only the people who are imperfect: the New Covenant is perfect with perfect Laws that will continue forever. However, during the Kingdom, there will be an iron rule – Marshall Law will be enforced. That is not true of the Gospel Age – nor will it be true of the Ages following the Kingdom. When per­fected, the Restitutionists will be sons of God.

The New Covenant is Israelitish, and, therefore, to the natural Jew first; but RGJ says on p. 52, col. 2, top, that the Consecrated Epiphany Campers are secondary after the Worthies. So the way he has it now, it will be “to the Gentile first,” as it was the Gentiles “first” who became Campers Consecrated. So far as we know, no Jew has embraced RGJ’s doctrine. RGJ’s teaching makes the Apostle Paul, Brother John­son and Brother Russell false teachers when they say “to the Jew first.”

TYPES AND PICTURES

RGJ admits his fantasy for making types and drawing pictures (See his Nov. 15, 1910 letter in Reprint 4716); and that may have been a contributing factor in losing his crown. But, be that as it may, since Brother Johnson’s demise he has run the gamut of type-making, picture-making, paralleling, etc. Types, pictures and “flashes” are all he has to support his false doctrine. Any one with a vivid imagination, and a knowledge of the histories of the Bible, can “make types and pictures” of characters and events given. But such erroneous types lack harmony with the “faith once delivered unto the saints,” as well as the Plan of Salvation as taught in the Scriptures. We can see this lack of harmony in the types and doctrines “delivered unto the Measurably Faith­ful” – the crown-lost leaders.

In the Present Truth under review RGJ has about 515 questions for his sectarian adherents to “study” his false doctrine. There are about 400 questions in Tabernacle Shadows – a book of 128 pages; and it has taken some classes two years or more with a weekly study to complete that book. Also, have his Campers Consecrated studied Taber­nacle Shadows, the Six Volumes of Studies in the Scriptures, and any of the Epiphany books – especially Epiphany Volume Four on the Epiphany period, Youthful Worthies and Tentative Justification, etc.? If they don’t have a basic knowledge of Parousia and Epiphany Truth they will be susceptible to errors, and while studying RGJ’s Present Truth, they will be “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (2 Tim. 3:7 – See Berean Comment)

CONSECRATION “UNTO LIFE” AND “UNTO DEATH”

On p. 62 there is a question as to whether it would be proper for Campers to con­secrate “unto life” since they will receive eternal life if faithful. RGJ’s answer to that is, the emphasis should be placed on “consecration to do God’s will” – and not whether “unto life” or “unto death.” He says that all consecrators should do so “in the same spirit” in which Jesus consecrated Himself.

All Jesus’ life He had practiced Duty Love, and had kept the Ten Commandments ­had done all that will be required of Restitutionists to gain eternal life; but when Jesus offered Himself to God as a living sacrifice – to walk a “narrow way” under ex­tremely adverse conditions – it was a different spirit (mind) than the obedience he practiced up to Jordan. “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered.” (Heb. 5:8) The Berean Comment on this text: “What it means to be obedient under most adverse conditions.” Restitutionists will learn obedience under most favorable conditions: those favorable conditions do not require self-sacrifice, so they are not required to consecrate with a “spirit” of sacrificing “unto death.” They are not required to have a faith that can trust Him where they cannot trace Him: they must have some faith, but they will be able to “trace Him” at every step of obedi­ence as they walk up the Highway of Holiness in their consecration “unto life.” So only the “called ones” during the Faith Age can make a consecration “unto death,” which is quite different from a consecration “unto life.”

The rules for the Faith Class during the Faith Age are given in the Bible; but the rules for Restitutionists are from “another book of life”—Rev. 20:12. The rules are quite different during the Millennial Age: they are reasonable to the natural man; but the rules of the Faith Age are more than the natural man can appreciate ­only Spiritual Israelites can appreciate them. So it is impossible for Restitution­ists to consecrate in the “same spirit” of our Lord and His footstep followers. A sacrificial spirit is not required of natural Israel, and other Restitutionists, in the Faith Age, nor will it be required of them in the Kingdom. We have known a few who have learned about the Kingdom and its blessings, after “counting the cost” of do­ing God’s will under adverse conditions, they decided that Restitution was good enough for them. Restitutionists will not be asked to “count the cost” of doing God’s will in the Kingdom: they will be commanded to obey. The spirit of Jesus was to give His life as a “living sacrifice” unto death, which is not required of Restitutionists in this life or in the next life.

THE “NARROW WAY” AND THE HIGHWAY

The Law Covenant was given to the Jews to live by – to obey and live. Had any of the Jews been perfect they could have kept a perfect Law; but those who honestly tried to keep the Law would have kept it had they been perfect. However, they were blessed as they honestly tried to keep it to the best of their ability. The Apostle Paul tells us: “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us (Israelites – the “Jew first”) unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.” There never was a “narrow way” for the natural Jew; the “narrow way” (the difficult way) was given to Spiritual Israel. There is no hint in the Bible that the faithful orthodox Jew would have to walk a “narrow way” to receive the promise – to be “first” under the New Covenant.

The New Covenant is made for the Jews, as well as for all others who become “pros­elyte Jews.” The blessings of the New Covenant will go to the natural Jew first, and then to the Gentile-made Jews, as That Servant taught. The blessings and privileges offered to Spiritual Israel, were offered to natural Israel first – and so the bless­ings of the New Covenant, to the natural Jew first.

Justification in this Faith Age is instantaneous; in the next Age justification will be gradual – prompted more by sight than by faith – although they will have to have faith in God’s promises. When the Restitutionists see the progress in themselves and in others in their obedience as they walk up the Highway of Holiness, it will encourage them to “keep on keeping on” in duty love toward God and Man. The place (condition) for walking a “narrow way” is only in the Court – and that in the Faith Age. There is no “narrow way” in the Epiphany Camp, and no “narrow way” in the Millennial Camp. Con­secration “unto death” is for the Faith Age – and that “way” is in the Court condition. Consecration “unto life” is in the Kingdom – and the “way” is to the Highway of Holiness. In the “finished picture” of the Epiphany Camp only the “repentant and believing” Jews and Gentiles, though unconsecrated, are represented there. They make a partial consecra­tion – a consecration to practice righteousness, and duty love to God and Man. They cannot do that perfectly in this Age, but will be able to do so more and more as they walk up the Highway of Holiness. They will renew their consecration under the New Covenant and will readily walk up the Highway of Holiness.

The voluminous writings of That Servant and the Epiphany Messenger regarding the New Covenant’s blessings “to the Jew first,” together with Scriptural corroboration, should convince any one with the “spirit of a sound mind” that it is the Truth. There is a measure of willfulness in any one who sets aside this faithful teaching. It seems to have become an anathema with RGJ to say, “to the Jew first,” as given in the Scrip­tures. All who set aside the faithful teaching of the Star Members also set aside the Apostle Paul’s teaching – God’s inspired Word!

THE “ISRAEL ANNIVERSARY NUMBER”

The June 1978 Bible Standard is RGJ’s “Israel Anniversary Number,” so we read it very carefully to see whether he is teaching them his “new light” (?) on Consecrated Epiphany Campers; and we found no mention of this doctrine in that Bible Standard ­or in the report of the trip to Israel by G. Hermetz. The question has been asked, Is RGJ only using the faithful Truths taught by That Servant? or is he teaching them his “new commandment” that they will have to walk a “narrow way” in the Epiphany Camp and become a Consecrated Epiphany Camper if they are to receive the promise, “to the Jew first”? If he is not informing them of this important new discovery, then Why not? Our answer is, that we only know what is presented in the Present Truth and the Bible Standard – and no mention of this doctrine is made in the Bible Standard that we have noticed; and we don’t know whether he is sending the Present Truth to the orthodox Jews. He should tell his readers what his policy is toward the Jews. Is he teaching one thing to the orthodox Jews and another thing to the Gentiles?

We know of no Scripture that tells us that the faithful orthodox Jews must consecrate and walk a “narrow way” in the Epiphany Camp to receive the promise. However, if RGJ believes his own doctrine, then it is his duty and obligation to inform the Jews of his “new commandment.” We know of no Scripture – no hint in the Scriptures – that the blessings of the New Covenant will be “to the Jew and Gentile” who consecrate and walk a “narrow way” in the Epiphany Camp. The blessings will go to the natural Jew and the Gentile-made (“proselyte Jews”) first – and these blessings will go to them “last,” as the New Covenant is Israelitish!

Why do we constantly refer to and quote the Messengers’ teaching? We answer, because they taught the Truth – and because “necessity is laid upon us” if we would be faithful to the Lord, the Truth and the Brethren. If RGJ believes his own teaching, he would be like the Apostle Paul: “For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” Certainly, he should not “shun” to declare his doctrine to the Jews, as it is more important for them to know about it than it is for the Gentiles. There is no Scripture promising the Gentiles they would be first to receive the New Covenant blessings.

“Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men.” (Isa. 29:13) The Berean Comment on this text: “Far from me...’Having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof’... The precept of men... The eternal torment theory is a man-made doctrine, not a Scriptural doctrine.” (Any doctrine not taught in the Scriptures is a man-made doc­trine – Consecrated Campers, Great Multitude, Justification in the Epiphany Camp, etc.—JJH)

“Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the Lord, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?” (Isa. 29:15) Berean Comment: “Their counsel... Schemes, plans... Who seeth us ... ‘The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.’“

“Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potters clay: for shall the work say of him that made it, He made me not? or shall the thing say of him that framed it, He had no understanding?” (Isa. 29:16) Berean Comment: “Upside down Perverting the Lord’s plan and doctrines.”

We repeat, if RGJ believes his own doctrine of Campers Consecrated, he should de­clare it to the Jews and Gentiles alike. As Brother Russell says, however, all God’s favors begin with the Jew first – and also reminded us that all who bless and comfort the Jews would be blessed themselves. So RGJ shouldn’t be teaching one thing to the Gentiles and another thing to the Jews. But, “A doubleminded man is unstable in all his ways.” (James 1:8) As the Lord has said, “Thou shall speak my words unto them whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they are most rebellious” (Ezek. 2:5); And this we continue to do.

MORE FROM THAT SERVANT

“But strictly speaking, they (the benefits of the New Covenant—JJH) will not be for all people, because they will be applicable only to those who will become, in the Millennial Age, true Israelites. If any refuses the opportunity of becoming the ‘seed of Abraham’ he will not get the benefits of the Atonement .... Just as in Israel’s time, if there were any Gentiles who desired to become Jewish proselytes and who would conform to the terms and conditions appertaining to joining of the Jewish nation, they might become Israelites with the privileges of an Israelite; but if they declined... such failed to become Israelites, failed to get any of the blessings that were under the Mosaic Law. And similarly during the Millennial Age: Any one who will refuse to come under the terms ... of the New Covenant ... will fail to get the blessings.” (Reprint 4607, col. 2, par. 1)

“The orthodox Jews, those who still hold to the teachings of the Law and the Prophets, and have faith in God, will be the first to receive the blessings of the New Age.” (Reprint 5721, col. 2, par. 4)

It should be noted here that RGJ has repudiated large sections of the writings of both the Parousia and Epiphany Messenger – and also has set aside all their teach­ing, “to the Jew first,” to accommodate his false doctrine of Campers Consecrated. As an example, we quote:

“And what is typed by burning those parts of the lamb that re­mained uneaten? We reply: making it cease to exist as an imputable thing: the entire merit, then freed from the former outstanding imputations, through the death of all for whom imputations of it were made, will then cease to be used for further imputations, that it may be used as an entirety for one general application for the restitution class.” (E-11:170, bottom)

SUMMARY

As mentioned, the Lord’s faithful people are not in darkness as to what period we are now living. Not only does 2 Thes. 2:8 tell us that we are yet in the Epiphany, but there are other corroborating Scriptures: “But of the times and seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you... Ye are all children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.” (1 Thes. 1:1,5)

It should be noted that RGJ cites his past errors in the Present Truth to “prove” his present errors. Any reference to the articles of the Messengers is to a paragraph that he thinks supports his errors, which paragraph taken alone is out of context with the general teaching of the article by That Servant. Note the paragraph RGJ quoted on p. 58, col. 1, par. 2, of this July-August Present Truth from Z 5164 – and read the article, if you have this Watch Tower; also note our quotation from the same article on p. 2 of this paper. As will be noted, That Servant is teaching in harmony with all his articles – “to the Jew first.” The same is true regarding his contention that Cor­nelius was not “repentant and believing” before the door of opportunity was offered to the Gentiles. He quoted a paragraph from an article by That Servant that he thought up­held his contention. But when we quoted another paragraph from that same article prov­ing that Brother Russell did not - and never had - upheld his contention, we have heard no more from him about Cornelius not being “repentant and believing” before the door was opened for the Gentiles. His audacity in setting aside the clear Scriptures on “to the Jew first,” as well as the teachings of both Messengers, is indeed a sorry testimony against him – especially since we have repeatedly cited and quoted so many of them!

And we now quote Brother Johnson’s teaching on this subject, which is most perti­nent to the above: “The advancing Truth does not set aside the Truth formerly received, as some deceivers teach.” (E-9:19)

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1) So, let us therefore, “Continue thou in the things thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them.” (2 Tim. 3:14)

It has truly been said: “There is a destiny that makes us brothers – none goes his way alone.” But we want to make sure that we don’t go in the way of “sinners.” “Blessed is the man... that standeth not in the way of sinners.” (Ps. 1:1) Berean Com­ment on this text: “Sinners against their covenant of consecration (crown-losers—JJH)”

“The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.” (Psa. 12:6) “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psa. 27:1)

Sincerely your brother,

 John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Brethren:

I recently read the enclosed leaflet and enjoyed it very much. I would appre­ciate one copy each of your leaflets as checked. Thanking you, I am

Sincerely for this service, ------- (FLORIDA)

...........................................................................

Gentlemen:

Please send me the following papers: No. 5, Two Distinct Salvations; No. 6, God’s Great Sabbath Day; No. 9, The Day of Judgment.

Sincerely, ------- (NORTH CAROLINA)