NO. 227: "THE THIRD WATCH"

No. 227

In Luke 12:37-38 Jesus said, “Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching.... And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.” These words were ad­dressed primarily to the Saints, but “What I say unto you, I say unto all, Watch.” (Mark 13:37) During the ministry of Jesus the Roman army maintained a strong guard in Jerusalem, a fresh troop probably being installed each evening at six o’clock, the same as is true with the American army. The individual guards were relieved every three hours, each relief being known as a “watch,” the first watch being at six p.m., the second at nine, the third at midnight, and the fourth at three a.m. When the watch was changed at midnight and at three a.m. a trumpet sounded, the same being re­ferred to as the first and second cock-crowing. Therefore, when Jesus said to Peter (Mark 14:30), “Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice,” He was telling Peter that before the sounding of the second “cock” at three a.m. that same Peter would have denied Jesus three times.

Jesus never used words idly or without special significance; therefore, He did not do so in this instance. “The morning cometh, and also the night” (Isa. 21:12), the reference here being to the Millennial morning and the night of trouble that would come abreast of it. For those awake to its significance, this morning has given light of great brilliance; but to those not understanding it, it has been a “day of trouble, of clouds and thick darkness.” For those on the alert it would seem proper to observe that they have been in a watching attitude, the first one of these watches being the period of forty years from 1874 to 1914. During that watch the hopes were high and certain that by its end the Household of Faith would all be gathered to their Lord and the King­dom established; and great was the disappointment of many when 1914 did not confirm all they had expected.

But those whose faith failed not, girded themselves for the second watch – the forty years from 1914 to 1954; and early in this watch the “signs of the times” seemed to point with certainty to the fulfillment of many Kingdom prophecies before that watch would be completed. Surely, the fall in 1917 of Czarist Russia was of great portent; it was one of the greatest and most absolute governments in all his­tory. And other events brought into clear focus Isa. 24:20, “The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage.” So convincing were some of the happenings at that time that good sober brethren, well “established in the present truth,” were heard to remark that we were no longer walking by faith alone; we were walking by sight. During the years 1914-1918 “the furnace (of persecution against Bible Students) was heated one seven time more than it was wont to be” (Dan. 3:19) But the virility of the Old Order is not to be denied, nor is “The Strong Man” easily bound. Thus, the second watch has come and gone; and the third watch is already twenty years with us.

When Jesus said, “If He shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch,” it would seem a reasonably strong inference that He would come for His own be­fore the third watch is completed. It should be noted that the expression “shall come” does not always refer to His second advent to earth. Note, for instance, Matt. 24:50: “The Lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him.” The reference here is to That Evil Servant, who did not appear as such until over forty years after Jesus had returned in 1874; yet a superficial reading might cause us to conclude it was something that would occur at the same time as the Second Advent. But during the first watch, and again in the second watch, and now in the third watch, those who are faithfully watching will still embrace the words of the Psalmist (63:6) – “My mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips... when I meditate on thee in the night watches.” In Vol. E-12, pp. 368-369 Brother Johnson says that in 1914 “Satan began the antitypi­cal 70 years’ depopulation of Christendom”; and it would seem almost certain that some of God’s elect will remain until toward the end of that work – just as Jeremiah was one of the last to leave Israel during the desolation of Israel.

THE FIGURE FORTY IMPLIES TRIAL

We have repeatedly stressed that the Bible does not use words unnecessarily; and we know the destruction of the first world is typical of the destruction of this Pres­ent Evil World. Therefore, when we are told in Gen. 7:12 that “the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights,” we are hardly warranted in giving that just a 40­-year antitype. The figure forty in Scripture is used to designate a trial time ­“tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years” (Heb. 3:9). In substantiation, we quote Brother Edgar’s observations, as published in Reprints 3574, col. 2, par. 2, June 15, 1905 Watch Tower:

“When we turn back to the early history of the typical kingdom, we find that Saul, David and Solomon each reigned 40 years. It is clear that the reign of Saul represents the Jewish Age, that of David the Gospel Age, and that of Solomon the Mil­lennial Age. The fact that the duration of each reign was 40 years indicates that it represented a complete period of testing and sifting. This would appear to be the thought underlying the number 40 in all instances in which it is used in the Scrip­tures. For instance, there were the 40 years’ temptation of the children of Israel in the wilderness, Christ’s 40-days’ temptation (Moses’ 40-days stay in the Mount, which allowed for severe temptation to Israel—JJH), etc. They all seem to fore­shadow the years of harvest at the end of the Jewish, of the Gospel, and (possibly) of the Millennial Ages.”

The life span of Moses also had three forty-year divisions: (1) the first 40 years which he spent in Pharaoh’s Egyptian palace; (2) the second 40 years in Midian, which was a region in the Arabian desert near the gulf of Akabah (recently given prom­inent news mention because of the war between the Arabs and the Jews); (3) the third and final 40 years in which he led Israel from Egypt to The River Jordan preparatory to their entrance into Canaan land. We believe all will agree that those three 40-year periods were extremely trialsome to Moses.

Therefore, if we construe the three “watches” as the three forty-year trial times beginning with 1874, we note some interesting conclusions: (1) The Parousia forty years had to do mainly – though not exclusively – with the trial time of the Little Flock. By the time it was over at September 16, 1914 every crown-retainer of the Harvest had his name written in that “book” from which none can ever be “blotted out.” At the con­clusion of that forty years many others murmured because of unrealized expectations ­“and they walked with Him no more.” (John 6:66) To such the Truth speedily lost its appeal; they had built their house upon Christ “as sand,” and this was quickly made manifest.

(2) The first forty years of the Time of Trouble beginning with 1914 – or the first half of the Epiphany, represented by the “forty days” of rain (The Epiphany and the Time of Trouble are identical) had to do mainly – though not exclusively – with the trial time of the Great Company. By the time that forty years was finished in September 1954, every crown-lost leader in Little Babylon – and the great bulk of les­ser lights among the crown-losers in the various Truth groups – had been manifested by the sixth Slaughter-weapon Man of Revolutionism, the last leader of whom was R. G. Jolly. His 1938 deflection was merely against arrangements; but his deflection after the de­mise of Brother Johnson was persistent and numerous revolutionisms against Parousia and Epiphany Truth; and this became clearly manifest to some of us by September 1954.

The conclusion of that trial time also gave severe trial to some because of un­realized expectations. One of the more prominent leaders in Truth circles was unyield­ing in his prediction that the Ancient Worthies would return by 1956; and he, and those who accepted his foolish conclusions, have since faded pretty much into the Limbo of spiritual inactivity – just as was true of many who had been so positive in their predic­tions respecting 1914. In 1914 and 1954 the Scripture was forcefully apparent that “judgment must begin at the House of God” (1 Pet. 4:17); the depth of the profession of their faith was manifested in those claiming to be in “present truth.” And this was more apparent with the Epiphany Truth Movement at 1954 than with any others.

(3) The second forty years of the Epiphany, and the third “watch,” represented by “forty nights” of rain, beginning in 1954, is having to do mainly – though not exclusively ­with the trial of Youthful Worthies; and this will run to its logical completion. The world in general is also being more severely “tried” in this second forty years – these “nights” of the antitypical “rain” (the third watch). This is evident on every hand in international affairs, where Governments are being toppled by the “sea” (the lawless, restless elements of Society) with increasing regularity. Also, in ways not known world­wide, conditions internally are becoming unbearable – even here in the United States, as an example: In many Detroit public schools it is now necessary to have policemen patrol­ling the corridors all day long to prevent lawless students from knifing the teachers and­ other students. Such a condition was unheard of – would have been considered unbeliev­able – in the “second watch” from 1914 to 1954, the forty “days” of rain of the Time of Trouble.

The third watch had scarcely begun before the Cuban Government was overthrown by a Communist regime, which added considerably to the problems of the United States. And during these twenty years we have experienced serious and devastating riots in many prin­cipal cities of the U.S.; along with crucial disorders on college campuses; aggravated increase in vicious drug traffic, and multiplied major crimes. In 1973 there were 750 murders in the City Detroit, and its main street is practically a ghost town immediately after dark.

Despite the serious implications of the foregoing, the politicians are once again mouthing “peace and safety” – just as they were doing before the holocaust of 1914. And those of us who remember the situation can testify that “sudden destruction” came upon them (1 Thes. 5:3); and the predictions of “peace and safety” now will meet similar fate.

Immediately after the completion of the Parousia trial time there appeared a Le­vite (JFR), who usurped to himself all the prerogatives of That Servant – he professed to “sit in Moses’ seat.” Those who disagreed and resisted him were speedily and un­justly labeled “sifters,” and the decree went forth to “avoid them.” And, as should be expected from such a reprobate power-grasper, he quickly brought forth much error and was the chief offender in Revolutionism (the sixth Slaughter-weapon man). One of his principal and primary errors was the denial of Tentative Justification, which so perverted the teachings of Tabernacle Shadows that he was eventually forced to reject that book in toto. This “overthrew the faith of many” among the Great Company.

At 1954, after the completion of the second trial time (at the end of the “second watch”) appeared another Levite (RGJ) who also professes to “sit in Moses’ seat.” He also labels as “sifters” –and decrees that his adherents “avoid them” – any who resists his Revolutionisms. And, in true style with the perverter after the first 40-year trial time (JFR), we find also with him that one of his main perversions is on Tentative Jus­tification. He now has that teaching outside the linen curtain (the righteousness that cometh from Christ alone in this faith dispensation) and in the Camp. This also is “overthrowing the faith of many” among the Youthful Worthies, as this perversion forces him to other perversions, prominent among such being his denial of further opportunity to enter the Youthful Worthy Class - in direct contradiction to the teaching of both Messengers that Tentative Justification inside the linen curtain for Youthful Worthy opportunity would be available even after Armageddon – and “until Restitution sets in” (E-4:342). Yet in this spiritual bedlam he continues to “Herald the Epiphany” (see front cover of the Present Truth magazine), although claiming we are now in the Basileia. The Epiphany Bible Students (our own group) is now the only group adhering to the Truth on Youthful Worthies as given by Brothers Russell and Johnson, as we continue also to “herald the Epiphany” – the same being identical with the Time of Trouble (See E-4:54)

Be it noted that Tentative Justification was a dominant factor in the teaching of revolutionistic Levites at the end of both trial periods, the main difference is this: After 1914 That Evil Servant eliminated Tentative Justification entirely for any Age; whereas, RGJ now has it in EVERY AGE – right on through the Millennium! But note also: It was after tampering with Tentative Justification that each Levite brought forth his “strange fire” (false doctrine), JFR immediately with his “Millions Now Living Will Never Die” and his specially invented class of Jonadabs – and RGJ with his Campers Con­secrated, who may also live right into the Kingdom – or, so he says. Of course, time itself has completely eliminated the “Millions” doctrine – it is no longer even mentioned in those words; and time will also demonstrate the “folly” of R. G. Jolly and his kin­dred Campers Consecrated.

THE HOURS OF REVELATION 18

As a companion thought with the foregoing, it would seem in order to consider Rev. 18:8 10, 17 and 19. In E-5:422 (28) Brother Johnson states that the “one day” of v. 8 is the Millennial Day, and an hour of which would be 41 years 8 months. At the time he wrote that he could not see clearly the conditions existing today – anymore than we can now see clearly the conditions five, ten or twenty years hence. It is now only too apparent that much of what Brother Russell expected in 1914 and what Brother John­son expected respecting 1954-56 have not materialized; and this should sober us all in our attempts to pry into the future in too much detail – “sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.”

However, if we consider the “hour of judgment” of v. 10, the “hour” of v. 17, and the “hour of desolation” of v. 19 as three different hours – instead of all of them be­ing the same hour – we may reach some informative conclusions. But just as Brother Johnson eventually saw much detail respecting 1914-1916 that was not at all apparent at the time, so we too may eventually see much detail respecting 1954-1956 that is not now readily apparent. A pointed example in this respect is Brother Russell’s observations on Psa. 149:7-9, “to execute upon them the judgment written” – which event he discussed as a future matter, although it was going on right at the time he was talking about it.

It is stated that in one hour Babylon’s judgment came. If that hour began in 1874, it would end 41 years 8 months later at Passover, 1916; and it was at that date that the last Saint was brought into Present Truth. While the judgment had been pronounced early in the hour, it was not until its full end that it could be truly said, “The voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee” (in Babylon the Great). At that date the judgment had come to the full.

Then at Passover 1916 began the second hour (v. 17) – “so great riches is come to naught” (“in one hour such great wealth is laid waste”—Dia.); and the hour ended about January 1958. Have we seen any evidence of the wasting in this second hour? Yea, ver­ily – much more than appears on the surface! The rule of ‘hard money’ has almost com­pletely disappeared; Governments have issued so much worthless paper that no one with any financial intelligence believes it will ever be redeemed with gold, which is still the only international money of any value. Few governments today want the paper of other governments; and there is not nearly enough gold even to transact international trade in its present-day volume. There are only three ways to do business – namely: (1) By cash – Gold; (2) by credit – paper promises to pay; (3) by barter. At best the barter system is cumbersome; and then it is only workable when governments have mutu­ally desirable commodities. It cannot work at all between, say, two agricultural countries, since they cannot trade wheat to each other for agricultural machinery; nor can it work between two industrial countries, as they cannot trade each other machinery for foodstuff. It should here be noted that it was the failure of the Austrian Reichs­bank in late 1931 that caused such international turmoil as to force England off the Gold Standard, which in turn forced the United States to do the same some months later.

The amount of paper issued in various countries is staggering beyond comprehension. In France today the Franc is about 400 for one American dollar; and this is the same Franc that was the unit of value in France before the second hour of wasting began ­just as our dollar is the unit of value here. With the Franc deteriorated to 1/4 cent, one may buy little more than a toothpick or a match with one of them; and even the Frenchmen do not want them except for day-to-day convenience. It is well known that the peasants of France have their little gold hoards, which the government has repeat­edly tried to tempt into exchange for paper Francs; but the peasants will have no part of a rotting and wasting currency, which gives every evidence of being worth even less in the days ahead. About fifteen years ago in Czechoslovakia the people awoke one morning to be greeted with the news that the currency unit had been shrunk to one for fifty; thus, a man having $5,000 in the bank was given $100, and told to start all over accumulating more. It caused widespread riots, resulting in many deaths and injuries.

In the United States the overall debt today is about 1½ TRILLION DOLLARS, and this staggering figure is increasing about 70 billion more each year. This includes national, state, municipal and private obligations. If we figure just four per cent interest on that, the yearly interest is forty billion – over $200 for each man, woman and child in the United States. Thus, a man and wife with three children faces an an­nual interest burden of over $1,000 – as an average. To express a solid cold opinion on this might involve “things not lawful for a man to utter”; but it should not require a very vivid imagination to arrive at certain conclusions, and it would indeed be an iron­ic fate should we eventually see the capitalistic system “wasted” by the Frankenstein of its own creation – caused to collapse by a top-heavy interest system of its own making. Of this there will be more to say in “due time.”

Coming to the hour of v. 19, the hour of desolation, which began about January, 1958: We have often been asked when the violent features of Armageddon will begin. It did not begin in 1958, and it has not started yet; but it is our opinion that it will certainly be accomplished to the full in the third hour. But its start will not be advertised ahead of time. We shall wake up some morning to find it with us. This is in keeping with the “sudden destruction” of 1914. Twenty-four hours before it began all was serene – no indication whatever that the next day would bring the explosion that tottered the whole world, so much so that the New York Stock Exchange was tightly closed for three whole months – although the United States was not then embroiled.

It is pointedly significant that governments never fall so long as the army remains loyal. It seems almost certain that Armageddon would have overtaken some countries ere this had it not been for the American army which is there to preserve order; nor is there any likelihood of violent disturbance in any countries where a loyal American army continues to police it. And, since the “hour of desolation” is now only about half over, the spirit of a sound mind should forbid us from making conjectures about details yet fu­ture. We may relax in the assurance that “the vision is yet for an appointed time..... it will surely come, it will not tarry”; and it is for each of God’s people to order his affairs in keeping therewith. (Hab. 2:3)

Therefore, Dearly Beloved, let us not be weary in well doing, but strive earnestly to “maintain the true word in our teaching, so that we may be able both to exhort by the sound instruction, and to confute the opposers. For there are unruly persons, foolish talkers and deceivers... whom it is necessary to silence.” (Titus 1:9-11, Dia.) It is certain that if we “maintain the true Word in our teaching” that the promise of Luke 21:15 is ours: “For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adver­saries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.” Nor will it ever become necessary for us to “flee” from our adversaries’ attacks. Thus, shall you “sanctify the anointed Lord in your hearts, and be always prepared with a defense for every one demanding an account of the hope that is in you; but with meekness and fear, having a good conscience that in what they speak against you, they may be ashamed, who slander your good conduct in Christ.” (1 Pet. 3:15, 16)

Sincerely your brother,

John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

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QUESTION OF GENERAL INTEREST

QUESTION: – Will Restitutionists have “peace with God” during the Mediatorial reign, after they accept Jesus as their Savior?

ANSWER: – No – they will not have “peace with God,” nor will they be of the House­hold of Faith when they accept Jesus. God does not deal with Restitutionists at all during the Kingdom reign. That Servant confirms this in Parousia Volume 5, p. 458: “Similarly, the world of mankind, the children of Christ, must all report to Him, as their Head, nor will they have any intercourse with God, nor be recognized by Him at all, until after the Millennial Age shall have restored and brought back to perfection those who will avail themselves of those privileges.”

However, at the end of the Millennium, God will justify the physically, mentally, morally and religiously perfect sheep, at which time they will have “peace with God.” Even though the sheep are willing and obedient, they cannot be justified until the end of the Millennium. It is God that justifies. They are taking the proper steps when they accept Jesus as their Head, and are willing and obedient to the Kingdom requirements. Justification is instantaneous, although there are progressive steps to be taken before we reach instantaneous justification. Even in this Faith Age, those in the Camp take progressive steps toward the gate of the Court. They must desire harmony with God, become repentant and believing, and accept Jesus as their personal Savior. But when they enter the Court they are instantaneously tentatively justified, and have “peace with God.” Tentative justification is an imputable thing.

As Brother Johnson has taught and repeatedly emphasized: “During that Age there will be neither a tentative nor a vitalized justification, since both of these kinds of justification operate on the basis of the imputed ransom merit, as distinct from the applied ransom merit.” (E-15:261) And That Servant has this to say in Question Book, p. 571: “There will be no imputation of Christ’s merit during the Millennial Age. Not a bit.”

During this Faith Age, justification can be obtained only in the Court. “There was only one gateway to enter the ‘Holy Place’ or ‘Court’; the type thus testifying that there is but one way of access to God - one ‘gate’ – Jesus. ‘I am the way...... No man cometh unto the Father but by me; ‘I am the door’—John 14:6; 10:9.” (Taber­nacle Shadows, p. 18)

The invitation of Rom. 12:1 is an invitation only to those in the Court: “I be­seech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” No one in the Camp is invited to sacrifice; none of the Restitutionists will be invited to make a sacrifice unto God. God’s justice prohibits that. He will reward all con­secrators, if faithful – “between the Ages,” when sin and evil are in the ascendancy ­with a ‘better resurrection,’ in honor and service with the Ancient Worthies.

Brother Johnson has made this very clear in his refutation of JFR, as he proved from the Scriptures that a class of unbegotten consecrators “between the Ages” would receive tentative justification – who, if faithful, will be rewarded with the Ancient Worthies, in harmony with what That Servant taught. JFR disposed of tentative justi­fication, as well as the unbegotten class taught by Brother Russell. RGJ does not dis­pose of tentative justification, nor Youthful Worthies, altogether: he extends tenta­tive justification to include the present Camp as he closes the opportunity for conse­crators to enter the Court. He does this in order to “justify” his invented class of Campers Consecrated.   Of course, JFR’s denial of tentative justification was to make room for his non-existent class – Jonadabs or “great crowd.” It is “strange fire (false doctrine) offered before the Lord” that produces such revolutionisms against the Truth and its Arrangements.

The Gospel-Age Court contains the Household of Faith – and the Tabernacle Court of the Millennial Age also contains only the Household of Faith. When the embargo is lifted from the Court, the merit of Christ will be applied for the world of mankind in “due time” – no longer imputed as in the Faith Age:

Brother Johnson did not change anything That Servant taught on tentative justifica­tion – nor did he dispose of the class of unbegotten consecrators “between the Ages”; but JFR and RGJ have revolutionized and changed his teaching on both doctrines. They have invented classes of their own. However, RGJ does not dispose of tentative justi­fication and That Servant’s unbegotten consecrators “between the Ages” altogether; he simply extends tentative justification to the present Camp to make room for another class of consecrators “between the Ages,” as he closes all opportunity to enter the class taught by both Messengers. Brother Johnson simply elaborated and brought forth further Scriptural proof of such a class; he did not dispose of, pervert or revolutionize against these doctrines – nor did he invent a class to replace this unbegotten class of consecra­tors, taught by That Servant.

Tentative justification during this Age is primarily the result of faith, but dem­onstrated by works; justification of the next Age will be primarily the result of works, accompanied by some faith.  There would be no need for a Mediator if Restitutionists were reckoned perfect. Those who receive tentative justification now have no need for a Mediator – because they have “peace with God” so long as they continue in the Court condition. A place in the Tabernacle is a condition in antitype.

“There will be no more faith justification working during the Millennium, no more Gospel-Age study, spread and practice of the Truth then.” (E-11:169) RGJ says all who accept Jesus during the Kingdom will be of the “Household of Faith.” How can they come into God’s Household of Faith when they cannot have “peace with God,” when God does not even recognize them until the end of the Millennium? “For when this Age ends Christ’s merit will cease to be an imputable thing.” (E-11:170)

The leaders in the 1908-1911 sifting tried to put the Church under the New Cove­nant, which would place them under a Mediator; whereas, they have an “Advocate with the Father.” Restitutionists will not have an Advocate in any sense of the word, be­cause they have a Mediator who stands between them and God’s justice, as a shield of protection until they become perfect at the end of the Millennium. They will have no need of an Advocate. At the end of the Millennium God will recognize them – they will then have “peace with God.” We repeat – It is God that justifies. “Then cometh the end, when He shall have delivered up the kingdom to God” (1 Cor. 15:24) – at which time the sheep will be fully restored; they will be kings as was Adam in the Garden of Eden.

It is our fond hope that the Truth reasserted herein, as taught by both Messengers, will strengthen and bless all who are “of the Truth.” And we are assured that the faith­ful will not be “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men” (Eph. 4:14) contrary to “the things which thou hast learned and been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them” (2 Tim. 3:14); and in so doing let us “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” as opportunity presents itself.

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LETTERS OF GENERAL  INTEREST

Dear Brother Hoefle:

This is to inform you that my Dad, Adam Rykala, passed away last Friday. He had been living in Fort Wayne since July. We brought him here in an ambulance...... to a hospital here.. He was never strong after that... He was so tired – and was ready to go. But that doesn’t make it any easier for me. I miss him very much! He left a list of people to notify... My Dad’s funeral was in Chicago..... Please notify Brother Now, as I understand he lives near you. God bless you and Sister Hoefle and keep you in His care!

Sincerely ------- (INDIANA)

NOTE: – Brother Rykala’s name should be added to the list given in our No. 224 paper, page 8, as he, too, was a faithful supporter of Brother Johnson and the Epi­phany Truth. He was also our good friend and supporter of the work we are doing. He contributed in more ways than one. Several years back he drew our attention to our in­correct Memorial date, which we immediately corrected accordingly. He said he also brought this mistake to the attention of JWK and RGJ, but they would not ‘hear.’ He gave us a very valuable book to help us in attacking the errors now emanating from the LHMM – especially the “strange fire” of Campers Consecrated.

The following names were also inadvertently left out of our February paper: Sisters Henz (whom we have known and loved for many years – who gave us moral support in a debate with a “hellfire” preacher in Dayton, Ohio, some 50 years ago), McNeil (who withstood RGJ at Crofts Hill in 1957), Campbell, Holcomb and Carson; Brothers Wells, Dunnagan and Campbell. We believe the following text applies to some of these dear brethren: “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.” (Rev. 14:13) Some, we believe, were faithful Youthful Worthies, who also “rest from their labours,” awaiting the ‘better resurrection’ as “princes in all the earth,” in partnership with the Ancient Worthies. All of these dear brethren have left a void in our lives, but their memory is ever fragrant with us, as we pray, God bless their memory!

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Dear Brother in Christ: Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ!

I have read one of your graphic Gospel New Paper, which I received from a friend in Guyana. It interests me a lot, and I would be grateful if you could send me a copy when you have a print.

I will be praying for the Bible Students Ass’n, and I trust that this letter will bring a close fellowship and friendship with each other. Thanks a lot. God bless you all!

All because of Christ, ------- (SOUTH AMERICA)

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Beloved Brother Hoefle: Greetings of love in our dear Redeemer’s Name!

Yes! England has had – and is still having – troubles. So far air mail hasn’t been affected. Thank you so much for the January paper. We have enjoyed reading it, and we are going to re-read the January 1973 paper. They are all so very wonderful ­and we thank the Lord for all your efforts on our behalf in keeping us in touch with the things that matter. It will be our privilege to send any spare papers to others – and we will let you know if we get the Jan.-Feb. papers by ordinary mail.......

Much love in the Lord to you all ------- (ENGLAND)