No. 72
My dear Brethren: - Grace and peace through our Beloved Master!
"To this you were called; because even Christ suffered on your behalf, leaving you a copy, so that you may follow in His footsteps; Who committed no sin; neither was deceit found in His mouth"--l Pet. 2:21 (Dia,). Here is a concise summation of the Christian's duty - and privilege; he has set before him a "copy" which he is to emulate to the best of his ability--although it is fully conceded that none of the fallen race can, or will, imitate in fullness that great "copy" which has been left for us. The Apostle Peter is telling us that our Lord left us a perfect example in word and deed--He committed no sin, did nothing wrong; and He spoke always the truth --no deceit found in His mouth. Those who clearly grasp the import of our great "copy" will have no part in "whispering campaigns" or political wire-pulling in the election of officers in the Church; theirs will be a character which is actuated in all ways by the principles of righteousness--not according to what some people may think of us, but according to the standard of righteousness found in the Scriptures. Therefore, in order to develop that character which is pleasing to God, we should in every detail of life consider carefully what is right and what is wrong, according to that standard. This course is Scripturally termed meditating in God's law. When we reach that development of character in which thought, word and deed are measured by the principles of righteousness, we shall have attained godlikeness--Psa. 119:97.
What the Lord desires to see in his people is not merely an outward manifestation of devotion to him and to his brethren, but a development of love in our hearts and our dispositions. If we profess to love one another and yet pursue a course of self-seeking, wherein do we manifest love? So St. John admonishes to love not in word only, but in deed and in truth--. John 3:18.
Primarily, the godly are those who are in Christ Jesus, members of his mystical body, having presented their human bodies living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God through the merit of the great Advocate. Secondly, the term godly includes those who live righteously, in sympathy with Christ Jesus, even though they may not live up to the full standard which the Lord has set, because they shrink from the suffering that results from godly living. Thirdly, the term godly includes some in the remote past, who, believing in the promise of the Lord that the "Seed" shall some day come, separated themselves from the rest of the world and, having obtained new aims, new ideas, were out of touch with the remainder of the race because of having a different standard--Heb. 11:13-16"
The Ancient Worthies composed this third class, who had a share in the suffering of the godly and a participation also in the blessing. Moses, for example, preferred to suffer affliction with the people of God, rather than to participate in the honors of the Egyptian Government. Although adopted into the family of Pharaoh, he had respect to the promise that the Messiah would come. Hence he suffered on account of his faith in the promise. So all the patriarchs desired to be in harmony with God, in accordance with His promise made to Abraham, and because of belief. In that promise they suffered more or less persecution- -Heb. 11: 24- 26; 36- 38. And those godly ones of the Old Testament record find their counterpart today in the fully faithful Youthful Worthies, who now have the opportunity--because of increased knowledge combined with the experiences of the past--to develop even better characters than did many of their forerunners. Those noble characters of ancient times did not comprehend the scope of agape love, that disinterested good will toward all men which adorned the Saints of this Gospel Age; but their counterparts of today have had the personal friendship, the noble example, and uplifting instruction of the last two "principal men" as living examples of agape love in operation. Once more we direct attention to E:4-319 (5), where Brother Johnson correctly identifies the "godly" of all Ages--namely, the Little Flock and Great Company, and the Ancient and Youthful Worthies, as the four "elect" saved classes of Joel 2:28,29. These, with the "sons" (the quasi-elect) and the "daughters" (converted Gentiles of the Millennial. Age), and the repentant Angels comprise the seven saved classes retrieved from the reign of evil--the "sons" being the believing, but unconsecrated, Jews and Gentiles from the Law Covenant to the full end of this Gospel Age, the same including the Epiphany Campers (unconsecrated) in the finished picture. There is nothing here or anywhere else in the Scriptures to substantiate a class of Epiphany Campers consecrated.
Some one may ask, "Why should the godly suffer?" The Bible answers that sin has brought the world into opposition with God, Whoever, then, would have all men speak in commendation of him would not be in harmony with the divine arrangement, for the masses of the world are pursuing a course that the Lord does not approve. We are not saying that everything which the world does is sinful, but that the standards of God are so high that because of their fallen condition the masses of the world are not subject to the law of God, neither, indeed, can they be, for they are carnal, sold under sin. (Rom. 8:7; 7:11-15) Those who wish to have influence with the world must cater to popular prejudices. On the contrary, those who would be God's people must be loyal to the principles of righteousness and consequently must go in opposite direction to that of the world. Hence they are opposed by the world.
A striking illustration of this condition is to be found in the person of a man swimming upstream at a time when the River Jordan (a type of the curse) was flood-swollen and rushing rapidly to its entrance into the Dead Sea. From the standpoint of God the course of the world is sinful. There is a tendency in our flesh to go with the world, who are laboring under false views of various kinds, because that course is in sympathy with the desires of our own fallen flesh. Hence to live godly is to live in opposition to the course of the world and of our own flesh. This would include not only living uprightly and avoiding Sin, etc., but also the making of sacrifices as well, where principles are not involved. We are to beware, however, lest we be deceived along this line. Not only are we contending with the world, but we are wrestling with wicked spirits in high positions.--Eph. 6:12
Sometimes Satan's arts seem to be employed to get those who are trying to live godly into contention with each other. One of his devices is to make unimportant things seem important, and in this way to make people think that they are contending for righteousness' sake, and that the sufferings that they bring on themselves in this manner are for righteousness' sake. Another device is to deceive people into"busy-bodying in other men's matters," --1 Pet. 4:15
Our influence upon each other should be uplifting; we should not cause others to grieve, except where suffering is absolutely necessary. Hence the Lord's people should cultivate the fruits of the Spirit increasingly--meekness, gentleness, patience, brotherly kindness, love. The cultivation of these fruits of the Spirit is a law respect to the Lord’s people. All who would live godly in Christ Jesus are to seeto it that they are not the cause of suffering to others--especially to those of the Household of Faith.
While it is true that all who will live godly in this world will suffer to the extent to which they are out of harmony with the present evil conditions, yet the promised blessings of the Scriptures are to those who live godly in Jesus Christ, those who are Christians. Of these St. Peter says, "If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed.--l Pet. 4:16.
A Christian is a follower of Christ, one who has cast in his lot to suffer with Christ (or for Christ), that he may also be glorified with the Lord (or be included the 'better' resurrection, as the case may be). (2 Tim. 2:12) From the Apostle's standpoint, therefore, no one could suffer as a Christian unless he had become a Christian.
Every painful experience which our Lord had was suffered for righteousness' sake--not only the great sufferings, not only the great fight against sin, but also all the little, unpleasant experiences common to the world. Being "holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners" (Heb. 7:26), there was no reason why he should suffer. We do not understand that the Heavenly Father has provided sufferings, trials and difficulties for the angels who are in harmony with Him. Nor do we think that Jesus, being a Son in full accord with the Father, would have suffered were it not for his covenant of self-sacrifice. All of His sufferings were because He had come into the world to be man's Redeemer. They were all parts of His necessary experience.
The sufferings which our Lord endured were the result of his activity in the service of the Father; and none of His faithful followers should expect to escape similar sufferings under similar circumstances. These were His weariness, His weakness after giving out His vitality to heal others, His bloody sweat, his ignominious buffetings, and all the reproaches, the sneers and the bitter words incurred on account of his faithfulness, to all of which he meekly and quietly submitted until his suffering on Calvary terminated his human existence.
There is no question that suffering in general is not suffering with Christ, but with Adam. Our physical infirmities which are of heredity, are not sufferings of Christ. Rather we should speak of the sufferings of Christ as being voluntary and not involuntary. When the Apostle says that if we suffer with the Lord we shall also reign with him (2 Tim. 2:12), he means the suffering which we bring on ourselves through faithfulness to our covenant. St. Paul speaks of filling up that which is left behind the afflictions of Christ for his Body's sake, which is the Church, (Col.1:24). These experiences are not for Adam's sake.
In St. Paul's own case he had, we believe, weak eyes as a result of his wrong course in persecuting the Church; and that wrong course was, no doubt, largely the result of heredity. When the Apostle speaks of the sufferings he endured on account of his eyes, he does not speak of them as the sufferings of Christ, but says that his affliction was a messenger of Satan to buffet him. (2 Cor. 12:7) We might then say that all physical sufferings resulting from heredity are ministers of Satan opposing us, causing us much difficulty. However, we believe that the Lord is pleased with us if we resist these ministers of Satan.
If we should think of all our physical pains and aches as sufferings for Christ, then we should be obliged to think of our mental defects also as sufferings for Christ. For instance, a man who had a disabled hand might have a comparatively even temper; another might have a perverse temper, leading him into trouble, leading him to busybody in other men's affairs, etc. Thus his disposition causes him to suffer as a busybody and not for Christ. Paul tells us that our defects in character are works of the fallen flesh. (Gal. 5:19-21). If the sufferings that come to us because of imperfect mental conditions are sufferings of heredity, the physical sufferings which result from imperfect physical conditions, cannot be counted as sufferings for Christ.
In the case of a Christian, inherited weaknesses and those brought upon himself by the violation of the laws of God previous to his entrance into the family of God as a son, while not sufferings with Christ, will be made advantageous to him. These weaknesses our Father sees fit to leave with us, but assures us that His Grace will be sufficient for us. (2 Cor. 12:9) While the realization of such care for our interests is humiliating in that it forces conviction of our weakness, yet it is refreshing and inspiring in that it proves our Father's love for us. "The Father Himself loveth you." --John 16:27.
But when one has undertaken to follow in the footsteps of Christ, whatever affliction that person undergoes because of following the Lord, is suffering as a Christian; and whatever our experiences in suffering may be, these are not necessarily the portion of the sons of God, for the angels do not suffer; but He permits the Church to have them in order to develop and crystallize character. If we rejoice that we are found worthy to share in the sufferings of the present time, every trial will be turned to advantage as a part of our Christian experience. "They are not of the world.'" (John 17: 16) Therefore all of our experiences must be regarded as Christian, for correction in righteousness and for educational purposes.
But this is taking a broader, deeper view than ordinary. Certainly a Christian is not ashamed of what he may suffer because of his loyalty to the Lord, to the Truth and to the Brethren. In these sufferings he is to glorify God and to be thankful for them. He is to be glad for the opportunity of enduring something, to show not only the Lord, but himself also that he has endured something for Christ's sake. Every sacrifice that we make is for the purpose of suffering as a Christian, and we are not ashamed so to suffer.--1 Pet. 4:16
There are others who suffer more or less as Christians suffer, but they are suffering from a worldly standpoint. People sometimes say, "This worldly man has his trials and sufferings, and shows such patience, such resignation, that surely he is suffering as a Christian." But we do not understand that anyone can suffer as a Christian unless he takes the steps necessary to make him a Christian. We are to view matters from God's standpoint. Doubtless many have suffered as Christians from a human viewpoint who were not Christians. In the dark ages many were put to death for the sake of principle. In our own day there are people who give no evidence of being Christians, but who would rather die than have the Bible taken out of the public schools. Although they do not understand the Bible, yet if these were times of persecution, many would die at the stake in order to keep the Bible in the public schools.
A point may properly be made here that there is a wide gulf between our consciences and our civil or legal rights. Our Lord instructed His people (Matt. 5:39, 40): “Whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also … if he take away thy coat, let him have thy cloke also." Certainly, if an adversary should smite us unjustly on the cheek, that would be a trying violation of our legal rights, but it would be no violation of our conscience to permit him to do so, or to turn the other cheek to him, Or, if he unjustly prevail in the courts to seize our coat, that would be a moral violation of our legal rights; but it would be no violation of our conscience to accept the verdict graciously and nobly. Or, if some claiming even to be brethren should slander us, this, too, would be a violation of our legal rights; but it may sometimes be better for the general cause that we "suffer it to be so." Many of us are familiar with Brother Russell's suit against the Brooklyn Eagle for the contemptible and slanderous statements made about him in that publication-- a case in which he was most unjustly defeated. He was certainly justified in the action he took; but he accepted the unjust verdict as "suffering as a Christian," and let the matter rest there. It is all too easy to allow resentment to overwhelm us when we are defeated in a cause where we are so preeminently right; and the beloved Parousia messenger there showed his strength and nobility of character when he accepted the result as "of the Lord." "This is thankworthy if a man, for conscience toward God, endure grief, suffering wrongfully." He cannot always tell whether suffering is for Christ's sake. But where people have suffered for conscience' sake, they have thus cultivated characters, and will get a blessing in the next age for that suffering. Suffering with Christ, as we have seen, is not the ordinary suffering common to all in the fallen state, but only such experiences as are the result, more directly, of following Christ's example in advocating unpopular truths and in exposing popular errors, Such were the causes of the sufferings of Christ; and such will be the causes of suffering, persecution and loss to all who follow in His footsteps. Such will have fellowship in his sufferings now, and in the end will be counted worthy to share in the reward given for faithfulness to principle.
Throughout the Gospel Age this course has meant self-sacrificing labor and endurance of reproach in the sowing and watering of Christ's doctrines. Now, in the end of the Age, it means a similar fidelity and endurance in the separating work and the gathering of the "Israelites indeed" (the elect). The Epiphany will make manifest the 'counsels of hearts.’
Our Lord forewarns us that in the end of the Gospel Age, many who have a love for Christ will allow their love to grow cold because of the iniquity and sin in the world. (Matt. 24·:12) It will be a test for such to decide whether they will partake of the worldly spirit. We see this test in operation now. A great many people who name the name of Christ, who really love the Lord, who appreciate much of his character, who would like to see the right prosper, nevertheless have no thought of making a spectacle of themselves before men. They would like to do right, to walk honorably, and to have the favor of men as good citizens. But as to being warm and faithful followers of the Lord through "evil report and good report” (2 Cor. 6:8)—their faith and zeal are not sufficient to endure the test.
The Lord Jesus has very clearly informed us that to follow in his steps will mean trials and difficulties in the flesh. He says, "In the world ye shall have tribulation,"· (John 16:33) St. Paul repeats the sentiment, saying, "He must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God"; and he emphasizes the thought, saying, "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." (Acts 14: 22; 2 Tim. 3: 12) There is no other way to enter the kingdom than by self sacrifice, deadening of the flesh, mortifying it. In proportion as the New Man grows, the old man perishes, until the sacrifice shall have been completed in death.
The Lord’s people should thoroughly understand the terms and conditions upon which they have been called. They should therefore not think it strange when trials come upon them, no matter how fiery, no matter how severe. The Apostle Peter lovingly counsels the Church: "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you; on their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part He is glorified." (1 Pet. 1:12-14). The Lord is to be not only the Instructor, but also the Refiner to purge out the dross, that we may be made ready to share with Christ in the Kingdom.
The Scriptures plainly teach that special trials may be expected in the church amongst the brethren. And we find it to be true that our severest trials come not from without, but, as the Apostle in substance says, "From among yourselves shall arise false brethren," to injure the flock in general through personal ambition. (Acts 20:30). This becomes a test not only to the church, but to all those who are in contact with us, for if one member suffer, all the members suffer with it,--1 Cor. 12:26.
We are not, therefore, to think it strange if there are trials and difficulties, if more or less dispute arise in the church. We are to cultivate gentleness, meekness, patience, loving-kindness toward all. Nevertheless, if a dispute arise amongst the Lord's people, we are to recognize that such things are unavoidable amongst those who have the truth. Our heads are imperfect, and consequently it requires time to come into line with the teachings of the Lord's word. Even disputation makes life an activity, and is better than a dead condition--not to care what is spoken or not spoken. Nevertheless, those who have zeal should be careful that they manifest the Spirit of the Lord, as above indicated--gentleness, patience, meekness, brotherly kindness, love, humility.
“Think it not strange that there are fiery trials amongst yourselves, arising from one cause or another, that will make it "particularly severe for you. Those amongst whom you are thrown in contact will cause you suffering, because of your zeal and their misunderstanding, their imperfection, etc. All of these fiery trials will work out good for you. It is far better to be amongst those who are fervent in spirit than to take place amongst those who are lukewarm and thus lose the privilege of being one of those who are footstep followers of Christ. Perhaps those who are lukewarm will, in the time of trouble learn a lesson. But the faithful are to learn their lesson in the present time--allowing the experiences of life to work out for them a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.--2 Cor. 4:17.
The above quotation embraces That Wise and Faithful Servant's exact words on the matter. Some of our readers may recall that at the Philadelphia Convention last Labor Day it was stressed from the platform that there is full harmony and tranquility at the Philadelphia headquarters; and similar comment has come to us respecting other groups in Little Babylon. Very strange, is it not, that uncleansed Levites are so quickly able to "improve" upon the experiences of their betters (our Lord, the Apostles and the Star Members)? Note the words of the Apostle Peter: "Beloved, be not surprised at the fire among you, occurring to you for a trial, as though some strange thing was befalling you.” (1 Pet. 4: 12--Dia.) We all know the fiery trials that befell our Lord from those in His own group and physically near Him--the same with the Apostles, as testified by Paul and Peter -- the same at Bethel under Bro. Russell -- and the same with Brother Johnson at Philadelphia. But now, behold! Uncleansed Levites all about us are not having the "fire among them!" It will be noted Brother Russell emphasizes that it is "zeal for the Truth" by the Faithful that enkindles the "fire among you." Therefore, with perfect peace now "reigning" among the Levites, can it be that the true "zeal for the Truth" has departed from them?
Our knowledge of God is limited; yet it is only what we should expect of the Heavenly Father, that any whom He accepts as his children will have divine love and care in the supervision of their affairs, which will make all things work for good to them. The tendency toward lukewarmness is becoming more and more pronounced as the Age draws to a close, and the Adversary is resorting particularly through the Slaughter-Weapon Man of Combinationism to bring this about. It's not important what we believe anymore, according to the great mass of church-goers, so long as you are "headed in the right direction." And, accepting this premise, it matters not in what sect we may dwell in Big or Little Babylon, with Mohammed or Confucius, so long as our desire is an abode in Heaven when we die. This was decidedly NOT the attitude of the last two Star Members, who "contended for the faith once delivered unto the Saints" to the pouring out of their souls unto death. Unswervingly and continually did they hold before them that Great "Copy" in their defense of the Truth in a determined effort to "follow in His footsteps." We know of some who care not how many conflicting opinions may be held on the same subject; in fact, we have met individuals who hold two or three different opinions on the same subject, with none of those opinions being right. Yet these people abide in smug complacency, which will apparently only be changed by the "great tribulation" just ahead. All of us know Brother Johnson's pronounced aversion for Combinationism (a worse evil than sectarianism, because it lulls into complete sleep those who once had "a zeal, but not according to knowledge"--they now have no zeal); and those who yet hold him in that. respect, love and devotion which is his due, as a faithful teacher in God's House, will give full heed to his teachings on this matter.
Since the Lord is our Shepherd, no one is able to pluck us out of his hands. (John 10:28, 29) We are as dear to him as the apple of his eye. He that began a good work in us is able to complete it in the day of Jesus Christ. (Phil. 1:6) So the more faith we have the more we appreciate the text, "We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them that are the called according to his purpose." (Rom. 8:28) This includes even the things that seem to be very contrary, very evil, very disadvantageous .
Our Lord said, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou has sent." (John 17:3) To know the Father means to be in fellowship with him, to have an intimate acquaintance with him. Experience corroborates this fact. The more obedient we are as children the more intimate is our acquaintance with Him. And if we are unfaithful, even for a little space, we shall fail to make development along spiritual lines. But in proportion as we are seeking to walk in His ways, we become intimate with Him in the particular sense in which a child knows his father. This knowledge gives us the trust that He cares for us as His children, and makes all things work together for good to us--Rom. 8: 28; 1John 1: 6, 7.
Ours is a covenant of sacrifice. There are certain laws and principles which are not to be broken. Along these lines the Lord Jesus tells us that the Father will appoint those next to the Lord who have demonstrated most of the Spirit of the Redeemer. He will not put anyone in such a position or into the Kingdom arbitrarily. His character, His words, stand pledged that He will make the best of us that He is able to do, while at the same time recognizing our wills as paramount in making the best of us.
Jehovah does not seek those as His children who need to be forced. Our Lord said that the Father seeketh such to worship Him as worship Him in spirit and in Truth. (John 1:23) We are to work to the best of our ability, But with all of our stumbling the Lord stands pledged that He will not leave us if we are faithful, and that He will make even our stumbling work out for good to us, provided they do not "stumble" into the pitfall of the sixth Slaughter-Weapon Man of Revolutionism (forsaking the Parousia or Epiphany Truth or Arrangements), because such persistent "stumbling" would manifest such as having lost their Class standing.
But those New Creatures who must be forced to a compliance with the rules-who, as the horse or ass, "must be guided with bit and bridle"--will eventually be among those who bewail that "the summer is past, the harvest is ended, and we are not saved." We emphasize once more that there has never been a "call" to the Great Company Class, because God would never issue a "call" to anyone to fall; they are the failures for whom God has graciously provided a serving place "before the Throne" instead of "in the Throne" with the crown-retainers, who "through fear of (sacrificial) death were all their lifetime subject to bondage." These are the ones temporarily abandoned to Azaze1 by our Father, much the same as an earthly father disinherits a wayward son pending his reformation; they are "such as sit in darkness, and the shadow of death, bound in affliction and iron; because they rebelled (revolutionized) against the words of God, and condemned the counsel of the Most High." (Psa. 107:10,11) In the Great Tribulation He shall "bring down their heart with labor ... brake their bands in sunder ... and save them out of their distresses." And companion with these will be the measurably faithful Youthful Worthies who have aided and abetted them in their wayward course.
Much of the foregoing is taken from Brother Russell's writings, which we consider most timely for this particular season; and it is our hope it may "provoke to (agape) love and to good works," "The fear (reverence) of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; and a good understanding have all they that do His Commandments: His praise endureth forever." Psa. 111:10
Sincerely your brother,
John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim
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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST
Our dear Brother Hoefle: - Sincere and loving greetings in our Lord's Name!
We thank you for the second binder received in goodorder on Monday ….Also for the parcel of letterheads….
So our LHMM brethren have some in their midst who "are now denying that there is such a thing as "Little Babylon"! They say Brother Johnson was wrong when he labeled the groups as such. Well I hope to write out a few very clear and convincing proofs that Brother Johnson was absolutely correct in regard to all he said in this connection, giving in all cases his own statements ….. which are quite convincing enough to the faithful, and should be to all the LHMM brethren. Of course, you, dear Brother, have so often reminded us, the majority, if not all the brethren of all existing Levite groups, "talk all sorts of nonsense"--and will, I may add, continue to do so until the full force of the coming near future events hits them so hard as to sober them up. Then they will be glad to call upon the Lord in 'their distress’; then He will in His own time and way deliver them from their Babylonish condition into which they have gotten themselves, and in which they still are--some more and some less--standing guilty before the Lord. They will some day realize their folly and be greatly ashamed, not only on account of their doctrinal errors but for the part they have taken against their brethren who refused to repudiate those teachings given to us by the Lord through the Parousia and Epiphany Messengers. See Isa. 66: 5 -- I have always contended that all Truth given by the Lord should be regarded as a sacred trust--and this is something our Great Company Truth brethren have not done; they are rapidly falling from the Truth and its Spirit in all existing groups, including the LHMM group. True we all make mistakes, even as Brother Russell and Brother Johnson openly and honestly, as Star Members, stated so. But there was a vast amount of Truth from the great Divine Storehouse which was so faithfully delivered to us by them.
Brother Russell asked us all in that last Watch Tower he was privileged to publish - "Have we been taught of the Lord in vain?" There is only one correct answer to that question, so far as the majority of brethren are concerned. This is all in the Lord's hands and certainly best left with Him. We are still in the Epiphany--the period of manifestations of persons, principles and things, and these manifestations are going against all. Truth groups, as very soon now they will have to humbly confess.
We have just heard of the passing of a dear LHHM brother whom we have known since 1912, dying on a grass verge near his home. This is the fifth death in peculiar circumstances in the last four or five years belonging to the …..Ecclesia.
Now we close with our love in the dear Redeemer's name, God bless you both and all the dear ones with you! Your Brother and Sister in the Lord ...... ENGLAND
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Dear Brother Hoefle: - Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Master!
Your kind letter of Nov. 18 is to hand. I have also received your … paper and have been just wondering what answer Brother -------- made to your letter. When 1 saw it in the December article, I thought Oh! what profusion of words! No wonder the Scriptural terms such as "dogs" that bark for their sects, are used against them. Certainly Brother Johnson rightly states that when these uncleansed Great Company are in Azazel's hands they talk all sorts of nonsense--for the light that was within them becomes darkness, and how great is that darkness! Your experiences are well in keeping with that of Brother Johnson, and we pray the dear Lord will help you as you strive in defending the Truth. You can be assured of my supplication on your behalf--that you may be faithful to the end.
With this comes my warm Christian love for you and the dear ones with you.
Yours by His Grace - Brother……..JAMAICA