NO. 112: AN ENERGY OF DELUSION

No. 112

My dear Brethren: – Grace and peace through our Beloved Master!

In 2 Thes. 2:10-11 there is the prophecy, “Because they received not the love of the Truth... for this cause God shall send them strong delusion’’ – ‘an energy (frenzy) of delusion,” according to the Diaglott. That this prediction by St. Paul is pertinently applicable to the time in which we are living is clear enough from verse 8: “Then will be revealed the Lawless One (the Mystery of Iniquity, the Man of Sin), whom the Lord Jesus will consume with the breath of His mouth (by a clear revelation of the Truth), and annihilate by the appearing (the Epiphany) of His (second) presence (Parousia).” And the context Is clear enough, too, that this “energy of delusion” will come upon those who once professed to accept the Harvest Truth, but who failed to receive “the love (agape) of it” – the love which places the Truth first in their lives, as being the representative of God Himself, and who failed to ingraft that agape love into their hearts and minds.

Clearly enough, there are two classes who have failed to “receive the agape love of the Truth.” They are the Great Company and the second-deathers. Both of these groups have two main divisions – those in the nominal church, and those in Present Truth. The second-deathers in the nominal church are described by St. Paul as “those that know not God” (never having understood His “glory,” His glorious char­acter of Wisdom, Justice, Power and Love in perfect proportion), and those that “obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (those who outwardly embraced the Harvest Truth, but refused to “receive the love of that Truth”) – 2 Thes. 1:8; 1 Pet. 4:17. The Great Company also have similar division: Those in the nominal church who “loved the praise of men more than the praise of God” (John 12:43) – those who continued to “sit in the gate of Sodom”; and those who joined the Harvest Move­ment. The latter groups have now gone mainly back into Babylon (Little Babylon, which they built), thus demonstrating clearly that they also !received not the love of the Truth.” Note the Berean Comments especially on 2 Thes. 2:10,11: “Great delu­sions are just before us, and some of these may come closest upon those possessing the most light of Present Truth.”

Viewed in the overall comprehensive sense, such as are now in Babylon are typed by Lot; and Gen. 19:1 states that “two angels came to Lot at even” – the evening of this Gospel Age. And the “two angels” (Messengers) who have spoken to antitypi­cal Lot at the end of this Age have been the Parousia and Epiphany Messengers. Some members of antitypical Lot did hearken to their voice, and fled from “that city which is called, spiritually, Sodom” (Rev. 11:8) when the figurative fire and brim­stone began to fall in 1914, and joined the Truth movement. But others of Lot’s kinsmen (“sons-in-law,” Gen. 19:14) yet remain in Big and Little Babylon unto this day. “The end (the ultimate object) of the commandment (the good Word of God) is (agape) love” (1 Tim. 1:5); and all those in God’s Household here in the end of the Age who failed to achieve that “end” are the ones described by St. Paul as those who “received not the love of the Truth.” Let us keep this truth clearly in mind: ALL who lost their crowns during the reaping time did so because they failed to receive “the love of the Truth”; and such are bardly in a position to discuss and clearly define something they do not have. Let us consider now some of these:

THAT EVIL SERVANT’S “ENERGY OF DELUSION”

We shall pass by the five Harvest siftings, and their respective slaughter­weapon men (Eze. 9:2), considering mainly the sixth slaughter weapon of Revolution­ism, because it has been by this last that the “energy of delusion” fully appeared. This Revolutionism slaughter-weapon has also made “manifest the counsels of hearts” – ­the means of revealing crown-losers to those who “continue in my word.” The first “energy of delusion” by J. F. Rutherford was his counterfeit “smiting of Jordan” in 1917-18, which resulted in a tenure in Atlanta penitentiary for him and seven of his confreres through their publication of The Finished Mystery – a work which they declared to be Jordan’s first smiting, but which was in reality the second smiting.

After their release in 1919 came then the real deluge of delusion, beginning at Cedar Point Convention after Labor Day in 1919. It was there that the ‘‘Golden Age’’ drive was initiated. We were there at the time, and many of the details are quite vivid with us to this day. JFR had it all minutely figured out how his trusting col­porteurs would secure four million subscriptions in one year at $1 per. We said at the time that his figures would not bear analysis – based upon his own statements, his anticipations were impossible. And time proved our conclusions correct. By the time his year was expired the sales of the Golden Age were so negligible that the newsstands would no longer allow them space, although the magazine was placed there on consignment, with no cost except space to the vendors.

Then followed his “Millions Now Living Will Never Die,” with the date fixed at 1925. And at about the inception of this second “delusion” came also the boast from JFR: “If I had a million dollars, I’d break the Devil’s back in one year!” Of course, such “profusion of words” could come only from one who had “received not the love of the Truth”; and by the time 1925 had clearly manifested his “strong delusion,” there had also come with it a flood of error – vitiation and perversion of one fundamental doctrine after another, until C. A. Wise, then Vice-President of the Society under JFR, was saying, along with others, ‘‘Brethren, I don’t know myself any more!” All this became worse and much worse until That Evil Servant’s death in 1943. Howbeit, JFR’s first fatal doctrinal Revolutionism was his perversion of Tentative Justifi­cation, followed eventually by his “Jonadab” spiritual hybrids – the same being the bosom comrade of R. G. Jolly’s perversion of Tentative Justifica­tion and his ‘‘Conse­crated Epiphany Campers” hybrids, the only difference between the Jonadabs and Campers being the name by which they are designated.

We quote the following from Brother Johnson on this fundamental faith age teaching:

“Knowing from Scripture that he would repudiate one truth after another until his understanding of his pet theories of God’s Word would be utterly darkened, we knew that we would not wait in vain for him to give his ‘darkness’ on the Tabernacle for light; and true enough, the June 1, 1920, Tower contains his con­fusion on the Tabernacle. He actually offers that which flatly contradicts our Pastor’s view on the subject as a progressive development (this ‘progressive’ development has a familiar sound as we review R. G. Jolly’s “Advancing Tabernacle Truth” in his July-August 1959 PT – See our Sept. 1, 1959, No. 52 for refutation – JJH) of that Servant’s thought! From such progress may the dear Lord deliver us!...... Indeed, the only reason for his article appearing seems to be to undermine confidence in our Pastor’s teaching on Tentative Justification. And to maintain his evident error, the tabernacle teachings must be twisted and distorted. It is unnecessary for us to treat further of Tentative Justification..... We refer to the matter here in order to emphasize the fact that JFR’s error on Tentative Justification is causing him to be confused on many Scriptural subjects, among others, on some of the symbo­lisms of the court and its gate. If we remember the foundation error of the article under review, we will have no difficulty in seeing that his superstructure must be false.” (See E-6:190-191)

All of this fits R. G. Jolly as though Brother Johnson were ‘refuting’ him and his present contentions on Tentative Justification, and on Tabernacle types, and his “justification” outside the linen curtain – outside the righteousness of Christ. (Please see May-June 1959 PT for RGJ’s delusion – “Progressive Tabernacle Picture”; and see our July 1, 1959, No. 50 Answer.)

JESSE HEMERY’S “ENERGY OF DELUSION”

Jesse Hemery also attended that Cedar Point Convention in 1919; and wholeheartedly endorsed the Golden Age, The Finished Mystery, and kindred delusions. This he contin­ued to do until 1926, when even he could no longer endure the “energy of delusion” that was coming from JFR. So he made open break – to promulgate his own “energy of delusion”­ claiming, as he did, that the Society was “That Servant” up to the time he left it in 1926. He then later contended that the whole Harvest movement, with its supporting chronology and prophecies, was a thing yet future. How he ever reconciled such views we have never learned; and we must limit our own statements herein to measurable hearsay. If we are correctly informed, he died in 1963 at age 96. An identical twin. to the Rutherford-Hemery debacle was born in the Jolly-Krewson controversy after 1952. J. W. Krewson also contended R. G, Jolly was “cleansed” until he began to withdraw from him in 1952; after which J. W. Krewson began leading his “cleansed nucleus,” declaring Jolly uncleansed.

SOME “ENERGY OF DELUSION” CLOSER HOME”

Since Brother Johnson’s death the LHMM has been in charge of R G Jolly, an admitted crown-loser – which admission also carries with it the indisputable fact that he likewise is among those who “received not the love of the Truth.” This statement needs no elaboration, because those who received that agape love could not possibly lose their crowns. “Put on love, which is the bond of perfectness,” says St. Paul in Col. 3:14. And this should alert us to expect an “energyofdelusion”  fromhim (R.  G. Jolly), in keeping with what has come from others of his kind. In fact, we should be very much surprised if such were not the case; just as we should be greatly surprised if other crown-losers also did not manifest the same “leprosy.” And, as we might expect, those crown-losers engulfed in “energy of delusion” have a definite dislike for each other. “The poor (spiritually) is hated even of his own neighbor.” (Prov. 14:20–See E-11:638, par. 1) Thus, it is no surprise at all that R. G. jolly has met with such abject failure in his “Attestatorial Service” toward his kinsmen in other Truth groups. They !now him from way back – just as Jesse Hemery and others knew J. F. Rutherford well.

And much the same may be said for J. W. Krewson, and his “energy of delusion,” In his paper No. 57, pages 97-105 he engages in considerable diatribe against JJH. Once more on p. 98, par. 1, he impeaches our Pilgrim status, despite Brother Johnson’s clear statement in E-10:249, bottom, that he had authority to appoint Epiphany Pilgrims. And it was by that authority that he gave us our pilgrim appointment – just as he also gave J. W. Krewson an evangelist appointment by that same authority. It will be re­called that J. W. Krewson made quite some ado about his Evangelist appointment “with the seal of the LHMM” – until we produced our pilgrim appointment carrying the same seal. Up to that time he had been flaunting his “written” credentials – all the while he was writing letters privately intimating we were a fraud, never having really re­ceived a full pilgrim appointment at all from Brother Johnson, because he thought we couldn’t produce a written proof of our appointment. This he also accentuated In some earlier papers. He has never since been quite brazen enough to cite his own (Evangelist) “appointment”; he merely contents himself with berating our pilgrim appointment. And this should be clear proof to all what manner of person he is. For any one with not quite so much “air” in his tires, our refutation of his drivel would have caused him to hide his face in shame. For our part we answer him: What you are speaks so loudly I can’t hear what you say. And in the face of all this, with his own limited appointment by the Epiphany Messenger, and the loud claims he now makes for himself, he has the unmitigated gall to quote us E-11:370, top, from Brother Johnson re “grasping for powers not given by God,”

And much the same may be said for his contentions re 1 Cor. 6:1-6, as givenon p.103, par. 2, of his No. 57. Of course, in this particular instance we realize only too well that J. W. Krewson is forced to more than his usual “profusion of words” here in his effort to appease his gullible supporters who financed his legal fiasco with R. G. Jolly. They’ll probably need ‘‘profusion of words,” and then more of the same, before they’ll be induced to finance further his “dreams. In all of this he offers irrefutable proof that he is R. G. Jolly’s close “cousin.”

“Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” (Luke 12:1) Brother Russell’s observation on 1 Sam. 15:13 is that Saul manifested consider­able hypocrisy (See Berean Comment) – a character quality to be found in those who “received not the love of the Truth.” The Truth is designed to produce just the opposite in the Fully Faithful: “The end of the commandment is love, from a pure heart (good intentions), a good conscience (without offense toward God and toward man), and an unfeigned faith” – ­an open countenance “without hypocrisy” (Jas. 3:17). But to all in whom “the command­ment” fails, God “will send them an energy of delusion,” after they lose their crowns (New Creatures) – or lose their Class standing before God in the case of unfaithful Youthful Worthies.

On p. 102 J. W. Krewson once more makes futile attempt to answer us on the correct date for the Memorial; and in this he uses the same technique as his “cousin” Jolly: He cites a “Proof” from Brother Johnson which offers a direct contradiction to his own contentions. In that 1933 Present Truth to which he refers Brother Johnson states with­out equivocation that the correct date for the Memorial is a Great Company developing truth, J. W. Krewson says in his answer to us in his Nos. 44 and 45 papers that it is a Little Flock developing Truth. In that paper Brother Johnson clearly admits that all previous Harvest dates for the Memorial were almost always one day wrong in the calcu­lation – and he humbly admits his own previous failure in that respect. J. W. Krewson ignores this item completely in his answers – a thing he is forced to do by his own contention that the purification of the date is a Little Flock developing truth. If his statement were true, this matter of the one-day difference would have been presented and “purified” by Brother Russell.

In that same 1933 Present Truth Brother Johnson also says the Memorial should be held “NEVER BEFORE THE VERNAL EQUINOX.” J. W. Krewson ignores this entirely in his present answer to us – and for good reason: He and “cousin” Jolly held their Memorial before the Vernal Equinox two years ago. But Brother Johnson had adequate reason for his conclusion: In the time of Christ the Passover was always kept when the sun was in Aries; and at that time the sun reached Aries at the Vernal Equinox. That is why the Jewish Encyclopedia states that the Passover is a Spring festival; that is why Brother Johnson says it is a Spring festival. That is why Brother Johnson said “Never before the Vernal Equinox.”

And be it noted that the “cousins” (Jolly-Krewson) are the only two persons of record in the entire Gospel Age who ever contended the slaying of the Passover Lamb could have a winter observance – as they had it two years ago. Therefore, by offering his ‘‘Proof’’ from Brother Johnson, J. W. Krewson is either deliberately falsifying, or he even yet does not understand what Brother Johnson wrote. In either case, he is a fine specimen of a “Pastor and Teacher”; and his false statements, and ignoring of certain truths, is sufficient for all to view with suspicion anything he may present on any subject. As we have previously written, “cousin” Jolly doesn’t hesitate at all to tell a falsehood any time it suits his convenience; and it would seem “cousin” Krewson is similarly afflicted. Here is one instance where our readers can prove for themselves who is the true, and who is the false: Just go back and read Brother Johnson’s article in 1933.

Yet, in the face of the foregoing, J. W. Krewson has the brazen effrontery to say we have “not been able to even remotely overthrow” his contention. We realize, of course, that this remark is for “home” consumption – to hoodwink those of his readers who do not read our papers. Thus, it is little wonder he strongly urges his readers not to read what JJH writes: They just might learn who is telling the Truth! But we are happy to report – in spite of such insistence by him – that some of his “cleansed nucleus” have actually solicited us to send our papers to them, assuring us that they do read them. We wouldn’t be one bit surprised if his feeble efforts in his last paper may have been prompted as a cover-up for some pointed questions that have come to him on this and other subjects.

In this paper J W. Krewson again resorts often to his favorite bit of spiritual “sleight-of-hand”: What one does through another he does himself. And we submit that almost any kind of spiritual distortion can be accomplished with that sort of inter­pretational contortion. But there is at least one Scripture he has not been able to pervert with his favorite slogan; namely, v. 8 of our text: “Whom the Lord Jesus will annihilate with the Epiphaneia of His Parousia.” Inasmuch as the Man of Sin still remains intact, there is one impregnable proof that we are yet in our Lord’s Epiphany. Many times have we presented this text to the “cousins” – and J. W. Krewson in particular; but up to now he hasn’t attempted any of his “sleight-of-hand” to answer us. Why not? Inasmuch as J. W. Krewson now contends that the Epiphany is already completed, he is hard pressed to assert that the “Lord Jesus” will also accomplish this “through him” (after his – JWK’s – Epiphany period is over); this ‘‘annihilation’’ just wasn’t accomplished in J. W. Krewson’s Epiphany period.

Now appears before us two “would-be” leaders, who were once under the benevolent influence of the last Messenger (and incidentally under his restraining hand until the Lord removed him from our midst in 1950) who are now revolution­izing against this clear Scripture describing what the Epiphany period would accomplish. They have openly and persistently revolutionized against this Harvest Truth, given to us by That Servant, and further elaborated upon by the Epiphany Messenger. Is it any wonder that such would be consumed with further and more pronounced “strong delusion” – ­“Seeing thou hatest instruction and castest my words (the faithful teachings of the last two Star Members) behind thee?” (Psa. 50:17)

“Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord way have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: But the Lord is faithful, who shall stab­lish you, and keep you from evil.” (2 Thes. 3:1-3) “Wherefore also we pray always for you, that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfil all the good pleasure of His goodness, and the work of faith with power.” (2 Thes. 1:11)

Sincerely your brother,

 John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

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LETTERS OF GENERALINTEREST

My dear Brother Hoefle: Grace and peace!

I am better and have used up all my amunition. I would like some of “Where are the Dead” and ‘‘Resurrection” tracts.... I have only one copy of the Resurrection left, and should have sent for more sooner.

Your last paper is helpful, and I am grateful. I do not know whether Bro. Jolly knows he is wrong or not, but he is, I think.

By His Grace ------- (CONN.)

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Dear Brethren:

After reading your literature I’d like for you to send me copies of The Resurrection of the Dead, The Three Babylons, and others.

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

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Dear Brother Hoefle: – Grace and peace through our Beloved Master!

Would you kindly forward tracts: 500 Where are the Dead 500 What is the Soul, 500 Resurrection of the Dead and 200 The Three Babylons? Enclosed is check for for the Truth fund.

Sister..... and I will no doubt serve some at the churches at the Shore during the summer months, D.v....... We are looking forward to going and hope the weather is good. With the 400 you sent we served some of the largest churches in ------- and the people received them very nicely, and Sister ------- and I enjoyed being able to do this all important work; and we thank God for the privilege. We want to remind you of our deep appreciation for your articles which we receive monthly, and for your lovely letters. They do help to strengthen us in the Way and give us renewed courage to press on. Be assured of our prayers on your behalf as we approach the Throne of Heavenly Grace that God will grant you strength to carry on this great work to His Honor and Glory, and for our good and profit......

Sister ------- joins in sending you, dear Bro. & Sr. Hoefle, and all the dear ones there with you in the Service our Warmest Christian Greetings.

Your Brother and Sister by His Grace, ------- (NEW JERSEY)

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Dear Sir:

Your pamphlet of The Three Babylons was most welcome – also your answer re – The immaculate Conception, Jesus, could he ever die on the Cross as Son of God, etc. Your answers tell me of your deep study in Bible explanations, probably many years of personal devotion to that deep Book. To me the Bible is ever new, daily, hourly – as there is no past – no Future – in only this moment in which we live. So the Bible must be understood and lived by each hour of our existence. Correct?

Please tell me of your understanding of the years of Jesus from age 12 to 30.  Did he wander East – preaching, meditating – converting the people living in the far East? Thank you, Sir. Please also forward me the Divine Plan of the Ages. That would be most refreshing, spiritually.

Your thankful.friend -------  (CALIFORNLA)

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Dear Brother Hoefle:

May Grace and Peace be your continued portion, through Him whom we love and serve! Your monthly papers are a delight and the special edition of “The.Herald of the Epiphany” – Two Distinct Salvations” is excellent for volunteer work. Sister and I would like a few for distribution also some of The Three Babylons tracts. We still have a few left of the others. Some have acknowledged them – some saying they would read – whilst others have returned them with no comment.

We are amazed to find brethren holding the erroneous view of R. G. Jolly on Psalms 46 against the clear views of Brothers Russell and Johnson on Psalm 46. These brethren must be like the Jehovah’s Witnesses – no time to read the Star members’ writing; much too busy ‘on the work.’ We know the answer to some will be Matt. 7:22-­24 – Diaglott.

Yesterday –– pounds posted to Bro -------. Our continued love in the Lord to you, Sisters Wells and Dunnagan and all in the Faith, with our prayers; and asking for a continued remembrance in your prayers. Thank you.

Your brother by His Grace, -------(ENGLAND)

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Dear Brother Hoefle: Christian greetings in the Name of our Blessed Lord!

Again it is my great pleasure to write you – also must acknowledge the receipt of --- pounds from Bro. -------. The July and August received and read with much satisfaction. They are compiled with such food for strength and life – and satisfies as nothing else could do. It pains our heart to see such brethren.who once were enlightened with Parousia and Epiphany Truth to talk such nonsenses.... Many who are in the LHMM do not believe the strange fire of Campers Consecrated... Christian love for yourself, Sr.  Hoefle and all.

Bro. ------- (JAMAICA)

NO. 111: "I WILL SEND THE HORNET BEFORE THEE"

No. 111

 (Reprint of No. 54 - with pertinent additions)

My dear Brethren: – Grace and peace through our Beloved Master!

The exodus of Israel from Egypt was indeed a stupendous undertaking in material, physical strength and courageous determination. The burden upon Moses in that effort is probably beyond a sound evaluation by any human being living today. God knew this full well; and He gave Moses and the Jews abundant encouragement for the immediate present, and in His promises of future special helps. One of these promises is con­tained in Ex. 23:28: “I will send hornets before thee, which will drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite, from before thee.” The word “hornets” in this text is a collective noun and should read “the hornet” – just as we might speak of the fly, the hawk, the wolf, etc.

Here was just one of the encouragements given to Moses – and repeated to the general assembly of Jews – to build up their courage for the task at hand. In v. 20 they had been told that God would “send an angel before thee to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.” This one promise should have been more than enough for ordinary men; but Jehovah was fully alert to the inferiority complex that had developed in the Jews during the hundreds of years of their slavery in Egypt – a con­dition which would certainly diminish the combative qualities of even the strongest, and develop a subservience not to be countenanced by God's people, “Jesus needed not that any should testify of man, for He knew what was in man”; therefore, among His last words was the counsel, “Let not your heart be troubled.” And this consolation was to free men, most of whom had never been in servitude as were the Jews.

The Jews had been long under the oppressive yoke, an experience that could not fail to deplete their combative qualities. Thus, humanly speaking, it is no great surprise that they quickly wilted under trialsome experiences, and often plagued the beloved Moses and Aaron for the “leeks, the melons, the onions, the garlic” which had been theirs in Egypt – (Numbers 11:5). Also, they readily forgot the precious promise of “the hornet before thee” when the ten spies brought back their evil report of Numbers 13. “There we saw the giants,” the spies had told them, “and we were .... as grass-hoppers ... in their sight,” This word “giant” is from the Hebrew “Nephilim,” the same word as found in Gen. 6:4, “There were giants (Nephilim – fallen ones) in the earth in those days.” With the horrifying tales of the great deluge that were handed down by “the fathers,” there had come the legend of the “giants” that existed before that flood – those virile creatures, half god and half man, that permeate all Greek and Latin mythology, described as demigods in the numerous accounts. Self-­evidently, the Jewish tradition was also impregnated with accounts of these “fiends from Hell” – creatures which they had never seen, but believed to be in existence in some hidden retreat. Thus, they were ready listeners when the ten spies reported to them that the Nephilim, the fallen ones, that race of super men, were the foes they must meet if they crossed Jordan into Canaan. ''And the people wept that night.... and murmured against Moses and against Aaron .... Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt.... let us return into Egypt”—Num., 14:1-4.

How easily is the fallen human heart and mind deceived and melted! Undoubtedly there were real giants in Canaan; Goliath of David's day 450 years later is proof sufficient of that. It is stated that Goliath was “six cubits and a span” (I Sam. 17:4), which would make him over nine feet tall, even using the shortest of the cubits (18”) in the calculation – a very formidable antagonist indeed in any hand-to-­hand combat. But Goliath, nor any of his kind, were of the Nephilim; God had attended to their annihilation in Noah's day. And David proved speedily enough that Goliaths in the camps of their enemies were creatures of frailty, vulnerable to the weapons, emotions, and senses, even as were the Jews themselves. Nor could any Goliath before nor since remain quietly in ambush behind rock or bush under the rousing sting of a hornet. It is said that the sting of six hornets has been suffi­cient to kill a horse, so we need no vivid imagination to evaluate the advantage that would be with the Jews as God would “send the hornet before them” – a promise which the Jews en masse so speedily disbelieved.

But, in addition to Moses and Aaron, who “fell on their faces,” Caleb and Joshua held faith in God's promise: “The land...is an exceeding good land...the Lord will give it to us.” But the people would not hear, preferring instead the forty years' wandering in the wilderness, at the end of which all males who had departed Egypt at twenty years and over were corpses in that wilderness – all except the two, Caleb and Joshua. Therefore, when God repeated his promise in Deut. 7:20 to “send the hornet” among the Jews' adversaries, Moses was talking to a new gener­ation – although it is clear enough from Joshua's farewell address that he had believed and had seen with his own eyes that “He is faithful that promised”; the Lord had indeed “sent the hornet before them.” (Josh. 24:12)

THE ANTITYPE

In considering this type, it should first of all be stressed that only the Hittites, the Canaanites and the Hivites are named in Ex. 23:28; whereas, at least a dozen nations are mentioned at various times – Amorites, Perrizites, Gir­gashites, Jebusites, Amalekites, Ammonites, Philistines, Maonites, Moabites – this list not including the Zidonians, whom the Jews never attempted to conquer, but usually held in friendly relationship. It will be noted, however, in E-12:516 that Brother Johnson lists only seven nations of Canaan whom Joshua conquered – the Canaanites (worldliness), Hittites (cowardice), Amorites (sinfulness), Perrizites (siftingism), Hivites (sectarianism), Girgashites (selfishness), and Jebusites (erroneousness). Brother Johnson also teaches that “the hornet” represented God's opposing and hurting power.

Why, we ask, are only three of the foregoing evils listed in Ex. 23:28? We be­lieve it is because those three sins have been most influential in retarding and de­stroying Christian character and progress all during the Gospel Age. These three – ­the antitypical Hittites (cowardice), Canaanites (Merchants – worldliness) and Hivites (sectarianism) – are the three evils St. Paul specifically opposes in 2 Tim. 1:7 – “God did not give to us a cowardly spirit (of the antitypical Hitites) but one of power, and of love, and of a sound mind”(Dia.).

The opposite of cowardice is courage, and the essence of courage is power (will power) and a strong heart. The quality of courage, when balanced by love and a sound mind, adorns a character as do diamonds and rubies the physical person. And God gives to all His faithful people the “spirit of power” – will power. “I can do all things through Christ, Who strengtheneth me,” says St. Paul; and his great will power is eloquent testimony to the truth of this statement. There was none of the antitypical Hitite (the cowardly spirit) in St. Paul. Courageous men of the world have some qualities and slogans that Christians may well emulate. One instructor, when training contestants for gruelling physical combat, always impressed upon them: “The other fellow is as tired as you are!” Thus, when the pace becomes so unbearably severe, and the body is crying for a respite, just remember your opponents feel exactly as weary as you do. Fear not them that are able to kill the body,” said Jesus; and St. Paul had ingrained these words into the very fibre of his heart and mind: “I shall not fear what man may do unto me,” for “the fear of man bringeth a snare.”

And the courageous will power of true Christians all during this Age is eloquent testimony that “God hath not given us the spirit of fear.” Even their worst enemies have often admired the courage of men physically frail, who “endured the cross, despising the shame,” even as Jesus Himself had done, St. Paul is an outstanding example – a small man of frail stature and with faulty eyesight, knowing that his head would soon be chopped off by the Roman ax, could write calmly to his beloved Timothy, “l am now ready to be offered.” And he makes only passing mention that “no man stood with me, but all men forsook me,” as he assured Timothy that the “Lord stood with me, and strengthened me,” Military leaders have been known to express openly the wish that they might have under their command just one company of men of such courage.

Secondly, the antitypical Canaanite (worldliness) is the very antithesis of (agape) love; and God has given His people this “hornet,” the spirit of love, to enable them to overcome worldliness. The two are exact opposites. “Love not the world (cosmos), nor the things in the world (cosmos). If any one love the world (cosmos), the love of the Father is not in him,” (I Jno. 2:15) The Canaanites were the lowlanders, the merchants who pursue vigorously the things of the world. “Where a man's treasure is, there will his heart be also”; consequently, one cannot be motivated by the spirit of (agape) love, and yet put his heart into “the things of this world” – this cosmos.

During this Age God's people have been called out of this world (antitypical Egypt) just as certainly as the Jews were taken from literal Egypt; and the lure to return to old habits is perhaps even more prevalent now than it was then. And a “Great Multitude” (Rev. 7:9) has returned at least partially to old haunts, old habits, old social conditions; while some have returned fully, and the earth (the present social order) has swallowed them up – just as it did with Korah (Num. 16). Thus, uncounted numbers have sold their birthright for “one morsel of meat” (Heb. 12:16), while the Fully Faithful have “overcome the world” – just as did their Captain.

Thirdly, the antitypical Hivite (sectarianism) is the extreme opposite of “the spirit of a sound mind.” Note Brother Johnson's description in E-4:291 (47): –

“Sectarianism is a great sin; for it does not act from devotion to the Truth, the Truth arrangements and the Spirit of the Truth (which virtues are the Gospel-Age “inheritance of the land”—JJH), but from devotion to partisanship. The Truth, its arrangements and its spirit are by it neglected or antagonized whenever this is in the interest of the sect. Their actual, though not verbal motto is: My party, I stand for it, right or wrong.”

And, further in E-4:299 – “The works of sectarianism are wrath, strife, envy, prejudice, partiality, enmity, persecution and mis­repre­sentation of the faithful, approval of certain evils and disapproval of certain good things of the Truth and its arrangements.” Certainly, we can find none of “the spirit of a sound mind” in these reprehensible evils.

Sectarians in large measure use the weapons of Goliath, and they have received from the faithful the identical answer given to him by David: “Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts.” (1 Sam. 17:45) Note the close similarity in these words to those used by Jesus in answering Satan's temptation for Him to “love the world”: “It is written”—Matt. 4:10. But the Measurably Faithful fail in this respect, choosing rather the methods of this world to accomplish their aims – “Azazel deceives them into believing they will accomplish great works, win great numbers, gain great favor. The upshot of it all, however, is great disappointments, troubles, losses, frustrations and failures, as is shown of them in Psa. 107:12” (E-15:525) – just as R. G. Jolly even now, disregarding these warnings of the Priests, makes great uproar about helping the poor heathen in Africa, all the while he actually lost 7.4% of his subscribers to the Present Truth in 1963. We wonder if he is telling the people in Africa about his “great works” in America – in like manner as he is telling his trusting adherents in America about his “great works” in Africa! This “sleight-of-hand” is common usage with the “worldly” of our time.

The sectarian spirit is one of the evidences of Great Company uncleanness – ­a clear proof that they have not extirpated the antitypical Hivite from their characters. The fully faithful gain complete victory over the Hittite (cowardice), over the Canaanite (worldliness), and over the Hivite (sectarianism); the fully un­faithful make full compromise with these evils, and thus, shipwreck of their future; the Great Company make partial “covenant with them, and with their gods” (Ex. 23:32) –­ which is the direct cause of them losing their crowns. The fully faithful, who wage successful warfare against these evils, gain the Truth and the Spirit of the Truth as their unchangeable possession – a goodly prize indeed for fighting “the good fight” – ­“more than conquerors.” “Therefore, brethren, more earnestly endeavor to do these things, for thus richly will be furnished to you the entrance into the aionian Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”

We may also offer a secondary application to “the hornet,” as the sharp stinging truths in the Bible. Who of us has not had the experience of quoting a pertinent annihilative text to some gainsayer; then see him jump from his chair as though stung by a hornet! A good instance of this is to be found in Acts 21:28: 'Men of Israel, help!” Those Jews had been “stung” by St. Paul's teachings to the point of willing to murder him. But Paul here again gave testimony that he had eliminated the anti­typical Hittite (cowardice) from his character, as he calmly asked the Roman commander: “I entreat thee, permit me to speak to the people.” How many would have been only too glad to “call it a day” after being rescued from a shrieking murder-bent mob; but St. Paul, “good soldier” that he was, gave again eloquent witness that “God did not give to us a cowardly spirit.” And may his example be a strong stimulus to all who strive to “inherit the land” – the Truth, and the Spirit of the Truth.

EPHRAIM TO THE BATTLE

This treatise would be hardly complete were we to omit some comment on Judges 7:24-25, where we are informed “the men of Ephraim.... took the two princes of the Midianites, Oreb and Zeeb .... and brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon on the other side of Jordan.” (See E-5:226-229) Oreb (raven) represents Sectarianism – ­just as does “the Hivite” in Ex. 23:28 – and Zeeb types Clericalism; and those two prince errors are the same as typed by the two golden calves which Jeroboam constructed, one in Bethel and the other in Dan – (see 1 Kings 12:26-30). And the victory over these princes is designated specifically as going to “the men of Ephraim” (typical of the Youthful Worthies in this Epiphany period), with no mention whatever made of the Great Company. This, Brother Johnson explains, is because

“The Lord counts as overcomers.... only those who first in their own characters overcome the disposition underlying such doctrines and practices.... just as only the 144,000 are counted victors over the Beast and his Image, tho, as we know, the Truth section of the Great Company opposed the Beast and his Image, but... are not more than overcomers .... however much they verbally preach and zealously work against them .... On the other hand, from the type we infer that the Youthful Worthies overcome in their own characters the spirit of Sectarianism and Clericalism... This consideration should arouse the Great Company to cleanse themselves” – (E-5:229)

It is well to stress here that sectarianism is of Satanic origin – a product of Azazel. And, as Brother Johnson has so clearly taught, the Great Company serve Azazel with the bad part of their minds (the 'fleshly mind' that must be destroyed if they are to be saved in the Day of the Lord Jesus), as they also serve God with the good part of their minds. That is why James refers to them as “doubleminded.” Thus, pro­moting and developing sectarianism with the bad part of their minds, they have built up the various sects in Big and Little Babylon, instead of fighting this evil as the Saints and fully faithful Youthful Worthies have done unto complete victory in their own characters. And, while individual Great Company members may suppress this evil in themselves, the vast majority will cling tenaciously to their various sects until the Lord Himself separates them from those sects by extreme scourging in Armageddon through the destruction of their sects. But, for the present, we are safe in conclud­ing that any Great Company or Youthful Worthies who manifest the sectarian spirit are actually serving Azazel, regardless of the denials they may put forth to the contrary. That is why the Great Company are not mentioned as victors in the battle against Oreb and Zeeb; theirs is not a “more than conquerors” victory, because their cleansing from this great sin is forced upon them when “their hearts are brought down with labor.” (Psa. 107:12)

We should ever keep in mind that it was the Little Flock's faithfulness in antitypical Gideon's First Battle that emphatically attested they were of the “very elect.” And we conclude from this that it will be the faithfulness of the Youthful Worthies in the battle against antitypical Oreb and Zeeb that will eventu­ally determine them “worthy” to occupy places of rulership in the Kingdom with the ''worthies': of the ages preceding this Gospel Age. Inasmuch as the Great Company do not make full conquest of these sins within themselves, they cannot serve as examples to those Youthfuls who accept their leadership. It is rather the example of the Fully Faithful that has been their help and instructor thus far – and will continue to be so to the consummation of the Epiphany. It is quite probable that those who fail in this conquest will find themselves either back in the world or among the quasi-elect in the Kingdom, and not among the fully faithful Worthies – although some of them have been the loudest professors, just as was true of the Great Company vs. the Little Flock. This should certainly cause each one to “examine himself” to determine whether he is performing “in sincerity and in Truth” his part in this “good fight” against antitypical Oreb and Zeeb, or whether he be ''wallowing'' in the mire of the great sin of depraved Sectarianism.

We believe, tho, that a warning is here appropriate, lest any come to speedy judgment toward those now enmeshed in these evils. We are told in Ex. 23:29, “I will not drive them out (the Hittite, Canaanite and Hivite) from before thee in one year: lest the land become desolate and the beast of the field multiply against thee.” This is just another way of saying what Brother Russell said about grand characters –­ they do not spring up mushroom-like overnight, but are fine-grained and strong like the olive tree – the result of years of determination in fighting “the good fight.” Thus, the Lord allows each one time sufficient for his needs to “inherit the land” (the sphere of the Truth and its spirit); and it is only the “Lord who looketh on the heart” that can give equitable evaluation to each one. It should be sufficient for each one that he determine for himself that he is conquering the Hittite (cowar­dice), the Canaanite (worldliness), and Hivite (sectarianism) from his own character and giving that assistance to others of his brethren who are “of the Truth.”

And to all who fully conquer the antitypical Hittite, Canaanite and Hivite, eliminating them from their characters, to such the promise is sure: “He who follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12 – ­Dia.) And further, in John 12:35, “He who walks in darkness knows not where he is going”; and this is the specific penalty meted out to the Measurably Faithful in Matt. 25:30: “Thrust the unprofitable servant (The Great Company – See Berean Comment) into outer darkness” – into error – error of doctrine, such as Campers Consecrated, and error of practice, such as publishing a million Do-You-Knows prematurely, etc. The Manna Comment for March 26 pointedly defines the “darkness” of 1 Thes. 5:5 as ERROR – but “We (all who purify their characters from the three evils herein discussed) are not of darkness”; even as we are also clearly taught in Psa. 107:10 that the Great Company who fail in this respect are “such as sit in darkness.”

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the spirit saith unto the Churches” (Rev. 3:29) – by the “voice behind thee” (Isa. 30:21), the “voice” for our time being the faithful and true teachings (based upon the Old and New Testaments) of That Wise Servant and other faithful pilgrims of this Harvest time. Thus, we urge all to con­tinue in this “good fight,” – “abounding in the work of the Lord at all times, know­ing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord,” (1 Cor. 15:58—Dia.)

Sincerely your brother,

John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

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QUESTION OF GENERAL INTEREST

QUESTION: – Is JWK “in harmony with the Harvest Truth” when he teaches the Worthies share with the GC in the sin-atonement for the world's willful sins?

ANSWER: – J. W. Krewson is not only wrong in this matter, but he is in complete “dis” harmony with the Harvest Truth.

Here is what he says on p. 51 of his May-June No. 56: “Second, with the gradual unfolding and elaboration of the Harvest Truth, there has come the comforting understanding that the suffering of the elect classes relative to their humanity, bear a relationship to sin-atonement. With the Little Flock this was as part of the sin-­offering and concerning the three Levitical Classes, pertains to atoning for the World's willful sins.”

Then, on p. 68, par. 1 he states: “It (his present teachings—JJH) is the current Harvest Truth....in harmony with Parousia-Epiphany teachings.” In making such a claim, he – with his “cousin” R. G. Jolly – walks the identical path of That Evil Servant, who loudly and repeatedly made similar claim, all the while he was murdering one real Harvest Truth after another in setting aside the “meat in due season” given by That Faithful Servant.

Note now Bro. Johnson's clear presentation on this question: “The Great Company sufferings in relation to sin-atonement are for the willful sins of the world in sin-atonement and thus differ from those of the Church; and they differ from those of the Ancient and Youthful Worthies, which Worthies do not suffer at all for sin-atonement, which again makes the Great Company sufferings differ from those of these three classes.” (JWK contradicts this teaching by the Epiphany Messenger, as he sets aside the real Harvest Truth and substitutes his 'current' Harvest Error—JJH) See E-12:275

The Great Company's sufferings differ also from those of the other three elect classes because their suffering is for their own partially willful sins – the sins that caused them to lose their crowns. Such stripes become very acute during their abandon­ment – when they are fully abandoned to Azazel – which reforms the reformable among them. (See E-15:526) Neither the Little Flock nor the Worthies share in the Great Company’s wilderness experience, because these fully-faithful classes never receive fit-man buf­feting experienced by the Great Company.

When the “cousins” proclaim that their various perversions are in reality just “unfolding and elaboration of the Harvest Truth,” they are simply resorting to the same kind of brazen falsehood as did That Evil Servant. Their “unfolding and elabor­ation” is really vitiation and conglomeration – a rejection of one basic Harvest Truth after another; they both claim “HARMONY” with the Laodicean Stars, all the while they are actually giving them the “Judas kiss” – at the same time yelling “sifter,” “false teacher,” etc., at us for “contending for the Faith once delivered unto the Saints (Star Members)” on:

(1) The Abandonment Process of the Great Company. Both “cousins” pervert this teaching as set out in E-15:525; E-4:210 and many other places.

(2) The Epiphany period and Time of Trouble being one and the same. Both “cousins” pervert this teaching.

(3) The condition of the Epiphany Camp in the finished picture (of the Epiphany period), on which both “cousins” have new and different views from the two Star Members, displacing what they taught with their own vagaries.

(4) Both “cousins” have produced a “new” (false) doctrine in their Epiphany Campers Consecrated and quasi-elect consecrated – just as JFR produced his brand of “dedicated” Restitutionists – such “strange fire” perverting in varying degree the doctrine of election and free grace,

(5) Both “cousins” have produced forced parallels to fit their varying needs.

(6) Both “cousins” have declared that the last Saint was glorified in 1950 – long before Armageddon – in defiance of what both Messengers taught thereon.

(7) Now JWK comes up with another doctrinal perversion on the sin-atonement; and we wonder if “Cousin” Jolly will join hands with “Cousin” Krewson in this latest brainchild – this new “unfolding and elaboration” of the sin-atonement – thus, following his Teacher once more as he did on Campers Consecrated, Bro. Russell's Epiphany Paral­lels, John's Beheading, etc., to be later left with the humiliating task of defending and “contending” for the faith (ERROR)” delivered unto him by his once beloved “cousin” J. W. Krewson.

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THE JULY-AUGUST PRESENT TRUTH

Since writing the foregoing answer, R. G. Jolly's “current Present Truth” has come to hand, in which he uses the identical technique of “Cousin” Krewson – stating one thing, then offering a direct contradiction to his error from the Star Members' writings. Note specifically p. 55 (12), where he states that Jesus as God's Execu­tive has been building the Epiphany Camp since 1954. Then he has the brazen effrontery to offer as his “proof” E-11:473! We suggest our readers give close note to this, be­cause Brother Johnson offers a direct contradiction here to R. G. Jolly (RGJ self-evidently relying upon his adherents to take his word for the citation, without bother­ing to read it), the same as Brother Johnson offers for the errors of J. W. Krewson:

“Jesus' work as Executive.... will cease with the faith-justified (those remanded to the Camp in the “finished picture” – which includes some of R. G. Jolly's Con­secrated Campers—JJH) when their faith-justification lapses (when they are ejected from the Court into the Camp as Restitutionists, for Millennial purposes, when the Kingdom proper is set up at the beginning of the Mediatorial reign—JJH) which seemingly will occur in every case by Oct, 1954, according to Rev. 22:11.” – E-11-473 (In this same paragraph Brother Johnson tells us that He will continue as Executive with the Little Flock, Great Company and Youthful Worthies – in contrast to those ejected from the Court wherein such Executiveship ceases—JJH)

Also, when Brother Johnson said in E-10:114 “no more consecrations for Gospel-Age purposes after 1954,” he also said NO MORE TENTATIVE JUSTIFICATION when Rev. 22:10,11 would operate. And in another instance Brother Johnson has said, “Tentative Justifica­tion ceases to operate when the Gospel Age ceases.” Therefore, if “Gospel-Age pur­poses” have been accomplished, why is R. G. Jolly still teaching Tentative Justifica­tion? Our answer: Because he is forced to do so in support of his “strange fire” of Epiphany Campers Consecrated. Even “Cousin” Krewson was a little too crafty to stumble into this blunder with his quasi-elect consecrated, as he allowed “cousin” Jolly to set out his various errors and noted our refutations (although his brand of “strange fire” is different in name only from R. G. Jolly's “strange fire” of Epiphany Campers Consecrated. Both brands present only a new twist of the same quality as J. F. Rutherford's Jonadabs).

Once more we stress the fact that Tentative Justification is a faith justifica­tion for a faith Age only (the Gospel Age and its last special period – the Epiphany). Rom. 5:1 is directly to the point: “Being justified by faith.” It is this justifi­cation by faith that gives “peace with God” – introduces “into this favor in which we stand” (v. 2, Dia.) – places such persons in position to “present” themselves in har­mony with Rom. 12:1, doing which then gives them the “peace of God which passeth understanding” so long as they abide in His Word and Spirit. When Brother Johnson offered his interpretation of Rev. 22:10,11 in E-10:114, he had all this clearly in mind; and it was this clear logic that caused him to conclude that there could not possibly be any more tentative (faith) justification once Gospel (faith) Age purposes had been accomplished. As he himself stated: “It would be useless” when the time arrives for Rev. 22:10,11 to apply. Thus, we are forced to accept one of the two choices: Either Rev. 22:10,11 did not reach fulfillment in 1954, or Tentative Justi­fication is no longer operative for new believers.

It will be noted R. G. Jolly offers Questions for his readers to “study” his errors; and we suggest to any of our readers who may converse with Present Truth readers, that they call their attention to Brother Johnson's Questions on p. 545 of E-11, last Question at bottom of page, and two at top of p. 546. Then ask them if they can reconcile R. G. Jolly's teachings with Brother Johnson's teachings. And all the while R. G. Jolly is loudly proclaiming his “harmony with Parousia-Epiphany teach­ings” – just as does “Cousin” Krewson; but offering direct contradiction in the same article (a technique that That Evil Servant found most effective with his 'sleepy' adherents, a technique these “cousins” don't have any qualms about using to further their particular brand of leadership). It seems unbelievable that their readers can be so sleepy and obtuse that they merely “close their eyes, open their mouths, and swallow” the contradictions and gross errors that are thus fed to them. ''How readest thou?”

On various occasions we have directed attention to Brother Johnson's intention in 1950 to make Vol. 16 contain his analysis of Genesis-Leviticus-Deuteronomy; and that R. G. Jolly had been publishing Brother Johnson's Genesis interpretations, but injecting his own errors into the Star Member's teachings. It seems he is now con­tinuing his evil practice with Leviticus; and we once more offer 2 Chr. 26:16-21, wherein is given us the type of King Uzziah, who became leprous for meddling in priestly matters – for which he became “a leper unto the day of his death.... cut off from the House of the Lord.” This clear type is a warning to all to refrain from approaching things in the “temple of the Lord” which are forbidden to them.

R. G. Jolly's impudent boldness in ignoring this warning is proof positive that he is still uncleansed – is still stricken with Great Company “leprosy” (See E-4:257, 258). And, if he continues therein, he, too, will remain “a leper unto the day of his death” – that death from which there is no return. And all who clearly discern his present condition should “haste to go out from him” – as did the Priests in the case of the typical leprous King Uzziah. Be it noted that with Uzziah “the leprosy rose up in his forehead” – a clear declaration of unclean teachings (in the intellect) of his antitypes; and is a solemn warning to avoid all teachers who offer “strange fire” (false doctrine, such as Campers Consecrated, with its attendant perversion of Tenta­tive Justification). ''He that hath an ear to hear, let him hear.”

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Brother Hoefle: Greetings in the Master's Name!

On behalf of our Ecclesia, I wish to express our gratitude and appreciation of your recent visit to us, and for so ably conducting the funeral ser­vice of our dear Brother Roach. It was a great comfort to us to have you and Sister Hoefle in our midst at the time of our bereavement. Your admonition and encourage­ment helped us much.

We are endeavoring to be steadfast and unmovable and will always apply to you for help when we need it, as you promised. We need your prayers. God bless you and our dear Sister Hoefle, Please give our love to the friends there.

  Sincerely your sister ------- (Secretary) – (TRINIDAD)

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

Dear Sir:

Exceedingly sorry in waiting so long in answering your kind letter.... Your literature I found in a bus in Beverly Hills – perhaps left there with a Purpose. Glad I found it, Sir. A wonderful stream of knowledge, blended with true statements reveal to me that you have a keen insight of Biblical explana­tion – a flair of interest in writing and clear adaptation of Life's richest Book. The Bible is ever new – but must be understood literally and esoteric – all in there pertain to each and all of us regardless of age. The ontology and cosmology taught through its content is Heavenly Blessed! We all are walking the Road to Damascus like Paul; some day we shall see that Light according to our unfoldment and spiri­tual Revelation. Your literature is deeply interesting – forceful, revealing and awakening. In forgetting one's self, your thoughts, creative and sincere, will meet the Reader. I must read your Lessons again to obtain further benefit thereof, please –

Would you please explain your interpretation of the following Phrases of the Bible: The Immaculate Conception; Jesus the Son of God – His death. Could the Son of God really die? Remember, He came through in the sepulcher, since he said to the woman, Please do not touch Me, I am not yet .... (He was still in the ethereal Body?).

Trust I have not taken too much of your valuable time in bringing you these questions. Thank you so very much! Sincerely yours ------- (CALIFORNIA)

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ANNOUNCEMENT OF GENERAL INTEREST

Our Special Effort in antitypical Gideon's Second Battle will begin Sunday, Oct. 18 and end Sunday, Nov. 15, which will include four weeks and five Sundays. Any who wish to continue in this “good fight” with us are invited to order the pertinent literature early. Our Nos. 1, 2 and 3 may be used in serving at Church doors, and individually; and our No. 5 may be used as follow-up toward individuals who manifest further interest. All free – and postage prepaid, of course.

The Epiphany Messenger began this public effort in 1920 (See E-5:237, top), and continued these Special Efforts until his passing in October 1950. He told us that the fully faithful would pursue these two King Errors – Zebah (Eternal Torment) and Zalmunna (Consciousness of the Dead) – unto the completion of the Battle; and it was with this in mind that we produced the pertinent literature. Since Brother Johnson's demise there has been no Special Effort designated by the Laymen's Home Missionary Movement (the Movement the Epiphany Messenger founded), which further prompted us to renew the Epiphany Arrangements. The Epiphany Messenger designated a special period in the Fall to honor the Memory of That Faithful and Wise Servant; and since Brother Johnson also finished his course in October, we now honor him by continuing in the Truth and its Arrangements for the Epiphany period. We also honor the Epiphany Messenger by continuing to attack the errors of Little Babylon; and we have produced the Three Babylons tract for that “good fight,” The battle is not yet over, and we exhort our faithful brethren to continue therein in loving zeal “unto its completion.” It is our privilege to honor those whom God has honored; and we invite all who are of like mind to join with us in the prayer, “God bless their memory.” (1 Tim. 5:17)

NO. 110: THE FULLY FAITHFUL VS. THE MEASURABLY FAITHFUL

No. 110

My dear Brethren: Grace and peace through our Beloved Master!

Both Brother Russell and Brother Johnson offered voluminous comment on the two classes presented in our heading, in much of which they included also the other two elective classes – the Ancient and Youthful Worthies; but we shall confine ourselves in this treatise on the Fully Faithful and the Measurably Faithful of the New Creation, with the reservation that our comments would also apply in principle to the fully faith­ful and measurably faithful Worthies. With the New Creation there is set forth in the Scriptures a very clearly defined dividing line between the Saints and the crown-losers, which is not treated at all in considering the Worthies; thus, we cannot with certain­ty declare that there is a measurably faithful class among them that will gain an elec­tive salvation. But there is no such doubt respecting the measurably faithful of the New Creation, as they are shown in numerous types and designated by such names as “sinners” (Jas. 5:20), as “subject to bondage” (Heb. 2:15), as “prisoners in the dun­geon” (Ex. 12:29), “such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death” (Psa. 107:10), etc.; but those of them who eventually gain spiritual life are properly now included in “the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven.” (Heb. 12:23)

The fully faithful of this New Creation are also described in the Scriptures as “obedient children” ( 1 Pet. 1:14), with the measurably unfaithful characterized as children who walk in forbidden paths – while in the typology of Lev. 16:8 they are designated respectively as “one goat for the Lord, and the other for Azazel.” (See margin) This secondary class is thus styled because they have expended much energy as the principal human performers for Azazel (the Devil) in building up the great systems of error that have arisen during the Gospel Age; but it is well that we keep in mind that they have also accomplished much good, the same being eloquently typed in the offerings of the princes of Israel as outlined In Numbers 7. Those princes type the leaders of this secondary class in their good works; whereas, King Saul of Israel types those same leaders from about 200 AD. up to Armageddon in many of their Azazelian deeds. In this latter type Saul portrays the measurably faithful leaders in contrast to the Prophet Samuel, who typed the fully faithful of this Gos­pel Age, especially their leaders. Those two classes are also pictured in a more limited way by the herdmen of Abraham (type of the fully faithful) and the herdmen of Lot (type of the measurably faithful. (Gen. 13:5-13)

THE WISDOM OF GOD – THE WISDOM OF THIS WORLD

In the type last mentioned above, “Lot beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere.... like the land of Egypt.... Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan; and Lot journeyed east.... and pitched his tent toward Sodom. But the men of Sodom were wicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly.... And Lot sat in the gate of Sodom.” (Gen. 13:10-13; 19:1) In this choice Lot gives clear por­trayal of those measurably faithful leaders who have built up Great Babylon during this Gospel Age. The “well-watered” plains of Jordan offered ease and plenty, and these inducements caused him to ignore completely the kind of people who would be his companions. “And Lot journeyed east.” In this he pictured the builders of Babylon accepting the wisdom of this world in preference to the wisdom of the Lord-­“ Come and learn of me, for I am meek and lowly of heart.” In 1 Kgs. 4:30 it is stated that “Solomon’s wisdom exceeded the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt” – thus, telling us that the Epiphany Solomon would be wiser than the children of this world. And those of us who knew him well give ready witness that Brother Johnson had a clearer understanding of present world affairs than any other human being.

‘‘And Lot sat in the gate of Sodom.” The gate entrance into the city would be the place of chief prominence; and who will not agree that those who built Great Babylon have “loved the praise of men more than the praise of God”? Lot’s choice of Sodom eventually caused him to lose all he had and all he acquired in that locality – just as those here in the end of this Age will also lose all “the fine linen, and purple, and scarlet, and gold and precious stones, and pearls” (Rev. 13:16) they have accumulated by the use of worldly wisdom. Thus, all during this Gospel Age (after the Apostles died) antitypical Lot (the crown-losers, and especially their leaders, such as Augustine, John Calvin, etc.) has occupied the place of chief promi­nence – in the eyes of the world, that is – and sat in the gate “of the great city, which is called, spiritually, Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified.” (Rev. 11:3)

SAMUEL AND SAUL

In 1 Sam. 10:1 we are told that “Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon Saul’s head.... because the Lord hath appointed thee to be captain over His inheritances” Here was strange procedure indeed – Samuel, the greater, anointing Saul, the lesser, to be leader over God’s faithful Israel, even while Samuel, the Judge and Prophet dwelt among them. This can only be explained by understanding that God there made a type of the Gospel Age, which would reveal the course of events after the Apostles passed away, ‘Saul was a choice young man, and goodly.... not among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than all the people.” (1 Sam. 9:2) In this he portrayed the gifted men of this Age, many of whom were much more accomplished than the Star Members who had “laid hands upon them.” The writings that some of these crown-losers have left are still more highly esteemed than are the writings of the Star Members themselves. As example, Elder White of the Adventists, who is much more prominently mentioned among them than is their founder William Miller. And in our own time J. F. Rutherford is regarded much more highly by the Jehovah’s Witnesses than Brother Russell, the latter’s books not even being read any more in that sect; although JFR’s errors are still prevalent there, clearly manifesting to the enlightened fully faithful that their adherents are more willing to “walk in the counsel of the ungodly” in blind sectarian devotion rather than look into their background and “search the Scriptures.” Antitypical Lot has indeed “sat in the gate of Sodom.”

In all of this there is strong confirmation of the Truth that “Man looketh on the outward appearance.” Even of our Lord Himself it is written, “When we beheld Him, there was no beauty that we should desire Him”; thus, the High Priest, the Scribes and the Pharisees were embraced by the large majority of Israel. And in thus doing, “Israel hath lost that which he seeketh.” Nor will there be any cessa­tion of this procedure until this Age has fully ended; the measurably faithful will continue to barter future reward for present advantage (until Armageddon has freed them from their bonds). And, with such forceful types to guide us, we should “think it not strange,” as we see this enactment continuing before us. Let us remember that at the outset King Saul was a very meek and humble man; but his is an outstanding proof that few people can stand great prosperity. It was not long until he was ignor­ing Samuel, whom all Israel knew to be the prophet and Lord’s mouthpiece in Israel at the time, which subsequently led to his complete undoing. He is one of the outstanding examples in all history of a man who came from nothing (“he hath hid himself among the stuff” – l Sam. 10:22) – rose to the place of chief prominence among his people, then retrograded to nothing; his end being much more humiliating than his humble beginning.

“THOU HAST DONE FOOLISHLY”

From the very outset almost all Israel gave Saul full embrace – “All the people shouted, and said God save the king.” (1 Sam. 10:24) In this our pity and sympathetic understanding surely go out to King Saul. He had been just a humble herdman from the smallest Tribe in Israel, and one of the least prominent families in that Tribe of Benjamin, and a young man of no experience at all in such a matter. Such great exaltation could hardly be expected to do other than magnify his own importance in his own mind (if he didn’t have a complete pure and honest heart and kept it). Thus, the admonition is given in 1 Tim. 5:22, “Lay hands hastily on no one” – don’t be in a hurry to place novices in the eldership, or give prominence to those unable to bear such promotion.

Therefore, it was not long before Saul decided to run ahead of the Lord, the record of which is given in 1 Sam. 13:8-16. When Samuel was not immediately avail­able, Saul decided he himself would “offer the burnt offering,” which he knew full well was not his office to perform; and, true to such characters, he immediately made lame excuse when confronted by Samuel. To this he received the swift rebuke from Samuel, “Thou hast done foolishly: thou hast not kept the commandment of the Lord thy God.” There is in this statement a very familiar ring: The parable in Matt. 25:1-13 discusses the virgins, some of whom were “foolish,” the same being the crown-losers, the leaders of whom Saul typed as he also did “foolishly.” The record reveals how Saul went from folly to worse folly, until Samuel informed him he should expect no more help or consolation from him. But, even then, in desperation Saul pleaded with Samuel that he should “honor me now before the elders of my people, and before Israel” (I Sam. 15:30) – that he might still have “the praise of men” – that he might to the very last continue to “sit in the gate of Sodom.”

Few indeed during this Gospel Age have fully learned that “To obey is better than sacrifice”; thus, “straight is the gate, and narrow is the way that leadeth unto life; and few there be that find it” – the “crown of life” coming only to those few who realized that obedience with sacrifice is the ideal during the faith Age. But the Measurably Faithful all during the Age have learned this lesson only after they had their experience at the hands of Azazel – by fit-man experiences, the same being unfavorable circumstances and persecuting persons. They have been not only “foolish” in their headiness, but also “foolish” in their various endeavors. Therefore, Brother Johnson could truthfully say of them, “Bungling is the usual and natural activity of the Great Company.” Perhaps all in the LHMM accepted this conclusion wholeheartedly during Brother Johnson’s life – so long as they were able to apply it to other groups – ­much the same as the average person is ready enough to quote Scripture at the man across the street, all the while the same applies pointedly to him.

But for those in the LHMM now to apply the same rule to the Great Company in their own midst becomes quite taboo – such critics are chronic fault-finders, “sifters,” and the like. When Brother Johnson made sharp criticism of J. F. Rutherford the first half of 1917, the latter once said to him, ‘‘About all you’ve been able to do since you returned from England is to say, I object.” And R. G. Jolly made much the same criticism of us about 1954 – ‘Of late you seem to find fault with about everything I do.” However, we repeat once more that our faulting him gives us not one whit of pleasure; it is rather “of necessity that it is laid upon me” that we write much of that we do write. All well-disposed people find much more pleasure in honest compli­ment for others than they do in complaint against them. During Brother Russell’s life Brother Johnson was known throughout the Harvest movement as that “loving Pilgrim” (Medad means ‘loving’); and we believe he was fully honest when he stated it gave him only sadness and heaviness of heart to offer such sharp criticism of brethren with whom he formerly “took sweet counsel together.... walked into the house of God in Company” (Psa. 55:14). This is presently our own position; we were immeasurably more light­hearted before Brother Johnson’s death than we have been since that time.

However, we shall continue to protest at every violation of those ‘landmarks’ set for us by the last two Principal Men, because the Scriptures pointedly state of both of them that they were “wise”; and we are admonished to “count them worthy of double honor.... who labor in word and doctrine” (I Tim. 5:17) – we should be much alert not to be overcome by those who “rebel against the words of God and contemn the counsel of the Most High” (Psa; 107:11). In 1950 Brother Johnson made this observa­tion: “The worldly are so soundly asleep that it will require the terrific crashing of present institutions and the earthquake shakings of social revolution of the Epiphany period thoroughly to awaken them to a realization of the presence of the great Judge, Immanuel.” And on pages 129-130 of Volume 4 he also tells us, “During the Gospel Age very many Biblical things – the things of the spirit – were concealed from all but new creatures.” And we believe most of our readers will heartily agree that all intricate Biblical subjects even yet – fourteen years after his death – are concealed from all but the truly awakened and informed. Therefore, we feel fully justified in saying of R. G. Jolly, “THOU hast done foolishly” when he immediately determined to print and distribute a million “Do-You-Know” tracts. The very large majority of people here in the United States know nothing whatever about the contrast between the Song of Moses and the Song of the Lamb (nor of our Lord’s Second Presence); therefore, how could they possibly comprehend that the last Saint had left the earth, even if it were true – when they do not even know the difference between the High Calling and Restitution? And much the same may be said for some of his other efforts, so that the query is pointedly applicable to him, “Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words with­out knowledge ?” (Job. 38:2)

THE GREAT COMPANY’S JUDGMENT DAY

It is clearly stated in 2 Tim. 4:1 that “the Lord is about to judge the quick by his appearing” – His Epiphaneia (the Epiphany period) – just as the Man of Sin is also to be annihilated by the Epiphaneia of His Parousia (2 Thes. 2:48); and that during this period the Lord ‘‘will send them an energy of delusion to their believing the false­hood.” (v. 11) – Therefore, it could also truthfully be said about us, “Thou hast done foolishly,” if we should not very much concern ourselves with the teachings and efforts of the “foolish” Class in this their special JUDGMENT DAY, lest we also fall into “their path of error.” (Jas. 5:20, Dia.) These Great Company members are the “quick” of 2 Tim. 4:1, that Class now that “sit in darkness, and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron” (Psa. 107:10); and every teacher of Truth should realize a twofold heavy duty upon himself: First, to warn others “not to come into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honor, be not thou united” (Gen. 49:6); Second, to warn those now “in the shadow of death” of their precarious position, lest we be found remiss in our obligations toward them.

THAT SERVANT’S CORROBORATION

Brother Russell offers “wise” comment about this same class: – “The diffi­culty was Saul’s failure to respect the Divine arrangement (R. G. Jolly’s first revolution­ism was against the Divine arrangement in 1938 – JJH), his presumption in undertaking to do what had not been committed to his care, but was under the charge of another. (In 1938 RGJ also busied himself in matters under the charge of another – JJH). The Lord’s cause was not hindered (in 1938 Bro. Johnson had a very firm grip on the situ­ation – JJH); but King Saul’s own prosperity was interfered with by his neglect of the Divine Arrangement. (RGJ’s spiritual prosperity was temporarily devastated in 1938 by loss of his eldership in the Philadelphia Church, by his suspension from the Pilgrim service, by his humiliation before the General Church – many of whom held him up to ridicule – although this was not the charitable thing to do – JJH).

“If for the moment we think of Saul as representing those who have been favored of God, and called to joint-heirship with Jesus, we may see in his early victories a picture of our good beginning, when we trusted God implicitly, waited patiently and trustfully for Him to guide in all of our affairs. As Saul should have made progress and become stronger in his faith and patience and obedience, so should our earliest experiences bring to us implicit obedience. But as this was not the case with Saul, so it is not the case with many of those who have been anointed for joint-heirship with the Lord in His kingdom. Instead of their growing more dependent upon the Lord, they become less particular to know and to do His will. They still reverence the Lord; but they are not sufficiently careful to note just what He would have them to do. Sometimes they undertake to do the work of others (such as RGJ has done in bringing forth his new doctrine of Campers Consecrated, new doctrines being the exclusive privilege of the Star Members – JJH), thus becoming ‘busybodies in other merits matters: as King Saul busybodied and sinned in attempting to do the work that belonged to the prophet. Here then is our lesson, ‘obedience is better than sacri­fice’ in God’s sight. He will neither approve or reward carelessness on our part in this matter. On the contrary, inattention to His direct will (such as offering “strange fire” – JJH) would mark us as proportionately unfit for His direct service. So the Apostle exhorts, ‘Let us walk circumspectly,” carefully, scrutinizingly – ­Eph. 5:15.

“Saul’s difficulties were (1) A selfish spirit... the fleshly viewpoint (as displayed in the ‘fleshly minds’ of the Great Company – JJH); (2) A man-fearing spirit... Saul feared the people... the fear that bringeth a snare; (3) Too slack an appreciation of the Lord’s word; and this is the difficulty which specially besets nearly every one of the Lord’s followers who stray away into error of doctrine (such as Campers Consecrated, Faith justification in a faith Age for Restitutionists... who will reach perfection under a works dispensation, etc.JJH).... The Scriptures clearly indicate a great trial and testing for the Church. It will determine with very many what Saul’s testing determined for him. To the faithful the Lord says, “Fear not, Little Flock; it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom. ‘The others will be answered, as was Saul, “Obedience is better than sacrifice; .thou art rejected.’”

Then Brother Russell continues in Reprints 5427, col. 2: “Undoubtedly, the principle remains always true that there are but two great captains in the warfare between sin and righteousness; namely, Christ and Satan. It remains true also that whoever is fighting for the one is fighting against the other. It is for us to make sure, first of all, that we are on the Lord’s side. (During the great con­flict of 1861-65, one General remarked to President Lincoln: Let’s hope the Lord is on our side. Answered the President: Let’s hope rather we are on the Lord’s side – JJH). There is still a further step – to make sure that we are fighting as our Captain would wish us to fight... ‘This is the will of God (concerning you), even your sanctification.’ Thus our personal salvation comes first, in God’s order. What is the next step? The answer comes, ‘Feed my sheep; feed my lambs.’ (This is the answer we gave RGJ in 1951 when he was deciding to reverse the Lord’s arrangement established by the Epiphany Messenger, to have six Present Truths each year and twelve Bible Standards, instead of twelve Present Truths and six Heralds, as Brother Johnson had done – JJH) At first we might be disposed to demur, to say, Lord, should we not rather go after the straying, after the lost sheep? The answer is given by the Lord, Do good unto all men as we have opportunity, especially unto the Household of Faith. If, therefore, the Household of Faith demands all of our time when we have the oppor­tunity, we may be doing nothing for the lost sheep, but only helping to perfect those whom the Lord has already found. (This is almost verbatim as we counseled RGJ in 1951 – JJH) The circumstances of the Lord’s providence alone can direct our course. When we can see His purpose, His object, in this (His) arrangement, all is clear. He is taking out of the world a peculiar people.... and they all need education along spiritual lines.”

During Brother Russell’s day even the weakest were able to give to every man a reason for the hope they cherished. Today, it is much the reverse with R. G. Jolly and his adherents. In Trinidad – if we are correctly informed – quite a few in his Class there do not even believe his “strange fire” of Campers Consecrated –much less offer a defense for it. If this teaching be sound, R. G. Jolly should have his adherents well enough schooled that they would be glad to “refute the gainsayers,” instead of being told to “avoid them” – instead of being told they should bend every effort to securing more like themselves, who also will know not whereof they speak. Thus, instead of having an army of “good soldiers” willing to face every foe for the cause, he is developing an army of runners – an exact duplicate of the army of Jehovah’s Witnesses, who also spread the word quickly to “avoid” the address of those they know still retain the Truth as given us through That Servant and the Epiphany Messenger.

Brother Russell and Brother Johnson both had much, much more to say about King Saul; and it is our purpose to treat further of this type that points so clearly to the crown-lost leaders who have led God’s people astray in doctrine and arrangements; but for now we submit this present writing with the suggestion that each one consider for himself which class he shall follow – the Fully Faithful (the Samuel Class), or the Measurably Faithful (the Saul Class). “Choose you this day whom ye will serve; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” (Josh. 24:15) And, “Through God we shall do valiantly; for it is He that shall tread down our enemies.” (Psa. 108:13)

Sincerely your brother,

John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

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“IN THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW”

During the period of June 13-17 there came to us the news of four deaths, and it is with much heaviness of heart that we now make report to our readers:

WILLIAM S. WILSON, husband of Sister Wilson, Suches, Ga., came to tragic death in a truck accident; thus a double shock to all of us.

GERTRUDE S. OLDHAM, of Springville, Cal., came to the end of her course at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Evelyn Wolfe, Fresno, Cal., after a lingering illness through most of the winter. Although she had been quite frail for a number of years, she con­tinued as the “good soldier” that she was until a broken hip forced her into the se­clusion of her daughter’s home.

EDWARD W. ALGER, of Royal Oak, suburb of Detroit, Mich. He would have been 93 years old this November; had heard a discourse in England by one of Brother Russell’s speakers at the age of 11 years – before even Volume One had been published. Thus, he was probably familiar with Harvest Truth for more years than any other human being up to the time of his departure on June 15. He had been a Pilgrim under Brother Johnson, but speedily withdrew from the LHMM when Levitical errors began to appear – just as he had also done with the Society for the same reason. He had visited with us for three weeks in Mount Dora during March of this year, observing his last Memorial with us there, at which time he was still quite active and lucid, taking an active part in the service. His demise was quite sudden, as he had been driving his own car and calling upon his patients (he was a drugless physician of some note in Michigan) just a few weeks before he was stricken with a coronary. He had been our good friend and years-long associate in the “good fight.”

LEWIS FREDERICK ROACH, of Trinidad, was born in Barbados March 27, 1873; came to Trinidad in 1890, where he became associated with the Government Police Force, having attained the rank of Superintending Sergeant at time of retirement some forty years ago. He was a legendary figure about Port of Spain, strong in his convictions, loved and respected. He associated himself with Harvest Truth in 1912; but quickly severed his relations with the Society in 1919, when the Levitical errors became repulsive to him. Thus, he was more or less alone until 1931, when he first met Brother Johnson on a trip to Trinidad. He was quick to embrace Epiphany Truth, immediately persuaded other isolated brethren to do likewise, and formed a thriving Class there as Brother Johnson’s representative, a position which he held to the time of Brother Johnson’s death in 1950.

When the errors of R. G. Jolly and associates forced the division in Jamaica in 1957, R. G. Jolly quickly sent his ablest speakers to the Crofts Hill area; and each one of those speakers was quickly defeated by the staunch brethren there, influenced in large measure by Sister Condell, widow of Brother J. L. Condell, the same brother who had been Brother Johnson’s representative for Jamaica for many years. Stinging under the defeat received by the Jamaica speakers, R. G. Jolly determined an astute move would be to “import” some one for the purpose, and he called in Brother Roach. Being fundamentally honest, Brother Roach did not attempt to resist what he could not meet with “sound doctrine.” In fact, at R. G. Jolly’s first visit to Trini­dad after Brother Johnson’s death Brother Roach informed us he had told R. G. Jolly he would be fully In sympathy with him so long as he would direct them to the Star Members’ teachings – much as we ourselves had assured him in Philadelphia when we conducted Brother Johnson’s funeral there in October 1950. After the Jamaica episode Sister Condell gave us the address of Brother Roach, and we placed him on our mailing list. Having had his senses exercised to discern between Truth and error, the beloved Brother quickly saw the perversions coming out of Philadelphia; but his aging shoulders (then approaching 90 years of age) seemed to him incapable of another battle such as he had waged after separation from the Society, and he tried to follow a generous and sympathetic course. But at Passover 1962 R. G. Jolly himself precipitated a separa­tion in Trinidad by the letter he wrote to them before his arrival for the Memorial. Up to that time Brother Roach had mentioned our name to no one in that area, as it was not his wish to divide the Class. Subsequent events have been detailed in our various papers; but Brother Roach was wholeheartedly with the Epiphany Bible Students at the time of his passing on June 16.

He and others had exacted the promise from us more than a year ago to conduct the funeral, which seemed imminent with each passing month; and we, accompanied by Sister Hoefle, responded to the cablegram at once, arriving on Thursday, and perform­ing the service on Friday June 19. And we believe the service is one long to be remembered by all present. The Government had provided a special group of uniformed pall bearers, all of the rank held by Brother Roach at time of retirement; and, after they had placed the casket into the hearse, a slow march began to the cemetery a few blocks away by most of those who had attended the service. The cortege – three, four, five abreast – was about a city block long, and contained some hundreds of people. They then gathered about the open grave, sang hymns and witnessed our closing service, as four cemetery attendants filled the grave, then covered the mound with floral wreaths. The whole service consumed better than two hours – concluding about six p.m. – ­the final part reminding us strongly of the poet’s words respecting the death of Moses:

But, when the warrior dieth,

His comrades in the war,

With arms reversed and muffled drums,

Follow his funeral car,

Amid the noblest of the land

We lay the sage to rest,

And give the bard an honored place,

With costly marble dressed,

In the great ministering transept

Where lights like glories fall,

The seated choir sings, and the organ rings

Along the emblazoned wall.

God hath His mysteries to grace,

Ways that we cannot tell,

He hides them deep, like the hidden sleep

Of him He loved so well.

With the passing of such “good soldiers” we may reconcile ourselves with the assurance that our loss is their gain. “The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance” (Psa. 112:6) – both here and hereafter; and we cherish the hope for all of them that the promise is fully theirs, “Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the Kingdom of their Father.”

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Brethren: Greetings in Jesus Name!

We would request that you do not send anymore of your pamphlets to us.... We are not particularly interested in your quarrels with R. G. Jolly, etc. Your papers seem so full of contention.

We have been fully consecrated since 1912 – have met Bro. Russell several times. However, I was interested in your analysis on pp. 4 and 5 of your June 1 issue. I do also agree that “the vision is yet for an appointed time,” with no dates available at this time. Sincerely Your brethren in His Service, Mr. & Mrs. -------

PS – We left the IBSA in Spring 1918 on the occasion of the great compromise.

(BRITISH  COLUMBIA)

Our Answer to the above:  

Dear Brother and Sister – Grace and peace through our Beloved Lord!

We are complying with your request of June 5 to remove your name from our mail­ing list, although I feel I should explain to you that my controversy with R. G. Jolly is not a matter of personalities; the real and only controversy is over the Truth that is being corrupted by him. You say you have been with Brother Russell, so you must know that he also constantly engaged in sharp controversy with Great Babylon and others in his day. Our Lord also was in much controversy, as revealed in Matt. 23; and we are now living in the time when the “recompenses for the controversy of Zion” are due to be executed. Thus, it is sad to see so many, claiming to be God’s people, saying they will have no part of the controversy He is waging at present.

According to Mal. 3:3, one of the Lord’s specific purposes for this time is to “sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.” A better translation says He is a refiner and polisher of silver – the Truth. And, certainly, nothing can be polished without considerable friction; and those who avoid such polishing are in fact closing their minds to Him who stands at the door and knocks. (Rev. 3:20) Also, we are specifically commanded to “earnestly contend for the faith” (the Truth) – Jude 3; and I would be interested to know what you yourselves are doing to “contend for the Truth.”

It seems to me that whatever we believe – if we have been reaped by the Harvest sickle of Truth – we should believe it clearly and earnestly enough to be willing and happy to contend for it; and we should be persuaded that the Lord is with us in this “good fight.” Even the Jehovah’s Witnesses, with all the corruption they have injected into that Truth so clearly given us by the Lord through Brother Russell, are quite zealous in contending for their errors; that is, until they come in contact with some who really have the Truth that Brother Russell taught – in which event they run away in a hurry.

With this comes our Christian good will and cordial good wishes that you may become fully awake to your duties and privileges as respects the due Truth in this Harvest time; and I assure you we here are at your service any time you should have a change of heart and mind.

Sincerely your brother,

PS - “All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution,” says St. Paul in 2 Tim. 3:12, which can be said in another way, “All the godly will surely ‘contend for the faith once delivered unto the saints’” (Jude 3). I assume you believe you are “living godly,” so I am much puzzled to know how you “suffer persecution” if you do not believe in ‘contending’ for the Truth. Where there is no “contending for the Faith (the Truth)” there could not possibly be persecution for the Truth’s sake.

NO. 109: THE "COUSINS" AGAIN

No. 109

My dear Brethren:  Grace and peace through our Beloved Master!

In the May-June papers of R. G. Jolly and J. W. Krewson (bimonthly for the brethren, instead of each month as was arranged by the last Star Member) the both of these “cousins” offer some related and similar insidious “sleight-of-hand” in attempted further support of their errors; thus, once more it becomes our unwel­come and unpleasant duty to expose their sophistry, which we shall do sometimes collectively and sometimes individually, as circumstances dictate.

On p. 70 of his paper J. W. Krewson makes the brazen statement that his presen­tation re “the true principles underlying 1 Cor. 6:1-8” has not been “even remotely disproved or refuted.” We wonder if his most biased readers, who have read our paper No. 90 on “The Law of the Lord” (copy free upon request) would agree with him on this statement. At no time has J. W. Krewson offered even a frail effort to answer that paper – although he does continue his unsupported charge about “leaders like JJH regardless of how wrong they are.” If our analysis was so wrong, it should be an easy matter to expose it; but, up to now, not a word from either of the “cousins” on the fundamentals we gave therein. As Brother Johnson said of That Evil Servant, he and others like him just “repeat, repeat, repeat,” knowing that “the unstable and the unlearned” among their readers will thereby be persuaded.  This is the Hitler tech­nique: Make the lie big enough and repeat it often enough (repeat, repeat, repeat, as do these two “cousins”) and a certain element will be convinced thereby.

We call attention now to J. W. Krewson’s statement on p. 68 that “the Lord worked on his mind to look into the Pyramid for corroborations relative to the com­plete glorification of the Church.” We inquire now who “worked on his mind” to pro­duce those 27 computations of error on the Pyramid that appeared it the Jan 7, 1947 PT? It is well understood by all the Epiphany brethren who know them well that they were collaborating together long before Brother Johnson’s demise. R. G. Jolly also, in this May-June Present Truth (actually Present Perverter) appeals to the Pyramid for “proof” of some of his contentions, although he, too, was a dominant figure in those 1947 “Satanic deceptions,” in that Present Truth telling us they were “By R. G. Jolly” (Of course, this was not the first attempt by R. G. Jolly at such “sleight-of-hand.” In his letter of Nov. 15, 1910, published in the Watch Tower, he was already then engaged in such manipulation at top speed; and he evidenced similar enthusiasm in encouraging his “cousin” J. W. Krewson to “go and do thou likewise,” when he pub­lished those articles in 1951 and 1952 “by J. W. Krewson” in the Present Truth. And let us not forget that it was those articles “by J. W. Krewson,” with the full approval of R. G. Jolly, that he – J. W. Krewson – presented as his “credentials” in 1955 when he declared himself to be “Pastor and Teacher.”

We might inquire also who ‘‘worked on his mind” when J. W. Krewson produced “Brother Russell’s Epiphany Parallels,” wherein he magnified R. G. Jolly – with R. G. Jolly’s full and condescending approval? Even J. W. Krewson himself now contends that R. G. Jolly is, and has been for many years (since he and R. G. Jolly had contention over who is “chiefest”), an “uncleansed” Levite (In fact, he was ‘versatile’ enough to later publish that R. G. Jolly paralleled J. F. Rutherford in those years of 1951-52) – the very same person he paralleled with That Faithful and Wise Servant – the very same person who was forced out of the Holy and away from the Lampstand more than 25 years ago. And this latter clause is admitted without exception or attempt at disputation by both R. G. Jolly and J. W. Krewson themselves; thus, none can accuse us here of mere “profusion of words” or vituperous accusation. Let our readers clearly grasp this thought and recall it on every occasion where his interpretations conflict with Brother Russell and Brother Johnson, who remained in the Holy before the Lampstand, “faithful until death’’; R. G. Jolly admits he was forced out of the Holy and away from the Lampstand more than 25 years ago-­in 1938.

Also, let us consider some of J. W. Krewson’s contentions re R. G. Jolly when he was accepting his teachings and leadership: If he was a “cleansed Levite” at that time (at least ‘cleansed’ enough for J. W. Krewson to ‘parallel’ him with Brother Russell!), and has since become uncleansed (as J. W. Krewson now contends), will the Lord abandon such a Levite to Azazel twice, and let him go twice into the wilderness, to effect two cleansings for him? We have no Scripture to that effect nor do we have any teaching from either Star Member to that effect. We do have the clear statement by St. Peter (2 Pet. 2:22), “that there is no recovery for “the sow that was washed, but returns to her wallowing in the mire.” There is no recovery from the second death; so it would seem logical to conclude there is no recovery for those once rescued from Azazel, but return a second time to his poison-laden clutches.

Often have we stressed this truth by Brother Johnson respecting types: “Type and antitype must correspond in every detail.” (E-6:470) If our readers will apply this simple rule to the various interpretations of types in the two papers now being considered, they will then have little difficulty in determining the vagaries and perversions of the “cousins” in their respective analyses. This was the test applied by Brother Johnson to the vagarious distortions of types by That Evil Servant. On pages 65-70 there appears J. W. Krewson’s type – antitype of John the Baptist – in which he says “the deceived among the Epiphany brethren.... were figuratively bap­tized by the Cleansed Nucleus. “His explanation would have us believe this was done without the knowledge or consent of the “baptized.” Now, apply the rule re type and antitype; and we then ask ourselves whether the Jews were baptized by the Prophet John without their knowledge and consent, or did they come voluntarily to him at Jordan? And, did any one announce John to introduce his ministry, or did he himself appear wearing “a mantle of camel’s hair, with a leathern girdle encircling his waist” (Matt. 3:4–Dia.)? And were the Jews then unwittingly immersed by him, or did “Jeru­salem and all Judea resort to him, and were immersed by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins”? In fact, have the Epiphany brethren, even yet, “confessed their sins” in their perversions of the Epiphany and Parousia Truth? J. W. Krewson states on p. 64, par. 2, that the “number drawn to the Apokalypsis Truth will continue to grow larger.” Why doesn’t he offer some proof of that “growth” over the past nine years? This he should do for the encouragement of his own adherents if for no other reason. On his recent so-called ‘pilgrim’ trip he has called upon several brethren (uninvited, and with the full knowledge they diametrically oppose him); and in none of these intrusions has he gained one in the reports sent to us. If any of his efforts have been a success (toward his opposers), then he should give some evidence of that.

“THE RAPTURE OF CHRIST’S BRIDE”

Coming now to p. 42 of this May-June Present Truth: In other parts of this paper R. G. Jolly accuses others of the same trickery and perversions that were practiced by J. F. Rutherford, all the while he himself is a chief offender along this line, and seems to be able to do it much better than any one else we know, which we believe is because he was a personal witness to JFR’s technique – and perhaps is now unwittingly (while in Azazel’s clutches) using much of it because in the back of his mind he remembers JFR’s outstanding success in winning the “unstable and the un­learned.” It has always been a favorite technique of the Adversary to accuse the Fully Faithful of those very things his own dupes practice – as evidence, the accusations of Papacy against Martin Luther, and the accusations of That Evil Servant against Brother Johnson (and we might also add, R. G. Jolly’s accusations against the Epiphany Messenger – see E-10:583, par. 1, and pp. 584-594). In his treatment of 1 Thes. 4:15-17 R. G. Jolly is telling us that Brother Johnson did not clearly understand and interpret this text. That’s exactly what J. F. Rutherford did with Brother Russell’s teachings! In 1918 he was telling his pilgrims (knowing they would circulate it in the General Church) that Brother Russell gained his under­standing of Scripture ‘‘mostly through intuition”; whereas, he arrived at his conclus­ions with the sound hard logic of the legal mind.

And all of us know how “sound” his legal mind was! In that we witnessed a liv­ing example of Psa. 1:1 – “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly (the second-deathers), nor standeth in the way of sinners (the Great Company see Berean Comment on Jas. 5:20). Those who “walked in the counsel of the ungodly” (JFR) have become so confused and changed that they are no longer the same people. As C. A. Wise, Vice-Pres. of the Society under JFR, openly admitted in 1919: “Brethren, I don’t know myself any more!” And this is becoming more and more apparent of those who now “stand in the way of sinners” (R. G. Jolly and his “way” of perverting the Star Members’ teachings – Azazel means Perverter).

He places quite some stress on the meaning of “at the same time” in connection with being “caught up in the clouds”; and he concludes that this has been going on ever since 1878. Didn’t Brother Johnson know that, too, when he told us that the last members of the Body would be “violently seized by clouds”? And didn’t Brother Russell know it, too? But this measurably faithful Levite R. G. Jolly now tells us that these last two fully faithful Principal Men didn’t understand this thing quite as clearly as he now sees it! (Nor did Brother Johnson understand his revolutionisms in 1938 as R. G. Jolly understood them!) And let us ever keep in mind that this Levite, with his alleged clearer understanding, has been out of the Holy, and away from the Lampstand, for now more than 25 years.

He offers the typical saying of Jesus “from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah”; so we now apply Brother Johnson’s simple rule for interpretation of types: “Type and antitype must correspond in every detail.” Abel and Zechariah both suffered violent deaths. Jesus, as antitypical Abel and first member of the Gospel-Age antitype, also came to a violent end. Thus, if the type and antitype are to correspond in every detail, the last member of the Body of Christ must also exper­ience a violent end. This is also clearly portrayed in Elijah’s whirlwind experience; and this, coupled with the Abel-Zechariah picture and the Large Gospel-Age Samson, prompted both Brother Russell and Brother Johnson to conclude violence for the final Little Flock members – “thou (Satan) shall bruise his heel,” the “heel” being the last part of the High Priest to enter the Most Holy as he stooped forward and down to go under the second veil. But all of this is now seen much more clearly by the Levite (R. G. Jolly), as he emits his “flood” against the “treacherous sifters, especially among the Youthful Worthies” (and more particularly against JJH, the one who is “contending for the faith once delivered to the Saints” – the Star Members).

Although John the Baptist was the last of the prophets to be martyred, Jesus ignores him in his prophecy of Matt. 23:35. Brother Johnson has explained this is due to 2 Chronicles being the last book of the Old Testament in former times; but we believe the reason goes deeper than that. Zechariah was High Priest in Israel; and, as such, was properly regarded as the Lord’s mouthpiece (see Berean Comment on John 18:13). He was the last officiating priest in Israel to be martyred by the Jews; and thus he could portray the Gospel-Age priesthood in a way that John could not. Be it noted, too, that Abel (the first member of the type) was officiating as a priest (see Heb. 11:4) when he was slain. But, if “type and antitype must correspond in every detail” – and, since there were other Ancient Worthies who were slain after Zechariah – then why, in the end of this Age, should there not be other priests still to be offered up after the departure of the Epiphany Zechariah? Let us have a clear answer to this by R. G. Jolly – IF HE HAS ONE!

And why did Jesus add the words, ‘‘whom ye slew between the temple and the altar”? This fact is not given anywhere else in the Bible, so it is not a quotation of prev­ious Scripture; it tomes exclusively from Jesus Himself, and – it must be there for a purpose. We have previously explained that that purpose is to tell us clearly that the earthly sacrificing of the Gospel-Age priesthood would not end with the death of the Epiphany Zechariah. All of us know that the brazen altar – in the Court – repre­sented the sacrificial humanity of the Gospel-Age priesthood, just as the Temple repre­sented their glorified condition. And, with Zechariah slain “between the temple and the altar,” we have a clear statement from our Lord that the altar (the sacrificial humanity of the priesthood) would not yet be fully removed after the death of the Epi­phany Zechariah.  We have previously called upon the “cousins” to offer their explana­tion of our Lord’s words – if they have one; but, up to now, not one word from either of them, as they continue to repeat, repeat, repeat their own erroneous contentions.

Also, it will be noted he makes no mention whatever of Zech. 8:10 – “There was no hire for man, nor any hire for beast,” etc.; nor does he treat Psa. 46, which we have used against him with such force in recent papers. Why? Certainly, we have twisted or misapplied nothing here – we have simply quoted the Parousia and Epiphany Messengers.

CONCERNING CONSCIENCE

On p. 38 (11) R. G. Jolly makes the statement: “Do not trust your conscience.” This is certainly good advice so far as he is concerned, because Brother Johnson pointedly wrote of him in E-10:585 that R. G. Jolly has a “bad conscience.” Such a conscience should not be trusted by him; nor should any of the rest of us trust it, We ourselves have learned – since Brother Johnson’s demise – just how really “bad” is the conscience of R. G. Jolly. Since Brother Johnson wrote this of him, he has proceeded from ‘bad” to worse – or “very bad” (after he was fully abandoned to Azazel in October 1950–See E-15:519, par. 1).

However, if his statement is addressed to the General Church, then he demonstrates once again how slipshod and misleading his statements can be. In the Manna comment for November 24 Brother Russell says “our consciences are ready to indicate right and wrong to us”; thus, Brother Russell tells us very clearly that our consciences can be trusted (if we are fully faithful) – a direct contradiction to R. G. Jolly’s unquali­fied contention. If R. G. Jolly is referring to himself – and his “bad” conscience ­he is certainly right, because, according to the record, his “conscience” is not to be trusted – not now, nor when under Brother Johnson’s beneficent influence. If he refers to the great bulk of natural men, he would also be right if properly qualified; because some of them eat each other, without strain of conscience (but is he address­ing the world? or is he addressing the brethren in the Present Truth?). Many others slaughter and maim their fellows in ruinous wars without pangs of conscience; many treat their enemies in their own countries in slanderous and abusive fashion without rebuke of conscience. In fact, only a true nobleman is able to deal with full and impartial justice with those who have unjustly treated him.

But ‘‘we, brethren, are not in darkness.” Therefore, those of us who have properly applied and conformed ourselves to the “good word of God” (the fully faithful, of course – not the ‘‘measurably faithful” of any Class!) will have a conscience that can be trusted. St. Paul states the matter very clearly in 1 Tim. 1:5–”The end (“the ultimate object” – see Manna Comment for March 12) of the commandment” (the good Word of God) is to give us a “good conscience.” Thus, St. Paul says of himself, “Herein do I exercise myself, to have always a conscience void of offense toward God and toward man.” (Acts 24:16) The underlying thought is that St. Paul had thus developed a “good conscience,” which he was able to trust.  And this same appraisal would apply to any of us who have done likewise – we can trust our consciences. He who discerns clearly teaches clearly; and once more R. G. Jolly reveals how unclear is his discern­ment on many important Scriptural teachings. He is indeed a real good one to accuse others on page 34, col. 1 of the paper under discussion of being “filled with misrepre­sentations (of which Brother Johnson specifically accuses him in E-10:585), falsifica­tions and subtle decep­tions”! “Out of thine own mouth will I judge thee.”

And we again ask the question: Was R. G. Jolly addressing the world or the brethren in the Present Truth under discussion? Even though he had been addressing the world, which has an unregenerate ‘conscience,’ does he advise such to violate their consciences? Certainly, some have very tender consciences in some matters that the Scriptures do not even support – such as abhorrence toward eating meat offered to idols, in which there would be nothing fundamentally wrong; but are any of the worldlings to violate their consciences in such matters, even if not regulated by His Word? Brother Russell repeatedly warned the brethren never to violate consciences (which is our proper guide if regulated by His Word). But when Brother Johnson spoke of R. G. Jolly’s ‘bad’ conscience, he meant that he had violated the principles of truth and righteousness – principles that his own conscience would not allow had it been properly “exercised,” as St. Paul’s conscience had been.

Truly, “God giveth to a man that is good before Him wisdom and knowledge”; but “one sinner (a crown-loser engulfed in Revolutionism) destroyeth much good” (the good and true teachings of the Star Members)–Ecc. 2:26; 9:18.

Sincerely your brother,

John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

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ANNOUNCEMENT OF GENERAL INTEREST

For sometime now there has been considerable demand for a follow-up to our Gideon tracts, so we have prepared “Two Distinct Salvations” for this purpose. A copy is enclosed; and we hope it will commend itself to all our readers. This tract No. 5 is not for general distribution (at Church doors, etc.); it is to be used for interested people – those who inquire as a result of our Gideon efforts, or those who manifest some interest through conversation. It could also be valuable to mail to radio broadcasters, and such like, who discuss related religious subjects. This tract is available to all our readers free, postage prepaid – our only limitation being the request that not more be ordered than can be used, say, for the balance of this year. It comes to our readers with the prayer that it may prove a blessing to him that “waters,” and to all recipients who may be seeking the Truth which shall “make them free indeed.” It is, in fact, a miniature of the Divine Plan.

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LETTERS  OF  GENERAL  INTEREST

My dear Brother Hoefle: – Greetings in the Lord Jesus’ Name!

We were very glad to receive yours of April 14, and that with much appreciation....... Glad to know that you have received our Memorial report....... We are glad to learn of the two brothers that were with you at the Memorial service – my only hope is that they would be of some help to you. Re Brother ------, it would be good if you would advise him to go out where our meetings are held, for if he is truly in search of the Truth he would take your advice...... I am truly enjoying the April and May papers. They do show R. G. Jolly in his revolutionary activities. There is no doubt that R. G. Jolly is well fitted into the picture of 1 Kings 12 as one of the small antitypical Jeroboams. But according to verses 15-24 it is of the Lord, and while the Lord is not unkind He deals with His people according to their hearts’ condition.

May our dear Master continue to use you to point out the errors, revolutionisms, and deflections from the teachings of the two Star Members. Please send us some tracts, as we always like to have some on hand.... We do pray on behalf of you and Sr. Hoelfe and the dear ones with you, Sister ------- sends Christian love to you and all with you, as the Lord continues to keep you in His love.

Your brother by His Grace  -------  (TRINIDAD)

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Dear Brother Hoefle: – Grace and peace through our Beloved Master!

            Thank you for your nice letter received in February. The tracts were received March 8; and it seems like old times – and we deem it a wonderful privilege to serve the Lord in this manner again. May His Name be glorified, and to our good and profit in service.....

Now dear Brother, we know you usually go to Philadelphia Convention, and while it is a little early to mention, Sister ------- and I would love to have you stop off on your way home if it is at all possible. Think it over. We would love to have you and any one in your party. Sister ------- would have a nice dinner prepared; and it would be nice to get together, if only for a short time. Thank you for the invitation... We may be able to do that next year. May God continue to bless you in your every effort to serve the dear brethren.

Yours in the One Hope,  Brother & Sister ------- (NEW JERSEY)

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Dear Brother Hoefle: Grace and peace be multiplied unto you!

Dear Brother, I should have written to you before. I noticed your explanation of the Seventh Trumpet of Rev. 10:6. It proves that the Lord is mightily using you. Brother Russell’s hymn 223 has also borne out the same thought that time will not cease, but will continue.

The Lord is pleased to use you for helping His people in their direst time of need; notwithstanding they are calling you “sifter” and all sorts of unbecoming names. But be of good cheer, and the Lord will strengthen thine heart. Our Lord declared if they called the Master of the House Beelzebub, how much more would they call His servants! I cannot express my appreciation of the two last Star Members, especially dear Brother Russell. I remember the time he came to Colon and Panama, and the great blessing I received from his presence. On his return we took him down the wharf and waved to him as he moved along.

At times we wonder how brethren who have been in the Truth for so long have failed to note the time we are now living in – after having so much enlightenment from these great men of God........ My love to you, Sr. Hoefle, Sisters Wells and Dunnagan, and the dear ones with you.

 Yours by His Grace Sister ------- (JAMAICA)

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Dear Brother Hoefle: Christian love and Greetings!

I am writing to say thank you for the three books I have received safely, I am interested in reading them...... My dear Brother, may the Lord continue to give you grace, health and strength so that you may continue in pointing us to the Truth.

May the Lord bless thee and Sister Hoefle.

Sincerely your brother ------- (PORT OF SPAIN)

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Dear Christian Friends!

Thank you so much for the two tracts you sent me. I am looking forward to reading The Three Babylons, too. Since I just received your letter and tracts I have not had time to read them, but after reading the tract, Where Are The Dead, I feel sure that they will be a blessing to me in my Christian growth.

In your letter you asked me to send some information as to my religious background. First of all, I will tell you a little about myself. I am a young man of 18 years, single, and am planning to go to college if the Lord is willing. Just this past summer I went through a time of wrestling with the Lord while I was at a Baptist Assembly (Caswell Baptist Assembly, Southport, N. C.) as to whether I should give myself wholly to Him in my lifetime service. On the way back, I came to the decision that I should submit myself, and up until this time I have been growing spiritually in my church and daily life.

As most young people who have not come from a strong Christian background, I have been faced with many trials. Sometimes my doubts waver my thinking away from the will of the Lord, and I am inclined at many times to lean toward the psychologi­cal viewpoint to life. Now as I sit here at the typewriter, I know that these things are only half-truths. But sometimes I fall back into the same line of thinking as before. I read my Bible daily, and in an organized way. But the church which I be­long to is headed by a pastor who, although a true Christian, is limited in knowledge of Christian Doctrine, I know that evangelism is a necessity in this sinful world, but I believe before one can be a very effective witness, he must know about what he is to say.

So I ask you now as my Christian brothers, help me in finding the real Christian Truths that lie plainly in the Bible. Any tract or other help which you can send me will be deeply appreciated and used for the glory of the lord. And thank you again. ------- (NORTH CAROLINA)

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Note: The following letter was written to a Jehovah’s Witness, and may be a help to our readers. We not only witness to Big Babylon with the Gideon tracts, but also to Little Babylon, where opportunity presents, aside from the refutations given to the LHMM and others:

Dear Sister: – Christian greetings!

When we visited you last Thursday it was our intention to invite you and your husband to our Memorial service Thursday evening, but the reception you gave us persuaded us to refrain. However, in accordance with our promise, we enclose our paper No. 106 of April 1, 1964 in the hope you will read and be enlightened by it. From what you say, you just can’t be bothered with reading “old stuff,” such as the Six Volumes of Scripture Studies by Brother Russell – although I remind you that the founders of your present endeavor (JFR, et al) all once read and professed to believe those volumes to be the Harvest reaping sickle of Rev. 14:15; and the facts indisputably prove they were the Truth that accom­plished the reaping feature of the Harvest work. And any who now cast those truths aside do so in direct violation of St. Paul’s counsel in 2 Tim, 3:14, Dia.; “But do thou continue in the things which thou didst learn and wast convinced of, knowing by whom thou hast been instructed.”

It seems, too, you are much impressed by the numbers and great works of your organization. If I were impressed by such outward show, I would immediately embrace the Roman Catholic Church, which has easily one hundred times as many numbers as the Jehovah’s Witnesses.......

Furthermore, it seems you have never heard of the Ancient Worthies, so I suggest you read the llth Chapter of Hebrews to inform yourself somewhat about them. Back around 1920, when Judge Rutherford wanted me to become his private secretary, he was making much ado about the Ancient Worthies in his prediction that they would be resurrec­ted in 1925 and begin their Kingdom reign then...... During our very short talk you placed great stress upon Matt. 24:14, so I would like to ask you: (Questions follow)..

Sincerely in the Master’s service, ------- (Florida)

(Note: We have received many encouraging results from our witness work against Big and Little Babylon – in our witness work with the Gideons & Babylons tracts JJH)

NO. 108: "THE THIRD WATCH"

No. 108

My dear Brethren: – Grace and peace through our Beloved Master!

(A reprint of No. 18, Jan. 1, 1957, with pertinent revisions and additions)

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 shortly thereafter brought into clear focus Isa. 24:20, “The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard,. and shall be removed like a cottage.” 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 several 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, 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.”

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 expections – “and they walked with Him no more.” (John 6:66) To such the Truth speedily lost is 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 Brother Johnson’s death 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 expections. 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, has since faded pretty much into the Limbo of spiritual inactivity – just as was time 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 people 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 time of the 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 world wide, conditions internally are becoming unbearable – even here in the U.S., 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.

Immediately after the completion of the Parousia trial time there appeared a Levite (J. F. Rutherford), 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 labelled “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 Tabernacle Shadows’ teachings 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 and of the “second watch”) appeared another Levite (R. G. Jolly) who also professes to “sit in Moses’ seat.” He also labels as “sifters” – and decrees that his adherents “avoid them” – any who resist his Revolutionisms. And, in true style with the perverter after the first 40-year trial time, 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 Parousia and Epiphany Messengers that Tentative Justification inside the linen curtain and Youthful Worthy opportunity would avail even after Armageddon and “until the beginning of Restitution.” Yet, in this spiritual bedlam he continues to ‘‘Herald the Epiphany” (see front cover of The Present Truth), although claiming we are now in the Basileia. The Epiphany Bible Students Ass’n (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.

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 being this: After 1914 That Evil Servant eliminated Tentative Justification entirely for any Age; whereas, R. G. Jolly now has it in EVERY Age – right on through the Millennium. But note also: It was after tampering with Tentative Justification that each Levite brough forth his “strange fire” (false doctrine), That Evil Servant immediately with his “Millions Now Living Will Never Die”; and R. G. Jolly 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 Vol. E-5, 422 (28) Brother Johnson states that the “one day” of v. 8 is the Millennial Day, an hour of which would be 41 years 8 mos. At the time he wrote that he could not see clearly the conditions existing today – ­any more 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 has 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 1914-16 that was not at all apparent at the time, so we too may eventually see much detail respecting 1954-56 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.” 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 nought” (“in one hour such great wealth is laid waste” – Dia.); and this hour will end at 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: (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. Several years ago in Czecho-Slovakia 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 over ONE 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. If the calculations and conclusions herein are correct, then it will not begin be­fore 1958; but please understand we do not say it will begin then. However, it will certainly be accomplished to the full in the third hour. 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 in its initial begin­ning, 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.

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 defence 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 may 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:. – What do you consider to be the proper work for the remaining saints at this time?

ANSWER: – We believe that the saints, as well as all the fully faithful of other classes, should continue to “bear witness to the Truth,” even as they did during Brother Johnson’s ministry. As to a specific work, that would depend somewhat upon their locality and the group with which they are affiliated. We be­lieve that the Epiphany-enlightened saints should continue to “bear witness” toward Little Babylon, even as they did when Brother Johnson was still with us. The Epiphany Truth is still “Present Truth,” and will continue to arouse persecution to all who proclaim it from a good and honest heart; and such pertinent Truth would be a great blessing to our brethren in the sects of Little Babylon. Certainly, Brother Johnson’s death did not obliterate any of the Truth he taught, and the instructions he offered, regarding those outside the Epiphany Movement – the same being substan­tially as follows: (1) To help their saintly brethren in other groups to come to a knowledge of “Present Truth”; (2) To win new Youthful Worthies; (3) To expose the revolution­isms of uncleansed Great Company and Youthful Worthy members – particu­larly their leaders – whether formerly Epiphany-enlightened brethren or other groups in Little Babylon; (4) To engage in antitypical Gideon’s Second Battle as opportunity affords; (5) To “preach the Word,” either verbally or with such literature as may be available; (6) Mainly, of course, to “keep yourselves in the love of God” (maintain your priestly standing); and (7) To “endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ” – by faithfully pursuing this course unto the end. (Matt. 24:13)

It was thus minded that we prepared the Gideon tracts to be used toward Big Babylon; and The Three Babylons tract for Little Babylon. We were prompted to pre­pare The Three Babylons tract because we know that these pertinent Epiphany Truths are still applicable to each and every one of the 59 groups today, the same as they were during Brother Johnson’s life; and are now pointedly applicable to the LHMM, which has completed the sixty groups under bad Levite leadership – and to J. W. Krewson’s LHMM “cleansed nucleus.” This tract contains only pertinent Epiphany Truth produced by Brother Johnson, with a few additions by us – made clear since his passing – but in full harmony with what he himself had produced during his life. Those additions made clear since his death are (1) The large Gospel-Age Samson is representatively still with us, and will continue so until after Armageddon (a truth now repudiated by both LHMM’s – the “cousins”); (2) The call to Youthful Worthiship is still open, and will continue so until after Armageddon (another truth now repudiated by both LHMM’s – the “cousins”). Self-evidently, Brother Johnson could not offer comment on these two points, because the present position of the self-appointed Pastors and Teachers of the two LHMM’s was unknown to him.

Quite a few of those Epiphany brethren who retain their priestly hope have clearly demonstrated by act, and by letters written to us, that they are in full accord with the foregoing; they have joined wholeheartedly with us in helping dis­tribute the three pertinent tracts for Antitypical Gideon’s Second Battle toward all sections of Christendom, and have also participated in the distribution of The Three Babylons tract toward individuals and groups in Little Babylon, with many faithful Youthful Worthies also participating in the same spirit they did under Brother Johnson’s supervision. To all such faithful brethren we offer the same “comfort and consolation of the Scriptures” that the Epiphany Messenger gave to them.

We were keenly aware of the fact that those who had “continued in what they had learned and been assured of” were more or less shelved – could not in good faith distribute the pertinent literature presented by many of the sects in Little Babylon, realizing that by doing so they would be directing the readers to systems of error, along with some Truth, especially if the newly interested ones contacted such groups and became innoculated with their various errors on the newly consecrated; namely, only a quasi-elect consecration, or the High Calling still open – with none of the sects in Little Babylon teaching a Youthful Worthy hope still available, a most important and vital “present truth” given us by the last two Principal-Men. At the present time none of them are “feeding that that standeth still” – the tenta­tively justified (Zech. 11:16–See E-6:177) with the Truth. Rather, they are choking them (preventing them from gaining an elective salvation in many instances) with various errors as did the Jewish sects in our Lord’s day – “traverse sea and land to make one proselyte... and make him a son of Gehenna doubly more than yourselves.” (Matt. 23:15, Dia.) And toward such the fully faithful still have a message to deliver!

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Brother Hoefle: – Grace and peace in our dear Lord’s Name!

In answer to your question, Yes, Sister ------- and I joined with Bro ------- at his home and celebrated the Memorial..... Usually, in previous years, we have held the Memorial at our home....... It is a great privilege we have on an occasion to be so honored; and we constantly thank our dear Heavenly Father for His loving care and Providences from day to day.

Thank you for the Advance Copy of the May article – A Treatise on the Resurrection – ­which is extremely interesting. Sr ------- and I do enjoy reading and studying the articles we receive monthly. As we have stated before, we receive a rich blessing. Thank you again for your previous letters to us. They are such a comfort, and you bring to our remembrance so many lovely thoughts, and statements from the Holy Writ, which makes us feel so good. We shall write you again in the near future about more tracts; and be assured of our request to our dear Heavenly Father on your behalf, that He may con­tinue to bless you and give you strength to carry on this great work.......

Warmest Christian love to all the dear friends there.

Your Brother & Sister in the one Hope (NEW JERSEY)

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Dear Brother Hoefle: Christian greetings!

Your kind letter of March 14 was received with much appreciation and thanks. It is nice to know that our brethren remember us in their prayers. We celebrated our Lord’s Memorial on the 26th of March as we intended. Twenty-six (26) friends attended, but twenty-four (24) partook. Brother Roach delivered a most inspiring address. The other brethren officiated.

We all join in sending warm Christian love to you, Sr. Hoefle and all the brethren.

Yours by His Grace ------- Sec’y TRINIDAD ECCLESIA

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Dear Brother Hoefle: Christian greetings!

I am grateful for your letter of March 16 concerning our Lord’s Memorial. The three of us, Sisters------- and myself, were able to observe the Memorial together. I am sure we all received a blessing from it. Our number being small, and with me being separated from the Sisters a good many miles, makes the work seem very lonely at times. Therefore your letters are always a blessing.

For now I would like to have two Parousia Volumes and a Manna book if available. Please accept this contribution for the books and for the Lord’s work.

With Christian love, Brother------- (CALIFORNIA)

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Dear Brother Hoefle: Grace and Peace!

Thanks for your letter of the 16th received this morning. It was just lovely to read your letter re the ‘Passover Service’ to be held this year on the 26th of the month. We look forward to a blessed time, as we look for the Lord’s assurance of His love and care for us.... May the dear Lord abundantly bless you all as you partake of the Passover Supper on the 26th. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and will be specially so when just as we know your loving thoughts will be of us. Even though our number be few, His promise still is ours – ‘Where two or three are together,” etc.......

I shall hope to send you a report of our experiences next weekend. Later, as soon as possible, a few thoughts on the January issue.

Faithfully your Brother in His Service  ------- (ENGLAND)

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Epiphany Bible Students Ass’n

Mount Dora, Florida – Gentlemen: Please send me copies of the following: What is the Soul? Where are the Dead? The Three Babylons, and the Resurrection of the Dead. Many thanks! ------- (CALIFORNIA)