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)

NO. 107: A TREATISE ON THE RESURRECTION

No. 107

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

The Harvest Truth made crystal clear the doctrine of the resurrection – of the righteous and the unrighteous – in a manner not understood since the days of the Apostles. The word 'resurrection' comes from the Greek anastasis, which means a raising up to life again, not a mere resuscitation as may be accomplished with a man drowned – a process made necessary by the existence of death in the human race. Rom. 5:12 tells us “death passed upon all men.” Thus, it is not through works of evil that we ourselves have done that we now die; just as it is not through “works of righteousness that we did” (Titus 3:5, Dia.) that we shall experience a resurrection from the dead. Clearly enough, the evil and the good in this matter operate in sim­ilar fashion: None of us were involved in the act of evil that brought the sentence of death; none of us were involved in the act of righteousness that brings salvation from death to all.

We are told in 1 Tim. 2:4 that God “desires all men to be saved, and come to an accurate knowledge of the Truth.” Saved from what, we ask? We answer, Man shall be saved only from that which he inherited through no fault of his own – reprieve and pardon from the sentence of death.  Inasmuch as Isa. 65:20 tells us that “the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed,” it is clear enough that not all will exper­ience a complete resurrection – a full raising up to life again as obtained with Adam in Eden. “God hath given assurance to all men” of pardon from the sentence, of re­lease from Hades, of an accurate knowledge of the Truth – of all things necessary to attain a resurrection, a full raising up to life again; but the actual possession of that full life will be dependent in the final analysis upon the choice of each indivi­dual himself. Others cannot withhold it from him; neither can others secure it for him. Thus, when it is stated that “even death, the last enemy, will be rendered powerless” (1 Cor. 15:26, Dia.), we must understand it to mean the complete removal and annihilation of every evil that has arisen as a result of the dying process.

We believe the annihilation of the dying process is clearly defined in Psalms 103:2-5: “Bless the Lord, 0 my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities (“the goodness and philanthropy of God...saved us”—Titus 3:4; Jesus was made a sin-offering to make satisfaction for the sins resulting from Adamic depravity); Who healeth all thy diseases (by removing immediately at the time of rais­ing from the tomb whatever disease or affliction had been the immediate cause of death. Thus, a man who had his head shot off, or whose lungs had been destroyed by cancer, and such like, could not be brought back in that condition, or he would immediately die again; therefore, such diseases would be “healed” gratuitously); Who redeemeth thy life from destruction (“I will ransom them from the power of the grave”—Hos. 13:14 – by curing every vestige of the Adamic death process); Who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies (by restoring to man what was lost in Eden; namely, (1) Fellowship with God, (2) Dominion over the brute creation, (3) A perfect home, with perfect life-rights, (4) Perfect life – “no more sighing, no more crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away”—).

DIFFERENT CLASSES OF “THE RIGHTEOUS”

It needs no argument to declare there will be many variations of “the unrighteous” in the resurrection – such are readily apparent even now, from the hardened criminal to the most refined and well-intentioned of the present social order. But there will also be distinct classes of “the righteous” – classes clearly defined in the Scriptures, who will receive the resurrection of “the just,” separate, superior and preceding the resurrection of “the Unjust.” The Harvest Truth clearly defined four such classes; namely, the Little Flock (the Bride or Body of Christ), the Great Multitude (those called to be of the Bride, but who failed for various reasons to prevail), the Ancient Worthies (those Old Testament characters who “suffered affliction” in their service to God), and the Youthful Worthies (those who came too late in the end of this Age to be of the Bride). While it is true that Brother Russell never used the designation Youthful Worthies, so far as we know, he did clearly define such a class, by whatever name any may wish to label them. We offer one quotation from him in proof of this contention in Reprints No. 5761 (Sept. 1, 1915 WT), under the caption:

THE TWO PARTS OF THE HARVEST WORK

“It is our thought that with the closing of the 'door' of this Gospel Age there will be no more begetting of the Holy Spirit to the spirit nature. Any afterward coming to God through consecration, before the inauguration of the restitution work, will be accepted by Him, not to the spirit plane of being, but to the earthly plane. Such would come in under the same conditions as the Ancient Worthies who were accepted of God. The Ancient Worthies came in, no call being opened to them – the High Calling not being yet open, and the restitution opportunities not open. (Note: It seems elementary that individual restitutionists cannot have opportunities until the inauguration of the Kingdom rule is made with the Worthies—JJH) But they freely gave themselves up to God without knowing what blessings their consecration would bring, except that they had the intimation that they would, in the future life, have a “better resurrection' than would the remainder of the world.

“Our thought is that whoever under such conditions as these will make a full consecration to the Lord, leave all to follow His way, and will live up faithfully, loyally to that consecration, may be privileged to be counted as a similar class to those who preceded this Gospel Age. We know of no reason why the Lord would refuse to receive those who make a consecration after the close of the Gospel Age High Calling and before the full opening of the Millennium.”

The foregoing is confirmed in E-4:342: “If our dear readers will keep in mind that the Tower's denial of Tentative Justification during this Age is the foundation of its rejecting the Scriptural doctrine that those faithful con­secrators from 1881 until restitution sets in, for whom there are no crowns avail­able, and hence no spirit-begetting for Gospel-Age purposes possible, will be the Millennial associates of the Ancient Worthies in reward and service, they will be able by Scriptural, reasonable and factual thinking completely to overthrow every argument that the article under review presents to defend its thesis.”

Brother Johnson also elaborates upon this resurrection subject in some consider­able detail as follows:

“We have been asked, in view of the fact that some will never reach the condi­tion of perfection, which the word resurrection means, how shall we understand the words of the Apostle Paul in Acts 24:15, that both the just and the unjust are to be resurrected? This Scripture seems very plain and simple if we give careful attention to what we read. Those Jews who stood by and heard the defense of the Apostle before Governor Felix, of which the words of Acts 24:15 are a part, believed that all of the just would have a resurrection, and that an opportunity of the resur­rection would be given the unjust. That is what they had been taught from their forefathers. And now the Apostle Paul was reiterating this, their conviction. He says, 'There shall be a resurrection, both of the just and the unjust'; that is to say, the resurrection for which God has provided, and which is yet to come, is not only for the good, but also for those who are now evil. The thought is not that those who remain in an unjust condition will be granted a full resurrection.

The text does not state that all the unjust will be resurrected, brought to perfec­tion of life. There are some now justified who will not have a share in the resur­rection, even as there are others who are not now justified who will have a share in the resurrection. And all mankind will have a share in God's provision for a resurrection. The just will have a special resurrection, which will be a reward for their special obedience. (Note: if Campers Consecrated are both justified and consecrated, then they would have a special resurrection as a reward for their obedience according to the Star Members' teachings—JJH)

“So we have the resurrection of the highest class of the just (the Justified) – ­the “little flock” – on the Divine plane; that of the Great Company, on a lower spirit plane; that of the Ancient and Youthful Worthies, on the earthly plane – ­four classes who pass their trial, their testing, in the present life. But it has been provided in the Divine Plan that the remainder of men may gradually be raised fully up, out of every frailty, back to the original perfection that Adam had in the beginning.  They are unjust now, they have never come into relationship with God. The Divine purpose is that the death of Jesus shall effect the release of the whole race from the condemnation in Father Adam.  Therefore the entire thousand years of the Millennial Reign of Christ has been set aside for the resurrection of the world. But how large a proportion will profit by this arrangement remains to be seen. The Scriptures state that during the next Age a sinner of a hundred years old – a willful sinner –shall be cut off from life altogether ...

THE RESURRECTION NOT EXPERIENCED BY ALL

“Note carefully that the Scriptures do not say that all shall participate in the resurrection .... Those who have pleased God in that they have exercised faith, have made consecration of themselves to the Lord, and have obeyed the leadings of His providences and His Word – these are the ones who have done good. God does not ask any more of them than that they shall show their loyalty by doing their best, and they shall seek to live in harmony with His will according to their ability, whether they lived during this Gospel Age or during the ages preceding. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and all the others (and all others less prominent) who are mentioned by St. Paul in Heb. 11 – these died in faith. With these Ancient Worthies God de­clares He was pleased, and that they shall have a ‘better resurrection.’ The super­iority of their resurrection will be that they will be awakened perfect human beings; while the world will have to go through the thousand years to attain perfection.

“They that have done good will come forth to a resurrection of life. Some of these will receive a resurrection of life on the human plane, others on the spirit plane, still others on the highest order of the spirit plane, – the plane of Divine nature. Then Jesus tells us about the other general class – those who have done evil. This includes all whom God cannot approve and accept. (Even according to R. G. Jolly's own contentions his Epiphany Campers Consecrated are counted in with “all whom God cannot approve and accept” in this life – since he teaches they will NOT receive the ‘better resurrection’—JJH) Those who are not accepted are those who have not done good, according to God's standard; They have done evil; they are unjustified. Many of them have been respectable, moral people but they are not worthy of the 'better resurrection.' These will come forth also that they may attain, if they will, complete raising up to life. They will be awakened from the tomb in order that they may have a resurrection. They will be resuscitated from Hades, the grave, the death state; but their awakening from the tomb will be only the beginning of resurrection. Some will be awakened only to die again later, be­cause of failure to accept God's terms of blessing. The Resurrection process will go on day by day, week by week, and year by year during those thousand years – the great Resurrection Day, that Great Day, the Last Day, during which there will be an opportunity for all to gain life eternal .... Thus there will be a resurrection, a bringing up to perfect life, both of just and of unjust ones .... The above pre­sentation is entirely in harmony with the literal translation of the last clause of Acts 24:15: 'There shall be a resurrection both of the just and unjust ones'; for the article the is lacking before the Greek words translated just and unjust.”

THE LAVER INDISPENSABLE

In the Court of the Tabernacle was to be found the Laver, which all Truth people know is a type of the Bible – Old and New Testaments. It not only served for those in the Court to wash themselves, but they could also see their image, much the same as in a mirror, thus typifying that those who honestly studied the Bible would not only be able to discern their blemishes, but would also be able to eliminate completely, or at least diminish, their fleshly failings by the ''washing of water by the word.” This they do by being stimulated by the “exceeding great and precious promises,” without which no one could properly fulfill a consecration – a “covenant by sacrifice” – under present conditions of evil. In substantiation, we quote from Jan. 1, 1950 PT, p. 3, col. 1:

“We find another proof and type in the vessels of the sanctuary. These are antityped in 2 Tim. 3:16: 'All scripture given by inspiration of God, is profitable for doctrine, for reproof (refutation), for correction, for instruction in righteousness.' The cups represent the doctrines, the bowls represent the refutations; the chargers represent the corrections; and the spoons represent the instructions in righteousness. These things, therefore, were pictured forth in the type, as we have just explained it. We find, too, that the articles of furniture connected with the Tabernacle were also consecrated things. First of all, we have in the court the brazen altar. This represents the sacrifice of the Christ, Head and Body, as viewed by those who are justified in the court. The laver in its foundation and shaft represents the Old Testament; and its bowl wherein the water was found represents the New Testament. This laver was used for all to wash therein; the justified who were in the court could wash in it; the consecrated of the Little Flock, i.e., those who were undergoing the experiences of self-sacrificingness used it; and the Great Company could also cleanse themselves in this antitypical laver. The antitypical laver, therefore, is a matter of importance for the cleansing of all of the classes that are in relationship with our Heavenly Father.”

If the above be true, then Campers Consecrated, whom R. G. Jolly says are fulfilling a “covenant by sacrifice” in the Camp, presents an impossible situation – ­a Biblical myth, and the class he advocates are simply spiritual hybrids. Ezek. 13:3 fits this case precisely: “Woe unto the foolish prophets (teachers), that follow their own spirit, and have seen nothing.” His Campers Consecrated are “camping” without a laver; and, like all campers, without an established residence – they are camping in an unfurnished home.

To such as would follow R. G. Jolly in his revolutionism against clear Parousia and Epiphany teachings we can but quote Psa. 149:158: “I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word.” And companion to this is the word of the Prophet Amos (5:1,15—Rotherham): “Hear ye this word ... even a dirge, 0 house of Israel... Hate wrong and love right, and station justice in the gate (in your goings in and your comings out, even as Justice is the foundation of God's throne), peradventure Yahweh God of Hosts will be gracious unto the remnant of (antitypical) Joseph (a  special  appeal  to  those  remaining  few  who  still  adhere  to the teachings of Brother Johnson  in  the  end  of  this  Epiphany, The  Time  of  Trouble) – lest we should come under the condemnation of vs. 20: “Shall not the Day of Yahweh (the Time of Trouble – this Epiphany Day) be darkness (full of turmoil and error) and not light?” – darkness to those in error, and bright shining to those adhering to the Truth of antitypical Joseph (his faithful remnant).

With the Apostle Paul we now say: “Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, Comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.” (2 Thes. 2:15-17)

Sincerely your brother,

John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

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QUESTION  OF  GENERAL INTEREST

QUESTION: – Is it correct to use the Scripture “Well done, good and faithful servant” when a Great Company member has finished his course?

ANSWER: – No, it is not correct; in fact, such usage is a clear revolutionism against Parousia Truth, as a scrutiny of Matt. 25:14-30 will readily determine. The Great Company members are not “good and faithful”; they are the measurably faithful. The very purpose of this parable is to establish the clear distinction between the two. Note Brother Russell's Berean Comment on v. 30: “Unprofitable servant – the Great Company Class. The Lord does not deny that he is a servant, nor does He charge him with being an enemy.” He simply wasn't “good and faithful:” that's all.

A companion text is Matt. 7:22,23: “Have we not taught in thy name ... done many wonderful works in thy name?” All during the Age it is the Great Company that “does great works, wins great numbers, gains great favor” (see E-15:525); but the answer comes in v. 23, “I never knew you.” The Diaglott states it correctly, “I never approved of you.” The Lord knows the Great Company well enough; they profess to be His servants; but He does not approve of their self-appointed titles and plans. Thus, they come under the condemnation of Prov. 26:3 (Rotherham) – “A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the back of dullards.” In Matt. 25:30 the servant with the “one talent” (the Great Company) is specifically accused of being “unprofitable” – a dullard.

In this connection, we quote a prediction by Brother Johnson in E-5:497: “By the time that the 60 groups of Levites will have been formed (of which the LHMM is self-admittedly one group—JJH), every feature of the Parousia Truth will have been repudiated and attacked by one or another of the 60 groups of Levite leaders.”  (This means that every one of them will be guilty – some more, some less—JJH)

Not only has R. G. Jolly repudiated the Truth on Tentative justification (he now places it in the Camp, and says it will continue to operate during the works dispensa­tion – whereas, it is distinctly a faith justification), on Psalms 46, and other items, but he now has perverted the Parousia Truth on the Parable of the Talents (Azazel means Perverter). For some time now he has been foisting himself into the “salt,” the “light” and the “us” class; so it should occasion no surprise that he now also boldly attempts to place himself and his kinsmen into the “good and faithful servant” class. Note, however, the clear contrast between such and the course of our Lord (Isa. 50:5, Rotherham): “I was not rebellious (I did not revolutionize), away turned I not (I did not leave the narrow way to promote my own schemes and purposes),” as the Great Company (the leaders in particular) has repeatedly done.

Certainly, it is not our wish to deprive any one of the glory that may justly be his; but we are determinedly opposed to power-graspers who would adorn themselves with a glory that is not theirs. Thus, we emphatically condemn R. G. Jolly for his revolutionism against the Parousia Truth on Matt. 25:14-30.

This also forces us to conclude from the Scriptures and the Star Members' teachings that any one who would apply our Lord's sayings to the Great Company, that fit only the Fully Faithful, would be out of harmony with His Truth and its Spirit – especially when they have full knowledge that they are Great Company. Nor could we honestly say that such a person was fully faithful to Parousia and Epiphany Truth if he is a self-admitted or clearly manifested crown-loser, because it is directly due to such unfaithfulness that they lost their crowns in the Parousia, with the same evil characteristics in added measure revealed in the Epiphany (mani­festing them as crown-losers), because the Epiphany is the time for “making manifest the counsels of hearts.” As Brother Johnson has correctly taught: They serve much better as unmanifested crown-losers, before they are driven from the Holy – after which they go from bad to worse until they are fully abandoned to Azazel, at which time they are ''very unfaithful” (See E-15:519, par. 1). Thus, the only logical conclusion concerning such is that their evils become more pronounced and recognizable after they lose the restraining hand of the Star Members. “By their fruits you will discover them.” (Matt. 7:16, Dia.)

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LETTERS  OF  GENERAL  INTEREST

Pilgrim Eschrich in Trinidad:

Dear Brother Hoefle: – Grace and peace in our Redeemer!

Here are some questions I had for Bro.  Eschrich when he was in Trinidad Feb. 20.

Knowing him as I do, I thought that he himself would benefit especially from Question No. 1. I learned, however, that he did not answer it, but simply advised the brethren to look up the references. If no more Priests are in the flesh, as is taught by them, and all Great Company now in the flesh are remanded to Second Death, What a calamity! Let us not be distressed, no man can change God's true Tabernacle. I understand question No. 2 was not answered at all. He agreed with the local teachers that the Youthful Worthies are on the Broad Way. I wonder if he ever read E Vol. 17, p. 171, 16 lines from top, In respect to Question No. 4, Progressive Tabernacle was stressed.  As to Question 5, he said that new creatures are on the narrow way. I may tell him strong objections are taken to putting Youthful Worthies on the Broad Way. It has left a big crack in his house.

Sr.------- got her answers in writing and Bro. Johnson’s teachings referred to, but he never forgot to tear out what did not suit him.

In a certain country I saw three full-sized pictures of three most prominent Bible Students –Star Member Johnson on the right, Star Member Russell in the center, and Levite Jolly on the left. All three on the same plane, instead of the Levite being on a much lower plane. How different on the Chart of the Ages in Parousia Vol. One... When I returned from that country I received a commendatory letter with a question or two. I mistakenly sent the questions to Levite Jolly and when I got his reply I had to set it aside, because he had fulfilled Ezek. 13:3. You see how Progressive Tabernacle has been built! The Advancing Truth does not set aside the Truth formerly received as some deceivers teach.  E. Vol. 9, p. 19, bottom.

In answering Sister’s question on antitypical Shadrach, Bro. Eschrich said that was fulfilled during the last two World Wars. In contradiction I say I have in my possession a paper from one of the 59 Levite groups, dated Nov. 1962, when one of its members was taken prisoner under Hitler.  The brother heard arrangements made for his death. He always kept Isa. 43:4 in memory, and when a ship with hundreds of prisoners on board was coming to take him, God caused the ship to sink, the brother was kept alive and wrote history in 1962 – twelve years after Brother Johnson’s demise. I have no doubt he is still alive. In the type Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego live through the fiery furnace.

I now close with much love for Sister Hoefle and all with you.

By His Grace,  L. F. Roach (TRINIDAD)

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ADDENDA

After the previous six pages had come from the printer there came to us J. W. Krewson's paper No. 55 a few days before the 1964 Memorial, the same bearing con­siderable “false witness” against us. Of course, we “think it not strange” that such diatribe should be leveled at us at this particular season of the year; in like manner also similar “false witness” was used by voluble leaders, motivated by unholy ambition, to crucify our Lord, and – 'As He was in this world, so are we.” At first we were inclined to pass this incident by, considering it too cheap and infamous for consideration; but, knowing that Brother Russell and Brother Johnson both defended themselves against slanderous attacks of character, so we now make answer to the scurrilous items to be found on page 29 of the paper in question – ­that our ministry be not blamed in the eyes of the Fully Faithful.

Here J. W. Krewson makes adroit attempt to cast us in similar mold with R. G. Jolly in 'vainly laying claim to the general teaching office”; but we remind our readers that at no time have we ever claimed more for ourselves than what the Lord conferred upon us through His Epiphany Messenger; namely, the office of Pilgrim, or General Elder in the Church, and we have produced our Pilgrim Certificate in proof of this claim. In the letter of transmittal that brought our certificate in the mail, Brother Johnson specifically stated that the Pilgrim appointment gave us full authority to address the General Church in any country on earth. More than this we have never attempted to do; nor will our readers find one instance where we have ever made pompous claims for ourself, or arrogated to ourself any authority not expressly delegated to us by the Lord through the Epiphany Messenger. At the same time we have noted that J. W. Krewson never received any such honor and privilege, and that his only basis for his present claims is what he himself sets forth; and we have only his own word for it. And – “When I open my lips, let no dog bark!” Of course, if he himself did not inform us of his greatness, no one would know about it; whereas, the General Church has known for many years that we were a Pilgrim in their midst without us ever once revealing the matter verbally or in printed page. View­ing this comparison, it is little wonder J. W. Krewson must inform his readers what a great personage he really is.

On former occasion we have shown clearly from 1 Sam. 14:50 that J.  W.  Krewson and R. G. Jolly are spiritual “cousins”; and their traits of character, their intimate similarity of technique, and their sponsorship of similar errors, with their clear revo­lutionism against many Parousia and Epiphany teachings, offers abundant proof that they are “cousins” indeed. And, while each of them has attempted to sully us as a teammate for his respective “cousin,” neither of them has up to now produced any substantial proof, Scriptural or otherwise, to support their claims.

After Brother Johnson's death we made long and repeated brotherly attempts to recover both the “cousins” from their “Path of error” (James 5:20, Dia.); and for quite sometime – after they began to disagree among themselves – both of them made determined effort to curry favor with us. And it was only after we became more adamant and outspoken against their sins of teaching and practice that the “cousins” both disfellowshiped us; WE DID NOT FIRST DISFELLOWSHIP THEM! But we also state with emphasis that at no time have we ever combined with either of them in their errors or revolutionisms against Parousia and Epiphany teachings – although they repeat­edly did so with each other. In fact, their major difference right now is which of them should be greatest; otherwise, they are even yet in many instances true collabor­ating “cousins” – each for his own quarter; whereas, we have administered crushing defeat to both of them on many of their respective errors, so it is little wonder we are now a common target for both of them. We instance now some soulmate errors of these renegade “kinsmen”:

(1) Both of them are contending the Little Flock has left the earth before Armageddon – ­a revolutionism against both Parousia and Epiphany Messengers. Thus, the both of them have “missed the mark with respect to the Truth, saying that the (first) resurrection has already happened; and they are perverting the faith of some.” (2 Tim. 2:18, Dia

This Scripture clearly declares there were false teachers in the beginning of the Age teaching perverse things about the resurrection – “The word of those men will eat like a mortifying sore” – and we are faced with an identical situation here in the end of the Age. R. G. Jolly could not wait until Brother Johnson had received burial before he came out positively that the first resurrection “has already happened.” At the time he made this announcement he said this had come to him in “a flash” about 4 a.m. the previous morning; and on the basis of that “sudden flash” he declared positively such a weighty matter without any real studious re­search (and during the time when the Lord's faithful people were in deep sorrow and shock over the passing of the beloved Epiphany Messenger). For one who had produced those 27 colossal blunders on the Pyramid just three short years before, then rush pell-mell into such a serious conclusion concerning the first resurrection (from which he himself had been debarred), the answer should be apparent to all un­biased minds: Clearly enough, he had been abandoned to Azazel by withdrawal of his priestly leader, and the terrible result was apparent in a matter of a few short days.

(2) Both of them teach 1954 as the end of the Epiphany period – one of them partially so, the other fully so. The Scriptures are very clear that “by the mouth of two or three witnesses everything should be established”; but up to now neither of the “cousins” has produced even one witness in proof of his claim, much less “two or three.” Note the extreme contrast between their contentions for 1954 and those that are so readily available for 1914. Note also that the “Man of Sin” is to be annihilated dur­ing the Epiphany period (2 Thes. 2:8, Dia. – “The Lord Jesus will annihilate by the Epiphaneia of His Parousia”). Neither of the “cousins” has been able to meet this dilemma. They also have brought the Epiphany to a close before the real features of the Epiphany (Armageddon, Anarchy & Jacob's Trouble) have even begun.

(3) Both of them have a class of quasi-elect consecrated – purely, their own invention –­ a class never seen by either Messenger. And this forces the both of them to cease attempting to win new Youthful Worthies since 1954, although neither of them has produced one shred of Scriptural proof for such a conclusion – contrary to the teaching of both Messengers that Youthful Worthies would be won before – and after – Armageddon, and until restitution sets in. (See first pages of this paper)

(4) In the January 1947 Present Truth, pages 7 through 14, there are 27 Pyramid calculations by the “cousins” to “prove” (?) that the last saint would most definitely be glorified in October 1956; and time has indisputably proven every one of those calculations to be wrong in every major feature. Thus, that bedlam of error (the “bottomless pit”) is nothing more than the chicanery of Satan. And then in January 1951 – exactly four years later – these same two “cousins” unashamedly present another mathematical “Proof” (?) from the Pyramid that the last saint was glorified in October 1950 –just six years sooner than the 27 “sure” computations. And any one now who is nauseated with their kind of “mathematics” – any one who cannot accept their 1950 “proof,” which completely nullifies their 27 previous “proofs” – is a “proven sifter.”

(5) Both of them are in confusion on the correct method of determining the correct date for the Memorial – and both of them were in accord on the erroneous method in 1962 – true “cousins” once more in supporting each other in their errors as they used similar technique in attacking the truth we presented.

On the same page 29 J. W. Krewson says those “following the fiery cloudy pillar have been disciplined in spiritual discernment into the manifold avenues of “Satanic deception”; and we are happy to report that this is decidedly true of our readers. So far as we know, not a one of our readers places one iota of credence in those 27 “mis”-calculations on the Pyramid; they all recognize them for the “Satanic deception” that they are. And the same may be said with equal force of the other points we have set out aforegoing. More on this in due time.

NO. 106: THE ZEAL FOR THINE HOUSE

No. 106

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

“Because zeal for thy house hath eaten me up, And the reproaches of them who have reproached thee have fallen upon me.” (Psa. 69:9 – Rotherham)

It has always been a characteristic (one of their “besetting sins”) of all Great Company leaders to expend their main zeal toward “saving souls,” beckoning to the world (in contrast to the Faithful Little Flock who obediently “separated themselves from the people of the land” – Ezra 10:11; Luke 6:22; 2 Cor. 6:17) – ­instead of following in “His steps” and remaining dead to self and alive toward God (seeking the Master's path). Their love for popularity – “do great works, win great numbers, gain great favor” (E-15:525) has taken the place of the “zeal for mine house” (for the Household). This has been true of all Great Company leaders throughout the Gospel Age up to the present – this Epiphany period – and the visible result has been the construction of Great and Little Babylon.

Immediately after Brother Johnson's demise, R. G. Jolly began manifesting pro­nounced characteristics that he himself is “not one whit behind” the chiefest of his soulmates of the past and present in his endeavors to ''win great numbers'' and gain the popularity that such crown-lost leaders crave. To do this he must cut the supply of the Household down and enlarge the supply for the world! So he did just the reverse of what Brother Johnson (the faithful Star Member) had set up: he cut down the Present Truth to six copies a year, and increased what was formerly The Herald of the Epiphany from six copies to 12 copies each year. And to make his appeal to the world more attractive he changed the name of The Herald of the Epi­phany to The Bible Standard, and “doctored” the covering (many such crown-lost leaders have a “D.D.” back of their name, proclaiming to all that their divinity has been “doctored”).

Nor do we find too much fault in his making the paper more attractive. The fault we do find is that in changing the Arrangements (as set up by The Epiphany Messenger for the Epiphany period) he started on his downward career of “feeding the poor world” and starving the Household – or at least putting them on a starva­tion diet of Truth mixed with error to fit his own program of “consecrating the Restitutionists,” instead of seeking those who have a yearning to serve God sacri­ficially, and feeding them with their God-given promises of the elect to enable them so to do. Naturally, as did the Jehovah's Witnesses, he had to present a doc­trine to fit in with his “Restitution Consecration” – hence his Epiphany Campers Consecrated who, he says, will also be “princes in all the earth,” although they won't have the Resurrection of the Just – but will receive the Resurrection of the UNJUSTI­FIED (Resurrection by judgment). And in this deceptive mirage there is one “small” item he fails to tell them; namely, they won't receive their “princeship” inheritance at the same time the real princes receive theirs – they will have to await the begin­nings of the general resurrection, perhaps many years after the real princes begin their reign (even according to his own presentations, if there were such a consecrated class here in this Epiphany; but such is not the case, as this class is as non-exister as the Jehovah's Witnesses' crop of 'dedicated' Restititionists).

At the same time he is giving us the “sleight-of-hand” that they are Tentatively Justified (a faith justification for a faith Age only), and are also walking a narrow way”! And we emphasize that he himself teaches that they will not receive the Resur­rection of the JUST(IFIED)! And with this program well on the way (since 1954) he is giving his “burning zeal” – his choicest portion – to the world. Indeed it seems that he may yet “sell all that he has to feed the poor” world. Self-evidently, he “sold the Truth” to the extent that he lost his crown; and there is grave danger that he any “sell all” and lose his standing in the Great Company. This would indeed be a sad ending for one who has managed to stay in the Household as long as he has, even though the greater part of that occupancy has been as a 'loser' (a self­admitted 'loser' since 1938) – a crown-loser.

But the record of the fully faithful has been just the opposite to the course of the Great Company leaders – from Jesus down to the least member in the Body of Christ – including the last elect class, the fully faithful Youthful Worthies. He uses his time and energy to think up new ways to appeal to the world; and in putting out new tracts, of which there seems to be no end! He tells his sectarian adherents, Keep busy; distribute the tracts, etc., etc., but by no means seek to 'argue' with the 'sifters' (the Hoefleites). As was mentioned in a letter from one of his chief representatives: they have sharp minds and are too much for you! We agree that the Adversary does indeed have a 'sharp' mind, but not sharp enough to overthrow the fully faithful who have received the ''wisdom from above'' (His Truth and its Spirit). And the Lord's faithful people can rest in the assurance of His promises: “For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.” With that promise in mind, we do not advise the fully faithful to “flee from the gainsayers.” Nor do they do so in any instance of which we know. It is the 'gainsayers' who flee from the presence of the faithful ­the Epiphany-enlightened brethren who have “continued in what they have learned and been assured of” – for they know of whom they have learned the Truth (from the faith­ful teachings of the last two Star Members). So when the adherents of these Little Babylon sects inadvertently come to us, they are sure not to make that mistake again – ­although at no time do we treat them with any discourtesy; we strive to give them brotherly help. They are permitted to do much of the talking. It is usually the questions we ask them that cause their discomfiture. But we “think it not strange” that these persuasive Great Company leaders can 'teach' their adherents that their faithful (?) presentations just won't hold up with these Epiphany-enlightened brethren, so the Lord's “arrangements” for them is to “flee from them”!

Repeatedly R. G. Jolly has told the brethren from Convention platforms that they should get out in the service – especially with his Bible films – and approach the people in the churches in Big Babylon. He says the people are becoming more and more interested in learning the Truth! This is the exact opposite to what Brother Russell and Brother Johnson taught: they repeatedly taught that the world in general would become more and more confused with error, and would be unable to receive the Truth less and less until after Big Babylon's destruction in Armageddon. We do agree that people are becoming more interested in some “form” of religion, because the times are indeed perilous. They have reached that stage where they are hiding “in the dens (secret societies, beneficial societies), and in the rocks (the fortresses of Society, civil and ecclesiastical) of the mountains (Kingdoms); and saying to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us (Epi, over or about, to cover and protect us; the common view that wicked men will get enough faith to pray for the literal mountains to fall, is absurd), and hide us (through our show of outward religious inclinations) from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne... For the great day of His wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” (Rev. 6:15-17 – see Berean Comments). But it is also mani­fest that they are interested in any hokus-pokus under the name of Christ rather than the Truth. The Adversary has seen to that, and he uses the 'speculative' minds of the Great Company to furnish a great deal of this 'hokus-pokus' – as well as relying upon their approbativeness and love of money, popularity, etc. So while in Azazel's clutches they do much to build up Little and Big Babylon, instead of participating in the work assigned to the fully faithful – that of ‘separating’ themselves from the nominal mass. While R. G. Jolly has delighted to apply such titles that belong only to the Little Flock to himself (such as “us, we,” etc.) – yet he doesn't emphasize too much the instructions to the “us” class. Instead of going “to Him without the Camp,” he emphasizes to “go to them in the Camp,”

We surely do not mean by this that the Lord's people are not to bear witness to the Truth beside all waters; but they should first seek to develop themselves in every good word and work; and, second, sacrificially help their brethren to do likewise by 'laying down their lives' for them; and, third, bear witness to the world of “sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment (to come).” – John 16:8

As previously stated, R. G. Jolly has a large supply of tracts for general distribution, as is noted on his tract table at Conventions. We are happy to note, tho, that he still continues to display the various Studies in the Scriptures by the Star Members on another table. For this we commend him. But along with this display of elevating teachings, he also has his Present Truth (which is now most improperly named. – is a misnomer – being in reality The Present Perverter); and at this last Philadelphia Convention he had a nominal-church book also displayed – ­“In His Steps.” We have read this book and find that the instructions on “In His Steps” are just in reverse of what our Lord's footstep followers would do, as recommended in the teachings of the last two Principal Men. We don't believe that any one except a Great Company leader befuddled by Azazel would be so foolish as to recommend the faithful teachings of the Star Members, and at the same time recommend the teachings of “foolish virgins” in Big Babylon – which is in direct opposition to the Truth in the Scripture Studies by both Messengers (and written by persons never blessed with “Present Truth” and its Spirit!). “A doubleminded man is unstable in all his ways.” (Jas. 1:8) Such tactics certainly manifest that he (R. G. Jolly) is not what he claims for himself – to be a 'cleansed' Levite – but rather prove that he is exactly what he is: he still has his fleshly mind (double minded)! At this same Convention one of his 'newcomers' in the LHMM (possibly one of his Epiphany Campers Consecrated) was enthusiastically recommending this book (“In His Steps”); said it was so inspiring! She didn't mention any of the Studies in the Scriptures. Perhaps she hadn't had time to read any of those – probably hadn't had time to read anything more than a sermonette in the form of “Flying Saucers,” and the like.

If any of our readers have read this book – “In His Steps” – and have observed R. G. Jolly's course in seeking to proselyte and 'consecrate' a Restitution Class – then they can see the harmony of his program to the instructions therein. But we offer here a few comments from That Servant's pen as a gauge to “discern between good and evil,” and to discern “between Truth and Error”:

“I give them credit, I think, for all they claim themselves, but as for teaching sanctification of the spirit and faith in the precious blood of Christ, I do not think many of them pretend to be doing that (R. G. Jolly still claims – ‘pretends’ to be doing that, even while proselyting Restitutionists: he claims now that is the only class to be proselyted! – JJH); I do not think many would say that was their true mission, and what they are trying to do. (Brother Russell, of course, had not witnessed the ‘doublemindedness’ of crown-lost leaders in Little Babylon at that time – JJH). On the contrary, they would say that they must go after the people, save the masses from something .... Our Lord when He spoke to the Apostle Peter did not say anything about going out and catching some wolves and putting sheep's hair on them, and finding rattlesnakes, and fixing them up and making them look like sheep. You take care of the_sheep, and the lambs, and the Lord will take care of how they got to be sheep and lambs. He is to do the drawing.” (Question Book, page 295)

Also, in direct dispute of what R. G. Jolly is telling his sectarian devotees about the people now being “ready for the Truth,” Brother Russell predicts (in harmony with the Scriptures) for this our time the following in Parousia Volume 4:

“The shaking of the symbolic ecclesiastical heavens mentioned in the same con­nection has somewhat to do with these lights of Christendom coming to a lower plane of public teaching. (R. G. Jolly ‘teaches’ they are being elevated to a ‘higher’ plane of teaching; that some of them are teaching the Divine Plan of Ages in their pulpits - using it as a textbook! – JJH) This shaking would signify just what we see on every hand – a shaking up of the creeds and dogmas of Christendom, which, because of their admixture of errors, produce confusion whenever referred to – as, for instance, the doctrine of elect and non-elect infants; the doctrine of the eternal torment of all who are not saints, overcomers, etc.

''As a consequence, many of the worldly-wise men who are starring before the public are already making every effort to distract attention from all such subjects. What other subjects can they find than either the true or the false doctrine of election; and the true or the false idea of God's provision for the future life of mankind?.... They can abandon spiritual themes wholly, and descend to the plane of the natural man, to moral and political reform questions. They can go ‘slumming,’ and preach the anti-slum gospel. They can join in Christian-citizenship Crusades, etc. These things will more and more engage these pulpit stars; while others will create sensations by outdoing the most celebrated infidels in statements of what they do not believe; in making sport of the Bible record of an Adamic fall into sin, and the idea of being saved out of something which is a myth, according to their Evolutionary theory.” (pp. 595-596)

As the Berean Comment for 2 Thes. 2:11 so aptly states: “Great delusions are just before us, and some of these may come closest upon those possessing the most light of Present Truth.” Certainly R. G. Jolly is the No. 1 example of a leader who received much “light of Present Truth,” and who has succumbed to the “strong delusions” mentioned by St. Paul.

We well realize that our pointed criticisms of R. G. Jolly are distasteful to many. This we regret, of course, just as we also regret even more the necessity for such exposures. But this should also offer convincing proof that our course is not prompted by a desire to “draw away disciples” unto ourselves; otherwise, we would be using ''words smoother than butter, words softer than oil” (Psa. 55:21), as did That Evil Servant and others of like character, such as the Papal 'diplomats,' etc., have done for centuries.

TWO GOLDEN CALVES

In 1 Kings 12 there is recorded the revolution in Israel after the death of Solomon, with the two tribes of Judah and Benjamin remaining with Solomon's son Rehoboam, and the other ten tribes deflecting to Jeroboam. Knowing full well of the compelling appeal to all Jews of the many things held sacred by them in Jerusalem, Jeroboam said to himself (see v. 26) that his now office was on a fragile throne, and moved to protect himself by designing two golden calves, placing one in Bethel and one in Dan. “Behold thy gods, O Israel,” he said to his adherents. No longer would it now be necessary for them to climb the toilsome ascending roads to Jerusalem for worship – just stay at home, and do it the easy way. “And this thing became a sin” (v. 30). For Gospel Age purposes these two golden calves type Clericalism and Sec­tarianism; and the enormity and deep-rooted evils of these two deflections from the Word of Truth are seen in their repeated condemnation in the Old Testament record. Of the kings in Israel that followed Jeroboam it is stated at least seventeen times that they walked in the way of Jeroboam, the son of Nebat, which made Israel to sin, thus directing our attention for this Age that one sect after the other in Christen­dom would find Clericalism and Sectarianism practised by their crown-lost power­grasping leaders.

DOUBLE REBELLION

The evils of crown-lost leaders, as described aforegoing are still glaringly apparent in our day, the latest manifestation being that of R. G. Jolly. In 1 Kings 12:31 it is stated that Jeroboam ''made priests of the lowest order of the people” – a second evil made necessary by his first evil in constructing the golden calves. Here is just one more proof of Brother Johnson's teaching that rejection of one truth always forces rejection of other truths in the desperate effort to uphold and defend the first error. R. G. Jolly's clericalism became immediately apparent when he also “made priests of the lowest of the people.” He rushed to elevate J. W. Krewson to a position out of all keeping with what Brother Johnson had recognized in him. He also “laid hands” on others as speakers for his Convention programs that Brother Johnson recognized not at all for such purposes, because their deficiencies and incapacity were only too glaringly apparent to him. This is also in keeping with the course of That Evil Servant, who failed to correct corrupt and erring brethren so long as they approved of him. In addition, he and R. G. Jolly, and others of kindred spirit, have denounced the true people of God as errorists, and exhorted them to give up their “errors” (See E-13:14) – in reality the Truth which R. G. Jolly and others have been unable to meet.

Note now what Brother Johnson says of such in E-14:472: “An exhortation will go out to invade the teaching, spirit and service of the Great Company in the Truth as guilty of double rebellion, once in the nominal church, then in the Truth.” We have repeatedly pointed out R. G. Jolly's revolutionisms of various truth he once accepted and commendably preached with enthusiasm – truths against which he now rebels (revolutionizes) and supplants with his own erroneous inventions. In our January 1 paper we detailed the teachings of Brother Russell and Brother Johnson re Psa. 46, in which they show it is ridiculous to expect the Church (the Little Flock) to leave the world before Armageddon. This truth by both Messengers R. G. Jolly now rejects. And why does he do so? He does so because Brother Johnson died in 1950! And in this he becomes ridiculous in the extreme, for he attempts to set aside the inspired Word of God just because a certain man died. Surely, here he is guilty of “double rebellion.”

As we have repeatedly stressed in our papers, When crown-losers fall into the hands of Azazel, they talk all sorts of nonsense. And we have here a pronounced example of nonsense deluxe: A crown-loser arbitrarily casting aside the inspired Word of God in Psa. 46 – and the interpretation given that Psalm by both Messengers just because a human being died. And R. G. Jolly accentuates this nonsense by plac­ing great stress upon his error, while never once mentioning the Psalm itself, thus presenting an opiate to his trusting readers. It is little wonder he warns them to “avoid” us! Some of them might just begin to think a little bit if we confronted them with the Truth as expressed herein. Thus, he never tells them to “continue in the things they have learned, and have been assured of” by the last two Principal Men; he advises them to “continue in the error he is giving them,” as they ignore in toto certain pertinent Scriptures. This has been a prevalent trick of the Adver­sary all during the Age.

The same may be said for his “double rebellion” against Tabernacle truths -­truths he now sets aside to make way for his Campers Consecrated. He preaches Rom. 12:1 to them and invites them to “sacrifice,” without offering to them the blessings God promised to such. Rom, 12:1 is decidedly only a Gospel-Age text; it can have no application whatever to Restitutionists. Sacrifice under present evil conditions, without a compensating reward is contrary to all the fundamentals of God's character, because Justice is the foundation of His throne.

Our text is primarily a prophecy of our Lord. It was His zeal for God's House, the House of Sons (“Christ as a son over His own house, whose house are we” – the Fully Faithful Little Flock, Heb. 3:6) – that did fully consume Him. Secondarily, the application is for the House itself in their loving zeal “to lay down their lives” for each other. The text is the Manna for November 22, used in due course over the years past as the basis of the weekly testimony meeting. Thus, it has become one of the “ancient landmarks” for Truth people; and Solomon pointedly admonishes such: “Remove not the ancient landmarks, which thy fathers have set” (Prov. 22:28) – those old truths which have come to us by the teachings of That Servant and his faithful pilgrims – as R. G. Jolly and others of his kinsmen have done. May our readers all take heed lest they fall under the penalty of Deu. 27:17 – ”Cursed be he that removeth his neighbor's landmark.”

Sincerely your brother

John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

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

Would you kindly forward 400 tracts for distribution at church doors. We have served all the churches in .... and vicinity years ago, but we could again start as there are a lot of new and young people that we can reach. Again, Sr. ------- joins me in expressing our deep appreciation to you for standing fast in defense of Parousia and Epiphany Truth. May God continue to bless your every effort to this end. We also send our Christian love to Sister Hoefle and all the dear friends there with you. Sincerely your Brother ------- ( N.J.)

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Dear Brother Hoefle: – Christian greetings to you and yours!

I must here acknowledge a letter from Bro ------- with two lbs. enclosed. We have entered the second month of a New Year of much joy in the Lord – and although with no less trials as the past, yet we have the assurance of His Word “My Grace is sufficient.”

We are in receipt of your monthly papers, which have been gratefully received. I pray the Lord's continued blessings on you while you strive to serve Him faithfully. My sincere love to you, Sr. Hoefle and the dear ones with you. Yours by His Grace, Brother ------- (JAMAICA)

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Dear Brother Hoefle: – Christian Greetings!

Although we have your name in our Manna, I had not specially noted the fact of your birthday being so near at hand. Of course, the fact of my present physical condition has something to do with these omissions of late. However, I do my best and must leave matters with the Lord who knows only too well our shortcomings and weaknesses. This past two weeks I have not been able to endure this very cold and foggy weather....

I am sending a birthday card tomorrow, along with two calendars which I had hoped to send to Sister Wells and Sister Dunnagan before this date.... God bless and keep you and Sister Hoefle secure In His great love. Our love to you both and to all the dear ones with you. May the Lord's love and peace be with you all is our constant prayer. Faithfully your Bro. & Sr ------- (ENGLAND)

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Dear Brother Hoefle: – Loving greetings!

In my haste to answer your latter – in my joy of hearing from you – I seemed to have failed to mention the brethren. They are all well and steadfast in the Truth as they have learned it....... I think the winter will soon make its farewell and will bring with it a little better health for the older brethren. Sr ------- wrote during the Christmas Holidays and I felt with her in the loss of her husband...

We ask that you send 200 tracts. We are a bit late in placing our order, and ask that you mail as early as you can. Please remember me to the others with you – and I still ask that you continue to pray for me.

Sister ------- (JAMAICA)

NO. 105: SOME THOUGHTS FOR THE MEMORIAL

No. 105

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

Comes once more the observance of our Lord's death – the complete pouring out of His Soul on the cross; thus, we attempt once again to “stir up your pure Minds by way of remembrance,” emphasizing as we do so the counsel that our own writings in this instance are in nowise intended to replace That Servant's all-inclusive analysis on the Passover in Volume Six. The Jews were commanded to take to each family their Passover lamb on Nisan 10 – four days before the event actually arrived. While this was typical of our Lord's entry into Jerusalem four days before His death, we believe it also had the effect upon the Jews in Egypt of focusing their reverent attention and concentration upon that great event which was to free them from bondage. And so may we also be motivated by reading the Passover chapter in Volume 6 in the days before we “do this in remembrance of Him.”

THE CORRECT DATE

All during the Age it has been controversy without end over the correct date to keep the Memorial of “Christ our Passover, who is sacrificed for us.” In Exodus 12 we are told in very plain and understandable words that the type itself occurred on Nisan 14; and we know the antitype – “Christ our Passover” – was also offered up on Nisan 14; but there is nothing at all in the Scriptures to tell us how we must arrive at Nisan 1. Therefore, we must rely upon the secular records to direct us in this cal­culation, although the Christian world in general is influenced almost not at all by the Nisan dates – which causes many of the sects in Christendom to set their own dates for observing “Communion” – some every day, as in the case of the Roman Church, some every week, some every month or on special days, and some three or four times each year – ­just as they also have accepted the very arbitrary day of December 25 to celebrate our Lord's birthday.

Howbeit, there is not the slightest hint in the Scriptures that we should observe Jesus' birthday, so December 25 may be acceptable to all – much the same as Queen Victoria's birthday is remembered on a certain Monday of each year in England, although that is not the exact date of her birth. However, our Lord's statement specifically ordered us to keep His deathday – “This do in Remembrance of me”; and, while we would not have violent quarrel with any who determine to keep this “remembrance” oftener than once a year, the impropriety of multiple “remembrance” of His death-day each year is just as apparent as would be our observance of His birthday more than once a year. In fact, up in Pennsylvania there is a certain religious group who do observe our Lord's birthday twice each year – once in midsummer and once at December 25 – believing, as they do, that such a momentous event should receive attention more than just once each year. With such we have no particular quarrel, although we believe it is more in keeping with our Lord's words, and with the ceremony instituted in the type in Egypt, that His deathday, be observed once each year – and that as nearly as we may determine exactly on Nisan 14.

For centuries now the date for Easter and Good Friday have been arbitrarily determined by Christendom as the first Friday after the first full moon after the Vernal Equinox. Through a most striking and rare coincidence that method this year brings Good Friday on exactly the right date, according to Scriptural reckoning. The moon this year that determines Nisan 1 becomes new at Jerusalem at 4 a.m. March 14, which, according to Jewish reckoning, starts Nisan 1 at 6 p.m. March 13. This then brings Nisan 14 at 6 p.m. Thursday March 26. Thus, this year, when we “do this in remembrance,” we shall do so on Thursday night in exact conformity with the day our Lord instituted this Sacrament. And the entire Christian world will also have the Scripturally correct date for the crucifixion as they observe Good Friday on March 27, and Easter March 29. We do not recall a similar occurrence in our generation – nor do we know if it has ever before occurred in the entire Age since the correct method of calculation was abandoned by the Apostates after the Apostles passed away – although we are not positive on this, not having proper records available. But all of us may certainly find cause for thanks that this most unusual coincidence is our happy portion in this year 1964.

Thus, the time, place and ministry of the service devolves upon the elders in every Ecclesia, as explained by Brother Russell on p. 475, par. 1, Vol. 6 – and they may do this without previous consultation with the Class. The obligation by Jesus ­“This do in remembrance of Me” – makes it mandatory upon the Elders, even though the large majority of the Class might feel otherwise.

MY BODY - MY BLOOD

While the plain statement of the Bible concerning the date has led to much con­troversy, the simple and direct words of our Lord have been even moreso. His words ­“This is my body; this is my blood” – have been interpreted from one extreme to the other, with the Roman Church contending they change the bread and the wine into the actual body and blood of Jesus. Inasmuch as Jesus was not yet dead when He spoke these words, it should not require great intellect to determine that He must have meant other than the interpretation given them by the Roman Church. The Harvest Truth, as given through That Servant, stated the question in its real and significant simplicity: This represents my body; this represents my blood. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to imbibe the Truth on the subject from the Passover chapter in Volume 6 have been much impressed that this was some new and startling analysis; but it seems that Star Member Zwingli had an equally clear understanding, which led to a sharp controversy between him and Martin Luther – and an even more acerb and vicious battle between Zwingli and the Papacy.

While Zwingli is not widely and minutely discussed today, it seems he was a man of clear and brilliant intellect, who came to his death at the early age of 47 years. Had he lived to the normal threescore years and ten, it is probable he would have made a much deeper niche in the theological thinking of the Christian era. Even so, his skill in the Classics led his friends to hail him as “the undoubted Cicero of our Age.” In 1525 he published his “Commentary on the True and False Religion,” in which he declared Luther “was in a fog” – which indeed he was insofar as the Truth on the Lord's Supper was concerned. Zwingli stated that Christ's simple statement merely “proclaimed that by faith alone could His presence be received in a feast which He designed to be commemorative and symbolic.” Certainly no clearer explanation than this was ever given during the Harvest time. So piercing was the brilliant presenta­tion by Zwingli that in October 1529 it broke the whole Protestant movement into two camps, and actually led to civil war in Switzerland.

In this civil war the “Man of Sin” followed the Age-old technique of murder when intellect failed them. They sent against the Zwingli contingent an army twice its size, and much more skillfully officered; thus, his followers were defeated, and he himself murdered in cold blood. His corpse was then quartered by the public hangman, and burned on a heap of dung by unfeeling soldiers. When Pope Paul raises the insolent query now ­Have they done harm to their Protestant brethren? – here is just one instance alone that offers more than enough answer. “In her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints.” (Rev. 18:24) But the “Beast” seeks its usual justification behind the subterfuge ­His murder was justified because of the “bad spirit” that he showed. Yes, “They have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and thou hast given them blood to drink” (Rev. 16:6) On the grave of this brilliant Star Member and “good soldier” is the marker, “They may kill the body, but not the soul: So spoke on this spot Ulrich Zwingli, who for Truth and the freedom of the Christian Church died a hero's death October 11, 1531.”

We relate the fate of Zwingli in this “remembrance of Him” because the death of each was so strikingly companion, and aids in arousing our hearts and minds as we “Consider Him.” It is well that we keep them much in mind at this season of the year, and to consider that the attacks of Truth against error always bring out the real character of both sides; and this is just as true today as it was then. The slander heaped upon Brother Russell was the direct result of the Truth he taught – ­Truth that his errorist opponents could not meet with Scripture. The same was true of Brother Johnson; and we ourselves may expect the same treatment from similar people today. Therefore, “Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you.” (1 Pet. 4:12) We may expect the same misrepresentation and falsehood from those in disagreement with us as was meted out to our “betters” of the past; and by such falsehood our revilers also reveal their true characters – and we “suffer it to be so.”

For many years – and especially so during the last ten years – we have been much impressed each Memorial by the Berean Comment of Brother Russell on Matt. 27:21, Mark 15:11, Luke 23:13 and John 18:40: “Religious fanaticism is the deepest, wickedest and most conscienceless of hatreds.” Coupled with this, we ponder also the Berean Comment on John 18:28: “How much of meanness and murder can be covered with a garment of light!” While Brother Russell did not experience actual physical assassination, as did Zwingli, he did indeed suffer a kindred character assassination (murder –­ see Berean Comment for 1 John 3:15) – as many of us also have. Therefore, let us “think it not strange” if “your brethren hate you, and cast you out for my name's sake.” (Isa. 66:5, also Berean Comment)

THE PLACE TO MEMORIALIZE

The tendency of this our day is for larger and more costly edifices in which to observe this “remembrance of Me.” But in many of these “the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee” (Rev. 18:22); therefore, may the fact impress us that it is the occupants who sanctify the building; the building does not sanctify the occupants. Thus, St. Paul addresses one of his most human and endearing letters “unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellow-laborer ... and to the church in thy house.” Therefore, may each participant in this year's “remembrance of Me” rest in the strong assurance that “ye are the temple of God, and that the spirit of God dwelleth in you” (1 Cor. 3:16), regardless of the edifice we may occupy. In fact, the institution of this “remembrance” by Jesus Himself was in an “upper room” of a private residence.

TEMPTED IN ALL POINTS

St. Paul tells us in Heb. 4:15 (Dia.) that Jesus was tried “in all respects like ourselves, apart from sin”; also, that He was “holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners.” (Heb. 7:26) To many, these statements are an enigma. How can any one be tempted, except to sin, they ask. And, if Jesus was not tempted to sin, how could He possibly be tempted “as we are” – we who are prone to sin, “none righteous, no not one”? This becomes clear when it is understood that there are four classes of temptation that beset God's people: Sin, Error, Selfishness and Worldliness. Thus, if Jesus was tempted in all points except Sin, it means He was tempted to Error, Selfishness and Worldliness. Before we analyze these in our Lord's experiences, let us first of all make clear that He was never tempted to the sins that beset the fallen human race - murder, thievery, immorality, falsehood - on every occasion He always said and did exactly the right thing, in the right way, at the right time, always “apart from sin”; whereas, all of the Lord's followers - some more, some less ­have had such temptations to sin. St. Paul makes this clear in 1 Cor, 6:9-11 (Dia.): “Be not deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminates, nor Sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous persons, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the Kingdom of God, AND SUCH CHARACTERS WERE SOME OF YOU.” Yet in all these things Jesus was “apart from sin” – they bothered Him not in the least. His human body was ever the noble and altruistic servant of His new creature. Let us look then at those features wherein He was tempted, the same being related in Matthew 4, “Then Jesus was conducted by the Spirit into the desert, to be tempted by the enemy,” the first of which was:

SELFISHNESS: – “After fasting forty days and forty nights He was hungry. Then the Tempter approaching Him, said, If thou be a son of God, command that these stones become loaves.” Here we have temptation in the form of Selfishness in the very strongest degree. Self-preservation is the first law of nature, the desire for food and drink being the prime factors therein. Thus, a good and honorable man, faint with hunger, might put forth his hand to purloin food belonging to another, even though he had fasted but two or three days, instead of forty days, as was true of Jesus. But in this temptation Jesus was more than conqueror, as He answered, “Man shall not live by bread only, but by every word proceeding from the mouth of God.” Thus, he who later turned water into excellent wine, could just as easily have used His power to provide food for Himself, but He victoriously resisted the temptation to sate His selfish propensities to satisfy His bodily needs.

And this continued to be His course throughout His earthly ministry. Not once do we read that He derived personal material gain from the great power that was His. Some of the miracles He performed in healing wealthy people – such as raising the daughter of Jairus from the dead (Luke 8:41-56) – could certainly have brought Him substantial “fees”; but in this one instance we here mention He not only sought no pecuniary reward, but even avoided popular applause. “He charged them that they should tell no man what was done.” And in this He surely gave us sound cause to “do this – ­with the bread and the cup – in remembrance” of Him. “Buy the Truth, and sell it not.” And, following His 'example' in resisting temptation towards selfishness, we may also have His same blessed experience: “Then the enemy leaves Him; and behold! Angels came and ministered to him.” (v. 11)

ERROR – “Then the Enemy conducts Him into the Holy City, and places Him on the battle­ment of the temple, and says to Him, If thou be a son of God, cast thyself down; for it is written, He will give His angels charge of thee; they shall uphold thee on their hands, lest thou strike thy foot against a stone.” God's people should never court or encourage sensationalism, or even ribald flippancy, or “sleight-of-­hand,” if they would be true and fully useful “able ministers of the New Testament.” (2 Cor. 3: 6) Such a 'stunt' would certainly have brought Jesus wide acclaim – ­would have attracted to Him the attention of the people in pronounced manner. Here was a most subtle ruse to stumble our Lord. Be it remembered that temptation is an appealing suggestion. Without appeal, there can be no temptation. Thus, we cannot tempt a fellow man with a cigar if he detests tobacco; whereas, it might be a very strong appeal to another who had been an habitual smoker and had with great diffi­culty forsaken the vice. And by the same token, at least some of God's people have had the urge to 'show off' with the power of the Truth that has come to them – to use it for personal prestige, and perhaps even more, when “the praise of men” might be involved. But to the erroneous twist by Satan our Lord gave the perfect answer, “Again it is written, Thou shalt not try the Lord thy God.” Here again He “left us an example'' that we indulge not in outward show as we “do this in remembrance.”

WORLDLINESS – “Again the Enemy takes Him to a very high mountain, and shows Him all the Kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them; and says to Him, All these will I give thee, if prostrating thou wilt worship me.” Some may argue that these were not Satan's to give; but we are told he is “the God of this world” (2 Cor. 4:4), and there is little doubt but that he could have kept his promise to that extent. (Here also is indisputable proof that Satan was about this earth when our Lord was here – in contrast to the mistaken belief held by some that he was in Heaven until 1914, or 1918, at which date, they say, he was first cast out.) With the perfect mind and vigorous body that were His, our Lord would have had little difficulty – ­especially, if He experienced no opposition from Satan – in securing quick domina­tion of the financial and political elements in a world where all about Him were in every respect His inferiors. Here also, He “was tempted like as we are”; and once more we have His perfect answer, “Get thee behind me, Adversary; for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.” And at this time we are well advised to keep His answer well in mind, as we “do this in remembrance.” And let us consider that in all His temptations our Lord was more than conqueror; His human body was always the noble servant, in full subjection to His new creature.

At this Satan left Jesus, and we hear no more about His temptations. While we have classified them as selfishness, error and worldliness, they may also be defined under the headings of faith, obedience and loyalty, respectively. We could also describe them as Capitalistic Power (prompted by selfishness to use His power for personal gain), Religious Power (temptation to gain a following – to “do great works, win great numbers, gain great favor” – E-15:525 – as many have done who have built upon “Christ as Sand”), and Governmental Power (using superior intellect to dominate weaker men). Many would do well to “examine themselves” from these standpoints as we “do this in remembrance.”

OUR PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

(June 1, 1915 Watch Tower – Reprint 5698)

“The Apostle's argument is that we should hold fast the faith which began our Christian life and which is also to be the finisher of our Christian life. The Lord is able to carry us through and He will do it, if we do our part. But the terms on which the Lord has received us are that we purpose to abide faithful. Hence every­thing depends on our holding fast to the faith which we have professed, without wavering, without harboring any doubts and fears; and the basis of our faith in our ultimate triumph is the assurance that 'He is faithful that promised.' We know that in the Bible there are 'exceeding great and precious promises' for us. While the Lord tells us that there is nothing in ourselves that we can depend on, He assures us that His Grace is sufficient, that His strength is made perfect in our weakness. We have only to lay hold upon it. If therefore we hold fast to our faith, we may obtain all that God has promised us. He will be faithful; He will not disregard His promises; He will do all that He has said.

“If we hesitate and waver we are either losing our faith or losing the spirit of obedience and love. If, therefore, we realize that either of these conditions exists, we should go at once to the Word of God and to prayer, that our faith, love and zeal may be renewed. We should scrutinize our hearts day by day to make sure that we are still loyal to the Lord, to see whether we are seeking to lay down our lives according to our covenant, to see whether we are developing the fruits and graces of the holy Spirit. Thus we shall fulfill our vows, and there shall be 'an abundant entrance' administered unto us into the 'everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.'“

This year we shall observe the Memorial at 7:30 p.m., March 26 at 1507 N. Donnelly, Mount Dora, as in other years; and with this comes the prayer that all our readers receive the Lord's blessing in their preparation for, and participation in “this remembrance.” “Let us keep the festival, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of vice and wickedness, but with the unleavened principles of sincerity and truth.”

Sincerely your brother,

John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

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QUESTION OF GENERAL INTEREST

QUESTION: – What studies would you suggest for classes where there are new ones as well as some who are well versed in Parousia and Epiphany Truth?

ANSWER: – The Divine Plan of the Ages is always good for only new ones in the Truth; however, if the class is having studies with some other Parousia Volume, such as the 5th Volume or Tabernacle Shadows, we believe that the new ones could progress with the aid of the others – especially with the encouragement that the new ones should start reading approximately ten pages of the First Volume of Parousia Studies each day and continue thus until they have read all six volumes.

We suggest that such Classes have two studies a week – one in Parousia Volumes and one in Epiphany Studies. For a Class with newcomers, the Epiphany study in Volume 4 on Youthful Worthies would be most timely. A second suggestion is Azazel Goat Class and Great Company, also in Epiphany Volume 4. These two elect classes are not treated very much, if at all, in any of the Little Babylon groups today except LHMM, and this group has grossly revolutionized against the teachings of the Star Members on both classes – and is now teaching no more opening for Youthful Worthies, although both Star Members taught there would be such an opening “until restitution begins.” So it is important we “continue in what we have learned and been assured of” on both of these elect classes here in the Epiphany when they are most prominently manifested as such – Youthful Worthies or Great Company.

With That Servant, we also recommend a regular Wednesday Testimony meeting, with the previous Thursday Manna text as a basis for the testimony. We believe this is one of the most important meetings, because it allows each one an opportunity for individual expression, and is therefore character-building, if the brethren are properly exercised thereby. We can study and learn a great deal of the doctrines privately, but the fellowship received through these testimonies, sharing in the exper­iences of one another over the past week, increases our zeal for the Truth and love for the brethren – and in that way we grow in knowledge and in the spirit of the Truth. It was That Servant's suggestion that if only one meeting could be had in a week, it should be a testimony meeting. (See Reprints 4010, col. 2, top and 5122, col. 2, top) If we have no burning zeal to study, practice and spread the Truth, then whatever knowledge we have is of very little value to us; in fact, if such zeal-less attitude becomes a persistent malady in any of us, we doubt very much that we can keep the knowledge of the Truth.

Of course, we believe the No. 1 item for all is to begin each day by reading the Manna and Comments, with such reflection thereon during the day as occasion may allow. Any who neglect the Manna are certain to suffer a corresponding leanness of spirituality; and this would be especially true of isolated brethren who do not have the privilege of regular assemblage with others of ‘like precious faith.' The Manna comments by both Messengers are superb for their energizing spiritual influence and uplift. During our stay in Brother Johnson's home in 1947 there was never a breakfast in which the day's Manna did not command first consideration; and this is also our own procedure each day.

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

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

We are enjoying your papers Nos. 101 and 102. I am looking to see what the reaction will be. I am sure Brother Jolly would not relish that November paper, nor the December paper. I think you have driven the last nail in his coffin in that Miriam leprous picture.

You ask about Brother ------- He seems to be one of those who would have more respect for the creature than the Creator (Deut. 1:17; James 2:9), as can be seen from his opinions .... Although he does not agree with the “strange fire” of Epiphany Campers Consecrated, yet he would not leave the LHMM – for if he should do that, What would the friends think of him! Such worship the creature more than the Creator, and that is a sure sign that they do not accept the Truth for the love and spirit of it; otherwise they would not be content to remain and countenance such errors.

My dear brother, may the Lord continue to give Grace, health and strength to you so as to continue in pointing us to the writings of the Star Members. The brethren are in good spirit. With loving Christian greetings to you and to the dear Sisters Dunnagan and Wells.

Yours by His Grace, Brother -------

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Dear Brother Hoefle: – Grace and Peace!

Your February paper No. 104 was received today, and I note you are reminding us of the Special Effort in Gideon's Second Battle. I ask you to send some tracts so I can have part in this Effort. The things you write on Keturah's six sons are well written and in harmony with Brother Johnson's writings.

I have looked up the references you give, and also the references RGJ gives in his Nov-Dcc. PT – all of which prove your point! It leaves no place for Campers Consecrated. He refers to you as “sifter, chronic faultfinder, customary duplicity and method of deception.” In the last paragraph on p. 88 he says, “All sifters resort to deceptions, lies and misrepresentations, even as their father the devil did and still does (John 5:44)”; then he quotes Gen. 49:5,6 – Scriptures that no crown-loser can apply to themselves (Certainly no crown-loser is addressed here – although they are described in v. 5 –”Instruments of cruelty are in their habitations”—JJH). Please see Epiphany Vol. 10, p. 660, bottom. He has in the past used Luke 21:15 and Isa. 54:17 which in part describes unclean Great Company members stealing spiritual prero­gatives – kleptomania in spiritual respects (see Ep. Vol. 5, p. 322, bottom).

Brother Johnson applied Matt. 24:48-51 to JFR, and he fits the description; but I believe Luke 12:45-46 fits RGJ. Manservants of v. 45 1 think refers to the Little Flock, and the maidens the Youthful Worthies.....I believe Col. 2:18-19 exhorts the Little Flock not to give up their hope – and the one asking them to do so would be intruding into things which he hath not seen – proven. And the word 'intruding' indicates to me that he had no business discussing the subject. 'Vainly puffed up' indicates pride and vanity. By his fleshly mind, and not 'holding the head,' indicates his Great Companyship. That fits RGJ.

I know from the few times it has been my privilege to fellowship with you person­ally, that you have the “spirit of the Truth”; and from your writings I know that the Lord has given you the knowledge and ability to defend the Truth “we have learned and been assured of.” And He is also bringing out some gems of Truth based upon and elaborated out of said Truth. So you do not need me to defend you against RGJ. His use of Isa. 54:17 and Gen. 49:5-6 is so glaring I feel that I must register my protest.

I pray the Lord to grant you prosperity in knowledge, grace and service – and I wish the same for all in your Class, and all in harmony with you.

By the Lord's favor I am, Your brother, ----------

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Dear Brother Hoefle: – Grace and peace in Jesus' Name!

I am writing to say thank you for all your labour in instructions, corrections and rebukes your articles have furnished me during the year that is now dying. I think all the faithful will say as I do, I am glad when I knew of Brother Hoefle, for you are a help to the faithful, even though you become a stumbling block to the unfaithful. The Lord's promises are sure, you will be given your needs to do another year if you faithfully toil on. Your reward is at no distance.

I close with best wishes, Yours through His Grace -------

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Sirs: – May I have a copy of each of the following: The Resurrection of the Dead, What Is the Soul, Where are the Dead and The Three Babylons.

Thank you!    Yours --------