NO. 79: THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

No. 79

(Reprint of No. 38 – with additions)

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

“I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings,” says Hos. 6:6. This subject of knowledge, especially so with the “know­ledge of God,” has been bandied about by all classes from the least unto the great­est; and a little reflection readily makes evident that it must be embellished with copious qualifications if it is to be retained in proper balance. Almost every virtue becomes a vice when overdone; therefore, almost every virtue requires a companion virtue if it is to be maintained in good perspective. This is certainly true of knowledge, because St. Paul says that “knowledge puffeth up, but love build­eth up.” The great Apostle is not here putting a slur on knowledge, because no one can have too much knowledge if that knowledge is given proper balance by the grace of love. “The spirit of a sound mind” implies that such a person has all four of the Divine attributes in reasonable proportion – each companion to the other three prorated to its correct position. Knowledge is acquaintance with fact, clear per­ception of truth; and wisdom is the correct application of knowledge. Thus, a man who is gifted chiefly with knowledge may be said to be an intellectual man; one with knowledge and power, an austere man; one with knowledge, power and justice, a righteous man; and one with knowledge (wisdom), power, justice and love is a “good man.” And to one possessing these four the promise is sure and certain that his “steps are ordered of the Lord.”

We often hear the remark that “knowledge is not the essential thing”; but this statement is only a half truth, and – Half truths are more misleading than whole error. St. Paul does indeed say that love is the principal thing – that “love is the bond of perfectness” (Col. 3:14). And none with that “bond of perfectness” will ever be rejected by the Lord, will never fall from the Class in which he finds him­self. No Saint ever lost his crown so long as he retained that “bond”; and no Youthful Worthy will ever fall from his Class if he has and retains that bond. As Brother Johnson has so well stated, it is not required of Youthfuls that they develop Agape love; but they should certainly do so if they have the capacity. Some may not be able to do this; but it should be readily evident that if they can and do acquire it, then they have also the “bond of perfectness” which none can give nor take away – the possessor of that “bond” can never encounter ship­wreck in his walk by faith.

Above we quoted St. Paul’s statement that love is the principal thing, but here also qualification is necessary, because no one ever developed Agape love without patience, and none can retain it without that adorning grace. It is of such im­portance that St. Paul mentions it last in Titus 2:2 in his admonition to be “sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.” Jesus had perfect love, but this He retained only through His perfection in patience – ”He steadfastly (in full patience) set His face to go to Jerusalem,” But we must go beyond patience in our qualification of Agape love. Before patience must come faith; and before faith must come knowledge – “the knowledge of God.” This is emphasized in Romans 10:14-17: “How shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard (received sufficient know­ledge to enable them to believe)? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach except they be sent?... So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Clearly, then, in the primary sense the “knowledge of God” is the principal thing; without that knowledge there could be no faith; without faith “It is impossible to please God,” and without faith none could possibly gain that principal thing – Agape love. It has been our observation that those who would discount the virtue of knowledge – ”not the essential thing” – are those who possess very little of it; and their contention is simply a lame alibi for their glaring incapacity – ”My people perish for lack of knowledge.” We are instructed to “study to show thyself approved unto God”; and we are to account those elders “worthy of double honor... who labor in word and doctrine (the knowledge of God)” 1 Tim. 5:17.

And with such servants abides the assurance of faith – they know that they know. Nor need such assurance “puff up” if that knowledge is moderated by Agape love. The Egyptians have a proverb: “He who knows, but knows not that he knows, is timid – ­encourage him. He who knows not, and knows that he knows not, is ignorant – teach him. He who knows not, and knows not that he knows not, is a fool – shun him. But he who knows, and knows that he knows, is wise – follow him.” Surely, the last two Principal Men knew, and knew that they knew; the Scriptures specifically state of one of them that he was “wise”; and our trust was well placed as we followed them. Also, it was prophetically written of the Epiphany Solomon (I Kgs. 3:12): “I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.” Therefore, those who recognize Brother Johnson as the good Epiphany Solomon will proceed most cautiously before attempting to dispute any of his faithful Scriptural teachings. Neither of the Laodicean “stars” deemed it essential to be “as the actors,” to use the tricks of oratory, or the flummery of the stage, much of which is simply humbug. A pleasant anecdote is related of Charles Darwin, the famous naturalist: Some neighborhood boys attempted a prank upon him by catching a grasshopper, tearing off its wings and long hind legs, then substituting the wings of a wasp and parts of several other bugs. They then showed him their artifice, asking him if he could tell them what kind of a bug it was. “Did it make a humming noise when you first caught it out in the field”? he asked. “Oh, yes; it made a very loud humming noise when we first grabbed it.” “Then,” replied Mr. Darwin, “it’s a ‘hum’-bug.”

Such is much the case with a large part of our present-day estimation of the “knowledge of God.” A very prominent Evangelist recently said to his audience, “Coming to Christ is not dependent on understanding. I don’t understand the digestive system, but I eat.” The superficiality of this statement is readily apparent. The Evangelist himself may not understand his digestive system; but other human beings do understand it, and this enables him to go on living. Had the human race not learned early in history that some articles are deadly poison which destroy the di­gestive system, none would have survived unto this day. The Evangelist’s physician understands the digestive system, and he hires that physician to keep his digestive system in proper condition. And by the same rule of measure the preacher should understand what he is feeding the flock – and should feed them the true “knowledge of God” – if he would save them from spiritual indigestion. Presumably, they are paying him to do just that – just as the Evangelist pays his doctor to keep him phys­ically well.

In our courts of law it is a fundamental rule of interpretation that “Ignorance of the law excuses no one”; and it requires no great insight to realize that if this were not true bedlam would prevail in all quarters. However, the rigidity of human law is not always operative in God’s law under present undone conditions, be­cause we are specifically told in Acts 17:30 that “this ignorance God winked at”; that is, He made due allowance for the inherited and acquired frailties of the human race, who through ignorance knew not God, But this should not be seized upon as an over­all excuse for violation of the Divine order of affairs. Brother Russell has stressed that we are held accountable for what we have opportunity to know; howbeit, of him that hath little shall little be required.

In Parousia Volume Six there are two chapters devoted to Order and Discipline in the New Creation and The Law of the New Creation, which are there for a purpose. They are pungent with the “knowledge of God,” provided by God during this Harvest time for the guidance of His people, and binding upon all of us who claim to be in “Present Truth” and regardless of the laxities practiced by those about us. Of the Jews it was written (Zech. 7:12): “They made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law.... therefore, came a great wrath from the Lord of hosts,” the same being a shadow before of the conduct of spiritual Israel during this Gospel Age, and especially so in the end of the Age. “He that hath an ear to hear, let him hear.”

Of course, the tendency of the times is to discount the “knowledge of God” – it doesn’t matter what you believe, so long as you are headed in the right direction. Therefore, take no exceptions to your neighbor’s beliefs; they are just as good as yours. We know this to be a direct contradiction to St. Paul’s teaching that there is but “one faith.” In E:9-512 (bottom) there is this: “The Lord does not despise knowledge and talent, as some mistakenly think, but, if sanctified, uses them advan­tageously for His cause, yet He certainly does not put the main emphasis on them, which main emphasis He lays upon characteristics of the heart.” Yet St. Paul so often remarks, “I would not have you ignorant, brethren.” Also, “By His knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many.” It was by His knowledge that He explained the types and shadows of the Old Testament and “brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel.” And at the very time He was doing this the critical statement was given to the Jews, “Israel hath a zeal, but not according to knowledge.”

Knowledge of things past often helps us accurately to diagnose present events, and to arrive at proper interpretations of difficult Scriptures. Many have been the attempts of critics to condemn the Bible because of its statement, “Jacob have I loved, but Esau have I hated (loved less)”; but, knowledge of the custom then pre­vailing that the elder son must fast while the younger feasted upon the birthday of a prominent ancestor offers a clear and reasonable explanation of the matter. “The law of the Lord is perfect .... making wise the simple.” (Psa. 19:7)

In Detroit at present there is a reciprocal understanding among many of the ministers of the different sects regarding ‘mixed’ marriages to this effect: if, say, a Lutheran comes to his minister to be married to a Methodist, the Lutheran minister performs the service; then advises them to determine both to attend the same church. If the bride doesn’t like the minister who has just joined her in wedlock, or if she cannot accept the Lutheran faith, then the minister advises his own member to follow his bride to the Methodist Church; or vice versa. Thus, in the overall figures, all is balanced up – and every one is happy. This means there is no longer controversy over what is the “knowledge of God”; if there be any con­flict, it is now chiefly over personalities – “there is no live coal to warm them,” no living doctrinal Truth in its purity to stir their icy spiritual blood (Isa. 47:14). “They are shepherds that cannot understand; they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter” (Isa, 56:11). Don’t expose my ignorance, and I won’t expose yours, they say; and each of us will prosper in our own bailiwick. (See Berean Comments on Isa. 56:11)

But, if we would be better used of the Lord, it is essential that we have a certain amount of knowledge, although some with limited knowledge and inherent wisdom (the proper application of knowledge) often accomplish more than others with greater knowledge but endowed with less wisdom. Therefore, Solomon says, ‘‘Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom, and with all thy getting get understanding.” Companion thoughts are excellently expressed by both Star Members in the May 14 Manna Comments: “What is it to grow in grace? It is to grow in favor with the Lord through an intimate personal acquaintance and fellowship of spirit with Him... To grow thus in grace and not in knowledge is impossible... If, therefore, we love and obey the Lord and desire to grow in His favor, His written word is our daily meditation and study; and thus we grow in knowledge.”

Errorists and superficial teachers offer just the reverse of the foregoing to their devotees. When the Church of Rome was in its heyday it is well stated that its motto was: Reading is doubt; doubt is heresy; and heresy is Hell. That is, any who endeavored to inform themselves were doubting the infallibility of their leaders; and such must certainly be only the course of the heretic. This was in­deed the “doctrine of Balaam... the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.” (Rev. 2:14-15) Such are the antitypical Baal worshipers, who endeavor by sleight-of-­hand and great oratorical shouting to overawe the “unstable and the unlearned.” It should be noted that Baal was the Sun God – Lord of the Day – a fitting type of power-graspers and clericalists. At night the Heavens are filled with millions of stars, many of them much larger than our sun; yet they are all completely obscured during the daytime. They are still in their respective places, of course, but they are not visible to the human eye because of the daytime splendor of the sun. And such is much the condition of Gospel-Age power-graspers; they have outshone the true Star Members; have “cast their brethren out” and built up Great and Little Babylon; yet the promise is sure to all the fully faithful – “Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their father.” And this exaltation will be one without end!

In this connection, be it noted that the orbit of the sun is from the East to the South to the West. But those who follow Baal cannot ever receive any exalta­tion from the true God. Therefore, it is written, “Promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south” – that is, no promotion from God to those who follow the course of Baal. In 1 Kings 18 is recorded the experience of Elijah with Jezebel’s prophets of Baal – one against 450. There had been a long drought in the land, the country was blistering under the unrelenting rays of the burning sun. Therefore, Elijah gave those prophets of Baal every possible advantage when he told them to try their hand first – to kill their bullock, put it on the altar, and call upon Baal, their Sun God, at high noon to ignite the wood under their sacri­fice. Well did they realize the mockery that would come upon them if they failed under such advantageous circumstances, which prompted them to call out, “O Baal, hear US... And it came to pass at noon that Elijah mocked them... and they cried aloud and cut themselves after their manner with knives.” Then, when they were forced to admit fail­ure (about three o’clock in the afternoon – v. 29, “the evening sacrifice”), Elijah then instructed that twelve barrels of water be poured upon his offering, after which fire came from Heaven and consumed his sacrifice. “Elijah took twelve stones, accord­ing to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob... and built an altar in the name of the Lord,” which altar was typical of the Fully Faithful of the Gospel-Age spiritual Elijah, twelve being a Little Flock number – just as was true of the altar constructed by Joshua (Josh. 4:5,9).

While the Gospel-Age Elijah has always had the assurance that “Thou hearest me always,” fortified as they have been by the knowledge of God, which gave them a “mouth and Wisdom which none of their adversaries were able to gainsay nor resist,” seldom were they given the spectacular outward approval which came to the Prophet Elijah in his encounter with the Prophets of Baal that fateful day. In fact, in many instances during this Gospel Age the Baal worshipers (power-graspers) have gained the ascendancy – as instance the victory of Calvin over Miletus Servetus, etc.; yet the fully faithful have striven with the strength of Samson and the skill of the war­rior David in their use of the knowledge of God. It should not be expected, of course, that all would demonstrate the ability of the Star Members in the use of this know­ledge – although many have assumed they could do so. We recall the occasion when a gain­sayer gave us the argument that Christ died and rose again “according to the Scrip­tures” – that this proved it was not actually true, but was only “according to the Scriptures,” which were unreliable in their records.

It has been contended by some in our midst that the Truth has always come first, then followed by error. This is only a half truth; and half truths are more mis­leading than whole errors. In the broad sense, the Bible, which is the Truth, has been first, of course; but Micah 5:5 clearly states that ‘‘when the Assyrian (the errorists) shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise up against him seven shep­herds and eight principal men.” This is in keeping with Prov. 24:16 – “A just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again.” The “just man” of this Gospel Age has been the fully faithful justified Christ Company, which fell into obscurity as much error sprang up about them after the death of each Star Member. We need only look at the Lutheran Church, the Methodist Church, the Adventists and others to note the force of this contention. If the Star Members came back who originated these move­ments – Martin Luther, John Wesley, William Miller – they would be unable to find their teachings in those organizations that now claim to be their followers.

In our time we have the instance of Brother Russell, and with what speed the falling occurred after he died. Jehovah’s Witnesses bear no more resemblance to the truths he espoused and the organization he set up than does a vulture to a swan. The measurably faithful made quick havoc of his good work – just as uncleansed Levites are doing all about us – some more, some less. And, as we observe this state of affairs, it behooves us all the more to equip ourselves with “the knowledge of God” to the ex­tent of our natural and acquired providential circumstances. The world in general, of course, “knows not God”; and the great mass of Christian believers quite evidently have very little of the “knowledge of God.” There is the constant and irrepressible conflict, the battle of darkness against light, and – ”The darkness hateth the light because it is reproved by it.” But the “knowledge of God” is for “the children of light,” who zealously try to pass it on to others, but with very limited success against the opposition of the “god of this world.” Therefore, it confers its great­est blessing upon its possessor; hence, the words of Solomon, “Buy the Truth (the knowledge of God), and sell it not.” To such, and to such alone, applies the prom­ise of Psalms 91:10 – ”Neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.” Such are the members of that “one Church, which in its entirety is the steward and administrator of the Truth (the knowledge of God), to preserve and defend it from error and to admin­ister it for the benefit of the responsive.” (E:8-253) And such will be in full agree­ment with the slogan on Brother Johnson’s letterhead as respects the Knowledge of God – ”The noblest science; the best instruction.”

Sincerely your brother,

John J. Hoefle

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QUESTION OF GENERAL INTEREST

QUESTION: – R. G. Jolly has often cited the Ancient Worthies in connection with Tentative Justification for his Consecrated Epiphany Campers. If the latter have the same kind of justification that the Ancient Worthies had, wouldn’t they have the same kind of standing before God, and receive the same kind of reward?

ANSWER: – The inferences in this Question are sound only if properly qualified. The infant children of the Saints during the Gospel Age all had Tentative Justification. Are we to assume from that that all of them will receive similar re­ward with the Ancient Worthies? We believe it is a very reasonable assumption that many such children – probably a large majority – “received the Grace of God in vain”; that is, they failed to use it in consecration. In the end of this Age – after September 16, 1914 – all the tentatively justified who failed to consecrate, and all those who do consecrate, but fail to abide therein – will have received “the Grace of God in vain,” and be remanded to the Epiphany Camp, as is clearly taught by Brother Johnson. Once these are ejected from the Epiphany Tabernacle Court, they lose their Tentative Justification, although it does not necessarily follow that such persons be­come evil. In fact, in E:10-209 Brother Johnson says such as remain in the Epiphany Camp – in the finished picture – will be the “truly repentant and believing, “BUT NOT CONSECRATED” Jews and Gentiles.” This, of course, is a direct contradiction to the hybrid “strange fire” (false doctrine) of a consecrated class in the Camp (either called “Campers” or “Quasi-elect” consecrated) with a similar justification to the Worthies.

Now, if there were such a consecrated class in the Camp, with a justification similar to the Ancient Worthies, and professing a similar consecration to be “dead unto sin, but alive toward God” (Rom. 6:11), such would certainly receive a similar reward – because “sin is still in the ascendancy” and it is indeed a “narrow way” for the consecrated. There is a certain appealing and irrefutable logic to all of God’s actions. He is perfect in His Wisdom (logic). Therefore, when R. G. Jolly (or J. F. Rutherford – or J. W. Krewson) attempts to create a Class with specified exactions the same as the Ancient Worthies, all Scriptural logic would demand and specify for them a similar reward – just as the Youthful Worthies will have a similar reward. Only a deluded crown-lost leader “befuddled by Azazel” would attempt a dif­ferent invention and conclusion. Note the clear logic of Brother Johnson along this very line:

“First we will reason from the Divine Attributes in their relation to the earthly parts of the Oathbound Covenant in apportioning rewards to those who faithfully serve God, while sin is in the ascendancy (Note carefully, that R. G. Jolly expects them to tread the same “way” as the Youthful Worthies while “sin is still in the ascendancy” even more so than at any other period during the “reign of sin and evil” – so if his Epiphany Campers Consecrated are “similar to the Ancient Worthies, even as the Youth­ful Worthies, then they, too, should have a similar reward. R. G. Jolly expects them to tread the identical ‘‘way” as the Youthful Worthies, (he says – JJH) – i. e., some ‘which be of the faith of Abraham.’ In the Lord’s Plan His Wisdom arranged, and His Power, Justice and Love will cooperate to give Princeship as a reward. (Ps. 45:16; Is. 32:1; Gal. 3:6-9) in the MILLENNIUM to the Ancient Worthies, who (before Matt. 11:11-13; Heb. 2:3, the Ransom Merit was available for imputation, and the general call to the Divine nature and Joint-heirship with Christ began) were faithful to God amid conditions made very difficult by reason of the ascendancy and the dominion of Satan, sin, error and death among men. Accordingly, we reason that the Divine attributes would arrange for a similar reward for the Youthful Worthies in the Millennium for similar faithfulness to God (after the imputation of the Ransom merit was no longer available for certain consecrators.)” Please see E:4-329 (18)

Those who now cast aside such clear logic by the Eighth “Principal Man” do so at their own peril. “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit sayeth unto the churches” (Rev. 3:22) – the Spirit’s testimony having been given to God’s people for this Age only through Jesus and the specially- illuminated Star Members. We and all our house profess full harmony with the last Star Member on this subject.

In further corroboration of the foregoing, we cite Dan. 3:13-25 respecting Shadrach (royal), Meshach (guest), and Abed-nego (servant of the prophet) who type the three faith CLASSES in the end of this AGE experiencing fiery trials, the same being the Little Flock, Great Company, and Youthful Worthies. Not a hint here of a fourth Class of any kind.

Be it remembered that justification by faith does not make one right; it simply reckons him right (see E:8-318). Abraham’s faith “was counted (reckoned) to him for righteousness.” His case was slightly different from the children of the Saints, because it was his own faith that brought righteousness to him; whereas, it is the faith of the Saints that gives righteousness to their children. This is because they were born in the Court condition, where their parents already were.

Both Star Members taught there could be no acceptable consecration without first hav­ing Tentative Justification in the Court (See E:6-348); nor could there be any justi­fication outside the linen curtain (outside the righteousness of Christ); and that Justification begins at the Gate of the Court. (See E:6-708/9, where Brother Johnson exposes the error of That Evil Servant for teaching Justification outside the linen curtains, even as R. G. Jolly is now doing). Those who are remanded, in the finished picture are the same as those who were faithful to their Justification during the Gospel Age – because the only reason they are remanded is because that the Court feature is finished for those who have not made a consecration in the Court. They are not remanded because of unfaithfulness – but only because the purpose for which they are justified has come to an end. In other words, they can no longer consecrate until the Highway of Holiness is opened for them. So when we offer such people any­thing more than the Scriptures allow, then we are perverting the Scriptures (Azazel means perverter). Of course, the quasi-elect will have a head start on the others – ­because they have ‘believed’ – but their ‘faith’ wasn’t sufficient for a full conse­cration to do God’s will amidst the “reign of evil” at all costs. Had they been thus minded, then they would have been of the full elect –. either one of those who have been tried for life and found faithful, or one who has been found faithful to his elect calling (‘faithful unto death’), such as the Youthful Worthies (one of the four elect classes). Let us not confuse the consecration ‘unto life’ with the consecra­tion ‘unto death’ – even though we accept the fact that all consecrations are ‘unto God,’ although all consecrations are not treated the same way. But during the “reign of sin and evil” all consecrations are treated differently to what consecrations will be treated when the New Covenant is in operation – when the Kingdom proper is established, and the Highway of Holiness is opened for all Restitutionists. It is difficult to imagine that any one who has received the sober teachings of the two Principal Men, and “continued in what they have learned and been assured of, knowing of whom they have learned” this important doctrinal teaching, could go so far astray on the fundamentals of the Truth. But it was the same in the large Gospel Age – they, too, beckoned to the whole world!

We mention further St. Paul’s statement in Acts 20:27: “I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” On this text note Brother Russell’s Berean Comment: “St. Paul said not one word”, etc. And he could well have added to his list that St. Paul also “said not one word about Campers Consecrated, Quasi-elect Consecrated (or Jonodabs!)” – although St. Paul did clearly define the four faith Classes that the “Lord knoweth to be His” in 2 Tim. 2:19-20, as he declared to us “the whole counsel of God.” “In all thy getting, get understanding!”

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ANNOUNCEMENT OF GENERAL INTEREST

Our Memorial coming this year on March 18, we suggest as our Spring Special Effort in volunteer, sharpshooter, and lecture work, will be from March 11 through April 8. We suggest that the brethren volunteer Extras I and 2 (Where are the Dead and What is the Soul) at Protestant church doors on the first three Sundays, and Extras 3 (Resurrection of the Dead) on the last two. Please order the necessary literature in good time. We are happy to supply all who are seeking to serve Him in Truth and in Spirit all the Gideon tracts necessary for this Special Service – ­a Service that was given to us by the last Special Messenger. All of the Faithful know these Truths are ‘timely’ and not “timeworn and threadbare” until the battle is finished. With Brother Johnson, we believe that the Faithful will endeavor to parti­cipate in this “good fight” until it is finished, as well as the faithful Youthful Worthies. We wish all who participate a special blessing from our Beloved Lord and Master.

NO. 78: RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT

No. 78

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

Once more we review a year just past, and examine and anticipate a year future; and, as in times past, we consider now the world’s financial condition. Many of our readers have perhaps already observed that the new Administration in Washington is reverting again to the wastrel policy of spending our way into prosperity, so that the anticipated deficit for this fiscal year will be somewhere around ten bil­lion dollars. One financial expert, with whom we have been intimately and exten­sively associated over the past thirty years, recently circulated a brochure with the caption, “IN GROWING DEBT WE TRUST”; and this same writer included in another paper this observation: “In the United States we are being forced to live specu­latively whether we like it or not... In the U.S. the federal budget has been bal­anced only six times in thirty years...... and the ever-increasing supply of cur­rency (printed paper that passes as money), bank deposits and Government bonds is gradually eroding the value of the dollar... This means that savings, in the form of cash, bank deposits or bonds will gradually lose their purchasing power through the erosion of the dollar... Thus, the individual, in order to protect his assets is forced to live speculatively and like it... requiring ever–increasing attention and vigilance.”

To substantiate the foregoing, we instance the case of silver. Throughout the Ages this precious metal has been used almost exclusively for monetary purposes in various coins minted by governments, and in adornment of the dinner table and the persons of human beings. Still used extensively for these purposes, it has now found almost a hundred different uses in various commercial activities, so that the free world has been using over a hundred million ounces more silver per year than all the operating mines produce. At the beginning of 1961 the U.S. Treasury stock of free silver bullion was 123½ million ounces; and at the time this article is being written (November 27) that reserve had shrunk to about 35 million ounces, with expert prognosticators predicting the complete disappearance of all of it within a matter of weeks. It would be folly to hazard a guess as to what will happen then, as politicians are totally unpredictable, and never take any action until a crisis is forced upon them. The 1¾ billion ounces of silver that are now in reserve against silver certificates circulating in the United States in the form of $1, $5 and $10 bills are carried on the Government records at $1.29 per ounce, as against the 9l¢ price now prevailing; and it would require special legislation to dispose of it at a loss. Suffice to say that this matter will very shortly erupt into the faces of a surprised and completely uninformed public, and the resultant repercus­sion will be something to behold.

To clarify for our readers the foregoing comments, we now give just same of the extensive commercial demands for the use of silver: About thirty million ounces are used annually in the United States alone in the photographic industry; 25 million ounces for brazing; 19 million ounces for electric contacts; greatly increased usage in batteries, jet aircraft, helicopters, electronic equipment, guided missiles, torpedoes, portable  television cameras, and atomic submarines (about seven million ounces in each such submarine, if we are reliably informed). In addition, the tremendous increase in the use of vending machines of all sorts demands a corresponding increase in the number of silver coins in circulation, so that almost 46 million ounces of silver were used for coinage alone in the United States in 1960. The Free­-World use of silver in 1937 was 153 million ounces; whereas, in 1960 it was 319 million ounces; and, from present figures available, it will be even greater in 1961. We have gone into this detail on the silver situation because the general public knows just nothing about it; and we believe it will prove helpful to our readers to know something of the turbulent undercurrents now at work in the financial structure, As one international publication of restricted clientele puts it, “The times may be setting themselves for A STARTLING STAGE.” Thus, the approaching debacle appears – though perhaps dimly – to some of the more astute members of the present social order! “All faces shall gather blackness.” (Joel 2:6)

PERTAINING TO THE TRUTH AND TRUTH PEOPLE

Coming now to consideration of certain subjects among Truth people, we consider first the CHICAGO CONVENTION OCTOBER 27-29, 1961. During his opening address the Convention Chairman emphasized the statement twice over that “The Laymen’s Home Mis­sionary Movement is now the Lord’s Mouthpiece on earth.” Here is a person schooled in the sober teachings of Brother Russell and Brother Johnson; and it really seems unbelievable that he could go so far astray from the Truth in the short time since Brother Johnson’s death. Papacy never made a more bombastic claim for itself in the heyday of its power.

It should be here well noted that his contention is a positive approval of J. W. Krewson’s erroneous contention that the L.H.M.M. is a religious body. Self-evidently, the Lord’s Mouthpiece must be a vital living organism (just as was true of every one of the Gospel-Age Star Members); so that the L.H.M.M. must be a religious body if it is now the Lord’s Mouthpiece. And we heard the Chairman’s contention from the Convention platform supporting J. W. Krewson’s contentions –­ clearly disputing the prolonged and determined refutations by R. G. Jolly against J. W. Krewson on this very subject in a number of Present Truths. Here we have two uncleansed Levites in the same bed directly contradicting each other; and each one claiming he speaks “advancing Truth”! As Brother Johnson has so aptly put it: When these people fall into Azazel’s clutches, they talk all sorts of nonsense; and here we have just one more of the multitudinous examples of such during the past ten years. Note, too, that R. G. Jolly made no attempt to correct this nonsense; and in this also he follows once more in the footsteps of That Evil Servant, who failed to correct corrupt and erring brethren so long as they approved of him.

In that same talk the Chairman offered quite a tirade against the “sifters in our midst.” We can well understand why these “sifters” (?) are not welcome in his meetings, when he attempts to feed his audience such revolting revolutionism. The contention he made about a conglomerate organization that is used only as a business front to the world is in itself a gross sifting error, and can only be equaled by the foolish contentions of J. W. Krewson that “he is now the Lord’s Mouthpiece on earth.” And this is the same Pilgrim who advocated the idea back in 1951 that Brother Johnson was then directing the work of the L.H.M.M. from beyond the veil (a companion to the contention of J. W. Krewson, that he is finishing the work of Brother Johnson – and is able to do it in a manner superior to what Brother Johnson did) – the same drivel that J. F. Rutherford and Company put forth respecting Brother Russell after his death. They, too, circulated the proposal that the Society was the “Channel – the Lord’s Mouthpiece on earth.” Those of us who witnessed that hocus-pocus back there are thoroughly forewarned and forearmed against such nonsense by crown-­losers – especially those of us who have “continued in what we have learned and been assured of.” R. G. Jolly’s claim that he is the Lord’s Mouthpiece because Brother Johnson identified him by a Scriptural type (although Brother Johnson distinctly and clearly pointed out that no human being could select the Lord’s Mouthpiece before­hand or later – although the Faithful could discern who is being used by the Lord by the Truth – His Word), J. W. Krewson’s claims for himself, and the others mentioned above, strongly smack of spiritism and are of Satanic origin for the purpose of deceiving the Lord’s people.

On Saturday morning of that same Convention R. G. Jolly gave the Baptismal talk; and some of his statements made perfect companion for those described above. As an instance, he offered some profuse volume of words about some scientists who produced the egg of an ordinary barnyard hen – same size, same shape, even to including the vitalizing male sperm. They then put a mark on that egg, put it in with eleven others under a sitting hen. The egg was so identical to the other eggs that even the pro­ducers could distinguish it from the others only by the identifying mark they had placed upon it. But the hen had faculties superior to those learned scientists, be­cause the next morning that one phony egg was lying outside the nest; she would not be fooled by the artifice.

That story is an ideal companion to the Mother-Goose rhyme about the cow jump­ing over the moon. Any eight-year-old farmer boy would recognize it for just what it is – a pure myth, and a poor one at that. Hens will sit on porcelain eggs, and some have been known to continue so long on such eggs that they eventually died. It’s also common practice among farmers to hatch ducks or turkeys under chicken hens, which eggs are not only much larger than chicken eggs but also require four weeks to hatch, as against three weeks required – for chickens. A chicken is among the most stupid of fowls. When farmers want to ridicule another’s mentality, they often use the expression, “He hasn’t any more sense than a chicken!” Yes, When these people fall into the hands of Azazel they do talk all sorts of nonsense (“foolish effusions” see E:10–591); and it seems it’s not enough for R. G. Jolly just to talk nonsense on biblical topics – he’s now including the most elemental mundane items also to demon­strate his nonsense. Nor is it clear either what bearing this mythical fabrication could possibly have on Baptism, which was scheduled to be his discourse at the time.

In keeping with the foregoing, he stressed once more the type in Leviticus 12, showing how the Little Flock developing truths had been purged of all error in the forty-year Parousia Day, ending in 1914, and the Great Company developing truths had been purged of all error in the eighty-year period ending in 1954. And the pur­ifying of the Little Flock and Great Company developing truths by 1954 proves what to R. G. Jolly? Why, that proves conclusively – TO HIM – that there could be no more entrants into the Youthful Worthy group after that! Of course, the Youthful Worthies are not mentioned in that type – not even the slightest hint about them; but that doesn’t bother R. G. Jolly – he can see it even if it isn’t there, although he can no longer see many fundamental truths he once clearly saw, such as Tentative Justification, etc. (and the abandonment process – although he probably never fully understood that, as he was not cleansed when he had opportunity to receive it). Again – all sorts of nonsense!

In the Question Meeting on Sunday morning a number of questions were offered – ­by brethren unknown to us. Some of them were so pertinent that R. G. Jolly was forced to admit that “some parts of the 1954 parallel did not materialize”; but those parts he chooses to use did develop. Why? Because he chooses to have it that way! He has not the slightest physical proof for any of his contentions – not even “the signs of the times” give him the least scintilla of support for his con­tentions. None of the parallel developed in 1954. That suggested parallel was based upon (1) Brother Johnson remaining on earth until 1956 (a 40-year parallel to the death of Brother Russell); (2) the world in Armageddon at least by 1954; (3) the world in Anarchy by 1956 – with all new creatures in present truth by that time.  Just none of these things developed as expected. Consequently, there is no Scripture to support a parallel that did not exist.

Another question had to do with his Epiphany Campers Consecrated and the Jonadabs – shouldn’t they combine or at least cooperate, since they are similar classes. Here again, there was his usual “profusion of words,” in which he spoke of the Jonadabs as a religious class – without emphasis on anything he had to say about them. Of course, Brother Johnson labeled this Jonadab teaching as “strange fire” (false doctrine) – ­just as we have done with his Campers Consecrated. He spoke of them (the Jonadabs) as a “non-existent class” (see April 1939 P.T., p. 60, col. 2); and we say the same about his Campers Consecrated. They are also a non-existent class, with no support whatever for them to be found in the Scriptures or in any of the Epiphany Messenger’s writings; the same being a pure invention of the Jolly-Krewson twosome. Thus, these two non-existent classes are already combined by nebulous nonsense – a Combinationism of a weird and novel sort.

There in Chicago – as he also did at Philadelphia over Labor Day – he made the statement (seemingly to justify his gross revolutionism on Tentative Justification and to placate his Campers Consecrated) that “Abraham had never even heard of Christ.” It would be most interesting to have him harmonize that remark with John 8:56, where our Lord Himself tells us, “Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad.” In fact, so many of his comments and answers at Chicago were so askew that one brother remarked to us that R. G. Jolly talked like one in a drunken stupor. We know, of course, that he is spiritually drunken – a much worse affliction than physical alcoholic drunkenness. As Brother Johnson said of That Evil Servant, “he reels to and fro”; and each Truth blow against R. G. Jolly makes only more apparent “his folly before all.”

Clearly enough, a number of the questions submitted showed that some of his adherents are beginning to think; the questions were so pointed that R. G. Jolly was hard put in his jugglery of some of them. With those that were just too warm for him to handle he quickly indulged in his usual profuse loquacity with irrelevant tales about his family, etc., or other remarks having nothing whatever to do with the subject matter, so that the question itself would be measurably forgotten in his “profusion of words to no profit” (2 Tim. 2:14).

And in all of these bombastic claims and revolutionisms note carefully that we have an identical “twin” to those who have gone similarly astray in times past. The Papacy claims to be the successor to St. Peter and to defend and follow his teachings, all the while they have perverted almost everything he taught, as the Roman Church has also counterfeited almost every fundamental feature of God’s plan as revealed in the Bible. Likewise That Evil Servant claimed to be the “channel” after Brother Russell’s death, but began immediately to pervert essential features of Parousia Truth, among the first of which was his vitiation of Tentative Justifi­cation. And now R. G. Jolly claims also to be supporting and defending Parousia and Epiphany Truth, while in those very same papers he grossly revolutionizes against one truth after another, including especially Tentative Justification, as expounded by Brother Russell and Brother Johnson. And, while we are at it, we may as well include J. W. Krewson, who claims to sit in the “seat of (antitypical) Moses,” as he also perverts the truth on the Epiphany-Apokalypse, while setting aside the clear teaching of St. Paul that the Man of Sin would be destroyed in and by the Epiphany (2 Thes. 2:8) – a fact now also disputed by R. G. Jolly in his claim that we are in the Basileia. “He that hath an ear to hear, let him hear.”

RESPECTING COMBINATIONISM

The urge toward Combinationism is gaining great momentum, both in Big and Little Babylon; and in this R. G. Jolly will not have himself denied a place in the great parade. Let us first of all refresh ourselves with Brother Johnson’s definition of this plague (E:9–405–47): “The lying doctrine, that it makes no difference what one believes, if only he is sincere.” Self-evidently, this is the most painless and sleep-producing of all the Harvest sifting errors. It has been well stated that the average man is as lazy as he can afford to be; and this is many times more pronounced of mental laziness than of physical stupor.

If it makes no difference what our belief may be, then self-evidently there is no necessity for study. Note the sharp contradiction of this delusion by Brother Russell in the December 20 Manna comment: “Only the studious find the narrow way to the Divine approval and acceptance.” At this last Philadelphia Convention one of R. G. Jolly’s rabid partisan supporters stated several times that it doesn’t matter so much what we believe, because we are all heading in the same direction. A prominent clergyman made similar recommendation in a radio broadcast when he insisted that more Christians must get into politics, yet not be contaminated by the spirit of the world. But how to accomplish this impossible position he did not elucidate.

The type for this sifting plague is found in Numbers 25, where it is stated that 24,000 Israelites perished in the type. This was the most severe of all their wilderness plagues, the next nearest having slain only 15,000 of them. And it is working the same way in the antitype. On all sides people are succumb­ing to it; and this is now gaining momentum among the sects of Little Babylon, including some in the L.H.M.M. But the Fully Faithful may find their consolation in Psa. 125:3 – “The sceptre of lawlessness shall not remain over the allotment of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto perversity.” (Rotherham)

Brother Johnson was very emphatic in his denunciation of Combinationism, and he designated the Dawn Movement specifically as probably the worst offender among the Little Babylon groups. On page 190 of the December 1934 Present Truth, col. 1, he has this to say about them: “That this Dawn movement is an Azazelian one is further evident from the fact that one of its main points of emphasis is Combina­tionism.” In another place he stated there is a movement afoot among certain Truth Levites to “get together on the fundamentals... and ignore all other differences... Such a platform is not suitable to the Epiphany.” We continue in this faithful Epiphany teaching on Combinationism, and earnestly exhort all who have received these instructions in a ‘good and honest heart’ to avoid and resist the onslaughts of this third “slaughter-weapon” man (Ezek. 9:1-7) that is now so aggressively “defiling the house, and filling the courts with the slain.”

And be it clearly noted that none of the Combinationists want to combine with those who are fully faithful to the Epiphany Truth. R. G. Jolly keeps himself quite busy warning one and all not to read our papers. This is just the reverse of our attitude toward him; we offer no objection to any who wish to read his papers. Nor do we advise against the reading of J. W. Krewson’s papers for those who have the time and the inclination to do so. One brother asked us in September if he should refuse to receive J. W. Krewson’s papers. Our answer was that if he is not reading the papers, then it would be common courtesy to advise him not to send any more. However, we are not urging any one who wishes to read his papers to refrain from so doing; nor do we advise any to continue to read and directly or indirectly encourage him in his erroneous course, if they reject his errors. The “Cousins” maintain just the reverse position toward us. Others – including especially the Jehovah’s witnesses – hold the same view toward our tracts and papers; although we hear no such complaints about reading other literature. Summarizing the position of all these individuals and groups, it is plainly this: Read anything you want to read, just so long as it isn’t the Truth!

In facing the New Year we heartily encourage all our readers to consider the typical admonition by David to Solomon, with the antitypical implications, and to resolve to accept it for their own during 1962: “Be strong therefore, and show thyself a man.” (I Kgs. 2:2); “And keep the charge of the Lord thy God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes, and His commandments, and His judgments, and His testimonies... that thou mayest prosper in all that thou doest.”

As all of us know, the Good Epiphany Solomon (Brother Johnson) did indeed adhere unswervingly to the context of this charge to him by the Parousia David (Brother Russell) to his earthly and eternal spiritual prosperity. As Brother Johnson re­marked to us on occasion (and we assume he may have done so to others of our read­ers), “Brother Russell would not do that; and I wouldn’t do anything that he wouldn’t do!” Thus, he steadfastly set his face to continue in the footsteps of his spiritual father; and for this we hold him in loving memory. May the same be said of each of us, that thus we may all finish our course with joy.

It is with much appreciation and thanks that we reciprocate the encouraging and manifold Holiday greetings and good wishes that have come to us now and throughout 1961. To one and all do we heartily respond, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be you settled, unmoved, abounding in the work of the Lord at all times, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” – 1 Cor. 15:58

Sincerely your brother, John J.  Hoefle, Pilgrim

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LETTERS  OF  GENERAL  INTEREST

Trinidad, BWI –  Nov.  12,  1961

Dear Brother Hoefle: Greetings in our dear Redeemer!

Last Sunday 5th inst. we celebrated the memorial of the passing beyond the veil of the two Laodicean Messengers. I spoke on Brother Johnson. Owing to the turn conditions have taken, I consider my term of silence to preserve the unity of the Class (so long as no fundamental principle was involved) has come to an end.

In supporting the Epiphany Messenger’s teachings to mark the occasion, your paper of November 1 (Samuel and Saul article) was of immense help. I stressed that it is not a question of date, but rather of who is on the side of antitypical Sam­uel or on the side of antitypical Saul.

The same day I got your paper that same day I got a letter from one of the local brethren which proved that a secret ministry is going on in favor of Campers Consecrated. So you see with me it was a question of “Choose ye this day whom ye will serve” – antitypical Saul or antitypical Samuel.

Not wanting Brother Jolly to be under any misapprehension of my standing, the last time I wrote him he said in reply to my letter that I should not agitate. I do not like that term... but have decided to reply as shown on page 2.

In one of your papers you asked if he is still winning Youthful worthies. In April, when I sent up my AP report, I asked him that since 1954 is the date for Rev. 22:11, are we wrong in trying to win the unjust, the filthy, the unclean and those Great Company who have not yet come into the Truth. He says, No, why? So you see the only ones barred since 1956 are Youthful Worthies. I need not tell you that I stressed that last Sunday, that just as Saul was ordered to slay all the Amalekites, he slew some and kept some,

Another question asked was if all, including Brother Blaine, failed to make mention of Campers Consecrated. I answered, I included him also. However, I did not mention your name...

It would seem then that as the “wind” of 1 Kings 19:12 was the deadline to Little Flockship, so the Earthquake or Armageddon may be the deadline for Youthful Worthyship.

With warm Christian love to Sister Hoefle, the other brethren and you, I remain in His service and by His Grace, Brother ---------

PS In replying, I am drawing Brother Jolly’s attention to a letter he wrote me in October 1950, in which he said that Brother Johnson came to his con­clusions on parallels and not Scriptures. (2) That 1956 must be set aside as the end of the lapping of the Epiphany into the Basileia. He referred me to Epiphany Volume 4, p. 51 (49). 1 am now telling him that I accepted those things prior to 1956, but now I am acting on Epiphany Vol. 4, p. 53 (51), which seems to be in harmony with Epiphany Vol. 17, p. 243, par. 2.

As regards Campers Consecrated, I cannot harmonize that teaching with Epiphany Vol. 17, p. 37 top, and Z 5164, par. 4, etc., etc.

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Dear Brother Hoefle: – Greetings in our dear Redeemers’ Name!

Please send me the following tracts: “Where are the Dead,” “What is the Soul,” “The Resurrection of the Dead” and “The Three Babylons.”

I generally read the special messages you send the first day I receive them. Will you publish any other timely tracts? Please give my Christian love to Sister Hoefle and keep some for yourself.

Brother --------- Pennsylvania

PS I put out more tracts in the cold weather than in the summer. People stay in and read more. Keep up the good work you are engaged in. I hope you receive more calls for literature from what I and others are doing – with some appreciative readers sending in contributions. If I were richer I would help financially.

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Dear Brother Hoefle: – Grace and peace through our beloved Master’

Sister --------- and myself want to again express our thanks to you, and to say how much we enjoyed your Pilgrim visit with us on the 4th of September. We cer­tainly did feel that we received a rich blessing from you on your discourse on Psalms 1. It was so nice of you to call on us and the other dear friends..... we deeply appreciated it. It was good to meet you again and all the dear ones. I am sure that regardless of the heat, and the short notice we had, we all rejoiced and thank our Heavenly Father for the rich blessing we all received. Enclosed, dear Brother, is a check for ---- Accept as a token of our deep appreciation for your thoughtfulness in sending us your writings in defense of Parousia and Epiphany Truths. May our Heavenly Father continue to bless you as you are willing to spend and be spent in the interest of the Lord’s people. Sister joins me in wishing for you and Sister Hoefle the Lord’s blessings.

With warmest Christian love, Bro. & Sr. --------- New Jersey

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Dear Sir: – I just received the Herald of the Epiphany, and I will be delighted to read it. Thank you very much! Will you please send me free ­What is the Soul, Where are the Dead, and The Three Babylons tracts. You see, my Dad just died on the 9th of the month, and I sure would be glad to receive this literature. Thanks ahead of time, and Sincerely yours --------- Mass

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Epiphany Bible Students Ass’n

Dear Friends: – I request that you send me all additional free copies – also The Resurrection of the Dead, The Three Babylons and What is the Soul. I did enjoy reading the copies you sent to us. Thank you very much!       Mr. & Mrs. --------- Springfield, Mass.

NO. 77: R.G. JOLLY AGAIN

No. 77

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

Below we quote a letter from R. G. Jolly which reveals more of his Azazelian tactics (See Epiphany Vol. 10, p. 646, top), followed by our answer, with the prayer that our readers may be profited by contemplating the great straits of those in Azazel's clutches:

Philadelphia, Pa.

Sept. 16, 1961

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Hoefle:

In Consideration Of The Following Facts:

(1) That you have been publicly setting forth many doctrines that are contrary to the‑teachings of the Scriptures as given by the Lord through His Laodicean angel, e.g., (a) your teaching (contrary to Rev. 20:2‑7; 1 Cor. 4:8; Z 5105, par. 5; 5692, par. 3; E Vol. 17, pp. 94‑96,99, par. 1, etc.) that "at Sept. 16, 1914 the entire 144,000 who would constitute the Body of Christ 'lived' for the first time and they (including those still in the flesh) also were then reigning in a limited sense," and that the Thousand‑year Reign of the Christ is not the same as the thousand years in which Satan is bound; (b) your teaching (contrary to Matt. 23:35; Luke 11:51; comp. 2 Chro. 24:20‑22; 1 Kg. 6:9, 14, 21,22; Zech. 4:9; Eph, 4:11‑13; E Vol. 10, pp. 142, 610, 665; E Vol. 6, p. 593, etc.) that Bro. Johnson, the final star‑member, was not the last member of the Little Flock to remain on earth; (c) your teaching (contrary to Lev. 16; Z 80, par. 5, 245, pars. 12, 15, 3709, 4602; E Vol. 6, p. 481, bottom, etc.) that "when the last Saint has left the earth, the linen garments of sacrifice will have been forever put away"; (d) your teaching (contrary to Rev. 19:5‑9; P '31, 156, col. 2 bottom; P 150, pp. 192,193 – "the voice from the throne" given through the Epiphany Messenger) that the heralding of the message of Rev. 19:5‑9 by the Truth section of the Great Company since Bro. Johnson's death on Oct. 22, 1950 is premature and that this heralding should not begin until after Babylon is destroyed in Armaged­don; and (e) your teaching (contrary to Lev. 12 as expounded for us by the Epiphany Messenger) that the Great Company's attestatorial offering was not due to begin in 1954, the end of the antitypical 80 days ("from October, 1954, onward" – E Vol. 4, p. 99), the first lapping beginning of the Basileia period – E Vol. 4, pp. 12, 51, 52, 104; E Vol. 5, p. 298; E Vol. 6, p. 454; E Vol. 10, p. 114; E Vol. 11, p.441; C, Appendix, p. 415 (against which attestatorial offering, the preaching of the mes­sage of Christ as Savior and King for the building up of the Epiphany Camp as dis­tinct from the Epiphany Court in its membership, you and your active assistants have been persistently fighting).

(2) That despite repeated refutations in The Present Truth magazine and else­where of your many errors of doctrine, such as the five just mentioned, and of your many errors of practice, and despite repeated expostulations against the evils of the course you have been following, you have continued persistently your "rejection of previously accepted Truth" and your "teaching of errors" (P '50, p. 93, top; '32, p. 151, top), and have been seeking to draw away disciples after yourselves (Acts 20:30).

(3) That you continue through your circular letters and otherwise to spread the above and other serious errors far and fide in the U.S.A. and also in other countries, in a widespread and continued sifting activity, errors by which you persistently con­tinue to oppose the teachings of the

Scriptures as expounded in the Parousia and Epiphany Truth writings, including The Present Truth and the Bible Standard magazine,

(4) That you persistently continue to oppose the heralding of the Rev. 19:5‑9 message from Oct. 22, 1950, onward and also the Great Company's attestatorial ser­vice from Oct. 1954, onward which work is outlined in The Present Truth magazine and participated in by the brethren active in the Laymen's Home Missionary Movement, (Note: There were many faithful Bible Students who opposed the errors in the Seventh Volume; even though the Society claimed That Servant was the author and those opposing these errors were 'sifters' and unfaithful – JJH)

(5) That Mr. Hoefle in his capacity as a representative of the L.H.M.M. was suspended on June 25, 1955, that he informed the Execu­tive Trustee on Aug. 8, 1955, that he could no longer serve under his supervision, that he was fully dismissed as a representative of the L.H.M.M. on Feb. 8, 1956, by the Executive Trustee, and that both of you were then disfellowshiped (comp. P '56, p. 33, top),

(6) That advice from Bro. Russell (e.g., Z 4469) and Bro. Johnson (e.g., P '49, p. 128; comp. P '50, pp. 92,93), showing that those who are disfellowshiped and who also are doing a sifting work are not welcome at our conventions, has been clearly stated in The Present Truth magazine (see P '58, p. 79), and

(7) That despite all the above you nevertheless have continued to come into our midst at the L.H.M.M. conventions and have solicited names and addresses and in other ways have sought to win disciples, including the newly interested, and with your assistants have even circulated your oppositional literature inside the build­ing at our convention‑room door.

NOW, THEREFORE, I consider it my duty in faithfulness to the Lord, the Truth and the brethren, as an undershepherd of the Lord's people and as Executive Trustee of the L.H.M.M., to notify you in no uncertain terms (emphasis ours) that you or any of your active assistants in your activities herein aforementioned are not welcome or desired at our conventions, until such time as you turn from your present wrong course and bring forth fruits meet for repentance, providing that time ever comes. If despite this notice you insist on coming to any of our conventions in the future, the privilege of attending our convention meetings (except closed business sessions) will be granted to you only if you come merely as hearers and sit in the rear of the meeting room, entering the room after the opening hymn has started, observing proper decorum during the meeting, and leaving either before or immediately after the close of the meeting.

                                                                        Sincerely yours

                                                                        (Signed) Raymond G. Jolly

                                                                        Executive Trustee

RGJ/ES

Mount Dora, Florida

October 16, 1961

To Raymond G. Jolly:

Your letter of September 16 contains a number of half truths; and, says Brother Johnson, "Half truths are more misleading than whole errors." This has been common practice with you over the past ten years – 'half truths' together with the many out­right falsehoods told against me and some of my associates, when it became expedient for you to do so. Nor does it surprise me, in view of what Brother Johnson himself has told us about you; namely, that you have a bad conscience, often resort to mis­representations, with a yen to be a grandstand show‑off. This description of you is to be found in Epiphany Vol. 10, p. 585. And on p. 591 of the same book Brother Johnson also tells us you are "loquacious, repetitious, a false‑accusing Epiphany crown­loser," given to "foolish effusions." Were you now the cleansed Levite you claim to be this record of your past sins would serve as a sober reminder to you of your besetting sins; and you would ever seek to avoid any recurrence of such. It should indeed sober you and make you humble – even as it would do any cleansed Levite who had once been thus so guilty before the Lord that it became necessary for His Mouth­piece to "make manifest his folly to all" the General Church. Inasmuch as your treatment of the Epiphany Messenger himself prompted him thus to reveal you to the General Church, it is not surprising that you should accord similar treatment to me –especially now when you no longer have the restraining hand of the Star Member – although it grieves me considerably that the years have produced just no improve­ment in your character. Nor does it give me any pleasure to be forced to remind you of your past sins! Also, in your many attempts to lean upon Brother Johnson in your letter at hand, it is no surprise at all that you are completely silent on the sections of his writings cited above from Epiphany Volume 10. Nor do you cite them to your readers – although I know you cite many such exposures of other uncleansed Epiphany Levite leaders recorded by Brother Johnson, when it suits your purpose to do so.

Furthermore, it occasions no surprise that you are silent about your "Consecrated Epiphany Campers" – the "strange fire" (false doctrine) which you imbibed from J. W. Krewson, and which has been so thoroughly refuted in many of my papers. This teaching ('gazing') is a very outstanding part of your so‑called "Attestatorial Service" to which you frequently refer; and is flatly contradicted by the same Epiphany Messenger upon whom you pretend to rely for your present activities. Was your silence in this matter just an 'oversight,' or is the Truth presented in my articles against your error and your perversion of Tentative Justification finally forcing you to silence? Your Convention speakers were conspiculously silent on the subject – although you had some "Consecrated (?) Campers" there for water baptism. We have it verbally and in writing from some of your more prominent leaders that they will have no part of your "strange fire" (Epiphany Campers Consecrated); and I wonder if the one who gave the Baptismal discourse at the Labor Day Convention is also afraid of it! If he is, we commend him for having such 'fear,' as it is a very dangerous thing to tamper with the Truth – to offer "strange fire" before the Lord.

The charges you have made against us in your letter are strongly reminiscent of what was once said about you when you were on the side of the Truth – when you were under the benevolent influence of Brother Johnson's leadership. Please see March 1, 1918 Watch Tower, Reprints 6222‑6223 and compare with what you are now doing toward us! He, too (That Evil Servant), resorted to 'carnal weapons' – using everything he dared to use to silence those who were upholding the Truth – just as you are doing to silence us now, That Evil Servant told the brethren to 'avoid' you, at a time when you were upholding the Truth, just as you are now telling the brethren to 'avoid' us because we are upholding the Truth. This you have done since 1955 – both in your publications, from the platform and privately ("whisperings" – even as you did under Brother Johnson).

That Evil Servant forbade them to read the Epiphany Truth because they might be able to discern his errors; and you are forbidding your adherents to read the Epiphany Truth exposures presented in my papers against your errors for 'fear' that the Truth might enlighten them! J. F. Rutherford constantly warned his followers to 'avoid' you – even as you now warn your adherents to 'avoid' us. But at that time you didn't 'avoid' them; you approached them, because you had the Truth at that time – much the same as we approach our brethren today. Why do you preach 'avoid' us now? Is it because we have the Truth, and the Truth is tearing down your 'house'? "Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction." (Prov. 10:14)

And it is a sad spectacle, very sad indeed, to see you now walking in the "counsel of the ungodly" (in the footsteps of That Evil Servant) – which you have been doing since the restraining hand of the last Star Member was removed from you in 1950, at which time you were fully abandoned to Azazel. Are you now so befuddled by Azazel that the good work you once did is completely forgotten – that you no longer even understand that which you once stood for? Now, it seems, your only recourse against us is the 'strong arm' tactics of the Adversary ('carnal weapons'), – just as was done toward Brother Johnson in the Society in 1917! As for me and my house, we want none of such; we rely upon the Truth and its Spirit: "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds." (2 Cor. 10:.4) So whatever devious methods you concoct against us, we are assured that the 'Lord will be with the good' – that His Truth will be sufficient, as "He taketh the wise in their own craftiness." The Truth and its Spirit would 'constrain' you from the things you are doing, if you had it. I realize that you are largely under the influence of Azazel – otherwise you could not do the things that you do.

It seems that you don't know from one time to the next how to treat the brethren – ­whether disfellowshiped or otherwise – although That Wise and Faithful Servant has given us clear instructions regarding our attitude toward those who do not agree with us. This was plainly manifest in your treatment of Sister Wells at this last Labor Day Convention. Here was an instance where you could have shown 'large­ness' of heart, if such had been your condition. It would have been only common courtesy, the civility of the ordinary man never schooled in decorum of a seminary as you have been, had you offered your hand in sympathy to the widow of Brother Wells; but instead you berated her before all present. You yourself were the recipient of many favors, professional gratuities and wholesome warm hospitality from Brother Wells; so the least you could have done would be to show his widow kindness and courtesy – and sympathy, if you had any in your heart.

But it is not too surprising that you could treat her in the manner you did, when you could withhold needed help ('dire' need) from another widow back even before you were fully abandoned to Azazel (although your conduct at the time clearly revealed that Azazel was directing you) – an "aged Youthful Worthy widow who was both sick and penniless." (See‑Deut. 26:12) Bro. Johnson says in Epiphany Vol. 10, pp. 585‑586: "R. G. Jolly again was J.'s main opponent before the church on the subject. Actually the sister by a combination of starving and cancer died; and the hospital blamed the ecclesia to J.'s face therefor." But your power‑grasping is ineffective, even with your own house, as could be noted from the cordiality extended Sister Wells by Pilgrim Gavin and your own son, et al. Is that what incited you and caused your bitter words against Sister Wells? For shame, that you should sink so low! Pilgrim Gavin, your own son, and others are to be commended for the common decency they displayed in this instance – however much they may deviate later from such right conduct because of your unscriptural and unholy instructions to them. And your power‑grasping is so ineffec­tive that you must now once again reverse yourself. When the Krewsons were disfellow­shiped in 1954, you definitely had the brethren stipulate that they should be privileged to attend your meetings so long as they occupied back seats and did not participate. You did not stipulate that they were to come after the meeting had started and leave before it closed – although you must know both Brother Russell and Brother Johnson taught that habitual late arrivals and early departures are a mark of disorderly conduct. Can it be you are once more resorting to Azazelian cunning (See. Vol. 10, p. 646) purposely to stigmatize us?

In your Item 7 you disparage the circulation of literature at your "convention-­room door"; but you fail to mention that we were clearly outside the space for which you were paying rent. How does that compare with your own conduct a few years after Brother Johnson's death, when you organized a crew of your trusting followers to dis­tribute your own literature at a Dawn Convention in Northern Ohio? At that time you attempted to do this right on the private property they had rented; and you and your meek yes-men were ordered from the premises because you were violating the Dawn's legal rights – none of which we did in the instance you now castigate.

Yes, I am learning from multiplied experiences that "a double­minded man is unstable in all his ways." (Jas. 1:8) "Yet a double mind is in all of them (the Great Company), as James assures us – See E:15‑519 (bottom) and 520 (top).

                                                Sincerely, (Signed) John J. Hoefle

P.S. At various times over the past you have regaled your trusting supporters with tales of your prowess to impress them with the courageous efforts you've made in witnessing Truth. One such had to do with a certain minister you encountered in the colporteur work, who scolded you soundly, with the threat he would expose you and your errors from his pulpit the following Sunday. That Sunday morning you walked boldly into the Church front door, down the middle isle – head up, shoulders back, chest out, bravely and courageously (quite a contrast to your present cringing and cowardly attitude toward us) – and seated yourself in the pew third from front (didn't occupy the backseat – yet you knew the minister did not want you there!). Apparently your courage, the determined set of your jaw and that steely glint in your eye, so intimi­dated the man that he did not as much as mention you or the "error" you were distrib­uting. Now, won't you please tell that episode just once more at this Chicago Conven­tion? It would harmonize so beautifully with what you have written me in the letter I am answering. (JJH)

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As a complement to the above, we quote from E:15‑520‑521: "Al­ways they (the Great Company) either set aside in revolutionism more or less of the teachings of the Bible and more or less of the arrange­ments that God has given for His work (Note: Replacing such arrange­ments with some sensational methods of their own – JJH), or they partisanly support others who become guilty as leaders or ledlings of these two forms of rebellion. Whenever a company of them form a group, they become parti­san sectarians; and their leaders always grasp for power and lord it over God's heritage (1 Pet. 5:2), becoming guilty of love for money, influence, honor from men and leader­ship.... under Satanic manipulation they lead their followers into increas­ing errors and Satan‑given wrong arrangements for the Lord's work. These revolution­isms arousing the opposition of the faithful, controversies set in, wherein to de­fend themselves against the Scriptural truths that the faithful bring against their errors, to maintain a semblance of consistency in their errors, they give up one truth after another; and their sectarian crown‑lost followers (as well as their sectarian Youthful Worthy adherents – JJR) partisanly support their leaders in these controversies, and thus with them lose more and more of the Lord's truths and arrange­ments, though they together with the newly adopted errors (such as Epiphany Campers Consecrated, etc. – JJH) hold to those former held truths and arrangements not in­volved in these repudiations. With all of this they increasingly lose part of their ability to discern between truth and error. This shows a deterioration in the bad part of their intellects and their intellects' contents, while it still shows that their intellects still retain some of their former ability to see and to retain some truth – double‑mindedness in their intellects in varying degrees.

"As their heads deteriorate, so do their hearts deteriorate. The very fact that their heads deteriorate is preceded with some deterioration of their hearts, and in turn is followed by further worsening of the heart. Their errors of head certainly partially undermine their faith, sear more or less their consciences and put a cloud between them and the Lord, curtailing their spirit of prayer and a lively sense of His favor, fellowship and approval. Moreover, they make them more or less BITTERLY partisan against the faithful for their opposing their wrong course."

AND NOW ONCE MORE “THE COUSINS”

In this September‑October 1961 Present Truth, pages 72‑78, R. G. Jolly offers his elaboration on "A Syllabus of Errors Examined," the same presumably being an answer to J. W. Krewson – although he fails to state his name, as did Brother Russell and Brother Johnson with such people. At the outset, may our readers clearly under­stand we are not attempting a eulogy for J. W. Krewson – nor do we countenance his gross errors; rather, we know his claims for himself and the many errors and per­versions he foists upon the Lord's people are decidedly at variance with the faith­ful Scriptural teachings of the last two Star Members, even as we ourselves have previously pointed out in our publications. Our main purpose here is to direct attention to one errorist attempting to refute another's errors with subtle sophisti­cation and errors of his own (one errorist, R.G.Jolly, vs. his cousin, J.W.Krewson).

We begin with p. 76, col. 1, "The Epiphany or Apokalypse," wherein he speaks of his "loyalty" to Brother Russell and Brother Johnson And their "Scripturally‑proven teachings" on this subject. While he makes a blanket reference to E:4‑45/49, why does he not quote No. 43 on p. 45? Can it be that even his most ardent adherents might awaken to some of his own sophistry? As our readers know, we made an exhaus­tive analysis of this subject in our September 1, 1959 paper, in which we stated the Epiphany and Apokalypse are as inseparable as sunshine and daylight. "Epiphany" means "bright shining"; and "Apokalypse" means "revelation." As the sun produces the daylight, so the daylight produces the revelation; it is impossible to have one without the other. Even though one may have his back to the sun, the daylight convinces him that the sun is shining.

Several places in Epiphany Vol. 4, pages 7 through 72, Brother Johnson teaches that the Epiphany and the Time of Trouble are identical (see especially p. 53, par. 51). In this citation Brother Johnson says the "Time of Trouble in the narrow sense" is from 1914 until the end of anarchy and of Jacob's trouble. R. G. Jolly now contends that the Epiphany "in its restricted sense" ended in 1954, at which time he instituted his so‑called Attestatorial Service. Why doesn't he use the word "narrow," as Brother Johnson does? Webster's dictionary says "restricted" and "narrow" mean the same thing. But R. G. Jolly avoids the use of the word "narrow." Can it be because he is afraid of it? We have often propounded to him the premise: If the Epiphany and the Time of Trouble are "identical" (as Brother Johnson correctly teaches they are), then, if the Epiphany ended in a "restricted" sense in 1954, must the same not be true of the Time of Trouble? R. G. Jolly has repeatedly refused to meet this question because his perversions and foolishness might become too apparent. We shall now supplement our contention with the following from E:4‑45, par. 43:

"Parousia is used in respect to the earliest stage.... of the second advent, while apokalypsis relates to the same advent later: – not that apokalypsis and epiphaneia relate to another or third advent, but merely to a later feature (not features, since these two words both as an act and as a period are synonymous.... thus the epiphaneia or apokalypsis, in the sense here used as acts, stretched over a period of time, which is the Epiphany (p. 47, top).... His open manifest­a­tion to the world, His epiphaneia, His Apoka­lypsis."

It needs no elaboration that Brother Johnson taught (and we agree fully with him) that the Time of Trouble in its narrow sense (from 1914 to the end of Anarchy and Jacob's Trouble), the Epiphany and/or Apokalypsis are identical. Therefore, if the Epiphany ended in its "restricted" or narrow sense in 1954, not only the Time of Trouble, but the Apokalypsis also must have a similar ending in 1954. This is so elemental we should not have to point it out at all! Would the merest babe in the Truth believe the apokalypse (the uncovering, or revelation) ended in the minutest degree in 1954? Certainly all of us know that, instead of ending (even in a "restricted sense") in 1954, the revealing has been greatly accentuated since 1954 in its uncovering of per­sons, principles and things since that date – as the bright shining also has increased. So here we have "The Cousins," one of them (R. G. Jolly) telling us the apokalypse ended in a "restricted" sense in 1954; while the other one (J. W. Krewson) tells us it just began there at that time. Brother Russell and Brother Johnson clearly dispute the both of them in their Scripturally‑proven teachings; and we leave each one to deter­mine which of these he shall believe. It is certainly apropos to quote here Brother Johnson's own words concerning those who would distort his teachings on the Epiphaneia and apokalypsis (E: 4‑70,bottom):

"Azazel means Averter, Perverter, and is Satan (1 Cor. 5:5) in his capacity of using the Great Company to avert and pervert the Lord's Truth and arrangements."

Then, on p. 72, col. 1, par. 2, R. G. Jolly offers another statement of truth, which we have often stressed in our papers: "Bro. Johnson for good reason never gave an appointment as a teacher for the Lord's people in general" to J. W. Krewson. No, indeed, he didn't! But setting aside that arrangement by the Epiphany Messenger didn't bother R. G. Jolly at all so long as J. W. Krewson was lauding him with his counterfeit "Bro. Russell's Epiphany Parallels." Therefore, when he now wants to present "Mrs. Russell's Epiphany Parallels," with his "cousin" as the focal character, we observe this is simply some more of his nonsense. If J. W. Krewson is the parallel of Mrs. Russell, is R. G. Jolly contending that he himself is the parallel of That Servant? Certainly, the two cannot be separated!

But, what was her deflection? In E:5‑123/125 Brother Johnson says she led the Truth section of the Reformism Sifting in 1901‑1904. "Some Truth people, led by the wife of That Servant, advocated certain reforms," etc. And in E:9‑404 (46) Brother Johnson says that, while faithful, she had been "exceptionally used" of the Lord. Let R. G. Jolly show such "exceptional use" of J. W. Krewson by the Lord; in fact, he is now vehemently denying such status to his "cousin," who now makes such bom­bastic claims for himself in connection with R. G. Jolly. And what "reforms" did J. W. Krewson advocate in the Lord's arrangements from 1951 to 1954? Manifestly nothing except what R. G. Jolly himself condoned and encouraged. But we do have the clear evidence that R. G. Jolly himself attempted many reforms during that time, some of which we itemize:

(1) He elevated J. W. Krewson to the status of Auxiliary Pilgrim and Pilgrim – ­contrary to Brother Johnson's judgment before his death.

(2) He changed the name of the Herald of the Epiphany to the Bible Standard.

(3) Publishes a Present Truth every two months, with some occasionally almost three months apart.

(4) Attempted to set aside the Manna texts for Convention testimony meetings, replacing them with his own selected texts (although he abandoned that revolutionism after our denunciation).

(5) Greatly encouraged Combinationism.

(6) Attempted to use methods of Big Babylon in his work.

(7) Attempted to supplant antitypical Gideon's Second Battle literature with his Flying Saucer tract – declaring as "timeworn and threadbare" such tracts as Where are the Dead, What Is the Soul, etc. He now denies this; but Richard Blaine and another Chicago lad took a tape recording of his words, so it should be no problem to determine if he or we are the prevaricator. Will he attempt to set this record straight?

Nor should any of the above surprise us, in view of Brother Johnson's summation in E:15‑520,521 (see our quotation on p. 5 of this article): "Always they (the Great Company) either set aside in revolutionism more or less of the teachings of the Bible (as, for example, his perversion on the 1954 Epiphany‑Apokalypse teaching – JJH) and more or less of the arrangements that God has given for His work...... they give up one truth after another (as R. G. Jolly has done on Tentative Justifica­tion – JJH)..... With all this they increasingly lose part of their ability to discern between truth and error..... As their heads deteriorate, so do their hearts deteriorate (revealing a bad conscience, tendency to falsify and misrepresent, and to show off – JJH)..... making them more or less bitterly partisan against the faithful for opposing their wrong course (as R. G. Jolly has manifested toward us for opposing his sins of teaching and practise – JJH)."

We expect to offer more on this Present Truth in future writings, because there are many more perversions and errors R. G. Jolly has presented in his refutations of his "Cousin's" errors that should be pointed out (the Truth would have been all­-sufficient for the purpose had R. G. Jolly had the Truth is he once did). But for now we offer to all who have "ears to hear" the words of wisdom in Prov. 28:13: "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy."

Sincerely your brother,

John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Gentlemen: – Please send me The Resurrection of the Dead and The Three Babylons tracts.

Thank you! --------- Havana, Kansas

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Dear Brother Hoefle:

Grace and Peace in His dear Name! I received the tracts. Thank you! I was in such a hurry to get the tracts and my letter posted I didn't put my contribution in my letter for the Lord's service. I am very sorry..... sometimes I have to wait a whole week before I can get my mail posted. Your last paper No. 73 was very good. I sometimes wonder why others can't see – unless they are asleep or bewildered.

I believe the Lord is using you to defend the Truth, which you do so well. May the dear Lord bless and keep and encourage you in this work! ....

Sincerely in the Lord's Service. --------- Conn.

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Dearest People in the Truth:

Grace and Peace in His Name! Thank you for your promptness in changing my address – and also for your good letter. It made me very happy. I have received your papers very promptly – also for June, July. Again Thank you – also for the wonderful work and explanations in your papers.

With much Christian love to you, your staff and wife.

God bless you all! Sister --------- Ohio

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Sirs:

I was given a copy of your pamphlet "The Resurrection of the Dead." Will you please send me a copy of this – Also the three you offer to send free on request: What is the Soul, Where are the Dead and The Three Babylons. What is your church called?

M. G. ---------- Peru

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Dear Brother Hoefle: – Grace and Peace in our Lord's Name!

I was very happy to get your dear letter a few days ago. Have delayed writing because of the storm the country has just had...... The Lord has always been so good and it makes me feel so minute in His presence. It caused me to go over again all the wonderful care He has given me. Of course, since 19l4 we have known nothing but war and trouble, but nothing of that sort has bothered me, as we know these things must come.

Enclosed is a small donation to the Lord's work.

The Jehovah's Witnesses have had a big convention here...... I am enclosing some clippings, even though they are old now. But you can see how they are with their work (efficient) – if not their teaching.

Please give my Christian love to all the friends there, reserving for yourself a portion.

                                                Christian love. --------- Texas

NO. 76: THE STAR OF LAODICEA

No. 76

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

Comes once more the time of year when many of us are sadly reminded of the passing of the Parousia and Epiphany Messengers – accompanied howbeit by many pleas­ant memories of our personal experiences with them. In Rev. 1:16 we are told that “He (the Lord) had in His right hand seven stars”; and v. 20 explains that the “seven stars are the angels of the seven churches.” That these “stars” are not individuals, as some have taught, is clearly demonstrated in Rev. 12:1, where the “woman” (the true Church) is adorned with “a crown of twelve stars.” Those twelve stars are the twelve Apostles, who comprised the composite star, or special messen­gers, to the incipient Gospel‑Age Church. And, as was true of the first epoch of this Age, the same has likewise been true of all seven epochs of the Gospel Age – ­each epoch had more than one “angel” as the special Pastor and Teacher. In the last, or seventh, epoch – in which we have been since 1870 – the “star” contained but two individuals, the same being Brother Russell and Brother Johnson. Thus, we caption this paper “The Star of Laodicea”; and we hope to relate certain items about both of them to the pleasure and inspiration of our readers.

The “angels” all during the Age were under the Lord's special guidance, protec­tion and care; they were His messengers, or representatives. (See Berean Comment for Rev. 1:20) It is well to note this fact as a sobering influence upon each of us in our appraisal and attitude toward them. Especially is this thought emphasized for the first and the seventh epochs of this Age, of which more later on.

It was never our privilege to meet Brother Russell personally, although we have received much information from various brethren who were closely attached to him. In Vols. 9 and 14 Brother Johnson has eulogized him far beyond anything we might here present; but to what he wrote about him we add one item he related to us personally and is not given in detail anywhere in his writing, so far as we know – although a kindred thought is expressed in E:8‑561. As most of us know, Brother Rus­sell never attended any institutions of higher learning; therefore, his knowledge of Hebrew and Greek was limited. On the other hand, Brother Johnson was highly skilled in both languages, so much so that he often quoted copious sections of the Bible in English, then quoted the same text in Hebrew. Therefore, Brother Russell often asked his interpretation on difficult texts; and, in over four hundred such instances, Brother Russell himself had the correct meaning before asking Brother Johnson's opinion. And it was this, said Brother Johnson, that thoroughly convinced him that Brother Russell was “That servant,” because no one unschooled in Hebrew and Greek could have been so consistently right without the special enlightenment, guidance and care of the Lord.

And, as That Servant, “The Parousia Messenger was given charge of the Church, of its doctrinal, correctional, refutational and ethical teachings, of its work.... specifically of the correct interpretation of the Scriptures on the ransom, atone­ment, sin‑offerings, mediator and covenants” (E:11‑107); and “as a priest in his relations to the errors and wrong practices of the nominal church. Certainly his face was set like brass in strength against these errors and wrong practices.” (E:11‑108) Of course, this aroused venom and vituperation from those whose errors and wrongs he exposed – just as the same course led Jesus to the cross.

Many were our personal experiences with such people in the years we spent in the colporteur work early in the Epiphany. On one occasion, as we approached a man, the hardening of his features became apparent, as he declared he wanted none of the literature; he had known “Russell” and attended a number of his lectures. In politeness we asked what opinion he had formed of the man. His answer: “I think he was just an old crank!” In another instance we allayed the ire of a Mormon by mildness and politeness, after which he became affable enough to offer us this advice: “Young man, you have all the qualities, and you could be an Evangelist if you just got away from the influence of that old quack!” Many such instances could we relate as we learned from experience the truth of the Lord's words: “Men shall revile you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely.” And by such treatment That Servant learned that “the servant is not above His Master” – he drank of the same cup as did Jesus. Brother Johnson said he once affectionately told Brother Russell that he was the most loved man on earth. Brother Russell's answer: “Yes, Brother, and the most hated!”

BROTHER RUSSELL'S STEWARDSHIP DOCTRINE

On previous occasion we have stated that Brother Russell's stewardship doctrine was the correct interpretation of Leviticus 16, the central feature of which is Restitution. In support of this conclusion, we quote from E:11‑94 (24): “It was especially during this period, in 1879, that the light on the tabernacle in general, and on Leviticus 16 in particular, was by Jesus given, first to That Servant and then later to the Church, showing the two antitypical Sin‑offerings, the two salvations in natures separate and distinct.... Here, too, the doctrine of the World's High Priest was brought to light.”

Corroborating the foregoing is this in Parousia Vol. 3, p. 216 by Brother Russell himself: “And strange to say, it is the message of God's loving provision, in the ransom, for the restitution of all things, by and through Christ Jesus and His glorified body, the Church, God's Kingdom.... that is to develop and draw into heart-­union the true class only, to test them and separate them from the nominal mass.” This statement by Brother Russell clearly states that the preaching of Restitution would accomplish the Harvest reaping work; and this is substantiated even in the name of one of his types in E:14‑114:

“Jashobeam, the people shall return, in allusion to his preaching much on restitution.”

And further in E:14‑155 (16): “Brother Russell also charged these Sunday Pilgrims to exhort the public to declare continually the restitution salvation.” It was the understanding of Restitution that harmonized the Bible, and made vital the Harvest Message. (See E:8‑384 – top) As at the first Advent, “The people that sat in darkness saw great light,” so all of us “saw great light” when the restitution message was explained to us. But, just as the great light at the first Advent roused great opposition, so here in the Harvest time the Truth people became “the sect that everywhere is spoken against.” (Acts 28:22) Nevertheless, Brother Russell continued with vigor and determination to preach Restitution “through evil report, and good re­port”; and, surely we all can join with Brother Johnson in exclaiming “God bless his memory!”

THE SECOND STAR

Brother Johnson was Brother Russell's companion helper, and faithfully carried on in spirit and in Truth the teachings and practices established by him. As he him­self states it in E:11‑107, it was his duty “to expound and defend correctly, every­thing connected with the antitypical Tabernacle.” If he was right in that state­ment, then the attempts to change the teachings of that Tabernacle which have been made since his death, are all anathema.

As some of our readers know, it was in the fall of 1942 that we were privileged to accomplish a month's pilgrim trip with Brother Johnson to the West Coast of the United States and back. This gave us many intimate hours of travel together, dur­ing which he related details of his life from infancy, which he said he had never before revealed to any one. Clearly enough, he was among us “as one that serveth,” – “an example of the believers,” and to the believers. Nothing was ever too bad; he had that “godliness with contentment, which is great gain.” On occasion when the going was rough, he would emit his hearty chuckle with the observa­tion: “When we get into the Kingdom, won't we look back and laugh at some of these experiences.”

As we said at his funeral on October 27, 1950, he was a man, even as you and I; and he made mistakes, even as you and I. But when we consider all the good he did for us in his years of faithful ministry, we reveal our sad limitations if we dwell upon his mistakes, rather than his virtues. As for us, and our house, we heartily exclaim, God bless his memory!

“MY SERVANT MOSES”

It is not good that we should extol the Stars of Laodicea beyond fact; although we should be guided by St. Paul's clear admonition to “count them worthy of double honor who labor in word and doctrine.” (I Tim. 5:17) They themselves repeatedly exhorted all likewise to “labor in word and doctrine” – to “prove all things, and to hold fast that which is good.” Thus, as faithful Pastors and Teachers, they “Watched over your souls as they that must give an account,” and continually waged war against clerical­ism and sectarianism – two besetting Gospel‑Age sins of the Great Company that developed after the Apostles passed away. The Ephesus period of the Church was commended for avoidance of these evils: “This thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nico­laitans, which I also hate.” (Rev. 2:6) Note the Berean Comments: “Those who lord it over God's people. The word 'Nicolans' means 'A conqueror or lord of the people.'“

And, while we should not “fall at their feet and worship,” neither should we take the other extreme of discounting them too much, or become overly critical. The outstanding warning against this latter evil is to be found in Numbers 12, where the Lord's anger was kindled against Miriam and Aaron: “Were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” We do well to take close note of this, and apply it prop­erly and according to our time. Jesus specifically told the “Star” (the twelve Apostles) of the first Church: “He that receiveth you receiveth me.” (Matt. 10:40) At that time those that rejected the Apostles were not blessed with the Harvest Truth. That condition did not prevail between the two Harvests, because the Interim Stars did not possess the same authority as the Apostles. But with the inception of the Gospel‑Age Harvest much the same authority attached to the Laodicean Star; That Servant was made ruler over all His goods. Those who refused to receive him never came into Present Truth; and those who did receive him, then “spoke against” him soon found themselves “leprous,” as was Miriam – they became “plagued” with error. Especially would we say it is markedly true of those who came to an understanding of the Numbers 12 type. Once such began to “speak against” him, it was not long be­fore they became noticeably “leprous”; they rejected some Truth they had, thus be­coming “unclean” (John 15:3).

These are troublous times, with the tendency in every direction being toward Anarchy; and the Lord's people should be on guard that “it shall not come nigh thee” (Psa. 91:7). We believe all would do well at this time to read Chapter 6 of Parousia Vol. 6 – “Order and discipline in the New Creation.” This will be honoring both members of the Laodicean Star.

It is well for us to note here once more that “the Lord seeth not as man seeth.” Moses was the youngest child – the “baby” in his family. Then, as is still true in many countries, the oldest boy was given the preeminence in inheritance and prestige. Even yet, in Germany the oldest boy is considered the head of the family after the father dies, regard­less of the superior brilliance and integrity that may reside in a younger son. We have the striking example of this in the way Joseph's older brethren envied and discounted him – hated him, and “could not speak peaceably unto him” (Gen. 37:4). Somewhat similar was the situation of Brother Johnson, who was one of the younger pilgrims at Brother Russell's death; and his older brethren would not bring themselves to accept instruction from him. Yet, it is now clear to us who hold his memory blessed, that he was more qualified than all of them com­bined to be leader of God's people. Again there was demonstrated the truism that “Age is no proof against folly,” coupled with the advice of St. Paul to Timothy, “Let no man despise thy youth!” (1 Tim. 4:12) It is well that we honor those whom God honors, regardless of age or youth, and to strive honestly to “see not as man seeth.”

It is our opinion that both Brother Russell and Brother Johnson did the best they knew how to do; nor will greater tribute ever be paid to any of us. As Jesus said of Mary, “She hath done what she could,” so may it eventually be said of each of us – We have done what we could! And again, God bless their memory!

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy Palaces. For my brethren and com­panions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of the House of the Lord our God I will seek thy good.” Psa. 122:6‑9

ABOUT SHAKING HANDS

At this Philadelphia Labor Day Convention R. G. Jolly once again demonstrated his “love of the Truth” to be as limited as is he himself in stature when he him­self approached Sister Wells with his hand extended to her. Then, when she attempted to give him that common courtesy which we owe “a heathen,” he made a spectacle of himself before all in his tirade against her; then went into quite a tirade from the Convention platform about a “sifter” trying to shake hands with him.

A few years ago at Chicago he carried his “sleight-of-hand” to greater extreme when he smilingly approached Brother and Sister Clinard, and with feigned enthusiasm actually shook hands with them; then made quite some ado from the platform about “sifters” shaking hands with him. on another occasion he did the same with Sister Dunnagan and Sister Price – approached them with outstretched hand and welcomed them (although Sister Dunnagan had formerly disfellowshiped him).

Knowing from sad experience that R. G. Jolly's limitations in character are as small as R. G. Jolly the man, we had coached all of these brethren beforehand what they might expect of him. In January 1957 at Jamaica he actually came smilingly (as though greeting warm friends) across a room about twenty feet to offer his hand to us, which we reciprocated in keeping with customary civility – without, however, addressing him as “Brother.” Later in the Kingston Convention meetings he assailed us in such venomous fashion that one sister remarked that had he been free to use “dark-age” tactics “he would have burned you at the stake.” There, too, he was very profuse in his denunciation of the “sifters in our midst” – warning the brethren assembled there not to approach us, etc.

Whether R. G. Jolly knows as little about the truth respecting hand-shaking as he does about many other Truth matters, or whether he viciously shows his contempt for the Truth, we cannot be certain. Either state offers distressing revelation of the man. Apparently, he is concerned not at all that he be “caught with guile” (Thes. 2:1-3); and we are caused to wonder if he has ever assimilated Brother Russell's teaching in Volume six on such matters. In that writing we are instructed to follow our Lord's teaching to treat disfellowshiped brethren “as an heathen man” (Matt. 18:17) – “but not injured or treated unkindly in any way” (Vol. 6, p. 303).

Since we do not hesitate to shake hand, or do business, or extend ordinary civility to “a heathen man,” neither should we deny such amenities to a disfellowshiped per­son – although we should not greet him as “brother.” This course we followed with R. G. Jolly at Jamaica (despite the fact we knew he had carried on a “whispering campaign” against us and had slandered us shamefully because of our resistance of his evils in doctrine and in practice), and other instances; as we also counseled those mentioned above to do. In so doing we were quite in keeping with the letter and the spirit of our Lord's counsel, as explained by Brother Russell. It is our desire to have them “turn from the error of their way,” rather than follow them in their error. So long as any of these New Creatures have their standing in the Great Company, though uncleansed, there is hope for their recovery. We realize, of course, that R. G. Jolly has been so often and so conclusively humiliated by us on his many errors that he in fact has nothing left but “carnal weapons” – the cheap trickery of the unprincipled politician or the unscrupulous Jesuits. That is for him to answer, of course; but we advise our readers to be ''without guile,” and to be guided by That Servant's instructions in such matters.

Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren and com­panions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of the House of the Lord our God I will seek thy good.” Psa. 122:6-9

Sincerely your brother John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

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LETTER OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Brother Hoefle: Grace and peace through our Beloved Lord!

Recently several of the Winston-Salem Class attended the Jehovah's Witnesses' Convention in Salisbury, N. C., to serve the Three Babylons tracts. There were over 900 present, and we were able to serve quite a few of the tracts. The 'promise' the speaker made to those who would join with the “new order” (their sect) was “live forever.” When he told them they could “live forever” the crowd burst out in loud applause. It was something to behold! But there are others in Little Babylon beckoning to the world (Restitutionists) to consecrate now before the Highway of Holi­ness is opened, with their Epiphany Campers Consecrated, or Quasi-elect Consecrated, etc. (although we hear very little mention of this false doctrine at the L.H.M.M. Conventions – if anything).

We did manage to get quite a few of the Three Babylons tracts out before the ''watch dogs'' were sicked on us (by the “clergy”). They ordered us around and took hold of our arms and steered us away (and not too gently either!). They threatened some of us with the police if we didn't get moving fast. They tried to take some of the tracts away from their adherents and advised for rather commanded) them not to accept the tracts. I went to the street and put some of the tracts in parked cars, where the windows were open. One fellow came up and said: “Don't put any of that stuff in my car!” I asked him kindly which one was his car and told him we had no desire to force the Truth on any one, as this is not the day of force so far as the Truth is concerned. One said he knew all about the tract – had read it. Another asked me questions (one of the ''escorts” – “watch dogs”) about the tract and the Movement. I offered him one (he was as nice as he could be, having received his orders in regard to us), but he was afraid to take it and read it. I told them their attitude toward us betrayed their weakness! that we always accepted their literature, if they had any for free distribution, and read it – nor were we opposed to having any in our group accept their literature and read it. We told them if they would come to our meetings we would treat them with courtesy – would appreciate their interest in us. He said “We wouldn't go to your meetings.” I told him I knew he wouldn't if he knew it. They have been to our meetings and disrupted it on Sunday mornings (although I didn't tell him that). We didn't chase them away either, but they were only too happy to get going, even though we treated them kindly and courteously. One said we had no legal right to come to their meetings. I told him that is what the Scribes and Pharisees said about Jesus when He went among them. He said: “But Jesus did have a legal right!” I answered him that I knew that, but they crucified Him to keep Him from coming among them – and that I felt we had a 'legal' right there, even though they said we didn't. He said no more!

It is marvelous to see how fearful they are of this tract! I told one of the fellows following us around, that surely Big Babylon, in all its venom against the Truth under Brother Russell, hadn't shown any more hatred and persecution than we had received from them. When they were 'advising' their adherents not to accept the tracts and not to read them, I said: ''Are you going to have a burning of the tracts? They burned Brother Russell's books, but that only caused honest people to investigate more than they would have otherwise.” How grateful we are to our Heavenly Father to know it is the Truth that is causing all the uproar – and not us personally. These people didn't know us personally, but several of them had read the tract or have had opportunity to read them, as some of the friends have mailed several to some in that group.

We felt it a privilege to follow in the footsteps of our Beloved Lord and suffer for the same Cause that He suffered. We know if we have the Truth and its Spirit that we must suffer such persecutions from the “religious” groups, just as our Lord had to suffer from 'like' “religious” groups – and just as has been true all during the Harvest under Brother Russell and Brother Johnson. The Truth is hated as much today as ever – and if we would be faithful to the Truth and its Spirit we will quickly find that out. There is much more to relate, but this letter is getting long already.

The Lord bless and direct you as you seek to “contend for the faith once delivered to the saints.”

By His Grace --------- N.C.

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ANNOUNCEMENT OF GENERAL INTEREST

As most of our readers know, Brother Johnson each fall designated a period for special effort in antitypical Gideon's Second Battle against eternal torment and the consciousness of the dead. This he did in loving memory of That Servant. We now recommend the continuance of such effort in remembrance of both Star Members, for those of like mind and who are physically able to do so. We suggest October 15 through November 12 for the Special Effort this year. A good method of engaging in this service is at church doors with Where are the Dead, or What is the Soul. Also, the Resurrection tract can be used in this Battle. Witnessing with the tracts, or other pertinent literature, to individuals where opportunity presents itself is always good. We shall be pleased to supply the pertinent tracts free of all charge to those inclined and able to engage in this good work; and to join with us in the petition, “God bless their memory!”

NO. 75-A: "A FURTHER DEFENSE OF THE TRUTH ON THE EPIPHANY"

No. 75-A

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

On p. 58 of this July‑August 1961 Present Truth the above caption heads some comments by R. G. Jolly in which he once more refers to us as using the “trickery of a shyster lawyer”; and in this he once more validates Brother Johnson's descrip­tion of him as a “false‑accusing Epiphany crown‑loser.” So, when he refers to “special trials that have come since 1954,” we repeat that many of these trials are directly chargeable to R. G. Jolly himself

On p. 60, top of col. 2, he makes comment on the two periods of the Epiphany that “concern God's people,” the first of which he describes as “the time in which the Priesthood deals with Azazel's Goat, and (2) the time in which the Priesthood deals with the cleansed Levites.” As R. G. Jolly well knows, Brother Johnson never at any time before his death referred even to those Levites in the Epiphany Move­ment as anything other than “good Levites,” as a class, for whose cleansing he was earnestly yearning. As late as 1943 he clearly stated that R. G. Jolly was not to be counted among the “cleansed Levites.” Therefore, will R. G. Jolly please tell us how and at what time prior to October 1950 “the Priesthood dealt with the cleansed Levites.” This should be no problem at all for him if he is right in the article we are now reviewing. And did Brother Johnson deal with these “cleansed”(?) Levites as a class before the Truths thereon were clarified and cleansed (before the Mother of the Daughter was purified’)? We have repeatedly confronted him with similar questions on this matter; and his only retort is his customary “false-­accusing” name‑calling. And we may be certain he won't answer it this time either! If his 1954 conclusions are correct, they should certainly fit in exactly with the things that were accomplished by that date; that is, there should be some tangible physical evidence to support him. And his failure to analyze this crux of this entire system of his teaching will be sufficient to convince all truly‑enlightened Epiphany Truth people of his true condition and character.

We direct attention to another item as a perfect companion to the foregoing, the same being found on p. 30 of his March 1955 Present Truth; and we quote his Question and Answer with some bracketed comments:

Question: – Do any unconsecrated ones remain in, and do additional ones enter, the tentatively‑justified condition since Sept. 16, 1954?

Answer: – Until the Ransom merit is applied on behalf of the world, and restitution, which brings actual justification (emphasis by JJH), begins, tentative justification (see E Vol. 4, pp. 341‑352 for details on this subject) will be given to believers as a prerequisite to their being acceptable to God in consecration (Rom. 5:1,2; 12:1). In E Vol. 4, p. 346, par. 1, we read that “the doctrine of Tentative Justification as operating from the time of Abel, Enoch, and Noah (Heb. 11:4‑7), UNTIL RESTI­TUTION BEGINS (emphasis by R. G. Jolly) is a Scriptural one... As long as Rom. 4:1‑25, etc. remain parts of the Bible, that doctrine will stand.” Thus tentative justification made the pre‑Gospel‑Age seed eligible to an earthly feature of the Oath‑bound Covenant (YES, it made them eligible for an elect class – ­NOT FOR THE QUASI‑ELECT – Nor was it for the purpose of making it possible for the non‑elect, or Restitution­ists, to consecrate before the New Covenant is inaugurated – ­JJH), as is shown in Rom. 4:10,11,13,14,16. (Note: When Brother Johnson said “From the time of Abel, Enoch, and Noah” he was specifically speaking of the elect classes (four elect classes selected) – in this instance of the Ancient Worthies! – JJH). This becomes clearer when we understand that to Abraham circumcision came after (Emphasis by R. G. Jolly) justifica­tion, as the latter's seal; for in the Scriptures circumcision is used to type consecration (Rom. 2:28,29). Thus Abraham's circum­cision, sym­bolizing his consecration, naturally would come after his justifica­tion by faith, sealing it to him. Likewise, throughout the Gospel Age, until the initial beginning of the Basileia (emphasis by JJH) on Sept. 16, 1954, tentative justification has been a prerequisite to be accept­able to God in conse­cra­tion during that time there­by setting a seal on their justification, so that it did not lapse for Gospel‑Age elective purposes (emphasis by R. G. Jolly). “Consecration is always in order” (E Vol. 4, P. 420); (Note: Yes, 'in order' during the Gospel Age after they came into the court! And such consecrations – of Quasi‑elect, or Restitution­ists – will be _in order’ in their “due time” – when ACTUAL JUSTIFICATION can be obtained under the New Covenant Arrangements, and not before, as was claimed by J. F. Rutherford, and now by R. G. Jolly! – JJH) – hence it continues after Sept. 16, 1954; and, as a prerequisite to consecration “until restitution begins,” tentative justification must therefore also continue. (Yes, in the Epiphany Court, the proper place for tentative justification. – JJH) While, therefore, as stated in the answer to the previous question, we understand that after Sept. 16, 1954 no more per­sons remain in, nor thereafter enter, the tentatively‑justi­fied condition for Gospel‑Age elective purposes, i.e., as a step toward membership in one of God's elect classes (emphasis by R. G. Jolly), we nevertheless believe that persevering faithful justified ones will remain in, and additional ones will enter into, the tentative‑justified condi­tion for Epiphany Camp purposes, i.e., as a step toward becoming Consecrated Campers. (Note: R. G. Jolly calls them Epiphany Camp­ers consecrated – yet he says it is due to the Basileia having its initial beginning, making it possible for Epiphany Campers to conse­crate! Why not Basileia Campers? In the overlapping of the Parousia Period into the Epiphany period, were we not actually in the Epiphany Period from 1914 onward –with the Parousia overlapping as necessary for the gleaning, etc.? We know the Epiphany Period and the Time of Trouble as one and the same is Scripturally true; but during R. G. Jolly's “period” the Time of Trouble and the Epiphany are not one and the same, as the main features of the Time of Trouble are still future – ­to be undergone in his Basileia “initial beginning.” – JJH) It would seem, therefore, that those tentatively‑justified ones who consecrate after Sept. 16, 1954 and before restitution begins, and thus become Consecrated Epiphany Campers, by their consecra­tion set a seal upon their tentative justification (emphasis by JJH), so that it will not lapse for Epiphany Camp purposes. (Note: But Brother Johnson distinctly teaches that those who are remanded to the Epiphany Camp are those whose tentative justification have _lapsed’ – lapsed for any purpose during the Gospel Age, except as they retain their character development for Millennial‑Age purposes. So those whose Tentative Justification do NOT LAPSE, are the faithful YOUTHFUL WORTHIES IN THE COURT! – that the Epiphany Camp in the finished picture would contain the UNconse­crated. – JJH)

It will be noted that R. G. Jolly was quite emphatic, even in March 1955 (and we would suggest that his readers meditate upon R.G.J.'s 1955 presentation and compare with his present‑day teaching on tentative‑justification operating during the Kingdom – and compare with J. F. Rutherford's course of changing one fundamental teaching of That Servant’ after another to fit his new views – errors) – that he was in full agreement with Brother Johnson and his teaching that “tentative justi­fication operates until restitution begins.” He has now rejected that Truth, replac­ing it with his “advancing(?) truth” that tentative justification will continue all during the Kingdom reign. Is he now telling us that he and Brother Russell and Brother Johnson were all wrong in their previous teaching that tentative justi­fication is a “faith” justification – that the Lord has elected him, a Levite abandoned to Azazel in 1950, to correct a teaching which by all viewpoints should have been cleansed of all error in all ways by 1954? Or is this just another of his “mud splashes” that have been responsible for many of the “special trials that have come since 1954”? This one point in itself should be plenty to convince even a beginner (an honest beginner) of R. G. Jolly's UNRELIABILITY as a Truth teacher!

Here is another clear statement from Brother Johnson re tentative justification: “When this (Gospel) Age ends Christ's merit will cease to be an imputable thing,” (E‑11:170, bottom). Will R. G. Jolly explain his position relative to the above, or will we merely hear more name‑calling from him? Before he was abandoned to Azazel in 1950 he firmly believed the Truth on tentative justification we are here quoting from the Epiphany Messenger. Also, on p. 183: “Faith justification operates only during the Gospel Age.”

He goes into quite some detail – and correctly so – on p. 58, col. 1 about the trials that came at the first and second Advents, which trials stumbled the Measurably Faithful and the complete outcasts, as they were contemporaneously a source of strength to the Fully Faithful. But Jesus Himself set forth the method by which the Fully Faithful would “know the Truth” in his answer to John's disciples who had been sent to ask, “Art thou He that should come, or do we look for another? Jesus said unto them, Go and show John again those things which ye do hear (His teachings) and see (His works).” – Matt. 11:2‑6 In those things they “heard and saw” Jesus did not contradict Himself, as R. G. Jolly has now done on his tentative justification bungle. (Bungling is the natural and usual activity of the Great Company, says Brother John­son.) In this, of course he has gone to the other extreme of That Evil Servant. The latter eliminated tentative justification entirely as a Gospel‑Age teaching; whereas, R. G. Jolly says it will carry right on beyond the Gospel Age and into the Millennial reign – just as he claims it has now been enlarged to include his Epiphany Campers. As said, this should be enough for even a beginner to accurately calculate R. G. Jolly's capacity as a Truth teacher. Of course, he's been forced into this bungling reversal of his own approval of Brother Johnson's truthful exposition on tentative justification by the acceptance of his error on Consecrated Epiphany Campers (his false doctrine handed to him by J. W. Krewson and NOT BY THE EPIPHANY MESSENGER!) – just as Brother Johnson predicted of those who fall into Azazel's hands.

Referring again to his p. 60, col. 2 (top), he offers E‑10:10/108 as a reference in proof of his 1954 contention. On p. 103 of that very reference – R. G. Jolly's own citation to prove his position – there is this:

“The nominal‑church foolish virgins, by varied experiences ... coming into the Truth during 1954‑1956.”

Would the merest babe in the Truth contend that prediction occurred by 1956, or even yet has occurred in 1961 – seven years after the “initial begin­ning” of R. G. Jolly's Basileia? We may be certain R. G. Jolly's only answer to this will be some more of his cheap name‑calling!

When 1914 arrived there was abundant physical visible evidence to substantiate that date. When 1954 arrived, there was not one single item of physical visible evi­dence to support that date. As an evidence of R. G. Jolly's chagrin and desperation in having just nothing to support his “Attestatorial Service,” we recall his jubila­tion and loud “loquacious foolish effusions” (Brother Johnson's description of him) in October 1956, when he shouted forth his claims about England‑France‑Israel moving against Egypt “RIGHT ON TIME.” But, after a little reflection, and when that move collapsed completely in the downfall of England's Prime Minister Eden, even R. G. Jolly saw how ludicrous had been his exultation – and it has never been mentioned since. And that is the nearest he has ever come to producing any physical visible support for 1954‑56. When the true Pastors and Teachers made a mistake, they humbly admitted it; when R. G. Jolly makes a mistake he just covers it up with another mistake (just as did J. F. Rutherford), knowing many of his readers have very short memories – following in the footsteps of That Evil Servant instead of in the foot­steps of the Two Messengers (Star Members).

He makes quite some play on Lev. 12, as respects the developing truths for the Little Flock and the Great Company. We are in full agreement with Brother Johnson's interpretation of that Scripture; but there's just nothing in that picture that even hints at a termination of the Epiphany in any sense whatever by the end of that 80 years. In fact, all of us certainly realize that Tentative Justification is a teaching here in the end of the Age that has to do with the development of all New Creatures; it was fully purified of all error by the last two Star Members. But R. G. Jolly now has the impudence to tell us it has been nec­essary for him – an uncleansed Levite – to offer some changes in that truth; although the very type upon which he himself now leans disputes his error in full. Every face‑saving attempt he has made has only made more manifest to truly enlightened Epiphany Truth people his pitiful paucity of clear reasoning on fundamental Truth, as he resorts to “loquacious foolish effusions” and name‑calling as a prop for his bungling.

RESPECTING GENESIS 26

In corroboration of the statement immediately above, we refer to R. G. Jolly's Genesis article on pages 52‑55. So long as he adheres to Brother Johnson the article is superb; but, when the Jolly “logic” is injected, then the Azazelian bungling comes hand in hand. At top of p. 55, col. 1, he says the “justified humanity, as pictured in Azazel's Goat” perishes in the wilderness. In a following paper we shall treat this in further detail – giving Brother Johnson's true explanation; but for present purposes we ask what is typified by the “wilderness”? We have repeatedly stressed that in the Tabernacle and kindred pictures a place types a condition in the antitype. Apparently this has not even yet registered with R. G. Jolly, or he would not offer his nonsense on the subject.

Let us assume a member of the Philadelphia Ecclesia being abandoned to Azazel: Does such a person actually go off into the literal wilderness, as did Miriam in Numbers 12? No, of course NOT! That person would continue to live in the same house, follow his same secular occupation, and be the same person from all worldly viewpoints. The only change in his status would be the withdrawal of “all brotherly help and favor” from him by the Fully Faithful; he would be disfellowshiped. But this would be known only to those in the Truth who were familiar with his case. Thus, his “justified humanity” would be only moderately affected, but certainly would not “perish” – although his “fleshly mind” would be badly pummeled and eventually “destroyed” if he were properly exercised by his “unfavorable circumstances.” We shall have more on this matter in a subsequent paper; and we ask our readers' indulgence as we direct attention to R. G. Jolly's claim at bottom of col. 1, p. 55, that he is one of “the cleansed Great Company” being used “exclusively to bring forth advancing Truth.” His understanding of the item just discussed is a splendid proof of just how “cleansed” he is and what kind of “advancing Truth” he is presenting! What he is speaks so loudly we can't hear what he says!

In R. G. Jolly we have just one more living Epiphany illustration of what occurred after the Apostles passed away. As the Roman Church grew, it injected one error after another – just as R. G. Jolly is now perverting tentative justification in its time and place features – all the while saying they were following and preserv­ing the Truth as passed to them by St. Peter. R. G. Jolly and other leaders in Little Babylon all vociferously and with profusion of words claim they are adhering to and upholding the Truth as given by That Servant, although they do just the reverse in actual practise, R. G. Jolly now adding the Epiphany Messenger to his “authority” for his perversions (Azazel means Pervert­er). Brother Johnson taught – in harmony with Brother Russell – to the day of his death that tentative justification ceases to operate when the Gospel Age ceases, and is typed by the Tabernacle Court. This R. G. Jolly now rejects, all the while he repeats, repeats, repeats how he is uphold­ing the Epiphany Messenger's teachings. Brother Johnson accused That Evil Servant of giving Brother Russell the “Judas kiss” by such chicanery.

“The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. The Lord preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down. He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the Lord.” Psalms 145:18; 146:9; 148:14 –

Sincerely your brother,

John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

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QUESTION OF GENERAL INTEREST

QUESTION: – You have offered much criticism of Evangelists. Do you consider that office unworthy of respect?

ANSWER: – It is certainly not our wish to discount Evangelists in general. Eph. 4:11 clearly states that our Lord “gave some evangelists... for the work of the ministry”; and St. Paul admonished Timothy to “do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.” (2 Tim. 4:5) It would seem that the evangelistic office is a step above that of local elders, so any praise due elders would apply to evangelists with added emphasis. In 1 Tim. 3:1, 2 St. Paul states, “If a man desireth the office of a bishop (elder), he desireth a good work ... must be blameless..of good behavior.... apt to teach”; and Titus 1:9, “he should be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers” – all of which would also apply to evangelists.

Our comments respecting one evangelist appointed by Brother Johnson (J. W. Krewson) have been actuated by his power‑grasping, his irresponsible talk, his inability to present “sound doctrine,” and his failure to “do the work of an evangelist” as Brother Johnson intended he should do. What we have said concerning him would be equally applicable to any General Elder, or lesser officer in the Church, if they resorted to his distortions and perversions. But to all evangelists of Brother Johnson's appointment, who hold his memory in loving respect, we would once more offer St, Paul's appeal with double emphasis now: “Do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry”!

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LETTER OF GENERAL INTEREST

Our dear Brother Hoefle: – Grace and Peace!

Your kind letters received and both much appreciated. Thanks! It is real good to have a few words from time to time, although we are sure you must have little time nowadays on account of the increasing demands made upon you in the Lord's service – ­with the preparation of your carefully written articles to help the Truth brethren in particular to see matters aright – and to prove who is manifesting their faithfulness to all the teachings the dear Lord has given us through His last two Star Members; and also those who are so guilty of repudiating and perverting the “Word of God,” as well as breaking the Lord's arrangements which are surely intended to bind us together in faithfulness and obedience to Him and to one another in Christian love and service.

We received your No. 74 issue... which like all the others contains ever so much food for thought....... You convincingly prove to us all just how antitypical “Hiram is safer with the Ass, than the Ass is with Hiram.” How very true indeed is this say­ing, when we recall Bro. Johnson's statements that the “Ass” types.Truth Teachings, and that “Hiram” types R.G.J.

Sincerely your Brother & Sister ---------- ENGLAND