NO. 144: THE NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 1966 PRESENT TRUTH

No. 144

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

On page 91 of the Nov-Dec. Present Truth is reproduced a Resolution passed by the Convention at Philadelphia on September 3, 1966, wherein it is stated, “John J. Hoefle has.... shown himself to be persistently in opposition to various teachings of the Scriptures as presented by Pastor Charles T. Russell and Pastor Paul S. L. Johnson.” The Resolution was presented to the Convention by R. G. Jolly; and we now emphasize that he himself has been repeatedly guilty of the very things he ascribes to John J. Hoefle. On numerous occasions have we given details in our various papers, but we single out just one such case here because R. G. Jolly himself has published his recommendation that this teaching be changed from the way it was originally published, claiming a mis-reading of the dictaphone disc as his excuse for the Mistake (?):

The item mentioned is to be found on page 124 of Vol. 17 (ten lines from bottom) - “Then cometh the end (the end of the Little Season).” R. G. Jolly has advised his readers to change this to – “Then cometh the end (the end is the Little Season).” It should be noted that with the change from “of” to “is” he now has the “end” occurring at 2874; whereas, if we accept the statement as published by Brother Johnson, the “end” will be forty or more years later than 2874. We cite this particular case because there can be no question here who is changing what Brother Johnson wrote: It is R. G. Jolly, and not John J. Hoefle.

It is our contention that the statement as published by Brother Johnson is the right thought; and that R. G. Jolly’s proposed change is the wrong thought. As our first proof of this we refer our readers to the November 15, 1949, Herald of The Epiphany, page 48, col. 2 – where the statement is exactly the same as con­tained in Vol, 17. Now, R. G. Jolly proof-read that Herald, as did also Brother Johnson; but neither of them took any exception to it then. Why? Because neither of then saw anything wrong with it then; and it is our position that Brother Johnson would even now find nothing wrong with it if he were here to speak for himself. It is our contention also that the reason R. G. Jolly now finds it wrong is that he must do so to support some of his other Perversions of the Truth (Azazel means Perverter).

It is usually an evidence of weakness if we are forced to contend that some­thing is the Truth because Brother Russell or Brother Johnson said so. We should be able to substantiate what they said by sound Scriptural reference – “a reason (from the Bible) for the hope that is in you.” Therefore, we now offer Scriptural proof that the statement in Vol. 17 and in the 1949 Herald is correct as originally published – and that it will be wrong if “corrected’ per R. G. Jolly. In 1 Cor. 15:20-26 a number of things are recited as the accomplishments of our Lord’s Millennial work; and “then cometh the end, when He shall have delivered up the Kingdom to God.... For He must reign, till He hath put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.” (vs. 24-26)

The word ‘death’ in the above is from the Greek ‘thanatos’ – the same as contained in Rev. 20:13,14: “Death (thanatos) and Hell (Hades) delivered up the dead which were in them.... And death (thanatos) and Hell were cast into the lake of fire.” Hell (Hades) in these texts means oblivion, the death state – the grave. Therefore, it should be readily apparent that ‘‘death’’ in these two texts cannot also mean the grave. If it did, it would be equivalent of saying “The grave and the grave delivered up the dead which were in them – the grave and the grave were cast into the lake of fire.” Stated thusly, it is self-evident nonsense; and the Bible never presents nonsense in its statements. Those in Azazel’s clutches often and habitually talk all sorts of nonsense; but the Bible – Never! The word ‘death’ in these two texts means the Adamic-death process; that is, it is that working of physical, mental and moral erosion that has been finally putting human beings into the tomb (into Hades) over the past six thousand years. And this death-working process will not be fully eliminated – annihilated – until the removal of the last human being that has experienced its corruption (the unreformable). Nor will such humans be eliminated in their last members until the full end of the Little Season, because it is that dying process that eventually proves them to be incurably incorrigible.

It should be kept in mind that the “enemies” to be destroyed by the reign of The Christ are persons and things. Note specifically what Brother Johnson says about it:

“He shall have put down all rule and all authority and all power (every vestige of the governorship and of the pretended authority and the pretended might of Satan, all of this will be put down by the almighty hand of Christ, the Head, and the Church, the Body, using God’s power as that almighty power in their hand). For He must reign till He hath put all enemies under His feet (thus we see that not only persons are these enemies, but also things. The Adamic death in the sense of the dying process is this last great enemy; and, because of His faithfulness, Jesus became the One who will after the close of the Millennium finally destroy it.”

From the foregoing, it should be crystal clear that the Adamic-death process is the very last enemy to be destroyed. Therefore, Satan and the impenitent angels and incurably incorrigible men (persons) must enter eternal annihilation before the Adamic-death process (the last thing) will disappear. It would be impossible for it to be otherwise. Therefore if R. G. Jolly’s “end” is at the beginning of the Little Season, he is also then telling us by inference at least that Satan and wicked men must also be destroyed at the beginning of the Little Season. Is that his conten­tion? And if Brother Johnson would be in harmony with R. G. Jolly’s change from “of” to “is” (which he certainly was not), it would make all the other statements quoted above as meaningless. The Adamic-death process (thing) cannot disappear until the last human (person) corrupted by it has also disappeared; that is why the Adamic-death process must remain to the very last – the last enemy to be destroyed.

Another point to be remembered here is also that all those surviving the Little Season must enter it with perfect characters and with perfection of physical organism; whereas, the “goat” class that go into “everlasting destruction” with the Devil and his angels enter the Little Season with perfect physique only. Their imperfection of character (the mark of the Adamic-death process) is the real cause of their annihila­tion at the fulfilment of the antitypical Red Sea – when they are cast into the Lake of Fire with the Devil and his angels.

This explanation is confirmed when we consider that the Red Sea annihilating Pharaoh and his Egyptian hosts is the type of the Lake of Fire in Revelation – into “death (the Adaamic-death process) and Hell” are to be cast. That Red Sea episode has Pharaoh typing Satan, the chariots Satan’s evil organizations (things), the horses the evil teachings (also things), and the horsemen the evil angels and evil men (persons) who embrace and teach those evil teachings. And the final com­plete elimination of all such is pictured by the Red Sea overcoming Pharaoh and his hosts in one grand display of force by the Lord at the full and complete end of the Little Season. Therefore, those who follow out R. G. Jolly’s instructions to change page 124 of Vol. 17 will be guilty of just one more tampering with the Truth as given through the Star Members; and such are certain to reap “the reward of unrighteousness” which their,act deserves.

In connection with R. G. Jolly’s Resolution and other similar Levitical injustices, we quote from E-13:753 (Also see Isa, 66:5):

“God does not approve of oppressing any earthly captive (34), of taking away a man’s rights in matters pertinent to the lord (35) and of undoing a man in his cause (36).... They have been made as reprobates and outcasts (faithful teachers—­JJH) from among the people (45). False religionists have caused their mouthpieces to speak against God’s people, especially against the star-members.”

CONCERNING ISA. 41:19

In the March-April 1967 Present Truth, p. 24, col. 1, par. 3, R. G. Jolly says, “Isa. 41:19 has also a Millennial application, as the context shows (e.g., vs. l7,18).” Why does he not go back just a little further to vs. 15 and 16: “I will make thee a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth (The sickle of Harvest Truth); thou shalt thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff. Thou shalt fan them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them (the Time of Trouble – see Berean Comment).” Clearly enough, there is no “Millennial application” in these texts; and, if we consider closely the Rother­ham translation of v. 17 there won’t be any “Millennial application” there either:

“As for the oppressed and the needy seeking water when there is none (the poor of this world, rich in faith – here in the end of the Age, when there would be “A famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord”—Amos 8:11).”

Considering the entire context of verses 15 through 19, it is easily understood why neither Brother Russell nor Brother Johnson could see any Millennial application there. It takes a Levite to find that out – a levite trying to substantiate his “strange fire” (false doctrine) of Campers Consecrated – even if he has to invent something to do it. Note also Jer. 49:20: “Surely the least of the flock shall draw them out” (the same as the “oppressed and needy” of Isa. 41:17 – here in the end of this Age). Certainly the words of St. Paul are most timely here: “We have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the Word of God deceit­fully (the crown-lost leaders – typed by King Saul – have handled the Word of God deceitfully all during the Age); but by manifestation of The Truth commending our­selves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” (2 Cor. 4:2)

Furthermore, note especially that R. G. Jolly’s perversion forces him to group the Little Flock (the No. 1 “very” Elect) in with his “saved non-elect,” his “quasi­-elect,” and his “Consecrated Epiphany Campers” – one glorified class of spirit beings with three second, third, and fourth-class human beings. Is there any Scriptural precedent anywhere for such a conglomeration? Then he proceeds to place the Worthies and the Great Company in the “desert” in the Millennium! A desert is uninhabited, unproductive, without water (without the Truth). Is he now telling us that will be the condition of the Worthies and the Great Company during the glorious Kingdom reign? Certainly, all of us know Brother Johnson had good reason for ascribing such a con­dition to certain crown-losers here in the end of the Age; and that same good reason also restrained him from applying the same conditon to the faithful and cooperating Levites In the Kingdom reign. When crown-losers fall into Azazel’s hands (Azazel means Perverter) they talk all sorts of nonsense; and here is just one more Illustration of it.

His presentation on this, and similar subjects, is fit company for “fool’s gold,” the same being an iron or copper pyrite – bright yellow and shining like gold, but a worthless imitation. But it is a sufficiently good Imitation of gold that it often “fools” the unskilled and inexperienced prospector – to the merriment of others who know better. So the Millennial (?) interpretation of Isa. 41:19 will also probably mislead “the unstable and the unlearned,” although it is not likely to deceive those well-schooled in Present Truth.

It is with much regret that we find it necessary to criticize this Present Truth, because the great bulk of it contains the superb writings of the Star Members. The first article on page 18, “With Strong Cryings and Tears,” is by Brother Russell (See Reprints p. 3885), and a very uplifting and superior presentation. The article on page 25, “The Feast of Tabernacles,” is also by Brother Russell (See Reprints, p. 3508). And the large portion of the article on page 22, “Jehovah’s Set Feasts – Type and Antitype” is by Brother Johnson; and it is to R. G. Jolly’s shame that he would contaminate such writings by Injecting some of his errors into them. After reading more than six pages of this Present Truth we had begun to feel considerable relief that it would not need any correction, as we have other articles waiting to be pub­lished; but such a perversion of Isa. 41:19 cannot go unnoticed if we would be faith­ful to the Lord, the Truth, and the brethren.

Since King Saul is a type of the crown-lost leaders up to Armageddon, we believe the following excerpts from That Servant on the disobedience of King Saul would be most timely in connection with the foregoing:

LESSONS FROM SAUL’S FAILURES

The Philistines increased their army of occupation; and the Israelites – unarmed, except with agricultural implements, etc. – were terrorized by the warlike Philistines. Saul’s army of three thousand dwindled to six hundred – yet the word which reached him from the Prophet Samuel was, to wait seven days for his arrival, apparently with the intention that the people should thoroughly feel their impotence, and cry unto the Lord for succor. King Saul did as directed to the extent of waiting seven days; and with the expiration of the time, seeing how his army was dwindling and that Samuel had not returned, he on the seventh day undertook to be his own priest. He offered up sacrifices to God without authority.....

While passing, we do well to note why King Saul’s sacrifice of burnt offerings to the lord was condemned as a sin. This was because God had made a specific law to the effect that only the priests might offer sacrifices. Then comes the question, Why should God limit the offering of sacrifices to the priestly tribe? The answer is that that tribe typically represented the church – fully consecrated to God, and accepted by Him. These the Apostle styled the antitypes, not only of Israel’s kings, but also of Israel’s priests. St. Peter says of the church in general, and not of the clergy in particular, “Ye are a royal priesthood.” (Reprint p. 5638)

SAUL REJECTED BY THE LORD

“Behold, to obey is better than to sacrifice”—l Sam. 15:22. The words of the Golden Text of this Study are the Lord’s rebuke to King Saul by the Prophet Samuel, in connection with the announcement that Saul, by disobedience to the Heavenly King, had forfeited his privilege of representing God on the throne of Israel. The rend­ing of the kingdom from the hands of Saul meant more than his own displacement; it meant that his son and his successive heirs should not continue as the Lord’s repre­sentatives in the kingdom.

Apparently King Saul was not evilly intentioned, but lacked proper respect and reverence for the lord and His arrangements (as is specifically recorded of R. G. Jolly in E-10:646—JJH). This incident may be said to have been the beginning of Saul’s rejection by the Lord..... “Thou hast not kept the commandment of the lord;.... now thy kingdom shall not continue... (In the incident recorded in E-10 above cited, R. G. Jolly did not continue to occupy his place in the priesthood, but was from then on recognized as a crown-loser, which exposure he accepted and admitted—JJH)...... Let us hearken to the Word of God and keep close to it, not fearing the results, but having faith that He who keeps us never slumbers nor sleeps and is too wise to err, as well as competent to meet every emergency that could possibly come upon us as a result of our obedience.

THE SLAYING OF THE AMALEKITES - KING SAUL’S WILFUL DISOBEDIENCE

Saul’s error in this trial was his failure to carry out the command of the Lord explicitly. He slew all the Amalekites, old and young, except the king, whom he kept alive, possibly thinking to exhibit him in some kind of triumphal display. But as for the flocks and herds, he consented with his people to spare all that were desir­able. (“But they made the great mistake of cutting off the branches of the tree of sin and leaving its trunk unfelled and its roots unuprooted – Saul and the people spared Agag—See E-13, p. 243, bottom, and p. 244, top—JJH) (Reprint p. 5647)

It was at this juncture that the Prophet Samuel came to him and the colloquy of our lesson ensued. The general narrative – Samuel’s indignation and the Lord’s positive statement – clearly Indicates that King Saul had not misunderstood his instructions, but had with considerable deliberation violated them. Consequently we must understand his words addressed to the Prophet Samuel to have been to a great extent hypocritical. He first salutes the Prophet with blessings and assur­ances that he had performed the commandment of the lord successfully (Don’t we have examples of this Saul class – the crown-lost leaders – proclaiming they have “performed the commandment of the Lord successfully” – telling us they have always lived very close to the Lord and His Word?—JJH)

Immediately the Prophet replied, What meaneth, then, this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of thy oxen which I hear?” The Prophet under­stood at once that the work of destruction had not been complete — that King Saul and the Israelites were anxious to take a spoil. This was wholly contrary to Divine direction.....

Seeing that the Prophet was not likely to sympathize with his violation of the command, King Saul began hypocritically to represent that all the sheep and oxen captured from the enemy were to be sacrificed to the Lord; and incidentally this would have meant a great feast for the Israelites; for the flesh of the animals so sacrificed was eaten by them. The Prophet stopped the king in his explanation and told him of the lord’s words of the night preceding....

King Saul sought to defend his course, to put as good a face upon the matter as possible and to lay the responsibility for the saving of the spoil upon the hosts of Israel, who with himself were very desirous of offering sacrifices to the Lord. The Prophet’s answer is the pith of the Study and contains the Golden Text.... No one could offer an acceptable sacrifice to God unless he was obedient in his heart and unless the sacrifice represented that obedience....

It is also necessary to have the spirit of obedience. Whoever has that spirit will not only obey the Divine will, but will seek to know the Divine will more and more that he may obey it. It is of this class that the Scriptures declare, “Thy words were found, and I did eat them”; and again, in the words of our Redeemer, “I delight to do thy will, 0 my God; thy law is written in my heart.” (It is self­evident that these texts apply only to the Fully Faithful who are “examples of the believers” – and not to the Measurably Faithful – the crown-losers – who failed to be faithful examples—JJH) (Reprints 5647, bottom, and p. 5648, top)

RESPONSIBILITY OF THOSE LONG IN THE WAY

There are certain principles laid down in the Bible. We need to get a grasp on these principles and apply them in our daily lives. There is the principle of justice – a foundation principle. This principle must be recognized and practiced....

Those who have been for some time drinking from the fountain of truth, and feeding at the table of the Lord, where the food is pure, unadulterated, nourishing, should be fully established in the first principles of the doctrine of Christ...... We should be firmly rooted and grounded in Christ, so that noth­ing can move us. We should be able to discern clearly between truth and error on every important point. We should be so loyal to the Lord and His Word that we shall rejoice in the glorious privilege of proclaiming it at every suitable opportunity. We should know what we believe and why we believe it, and be courageous and uncompromising in declaring the truth which has so blessed our own hearts and lives. (Reprint, p. 5689, col. 2)

“Sanctity the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. To the law and to the testimony: If they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” (Isa. 8:13,20)

Sincerely your brother

John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

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ANNOUNCEMENT OF GENERAL INTEREST

It is with much appreciation that we acknowledge the reports from Classes and individuals of the Memorial service on March 23. We note with much satisfaction the zeal and sincerity for this annual event of those whose letters have come to us thus far.

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Brother Hoefle:

Your letter received, also your monthly letter on the Memorial.... Regarding the wording of the cablegram sent by Judge Rutherford concerning Brother Johnson’s visit to England in 1917, I looked it up in Harvest Siftings No. 1, published August 1, 1917. It read, “Johnson demented. Has no powers. Credentials issued to procure passport. Return him America. Sympathy.” You have read the issue, so know about the contents which contained a series of cablegrams from Brooklyn to England, and vice versa. It also gives the detailed accounts of Brother Johnson’s activities while in England and after returning to Brooklyn.

The account of Bro. Johnson’s calling himself the “steward” of the Penny, and likening himself and other brothers in England to characters in the Book of Nehemiah and Esther as type and antitype, was strange indeed; and it seemed to me that the contents of the cablegrams must have been authentic. Bro. Hemery of England mentions in one of the letters that Bro. Johnson had a nervous illness in 1910. I also have the answer to Harvest Siftings called “Light After Darkness,” which mainly seems to be Brothers A. N. Pierson, I. F. Hoskins, R. G. Hirsh, J. D. Wright and A. I. Ritchie vs. J. F. Rutherford and W. E. Van Amburgh, and does not deal with Bro. Johnson’s case. Very little, at least. I suppose nearly all those referred to above are now gone to their reward, and their cases are in the hands of the Judge of all the earth, who will assuredly do right. The judgment of the House of God is in progress, and nearing its end, surely. All divisions, confusion and strife – for whatever reason ­will then be over. Certainly a wonderful prospect.

Regarding the Memorial date, I notice there is no unity even on that. The Society announces the date as the evening of March 25.... The Dawn Bible Students observe it an Sunday eve., April 23... Of course, faith in and loyalty to the ransom sacrifice as our Passover Lamb is of paramount importance as we memorialize His sacri­fice for our sins and also for all mankind.

Yours in that glorious Kingdom hope .----- (INDIANA)

OUR ANSWER TO THE ABOVE LETTER

Dear Brother ------- Grace and peace!

You offer some comment about Brother Johnson that causes me to conclude that you may not have all the information about that 1917 trouble. It is true that he did think for a time that he would be the “steward” of the Penny Parable; but he had the humility to correct his own misunderstanding when the truth eventually came to him.

As for Harvest Siftings, Brother Johnson contended there  were almost a hundred falsehoods in it; and one of the then Society Directors characterized it as “A work of Satan.” While the cablegrams quoted therein may have been ‘authentic,’ as you suggest, certainly the omission of “Johnson insane usurper – incarcerate him” left out an essential part of one of them, don’t you think? Half truths are often more misleading than whole errors.

And when Jesse Hemery referred to the 1910 Illness in a disparaging way, that was just simply an adroit move to avoid the real truth about what had been done. As you probably know, Jesse Hemery left the Society around 1926; then began to publish his own interpretations which set aside large parts of the Truth given us through That Servant. But during the time he was doing that Brother Johnson was faithfully defending the Parousia Truth – and which he continued to do to the time of his death. Had it not been for him, and the fine instruction I received from him, I would not today have nearly the clear understanding of the Harvest Truth that I do have.

And you yourself apparently eventually withdrew from the Society because you could no longer approve of the stream of error that emanated from J. F. Rutherford. As you well know, It is a favorite trick of the Adversary to cast aspersions on the mentality of those who are presenting the clear truth. Of John the Baptist they said, “He hath a Devil,” (Matt. 11:18) And of Jesus they said, “He casteth out devils through Beelzebub.” (Luke 11:15) Since Brother Russell’s death, I think It is a fair appraisal that Brother Johnson received more abuse from his “brethren” than any other one person in the Truth Movement; yet he is the ONLY ONE of the leaders in the various groups who retained and defended the Harvest Parousia Truth. All of the others cast aside large parts of the Truth they had once accepted; and produced error in its place. Yet Brother Johnson was the only ‘crazy’ one among them! Now, my dear Brother, I ask you – Do you swallow that? As you say, ‘Judgment must begin at the House of God’; and you could also have added very appropriately, ‘Many are called, but few are chosen.’ And you might have added also that blessed are we if we can discern God’s judgment, and separate the Truth from the error. As you know, there are still plenty of preachers in Big Babylon who continue to slander Brother Russell because they could not withstand the Truth he taught.

It is my conviction, too, that Brother Johnson gave us the correct method for determining the right time at which to observe the Memorial, but I shall not go into detail on that. For now, my Christian love to the both of you, and my cordial good wishes that you any “know the Truth” which maketh free indeed.

Sincerely your brother, John J. Hoefle

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Dear Brother Hoefle: Greetings in our dear Redeemer’s name! I have been intend­ing to write to you for some time – first to tell you how much I enjoyed your January paper and then again the same for your February paper. I feel every day that we have the privilege of witnessing a general deterioration in Society – on all fronts. You stated it well in mentioning that a tree dies from the top down. Working with various religious denomina­tions I can certainly see large cracks in the walls of Babylon.

With Christian love and the assurance of prayers, Your brother in His service,

------- (ILLINOIS)

NO. 143: CONCERNING CONTROVERSY

No. 143

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

Today it is a proper appraisal to say that Protestantism is almost dead – the spirit of the Reformers, John Wessel, Martin Luther, John Wesley, Thomas Cranmer, (all confirmed Protesters) has almost vanished from the earth. In this grouping we may also include Brother Russell, because the “protest” that he began in 1874 and continued to 1916 has almost vanished from the sects in Little Babylon. While the Jehovah’s Witnesses do continue the attack upon established systems of religious error, they themselves have become such errorists that it is rank travesty to include them with those genuine reformers – protesters – who manifested “the patience and the faith of the saints.” (Rev. 13:10)

But, with the passing of the spirit of the real protesters there has now come a wide surge of Combinationism. Let us forget our differences, they say, and cooperate against the common enemy now attacking the Church; let us defeat the atheistic rabble now so apparent an every hand. And such a combining is just what we should expect. In the 34th Chapter of Isaiah the Prophet says this: “Yaveh hath wrath against all the nations, and indignation against all their host. He hath devoted them to destruction.... and the mountains shall melt away with their blood.... the Heavens (the present-day prominent religious sects) shall roll up as a scroll.” (See also Rev. 6:14) On every hand there is laud acclaim for this “rolling together” as “the unstable and the unlearned” blindly follow their blind leaders – to fall into the ditch. “Woe to them that are at ease in Zion” (Amos 6:1).

THE PRINCE OF PEACE MAKES WAR

In Rev. 19:11-21 there is a description of the action of this day in which we now live, clearly revealing God’s attitude toward the combining forces of this time. We quote parts of it from the Diaglott:

“I saw Heaven opened (the Plan of God made very clear), and behold a white horse (clear spotless doctrine – a “pure language,” Zeph. 3:9); and He who sat on him was called Faithful and True (just another name for the Prince of Peace, a name not used here in order not to conflict with the “war” to be waged), and in righteousness (not for greed, territory, revenge or other selfish interests, but according to the supreme Law of Justice) He judges and makes war.... And He was invested with a mantle dipped in blood (indicating the bloody nature of the present conflict); and His name is called, The Word (The Logos, the spokesman) of God.... And out of His mouth proceeds a sharp two-edged broadsword (to cut asunder error – secular and religious ­in whichever way it is wielded), so that with it He may smite the nations.... on His mantle and on His thigh a name written, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords (the promise to Jesus’ faithful followers is that they shall be Kings and Priests, and the omni­potent Jesus is to be the King over those Kings, and the Lord over those lords).”

Much of this Scripture is also revealed in Mal. 4:1, “Behold, the day cometh that shall burn as an oven,” with the accompanying promise that “the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings.” This great and dreadful day is to accom­plish two things: “He maketh sore, and bindeth up: He woundeth, and His hands make whole.” (Job 5:18) Clearly enough, it is only by considering both sides of the situation that we shall come to a proper appraisal of our own personal privi­leges and obligations if we would be “faithful to the lord, the Truth, and the Brethren.”

It is directly counseled by the Apostle Paul that we should “follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord” (Heb. 12:14; see also Rom. 14:19 and 2 Tim. 2:22); but the Apostle James limits the words of Paul by his statement in Jas. 3:17, “The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable,” And this principle had been emphasized by Jehu hundreds of years before in 2 Kgs. 9:22, “Is it peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms (corrupt teachings and practices) of thy mother Jezebel (typical of the Roman Church – see Rev. 2:20) and her witchcrafts (especially deceptive false teachings) are so many?” But some – even some who have supposedly been schooled in Present Truth – ignore these outstanding and vital exceptions, stressing only peace, and quoting 1 Tim. 3:16 to justify their position, “Without controversy great is the mystery of godliness.” That this text has been badly corrupted by the translators is quite clear when we read it from Dr. Rotherham’s translation: “Confessedly great is the sacred secret of godliness – who was made manifest in the flesh.” This “sacred secret” is further mentioned by St. Paul in Eph. 5:32: “This is a great mystery; but I speak concerning Christ and the Church.” It needs no argument that it has been a “great mystery” all during the Age that Christ is not one member, but many (Christ and the Church); it needs no argument that this has been indeed a “great mystery.”

Furthermore, the contention “without controversy” is directly contradicted by such statements as “endure hardness as good soldiers” – “fight the good fight” etc.; and these statements are also supported by certain Scriptures that apply especially here in the end of the Age, e.g., Isa. 28:17: “The hail (hard cutting Truth) shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters (great floods of Truth) shall overflow the hiding place.” Also, Isa. 41:15,16: “Behold, I will make thee a new sharp threshing Instrument (the Harvest sickle of Present Truth – See Rev. 14:14 Berian Comment) having teeth: and thou shalt thresh the mountains (great strong kingdoms), and beat them small, and shall make the hills (democracies and lesser governments) as chaff.... and the whirlwind (the great Time of Trouble) shall scatter them.” The greatest “refuge of lies” of all time has been the Papacy, which has counterfeited almost every fundamental truth of the Bible – and especially so, and in very profuse manner, the truth concerning the glorious Kingdom reign of Christ and the Church.

It is a very easy matter to reach hasty, but erroneous, conclusion from read­ing just one Scripture; and such is true of those who conclude that “without con­troversy” means we should follow peace at any price. Old Testament precedent directly contradicts it, as can be seen from the prophets who “waxed valiant in fight.... were tortured.... were stoned, they were sawn asunder....slain with the sword.” (Hob. 11:34-38) All of these outrages occurred because the prophets ex­posed the evils of teaching and practice of their time – particularly, the evils of the religious leaders of their time. Note specifically 2 Chr. 24:19-21: ‘‘God sent prophets to them.... they testified against them.... the spirit of God came upon Zechariah.... Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the Lord?.... Because ye have forsaken the Lord, He hath also forsaken you. And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the king.” Many who were one time in the forefront of the Harvest battle now seem to feel that the laurels gained in the past will suffice to bring them to the Heavenly Canaan; but the entire record decries such an attitude. Of Jeremiah, Isaiah, Zechariah, Jesus, the Apostles, and the multitude of Gospel-Age martyrs, the sublime report is that they died with their boots on – “faithful unto death.” Those people today who advocate the preaching only of winsome truths – giving no offense to any one – ­can scarcely be classified as “enduring hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ” ­nor will they eventually be in the same record book with those who have done so – ­the Fully Faithful, We consider It a truthful observation that none can be faith­ful to Present Truth without contending for that Truth.

WHO MAY ENDURE THE DAY OF HIS COMING?

“Behold Me! sending My Messenger.... But who may endure the day of His coming? And who is he that can stand when He appeareth (maketh manifest)? For He is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ alkali; Therefore He will sit as a refiner and purifier (polisher) of silver, And will purify (polish, develop) the sons of Levi (primarily the Little Flock and the Great Company), And shall smelt them as gold and as silver; So shall they belong to Yaveh, offering a gift in righteous­ness.” (Malachi 3:1-3, Rotherham) These texts are undoubtedly prophetic of Jesus’ second advent; and they itemize some of the things He would accomplish at that time. It is stated that He will be (1) like a refiner’s fire; (2) like fullers’ alkali; (3) sit as a refiner and purifier (polisher) of silver; (4) purify (thoroughly polish, develop) the sons of Levi, so they may (5) offer a gift In righteousness.

Our concern in this writing will be mainly with No. 3 above: A refiner and polisher of silver. It needs no argument that literal silver is not here meant. Quite clearly it means the Truth. All who are familiar with the facts know only too will that the Lord did refine the Truth since 1874, by separating from it the conglomeration of error that had attached to It during the interim from His first advent. And not only so, once the error was eliminated, a great polishing work was done with the then refined Truth, giving it a brilliance that made it a thing of real beauty to all who were “of the Truth.” This was true not only of relig­ious Truth, but also applied with great force to secular truth. The “unclean spirits” (teachings) of the Divine Right of Kings, Clergy, Aristocracy and Labor have been mercilessly exposed, so that today in the more enlightened countries very few still cling to the doctrine that “The King can do no wrong,’’ or that the preachers and priests can consign to eternal torment all who do not ‘‘hear’’ them. “Truth shall spring out of the earth (the organized social order); and righteous­ness (the Holy Spirit will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment—John 16:8) shall look down from Heaven.” (Psa. 85:11)

But just as human agents waged battle against secular error, so human agents were also used of the lord as He “looked down from Heaven.” These human beings were that group that wielded the sickle of Harvest Truth, chief of whom was Brother Russell, He not only put the “ink” into the “inkhorn” (Eze. 9:2) for all to use, but he himself was foremost of the antitypical “three hundred” who waged antitypical Gideon’s battle against the hosts of antitypical Midian (religious errorists) – Judges Chapter 7. Of course, there was much of turmoil and great controversy in all this, with the victory surely coming to those who held to the polished brilliant Truth on the state of the dead, etc. This victory had become so pronounced that toward the end of Brother Russell’s life one secular writer offered this quatrain:

There is a man in our town

Whose name I need not tell;

I’m sure you all must know him,

For he put the fires out of Hell!

As was the case with David, Brother Russell was very much a man of war ­always in the forefront of some battle somewhere. One brother once said to him, Brother Russell, you are the most loved man on earth. To which Brother Russell replied, Yes, and the most hated! But we believe it is a fair appraisal to con­clude that those who knew him well, would certainly classify him as a genteel man a man who would much prefer peace to war. It has indeed been a great Gospel-Age paradox that the “sons of peace” – led by the Son of Peace – have been in almost continuous battle; and many of such have done so contrary to their inherited dis­positions. Many of them would have followed a more peaceful path had they been allowed to do the choosing; yet they had forced themselves to be ‘‘good soldiers’’ as duty had appeared to them.

Theirs not to question Why;

Theirs but to do and die!

And for many of them – and especially so as respects Brother Russell – we believe the words of the great Shakespeare are most apt:

His life was gentle, and the elements so mixed in him

That Nature might stand up and say to all the world,

THIS WAS A MAN!

To do any task well, there must first of all be the knowledge to do; then the will to do; then the tools wherewith to do; then the capacity to do; and finally the providential circumstances to do (the physical, mental and financial strength). This is very well summed up by St. Paul In 2 Tim. 3:15,16, Dia.: “From a child thou hast known those Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise for Salvation, through that faith which is in Jesus Christ. All Scripture, divinely Inspired, is indeed profitable for teaching (doctrine – what we should believe), for refuting (error – that which we should not believe), for correction (that which we should not do), for that discipline which is in righteousness (that which we should do); so that the Man of God may be complete, thoroughly fitted for every good work,” Usually it is by controversy that the clear untainted truth is established; and this has been especially true here in the end of the Age. Thus, the prophecy of Malachi forcefully applies: “He (Jesus) shall sit as a refiner and a polisher, developer, of the Truth.” And those who clamor for peace without first having purity, those who have faulted Brother Russell and others for engaging in controversy, such have in effect been finding fault with our Lord Himself; because this controversy ­this polishing, this developing – of the Truth is specifically one of the outstand­ing activities of His Second Advent. It is this “polishing” of the Truth that has directly resulted in ‘‘polishing, developing” the Sons of Levi. And the reason the Sons of Levi must be so developed is that “they may make an offering in righteous­ness” unto the Lord. Until all such have come into Present Truth – to appropriate the Truth from the table the lord has provided for His people at this time – no activity on their part can be acceptable to the Lord – regardless of any outward appearance of prosperity they may have. Jesus said one of His primary purposes at His first Advent was: “To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the Truth.” (John 18:37) And, just as the Truth at that time “brought life and immortality to light,” so in His second Advent “the hail (hard cutting Truth) shall sweep away the refuge of lies.”

SOME CORROBORATING CITATIONS

Following is something on this subject from Brother Russell: “Having put on the whole armor of God, and boldly withstood error by a clear and fearless presenta­tion and defense of the Truth during this evil day, when giant errors stalk about, the saints are exhorted, ‘Having done all, to stand,’ clad in the full armor, with the sword of the Spirit ever ready for defense, and with watchfulness and persever­ance and prayer for all saints.” (Vol. 3, p. 212) ‘‘And suffering with Christ, we have seen, is not the ordinary suffering common to all in the fallen state, but only such sufferings as are the results, more or less directly, of the following of Christ’s example, in advocating unpopular truths and exposing popular errors.” (Vol. 3, p. 209) In the face of such clear statements by Brother Russell, it seems ridiculous in the extreme for any to decry controversy, and yet claim they are fully faithful to the Harvest Truth and That Servant’s teachings. Indeed, he was fully alerted to the fact that one of our Lord’s outstanding second-advent works would be the “polishing, developing” of the Truth; and those who do not understand this are just that much out of Present Truth.

And more from Brother Russell In Vol. 2, pp. 236,237: “As there (in the Jewish Harvest) The Truth set the father against the son, the daughter against the mother, and the mother-in-law against the daughter-in-law, so again, a man’s foes are often they of his own household. This cannot be avoided. They who love peace more than the Truth will be tested, and they who love truth supremely will be accepted and as the overcomers, as in the Jewish Harvest.... As we should expect, we find it here: the blindest are the leaders of the blind, who, like their types, Know not the time of their visitation.” (Luke 19:14)

Now follows something from Reprints 5546,5547: “Today, as in Jesus’ time, many are influenced by the false teachings of those to whom they have been accus­tomed to look as their spiritual shepherds. If then the world should come to be in sympathy with us as a people, and should speak well of us, and we should become popular, we should come under the condemnation expressed in the Master’s words, ‘Woe unto you when all men speak well of you; for so did their fathers unto the false prophets’.... There are all manner of evil forces and Influences surrounding us (especially from those leaders who are in Azazel’s clutches – abandoned to Azazel—­See E-15:525–JJH). These evil influences are of Satan and the fallen angels.... As we look back, we can see that all who have walked in the narrow way have received persecution. Whoever has been in accord with God has been out of accord with the course of this world. There were the Baptists, and then the Methodists, who in the early days had persecution because they had more light than others. The Presbyterians also for a time, because they had had greater light than others, received persecution (from their former brethren, particularly, as was in the case of our Lord and others—JJH). And we must expect the same today. Persecution will come to those who have the courage of their convictions. The lord tells us that the anointing that we have received of Him is for the very purpose that we may show forth His praises.”

All of the foregoing is quite in harmony with St. Paul’s words in Rom. 12:2: “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed (changed in nature, disposi­tion, and the like) by the renewing of your mind (with Present Truth), that ye may prove what is good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God,” Clearly enough, the great Apostle was a “non-conformist” – “beside thyself; much learning doth make thee mad” (Acts 26:24). As Mark Twain has so ably stated, “If we find ourselves on the side of the majority, it’s time to reform.” But in all of this it is well that we retain “the spirit of a sound mind” and, that we consider well the Apostle’s words to his beloved Philippians 2:3 (Dia.): “Do nothing from party-spirit (sectarianism), or vainglory.... not each one regarding his own Interests, but each one also those of others,” This same point was impressed upon the Jews immediately after they were delivered from Egyptian bondage: “Thou shalt not follow a multitude to do evil (in sectarian blindness, or do-nothing complacency).”—Ex. 23:2..

To be a “good soldier” one must have courage and combativeness – not a good runner, but a good fighter. And, while “the weapons of our warfare are not carnal,” many of God’s people throughout the Age have willingly answered the call to battle with “the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God.” (Eph. 6:17, Dia.) The Adver­sary, ever seeking whom he may devour – and being a shrewd appraiser of human frailty was quick to discern that many would face lions in the Roman arena, rather than for­sake “the good fight.” Consequently, he aroused their combativeness against each other, with both sides on occasion being in error; yet contending so strenuously for their error that they destroyed each other. This mistake we should studiously and determinedly avoid, giving heed to the prophet’s words, “In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.” (Isa. 30:15) We should ever bear in mind it is not characteristic of the Lord’s true people to wish destruction upon the gainsayers (Luke 9:53-55); but to recover them if possible from their ‘‘path of error.’’ (Jas. 5:20, Dia.)

Early in the 20th Century a few prominent preachers were alerted to the peace-at-any-price disposition already then appearing in some. Said one of them: “When Christianity disposes wholly with controversy it will be like a sleeping man ­harmless and helpless; it will be a sad spectacle.... Controversy was the life of Paul’s works – polite controversy, brotherly controversy; but strong in exposing Error and building up the Truth. The Epistles were full of controversy. Moreover, many of Christ’s sayings were strictly controversial.” It is plainly evident that many who attend services in the sects of Little Babylon, and claiming to be “in the Truth” do no more about it than attend meetings – they have a nice place to “go to church.”

In conclusion, we would offer one more quotation from Brother Russell, found in Vol. 2, pp.358,359:

“In 2 Thess. 2:8-12, the Apostle Paul declares concerning Antichrist: ‘Whom the Lord Jesus will consume with the spirit of His mouth, and annihilate with the bright shining (ephaneia) of His presence (Parousia).’ The light of truth is to penetrate every subject. By exposing rights and wrongs it will lead into the great struggle between these principles, and between the human exponents of each, causing the time of trouble and wrath. In this struggle, wrong and evil shall fall, and right and truth shall triumph. Among other evils now to be finally and utterly destroyed is Antichrist, with which nearly every evil, or theory and practice, is more or less directly connected. And it will be this bright-shining (Epiphaneia), this sunlight from the Lord’s presence, which will produce the day of trouble, because of and in which Antichrist, with every other evil system, will be destroyed. ‘Whose presence is with (accompanied by or during) an energetic operation of Satan (Satanic energy and action) with all power, and signs, and lying delusions, and with every iniquitous deception for those perishing; because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be preserved. And for this reason God will send to them a deluding power, that they might believe the error (which is pro­nouncedly true in those who have had Parousia Truth and now contend for “peace and tranquillity” instead of contending for the Truth – a manifest Truth that they received it NOT in the love of it—JJH): so that all not believing the truth, but taking pleasure in iniquity, may be judged’ unworthy to share the Millennial Kingdom as joint-heirs with Christ (such as the Great Company and those who go completely into perdition—JJH).

“We understand these words to imply that in the time of the Lord’s presence (since 1874), through this Antichrist system (one of the principal of Satan’s agencies for deceiving and controlling the world), as well as through all his other agencies (including those who are in Azazel’s clutches—JJH), the devil will make a most desperate resistance to the new order of things about to be established. He will take advantage of every little circumstance, and all the inherited weaknesses and selfishness of the human family, to enlist their hearts and hands and pens in this final struggle against liberty and the full elucidation of the truth. Prejudices will be enkindled where, if the truth were clearly seen, none would exist; and passionate zeal will be evoked, and partisan unions formed, which will deceive and mislead many (beginning at the House of the Lord – among the Truth groups.—JJH). And this will be so, not because God has not made the truth clear enough to guide all the fully consecrated, but because those who will be deceived were not sufficiently in earnest in seeking out and using the truth provided as meat in due season. And thus it will be manifested that the class misled received not the truth in the love of it, but rather through custom, formality or fear” (revealed in this Epiphany as all who stand when He maketh manifest”—JJH).”

To which the words of St. Paul may be added: “Praying at every season... on my behalf, that eloquence may be given me... to make known the secret of the Glad Tidings, that I may speak boldly concerning it... Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. The favor be with all who sin­cerely love our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Eph. 6:18-23, Dia.)

Sincerely your brother,

John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

NO. 142: MORE ON THE GREAT MULTITUDE

No. 142

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

In our No. 131 May 1966 paper we indicated our intention of further discussion of the above subject, and it seems expedient that we do so now. Inasmuch as the Great Multitude is afflicted with ‘leprosy’ in varying forms (numerous spiritual contagions), it is no problem at all for one reasonably informed to offer expan­sive discussion of their maladies, although we assure our readers that such a task gives us just no pleasure at all; we would much prefer more winsome subjects. But, just as Brother Russell was the only man in Christendom – so far as we know ­who offered extensive discussion of this group – and the Epiphany Messenger was the only one since 1916 who analyzed them in detail – so now it seems we ourselves are in much the same position – although some of the sects in Little Babylon do occasionally broach the subject in limited manner.

Much objection arises in various quarters as we mention certain brethren as contained in the Great Multitude, the Great Multitude being those people who have lost their crowns and their position in the Body of Christ, and have been remanded to a greatly inferior position to the one they once occupied. It is claimed that we are 'Judging before the time'; but we observe that we ourselves judge nothing, although we believe it is not only proper, but our unpleasant duty, to make open note of such judging as the Lord manifests that He has done so. Therefore, Jesus told us, “By their fruits you will discover them.” (Matt. 7:16, Dia.) This statement would be a rank empty deception if it were not possible for us now to “discover” those producing tainted fruit; and the statement would certainly be leading us astray if we are guilty of 'evil surmising' to observe such contagions when they appear. Here is Brother Russell's comment on the text: “Some people, like thistles, are always scattering seeds that cause trouble; false doctrines, evil surmisings, errors.”

It is well, however, to bear in mind that Brother Russell properly taught there are only two reasons for disfellowshiping any one – namely, gross immorality, or gross doctrinal deflection. An example of the first is to be found in 1 Cor. 5:1-5; and an example of the second is recorded in 1 Tim. 1:20 – “Hymenius and Alexander; whom I delivered up to the Adversary, that they may be taught not to blaspheme!” They had made shipwreck of the Faith (the Truth). But in this time in which we are living it is well to consider that minor vices – general character blemishes – are not to be regarded as sufficient cause to relegate any one to the Great Multitude; it is only gross and persistent revolutionism against the Truth, or its arrangements that is the sure touchstone. If we assume total depravity as Zero, and perfection of mind and body as One Hundred, it would be readily apparent that there will be found many degrees and many different varieties of “wounds, bruises and putrefying sores” (Isa. 1:6) prevalent in peoples of different races and widely-divergent social orders. “Man looketh on the outward appearance”; and, since chiefly “the poor of this world, rich in faith, are called to be heirs of salvation” (1 Cor. 1:26; Jas. 2:5), we may often find much to be desired in some members of the General Church, especially so at their inception into God's House­hold. And just as it may be possible to evaluate some too highly for their educa­tion, outward refinement, wealth and position, so it is equally possible to rate others too severely because they lack such qualities. Therefore, the TRUTH itself is the only reliable guide we have to “discover” others by their fruits. Thus Bro. Russell has declared we should regard most highly those whose zeal for growth in knowledge, accompanied by a corresponding growth in Grace, is manifesting their true heart condition.

THE UNPROFITABLE SERVANT

In Matt. 25:14-30 our Lord gave the Parable of the Talents, describing a householder who committed five talents to one servant, two to another, and one to the third. Brother Russell interpreted these talents as opportunities of service in the Lord's work, based upon our various capacities – the five-talented man being one who has wealth, influence, intellectual power, education and ability for public utterance. St. Paul was one of these, as was also Brother Russell; and it would be a very logical display of executive ability for our Lord to commit and     to expect – more from such persons than He would from the two-talented man or the one-talented man. As the Parable continues, when the Householder returned and asked for an accounting from his servants, the one with five talents said he had gained five more in his Master's absence, thus repaying him with ten talents. Likewise, the one with two talents had gained other two; and to each of these the Master said, “Well done, good and faithful servant.... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” But the one to whom but one talent had been entrusted made profuse excuse for hiding his one talent “in the earth” (typical of those who are engulfed in the cares, pleasures, and wiles of this social order); he had gained nothing with it in his master's absence. For this he was soundly upbraided, his talent was taken from him and given to the one with the ten talents, and he was cast into “outer darkness” – to experience “weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Jesus defines this man as “the unprofitable servant”; and Brother Russell interprets him as a representative of the Great Multitude – especially here in the end of this Age. The “outer darkness” would be the error into which this Class is now allowed to fall – the same being revealed by their many “strong delusions” (2 Thes. 2:11) – such being “their fruits” by which we may “discover” them. Here then is another view of the Great Multitude – in addition to those already given in our May paper.

VARIATIONS IN STANDING

At this point we emphasize that not all the Great Multitude have always been “one-talent” people. Quite a few of them were five-talented when they first re­sponded to the Gospel call to “enter the House of the Lord.” (Psa. 122:1). As examples, we cite St. (?) Augustine (about 400 AD), whom some rate as the greatest intellect of fallen man in all history. Also, John Calvin – considered one of the best religious minds of this Age. And Martin Chemnitz – in some respects apparently more capable than Martin Luther himself, with whom he collaborated in his conflict with the Papacy. How, then, do such men eventually become classed with the one-talent persons? Certainly, not because they were lacking in zeal – or because their opportunities of service toward the public were taken from them. Generally  ‘kinsmen’ have been putting forth great effort to build up Little Babylon. But in such efforts they have been synonymous with Azazel's Goat “one goat for Azazel” (Lev. 16:8, margin). Azazel means Perverter, and this Goat this Unprofitable Servant – has been the means all during the Age of perverting (distorting with error) every one of the Steward­ship Truths that the fully-faithful Little Flock leaders have propounded. This is set forth in excellent detail in Epiphany Volume 8.

What, then, is represented by “taking away even that which he hath?” (v. 29) We answer that such lose all part in the Sin Offering; they lose all opportunity of ever regaining the crown they have lost: they lose forever their standing in the priestly Body of Christ. They become “profane persons, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright.... He found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.” (Heb. 12:16,17) Stating it tersely, they lose their birthright – in exact fashion as a disinherited son loses his standing in his father's estate.

But the sentence goes even beyond that: He is cast into “outer darkness” into error – out of the Holy and fellowship with the Priesthood, abandoned to Azazel “into the wilderness.” (Lev. 16:21) As they leave the Holy, they auto­matically become separated from the Lampstand, whose fuel is the holy oil (repre­senting the Holy Spirit – the spirit of understanding – of this Gospel Age). And losing the oil in their lamps (Matt. 25:8) is just another way of saying they lose the spirit of understanding –this being the direct cause of them going into “outer darkness” (error).

In their ejection from the Holy, they also become separated from the Table of Shewbread, that bread typing the Sarah features of the Abrahamic Covenant (Little Flock promises). They can no longer feed upon that bread, because the Sarah promises no longer apply to them. And finally, they are forbidden longer to minister at the Golden Altar, because that service is exclusively for the Priesthood – “much incense with the prayers of Saints” (Rev. 8:3).

Because this Great Multitude “admitted not the love of the Truth, God will send to them an energy of delusion” – outer darkness – error (2 Thes. 2:10,11, Dia.); and the Berean Comment for this text states: “That which, from certain standpoints, has the appearance of truth.... Giving then over to error, which they prefer to the Truth.... Great delusions are just before us, and some of these may come closest upon those having the most light of Present Truth.” There can be no mistaking Brother Russell's opinion on this subject, and with which we are in full agreement. Therefore, we should ever be wary of any interpretations coming from such people that are in any way contrary to the interpretations given us by Brother Russell.

ANOTHER TYPE

Such erroneous teachings by the Great Multitude are typed by the “strange fire” offered by Nadab and Abihu, as recorded in Lev. 10:1-7, and for which they were destroyed. It would seem that these two were intoxicated with strong drink when they committed their infamous impudent act, because the command is immediately given to Aaron in verse 9: “Do not drink wine nor strong drink, thou, nor thy sons with thee, when ye go into the Tabernacle of the Congregation, lest ye die.... that ye may put a difference between Holy and Unholy, and between unclean and clean. And that ye may teach the children of Israel all the statutes (truths) which the Lord hath spoken unto them by the hand of Moses (type of the Star Members).”

Psalms 91 is known as The Psalm of Saints' Security; and in verse 6 of that Psalm this “strange fire” (false doctrine) is described as “the pestilence that walketh in darkness,” and in verse 11 as “any plague.” To the fully faithful the promise is sure that they need have no fear of such “pestilence”; nor shall “any plague come nigh thy dwelling.” Among some of the more 'leprous' “Strong delusions” of the Great Multitude at the present time are:

(1) The Great Multitude are the ‘dedicated’ restitutionists, the children of the New Covenant, when their parents are not yet even married – have not yet celebrated “the marriage supper of the Lamb”—Rev. 19;9;

(2) Consecrated Epiphany Campers (also restitutionists) having their names already written in the Book of Life (before the Kingdom book has even been opened);

(3) Such Campers partaking of the Memorial (whereas partaking of the emblems of that Memorial now by the prospective Elect is, among other things, their solemn vow to “walk in His steps”; but by restitution­ists – if they partake of it at all – in the Mediatorial reign will be only an expression of gratitude and a promise of obedience to the righteous laws of that reign, and not in any sense as a Covenant by Sacrifice);

(4) Justification outside the linen curtain (outside the righteousness of Christ);

(5) Repudiation of the Chronology as given through That Servant;

(6) The same group that has invented Campers Consecrated now revo­lutionizing against the process of the Abandonment to Azazel;

(7) Revolutionizing against the “Epiphany-Tire of Trouble” period being identical;

(8) Revolutionizing against the Truth that gross revolutionism against the Truth or its arrangements is the only method for recognizing crown-losers, their contention being that a date manifested them all in one instantaneous swoop, that date being October 22, 1950.

These are only a few of the more outstanding “strong delusions”; there are dozens of others. But, as Brother Johnson has so aptly observed, When these people fall into the hands of Azazel they talk all sorts of nonsense!

SOME OTHER OBSERVATIONS

It is well to keep In mind that it is not the Great Multitude's acceptance and spread of false doctrines (“strange fire”) that causes them to lose their crowns; it is instead the loss of their crowns (and the ejection from the Holy) that separates them from the Golden Lampstand in the Holy, causing them to lose the “oil in their lamps” (“the spirit of understanding”), which in turn causes them to go astray from the Truth which once sanctified them, and to invent false doctrines. Once they are delivered over to Satan (Azazel) by the removal of Priestly fellowship and all brotherly help and favor of the Priests, they either rebel, or support rebels against the Truth which once sanctified them. They also then develop sectarian systems; and this has been the direct cause of the appear­ance of Big and Little Babylon upon the stream of time, with the resultant perse­cution of the fully-faithful Little Flock (and in this latter part of the Epiphany, by one group who attempt the complete elimination of the Little Flock by false teaching), who have naturally opposed such actions. (Isa. 66:5) During the Age this condition became so pronounced that, despite the gallant efforts of such as Arius, Marsiglio, Claudius of Turin, Martin Luther, John Wessel, Thomas Cranmer, John Wesley and other “Good Soldiers,” the apostasy from the teachings of the Apostles became so pronounced that the general symmetry and beauty of the Truth in the Jewish Harvest was completely lost; and it was not until the Harvest in the end of this Age when That Servant once more restored “the unity of the faith” to God's people, which enabled them to “give to every man a reason for the Hope” they cherished.

It should be stressed here that the Gospel-Age Perverters (Azazel means Perverter) did not reach that condition through the failure of the Lord to love and help them sufficiently, for “He is faithful that promised,” not being will­ing that any should perish – or be demoted, lose their class standing. Even in their wayward state He has been solicitous of their welfare, which prompted St. Paul to counsel the Corinthian brethren to “forgive and comfort” the one they had delivered unto Satan (Azazel) for the destruction of his flesh, “lest such an one be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow” (2 Cor. 2:7), and suffer complete loss of life. “Wherefore, I entreat you publicly to confirm your love towards him.” Clearly enough, the Lord wishes their recovery from the clutches of Azazel.

With this Class their love for the Lord and their love for “the pleasures of sin for a season” keeps them in constant turmoil – so much so that the Apostle James describes them as “double–minded .... unstable in all their ways”(Jas. 1:8) – “like a wave of the sea, agitated and tossed by the wind.” And – “let not that man think that he shall receive anything from the Lord” – until he mends his ways and extricates himself from the clutches of Azazel. It is their very double­mindedness that brings them into the hands of Azazel; and this is the evil that must be corrected if there is to be any hope at all for them. Here is something from Brother Russell on this same matter:

“What of those who make this arrangement and then fail to make the sacrifice?....Those who do not go on to give themselves fully in sacri­fice are delivered over to the Adversary to buffet them until their flesh shall be destroyed – until these earthly clinging tendencies which were holding them from full loyalty to God are broken down and their minds become fully submissive and in harmony with God.... In every case it is necessary that the flesh be de­stroyed. If the will is overcome by the flesh, the result will be the death of the will also; that is, the second death.... Such are not counted in with the sacrificers, yet they are saved “so as by fire” on the spirit plane, in the day of the Lord Jesus.” (Reprints 5056)

And further by Brother Russell: “But sad disappointments attach to the experiences of this company: it is because they fear the reproaches of Christ that they shirk present privileges and opportunities for walking with Him in white in the “sufferings of this present time”: behold, they not only miss the present joy and rejoicing of those who are faithful, but eventually they must come through still greater sufferings, if they would attain even to a lower place.”

Based upon statements of the Apostle Paul, the Apostle James, and Brother Russell's emphasis of their teachings as above given, Brother Johnson reiterates and elaborates the subject in E-15:525:

“As in none of the Great Company do these forms of the rod prove sufficient fully to free their Holy Spirit from the bondage of developed worldliness, selfishness, error and sin, and in a large number hardly fazes them at all, and variously but incompletely affects the rest of them, the Lord resorts to a second set of untoward experiences, which are calculated finally to deliver their New Creatures from the bondage into which their unfaithfulness to their Justification, or consecration, or both, has brought them. He delivers them over to Satan, called in Lev. 16:8, 10, 21, 22 Azazel (averter, perverter), for the destruction of the flesh that their New Creature, the Spirit, might be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus (1 Cor. 5:1-5, 1 Tim. 1:19,20). It will be noted that 1 Cor. 5:1-5 shows that for evil conduct delivery to Satan was made, while in 1 Tim. 1:19,20, it is shown that such delivery was made for setting aside the Truth and teaching error in Its place. Their delivery to Satan implies that God temporarily abandons them, and lets Satan buffet them, until their fleshly minds are destroyed.... Filling their minds with more or less error (such as those set out aforegoing—JJH) Satan makes them busy themselves with false religious work, works of false propaganda, of building false religious sects. He deceives them into believing they will accomplish great works, win great numbers, gain great favor, etc. (such as con­verting Israel before the Great Multitude are cleansed, putting Restitutionists into the Book of Life now –before that Book is yet opened, etc.—JJH). The upshot of it all, however, is great disappointments, troubles, losses, frustrations and failures, wrecking their ambitions.”

It will be noted that Brother Russell and Brother Johnson make no exceptions concerning the delivery of all of them to Satan (Azazel), no allowance whatever being made for the degree of their perversity. In all of them “He brought down their heart with labor” (Psa. 107:12), because they rebelled (revolutionized) against the words of God – the Truth. We stress this matter here because R. G. Jolly is now hinting (see his article in the March-April 1966 PT, “The Cleansing From Leprosy”) that he and his 'kinsmen' do not need the process so clearly described by the Apostles and by That Servant and the Epiphany Messenger; but this is just another evidence that he also “rebels against the words of Cod” ­just as do his fellows – and should be all the more convincing to unbiased observers of his present tragic condition.

Many Scriptures stress the marked difference between the Great Multitude and the fully-faithful followers of the Lamb. In Rev. 7:15 the former are described as servants in the Temple; whereas, Christ and His faithful Bride are the “living stones” that comprise that Temple – the Levites and the Priests in the antitype of Solomon’s grand temple. Here then is another unanswerable proof that the Great Multitude cannot possibly be an earthly group (as depicted by the Witnesses), because the Temple (Christ and His Church) is in Heaven, and these Levites – the Great Multitude – serve in that Temple. Brother Russell always concurred in this conclusion.

After the death of the Apostles, when the various sects arose in Christendom, the doctrine of Restitution was completely lost, and this in turn made way for many baneful errors – eternal torment as the wages of sin, the immortality of the soul, the Trinity, etc. – so that the resultant confusion was rightly termed Babylon. But, when That Servant appeared, he produced order from the chaos, and produced “the unity of the faith” (the Truth in symmetry and reason). However, since his death the Truth has again been bandied about by the various Truth groups to such an extent that there is again Babylon, confusion, on every hand. This is the direct result of the work of the sixth Slaughter-weapon man of Ezek. 9:2, who, since 1916, has “defiled the house, and filled the courts with the slain” – through the Revolutionism against the Truth, which has been “making manifest the counsels of hearts,” revealing the “fruits” by which we may “discover” them.

And to him that “hath an ear to hear, let him hear what the spirit saith unto the churches”: Once more “attain to the unity of the faith.... be infants no longer, tossed and whirled about with every wind of that teaching which is in the trickery of men, by cunning craftiness in systematic deception; but grow up in all things into Him.... no longer walk, even as the Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, having been darkened in the understanding” of the Unity of the Faith—Eph. 4:13-18, Dia.

Sincerely your brother

John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

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QUESTION OF GENERAL INTEREST

QUESTION: – Has Brother Jolly now given the real truth on the Book of Life as respecting Youthful Worthies and Campers Consecrated?

ANSWER: – No, he has not; in fact his latest utterances on this subject are simply a jumble of words – so garbled that nobody – not even himself ­can determine whence he comes, or whither he goes on the subject. He who discerns clearly teaches clearly; and – conversely – he who teaches unclearly does not him­self discern clearly. Note Brother Russell's comment on this subject:

''All found written In the Lamb's Book of Life will be delivered forever, from all enemies: Those written as worthy (the Ancient Worthies—JJH) during the Jewish and Patriarchal Ages, and those written during the Gospel Age, and those who will be written during the Millennial Age.” (Parousia Vol. 3, p. 62)

All that Brother Johnson has given Is simply an elaboration of the foregoing; and it should be clear enough to any who are properly schooled In Present Truth that this would exclude any except the Elect Classes from any standing in any Book of Life during this Faith Age. The Youthful Worthies can begin to inscribe their names in the Book of Life now because that Book has been opened unto them as one of the Elect Classes in this Epiphany period; whereas, according to both Brother Russell and Brother Johnson, no Restitutionist can yet begin to inscribe his name in the Book of Life, because their Book is not yet opened – and won't be open until the New Covenant is inaugurated. Of course, we should expect just such confusion from R. G. Jolly. Here is Brother Johnson's conclusion regarding all such “gazers”:

“God has never given local elders or non-star members the privilege of seeing a new doctrine. This privilege is limited exclusively to our Lord acting in the star-members. Any attempt on the part of a non-star-membered teacher as the first one to work out a doctrine would be speculation, and would, therefore, not result in uncovering a new truth, but would result in error.”

Disregard of the above warning has led R. G. Jolly into 'inventing' his Campers Consecrated; and this in turn has resulted in new errors on the Book of Life, and other errors. This is just what we should expect under the circumstances. In this Jan-Feb. Present Truth, pages 12 & 13 are three Questions and Answers on this subject in a desperate wordy attempt to fit his present errors into the simple truth that Brother Russell expressed in four succinct lines quoted aforegoing. We suggest to our readers who may have a Present Truth available to read those answers, compare them with what Brother Russell so tersely stated; then determine for themselves which expressions they wish to believe.

When R. G. Jolly gave his erroneous answer at the Chicago Convention last October a year, it was so very evident that he did not know what Brother Russell or Brother Johnson had taught on the subject; so he quickly gave error in his answer. Now, in a desperate effort to save face, he uses more than a full page in the Present Truth to muddy the Truth stream. If he really wanted his readers to understand this sub­ject, why did he not just quote the direct and concise statements of Brother Russell and Brother Johnson – just as we have done in our presentations of it? Please see our December 1, 1965 paper, pp. 3-4 for Brother Johnson's treatise on the Book of Life (a copy free upon request). As a result of his “strange fire” (false doctrine) – ­Campers Consecrated – he must of necessity go from one error to another, and lose much of the Truth that once sanctified him. We assume that he was clear at one time on the Books of Life for the Elective and Restitution salvations – but it is clearly manifest that he no longer understands this truth. When any one other than the Star Members presents a new doctrine and persists in that course, he receives the “strong delusion” (2 Thes. 2:11) – the punishment meted out by the Lord to all such – and loses the “spirit of understanding.'' (Matt. 25:1-8 – See Berean Comment). J. F. Rutherford's course was persisted in to the extent that he lost everything. It is our wish and prayer that this will not be the case with R. G. Jolly.

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Brother Hoefle: Grace and Peace in Jesus' dear Name!

It is Sunday morning and I hope to leave in about 45 minutes and will, D.v., give out some tracts. I always get a little nervous and shaky beforehand – but feel happy afterwards....... I thought perhaps you would like to add the enclosed name and address to your list. I don't know this Brother....... I read over the December 1966 paper. I liked it. I was noticing about Bro. Jolly speaking (on page 6) of the ‘higher class,’ under heading His ‘Higher’ Class. I was wondering if he was thinking of the question and answer on page 446 of E Vol. 4 ­where it says (Question 48) that Youthful Worthies are to remember that the Great Company in God's esteem is a higher class than they. On the other side I notice Brother Johnson commends Youthful Worthies for assisting in the rebuke toward the Catholic Church (page 449 of E Vol. 4) – also I notice on p. 393, par. 20, in speak­ing of Ruth, Brother Johnson says there was an antitypical spitting done – “As the Youthful Worthies have come to see the Truth on the subject they have done it to the Society directors and editors” – using the Truth to the “disparagement and dis­grace of the pertinent person......

Enclosed is $___ for use in the work. With Christian love to you and Sr. Hoefle and Sisters Moynelo and Dunnagan. Your sister by faith ------- (CALIFORNIA)

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Dear Brother Hoefle: – Grace and peace through our Beloved Lord! Our dear Sister McNeil passed away Feb. 4 at 9:00 p.m., and was buried Sunday, Feb. 5 at 4:00 p.m., beside my mother (Sister Condell). The LHMM brethren were at their Conven­tion, so were not privileged to be at the funeral. Bro. ------- conducted the service. Since her passing was expected, her funeral was arranged and coffin made – and all that was necessary was her funeral and burial.

A few days before her death she gave me a message for you and the Bible House family: she earnestly urged that you and the others be not weary in well doing ­but to continue to keep up the “good fight” – especially in antitypical Gideon's Second Battle unto its completion, until Jericho's wall is broken down and God's people set free.

She had several severe attacks of pain – during which she would become delirious, but would always become rational when over. She would then remember and speak on the things touching on salvation for all. A half hour before her passing she asked me to sing Hymn 295, in which she tried to join in; then she asked me to pray. I made a short prayer, for words failed me. Then her pain came back – lasting perhaps less than a minute, after which she finished her earthly course. I was alone with her, so I did the last thing I could do and left the room woke my daughter and told her ­then went to the gate to see if I could see any one. I was just in time to see Brother's ---- van enter his yard. He came and looked at the body and then notified the others.

That's the account, dear Brother, and I will add for myself that she was an example of the believers in the midst of it all. All of us have suffered a great loss – and I in a very special way. She was a great strength and encouragement to me with her admonitions to righteousness and truth.

Please give my Christian love to all at the Bible House. Yours by His Grace, ------- (JAMAICA)

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“Faithful unto death” (Rev. 2:10):

Dear Sister McNeil was reportedly over 105 years old, had met and become well acquainted with Brothers Russell and Johnson. In January 1957, when R. G. Jolly attempted a four-­hour continuous “profusion of words” at a Crofts Hill meeting, she was then past 95, but yet strong enough in mind and spirit to “withstand him to the face” on some of his errors. She had also been a life-long friend of beloved Brother and Sister Condell (also departed); and the passing of these faithful brethren leaves a most lonely feeling of great loss with those of us who knew them. Indeed, “Blessed are those dead who die in the Lord; Yea, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors; for their works follow after them.” (Rev. 14:13, Dia.) We believe what Brother Russell says in Parousia Vol. 3, p. 237 is apropos in her case:

“The mission of the feet, which is no insignificant part of the Kingdom work, will be accomplished. Though their message is popularly hated and discredited and they are despised by the world as fools, for Christ's sake, as all his faithful servants have been throughout the Gospel Age, yet, before they all are 'changed' and joined to the glorified members beyond the veil, they, as agents of the Kingdom, will have left such records of that Kingdom and its present and future work as will be most valuable information to the world and to the undeveloped and overcharged children of God, who though consecrated to God, will have failed to so run as to obtain the prize of our high calling (and we earnestly hope and trust that her record of faithfulness to the Lord, the Truth and the Brethren – and his experience with her – will prove to be 'valuable information' for R. G. Jolly and his kinsmen.—JJH).

NO. 141: SOME THOUGHTS FOR THE MEMORIAL

No. 141

Comes again the Memorial of our Lord’s Gethsemane and crucifixion, the time this year being after six p. m. March 23. This year 1967 the moon nearest the Vernal Equinox comes new at 6:30 a.m. March 11 at Jerusalem, which makes Nisan 1 begin at six p.m. March 10, according to Bible reckoning; and 14 days later brings us to the proper time for doing “this in remembrance of Me.” The general understanding of this Sacrament has been so ably treated in Volume 6 by Brother Russell (the reading of which we again recommend as preparatory for “keeping the feast”) that it leaves little to be said by those of us who remain unto this day – only incidental details being perhaps about all we can accomplish by this writing. However, it is of special interest to note that the Memorial in 1967 comes on Thursday evening – exactly as did the evening on which our Lord ate the paschal lamb for the last time, and ordered its “remembrance.” This properly determines “Good Friday” as March 24, on which date Christendom in the main will observe it this year. Therefore, so far as the date itself is concerned, the majority who profess Christ as Lord will be in agreement with each other – a rather uncommon occurrence.

SUNDRY DETAILED OBSERVATIONS

It will be recalled that the original Passover that night in Egypt was being eaten by the Israelites during the very time that the Angel of Death was visiting destruction upon the firstborn of Egypt – deliverance for God’s people – destruc­tion for their enemies. Thus, St. Paul was prompted to write: “We are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: To the one we are the savor of death unto death; and to the other the savor of life unto life.” (2 Cor. 2:15,16) While this text has a primary application to the Christ Company, it applies in secondary manner to all who “keep the feast in sin­cerity and in truth.”

To all such “the Angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them.” This may be accepted by the faithful faith Class during this Age without reservation – a feature which the type brings forcefully to our attention. As the Jews were eating their lamb that awesome night “with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff In your hand” – eating it with bitter herbs – “not a dog did move his tongue against any of the Children of Israel... that ye may know that the Lord hath put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.” For Gospel-Age purposes – especially here in the Epiphany night – those Egyptian dogs type rabid sectarians (Phil. 3:2 “beware of dogs” – “quarrelsome partisans” – See Berean Comment). Dogs are known to lose their savagery, and to mourn deeply over the death of their masters; and this will yet prove pointedly true during this Epiphany night of the symbolic dogs – rabid sectarians – when they eventually learn that their leaders have grossly mis-led them, that many of them have “gone to their own place,” as did Judas. (Acts 1:25) As Brother Johnson has pointed out, New creatures that die impenitent, go into the Second Death – and this will be brought home in forceful fashion when the fires of Armageddon have done their work.

TWO YEARS

It is common knowledge that the Jews have two years – a secular and a religious year, although there is only one New Year recorded in the Bible – the first of Nisan.  Previous to the institution of the Passover it seems the Jews began their year in the Fall – with the first day of the month Tishri –

and, when the detailed religious ordinances were given to Moses in the Mount, Tishri was designated to be the seventh month, on the tenth day of which the Atonement must be kept. To this day, however, the Jews celebrate their New Year on the first day of the month Tishri, which is approximately our October 1. The distinct cleavage, how­ever, put into operation at Sinai was to differentiate between the secular, or earthly, character of the dispensation prior to this Age – when God dealt with His chosen people according to the Law of Moses – and this spiritual, or Grace, dispensation in which we have been since Jordan, and especially so since “Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us,” since which time “according to thy Faith so be it unto thee.”

“TILL HE COME”

The Jews were commanded to keep the Passover each year on the 14th Day of Nisan as “a memorial throughout your generations” (Ex. 12:14); and Christians have also been commanded to “do this in remembrance” of Christ our Passover each year “till He come.” (1 Cor. 11:26) From this statement by St. Paul some have raised the question: Should we continue to keep the Memorial if our Lord has returned? However, when we consider that both the Little Flock and the Great Company are a part of the Church of the Firstborn – and that partaking of the bread and the wine symbolizes their participation in the merit of the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world – then it should require no argument about them continuing to “show forth the Lord’s death till He come” – for them – until the last one has come to journey’s end. But we believe the command would apply also to those faithful ones here in the end of the Age who are not a part of the spirit-begotten Church of the Firstborn, because the merit of our lamb has been tentatively imputed to all such – to the extent that the New Covenant cannot begin to operate toward the world until that embargo against Christ’s merit has been removed.

And, as we partake of our Lamb “in newness of life,” so we also partake of His sufferings – each according to the Class in which he finds himself. If we are rightly exercised by such experiences, we then receive “the garments of the Egypt­ians” (their good character qualities) – which they in turn lose by reason of their unjust acts against God’s faithful people. “We must through much tribulation enter into the Kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22) The word ‘tribulation’ is derived from the Latin “tribulum,’ the threshing instrument by means of which the Roman husbandman separated the corn from the husks. Says one commentator: “Though tribulation may crush and bruise us, it separates our chaff from the wheat, so that we are prepared for the granary of Heaven. Sorrow is hard to bear, and doubt is slow to clear, but the New Testament is the most joyful book in the world because its writers have been delivered from the doubt that paralyzes the soul, and they live in the sun­shine of the love of Christ. They know their affliction (tribulation) is working out for them the glory that is to be.” And Brother Johnson’s comments are doubly appropriate at this point:

“Dear Brethren, if we will consider our trialsome exper­iences with Satan’s deluded servants as opportunities of obtaining Divine Truth and the graces from them, we will be helped ardently to desire such acquirements from such experiences and will be helped to receive them in the Lord’s spirit and thus will receive the symbolic articles of gold and silver and garments.  Let us view these experiences from this standpoint and act accordingly amid them; and we will emerge from them greatly enriched spiritually. This consideration will keep us from murmuring and complaining amid such experiences and will enable us to take them joyfully. (I Pet. 4:12-14)”

As the Israelites fled from the Egyptians – after being told to be gone the morning after the tenth plague, the morning after the Passover had been eaten ­the cloudy fiery pillar set a barrier between them and the pursuing Egyptians, casting a light ahead of it to lighten the path of Israel, but working a thick darkness to the Egyptians. And so during this Harvest period, and especially so during this Epiphany night, the Truth (the fiery pillar) has been the means of separating the faithful from the measurably faithful, and from the unfaithful. That which effects deliverance for the faithful – keeping them standing and “growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Beloved Lord Jesus” – is the very thing that entraps the unfaithful and brings them to a fall. This is much the same picture as given in Ex. 4:9, where Moses was told to “take of the water of the river, and pour it upon the dry land: and the water which thou takest out of the river shall become blood upon the dry land.” The refreshing Harvest Truth would appear to be bloody repulsive error to those for whom it was not intended. “The natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit.... for they are foolish­ness unto him.”

CONSIDER HIM

“Consider Him who endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself.” All during the Age the “brethren” of the Fully Faithful have been among their chief persecutors – as example, John Calvin burning Miletus Servetus at the stake in most gruesome manner (illustrative of the Measurably Faithful, the Great Company, in some of their members, particularly their leaders) – “your brethren that hated you, and that cast you out for my name’s sake.” But those who have “endured hardness as good soldiers” during this Harvest period have become more and more proficient against all forms of sin, error, selfishness and worldliness, until goodly Canaan land (the sphere of Present Truth and the Spirit of the Truth) has become their laurel of victory, their unbreakable and unchangeable possession. Surely, those of us who have attained this pinnacle know of a certainty that we have attained that victory that overcometh the world.

‘‘Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” Many of the dear brethren have become old in this “good fight.” We know intimately of quite a few who are now over ninety years of age, who have borne the burden and heat of the day; yet they still “rejoice in the Lord, and joy in the God of their salvation.” This is fittingly typed by the ‘heave-offering’ of Ex. 25:1-9 – “of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my heave-offering.” This offering was repeatedly lifted upward toward God by the offerer, the same representing the thing sacrificed to God, and the elevation to higher and higher uses of the things offered unto God’s greater honor and glory ­not handling the word of God deceitfully, but “partakers of solid food... for those possessing faculties habitually exercised for the discrimination both of good and evil.” (Heb. 5:13,14, Dia.) And to such the words of the Apostle Paul fittingly apply: “He who sows bountifully will reap also bountifully; even as each one purposes in his heart, not from grief, or from necessity; for God loves a cheer­ful giver.” (2 Cor. 9:6-7, Dia.) One translation has it, “God loves a man that is glad to give.” And, as we do “this in remembrance of Him,” it is a most propitious time to consider how freely He gave of Himself – “endured the cross, despising the shame,” and has now received “the crown of life” – immortality, the highest form (crown) of life.

“Being found in fashion as a man, he humbled Himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (Phil. 2:8) From this it is apparent that our Lord was subject to the same emotions as are we; and He was fully apprised of the impending events of the day ahead. Yet, on that last night, when He instituted the Memorial of His approaching death, He spent some very consider­able time instructing, admonishing and encouraging the eleven Apostles who were to be representatives plenipotentiary of the Gospel-Age Household of Faith. And during this same night He offered up one of His most appealing prayers – as recorded in the 17th chapter of John – a prayer chiefly for the help and encourage­ment of those present, following which they sang the Hallel before leaving for Gethsemane. Hallel is the Hebrew word for praise, and it is the root of our English Hallelujah, meaning “praise to God.” The Hallel is those Psalms 113 through 118, the first two of which are styled the Small Hallel, and the remaining four the Great Hallel.

As our lord was praying in the upper room that last night He was able to declare truthfully: “I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do” (John 17:4) – although the completion of that work had drained His physical resources to the breaking point. Much the same was true of Brother Russell at his death. In the Spring of 1916 he had said, “Brother Johnson, I’m tired – my very bones are tired”; yet of him it was prophetically written, “I have done as thou hast com­manded me.” (Eze. 9:11) And Brother Johnson himself had become so weary from physical exhaustion that he would no longer receive any questions on Bible texts. Yet, our lord was “found in fashion as a man” – even as all of us; and the agony on the cross distorted His facial features as the same experience would do to us. Therefore, the prophet foretold of Him: “As many were astonished at thee: (amazed that He would submit to such abuse if He were the Son of God) His vision was so marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men” (physical exhaustion and the torture of the cross took their toll more than would be true of us, because of His sensitive physical perfection – a harrowing sight indeed to all with a normal degree of sympathy and mercy in their hearts and minds).

As we partake of the bread and the wine, our considering of Him should moti­vate us all to strong resolve to “follow in His steps” – that we may eventually hear that “Well done, good and faithful servant.” And it is our hope for one and all who keep the feast this year that victory to the full may eventually be theirs, and that it may be said of all:

O! at close of our day may each of us say

“I have fought my way through;

I have finished the work thou didst give me to do!

O! that each from his Lord may receive the glad word,

Well and faithfully done!

Enter into my joy, and sit down on my throne.”

Some comments by Brother Johnson apply so well here:

“As belonging to the firstfruits class (and secondarily to others of the Household of Faith), let them use their consecrated all for God in sacrifice to prosper for the Lord, which will result in their abounding in the deeper and surface things of the Truth and its spirit. Especially should they not think of God’s discipline as a trivial thing; nor should they tire of God’s corrections; because these are experiences that God gives to all those whom He loves, even as a father treats the child in whom he is pleased. He is favored indeed who gains the Truth and comprehends it; for as symbolic trading goods it is more valuable than the trading goods of silver; and its profits than that of the finest gold.... Hence the Epiphany Messenger exhorts his symbolic children to gain the Truth and the comprehension of it, by no means to forget it, nor to turn away from his teachings, nor to give it up for any reason, and it will keep them – to give it their best good will, and It will guard them.”

As we ponder over our present understanding of the bread and the wine, we may delight in the words of the Psalmist (119:100): “I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.” The word translated ‘ancients’ in this text is the Hebrew zaqen; and it is the same word to be found in Joel 2:28, where it is translated ‘old men,’ where the Ancient Worthies are given their Kingdom standing and blessing from God.  And surely, those of us who do “keep thy precepts” can say of a surety, “I understand more than the ancients” (Ancient Worthies); and we may rejoice in the knowledge that maketh wise unto salvations.

To all our readers do we extend cordial good wishes and the Lord’s rich blessing in their preparation for, and participation in this coming Memorial, which we shall hold this year at 1507 N. Donnelly, Mount Dora, Florida at 7:30 p.m. March 23. Our warm welcome is extended to any who may wish to Join with us in this service. As always, we suggest refreshment of the various features of the service by a reading of the chapter in Parousia Volume 6, perhaps also by a perti­nent article by Brother Johnson, as we quote Titus 2:7-9: “In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.”

Sincerely your brother

John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

My dear Brother Hoefle:  Loving greetings in His Name!

We both thank you for your  greetings  –  and  we  pray  that you will be faithful. Your services are much appreciated. Brother has been ill... but he is much improved... Brother ------- was still able to have the Manna, Comments and Scriptures and some reading of the Volumes, and the monthly paper from you – though one or two days his voice was weak and I took over. Brother ------- has had two attacks, which sound like slight strokes.  He, too, is improving, but must be kept quiet. The Christadelphians call to see them, but they are both firm for the Truth. I am send­ing you the following names.....

Our continued love to you and Sister Hoefle and those with you, in which Brother joins.

Your sister by His Grace ------- (ENGLAND)

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Dear Brother Hoefle:  Grace and peace be multiplied!

We received your card for which we thank you. We know you are mindful of us, therefore we are pleased to say that we are endeavoring to be steadfast, striving to grow in Grace and in the Knowledge of our lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

We look forward to receiving your papers, which are so helpful to us to refute the errors of today. ........ Please remember us in your prayers, as we also remember you in ours. All Join in sending warm Christian love to you, dear Sister Hoefle and the friends there.

Sincerely your brethren, TRINIDAD ECCLESIA

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Gentlemen: Thank you for the year’s resume which you sent us, and we enjoyed read­ing it. Attached is a check in the amount of $— to use as you see fit to continue your work.  Trust you and your family will have a Happy Holiday.

Very truly yours ------- (NEW JERSEY)

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Dear Brother Hoefle:

Greetings from our home circle! I am enjoying the Gospel message which I receive from you – and I am satisfied with what has been said unto me. I am thankful to you and all who are connected with you in circularizing these papers. I wish each and every one spiritual blessings ­and May God add His Wisdom, Strength and Courage toward the administration of your work. Your work is well established in many a soul! I am joyful over the way you explain the message, and I am happy to say that I am one of them through this Gospel message. May God bless you and the whole staff for the year that is to come.

I am your brother ------- (TRINIDAD)

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Our dear Brother Hoefle: Fond Christian love with every good wish for the Season, and God’s Goodness and Mercy abiding with you to the full every day of the New Year! Thank you so much for your loving message...

We wish to thank you for the monthly articles that we have received regularly dur­ing the year – and now at its close we thank the dear Lord for enabling us to con­tinue to enjoy the Truths they contain – and from them, even as we have already known, increasing light.

We thank the Lord for His Mercies – that we  were  not  caught  up  in  the  snares of the Adversary, the confusion and bewilderment of some of the dear ones. We surely pity those that have been led out of the way and are now blinded – and we fear for the dangerous position of the leaders that have so intoxicated some of the dear ones with the wine and spirit of Babylon. We thank the Lord for you, dear Brother, and wish to give you the assurance of our warm Christian love and continued prayers for God’s abundant love and guidance and blessings. Fear not, beloved, the Truth will prevail. So be courageous and strong in the Lord and He will be with the good.

Sincerely by His Grace, Your Brethren

THE  CROFTS  HILL  ECCLESIA  (JAMAICA)

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My dear Brother Hoefle:  Greetings In our dear Redeemer’s Name!

It has been a very long time since I have been promising to write and have not done so. But I could not send a card without saying a word. As the year draws to a close I cannot but give thanks to the Almighty for His wondrous love to me. I am still trying to press on to the goal, I must indeed state how very helpful your papers are. The March Issue on the Passover was especially useful to me. I am very grateful for the books. I have been paying Brother ------- for them.

Please remember me in your prayers.  With warm Christian love

Your sister ------- (TRINIDAD)

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Dear Bible Friends:

I don’t know anything about you.  I do not know who you are. I do know you are 100% right on the “Punishment of the Wicked” ­and this is very refreshing. But I am afraid that you view the “Millennium” as do the Jehovah’s Witnesses (of course, we have told the Brother that we do not ‘view’ the Millennium as do the Jehovah’s Witnesses – JJH)....... I sincerely thank you for the two pieces of literature..... May God bless you and please let me know who you are.

Sincerely your friend and brother In Christ ------- (FLORIDA)

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Dear Brother Hoefle:

I was over to ------- for a lovely “Truth” talk with Brother and Sister ------- I have been going there quite often on Sunday afternoons of late. I have tape recorders and I make entire programs of our discussions – approximately three-hour durations. Brother ------- handed me one of your papers for me to take home to read. I find this very interesting. I notice you follow our Pastor Russell’s thoughts in your writings. I was brought up in the Truth from a boy. Pastor Russell stopped at our home, too, as it was a stopping place for the Pilgrims, colporteurs, etc., from the Bible House – or Bethel, as known in those days....... Perhaps you will remember Brother ------- I would like for you to send me your literature as you send to Brother and Sister .......... If there is any cost to this, kindly advise me. I cannot agree with the Dawn. .....Your Scripture verse in Isa. 28:20 fits them to a “T.” ... May God Bless your every effort. Prov.   3:5,9

I am In His Name, Brother  ------- (LOUISIANA)

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QUESTION OF GENERAL INTEREST

QUESTION: – On page 9 of this January-February Present Truth Brother Jolly states that you make a false statement about the number of Present Truth subscribers from 1950 to 1966. I’m very much interested In having your answer to his very serious accusation.

ANSWER: – If our readers will refer to page 1, last paragraph of our November paper No. 137, they will note we gave the date 1954 – NOT 1950 – and we said “from then to now” (from 1954 to 1966). In 1954 the number of Present Truth sub­scribers was 1,422, and in 1966 they totaled 934, which is a decrease of 34% – in those twelve years. Therefore, it should be clear to all that it is NOT WE, but R.  G. Jolly himself, who is offering the “false” statement here.

In this connection, it should be of interest to note that in 1949 – the last year for which Brother Johnson reported – the Annual Report gave 1,899 Present Truth subscribers, and that for 1950 R. G. Jolly reported 842 – a drop of 1,057 subscribers for that year (or 56%) – the first year R. G. Jolly submitted a report on the number of Present Truth subscribers. Then, for 1951 R. G. Jolly reported 910 Present Truth subscribers – an increase of 66. And let us bear In mind that in 1951 a very large number of tried and true brethren forsook him over the “last saint” controversy ­something they certainly didn’t do in 1950 during the last year of Brother Johnson’s life!

Isn’t It strange – so very strange – that such lopsided figures should appear in R. G. Jolly’s first two Annual Reports? Indeed, it is a sage axiom that “Figures don’t lie, but liars do figure”; and that our Lord referred to Satan (Azazel) as “the father of lies”? (John 8:44, Dia.: “When any one speaks a falsehood, he speaks from his own, because his father (the Devil) also is a liar.”) It is truly a sad observation – tragically sad – that many claim to be “in the Truth,” but – the Truth is not in them! From the true figures we present herein, it should be clear enough to all that R. G. Jolly’s 1954 “Attestatorial Service” emphatically “attests” to just what it is – an abject failure, a work of Azazel, a work which forces him to “pervert” the real truth on what has actually occurred. Azazel means Perverter!

As Brother Russell has so aptly said, “Errors of doctrine lie at the very founda­tion of all these errors of conduct,” and – conversely speaking – this Epiphany has mani­fested that the “errors of conduct” in all Levite leaders have been at the founda­tion of much of their errors of doctrine. Most particularly can we note this in R. G. Jolly when we view his conduct under Brother Johnson. And R. G. Jolly’s twist of our statement from 1954 back to 1950 simply tells us once more that Brother Johnson was informing us correctly when he said R. G. Jolly has a “bad conscience” and guilty of many “misrepresentations.” His perversion of our statement in the present instance is truly a fraudulent “misrepresentation” – (See E-10:585); and offers indisputable proof that he is yet to this day a “false-accusing Epiphany crown-loser.” (E-10:591, par. 1)

It is little wonder R. G. Jolly constantly warns his sectarian supporters not to read our papers. Even the dullest among them would be able to discern his perfidy in this present instance; but his course is in exact duplicate to what Epiphany crown­losers did to Brother Johnson, concerning which we offer Brother Johnson’s record of one such instance early in the Epiphany:

“R. H. Barber, one of the Tower editors, at the Rochester Convention told the audience that we and our consecrated supporters were Second Deathers, and as such should not be given the least hearing” (E-5:285).

R. G. Jolly Also has repeatedly warned his followers not to give JJH the least hearing ­by no means should they read our papers!

NO. 140: GOD'S KINGDOM SINCE 1914

No. 140

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

In the Watch Tower of October 15, 1966 (pages 613-626) The Jehovah’s Witnesses present an article entitled What Has God’s Kingdom Been Doing Since 1914; and we ourselves being intimately familiar with the events that have occurred since that date, we believe our readers will welcome an analysis – a presentation of Fact against Fiction. In their treatise the Witnesses stress the year 1914 as the time for the establishment of God’s Kingdom on earth – with themselves as the earthly visible representatives of that Kingdom. That 1914 is a very marked date in human history needs no argument; nor is any argument necessary for in­formed Bible students that that year is also clearly set forth in Old and New Test­ament prophecy. Clearly enough, then, we have no objection to the date itself; it is then only with the events that occurred in 1914 – and since – and their Biblical and secular significance that we part company with the Witnesses’ expres­sions.

Let us first consider Mal. 4:5,6: “Behold, I will send you Elijah the Prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And He shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.” These are the last words of Old Testament Holy Writ; and for the centuries that have intervened the Jews have given a literal interpretation to the prophecy – so much so that many of them to this day have a vacant chair at their Passover table each year, for the use of Elijah – just in case he should make unexpected appearance. But a critical exam­ination of Matt. 11:14 will reveal clearly enough that Jesus interpreted Elijah as a type of the Gospel–Age Christ Company, which, coupled with the Malachi text, sets him forth as a type with specific purpose – namely, Elijah prefigured the Gospel–­Age Church in its endeavors to reform “this present evil world” – to reform the irreformable – which task has never yet been accomplished.

In discussing John the Baptist, and his status, Jesus had said of him: “If ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was to come.” The American Revised Ver­sion gives the text like this: “This (one, John the Baptist) is (represents) Elijah that is (literally, the one being about) to come.” And what John did then on a small scale for Israel in preparing “the way of the Lord” for Israel makes him an antitype of Elijah. Note now Matt. 17:12,13: “Elias is come already, and they knew him not .... Likewise shall also the Son of Man suffer of them. Then the Disciples understood that He spake unto them of John the Baptist.” And, since John antityped Elijah announcing Jesus at His first Advent, so the Gospel–Age Church would anti­type Elijah in much greater degree in announcing Jesus at His second Advent in power and great glory.

Jesus having so clearly marked Elijah as a type, we are now justified in studying the events in Elijah’s life for helpful information concerning the anti­type. In 1 Kgs. 19:8 it is stated that “he did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the Mount of God.” In Heb. 12:18-29 St. Paul very clearly declares that Horeb (or Sinai) was a type of that greater mountain (kingdom), which would be the answer to the prayer: “Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done on earth, as it is In Heaven.” And Elijah’s going “forty days” in the strength of the food he received would antitype the Greater Elijah (the Gospel-Age Church) going forty antitypical days (or forty years) from 1874 to 1914 – when, for the first time in Gospel-Age history “the stone cut out of the mountain without hands” (Dan. 2:45) was collectively and individually sufficiently complete to begin to “break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms.” The end of the Gentile Times had been reached, and their evic­tion was then immediately begun. This is in exact harmony with Brother Russell’s teaching on the subject.

SINCE 1914 – A SECOND COUNTERFEIT KINGDOM

The foregoing is probably not too much at variance with what the Witnesses themselves believe of the situation up to 1914; but we shall now examine some of the happenings since that time. One of the first major undertakings of the Wit­nesses after the death of Pastor Russell in October 1916 was the publication in 1917 of Volume 7 of Studies in the Scriptures – under the name of the International Bible Students Ass’n., Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, as they were then known.  That Volume 7 was also titled “The Finished Mystery,” was hailed as the seventh vial fulfillment of Rev. 16:17; and certain statements in that book concerning patriot­ism, etc., were construed by the United States Government as a decided interference with their prosecution of the war against the Central Powers, resulting in eight of the organization’s leaders being sent to Atlanta Penitentiary in 1918 (from which they were subsequently pardoned in 1919).

Shortly after their release from durance vile, a sharp and widespread con­troversy arose among the former adherents of Brother Russell over the chronology which he had produced from the Scriptures; and the leaders of the Society made valiant, correct and commendable defense against those who were attempting to find the chronology wrong by some nineteen years. Both Volume 7 and the chronology were made tests of fellowship; and an extensive division resulted. Many were dis­fellowshiped because they could not accept the multitudinous errors in Volume 7, and others were disfellowshiped because they wished to reject the true chronology as given by Brother Russell.  But it was only a few years until the Witnesses them­selves forsook the true chronology, and rejected their own Volume 7 – so much so with the latter that it is now ‘Index Expurgatorious’ to their own members. This poses a timely question: If Volume 7 is wrong now, was it not equally wrong in 1917 when the uproar occurred concerning it? And, if they have been the visible Kingdom of God on earth since 1914, what explanation do they now offer for such a colossal blunder on the part of the Lord? “God is not the author of confusion.” Furthermore, if the chronology was right fifty years ago, it should still be right. Mathematical calculations are the same – yesterday, today and forever!

SATAN CAST OUT OF HEAVEN

The article under discussion also proceeds to say that in 1914 Satan was cast out of Heaven, and “his angels were hurled down with him.” The account of the angels that sinned is discussed by the Apostle Peter, and we now quote it from Wilson’s Emphatic Diaglott translation (2 Pet. 2:4–6): “God did not spare the angels who sinned, but having confined them in Tartarus (translated ‘hell’ in the King James version – from the Greek Tartaroo, meaning the thick murky atmosphere about this earth) with chains of thick darkness, delivered them over into custody for judgment; and did not spare the Old World, but kept in safety Noah, the eighth, a Herald of righteousness, bringing a deluge on a world of impious men; and con­demned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, reducing them to ashes, making them an example for the impious hereafter.” It should be noted that all of this text is stated in the past tense – that it is a chronological narrative, giving the events in order of time.  Thus, the first one mentioned is “the angels who sinned”; the second, the “deluge on a world of impious men”; and third, and final, Sodom and Gomorrah. Surely, this is clear evidence that the “angels who sinned” had been cast down to Tartaroo (confined to the atmosphere of this earth) even before the flood destroyed the “world that was.”

Further corroboration of Scriptural fact against the Witnesses’ Fiction is to be found in the performance of Jesus and the Apostles on numerous occasion casting out demons – evil spirits – fallen angels –– Satan’s partners in the master crime of all Ages. Just a few such citations are: Matt. 4:24, 8:16; Mark 3:22; Luke 4:41, 10:17; Acts 5:16, 16:16–18, 19:12, etc. Also, the words of Jesus, Luke 10:17,18 (Dia.): “The seventy returned with joy, saying, Lord, even the demons are subject to us by thy name. And He said to them, I saw the Adversary falling from Heaven like lightening.” Certainly, this is a clear statement by the Lord Himself that Satan had been cast out of Heaven before this Gospel Age had even begun. Also, 1 Pet. 5:8 (Dia.): “Your opponent, the enemy (Satan), like a roar­ing lion, is walking about, seeking to devour.” Who are the “Your” in this text? We answer, they are the people to whom St. Peter addressed his letter – “To the sojourners of the dispersion, of Pontus, Galatia,” etc. It needs no argument that those Jewish “sojourners of the dispersion” were people here on earth, so it would be interesting to hear from the Witnesses how Satan walking about in Heaven could devour human beings here on earth. Or is this just some more of their fiction against fact?

But perhaps the most compelling of all argument against their fiction is our Lord’s prayer: “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven.” Would any of us be foolish enough to contend that God’s will was being done in Heaven if Satan and his horde of hoodlums had been there “as a roaring lion,” seek­ing to devour? Yet the Witnesses now make great claim that their proclamation of these errors – this fiction – is the expression of God’s Kingdom on earth since 1914! And in all this they have been casting aside one truth after another since 1914 – truths for which they stoutly contended at least through 1916. Not only so, but they have been changing their own teachings with great rapidity year after year in distressing confusion – although the Scripture is very emphatic that “God is not the author of confusion” – that when His Kingdom is actually established on earth “the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.” (Isa. 35:8) In spite of this clear promise, however, we believe it is a fair appraisal that the large majority of the Witnesses’ devoted, dedicated adherents do not now have a clear understanding even of what they themselves should believe, one strong reason for this being that, as one of their prominent officials, their vice–president, put it some years ago: “We don’t believe this year what we did last year, and we probably won’t be believing next year what we believe this year.” Can such bed­lam possibly be the “desire of all nations” which is promised to come when God’s Kingdom really begins to operate here on earth?

At this point it is in order also to call attention to another very radical change they have made in their teachings since they have been the “representatives of God’s Kingdom,” so we quote from Page 134 of The Finished Mystery:

“Instead of teaching that the saved of our race will all be saved to the same thing, the Scriptures show two degrees of kinds of Heavenly salva­tion (which is correct, and is exactly as Pastor Russell taught it—JJH).... the Little Flock, who are to sit down with Christ in His Throne; the Great Company who are to stand before the Throne, having the palms of martyrdom but without the crowns of glory.”

At present the Witnesses have made their “Great Company” of Rev. 7:9 a “large multitude” of human beings – their present dedicated devotees, who are to live right on through Armageddon and continue to live forever right here on earth – a complete reversal of what they received from Brother Russell, and which they enthusiastically taught some fifty years ago – after 1914; so our readers may determine for themselves which is fact and which is fiction in this extreme change they have made.

COMFORT FOR THE JEWS

Another complete reversal is their present teaching on the re–gathered Jews in Palestine to what it was forty years ago. In 1925 their then President J. F. Ruther­ford produced a new book – COMFORT FOR THE JEWS – and here is some of the comment to be found on the Frontispiece:

“JUDGE RUTHERFORD, known throughout the world as a friend of the Hebrew people, is vigorously supporting the claim of the Jews to the Holy Land... His lectures to large audiences, which have been broadcast throughout the world, on ‘JEWS RETURNING TO PALESTINE,’ have created an intense interest. This Volume is the first unbiased presentation of the subject from the Scriptural viewpoint published.”

Then on the next page is quoted Psa. 122:6: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: They shall prosper that love thee.” All of this is correctly based upon the clear Scrip­tural declaration (Isa. 2:3), “Out of Zion (the Glorified Messiah and His Elect Bride, who are the primary seed of Abraham, who are to bless all nations—Gal. 3:8) shall go forth the Law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem” – which city will contain the true earthly ‘princes’ (rulers – representatives) of the Kingdom. All of this is now categorically denied in the Watch Tower of October 15, 1966:

“The earthly Jerusalem has nothing to do with it,” they say; “Since Jesus was put to death on Calvary outside the walls of Jerusalem in the year 33 C.E. that city has no connection with God’s Messianic kingdom.”

After correctly discussing the dispersion and the terrible afflictions of the Jews all during this Gospel Age, the Judge then proceeds to say on p. 45 (also correctly): “But is Israel cast off forever? The answer is No indeed. Mark the statement made by the Lord to Ezekiel at the time of pronouncing the final decree against them. It is: ‘I will overturn, overturn, overturn it; and it shall be no more until He come whose right it is; and I will give it Him’—Eze. 21:27 (emphasis by the Judge).  The mere fact that the Lord said He would overturn it until a set tine, is conclusive proof that it is God’s purpose to restore Israel to His favor upon certain conditions. But when? The answer is, With the coming of Shiloh, the Messiah, to whom shall the gathering of the people be, as promised in Gen. 49:10. Then He of whom Moses was a type shall come into His own....That will mark the time when the favor of God may be expected to return to Israel.”

This clear and emphatic statement by the Judge is indeed the truth, and the Witnesses believed it to be the truth forty years ago; but THEY DON’T BELIEVE IT NOW – ­although they claimed to be witnessing to God’s Kingdom then, just as they claim to be doing so now. Thus, again the question: Were they teaching fiction then, or – are they teaching fiction now? To help our readers to arrive at the correct answer to this question, we now quote Zech. 14:1–3: “Behold, the day of the Lord cometh (the times of restitution spoken by the mouth of all the Holy Prophets—Acts 3:19–23), and thy spoil shall be divided in the midst of thee. For I will gather all nations (Gog and Magog, the hosts of merciless plunderers of re–gathered Israel) against Jerusalem to battle; and the city shall be taken, and the houses rifled, and the women ravished; and half of the city shall go into captivity, and the residue of the people shall not be cut off from the city. Then shall the Lord go forth, and fight against those nations, as when He fought in the day of battle” – as He did for Joshua against the Amelekite kings at Gibeon (Josh. 10:1–14) as he fought for David against the Philistines at Baal-Perazim (2 Sam. 5:17–21), and as He miraculously delivered Israel from the hosts of Midian by Gideon and his band of 300 men, the Midianites and the Amala­kites being “like grasshoppers for multitude; and their camels without number, as the sand by the seaside for multitude” (Judges 7:1–25). This miraculous help is to come to the Jews at Jerusalem in “the day of the Lord” (just before the real Mediatorial Kingdom is established at Jerusalem), clearly testifying that this delivery from their enemies is an event yet in the future.

A BRIEF RESUMÉ

In the foregoing pages we have detailed only a few of the major reversals of teaching by the Witnesses over the past forty years. If we attempted to analyze all of their variations, it would probably require a good–sized book. Clearly enough, a great part of their “witnessing” could be nothing less than fiction ­either then, or now – because they now teach just the reverse of what they did a few years back. For the benefit of our readers, we now offer some Scriptures which will help determine if their present–day witnessing is fact or fiction: “When thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness” (Isa. 26:9). Have the inhabitants of the earth really been learn­ing righteousness by this somersaulting change in teachings with each succeeding year? “They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my Holy Mountain (Kingdom): for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea” (Isa. 11:9). Which shall we consider “the knowledge of the Lord” – what the Witnesses gave us forty years ago, or what they are giving us now? And have men ceased to “hurt or destroy” as a result of their “knowledge,” or do we not see more hurting and destroying than ever before in human history?

All of this performance by the Witnesses is an identical twin to the Papacy claims during their false “kingdom” from 799 to 1799, when they also went from one error into another, freely excommunicating the ‘heretics’ who did not agree with them – just as the Witnesses also now do.  And, as they now claim to be separat­ing the Sheep from the Goats, so Papacy also claimed to be separating the saved from the damned – then, the same as now, offering false promises to the ‘faithful,’ and decreeing false punishments to the ‘unfaithful.’ And, also like the Papacy, they have been guilty of drastic mistranslation of Scriptures to make them fit their present contentions.

Let us emphasize the very close similarity of the first counterfeit Kingdom of the Papacy in 799–1799 to the second counterfeit now being preached by the Wit­nesses. Said the Papacy, If you do not accept us, you are lost in eternal tor­ment. Say the Witnesses, If you do not accept us, you are lost in unending death. Said the Papacy, We are the Vicar of Christ on earth, the infallible repository of God’s Word – no salvation outside of our domain. Say the Witnesses, We are the visible representatives of God’s Kingdom on earth since 1914, no salvation outside of us and the teachings we offer. And in both counterfeit kingdoms the teachings were repeatedly changed – diametrically contradicting previously–held beliefs, yet loudly proclaiming themselves to be the Mouthpiece of God on earth, while shouting anathema at all dissidents, excommunications for so much as a question against what comes from the “Channel.”

As That Servant has so aptly said, “When the Truth comes into conflict with error, when the Sword of the Spirit, wielded by some of the Lord’s simple followers, proves mighty in the overthrow of error – when the light of Present Truth, and the clearness in which it is presented, and the beauty in which it can be seen and appreciated, is contrasted with the error, the result is either that the Truth is seen in its beauty, or the erring one opposing it becomes more densely blinded than before.”

And it is a very pleasant observation that the Truth always deals much more generously with the errorists than do the errorists with those who have the Truth. During Brother Russell’s ministry the preachers of error all over Christendom were consigning him to “the hottest corner in Hell” – all the while he himself was allow­ing for them the “Gospel (good news) of the Kingdom” under the benign mediatorial reign of the Christ. Likewise, the Scribes and the Pharisees were labeling Jesus as an emissary of “Beelzebub,” as He Himself was predicting for them that they would “see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God” (Luke 13:28). So also the Papacy – during their counterfeit kingdom – not only sentenced the “heretics” to eternal torment, but actually started the torment for many of them by splitting their noses, pouring molten lead into their ears, tearing them apart limb from limb on the rack, while the recipients of their heinous torture were praying peace and forgiveness for their tormentors. In similar manner, the Wit­nesses now consign to everlasting extinction those who reject their errors – although those of us who have the Truth allow for the deluded devotees of their “kingdom” a full opportunity to imbibe the “knowledge of the Lord” (the Truth) under benign real Kingdom conditions. Recently one of the Witnesses called at our residence, while we were absent, with intent to berate us. At the end of a courteous hear­ing, he said of us as he left the house, “He’s a dead man!” It is indeed a sad commentary that the tendency of errorists always seems to be to heap imprecations, excommunications (“make fire come down from Heaven in the sight of men”—Rev. 13:13) and revilings upon those who expose their errors – even while those with the Truth make generous allowance for those in error. All of the Heathen Gods are cruel Gods, as can be seen from their hideous portrayal on the totem poles and other idol constructions.

The Jehovah’s Witnesses claim Pastor Russell as their founder, but this is what he says about the true Kingdom in the very year of 1914 – a most forceful contradiction to their present claim that the appearance of their organization constitutes the visible Kingdom on earth:

“The Ancient Worthies (not their earthly organization!—JJH) will be the earthly representatives of the Messianic Kingdom (See the 11th chapter of Hebrews for a list of the names of some of these faithful Ancients—JJH). The Christ, however, will be the great Teacher in glory, from whom all instruction will come through these earthly representatives. As people begin to get the true, the real knowledge about the glorious character of God, they will begin to see how inferior they are. Then (when “Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and all the prophets, are in the Kingdom” – in Jerusalem – Luke 13:28—JJH) they will be in condition to receive instruction.” (Reprints 5583, Dec. 1, 1914) (The prophets were “holy men of God”—2 Pet. 1:21 –, so they will be “in the Kingdom.”—JJH)

CONCERNING ARMAGEDDON

The Witnesses’ promise to their dedicated “Large Multitude” of life eternal through Armageddon and on through the Ages to come is also some more of their fiction ­is also a complete reversal of their past teachings. We quote now from Page 3 of the Publisher’s Preface of The Finished Mystery:

“In the light of Divine Prophecy, now being daily fulfilled and made clear to ‘the watchers,’ the following from the pen of Pastor Russell is further proof that he was sent of God to this generation. Long years before the beginning of the trouble now upon the nations he wrote:

‘The four exhibitions of the Lord, given to Elijah, represent, we believe, four manifestations in which the Lord is about to reveal Himself to mankind, the first three of which will prepare men for the final one, in which will come the desired blessing to all the families of the earth. These are:

(1) The mighty winds rending the very rocks. Blowing winds seem to be used in Scripture for wars....

(2) An earthquake. Throughout the Scriptures an earthquake seems always to represent revolution.... conditions which would follow such a war would make revolution the next thing in order.

(3) The fire from Heaven – an epoch of Divine judgments and chastisements upon a maddened, but unconverted world, wild in anarchy, as other Scriptures show us. The results of their wars, revolutions and anarchy, in the failure of their schemes, will have a humbling effect, and will prepare mankind for God’s revela­tion of Himself in

(4) The still small voice. Yes, He who spoke to the winds and the waves of Galilee will, in due time, speak peace to the peoples.”

The foregoing is now also repudiated by the Witnesses in some of its major parts, because it makes a shambles of their present claims and fictional hopes presented to their dedicated devotees; but, as we said in our January paper, Time itself is making then appear very ridiculous. In the Witnesses’ present feverish endeavors to separate the Sheep from the Goats, there is one determining question which should prove beyond doubt to all unbiased minds if their present teaching is fact or fiction: IS SATAN NOW BOUND? It is clearly stated in Rev. 20:1–3 that “An angel laid hold on that old Serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years. And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more.” Would any one of sound mind – or even the Witnesses themselves – contend that Satan is now bound? And, if he is not bound, then he must still be deceiving the nations. And, if the nations are being deceived, how can they possibly be held accountable for their deception? It is exactly the same as a sleight–of–hand performer trick­ing his audience by his manual manipulations.

Be it noted that the Papacy made exactly the same mistake in their counterfeit kingdom from 799 to 1799, when they also were separating the Sheep from the Goats ­except that they now claim that Satan was indeed bound then – that he has been “loosed for a little season” since 1799. Thus, their counterfeit kingdom was an improvement – in theory, at least – upon the present kingdom of the Witnesses. The latter do not claim that Satan is bound – at least not yet have they made such claim. But perhaps we should give them time! But for now let us keep in mind the promise of Rev. 21:3–4: “Behold, the Tabernacle of God is with men.... and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain.” During the Papal counter­feit kingdom there was just the reverse of this great promise – violence, cruelty, oppression prevailed in all quarters. And during the Witnesses’ kingdom since 1914 it is also evident that violence – “nation against nation” – is the prevailing order of the day.  Judge Rutherford was wont to stress the “physical facts” in his lectures and writings forty years ago; therefore, we would now call upon the Witnesses to catalog the “physical facts” to prove that the benign Kingdom of God is now with us. However, we now place ourselves on record in predicting an even greater “Armageddon” delusion than was their “Millions Now Living Will Never Die” delusion before 1925. “He that hath an ear to hear, let him hear.”

Let us consider also the promise, “They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain (Kingdom): for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord” (Isa. 11:9). Today we find just the reverse of this in the earth – “men’s hearts failing them for fear” – the violence of the atomic bombs, etc., is multifold greater than was the violence that filled the earth in the world that was (Gen. 6:11).  Also, according to the Witnesses’ own contentions, the vast majority of religious teachers in the earth today are rank frauds – deceiving the people with error, instead of teaching them the “knowledge of the Lord.” But, when God’s true Kingdom is actually in operation in the earth, “they shall no more teach every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying Know the Lord: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them” (Jer. 31:34). It should need no argument that millions upon millions of human beings today have not the mental capacity to recognize the truth when it is presented to them; that is why it is so easy for “grievous wolves” to prosper greatly today. “Now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered (Mal. 3:15). This is just the reverse of what we may expect when the true Kingdom of God is here – when “the Tabernacle of God is with men.”

“Do you therefore, Beloved, being forewarned, be on your guard, lest being led away by the deceit of the lawless, you should fall from your own stability; but grow in favor and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” (2 Pet. 3:17–18, Dia.)

Sincerely your brother,

John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

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ANNOUNCEMENT OF GENERAL INTEREST

Our Memorial date for this year is March 23 – and we suggest for our Spring Special Effort Sunday, March 12 through Sunday April 5 for our volunteer and sharp­shooting in Antitypical Gideon’s Second Battle. The Battle is not over yet, and the Epiphany Messenger arranged for these Spring and Fall Special Efforts as an acceptable service unto the Lord. We believe that all our faithful Epiphany–enlightened brethren will desire to participate in this good work unto its com­pletion, as opportunity permits. Our tracts – Where are the Dead, What is the Soul, and The Resurrection of the Dead – are specially adaptable for this service. All literature will be sent free and postage paid.  Please order the pertinent literature early enough if you desire to participate with us in this “good fight.”

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LETTERS  OF  GENERAL  INTEREST

Dear Brother Hoefle:

May the God of all Grace give you the strength and courage and great Patience to fulfill His good pleasure in defense of the Parousia and Epiphany Truths amidst the ridicule of Satan’s dupes. You have challenged all of them by your presence and your writings – not ashamed to face the foe. May God’s Holy Spirit guide you in all you say and do, as to bring Honor and Praise to God and Christ.

May Love, Joy, and Peace be unto you and yours this season of the year and the incoming year 1967

By His Grace ------- (OHIO)

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Dear Brother Hoefle: Loving greetings through our dear Lord!

Received your letter and was pleased to hear from you, and also about the Chicago Convention...... Brother ------- comes down quite often, and we have good talks. He tells me Sister ------- enjoys your papers, and she thinks that you are doing very good with the Jehovah’s Witnesses.  She likes your papers..... May the rich blessings of the Lord be with you all and all with you is my prayer (1 Tim. 4:6—Dia.)

Your sister in the Faith ------- (PENNSYLVANIA)

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Epiphany Bible Students Ass’n

You may please send me one or two copies of each of the following: What is the Soul, The Resurrection of the Dead, The Three Babylons and Where are the Dead.

Thanks. ------- (FLORIDA)

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Dear Mr. Hoefle: I appreciate receiving the brochures which you sent me after my husband passed away. I am finding this very hard to take and the thoughtfulness of every one is so much appreciated.

Sincerely ------- (FLORIDA)

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Dear Sir: One of your pamphlets was left at my door one Sunday morning, which I enjoyed reading.  I, too, believe that we are in the state of death until resurrection.... I would like for you to send me a few – about 25 of them, Where are the Dead. I want to give one to my Bible teacher – also to my nieces and nephew and friends. Also would like to know the address here in Los Angeles where this group meets.

Yours truly In Christ ------- (CALIFORNIA)

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Dear Brother Hoefle and All: This is to wish you all a very Happy season. I have received your December paper and am looking forward to enjoying its contents. Sister ------- and I went to a meeting of Bible Students in ––––– ­and heard a young man speak on “The Urgency of our Day...... We both had a talk with his wife and found that he had been a Roman Catholic, then joined the JW’s..... So we hope they will be helped and guided In the Truth.. Christian love to you all.

Hymn 23 From your sister ------- (ENGLAND)