NO. 357: TAKE, MY BRETHREN, THE PROPHETS - PART NINE

No. 357

HAGGAI – The name means “festal”; and it could mean that the prophet was born on one of the Jewish religious holidays. Reliable authorities report that his book was written in 520 B. C.; and one of them reports that Haggai probably saw the glorious Temple of Solomon, because he contrasts that beauty with the shoddy structure that the Jews were then attempting to erect. However, 520 B. C. was 86 years after Solomon’s Temple had been destroyed by the Babylonian army when the Tribes of Judah and Benjamin – the last of the twelve tribes to leave Palestine – were carried away captive into Babylon. If this one commentator is correct, then Haggai would have been well over one hundred years old, so the observation is probably not correct. Some of his older ancestors may have given him a very good description of Solomon’s fine Temple.

Haggai was contemporary with Zechariah, the latter being the much younger of the two. It was a critical period of history ‑ both of the Jewish nation and the world at large. By the taking of Babylon by Cyrus the Great, with the consequent development of the second universal empire (the arms and chest of silver of Daniel’s metal man – Dan. 2:32), a new era in the secular history of the world was inaugurated. When Alexander the Great eventually conquered the Medo‑Persian empire, he found they had developed the hanging gardens – one of the seven great wonders of the ancient world. When Cyrus permitted the Jews to return to Palestine, from that time we have reasonable reliable history of events – 606 BC.

As one commentator has put it: “We then passed from the shadowy region of primeval history to the middle period of authentic classical history, which intervenes between those earliest times and the ‘modern history’ of the world. And with the taking of Babylon by Cyrus Jewish history also entered upon a new epoch. The overthrow of Jerusalem by Nebuchnezzar, with which the previous, and as it might well have seemed, the final stage of that history had closed, proceeded only by a few years the capture of Babylon. The Jewish exiles were still in Babylon (as the Prophet Jeremiah has instructed them to do – JJH) when Cyrus entered it. It was his conquest of the city that was the immediate cause of their return to their own country and of the rebuilding of their city and their temple.

“These last events were fraught with far weightier consequences to the world at large, than the taking of Babylon, or that any transaction or advance, however great, in its merely secular history could produce. They led the way to the fulfillment of the promise in which the hope of the human race was bound up. They were a necessary step to the coming of Christ and to the introduction of Christianity, with the inestimable benefits which it has conferred upon mankind. If Jerusalem had not been rebuilt and the apparently defunct national countenance of its people revived, as by a resurrection from the dead, then, humanly speaking, Christ could not have been born and died. The history of the world, the rise and fall of vast empires and mighty dynasties, waits upon and subserves the history of the sons of Abraham, because in the purpose of God, in the seed of Abraham all the families of the earth are to be blessed.

“To this critical and important period the two prophets undoubtedly belong. The Book of Ezra, which contains the history of the return from Babylon, and of the events which followed immediately upon it, mentions both of them by name, and describes the effect upon the people of their prophecies, of which the written records are preserved to us in these books.

“Scarcely had Cyrus added the Babylonian Empire to his dominions, and so gained for himself authority alike over the Jewish exiles in Babylon and over Palestine their country, when he issued an edict for their return. This to the Jews was no unexpected event. Not only had their captivity and the length of its duration been foretold by the voice of prophecy (2 Chron. 36:21), but Cyrus had been spoken of by name as their deliverer. (Isa. 44:28) The remarkable circumstances which have been commonly supposed to have attended his capture of Babylon – the stratagems by which the water was diverted, first in the Gyndes, and then in the Euphrates, the hundred gates all of bronze along the vast circuit of the walls, the folding doors, the two‑leaved gates, which so carefully guarded the approaches of the Euphrates, opened as by magic for the conquerors; must, it would seem, have belonged, not to the reign of Cyrus, but to that of Darius Hystaspes. We have the express testimony of Cyrus himself that the city opened its gates to his general without fighting or battle. But the capture itself and the safe conduct of the returning exiles through the vast desert that lay between Chaldea and Palestine, as by a causeway thrown up for a royal progress or the advance of a victorious army, had been announced beforehand. And now the event itself was to fulfill these prophecies and satisfy the expectations based upon them. The time to favor Zion was come, and He in whose hand is the king’s heart to turn it whithereoever He will, as the streams of water are guided by the cultivator into the channels which he has prepared for the irrigation of his land, stirred up the spirit of Cyrus to perform His will.

“The edict by which Cyrus invited the captives to return, and which he both proclaimed by heralds throughout all his kingdom and published as a written document, is preserved at the close of the second book of Chronicles and repeated in a fuller form in the opening verses of the Book of Ezra.

“Jehovah the God of heaven,’ so it ran, ‘hast given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and He hath charged me to build Him an house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whosoever there is among you of all His people, his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of Jehovah the God of Israel (He is the God), which is in Jerusalem. And whosoever remaineth, in any place where he sojourneth, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with goods, and with beasts, beside the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.’

“By what channel this ‘charge’ reached Cyrus we are not now concerned to inquire. It may have been, that his attention had been directed by Daniel to the prophecy of Isaiah (about two hundred years before Cyrus became king), which pointed him out by name as the restorer of Israel. It has been thought that the monotheism of his own Persian religion would dispose him to regard with favor and sympathy a people, whose pure monotheistic creed was in this respect so nearly akin to his own. But our present knowledge derived from the recently discovered tablet and cylinder inscription, renders this view no longer tenable. It appears now to be certain that Cyrus was on his own testimony, an Elamite, rather than a Persian, and, as we should therefore expect, a polytheist.

“His conduct towards the Jews was in accordance with the general policy, the reverse of that of his Babylonian and Assyrian predecessors, which he appears to have adopted toward conquered nations. Instead of removing them from their own lands, and supplying their places by alien peoples (as had been done in the case of the ten tribes by the kings of Assyria), and thus creating centers of sedition and dissatisfaction throughout his dominions, he sought to secure their good will and allegiance, by restoring them to their respective countries and to the free practice of their several religions. With heathen nations he sent back the images of their gods. To the Jews, who had learned by severe discipline of their captivity to abhor idols, he restored their sacred vessels, which Nebuchadnezzar had carried away from Jerusalem and placed in the house of Merodach his god, and contributed to the rebuilding of their temple and the worship of Jehovah, the God of heaven.

“The response on the part of the Jews in Babylon to the invitation thus addressed to them, was far less general than as has sometimes been supposed. The earnest supplication of Daniel for the holy mountain of his God, the mournful plaint of the Psalmist, as he sat down by the waters of Babylon and wept when he remembered Zion, have not unnaturally perhaps been taken to represent the spirit and feeling of the people at large, during the seventy years captivity. Yet the facts of the return clearly show, that it was only in ‘the remnant’ that the pure spirit of religion and patriotism was in reality maintained. The most part appear, as now, to have been taken up with their material prosperity, and at best, to have become inured to the cessation of their symbolical worship, connected as it was with the declaration of the forgiveness of their sins. Those who thought more of temporal prosperity than of their high spiritual nobility and destination, had flourished doubtless in that exile an they have in their present (written before World War One – JJH) homelessness, as wanderers among the nations. Haman calculated apparently on being able to pay out of their spoils ten thousand talents of silver – some three hundred million pounds of the annual revenue of the Persian Empire, into the king’s treasuries.

“Those who returned are described as ‘the chief” of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and the Levites, with all whose spirit God raised (or stirred up). But the expression, the priests and the Levites, is evidently used quite generally, and must not be understood to imply that the whole, or even the greater part of those ecclesiastical orders went back. Though the proportion of priests in the caravan was large, yet of the twenty‑four sacerdotal courses only four were stated to have returned. Of the Levites there were only seventy‑four individuals together with 128 singers of the family of Asaph and 139 gate‑keepers. Their helpers, given to them for the menial work of the Sanctuary, the Nethinim and the children of Solomon’s servants numbered 392. The whole company that returned with Zerubbabel consisted of 42,360 free men, or some 200,000 free persons (men, women and children), together with 7,337 male and female slaves, of whom 200 were ‘singing men and women.’

“But small as was the returning band compared with the whole number of captives, a mere ‘remnant,’ as their prophets had foretold, in comparison of the nation in its palmy days, when Israel and Judah were as the sand upon the seashore for multitude, the spirit by which they were animated appears to have been that of high devotion to their country, their religion and their God. The Joyousness of their return has thus been strikingly depicted.

“‘And when the day at last arrived which was to see their expectations fulfilled, the burst of Joy was such as has no parallel in the sacred volume: it is indeed the revival, the Second Birth, the second Exodus of the nation.’ There was now ‘a new song,’ of which the burden was that the Eternal reigned again over the earth, and that the gigantic idolatries which surrounded them had received a deadly shock: that the waters of oppression had rolled back, in which they had been struggling like drowning men; that the snare was broken, in which they had been entangled like a caged bird. It was like a dream, too good to be true. The gaiety, the laughter of their poetry, resounded far and wide. The surrounding nations could not but confess what great things had been done for them. It was like the sudden rush of the waters into the dry torrent beds of the south of Palestine, or of the yet extreme south, of which they may have heard, in far Ethiopia. It was like the reaper bearing on his shoulder the golden sheaves in summer which he had sown amongst the tears of winter.

“So full were their hearts, that all nature was called to Join in their thankfulness. The vast rivers of their new Mesopotamian home, and the waves of the Indian Ocean, are to take part in the chorus, and clap their foaming crests like living hands. The mountains of their own native land are invited to express their Joy: each tree in the forests that clothed the hills, or that cast their shade over the field, is to have a tongue for the occasion.

“That this high ideal was realized by the whole returning company we need not suppose. That tears of penitence and words of prayer mingled with their strains of Joy we must not forget. ‘They shall come with weeping,’ with tears of chastened grateful joy, ‘and with supplications will I lead them’ God had said by the prophet Jeremiah. (Jer. 31:9) So again the same prophet pictures their return: ‘In those days and at that time, saith the Lord, the Children of Israel shall come, they and the children of Judah together, going and weeping: They shall go and seek the Lord their God. They shall ask the way to Zion with their faces thitherward.’ (Jer. 50:4, 5) But the jubilant return was still the ideal with which the Spirit of God in Prophet and in Psalmist had furnished them; and, if it awaited its full realization in a yet brighter and more distant future, it was the ideal to which some, we may well believe, of those ‘whose spirit God had raised,’ even then in measure attained, and to which as a body they aspired. The joy of the Lord was their strength. In that strength they faced and overcame the difficulties and dangers of the intervening desert, ‘a hard gravel plain, from the moment they left the banks of the Euphrates till they reached the northern extremity of Syria; with no solace except the occasional wells and walled stations; or, if their passage was in the spring, the natural herbage and flowers which clothed the arid soil. Ferocious hordes of Bedouin robbers then, as now, swept the whole land.’ A journey of nearly four months, though now it is usually accomplished in about two, would bring them to their destination, ‘their small central strip of the country round Jerusalem, occupied by the tribes of Judah and Benjamin,’ to which the larger part of the exiled belonged.

“True to the object to which they had been invited to return, the restored exiles set themselves at once to rebuild the temple and establish the worship of Jehovah. For this Cyrus supplied the means and furnished ample directions. For this some of the chief of the Fathers on their arrival at Jerusalem offered freely. Their first step was to reconstruct the altar on its ancient foundation, the sacrifice, the great central rite of their religion, the necessary condition of access to the Holy One, might immediately be resumed. The altar was completed and dedicated, on the first day of the seventh month of the same year in which they left Babylon. On the fifteenth day of that month the feast of Tabernacles was duly kept, and the people, we read, gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem.

“Henceforward the daily sacrifice and the stated festivals according to the law of Moses were observed. Negotiations were entered into without delay with the Tyrians and Sidonians, for the supply of timber for building the Temple. The work actually commenced with great rejoicing, mingled however with the lamentations of those who had witnessed the greater glory of the former Temple, in the second month of the following year. Thus far all had progressed favorably. The spirit of the people rose superior to all obstacles and hindrances, and the great work which they had in view bid fair to arrive at a speedy and prosperous issue.

“But a serious check was now encountered, and a delay of some fifteen years consequently intervened. The Samaritans, their neighbors in Northern Palestine, had requested to be allowed to take part in the rebuilding of the Temple, on the plea, ‘we seek your God, as ye do.’ But the plea was ignored and the request peremptorily and indignantly refused. ‘Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God,’ was the uncompromising reply. Offended at the refusal the Samaritans made representations at the Persian court, with a view to stop the work in which they were counted unworthy to co‑operate. During the reigns of Cambyses (the Ahasuerus of the book of Ezra), who ascended the Persian throne on the death of Cyrus, and of the usurper Smerdis (the Artaxerxes of the same book), by whom he was succeeded, the representations of the enemies of the Jews prevailed, and the building of the Temple was absolutely prohibited. It was not till Darius, the son of Hystapes, on the overthrow of Smerdis, was placed upon the throne, that the policy of Cyrus was resumed, and favor was again extended to the community at Jerusalem.

“It is at this juncture that the prophets Haggai and Zechariah appear upon the scene. With them, as we learn from the book of Ezra, the resumption of the Temple works originated. The spirit of the people had been broken by obstacles which appeared insuperable. Their zeal for the House of the Lord had grown cold through the long delay. They had come to acquiesce in what they deemed inevitable. They looked on the unfinished work, on the bare foundations, and said, ‘the time is not come, the time that the Lord’s House should be built.’ They turned aside to selfish objects and secular pursuits. On their own houses they bestowed labor. Them they decorated with the wainscot of cedar which had once been deemed the peculiar ornament of the Sanctuary.

“To rouse them from this state of lethargy and to prepare them to rise to the new opportunity, which the changed policy of the Persian government was about to offer them, the prophetic call came in the name of the God of Israel which was upon them, it summoned them to arise and work. The first to respond to it were the rulers civil and ecclesiastical, Zerubbabel the Prince or Governor, and Joshua the High Priest. Whether they too had come to share in any measure the general apathy, or whether, unable any longer to communicate their own zeal to their countrymen, they had perforce been idle, we do not know. At any rate, they now placed themselves at the head of the movement to restore the work.

“A further hindrance was threatened by the interference of the Satrap of Syria and other Persian officials, to whose immediate authority the Jews were subject. But Darius, to whom the matter was referred, not only forbade any obstacle to be offered, but by a royal decree charged the revenues of the province with the cost of rebuilding the temple and providing sacrifices. Thus encouraged, the Jews set themselves heartily to the work, the prophets of God helping and inciting them still throughout. They builded and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the Prophet and of Zechariah the son of Iddo. In four years time, in the sixth year of Darius, the Temple was completed.”

CONCERNING HAGGAI

The lengthy foregoing detail has been given because it has a direct bearing on much of what the prophet wrote. He was the first of the three prophets, who belong to that final stage of Jewish history which began with the return from the captivity in Babylon. Two of those prophets – he and Zechariah – prophesied at its commencement. Malachi followed about a hundred years later. After that, the voice of prophecy was silent for four centuries – until the days of John the Baptist.

Of the personal history of Haggai scarcely anything is known. His parentage and tribe are not given. There is some supposition that he was among the captives that returned from Babylon, and tradition has it that he was born during the exile. There is a rumor that he was one of that small band of survivors who, having been originally carried away by Nebuchadnezzar, lived to revisit their native country. However, this idea is based upon his reference to the Temple ‘in her first glory’ (ch. 2:3), but this scanty reference does not give much weight to that conclusion. As we have stated previously, some of his older ancestors who had actually seen Solomon’s Temple had told him about it. There is also some opinion that he was with Daniel, when he saw his vision – “By the side of the great river which is Hiddekel” (Dan. 10:4), this being just another name for the river Tigris.

In addition to the prophecy which bears his name there is some comment by Ezra in the first chapters of his book. In Ezra 6:14 considerable detail is given along with the name of Artaxerxes, king of Persia; and that Haggai was the actor in some of that. In the Septuagint Psalms 145‑148 are headed “Alleluia – of Haggai, and of Zechariah.”

One ancient writer says that Haggai was the first to sing Hallelujah in the restored Temple, and he adds, “therefore we say, Alleluia which is the hymn of Haggai and Zechariah.” There are only two chapters to his book; and it seems abbreviated; but it is a good sample of Haggai’s style and inspiration. They are exactly to the point and the purpose for which they were written. All the real prophets of Israel were preachers of righteousness, but they also predicated future events – much of which they could not understand. This is especially true of ch. 2:7, which we shall discuss later. It is well to keep in mind that the promise of future blessing for the entire human race is embodied in the promise to Abraham, “In thee, and thy seed (the Jewish people), shall all families of the earth be blessed.” From time to time that “seed” has been reproved and severely chastened, the longest of which up to the time of Haggai had been the seventy years of affliction in Babylon – from the Fall of 607 BC to 536 BC. Of course, along with these chastenings the promise of future blessings was needed to prevent them from giving up in despair. This was particularly true of the seventy years in Babylon, where they were surrounded on all sides by heathen idolatry. And, when John the Baptist began to preach “the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” he received a ready ear from many of the people, although that waned when Jesus failed to restore that kingdom. Even John himself, when he was in prison, sent some of his followers to ask Jesus if He were really the Messiah, or should they look for another. Then, after His resurrection, about the first question Jesus’ own close followers asked Him, “Wilt thou at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6)

SHAKING ALL NATIONS

In Chapter 2:6‑9 “I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come.” It is our understanding that part of this prophecy is being fulfilled now. Everywhere we look the nations are being badly shaken; and most of the financial writers present a very gloomy view of present prospects. The nations are indeed being shaken in all quarters of the earth. “I will shake the heavens and the earth.” That this is highly figurative language is readily apparent, because no one believes that God is going to shake the place of His abode. The heavens in this text are the present religious systems, and the earth is the present social order. This shaking began in 1914, and has been increasing in violence ever since. As we have stated in previous papers, when the, Russian government was so badly shaken in 1917, the Greek Catholic Church – the State Church of that country – the czar and his family were destroyed. Up to that time the czar was the titular head of that church, so they now operate without any tangible head. Even worse has taken place in Cuba (the Roman Catholic Church); and that Church has received severe blows in Brazil, in the Philippines, Mexico, etc.

“The Desire Of All Nations” – Unquestionably, the desire of all nations is peace and safety. To have this in proper degree the people must also enjoy good health, which is certainly not true now, even with those who claim good health. Sickness and death are apparent on every hand. Yet the promise is there: “The inhabitant shall not say, I am sick.” (Isa. 33:24) Not only will they then have health, but they shall also be taught the Truth – especially so the truth on God’s word: “When the Lord’s judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.” (Isa” 26:9) And to emphasize this, the Apostle John gives us this added assurance: “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: for the former things are passed away.” (Rev. 21:4)

Haggai himself emphasizes this in 2:21, 22: “I will shake the heavens and the earth; and I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms, and I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the heathen; and I will overthrow the chariots; and those that ride in them... In that day, saith the Lord of hosts, will I take thee, O Zerubhabel, my servant,... and will make thee a signet (typical of Jesus and the Christ Company): for I have chosen thee.” Haggai is the tenth of the minor prophets. His four prophecies were delivered within the space of four months in the 26th year of Darius Hystaspis. His book consists of only 38 verses, but this short writing is very potent in it import. May our readers profit by its study!

“My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure:... yea I have spoken it? I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.” (Isa. 46:10,11)

Sincerely your brother, John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

(Written by Brother Hoefle March 30, 31, April 1, 2 and 4th 1983)

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QUESTION: – The Epiphany Messenger taught that the ‘sons’ of Joel 2:28 include both converted fleshly Israel and the persevering, but unconsecrated believers of the Gospel Age. So why do you make such an issue over some part of the quasi elect Gentiles being first and chief in the Kingdom, as Brother Jolly teaches?

ANSWER: – We make an issue of it because the Scriptures make an issue of it. Joel 2:28 is a Kingdom picture. The unconsecrated Gentile believers are the “repentant and believing,” and none of them can consecrate to God in the Epiphany Camp and that consecration be accepted. God toes not accept consecrations of Restitutionists in the Epiphany Camp, nor will He accept consecrations in the Mediatorial Camp. Jesus has full control of the Restitutionists, and God will not accept them until Jesus has perfected the willing and obedient. (1 Cor. 15:24) That is no reason why they will not be highly favored at the incept of the Kingdom, as the quasi‑elect Gentiles will then become Jews and will join the natural Jews in zealous missionary activity. But none of the quasi‑elect Gentiles will supersede the Jews – arrogate the promise made to the natural Jews – “To the Jew first.” All Restitutionists will have to become Jews if they receive the blessings of the New covenant. The New Covenant will be made with the natural Jews: “You only have I known of all the families of the earth.” (Amos 3:2) “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and the house of Judah.” (Jer. 31:31)

And we make an issue about this also because it sets aside the “faith once delivered unto the saints” and replaces it with subversive doctrines and practices. We only need to read any parts of the Six Volumes of the Studies in the Scriptures regarding the Jewish Hopes and Prospects to find that our contentions are for the Truth given to us by That Servant. We now quote excerpts from Volume One, The Divine Plan of the Ages:

“When considering the many precious promises of future blessing made to Israel, and expecting an accurate fulfillment of them to that people; it is proper that we should remember that as a people they are typical, as well as actual. In one aspect they are typical of the whole world of mankind; and their Law Covenant of obedience and life, was typical of the New Covenant to be established with the world during the Millennial and future Ages.

“The blood of atonement under their typical Covenant, and the Priesthood which applied it to that nation, typified the blood of the New Covenant and the Royal Priesthood which will, during the Millennium, apply its cleansings and blessings to the whole world. Thus their priesthood typified the Christ, and that nation typified all for whom the real sacrifice was made and to whom the real blessings will come – ‘every man,’ – ‘the whole world.’

“Then let us remember that though the future blessings, like the past, will be to the Jew first and also to the Gentile, it will be in the matter of time only that the Jews will have the precedence to Divine favor; and this we have shown would be a natural consequence of their training under the Law, which in due time will serve its purpose to bring them to Christ. Though it brought only a remnant of them at the First Advent, it will bring them as a people at the Second Advent, and as a people they will be a first‑fruit among the nations.” (Parousia Volume One, pp. 297,298)

We have never done any more than quote from the Messengers’ teaching and from the Scriptures in our refutation of the “strange fire” being taught of a non‑existent class of quasi‑elect consecrated superseding the Jews in the Mediatorial Kingdom. However, we are not surprised at the “new light” that comes from crown‑lost leaders, because so long as they remain uncleansed they are unable even to retain many of the Truths they once received.

The Apostle Paul calls our attention specially to the sureness of God’s promises to Israel in the future, and shows what favors they lost by unbelief and what favors are still sure. He says that it was because of pride, hardness of heart and unbelief that Israel as a people had not obtained that for which they sought. But we must remember that the Jews were first to receive the blessings of the High Calling, and they will be the first to receive the blessings of the New Covenant in the Kingdom.

Written by Brother Hoefle September 30, 1972

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Sister Hoefle: Grace and peace!

I was very glad to get your welcome letter, and to receive your encouragement. We sure look at things very much alike. I suppose it is because we have kept the faith. I am gradually getting adjusted to Sister’s death and realize that according to the circumstances it is all for the best. ............

I surely hope that you won’t overdo it and will try to take it as easy as you can. I finally received the Jan.‑Feb. PT. I see Brother G tried to ridicule the 1984 date, but I disagree with him, as I believe it surely is a turning point, as things have surely turned for the worse in Middle East, Politics and financial conditions, as well as Religion, etc. Any one can see that! So that didn’t go down with me. He sure had a long report all right, more so than usual. But there was hardly a new fact in it that I didn’t already know.

The LHMM is rapidly becoming a carbon copy of the JW’s. There is no doubt that the LHMM’s converts are really worldings – Restitutionists for sure. They sure did make a bad mistake when they gave up Youthful Worthy hope – “until Restitution begins,” which I still believe as Brother Johnson taught it.

Well, I must close for now. I am glad you still have regular meetings.

With Christian love, Bro. ------- (MICHIGAN)

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Dear Sister Emily: Loving greetings in His Name!

I don’t expect you to answer this letter... I only want you to know how much I appreciate your gift. My little hut needs some repairs, and I am going to put the work in hand right away. Thank you! and thank you very much!

How good it was of you to send me a copy of the United Israel Bulletin! I am mad about Jewish affairs. How true it is! The Jews are God’s barometer. It was wonderful also to see how well you and the brethren have circulated Brother Hoefle’s work. Brother Hoefle had absorbed the perfume of Jesus in so great measure that the scent will always linger behind. What always struck me most forcefully about Brother Hoefle, was his deep spirituality. Of course, I don’t for one moment forget the hard work and self‑sacrificing devotion that you contributed in his support. God grant you courage and grace to follow in his footsteps as he followed in Christ‘s.

I see where your nephew is very ill. Dear Sister, how do you bear it? God must specially love you, for whatever son He loveth He chasteneth. Trouble really draws us closer to Him. ‘Are ye able to drink of my cup?’ I think you have a great big cup. May God sustain you and comfort you with His loving arms.

Sincerely, ------- (JAMAICA)

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Dear Sister Hoefle: Grace and peace be multiplied!

Thank you for your thoughtful letter. The Truman article was enjoyed, and it makes us wonder how many rulers of this day have unknowingly been influenced to carry out God’s plan.

It was with great pleasure that I received the January paper – Retrospect and Prospect. I have read it over many times. Yes, the world is indeed in a sad state of affairs, but what a blessing it is to read about prophecy that is being fulfilled – and the remainder of our hope promised in Scripture, and ultimately the hope of the whole world.

I can only join the many that have praised you and the Bible House brethren for so aptly continuing dear Brother Hoefle’s work. What a joy it was to read in the United Israel Bulletin the articles by Brother Russell and Brother Hoefle, along with the acknowledgement of your continuing work within the Epiphany Bible Students Ass’n. I was appreciative of the poem by Delta Clinard in memory of Brother Hoefle.

Thank you again for your thoughtful letter. The Lord bless, strengthen and guide all the Bible House brethren in their work.

With warm Christian love and the assurance of our prayers.

Faithfully yours, ------- (CALIFORNIA)

NO. 356: MORE ON THE JEWS FROM THAT SERVANT - PART TWO

No. 356

“Visits The Holy Land – The unfulfilled promises to the Jews, spoken of hundreds of times by the prophets of old, and reaffirmed in the writings of the New Testament, attracted Pastor Russell’s early attention, and consequently the time of the restoration of the Jews in Palestine, as a Nation, became a question of almost paramount importance to his mind. In order to verify or disprove certain claims or supposed facts, Pastor Russell visited the Holy Land in 1892, verifying much valuable information contained in his third volume of ‘Scripture Studies’ (written in 1890). wherein he interestingly treats the complex Jewish racial problem, past, present and future. This trip was the real beginning of a campaign to attract the attention of the world to the future inheritance of the natural ‘seed of Abraham.’ During the past twenty years, Pastor Russell has written much on Jewish topics and has addressed many Jewish audiences on Biblical Zionism, pointing out the significance of the many unfulfilled promises to them by Jehovah.” (Reprint 4953 ‑ 1912)

Pastor Russell made several more trips to the Holy Land in the years after 1890. We now quote some more of his writings on the subject of the Jews from the aforementioned third volume: “‘In that day will 1 raise up the tabernacle of David that is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof; and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old. And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the Lord thy God.’ (Amos 9:11, 14, 15)

“Among the relics of antiquity that have come down to our day, there is no other object of so great interest as the Jewish people. The searchers after ancient lore have untiringly questioned every inanimate object that could give a mite of historic or scientific information. Monuments, altars, tombs, relics of public and private edifices, paintings, sculptures, hieroglyphics and dead languages have all been appealed to; and some have even tried patiently to discover the line of actual truth that probably inspired the many fanciful traditions, legends, songs, etc., that have come floating down the centuries, in order to learn all that it is possible to know of human origin, history and destiny. But a most interesting relic, and the one whose history can be most easily deciphered and understood. is the Jewish people. In them we have a monument of antiquity of inestimable value, upon which are recorded, in clearly legible characters, the origin, progress and final destiny of the whole human race – a living and intelligent witness of the gradual outworking of a wonderful purpose in human affairs, in exact conformity with the predictions of their Divinely inspired prophets and seers.

“As a people, they are marked as distinct and peculiar by every circumstance of their history and by their common religious faith, as well as by every element of their national character... As a people, they truly had much advantage every way, in having committed unto them the Oracles of God, developing among them poets, lawyers, statesmen and philosophers, and leading them up step by step from being slaves to be – as in the time of Solomon, the zenith of their glory – a people distinguished and hon­ored among the nations, attracting the wonder and admiration of the world.. (Rom. 3:1, 2; 1 Kings 4:30‑34; 10:1‑29)

“That the re‑establishment of Israel in the land of Palestine is one of the events to be expected in this Day of the Lord, we are fully assured by the above expression of the Prophet. Notice, particularly, that the prophecy cannot be interpreted in any symbolic sense. It is not a Canaan in heaven to which they are assigned, but a Canaan on earth. They are to be planted upon ‘their land,’ the land that God says He had given them, the land that He promised to Abraham, saying, ‘Lift up now shine eyes and look from the place where thou art, northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward: for all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed forever. And I will make thy seed as the dust of the earth, so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall thy seed also be numbered. (An intimation of a then far distant period, giving ample time for such a multiplication of his seed.) Arise, walk through the land, in the length of it, and in the breadth of it for I will give it unto thee. And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger – all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession.’ (Gen. 13:14‑17; 17:3)

“It is a land into which they were once favored to enter, and in which they dwelt for centuries. But during that time they were many times plucked up and carried into captivity in other lands, while strangers wasted their cities, drank the wine of their vineyards, and ate the fruit of their gardens. And finally they were completely rooted out, their cities laid waste and desolate, and they were driven as wanderers and exiles from country to country the world over. But when replanted in their land according to this promise, ‘they shall no more be pulled up out of their land,’ which God gave them; and ‘they shall build the waste cities (cities in which they had formerly lived), and inhabit them.’ A scattered, homeless, desolate and persecuted people, they are still a distinct and homogeneous people. United by the strong ties of blood relationship, by common hopes inspired by a common faith in God’s wonderful promises, though they have but dimly comprehended those promises, and still further bound together by the bond of sympathy growing out of their common sufferings and privations as exiles, they, to this day, long for the hope of Israel.” (Volume 3, pp. 243‑246, top – written in 1890’

“Pray For Messiah’s Kingdom: The hope of humanity is the Messianic kingdom described in this lesson. The ‘mountain of the Lord’s house’ signifies the kingdom of God’s house, His church. It will be established in the top of, or above the kingdoms of the world. It will be exalted amongst the nations and all peoples will flow to it. There will be an attraction in it for all peoples. It will lead them to climb upward. The attraction which will thus draw mankind will be the blessings of health and restitution, which the Kingdom will be prepared to grant to all peoples as they come into harmony with its requirements. (Acts 3:19‑23)

“The Kingdom will be closely identified with the Zionist movement and the Holy Land. The Kingdom itself will be spiritual, invisible to men, but its earthly agents will be visible and they will be Jewish – ‘Ye shall see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom,’ etc. (Matt. 8:11) The Jews already impulse toward the Land of Promise, will go thither in increasing numbers, and all of the faithful of them will go in sympathy and representatively, through financial assistance. The Israelitish hopes and promises will attract that number strongly first. And gradually all the nations, learning of the grace of God, and blessings of restitution to be bestowed, will say, ‘Come let us go up to the mountain of the Lord and the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us (as well as the Jews) of his ways and we will walk in his paths. For out of Zion shall go forth the Law and the Word of Jehovah from Jerusalem.” (Isa. 2:3; Mic. 4:2 – Reprint 4796, 1911)

“In this prophecy of Amos (7:10‑13) the Lord points out that the wrath He was about to permit to come upon Israel as chastisements, would, nevertheless, work out for them a blessing, and that in his due time He would bring them back again into harmony with Himself, and that under more favorable conditions than in the past. We are not only to believe the calamitous portion of this prophecy, which we already see has been executed upon Israel in fullest measure, but we are also to believe the features of it which are favorable to Israel – the future blessings. For instance, we see how literally has been fulfilled the prediction: ‘Behold the eyes of the Lord God are upon the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from off the face of the earth (as a nation, a kingdom); save that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob, saith the Lord (the people of the nation were to be preserved as a separate people from others); for lo, I will give the command, and I will shake about amongst all nations the house of Israel, as one shaketh things in a sieve, while not the least piece falleth down upon the earth.’(Amos 9:8, 9)

“The Lord thus shows His continued supervision of Israel, according to the covenant made with them. And how accurately this has been fulfilled; the Israelites as a people have been scattered throughout the whole earth, yet they have not lost their identity; as a nation they were utterly destroyed, yet unlike every other nation, they have preserved their national identity, and have not been mixed and blended with the world in general.

“And if this feature of the prophecy has been accurately fulfilled today before our eyes, we certainly have every reason to believe that the remainder of the prophecy will be just as accurately fulfilled – that portion which applies to the restitution times, after the true spiritual Israel has been selected, when natural Israel shall be brought back into covenant relationship with God, and become the earthly agent of the spiritual kingdom for blessing, instructing and restoring the families of the earth, under the terms of the New Covenant. This is clearly set forth in the closing words of the prophecy: ‘In that day will I raise up the standard of David which is fallen, and close up the breaches thereof, and I will raise up his ruins, and I will build it as in the days of old, that they may possess the remnant of Edom and of all the heathen which are called by my name, saith the Lord that doeth this... And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit them, and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them, and I will plant them in their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land, which I have given them, saith the Lord God.” (Reprints 2357 – 1898)

“The Fig Tree Is Withered Away: ‘And Peter, calling to remembrance, saith unto him, Master, behold the fig tree which thou cursedst is withered away.’ (Mark 11:21)

“Now in the instance under consideration, we read that Jesus came unto a certain place and there was a fig tree and he declared something about gathering of figs: ‘for the time of figs was not yet,’ our common version reads; more properly it would read, ‘for the time of figs was not over,’ was not past. It would be strange for Jesus to come before the proper time to look for figs.

“And He cursed the fig tree and said, ‘Let no more figs grow on thee to the age.’ Then later St. Peter called attention to the fact that the fig tree was beginning to wither, and Jesus said, ‘Have faith in God.’ What is the reason?

“When Ye See The Fig Tree Putteth Forth Leaves Ye Know That Summer Is Nigh: It is our understanding that the fig tree was a type or picture of the Jewish nation, to whom Jesus came when it was proper to expect fruitage. But coming to the Jews, He did not find the nation bearing fruit. The great ones of the nation were cast off; and only the publicans and sinners were ready to accept His message.

“It is remembered that the nation had a blight upon it. At the end of His ministry, Jesus, riding to the brow of the hill overlooking Jerusalem, said, ‘O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your house is left unto you desolate.’ (Luke 13:34, 35) A very short time afterwards it began to lose its power; and the Jewish nation lost its identity completely as a nation in the year 70 – 37 years after.

“While the Jewish nation has thus been in hades, in the tomb, so to speak, it is as a nation that they are referred to thus. Of course, they go into the tomb as individuals, as every one else; but as a nation also they have gone into the tomb. But according to the Scriptures there will be a resurrection of the Jewish nation, and a picture of that raising up is given where it says, ’the bones came together, bone to his bone,’ etc. (Ezek. 37:7) Those bones represent the whole house of Israel, which is referred to as saying, ‘Our hope is dead’ (v. 11); our ambitions are all gone or are asleep!

“So God is telling them that all the kingdom hopes of that nation are to be revived. As Jesus said to his disciples in one of His discourses – ‘When ye see the fig tree beginning to put forth its tender leaves, we know that summer is nigh.’ We see the fig tree putting forth its leaves today (see Matt. 24:32; Mark 13:28); we see the Jews looking back to Jerusalem, and we thus see the fig tree putting forth its leaves, or giving signs of life, looking forward to the re‑establishment of the Jewish nation. God says there will be such a Jewish nation again!” (Reprint 4788 ‑ 1911)

“Israel An Illustration: Apparently the world will be given time to see in Israel the operation of Divine government, and its practical benefits, in contrast with the then prevalent anarchy, so that the majority of all nations will desire the Kingdom rule. This is forcefully pictured in the prophetic words, addressed to Israel at that time: ‘Arise, shine, for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall come to thy light, and kings (earth’s principal ones) to the brightness of thy rising.’ (This will apply to the Spiritual Israel, the Sun of Righteousness, but also to its earthly representatives – fleshly Israel restored to favor.)

“‘Lift up thine eyes round about, and see: all they gather themselves together, they come to thee: thy sons shall come from afar, and thy daughters to be nursed at thy side. (Compare Ezek. 16:61) Then shalt thou see and be filled with light, and thy heart will be awed and enlarged; because the abundance of the sea (anarchistic masses – see Rev. 21:1) shall be converted unto thee, as well as the best of the Gentiles shall come unto thee... And they shall show forth the praises of the Lord.’ (Isa. 60:1‑6,11‑20)

“Truly, that will be a glorious day of opening blinded eyes and turning many to righteousness! It will be a day of conversions and revivals along the lines of the Truth and not along lines of fear and misrepresentation. It will be the time mentioned by the Prophet when ‘a nation shall be born in a day.’ (Isa. 66:8) Israel will be that nation: (1) Spiritual Israel, the ‘holy nation; (2) Fleshly Israel its earthly representative. From Israel the light shall shine out which will bring the chastened world to its knees, and usher in the promised pouring out of the Lord’s spirit of holiness, ‘upon all flesh after those days,’ as it has been poured out upon His true servants and handmaids during these days.”(Joel 2:28 – Parousia Vol. 4, pp. 638, 639 ‑ 1897)

“Mediator Complete Will Inaugurate New Covenant: By that time, the great Mediator complete, our Lord and His members, will be ready to inaugurate the New Covenant which God has promised, through the prophet Jeremiah. (Jer. 31:31) This New Covenant is intended to bless all the families of the earth, as God said to Abraham. (Gen. 12:3) The promise is that this New Covenant will be made with Israel. In order to avail themselves of this Covenant, therefore, all other nations and peoples will be obliged to become a part of Israel. Thus eventually Abraham will become the father of many nations. All who will come into harmony with God will be the children of Abraham, in the sense that they will attain to that faith which Abraham had. Both the faith and the obedience will be necessary. As soon as the New Covenant shall have been sealed it will become operative. The Christ will then stand forth to be the Mediator of the New Covenant.

“This Covenant will be like unto the old Law Covenant; but it will be better, superior, the one of which the Law Covenant was a shadow. God will not then deal with Israel directly, but through the Mediator. Primarily, the Ancient Worthies will be fully received and will gladly accept the Mediator and all the terms and conditions of the New Covenant. Since they will be perfect they will be entirely able to comply with its conditions. They will have no weakness of the flesh, as they will be raised from the dead perfect human beings. (See Heb. 11: 40 – JJH) During the Mediatorial reign the Mediator will stand ready to help and assist all who will come back into harmony with God. None will be brought immediately into communication with God, however, but they will be dealt with through the Mediator until the close of the Millennium, when they will be turned over to the Father. During the Messianic Age all will be subject to the Mediator’s arrangements and the Father’s arrangements through Him. Gradually the effect will be to take away the stony heart out of all flesh and to restore all mankind to that which was lost – perfection, mental, moral and physical. Those who refuse to participate in this blessing, we are told, will be destroyed from amongst the people. (Acts 3:22,23) Those who continue to progress will reach the condition of perfection of heart, of mind and of body which God requires.” (Reprint 4902, 4903 –1911)

“The Lord Loved Thee: Love is the keynote of the Bible, notwithstanding the fact that it contains threatenings as well as promises, and declarations and manifestations of justice as well as of mercy. If God’s character were devoid of justice – if His love should override His justice – it would be a terrible calamity for all those dependent upon Him. It would testify weakness of character instead of strength. It is the fact that God’s Wisdom, Justice, Love and Power operate in full harmony – in coordination – that gives us admiration for Him, confidence in Him, love for Him; and all these appreciations are intensified as we realize His unchangeableness.

“From the beginning God foreknew His plan as we see it gradually ripening. He foreknew that man, allowed to take his course, would fall deeply into sin and be overwhelmed in its penalty, death. He foreknew His own purpose to provide in due time the Lamb of God as a ransom‑sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. He foreknew the ultimate blessing of all the families of the earth, purposing that the glorified Redeemer should be the deliverer of mankind. He foreknew and arranged a thousand years of restitution work, when under Messiah’s glorious Kingdom all mankind should be brought to a full knowledge of God and a full opportunity for returning to all that was lost in Eden, all that was redeemed at Calvary; and when the ultimately rebellious should be destroyed. He foresaw from the beginning the glorious result when every knee would be bowing and every tongue confessing the glorious work of Messiah’s Kingdom. This entire program was to be of the Father and through the Son. (1 Cor. 8:6)

“It was incidental to this great plan that God foresaw the wisdom of having a saintly company associated with Jesus in the great work of His Millennial Kingdom, which is to govern and bless thousands of millions. God determined to have two saintly companies. One class was to be of the earth, earthy, samples of what mankind might all eventually attain to through the assistance of the Kingdom. The other class of saints, still more highly exalted, were to be the bride of Messiah and His joint‑heir in the Kingdom on the spirit plane. God could have filled these honorable positions with angels, who would have been glad of the opportunity of thus serving. However, instead, He chose to gather these companies from amongst men – from amongst the sinners themselves.

“Calling Abraham’s Posterity: Many ways were open before the Lord for the gathering of the elect for the future service. The one which He chose and has been carrying out was undoubtedly the wisest, the best. First of all, God called Abraham – a sinner like others, but one whose heart was full of trust in God and who delighted in the right ways of the Lord to the extent of his ability. God’s promise to Abraham was that his seed should constitute the elect, and that through that seed all nations would receive a Divine blessing.

“The period of nearly four thousand years since God’s covenant with Abraham has been devoted to the development of Abraham’s seed – a natural seed and a spiritual seed. The two were mentioned to Abraham indirectly when the Lord said, ‘Thy seed shall be as the stars of the heaven and as the sand of the seashore.’ (Gen. 22:17) The stars of heaven thus are used to represent the spiritual seed of Abraham; the sand of the seashore, the natural seed.

“For more than eighteen centuries God dealt with the natural seed of Abraham. His promises to them and the Law Covenant made with them were great blessings, inspirations, assistances. For although the Israelites, like others, were unable to keep the Law Covenant, being imperfect, sinners, nevertheless the endeavor to obey was helpful. The various chastisements of Israel, including their Babylonian captivity, were lessons intended for their good, and eventually made that nation, at the time when Jesus came to be the Redeemer, the most holy people in all the world – the only people recognized of God.

“He Came Unto His Own: Nevertheless, much of the holiness of Israel in Jesus’ day was merely a form of godliness, which did not stand the test. Only Israelites indeed – pure in heart, in motive – were enabled to appreciate the Gift of God and to become Jesus’ disciples ­– probably 25,000 in all. Then the door of opportunity to become fellow‑heirs with the Jewish saints was thrown open to the Gentiles; and God’s Message was given them, inviting them also to joint‑heirship with Christ. The gathering of this class has proceeded for eighteen centuries, while the nation of Israel has been rejected from God’s favor. Now we are entering the great time of trouble which is to inaugurate Messiah’s Kingdom. During this trouble the Church is to be glorified in the First Resurrection. Then the thousand years of Messiah’s reign with the elect, spiritual bride, drawn from both Jews and Gentiles, will begin.

“Still God’s favor will pursue the natural seed of Abraham. Their lessons and chastisements will fit and prepare them more quickly than others of the world to receive the Messianic blessings. The earthly phase of Messiah’s Kingdom will be Israelitish, in that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets and saintly ones down to John the Baptist are to be made ‘princes in all the earth’ (Psa. 45:16) – the earthly representatives in human perfection of the spiritual Kingdom of Messiah.

“Naturally enough, Israel will then in a natural way come first into harmony with the Divine arrangement and be the first to get the blessing. However, during the thousand years of the Kingdom, as the Scriptures declare, all nations shall bless themselves in becoming Abraham’s seed – in coming into relationship with the Kingdom, which will have an Israelitish basis. (Jer. 4:2; Isa. 65:16; Gen. 12:3) Eventually, all will be destroyed who do not thus become true Israelites. Thus Abraham’s seed will eventually include all the families of the earth – all for whom God has provided life eternal. As for Gentiles – strangers from God – none will remain.” (Reprints 5809, 5810 ‑ 1915)

“Die Stimme To The Jews: God’s Message to the Jews is being heard the world around. Not only were several of our sermons to the Jews published to the extent of 107,600 copies in Jewish papers in the English language, but in 655,000 copies of the Yiddish papers besides 325,000 copies of ‘Die Stimme.” (The Voice) These have been republished, we learn, in Russia and elsewhere. True, there was some opposition, but this, we believe, led the Jews to take more careful notice of the message.

“It is not our expectation that the Jews will become Christians now. It will be after they shall have returned to Palestine and the spirit of prayer and supplication shall have been poured on them, that they will ‘look upon him whom they pierced.’ Our Message is to comfort them and to turn their eyes toward Palestine and to their glorious promises centering there.” (Reprint 4728 ‑ 1910)

“Jewish Hopes And Prospects: ..For those Jews who read Yiddish we have secured a large edition of the newspaper, Die Stimme, which contains Jerusalem news and reports of several of Brother Russell’s sermons to the Jews.

“This paper is very acceptable amongst the Jews. It does not point them to Jesus of Nazareth, but does point to the Messiah of Glory. It gives assurances that the time of the establishment of His Kingdom is near, and that then the Jews will be blessed. It points them to the land of Palestine as the place where the national blessings will begin. It does not say so, but all Watch Tower readers well know that according to prophecy it will be then and there that Israel’s blindness will be turned away and they will recognize Him whom they pierced.

“It is not our expectation that the Jews will be converted to Christianity. Theirs is the chief of earthly blessings. If some few of them have the ‘hearing ear’ for the spiritual message, they will hear it, but they will be the exceptional few.” (Reprint 4743 ‑ 1911)

“The earthly phase of the Kingdom is seen to be Israelitish; and around this fact cluster those many prophecies which relate to the prominence of that nation in God’s plan for the future blessing of the world, when their tabernacle, fallen in the dust, shall be restored, and Jerusalem shall be a praise in the whole earth. We find statements by both prophets and apostles which clearly indicate that in the times of restitution Israel as a nation will be the first among the nations to come into harmony with the new order of things; that the earthly Jerusalem will be rebuilt upon her old heaps; and that their polity will be restored as in the beginning under princes or judges. (Isa. 1:26; Psa. 45:16; Jer. 30:18) And what could be more reasonably expected than that Israel should first of all rejoice to recognize the prophets and patriarchs? and that their acquaintance with and long discipline under the law should have prepared them for tractability and obedience under the authority of the Kingdom? And while Israel will be the first of the nations to be recognized and blessed, it is written also of Israel that ‘The Lord shall save the tents of Judah first.” (Parousia Vol. 1, p. 294 ‑ 1886)

“The operations of the Kingdom, under the light of full knowledge and along the line of works, will, for various reasons, evidently appeal most strongly at first to Israel after the flesh, who, when their blindness shall be turned away, will become exceedingly zealous for the Lord’s Anointed, saying, as represented in the prophecy, ‘This is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us.’ (Isa. 25:9) But while Israel will naturally be the first to fall in line under the new order of things, the blessings and opportunities of the Kingdom shall, thank God! be rapidly extended throughout the world – to the intent that all nations may become children of Abraham in the sense that they will participate in the blessings promised to him, as it is written, ‘I have made thee a father of many nations; in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed.’” (Parousia Vol. 6, p. 119 – early in the 20th century)

“How true the statement that those who have cursed, or injured, Israel have brought injury upon themselves! As we scan the whole field of the world, we find that every nation which has dealt harshly with Israel has received severe chastisement or blight. On the contrary, Great Britain and the United States, nations which have blessed the Jews, have in turn received great blessings.

“The One who is to have the dominion of earth is of Jacob’s posterity, according to the flesh. As the bright and morning Star, He is leading on to a glorious sunrise the dawning of the Messianic day, which is to scatter earth’s night and bring blessings instead of the curse.” (Reprint 5323, col. 2, bottom – 1913)

Pastor Russell wrote copiously on the Jews and their promises when most Christian ministers were silent on the subject – at a time when the Jews were not so prominently mentioned as they are today. We trust that what we have written will revive interest in the Lord’s people, not only to “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem” but will also seek to bless, comfort and help them in their efforts to establish peace in Jerusalem. We know the Kingdom will be Israelitish. “For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” (Isa. 2:3)

“Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her; rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her; That ye may suck, and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations; that ye may milk out, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory. For thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be candled upon her knees.” (Isa. 66:10‑12)

“For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations “ (Psa 100 5)

Sincerely your brother, John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

(This article was written in the rough by Brother Hoefle shortly after writing “MORE ON THE JEWS BY THAT SERVANT” – published in No. 341, November 1983.)

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Mrs. Hoefle:

May the Lord comfort you among all the mourners for Zion and Jerusalem! This is the traditional Jewish condolence offered to all who have lost a loved one. I had hoped one day to meet your husband, but it seems that the “sweet chariot” has already come to “carry him home.”

The Jewish People and those who love them have lost a special friend with his passing. However, as Maimonides said in his Thirteen Principles, “I believe with a perfect faith that there will be a revival of the dead at a time which will please the Creator, blessed and exalted be His Name forever and ever!” I believe that the day will come when we will all meet. (The promise is sure: “There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.” (Acts 24:15)– EH)

Your support, financial and spiritual, has been a great assistance to me in my work. You have always helped me though we have never met, and though I have never formally requested any financial aid. Thus I am especially saddened never to have met a man who put so much trust in a person he did not even know. I can only say that I hope I will live up to that trust placed in me by your husband and yourself.

Enclosed are some of our Reports. I hope to publish the Report on a bi‑monthly basis and eventually on a monthly basis. At the moment we will publish it as funds and articles are available. I am sending the Report to Mr. Horowitz and thank you for telling him of our work. Dr. ------- would like to receive your articles. Send them to him again.

I look forward to the privilege of meeting you one day. Yours in Shalom, ------- (JERUSALEM

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Dear Sister Hoefle: Greetings in Jesus Name!

Jean tells me that you called and asked about me. We much appreciate your continuing care and concern. It is a comfort to have contact with the Lord’s people in these trying times. Our prayers are for you that the Lord will comfort you in Brother Hoefle’s absence with the hope and joy of your future reunion.

In my own case, my continued presence with my family is a matter of uncertainty, but I rest in the assurance that it is in the Lord’s hands. I am not suffering any great pain and have the best of care for which I am grateful to the Lord.

I have not yet found a publisher for my book, but have had some kind and encouraging remarks from editors. Have you had the opportunity to read the portions which I have sent to you? I do look forward to any comments you might care to make.

I also have several articles ready for submission to periodicals. If you have the time and would care to read them I would be happy to send them to you.

I am afraid that I will have to pay a custom publisher if my book is ever to be published. Religious books have a limited market, especially for unknown writers. One editor commented that my book was too esoteric for general publication, with too limited an audience. Another editor indicated that the publishers are all having difficulty financially today. But I have confidence that if my thoughts serve the Lord’s purpose, they will find hearing ears. Chas. T. Russell’s writings were published because the Lord gave him the means to do so.

With best wishes, ------- (WASHINGTON)

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Dear Brethren: Grace and peace,

Enclosed is my contribution for year 1985 to your magazine that I would like to continue to receive.

With best regards for a Happy New Year! Sincerely yours, ------- (NEW YORK)

NO. 355: SOME THOUGHTS FOR THE MEMORIAL

No. 355

Comes again the Memorial of our Lord's death, the correct time this year 1985 being after 6 p. m. April 2. The nearest new moon to the Vernal Equinox comes new at the 30th Meridian East (the Meridian nearest Jerusalem) at 1:59 p.m. March 21, thus establishing March 20,6 p.m., as Nisan 1. Adding 13 days to this, we come to April 2 as Nisan 14. We here at Mount Dora will observe the service at 7:30 p.m., and extend a cordial invitation to all of like mind who are in our vicinity to join with us as we “do this in remembrance.”

“GO TO HIM WITHOUT THE CAMP”

“And Moses proceeded to take a tent and pitch it by itself outside the camp afar off from the camp, and he called it the tent of meeting – and so it came to pass that whosoever was seeking Yahweh went out unto the tent of meeting, which was on the outside of the camp.” (Ex. 33:7, Rotherham) Moses in this instance types our Lord as He arranged to remove the Star Members and His fully faithful people from the midst of the measurably faithful and the tare class, beginning in the Pergamos epoch of the Gospel‑Age church in 313 AD, and continuing until 1799. The second period of the Church – the Smyrna period – followed the administration of the Apostles, and ended in 313 AD. Smyrna means “bitter”; and it terminated with ten years of the most vicious persecution by Diocletian, the last of the pagan Roman emperors to persecute the Christian church.

At the Council of Nice in 325 Emperor Constantine made determined effort to woo the growing Christian church, at which time also the Pergamos “principal man” Arius was banished from the Roman Empire. Thus, he went “outside the camp” of the nominal church, into measurable obscurity, as the nominal church prospered in numbers and in favor with the Roman State. Pergamos means “earthly elevation” – a name well adapted to the happenings of the time. Pertinent to this subject, we quote from E‑11:430:

“God had our Lord do another thing indicative of His displeasure with His nominal people, i.e., remove the faithful servants of the Truth and its spirit from places of prominence and influence in the nominal church – caused the symbolic woman, the Covenant promises and the servants who apply them to the brethren, to go into the wilderness condition (Rev. 12:6) ‑ to the Tent of Meeting, not the Tabernacle, but Moses' official residence – and that not but slightly away from the erroneous doctrines, practices, organization and disciplines of the nominal church, but very far from these (Arius was forced to go to Africa – JJH), and made the Truth and the servants who applied it to the brethren, as well as these last, the place where God resided, met with His people and blessed them. Henceforth every one who in heart's loyalty sought fellowship with the Lord in spirit, truth, righteousness and holiness went forth from the nominal church to such Truth, its applying servants and others of His real people apart from the nominal church (without the camp)... When our Lord busied Himself with Truth matters, its applying servants, etc., the Truth and its Spirit as due became manifest (the cloudy pillar descended), and remained at the entrance, consecration, where God revealed truths to Jesus in the star members.”

The foregoing is very well complemented by St. Paul's invitation in Heb. 13:13, Dia.: “Let us, then, now go forth to Him outside of the camp bearing reproach for Him” Thus is given the clear‑cut and definite procedure for all who elect to “follow in His steps. “ (1 Pet. 2:21) It was during the Pergamos period that the rebellious nominal people of God flourished, as those faithful ones went to Him without the camp in relative obscurity – typed by the camp of Israel, with Moses well outside the camp. At that time St. Paul wrote his epistle to the Hebrews the typical camp had long before ‑ceased to exist; but its prototype had developed as represented in the City of Jerusalem. When Jesus was crucified outside the gate of the city, He was in effect doing the same thing as going outside the camp. Jerusalem was eventually replaced by the nominal church; and this is clearly stated in the criticisms that St. John recorded about the Pergamos church: “Thou hast them there that hold the doctrine of Balaam (type of those who teach error for profit ‑ See Berean Comment) ... also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes (the lordship of the clergy), which thing I hate.” (Rev. 2:14,15)

CHANGING THE CALENDAR

When the Passover in Egypt was kept, the instructions were correct and very rigid, even as respects the time it should be kept. Up to that time the Jewish year began with the first day of the seventh month – Tishri; but the institution of the Passover changed that. The month Abib was then to become the first month. Since that time the Jews observed two years – the religious year beginning with Abib, or Nisan, and the business year beginning with Tishri. However, this is purely of their own making; nowhere does the Bible sanction such an arrangement. Any time recordings in the Bible after Passover are reckoned as from the month Abib, or Nisan.

This change was not without purpose. Prior to the Passover the Jews had no organized religious ritual. The religious order which they had when they entered Canaan some forty years later was the one arranged for them through Moses at Sinai in the wilderness, when the Aaronic priesthood and the Tabernacle ceremonies were first instituted. This would seem to suggest to us that the secular year revealed the character of the dispensation previous to the present one – commonly known as the Jewish Age. It would be followed by the ecclesiastical year, and would suggest the spiritual character of the present dispensation. Here then is contrasted the dealings of God during the Jewish Age along the rigid lines of the Law to His Grace dealings during the present Age. Prior to the Gospel Age God's dealings with His covenant people were along the lines of earthly and secular lines; whereas, during this Gospel Age the dealings have been along ecclesia, church spiritual lines.

In that God made the change in the beginning of the year in connection with His institution of the Paschal Lamb, its feast and the entire Passover festival suggests that the change of the year is typical of the Lord's dispensational dealings changing at the beginning of the Gospel Age; for the change in the type was made because of the Passover Lamb, its feast and its following festival, which properly type Christ our Lamb (“Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us”), with the privileges and blessings of the Christian life that attach to it.

The change in the year's beginning would seem also to complement the change in the name of Jacob. “Thy name shall no more be called Jacob, but Israel (a prince of God, see marginal reading): for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men.” (Gen. 32:28) This would seem to represent the opportunity that came to the Jews at the beginning of the Christian era to elect a change of names – from Jews to Christians. And in this connection, from Genesis 32:28 throughout the Old Testament, the name Jacob used in the texts usually, but not always, refers to fleshly Israel; whereas, the name Israel usually, though not always, refers to spiritual Israel.

And concerning the date on which the Passover and its subsequent memorials were to be kept the instruction is very specific – it was to be on the 14th day of the first month. The date for Nisan 1 was determined by the condition of the moon – when it became new nearest the Vernal Equinox, provided the date for Nisan 14 would not occur before the Vernal Equinox. The Jewish religious festivals were tuned to the seasons. According to the Jewish Encyclopedia, the Passover was a Spring festival; therefore, it could not occur before Spring began. The same would be true of the Atonement Day service – it was for the 10th day of the seventh month (Tishri), and thus observed in the Fall. To this day the Jews attempt rigid adherence to the right date, although their failure to use the right calculation usually brings them a day or two or three off the right day. And the same may be said for the Christian world: they seldom have the right date for the Memorial of our Passover. It remained for the bright shining of the Harvest Truth to reveal the correct method of setting the date; but most Truth groups do not seem to understand it even yet. But on this point we see no occasion for much altercation. As Bible Students we should want to do everything exactly right, but human limitation often causes miscalculation. Very few people observed the right date for the Memorial during the Age; and even during the Harvest mistakes were often made. Thus, the spirit in which it is observed is vastly more important than the correct date, although it is much better to have the right spirit and the right date if that is possible.

In the Bible two names are given for the first month. The first of these is found in Ex. 13:4 – “This day came ye out in the month of Abib.” It means “sprout or ear” (of grain). The name Nisan first appears in Neh. 2:1 – after return from captivity in Babylon. It means “blossom” or 'blossoming time.” We are given no reason for this change. However, it is the name of the Babylonian god of Spring; and it may be that the Jews wished to placate the Babylonians in any way they could – not wishing to return to Babylon for more of their captive experiences. In any event, the meaning of either Abib or Nisan fits the occasion, because the blossoming time would well complement the time of the new life which Jesus received at His resurrection. “Now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.” (1 Cor. 15:20)

The foregoing had been counterfeited by Satan centuries before in the Babylonian religion. One of their gods was Tammuz. He was god of the pasture, the patron of flocks and their keepers; thus, was himself entitled shepherd. Every Spring he was supposed to die, but was brought back to life again by the weeping of the Babylonian women. This myth had become so prominent before the capture of Jerusalem that the Jewish women had also been captivated by it. “He brought me to the door of the gate of the Lord's house which was toward the north; and, behold, there sat women weeping for Tammuz.” (Ezek. 8:14) It is thus quite a coincidence that women were weeping for Jesus as He was being led to Calvary. “Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for Me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.” (Luke 23:28,Dia.) Such tales form the background for the popularity of colored eggs at Easter time. The egg though a dead object, may, by proper treatment, produce a life – all of which has a certain logic, Satanic though its origin be; a chicken hatched from an egg is a fitting illustration of the resurrection from the dead.

BORROWING FROM THE EGYPTIANS

In Ex. 3:22; 11:2, the Jews were told to borrow “jewels of silver, and jewels of gold” from their Egyptian neighbors just before they were to leave Egypt; and Ex. 12: 35,36 states that they “borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment.... And they spoiled the Egyptians.” On the face of it this action would seem a rather underhanded trick – borrowing without any intention of repaying. Bible critics have taken this episode as “proof” of the unreliability of Bible teaching; but their arguments all fall to the ground when the proper translation is taken. The word “borrowed” should be translated “asked.”

This is all clarified when we consider the pertinent oriental customs of that time. Then, when a servant left his master's employ, it was customary for him to ask whatever he desired as a parting boon. (2 Kgs. 2:9,10); and the prevailing custom bound the master to give whatever is asked, if that were possible. To refuse such a request was a legal offense and subject to suit for damages, which was always decided in favor of the servant, if he could prove that he had been reasonably faithful. Such refusal was considered as a discredit and defamation of the servant. Since Israel certainly deserved some compensation for their lengthy servitude in Egypt, God properly charged them to ask in accordance with the prevailing custom; and, in keeping with their inherent cupidity, they asked for plenty ‑ so much so, in fact, that they impoverished the Egyptians, and had more than enough silver and gold to construct the Tabernacle furniture when they reached Sinai.

Another item is worthy of note here: Dr. Young's translation says, “They (the Egyptians) caused (;the Israelites) to ask (for the jewels, etc.).” After the death of all the firstborn in Egypt, they were very intent upon ridding themselves of these undesirables in their country, so they told the Jews, Take whatever you want – just get away from us! The antitype of all this is to be found in the “gold, silver and precious stones” (1 Cor. 3:12) which spiritual Israel attains in their characters during this Age as a result of the abuse that has come to them through the antitypical Egyptians.

And the Jews then left in haste – so much so that they had not time to prepare food before leaving. Thus, the unleavened cakes which they consumed in the early part of their journey fittingly typified “the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth” (1 Cor. 5:8) with which spiritual Israel keeps the Memorial each Spring. All who have come into the “Church of the Firstborn” during this Age acted this type out – some for only a short time (thus losing their crowns), and some throughout the entire life, receiving a “crown of righteousness” which the Lord had promised to those that love Him.

SPRINKLING THE BLOOD

After the lamb was killed that night the blood was to be sprinkled on the doorposts and the lintel, which things also had typical significance. The doorposts represented Justice – Justice toward God and Justice toward man, which Justice was satisfied by that blood sprinkling. “According to the Law, almost all things are purified by blood, and without an effusion of blood no forgiveness takes place.” (Heb. 9:22, Dia.) “Now where there is a forgiveness of these, an offering for sin is no longer needed.” (Heb. 10:18, Dia.) Thus, those that remained “under the blood” that awesome night in Egypt had no need to fear the Angel of Death; only, if they went outside, would they then be vulnerable, as were all the Egyptians.

But the blood was also sprinkled on the lintel, the same being “a horizontal member spanning an opening to carry a superstructure.” Here again was intricate typical significance. The lintel over the door forms the base for the building superstructure; and this well typified the character superstructure of each one who has had the blood applied to him and for him. The “foundation,” therefore, is by the grace of God. “God commendeth His love toward Us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom. 5:8) However, the superstructure on that foundation is the result of each individual's effort – the “wise man” building upon a rock, and the “foolish man” upon the sand. (Matt. 7:24‑28) Therefore, it may be emphasized that character is not a gift; it is a victory. “This is the victory that overcometh the world, even your faith.” There is nothing in the record to indicate that a single Jewish individual went out from under the blood that night; but we know from clear Scripture that many have gone out from under the blood during the antitype – during this Gospel Age, the record expressly stating that “Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place... Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein.” (Acts 1: 20,25)

And not only was the sprinkling meticulously done, but the manner in which the lamb was to be prepared and eaten was also most rigid. “Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire... And let nothing of it remain until the morning; and that which remaineth of it until the morning ye shall burn with fire.” (Ex. 12:9,10) “And thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste: it is the Lord's Passover.”

In Bible symbols the girdle signified service. Thus, Elijah was “girt with a girdle of leather about his loins” (2 Kgs. 1:8); and he was an outstanding type of those during the Gospel Age who would be known for their service to one another – ready to lay down life for friends. “By this we have known love, because He laid down His life on our behalf; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” (1 John 3:16) The staff in the hand would indicate the necessity for leaning upon the precious promises of God in the wilderness journey toward the Heavenly Canaan; and it is sound conclusion that none could ever complete that wearisome and hazardous journey without the sustaining strength of the precious promises. This is also shown by the High Priest eating of the shewbread on the golden table in the Tabernacle Holy, that bread representing the Sarah features of the Abrahamic covenant, which affords sustenance to those who assimilate it in proper fashion.

AN ORDINANCE FOREVER

“Ye shall observe this thing for an ordinance to thee and to thy sons forever... And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say unto you, What mean ye by this service? That ye shall say, It is the sacrifice of the Lord's passover, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt, when He smote the Egyptians and delivered our houses.” (Ex. 12:24‑27) To the present time we find religious Jews carrying out this ordinance in their preparation for and eating of the annual paschal lamb. After meticulous preparation for the service, with the food on the table, the head of the family – to be certain this service would be as commanded, tells the eldest son to ask the question, What do you mean by this service? after which the father proceeds to explain why the annual affair is performed. The present‑day Jews are usually off a little on the correct date – due mainly to the fact that they are guided by the condition of the moon, rather than the direct instructions of the Bible. The moon governs the fixing of the date only in the establishment of Nisan 1; after that date is determined, then the service is to be on Nisan 14, regardless whether the moon is full or not.

“And it shall be for a sign unto thee upon shine hand, and for a memorial between shine eyes, that the Lord's law may be in thy mouth.” (Ex. 13:9) Here is set forth the symbolic relation between the annual Passover feast, and the original performance. Also, it proves the symbolic relation of the Lord's Supper to the antitypical Lamb and our feasting upon Him, and gives added emphasis to “Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us.” It reveals also the true meaning of the words, “This is My body .... My blood” – not as actual existence, as a large part of the Christian world believes, but a representation of those things. “And for a memorial between shine eyes” also proves the same thing, because the eyes are expressive of understanding or knowledge. At every annual service the Jews knew full well‑that they were not eating the original Passover as occurred in Egypt; thus, we also should know that we are not actually eating the antitype of the lamb in Egypt; but the bread and the wine are merely a representation of the antitype.

There is no doubt that the Lord used good intoxicating wine as He instituted the Memorial; and many today still use such wine. But plain grape juice is “fruit of the vine,” even though it be not fermented, and is sufficient for the service. However, if some are inclined to argue about this, then a teaspoonful of fermented wine could be added to the cup, which would readily lose its identity, and could not be tasted. There is just nothing in the original ceremony that says how much alcohol should be in the cup; therefore, one drop in the cup would be just as persuasive as would a full cup of potent wine. And any unleavened wafer would be proper for the bread at the service, such unleavened wafer representing for one thing the freedom from sin's condemnation in those who eat it “in sincerity and in truth.”

DIFFERENCES IN TYPE AND MEMORIAL

In the original service the lamb was set aside on the tenth day of the month – four days before it was slain and eaten. In the subsequent memorials this was not done, as is clearly revealed in Matt. 26:17: “The first day of the feast of unleavened bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying unto Him, Where wilt thou that we prepare for thee to eat the Passover?” Nor was the lamb's blood sprinkled on the door posts and the lintel – just as there is nothing in our memorial to represent this. Nor was the lamb eaten in haste in the subsequent observances. Rather, the memorials, although solemn occasions, were also an evening of rejoicing for the liberation that had come to them from their Egyptian taskmasters. And the Jews reasoned that good wine was about the best thing they knew to lift the spirits of those at the paschal table. “Wine maketh glad the heart of man.” (Psa. 104:15) Consequently, four cups of wine were used in the service by Jesus at the last supper. Before any food was eaten at all a cup of wine was drunk, as set forth in Luke 22:17 – “He took the cup and gave thanks.” During the meal there were two more cups of wine; then a final one as a closing service, as given in v. 20 – “Likewise, also the cup after supper, saying, This cup is the New Testament in My blood, which is shed for you.” All of this information is not contained in the Bible, but it is obtained from secular writings.

BENEFITS FROM PROPER UNDERSTANDING

Often the remark is heard that it is not the date, or the knowledge, that is predominant in the Lord's Supper, but the spirit in which it is observed. There is a certain amount of truth in this statement, but it cannot be used as an excuse for being “willingly ignorant.” Those of us who have come to a clear and complete understanding of this service realize full well that participation with proper knowledge deepens love for God, and for Christ Who died for the world:, and for all fellow participants, because we know it symbolizes Christ's death, appropriation of His merit, and fellowship with one another. It deepens, increases and elevates faith in justifying and sanctifying aspects; it fosters hope in the glorious consummation for the entire family of God in suggesting the “new wine” in the Heavenly Canaan. It also strengthens obedience as we comply strictly with the letter as nearly as possible, as well as the spirit of the occasion; it refreshes heart and mind on the grace of God underlying the service; and stimulates zeal and self‑sacrifice by holding “Christ our Passover” upon our minds before, during and after the Memorial service.

Much of the foregoing is deeply hidden in Ex. 12:34: “The people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneading/roughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders.” In leaving the nominal church, and coming into the Truth, we became free from the slavery of error. “Ye shall know the Truth, and the Truth shall make you free.” If faithfully continued, it eventually frees us from every vestige of Satan's empire, not simply from its ecclesiastical part. In both of these deliverances we perform the antitype of this Scripture. The dough represents the Truth; and the kneading/roughs represent our minds. The wrapping of the dough within the troughs in the Israelites' garments very fittingly represents our graces laying hold on these and making the Truth our own ‑ through faith, love, hope and obedience: Just as the Jews were freed from Egyptian bondage by exact performance of that Passover, so we are also freed from the bondage of antitypical Egypt. “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” But this comes in the fullest sense only to those who know what they are doing in the service, and why they are doing it.

Those who have come to that understanding of the Memorial in its various features may well be represented in Luke 23:26: “As they led Him away, they laid hold upon one Simon, a Cyrenian, and on him they laid the cross, that he might bear it after Jesus.” The word Simon in this text means “hearing one”; and all who have “followed in His steps” during the Age have been hearing ones (“Blessed are your ears, for they hear”), and have faithfully borne the cross “after Jesus.” It is presumed that Jesus bore His part of the cross at its heaviest part – at the cross beam – and this is as it should be. He had also received the Holy Spirit without measure; whereas, those who have borne the cross “after Him” have received the Holy Spirit with measure – in a limited degree. Thus, it is only reasonable to conclude they would also receive the lighter part of His cross in their journey through life; and so it has been.

CONCLUSION

What has been presented herein is in no sense intended to replace the excellent presentation of the Passover to be found in Volume Six of the Parousia Studies in the Scriptures – which we commend at this time to all our readers. But it is our fond hope and prayer that we may “stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance.” And in this spirit we wish one and all the Lord's rich blessing in preparation for, and participation in this service.

“And no Creature is concealed in his sight, but all things are naked and exposed to his eyes, whose word is addressed to us. Having, therefore, a great High‑priest, who has passed through the Heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, we should firmly retain the confession. For we have not a High‑priest unable to sympathize with our weaknesses; but one having been tried in all respects like ourselves, apart from Sin. We should therefore, approach with confidence to the Throne of Favor, that we may receive Mercy and Favor for seasonable help.” (Heb. 4:13‑16, Dia.) Sincerely your brother, John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

(Reprint of No. 214, April 1, 1973, except for the date. The Memorial date for this year is April 2, and anytime after 6 p.m. is correct for our Memorial.)

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

My dear Sister Hoefle and Brethren: Grace and peace be multiplied!

This is to first express my gratitude to you and the Mount Dora Ecclesia for sending us the papers – everything going on without a hitch – proof of God working in you all! I cannot help but confess how much I bless the memory of dear Brother Hoefle daily. You do not know it, but you both were very influential in having me realize what a great disservice I did myself by mingling in the nominal church for a while.

It was during your first visit to Trinidad, and preparations were being made to go to Tunapuna, and you personally asked me if I was not in the Truth. That question conveyed to me dismay at my foIly, as well as the sincerity of brotherly love. And would you believe me? I never turned back from that day on, spurred on by the guidance of my father and both you and Brother Hoefle.

I have learned to love the Truth, and I do certainly receive countless blessings from the Truth. Physically I am improving, but I have to slow down my activity considerably. Anytime I exceed, my body is reminded. But with God's help I am making it.

Brother keeps fairly well physically with regular attendance at the Hospital Clinic. But he has become quite forgetful. We just leave it all in the hands of the Lord. My sister is coping with the arthritis, so we are doing quite fine.

Our warm Christian love to all the brethren. And for yourself, Sister Hoefle, May God comfort and watch over you always. Sincerely, ------- (TRINIDAD)

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Dear Sr. Hoefle: Grace and peace be yours and the brethren with you!

The Nov.‑Dec. articles were received in welcome spirit, and appreciated by us here. Once more the good Lord has led us to the closing of another year from which we can look back and trace his Providence and grace – not though some of the experiences were met by hard hits, nevertheless not without His knowledge and protection. Like the Apostles of old, let us learn to trust Him even when we may not be able to trace Him. We know not what awaits us in the years which lie ahead, but we do know that He who led us last will lead us still. Let us be calm and sink into His will.

I am submitting a few names of persons who would like to be placed on your mailing list to receive future publications and the Nov.‑ Dec. papers of this year. These people have been visiting our meetings and have shown some interest in the Truth. We hope for them the Lord's blessings.

I know, dear Sister, that the work with you all must be great at this time, but be courageous! The Lord has promised to give strength to His people and bless them with peace. Asking for you all a wonderful Christmas season and a peaceful and prosperous New Year!

I do ask your prayers on my behalf as I continue to do the same for you and those with you at the Bible House and elsewhere. Yours by His Grace, Brother ------- (JAMAICA)

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Dear Sister Hoefle: Greetings in our Redeemer's Name!

I was pleased to have a Christmas card for our Ecclesia. It is good to know you are occupied and keeping in touch with the friends, both at home and abroad. Anyway, don't do too much as we would like you to be around for a long time.

Thanks much for the present you sent me. It will make the holidays a little brighter. All of us here are reasonably well – only pains now and then. As for me, I suffer with indigestion sometimes, and I am not so energetic. My granddaughter takes us to the meetings. I was 85 in September.

Kindly accept our sincere Christian love for yourself and all the Bible House brethren. Your sister by His Grace,  ------- (TRINIDAD)

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Dear Sister Hoefle: Grace and peace,

Many thanks for yours of the 5th with copy of letter – also for the Nov.‑Dec. papers, which are as always much appreciated. It is good to have Bro. Hoefle still speaking to us via the printed page.

Yes, indeed, Brother and Sister ‑‑‑‑‑‑ wrote to us, and we have just received a second letter from them with an enclosure toward your expenses. So it gives us much pleasure to forward this on to you, together with a similar amount from us, for you to use as you see pressing need.

We are pleased to know of some of your family who are helping you to share the load – many hands make light work; and when it is the Lord's work it becomes a privilege. That was a very nice poem of Sister Delta's.

As for as Brother and Sister ‑‑-‑‑‑‑ are concerned, it seems they still consider themselves part of the Hyde Ecclesia, even though moving away from that area. We took the opportunity to let them know that we severed our connection with the LHMM as soon as RGJ took control and issued his ultimatum, which we considered not to be in harmony with Epiphany principles as laid down for us by Brother Johnson.

Some years ago when we lived in Scotland, there were three groups of Bible Students meeting separately in the same building – and could not manage to meet together except for four Sundays in the year when a month contained five Sundays. Brother Johnson used to be asked which meeting he or she should attend, and his counsel was “Attend the meeting where you feel most at home.”

The question would be, What if one does not feel at home in any of them? No doubt this will have happened many times as the Epiphany has had its effect of bringing every one to his or her place – even to being able to stand alone.

The Lord is abundantly able to supply a ministering spirit or guardian angel as He sees the need, for which we do praise Him! He will never leave, not forsake us!

So may these sentiments be your happy portion. God bless you and those with you!

With Christian love, we are Yours by His Grace, Brother and Sister ------- (ENGLAND)

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Dear Sister Hoefle: Grace and peace,

I wish to thank you for sending me the Jan.‑Feb. papers which I have read twice. Thank you for the good article on Retrospect and Prospect, which was very good. I sure am glad that the brethren have sent you items of interest which have helped in preparing the article. I feel very sorry about your nephew that you mentioned in your letter. I hope it is possible that he can have relief from his suffering. .......

We have had our trials here lately weather‑wise. On New Years Eve we had a sleet storm which covered a whole area on New Years Day from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m., and then the next day was out of utilities from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. – out of telephone service for two days. ......

Well, I must close for this time. Hope that you and yours will be in better health. The Lord bless you all! With much Christian love, I am Your brother in Him, ------- (MICHIGAN)

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NOTE: Our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to our brethren for their support, love and prayers. The Lord's assisting Grace and the help of our brethren have enabled us to “keep on keeping on,” as Brother Johnson would say. So long as the papers are a blessing to the Lord's people, it will be our pleasure to continue in our efforts. “The Lord preserveth all them that love Him.” (Psa. 145:20)

NO. 354B: RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT - PART TWO

No. 354B

REVIVAL OF THE DEAD SEA, by Dr. Claude Duvernoy

“Many are those, including Jews, who reject the fact that Israel is a chosen people. The fact that Israel was chosen by G‑d has nothing to do with racial, national or even religious superiority. However, Israel was chosen for a purpose: to reveal G‑d’s will to a world of superstition, greed and violence, mostly through her prophets. This means that  Israel’s history was linked with the divine revelation of establishing the Kingdom of  Heaven on earth. And this is why Israel remains an indestructible nation.

“One of the consequences of being a chosen people – and this is a privilege which Israeli politicians apparently ignore – is that Israel’s history has been programmed, black on white, by biblical prophecies: the Temple was destroyed, the Jews were dispersed, yet they started to come back under the pressures of tribulations and  persecutions and the State of Israel was established in spite of ferocious opposition. In the 21st chapter of Luke in the New Testament, Jesus himself  prophesied the reunification of Jerusalem a perfect parallel to the prophecy of  Zechariah (chapter 2) which was read in the synagogues in June 1967.

“But world politicians, church leaders and theologians remain blind. The  government of Israel has adopted a project which has just been launched to link the Mediterranean to the Dead Sea. It will take seven years, cost well over $700m. and  create enormous problems in many fields, including the ecological balance of the  region – not to mention the opposition of the Arabs in the area.

“Yet Prophet Ezekiel, in chapter 47, verses 1‑12, presents another plan, this one free of charge. He tells us that soon, a huge tremor will shake the Jordan Valley and the Mount of Olives, and a stream of fresh water will spring forth from  the Temple Mount and revive the Dead Sea – all this, as I said, free of charge.”

THE MISSIONARIES COME OUT, by Haim Shapiro

“Israel’s Christian missionaries, or as they prefer to be called, evangelicals, who bear witness to the Jews about Jesus, are coming out of the closet and openly stating their intentions for the first time. ....Rev. Ole Kvarme is unhappy about the  words ‘missionary ‘ ‘proselytizing’ and ‘conversion.’ ....Kvarme rejects a recent statement by American TV evangelist Jerry Falwell of the Moral Majority that there should be more freedom for missionaries in Israel. ...Kvarme, whose institute runs a study program for Jewish believers which in some cases could lead to a full‑time ministry, estimates that there are between 1,000 and 1,500 adult Hebrew Christians in  Israel. ...Dr. George Iankumakis said, ‘As a historian and scholar however, he views the growth of the Christians of Jewish background with interest. For the first time since the early Church, they want to keep their Jewish identity as much as they can,  he says. In the five years that he has lived in Jerusalem, he has observed the Jewish  Christians becoming bolder. ‘At first they were fearful of any form of confrontation. Now they are more open as to what they believe. ....

“Jews do not try to convert others, says Lippel, and others should understand such feelings and not try to convert. ‘I am happy to say that practically the entire Christian establishment in Israel understands this. I am sorry that a few Jewish converts and foreigners work to destroy this understanding.

“Dr. Geoffrey Wigoder says, ‘On the world scene, there is the tendency of the Church to drop its missionary stance, especially in view of the Holocaust. Such changes have been made by the Catholics, the Anglicans and more recently to  some extent, the Lutherans.’ ....

“‘In conclusion, ‘ Wigoder says, ‘it is important to keep a sense of  proportion. A tiny number of Jews accept Christianity while hundreds of Christians  convert to Judaism in Israel every year.”‘

The above reminds us that some of those nations who claim to be Christian  persecute, and in some cases slaughter the Jews. This is not the teaching of Jesus  as is clearly set out in the New Testament. We all know what happened to the Jews during the Dark Ages at the hands of professing Christians, which should have been a  lesson to all Christians in this enlightened age. They – the so‑called Christian nations during the Dark Ages – did the same to many faithful Christians.

In THE SHALOM LETTER FOR NOVEMBER 1984, there is this: “It has been parroted with incessant fury that the Jews stole Palestine from the Arabs. Joan Peters’ widely‑read book From Time Immemorial (Harper & Row, 1984) has devastated that lie. Palestine was never an Arab nation nor was Jerusalem ever the capital of an Arab  country. Jews have simply clung to the land from time immemorial and, even under the  boot of cruel oppressors and subjugated as ‘DHIMMIS’ (protected pagans) by the Muslims, Jews have always lived in Israel. They are the only people to have achieved independent sovereignty there. Peters points out that it was AFTER large Jewish immigration into Palestine in the past one hundred years that Arabs migrated into Jewish developed areas in search of a higher living standard. Rather than being banished by Jews, a great number of Arabs are newcomers in comparison with Jewish pioneers. This neglected fact needs to be heard from pulpit, bema, political platform, and professorial lecture.

“And what was the catalyst that brought about Israel’s rebirth? Certainly not the British who controlled Palestine, currying Arab leaders’ favor and deliberately preventing Jews fleeing Nazi‑controlled Europe from reaching the only land where they would have been safe from Hitler’s genocide. While Great Britain locked Jews out of Palestine and the world locked them out of safe sanctuary, Hitler locked them into the mobile killing vans, gas chambers and  ovens. And most of the world’s clergy, politicians and citizens remained silent  while Jews burned’ One‑third of the world’s Jewish population disappeared from  the earth. Over six million Gentiles were also slaughtered, proving that those who kill Jews today always choose other people tomorrow.

“Many Jews did survive and no longer looked to the world for help. They  knew they would have to fight for their freedom, and perhaps that is why many  people have never forgiven Menachem Begin and organizations like the Irgun  Zvel Leumi for daring to fight – especially the mighty British. And to beat them? After the British had armed the Arabs and deliberately disarmed the  Jews? This was not being a ‘good Jew.’ A wandering Jew would be accepted. A  frightened and lonely Jew walking to slaughter was also accepted. But a determined band of fighting Jews waging war against one of the greatest  military powers on earth? What chutzpah’

“So they labeled Begin a ‘terrorist’ and used Deir Yassin to ‘prove’  their point. The constant harping on that incident merely magnified the fact  that Jewish fighters primarily aimed at military targets – not helpless civilians – which are the primary targets of the PLO.

“Worn down by Jewish courage and bulldog tenacity, the British backed  down – and out. After the war of independence, the infant nation of Israel was attacked by five invading armies. She won against all odds. Thus began her neighbors ‘war of attrition,’ with the major crisis being the 1956 Suez affair where the Jews again came out on top.”

“For I the Lord thy God will hold thy right hand, saying unto thee, Fear not; I will help thee.” (Isa. 41:13) “I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his Word do I hope.” (Psa. 130:5)

NOTE: This article could not have been written without the help of our good brethren. Not only have whole items been contributed, but also many of the news items were furnished by our brethren. The Bible House Ecclesia wishes to  express appreciation and gratitude to our brethren who gave us this good  help.

KIND WORDS FOR MILLENNIAL DAWN, VOL. V

THE NEW BEDFORD (MASS.) STANDARD SAYS: “Charles T. Russell, editor of  ZION’S WATCH TOWER, and author of several volumes of theological writings, five of which are included in his MILLENNIAL DAWN series, has issued a new volume of Bible study, THE AT‑ONE‑MENT BETWEEN GOD AND MAN. Mr. Russell clings close to the Bible, as he interprets it, and endeavors to offset the theory of the evolutionists that, as no fall occurred, no redemption and atonement are necessary, by teaching the cross of Christ.”

THE JACKSONVILLE (FLA.) TIMES UNION‑CITIZEN SAYS: “In this neat volume of  five hundred pages we have a most reverent treatment of profound subjects,  respecting which many Christians have wondered and prayed, in a clear and  lucid style which even a child may understand. The author’s loyalty to the Bible is pronounced and inspiring, and we do not wonder that some have denominated his books Bible Keys. In the volume under review the author examines his subjects from both the human and the divine standpoints – the necessity for atonement on man’s part, and why it is demanded on God’s part, and then what are its grand possibilities for all the race of Adam – ‘Whosoever will.’ The writer’s scope embraces the doctrine of the divine trinity.”

THE WORCESTER (MASS.) EVENING POST SAYS: “Among the most notable of the recent works on religious subjects is a publication from the press of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Allegheny, Pa., THE AT‑ONE‑MENT BETWEEN GOD AND MAN. The book is one that treats of theological subjects in an entirely new and decidedly attractive manner. It advances no new dogmas nor seeks to combat old ones in any but a spirit of truth seeking. It makes plain in a particularly clear and helpful light many things that have heretofore puzzled students of the Bible and Biblical lore. It teaches the universal fatherhood of God and teems with the expression of his loving kindness for the creatures he has made. At the same time it is a text book of theological science and dissects its truths and principles in a logical and reasonable, yet reverent manner.

“No single chapter of any recent book is‑more notable than the section of this work which deals with the ever‑confusing mystery of the divine trinity. It must be said that a more convincing explanation of this axiomatic doctrine of theology has never yet presented itself, yet it is strictly along the lines of orthodox thought. The general effect of the book on the average reader who seeks for light on the subjects that to him have dark meaning, is most gratifying. It quickens faith and makes strong hopes that are dear to every serious and thinking mind. The tone of the book is reverent and wholesome, and it seems destined to bring happiness to many a doubt‑laden heart.”

THE GRAND RAPIDS (MICH.) HERALD SAYS: “Pastor Russell’s new book, THE AT‑ONE‑MENT BETWEEN GOD AND MAN is of the sort that awakens Christians to do some thinking along theological lines. It is one of those epoch‑making books destined to influence thought not merely for the hour of their perusal, but for life – and for centuries. The book will make its author foes as well as friends, for there are people ready to fight for their dogmas, however unscriptural and unreasonable. However, many thinking Christian people, who hold to the Bible as the inspired Word of God and who have all their lives been troubled in their endeavors to harmonize it with their consciences and with facts, will surely welcome this volume as ‘a helping hand,’ and praise God for the light it sheds on MANY subjects hitherto dark to all except theologians, and possibly to many of them also. One thing is certain, and that is that every lover of the Bible must admire the author’s loyalty to the Scriptures and his reverential style of dealing with church dogmas, which he rejects as being contrary to the divine Word, character and plan.”

THE NEW HAVEN (CONN.) COURIER JOURNAL SAYS: “The reverential spirit of the work, its earnestness, its clearness of statement, impress the reader. It is a strong, forcible and logical setting forth of the doctrine of atonement for sin through Christ, the Mediator, and of the orthodox Christian belief in general regarding the great foundation of the Christian faith and scope of salvation. It is a work that appeals to all on a subject of such paramount importance.”

THE PITTSBURGH TIMES SAYS: “The title explains the object of the book. The author, as is usual with him, fortifies his opinions and assertions by a close adherence to the Scriptures. He writes with great enthusiasm and with an apparent sense of strong conviction, and the book will be of considerable aid to those who find occasion to study the points treated.”

THE SYRACUSE (N.Y.) HERALD SAYS: “Mr. Russell is an able as well as an exceedingly voluminous writer on religious questions. The present bulky volume is the fifth of a series of books under the general title of MILLENNIAL DAWN. It discusses the fall of man, the penalty or curse upon him, his redemption and the terms of his ‘At‑one‑ment.’ It undertakes to explain the perplexing doctrine of the trinity and to render it simple and reasonable. The author is loyal to the Scriptures, but not always to church dogmas, which he deals with according to their agreement with the divine Word. All Bible students will find matter for thought in Mr. Russell’s writings.”‘

THE INDIANAPOLIS (IND.) SENTINEL SAYS: “This book is sublimely comprehensive, and unquestionable its treatment will be pronounced a masterly one by many Bible students. ‘The fear of the Lord’ is the only fear in evidence in this volume; but although ‘traditions of men’ are treated fearlessly, they are kindly handled, and even partisan sticklers for exploded errors must concede the author’s Christian spirit and courtesy, while all must admit his honesty, and his fidelity to the Scriptures. If human creeds suffer, it is in the interest of the Bible, which the author accepts as his only creed, in the interest also of love and justice and Christian common sense – all important considerations as against nonsense of the ‘dark ages,’ often mislabeled ‘orthodoxy.’

“After reading this book and comparing its numerous Bible citations, intelligent Christians will often say to themselves: Where have I been? What have I been thinking of? What poor use have I made of my Bible and my reason for years that I did not see the beauty, harmony and reasonableness of the divine Word’ But the author lays no claim to superior ability or inspiration, merely claiming that God has a ‘due time’ for everything, and that now is God’s due time for shedding light upon his Word in the interest of all his faithful people, and his aspiration is to be a humble servant of the Lord’s flock, dispensing to them the ‘meat in due season.”‘

THE ST. LOUIS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE SAYS: “Concerning this volume, a recent reviewer has said: ‘Pastor Russell’s new book, THE AT‑ONE‑MENT BETWEEN GOD AND MAN, is remarkable in fact, if not in its title. It is sure to make a stir among the dry bones of fossilized orthodoxy, as well as amongst the higher critics. Not that it is agnostic for it is decidedly Biblical; nor that it is bitter and drastic and cutting toward those theories of the dark ages which have barnacled the good ship Zion – for it handles them gently, courteously, though thoroughly. Its strength lies in the gentle persistence with which the writer uses his Biblical dynamics.’”

THE NEW YORK MERCHANTS’ REVIEW SAYS: “A NOTABLE WORK. – A hell of fire and brimstone has no place in the belief of some intelligent Christians, man’s folly and wickedness providing hell enough on earth, according to their views of the matter, but Pastor Charles T. Russell, in THE AT‑ONE‑MENT BETWEEN GOD AND MAN, of the MILLENNIAL DAWN series, presents many arguments to show that hell, sheol or hades, has no existence at all as a place of punishment, the word in its different forms meaning simply the sleep which the human race passes into, to be awakened from at Christ’s second coming.

“His arguments are based upon copious texts from Scripture, as also is his attempt to prove that the orthodox view of the holy trinity has no foundation in the Bible. The Scriptures, and nothing but the Scriptures, are the guide of the author in his search for the truth in the various problems examined by him in his interesting book, and naturally he opposes ‘Evolution.”‘

THE ST. ALBANS (VT.) DAILY MESSENGER SAYS: “This volume, like all others from this writer, differs from other theological writings in several particulars. (1) It is simple in style, easily understood by any Christian making abstruse subjects plain to even the wayfaring man if he be of the class addressed by the author – the justified in Christ. (2) It entirely ignores all creeds and theories of men and appeals solely to the Scriptures and treats their testimony as inspired, authoritative, decisive – citing as well as quoting them freely. (3) It is logical as well as Scriptural, and whoever reads without prejudice is sure to be convinced. (4) Those who read and accept the presentations of this volume will not only know what they believe, but why they believe it; and will ‘be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in them’ – which cannot be said even of clergymen respecting the dogmas of the several denominations.” (Reprints 2551, 2552 – December 15, 1899)

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Epiphany Bible Students Ass’n

Please send me the following additional free literature: No.3 – Resurrection of the Dead; No.4 – The Three Babylons; No.5 – Two Distinct Salvations; No.6 – God’s Great Sabbath Day; No.7 – The Great Reformer; No.8 – The Permission of Evil; No.9 – The Judgment Day; No. 10. – God’s Standard; No.121 – The Roman Church and Its Little “Twin.” Thank you! ------- (NORTH CAROLINA)

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Epiphany Bible Students Ass’n

To Whom It May Concern:

Could you please send some literature concerning the beliefs of your organization?

Thank You! ------- (CANADA)

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Epiphany Bible Students:

Please send Nos. 1, 2, 6, 10, 11, 121 and 130. Thank

you’ ------- (CALIFORNIA)

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Dear Brethren:

I would like you to send me your monthly magazine. I am enclosing $5. I know you are a non‑profit Movement, and as soon as I can I will send you more. I think you are doing a good and truthful work and have brought understanding to many people on the true Word of God. Thank you very much! With Christian love, ------- (ARIZONA)

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Dear Sister Emily: Loving Christian Greetings to you and others helping you!

Am sending you this check as usual, at this time of the year. Please use it as you see fit. I would be happy if you used it for your own needs.

We think it is wonderful the way the Bible House Brethren have carried on the Lord’s work. We marvel at the way the papers are gotten out on time and the content of them.

We know you miss Brother Hoefle, but we rejoice in knowing his labor is over and that he did it well. We know you feel the same way. With loving Season’s Greetings to all at your house, I am Most Sincerely ------- (OHIO)

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My Dear Sister Emily: Warm Christian Greetings!

I have not been writing to you because I felt that you were still feeling like a steam‑roller had run over you and you needed a vacation from the deluge of letters you must be getting.

I enjoyed the United Israel Bulletin. It has been many years since I last saw you and I was glad to get a peep at you. Thank you also for the July/August Memorabilia. Both articles did Bro. Hoefle proud. How proud you must be of him!

I hope you are physically better. The years fly away with our vitality. .... You wanted to know something about Bro. Gough and the funeral. He had been living for some years in the country and we met, except for one brief time which does not count, only at Conventions……. At the last Convention at Kingston he made no mention to what class he spiritually belonged ….... Bro. Gough did say a few words in a testimony of his love for the Lord. God knows the heart, and will reward him with whatever is his due. He always acted like a Great Company. He had a lovely funeral. It was short and sweet as he had expressed in his Will that it should be. .... They didn’t specifically mention to what class they thought he belonged – only said he was asleep in Jesus. I hear that Bro. Hall is the new representative. He is one of the Quasi‑elect – Consecrated Epiphany Campers.

I am enclosing a copy of my latest poem, and I hope that you like it.

Grace, Mercy and Peace be unto you – Sincerely, ------- (JAMAICA)

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Dear Brethren: Loving Christian greetings!

I recently ordered the six Parousia Volumes and a Manna book from the LHMM. I am very much disappointed in these books, to say the least. In 1960 RGJ republished the Volumes and did not make any changes in what Bro. Johnson had originally published. Then in 1977 he republished the six volumes again and found it necessary to omit the questions, which renders them useless for class study. He also deleted Bro. Johnson’s comments as well as his foreword. I assume this was done to make them suitable for his Consecrated Epiphany Campers.

However, so far as I know RGJ did not change the Manna book, but the present Executive Trustee, who is a prospective Youthful Worthy, has seen fit to do so. Some changes may be considered insignificant, except that it is actually altering Pastor Russell’s and Bro. Johnson’s word, which is distasteful to me. But in some cases, I believe they are serious. For instance: (l) In many cases where New Creatures are discussed, the words “we,” “us,” “our” are changed to “they,” them,” etc. To my mind this leaves Pastor Russell and Bro. Johnson out of the “We” class, since it is they who are speaking. It is like the Apostles use of those terms when speaking of themselves and others in the Church. A case in point is the August 25 comments where the text is 1 John 3:2, which reads: “We know that when He shall appear we shall be like Him; for we shall see Him as He is.” (2) The text for August 11 is Rev. 2:10: “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a Crown of Life.” There is a substitution made for Pastor Russell’s entire comments, which speaks of the Body of Christ, the Elijah class, etc. But the substitution comments are from a source which refers to the same text, and a small portion is omitted, which is indicated. The words omitted are “the chief blessing, joint-heirship.” Then in Bro. Johnson’s comments there is this sentence: “For such, the highest of all forms of life, immortality, the crown of life, is reserved as a gift reward.” And in the next sentence “crown of life” is changed to “life everlasting.” Does the Crown in this text refer to anything other than immortality, “the chief blessing, joint‑heirship?” (3) On October 11 Bro. Johnson’s comments say that the “priests” should “wash themselves in the water of Truth contained in the laver of the Bible.” In the new version “priests” is changed to “God’s people” and the words “laver of” are omitted, without indication of omission. How can the consecrated, priests or not, use the Bible without using the Laver since it types the Bible?

Bro. Johnson never found it necessary to change Pastor Russell’s comments in the Manna – and his own comments were in harmony with Pastor Russell’s, even though he was well aware that all new consecrators would be prospective Youthful Worthies and a prominent class during the Epiphany.

“I hesitate to touch things which involve so much,” but I am reminded that the JWs translated the Bible to suit their “new doctrine” – the Great Multitude – and I am wondering if the LHMM will do likewise and make a translation of the Bible to support their Consecrated Epiphany Campers. There are other changes up to this date, but I have not read ahead, so there may be more.

The Lord bless and guide the Bible House Brethren as they strive to uphold “the     faith once delivered unto the Saints.” Warm Christian love, ------- (NORTH CAROLINA)

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The Bible House brethren wish to express their appreciation and thanks for the many beautiful Christmas cards. Also, special thanks and gratitude for the assurance of their love and prayers, and for our efforts in sending out the unpublished articles of Brother Hoefle’s as well as of some timely reprints of his papers. We thank the Lord for the help and support of our faithful brethren, as we could not “carry on” the work without such support. “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and do his good pleasure,” (Phil. 2:13) “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:19)

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ANNOUNCEMENT: The proper date for the Memorial this year is any time after 6 p. m. April 2.

  

NO. 354A: RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT - PART ONE

No. 354A

At the beginning of another year, we may look with a measure of satisfaction at the results of the year past, and once  again repeat with gratitude the expression of the Psalmist: “Thou crownest the year with thy goodness: and thy paths drop  fatness.” (Psa. 65:11) One correspondent from Africa has pretty well expressed our own views on world conditions: “Having  just returned from Europe, I see that the Evil One has unleashed a Spirit of Revolution which is sweeping the world. Practically no country is exempt. This is part of the Evil One’s strategy; to break down and destroy. By shaking men’s hearts  with fear he is preparing the way of the one whom Jesus Himself prophesied would come, ‘I come in my Father’s name and  you receive me not, but there is coming another one in his own name, him you will receive!’ We rejoice in these signs and lift  up our heads for the end draweth nigh.”

Part of our answer to this follows: “Of course, we have the signs of the times, the Bible chronology, types and  prophecies to bolster our faith; but in private conversation I often stress that one text alone should persuade us that we are at the threshold of that Kingdom: “Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” – Dan. 12:4. (This is  taken from what Brother Hoefle gave in No. 307, January 1981, which is just as timely for 1985.

IN FINANCE

A noted economist has stated, “Financially the United States economy is at a most crucial cross roads. Present  government policy could either abort the present recovery or refuel inflation within six months to a year.”

We do not know at this point in time how long it will take for the bubble to burst – because we are headed for the  worst financial crash of the 20th century. We are faced with a convergence of negative events, both unprecedented in  scope and almost terrifying in their implication. The U. S. debt and interest on the debt are so astronomical in size that most  economists predict that they will never be paid. A similar condition prevails in almost every country in the world. Even  individuals are abusing credit – some purchasing items that they never hope (desire or expect) to pay for. This is all in disobedience to the admonition given in Rom. 13:8: “Owe no man anything, but to love one another.”

This is what private economists are saying in their news letters: “Unless all economic laws have been repealed  – which  they have not been and cannot be – the U. S. is now entering one of the greatest periods of inflation in its history. The invisible enemy is present! – Economic Depression, omnipresent, but you can’t see him – He lurks in unpaid bills, the ravaged checking accounts – bankruptcy court proceedings, bank failures, increased feelings of uncertainty and anxiety of millions of Americans. The economy is declining and could turn into recession in 1985. In the last nine years, the cost of living in the U. S. doubled.  In the next nine years it could again double.

“France is now the 4th most indebted country in the world, and conditions will get worse. Unemployment and  poverty are soaring. U. S. $ is bolstered by huge foreign capital flows attracted by high interest rates – unlikely to come down in 1985. Foreign debtor nations will default on their loans and will be bailed out by the Federal Reserve System. 

“Banks are actually weaker today than they were during the Great Depression. In 1929, banks had capital equal to 14% of assets. Today the capital  to asset ratio is under 8%. The financial world is in turmoil. The economy will  slide into recession by the end of this year, and into depression next year. Possibilities for double digit inflation next year: (1) Budget deficit; (2)  National Debt Interest; (3) Social Security; (4) Bad Foreign Loans; (5) Banks  Non equity; (6) Foreign Trade Deficit; (7) Farm Bankruptcies.

“The impending collapse of the dollar will be the big economic news of 1985. The banking crisis is not easing. It will get much worse, but no major bank will be allowed to fail and this will be highly inflationary.

“Government plans to issue new multi‑colored currency to replace present ‘greenbacks’. This is supposed to deter counterfeiting.” Luke 21:26: “Men’s hearts failing them for fear and looking after those things which are coming  on the earth.” Zeph. 2:3: “Seek righteousness, seek meekness, it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger.” (Contributed)

IN POLITICS

The people have demonstrated their confidence in President Reagan by giving him a landslide election for another four‑year term. Since many prominent Protestants and Catholics are supporting him, he has a good send‑off for a successful term for another four years. In this campaign for President, religion has played a large part. Especially has Armageddon been made  prominent. Time magazine reports: “For the first time in history, the end of  the world has become a campaign issue. It arose... when Ronald Reagan was asked if he truly believes that the world is headed for a ‘nuclear Armageddon.’...  The commander in chief insisted that he has never said that ‘we must plan according to Armageddon.’ Reagan’s answer, however, did not close the case... ‘How much of all this Ronald Reagan believes is known only to him.’... But last  week even Jerry Falwell was calling on the candidates of both parties to ‘repudiate....any extremist world view which demands a nuclear Armageddon.”‘

Under the heading of ARMAGEDDON AND THE END TIME, the Times reports what Professor A. Berkeley Mickelsen says: “When Christ really does break into this scene, there will be a lot of surprised people.”

Another press report says, “In Washington at a heated news conference, more than 100 national religious authorities and leaders Tuesday petitioned President Reagan and Democratic challenger Walter Mondale to repudiate a  belief that the Bible predicts inevitable nuclear warfare in the near future... Reagan and Falwell both denied their belief in such a prospective.”

Under the heading, RELIGION HAS A PLACE BUT NOT IN POLITICS, the press  reports: “Reagan and his Democratic opponents would do well to keep religion out of this fall’s campaign.”

WORLD CONDITIONS

Crime continues the world over – murder, rape, thievery and bank robberies. Nikki Meredith has an article in the Science magazine for December 1984  entitled: THE MURDER EPIDEMIC. She reports, “One American kills another every 23 minutes. Homicide doubled in this country in the past 20 years and is now claiming more than 20,000 lives a year. Many of our law enforcement agents have  given up trying to figure out why. ........

“An epidemic is defined as a condition occurring at a rate exceeding its  natural occurrence. American homicide qualifies because it has increased so dramatically since the 1960s. At least 80 percent of the countries that report  homicide statistics to the United Nations have rates lower than the U.S. rate of almost 10 for every 100,000 citizens. The few countries with higher rates include South Africa, Nicaragua, and Mexico. Mexico, at 17 per 100,000 population, has one of the highest in the world, whereas Canada has a mere two per 100,000 population.” 

“World War 111 May Be Terrorism Vs. Civilization” is the heading of a press report: “Logic suggests that sooner or later the terrorists’ bombs will be nuclear. So far, this has been the stuff of page‑turners, but just as science‑fiction writers predicted routine space flights, the scary stories of today’s paperbacks presage tomorrow’s real crises. A generation from now, the Reagan presidency will be remembered for sinking the socialistic Law of the Sea and for launching the world’s counter terror space defense. How many of us will be able to say we supported him in his greatest moves?”

“Suit Attacks Formal U.S. Tie To Vatican. Religious leaders Wednesday challenged the United States’ formal diplomatic ties with the Vatican with a suit in federal court.... The religious leaders include some who support President Reagan for re‑election. They said their chances for winning are excellent. ... The lawsuit also says that granting special status to one religious faith entangles the U.S. government in the internal affairs of the  Roman Catholic Church, in violation of the Constitution.”

“Ambassador To Vatican Still On Penzoil Board – William Wilson, U.S. Ambassador to the Vatican and a friend of President Reagan’s has been allowed to remain on a corporate board despite a general government policy against the practice, officials said Thursday. ... Wilson had served as the president’s unpaid personal envoy to the Vatican until the United States and the Holy See established formal relations this year.”

“Says Rev. Jerry Falwell: ‘If we do not awaken from our religious stupor and get involved, we’re going to lose this country.’ As he told about 150  ministers and church activists meeting in Orlando. Falwell, 50, said he hopes to add 85,000 Christian voters in Florida, although state‑church leaders said Tuesday they could double that number.”

It is apropos to quote Brother Hoefle’s No. 307, January 1981 paper,  p. 3, par. 5: “Well, the Bible puts quite a different construction on it. ‘They shall gather together, but not by me.’ (Isa. 54:15) Further, from Isa.  34:1‑4: ‘The indignation of the Lord is upon all the nations... the  mountains (powerful monarchies, such as Russia, et al) shall be melted (overcome by the radical elements)... the heavens (the present religious systems) shall be rolled together as a scroll, and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine.’ This is accentuated in Rev.  6:14: ‘The heaven (present religious systems) departed as a scroll when it  is rolled together’”

Some banks are tottering. “U.S.Steps In To Save Big Illinois Bank. The government Thursday put together a bailout of Continental Illinois National  Bank & Trust Co., whose high‑flying lending practices had it teetering with  huge portfolio of bad loans.”

“Butcher Indicted On Fraud Charges” is the heading of a press report. “Financier Jake Butcher, who once headed the $1.5 billion chain of United  American Banks, was indicted Tuesday on 44 counts of diverting millions in bank funds to his personal use in connection with the failure of the banks in Knoxville and Chattanooga. Also indicted were financial consultant, Jesse Barr, 47, and Jack Patrick, 46, a vice president of the now‑defunct United American Bank of Knoxville. The charges include bank fraud, conspiracy and  making false bank entries. ...If convicted, Butcher and Barr would face up to 220 years in prison and fines of $225,000 each. Patrick would face 160 years in prison and a $165,000 fine. ... Butcher and his family moved last  year to a $675,000 home in an exclusive subdivision in southwest Seminole County, Fla. His wife, Sonya, purchased the home with cash.”

IN RELIGION

Religion continues to be a money‑making pursuit. A Charlotte press  report says: “PTL President Jim Bakker and his wife, Tammy, have acquired a  $449,000 house near Palm Springs, Calif., and a Mercedes and Rolls Royce  costing about $100,000 while continuing pleas to get their television  ministry out of debt. ...Mrs. Bakker said in a telecast Aug. 1 that supporters of PTL, which stands for ‘People That Love,’ must pay the bills  for the organization. ‘Jim and I can’t,’ she said, ‘We’ve given everything  we have. And literally we have given everything.’” 

“Tv Preachers Don’t Let Up In Money Crusades,” is the heading of an article by Bruce Buurama: “Money may talk anywhere, but it seems about resoundingly and unceasingly on most religious television broadcasts in this  country. .... The average figure .... means a viewer who watches two hours of  television religion every day can expect to be asked for $138,350 over the course of a year, a sum that is thought to exceed the annual salaries of even  the big‑name evangelists. .... The best known television evangelists included  in the study, all of them Protestants, were Jimmy Swaggart, Jerry Falwell, Oral Roberts, Robert Schuller, Rex Humbard, Jim Bakker, M. G. ‘Pat’ Robertson,  Kenneth Copeland, Jack VanImpe and Ernest Angley.”

“Gallop Baffled By A ‘Giant Paradox’ – Churchgoing, interest in religion rise along with ‘immoral behavior.’ The man who measures the mood of the nation, pollster George Gallup Jr., has charted confusing and even conflicting  trends before, but none that seem so utterly contradictory as the current  upsurge in America’s religious interest and similar swing toward ‘immoral behavior.’ It is, he said, a profound and ‘giant paradox’ that religion is showing clear signs of revival even as the country is ridden with crime and other problems regarded as antithetical to religious piety.

“‘There is no doubt that religion is growing,’ Gallup told a national seminar of Southern Baptist leaders that concluded Wednesday in Arlington. But we find that there is very little difference in ‘ethical behavior’ between  churchgoers and those who are not active in religious matters. The levels of  lying, cheating and stealing, he added, are remarkably similar in both groups. Eighty percent of Americans consider themselves Christians, said Gallup, yet only about half of the self‑designated believers could identify the person who delivered the biblical Sermon on the Mount (Jesus Christ), and fewer still  could recall as many as five of the Ten Commandments. ...’The Bible for many, is inaccessible,’ said Gallup. ‘We revere the Bible but we don’t read it.’ Pollster George Gallup said, ‘Surveys show most Americans are religious but  their faith often tends to be a superficial sort of feel goodism.”‘

There is an article in Time magazine with the heading “I Was Beheaded In The 1700s. Underneath is “Reincarnation is alive and well in Hollywood.” It is questionable to treat of reincarnation as religion. However, the article states that many stars believe they have lived before. “Sensing the market the National Inquirer hired Pittsburgh Hypnotist Ralph Grossi for flights to Hollywood, where he unfurled the past lives of actors through trances... Says  he: ‘Stars are easy to hypnotize, simply because they are such positive thinkers.’ Loretta Lynn says she wishes she had not learned about previous lives because ‘one life is plenty enough for anybody.”‘

Jehovah’s Witnesses ‑ Time magazine reports: “A secret Michael Jackson cult spreads within Jehovah’s Witnesses, splitting the sect and embarrassing its most famous disciple.

“Witness For The Millennium – According to longtime Witnesses, the movement founded by Charles Taze Russell, a Pennsylvania haberdasher  preoccupied with cosmology and Biblical prophecy, was a joyful band of  religious separatist. ...Russell died in 1916, and his autocratic successor,  Judge Joseph Rutherford, saw to it that no matter how many prophecies failed, the Watch Tower Society would survive as God’s own publishing house.  ...Indeed, unless the end comes soon, time will run out for the Witnesses. ... They have mathematical arguments to put off the date of Armageddon until the early decades of the next century, perhaps, but no further.”

Pastor Russell was That Wise and Faithful Servant of Matt. 24:45‑47 – and as such had no successor. However, the Lord has raised up faithful servants who continue to teach in harmony with the Truth that Pastor Russell taught. He was the founder of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, an organization he used to dispense the Truth as given in God’s Word. He never  claimed that organization was “God’s own publishing house,” although during his  lifetime he did use it to glorify God and His Word. But he was not the  founder of the gross errors that are promulgated by the Jehovah’s Witnesses, nor is he responsible for the unrighteous use of that organization as being used today. The Jehovah’s Witnesses have discarded the six volumes of the Studies in the Scriptures, and many of his teachings. They boast of Pastor Russell as their founder when  it suits their purpose.

When Pastor Russell was alive many professed Christians and the clergy, slandered, vilified and falsely accused him when they could not meet the Truth he presented. These were the only weapons they could use, as our laws prohibited them from using physical violence. During the Dark Ages the religionists burned many faithful at the stake, or banished them. Because many faithful Bible students are distributing thousands of the six volumes of the Studies in the Scriptures here in the U. S. as well as in foreign countries, the same kind of religionists continue to slander ant vilify him – a man who has been dead over 68 years! His works do follow him, Just as promised to the faithful:  “Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow  them.” (Rev. 14:13)

In “due time” Pastor Russell’s character will be fully vindicated, although his slanderers and false accusers will be long gone. He was loved and admired by many faithful Christians and Jews. One man said to him, “You are the most loved man in the  world.” “Perhaps – and the most hated,” he replied. He predicted that the Jews would be planted back in Jerusalem after 1914 as a nation – never to be plucked up anymore. They are still having their troubles the same as the Gentile nations are having their troubles. Indeed, we are living in the “Time of Trouble” spoken of by the Prophet Daniel  in 12:1.

However in Jacob’s last trouble, when the anarchists try to crush the Jews in Jerusalem, they will cry unto the Lord, and He will rescue them – fight for them as in the days of old. After their last trouble is over, a new order will be established: “And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills: and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of  his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion (the spiritual phase of the Kingdom) shall go forth the law, and word of the Lord from Jerusalem (the earthly phase  of the Kingdom).”(Isa. 2:2,3) Of course all will accept Jesus as the promised Messiah at  that time. All peoples will have to become Israelites if they get the blessings of the New Covenant (Jer. 31:31‑33). The New Covenant will be made with the Jews, and therefore  will be Israelitish.

Pastor Russell never tried to convert the Jews to Christianity, knowing that God’s promises were made to the faithful Jews who believe in the Mosaic Law, and God’s promises to them. So he predicted that the Jews would be planted back in Jerusalem  before they recognized Jesus as their Messiah. Pastor Russell was indeed That Wise and  Faithful Servant referred to in Matt. 24:45‑47’ “The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.” (Prov. 3:35)

Pastor Russell is mentioned in several dictionaries and encyclopedias as an American Pastor. However, he gave discourses in many foreign countries including Jerusalem. He was more than an “American” Pastor, as his ministry was world‑wide. In these same dictionaries and encyclopedias Judge Rutherford is mentioned as an  American leader of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Knowing that God has a Plan of Salvation for all mankind, Pastor Russell diligently  searched the Scriptures to learn that Plan: “According to a Plan of the Ages, which he formed for the Anointed Jesus our Lord.” (Eph. 3:11, Dia.) The title of his first volume of the Studies in the Scriptures is taken from that text – THE DIVINE PLAN OF THE AGES.  This book is a veritable key to the understanding of the Scriptures. As said, these volumes are being distributed all over the world by faithful Bible students. However, these volumes, as well as much of Pastor Russell’s teachings, have been set aside by the  Jehovah’s Witnesses. (Contributed) 

It is marvelous to see so many Christians working for the prosperity of the Jews and Jerusalem. Some of these Christians do not fully see God’s Plan and Purpose for all  mankind, but nevertheless the Lord, as He promised, will reward them for their faithful  work in seeking to restore Jerusalem to peace and prosperity. We well realize that a  few who claim to be working for the Jews are doing so for political or other selfish  reasons, but God is overruling all things for the good of His Chosen people, Israel.

A. E. Norden, Jerusalem Post Reporter, On Ishmael And His Brother, gives the  following: “For the Palestinians are only those Arabs and Moslems most hurt by Jewish return to the Promised Land, dispiriting as it may be, the prophetic fact is that the Arabs and we Jews are fated to keep fighting over this sliver of real estate until one side wins and the other loses, or the Messiah comes. ....Upon the final outcome of the battle between these two peoples, representing two opposed principles, the fate of the entire world will depend. ....Ishmael and Isaac, the Arabs and the Jews, aren’t cousins. We’re closer than that – we’re actually half‑brothers. And we have unfinished family business. ....The Old Testament says Ishmael will be ‘a great nation,’ but nevertheless  ‘a wild man’; his hand will be against every man, and every man’s hand against him. In  any case, the inheritance – the Promised Land – will not be his. .... Hagar’s son will always nurse a fearful grievance. ....As soon as the Jews started coming back with big ideas, Arabs such as Azoury understood what was going on: the formerly favored  half‑brother was coming back from his wanderings to reclaim his inheritance. Isaac would try to elbow Ishmael across the river and into the desert again, at precisely the moment when the Ishmaelites were getting big, nationalistic ideas of their own. ....The Arabs  already have 21 nation‑states of their own, and the Moslems another 21.”

Behind The Scenes At The United Nations ‑ David Horowitz – 5 April 1984 – “The President is not unmindful or ignorant of biblical prophecy which he quotes occasionally. The writer would advise him to open his concordance and check what it has to say under the  word ‘Jerusalem.’ There’s especially one reference which is relative to the day, namely,  Zechariah 12:2‑4: ‘Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of staggering, to all the peoples  round about ....And it shall come to pass in that day, that I will make Jerusalem a stone of burden for all the peoples. All that burden themselves with it (against Israel) shall be sore wounded ...And I will open My eyes upon the House of Judah…

“Tom Lantos, who is the ranking majority member of the Europe and Middle East Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, and – note well – the author of  H.B. 4877, the Jerusalem Bill to move the American Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, took special pleasure in citing the phrase ‘standing still’ which he said, the ‘President likes to use.’ It has ‘many meanings,’ Lantos notes. ‘In fact, its only meaning is standing on principles. Politics based on appeasement cannot succeed,’ he  emphasizes. ‘We should abandon the hypocrisy of keeping our embassy out of Israel’s capital. It is time to stand tall – on Jerusalem.’”