NO. 360: "I WILL SEND THE HORNET BEFORE THEE"

No. 360

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

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

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

How easily is the fallen human heart and mind deceived and melted! Undoubtedly there were real giants in Canaan; Goliath of David’s day 450 years later is proof sufficient of that. It is stated that Goliath was “six cubits and a span” (1 Sam. 17:4), which would make him over nine feet tall, even using the shortest of the cubits (18”) in the calculation – a very formidable antagonist indeed in any hand‑to‑hand combat. But Goliath, nor any of his kind, were of the Nephelim; God had attended to their annihilation in Noah’s day. And David proved speedily enough that Goliaths in the camps of their enemies were creatures of frailty, vulnerable to the weapons, emotions, and senses, even as were the Jews themselves. Nor could any Goliath before nor since remain quietly in ambush behind rock or bush under the rousing sting of a hornet. It is said that the sting of six hornets has been sufficient to kilt a horse, so we need no vivid imagination to evaluate the advantage that would bee with the Jews as God would “send the hornet before them” – a promise which the Jews en masse so speedily disbelieved.

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

THE ANTITYPE

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

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

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

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

Secondly, the antitypical Canaanite (worldliness) is the very antithesis of (agape) love; and God has given His people this “hornet,” the spirit of love, to enable them to overcome worldliness. The two are the exact opposites. “Love not the world (cosmos), nor the things in the world (cosmos). If any one love the world (cosmos), the love of the Father is not in him.” (1 Jn. 2:15) The Canaanites were the lowlanders, the merchants who pursue vigorously the things of the world. “Where a man’s treasure is, there will his heart be also”; consequently, one cannot be motivated by the spirit of (agape) love, and yet put his heart into “the things of this world” – this cosmos.

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

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

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

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

Sectarians in large measure use the weapons of Goliath, and they have received from the faithful the identical answer given to him by David: “Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts.” (1 Sam. 17:45) Note the close similarity in these words to those used by Jesus in answering Satan’s temptation for Him to “love the world”: “It is written.” (Matt. 4:10) But the Measurably Faithful fail in this respect, choosing rather the methods of this world to accomplish their aims. – “Azazel deceives them into believing they will accomplish great works, win great numbers, gain great favor. The upshot of it all, however, is great disappointments, troubles, losses, frustrations and failures, as is shown of them in Psa. 107:12.” (E‑15:52S) RGJ even now, disregards these warnings of the Priests. (written in 1964)

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

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

EPHRAIM TO THE BATTLE

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

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

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

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

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

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

“He that hath an ear, let him hear what the spirit saith unto the Churches” (Rev. 3:22 – by the “voice behind thee” (Isa. 30:21), the “voice” for our time being the faithful and true teachings (based upon the Old and New Testaments) of That Wise Servant and other faithful pilgrims of this Harvest time. Thus, we urge all to continue in this “good fight,” – “abounding in the work of the Lord at all times, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Cor. 15:58 – Dia.)

Sincerely your brother, John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

This is a reprint of No. 111, published in September, 1964.

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QUESTIONS OF GENERAL INTEREST

QUESTION: – Will you please explain Text‑bookism?

ANSWER: – Text‑bookism is treating the Bible as a text book, whereas the Bible is a book of texts. The Plan of the Ages was given to That Servant as it has never been given before; as it was not due until That wise and Faithful Servant was given charge over the Household. (Matt. 24:45 – See Berean Comments) Since That Servant’s death, there have been quite a few who have brought forth “new light” not in harmony with the Plan of the Ages as given to us with Scriptural proof by Brother Russell. The Epiphany Messenger, who never gave us any “new light” not in harmony with That Servant’s faithful teaching, gives us the following on text‑bookism:

“We are not to understand that the unscripturalness of text‑bookism implies that the Lord’s people are not to read the Bible consecutively. We should read, especially the historical parts of the Bible consecutively, in order to familiarize ourselves with the text and histories of the Bible, and to draw from those histories lessons for our daily lives enabling us to take a proper stand toward evil, i. e., hating, avoiding and opposing it, and to take a proper stand toward good, i. e., loving, practicing and encouraging its cultivation in ourselves and others. For devotion and for helping us to take such stands toward evil and good it is also well for us to read consecutively such books as the Psalms and Proverbs. We would even say such reading, especially in the justified, of the doctrinal and prophetical books of the Bible should be done in order to familiarize oneself with the wording of these books. (Even before That Servant gave us the Plan of the Ages, the reading of the Bible in sincerity of purpose, has blessed the Lord’s faithful people; and the reading of the Bible and becoming familiar with the texts, caused the Saints to readily accept the Truth as given by That Servant – JJH)

“But the unscripturalness of text‑bookism certainly forbids the reading of the historical books to make new types from them, and the prophetical and doctrinal books to make new prophecies and doctrines from them; for such a course is text‑bookism; and such a study of types, prophecies and doctrines made to draw new types and doctrines out of them is the forbidden speculation of Ex. 19:21‑25. For such study is wrong in all antitypical Priests, Levites and Israelites, except in the mouthpiece priests, since it always leads to error; because the Lord Jesus, the Bible’s only Interpreter, will not give the Truth through such a revolutionistic method of Bible study, since His way to interpret the Bible to the Lord’s people is through the mouthpiece priest officiating at the time.” (February 1, 1938 Present Truth, p. 29 – also see E‑5:136)

It is certainly true that we get the Truth through the Mouthpiece Priests – and any “new light” contrary to the “faith once delivered unto the saints” is error; and any types and doctrines presented by Levites are forbidden, as quoted above.

One of the outstanding examples of the above vagary is RGJ, who has cast the above teaching aside. Take for instance, his distortion of the half Tribe of Manasseh west of the Jordan. Brother Johnson taught us that this half tribe is to be taken for the whole; and he has cast aside that Truth to make way for his Campers Consecrated. He did this because he had a “vision” one day.

And what shall we say about his types that teaches him a doctrine! Yes, those types teach him a doctrine ‑ a false doctrine, as said by the Epiphany Messenger in the above quotation: “For such study is wrong in all antitypical Priests, Levites and Israelites, except in the mouthpiece priests, since it always leads to error.” RGJ’s indulging in pictures and types in 1910, which he said was corrected at the time, seems to have cropped up again. He has indulged in such “forbidden things” for over 24 years (written in September 1978), and still hasn’t been corrected. Had he heeded Brother Johnson’s warning, he would not have foisted so much error on the Lord’s people; he would not have revolutionized against Tentative Justification; he would not have moved consecration to the Camp; he would not have set aside the faithful teaching of the two Star Members on Youthful Worthies to be won “until restitution sets in”; he would not have boldly taught that Cornelius wasn’t “repentant and believing” had he been mindful of That Servant’s teaching. Had he been faithful to the Truth he once received and believed, he would have been saved a lot of embarrassment – and had the approval and support of all the faithful Epiphany brethren.

Although he hasn’t departed from the Truth in the marked degree as did J. F. Rutherford, his ministry toward the Lord’s people is a sorry testimony against him; and we are much saddened that such is the case – because his ministry toward the world is commendable in many respects. And the fact that he still has the Parousia and Epiphany books is also commendable, as they refute his errors. One brother he brought into the Truth and gave him these volumes to read came to see that his Epiphany Campers Consecrated was an erroneous doctrine; and he came to see that on his own with the help of the Parousia and Epiphany volumes. He wrote us that it distressed him very much to oppose “Brother Jolly,” as he had been so good to him. A flaw in his ministry to the world is the fact, so far as we know, that he does not “witness” his doctrine of Campers Consecrated to the Jews. If he believes his own doctrine he should certainly “bear witness” to it to the Jews of all people! The Bible doesn’t teach “to the Christian Gentiles first,” but it does teach “to the Jew first.”

So far as we know, RGJ doesn’t recommend text‑bookism for Class study, but the most heinous form of text‑bookism is for leaders to indulge in text‑bookism by making types and parallels to teach a doctrine, thereby, as Brother Johnson says, “It always leads to error.” These errorists do this by claiming they are the Pastors and Teachers. RGJ doesn’t claim to be a priest: he is a self‑admitted crown‑lost leader. As Brother Johnson has said, such leaders do better toward the world than they do toward the brethren.

Written by Brother Hoefle September 4, 1978.

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QUESTION: – Are we to regard the Worthies as Restitutionists, and the first Restitutionists to be blessed under the New Covenant?

ANSWER: – We are not to regard any of the elect as Restitutionists, including the Worthies. They are the first to be blessed under the New Covenant, as they will experience the ‘better resurrection’ before any blessing can go to others. The first Restitutionists to be blessed under the New Covenant are the faithful covenant keeping Jews. As we have repeatedly quoted from our faithful Messengers’ teaching and from the Scriptures, the New Covenant is Israelitish, and would naturally come to the Jew first.

We have also repeatedly contended that the salvation of the elect is in the Faith Age, and the salvation of the world of mankind is in the Mediatorial Kingdom. There are two salvations, and they are not to be mixed. Just as there won’t be any opportunity for the elective salvation in the New Covenant arrangement, so there is no opportunity for the non‑elect, including the quasi‑elect, Campers Consecrated and Jonadabs to make an acceptable consecration to God during the Faith Age.

At one time JFR taught the truth on the two salvations being separate and distinct, but revolutionized against that truth when he invented a new class – Jonadabs or the “Great Multitude”; and the same is true about RGJ. It was after he invented a new class – Campers Consecrated – that he, too, revolutionized against the truth on the two salvations.

“The Youthful Worthies as a class are pointed out in various Scriptures... 2 Tim. 2:20 that ‘in a great house (the great house of the typical Aaron, Lev. 16:6; Num. 17:2, 3; 3:6‑9, 17‑20, consisted of his sons and three typical classes of Levites – the Kohathites, Merarites and Gershonites; accordingly, in the great House of our Great High Priest, there are four classes antitypical of these) there are not only vessels of gold (the Little Flock, Mal. 3:3), and of silver (the Great Company, Mal. 3:3), but also of wood (the Ancient Worthies) and of earth (the Youthful Worthies, who with the Ancient Worthies will be, during the Millennium, the human or earthly members of the antitypical Aaron’s House, as they were or are of the human nature also before the Millennium); and (additionally) some to honor (the faithful Restitutionists, the ‘sheep’ of Matt. 25:31‑40), and some to dishonor (the ‘goats’ of the next Age” – (E‑17:39,40)

So when RGJ groups the Youthful Worthies with the Restitutionists in his contention for his Campers Consecrated, by saying, “If God can make an exception of the Youthful Worthies, who are made up largely of Gentiles, in regard to ‘the Jew first,’ then He can make an exception of another class – Consecrated Epiphany Campers.” God makes an exception of all the elect. The Jews will be the first of the Restitutionists to be blessed under the New Covenant. As repeatedly said, the New Covenant is Israelitish, and simply replaces the Old Law Covenant, which also is Israelitish.

Written by Brother Hoefle October 11, 1974.

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Sr. Emily:

I was so happy to get the article on the AT‑ONE‑MENT between God and Man. I looked through Dad’s books, and sure enough there are two books, one written in 1904 and one in 1958.

We have had second ice storm, making this a very hard winter. I thank you, ------- (MICHIGAN

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Dear Sister Hoefle:

May Got, the source of hope, fill you with all joy and peace by means of your faith in Him, so that your hope will continue to grow by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Thank you for your letter – also for the United Israel Bulletin. After I finish with it I will pass it to some one that will also appreciate it. Yes, I would like a copy of the Bulletin with the write‑up about Brother Hoefle.

Helen’s mother is 94 years young. In the last year she has gone down hill physically, but her mind is still alert. ….. My wife is in Miami visiting the brethren. I am baby‑sitting Mother. Even though I am retired, we both can’t leave at the same time because one of us has to look after Mother. ...............

May the Lord bless you and yours as you to serve Him. See Heb. 6:10.

We are praying for you and your nephew. Yours in His service, ------- (Illinois)

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Dear Sr. Hoefle: Christian greetings’

It was sad news to hear of Brother Hoefle’s demise. I felt proud to be associated with his name. His writings on the Holy Scriptures were well analyzed and fully tested. I found them always a strong boost to my faith. Some of the groups emanating from Brother Russell have not fully kept the faith – and it is the same after the demise of Brother Johnson. Do you think the cause of this is due to the expectations of Brothers Russell and Johnson did not mature? As for myself, I can see the prophecies taught by both Messengers are shaping up.

I continue to enjoy the papers. I think they are very well presented – and a credit to you at the Bible House for your brave efforts. Although I haven’t written for some time (problems and troubles of my own), you have been in my thoughts and prayers for your spiritual and physical well‑being.

In reading Brother Russell’s biography I see where he had accumulated $50,000 in the haberdashery business at the age of 26. He must have been a genius’ He worked very hard and spent all of it in enlightening the ordinary brethren into Bible Truths. God bless all at the Bible House in all their spiritual thinking.

Sincerely your brother in Christ. ------- (ENGLAND)

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Dear Emily,

First of all we want to say how very grateful we are for your generous gift toward our ministry. Thank you very much for promising to send me a copy of David Horowitz’s book. ........

I circulated some of the books you kindly sent me to excommunicated Watchtower members. We assure you of our prayers for you and the ministry, and trust that the Almighty God will continue to bless and encourage you as you serve Him.

Yours in Christ, ------- (AFRICA)

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NO. 359: CONCERNING CONTROVERSY

No. 359

Today it is a proper appraisal to say that Protestantism is almost dead – the spirit of the Reformers, John Wessel, Martin Luther, John Wesley, et al (all confirmed Protesters) has almost vanished from the earth. In this grouping we may also include Brother Russell, because the “protest” that he began in 1874 and continued to 1916 has almost vanished from the Truth movements. While the Jehovah’s Witnesses do continue the attack upon established systems of religious error, they themselves have become such errorists that it is rank travesty to include them with those genuine reformers protesters – who manifested “the patience and the faith of the saints.” (Rev. 13:102

But, with the passing of the spirit of the real protesters there has now come a wide surge of Combinationism. Let us forget our differences, they say, and cooperate against the common enemy now attacking the Church; let us defeat the atheistic rabble now so apparent on every hand. And such a combining is just what we should expect. In the 34th Chapter of Isaiah the Prophet says this: “Yaveh hath wrath against all the nations, and indignation against all their host. He hath devoted them to destruction... and the mountains shall melt away from their blood... the Heavens (the present day prominent religious sects) shall roll up as a scroll.” (See Rev. 6:14) On every hand there is loud acclaim for this “rolling together” as “the unstable and the unlearned” blindly follow their blind leaders – to fall into the ditch. (See Matt. 15:14 “Woe to them that are at ease in Zion.” (Amos 6:1)

THE PRINCE OF PEACE MAKES WAR

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

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

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

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

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

It is a very easy matter to reach hasty, but erroneous, conclusion from reading just one Scripture; and such is true of those who conclude that “without controversy” means we should follow peace at any price. Old Testament precedent directly contradicts it, as can be seen from the prophets who “waxed valiant in fight... were tortured... were stoned, they were sawn asunder... slain with the sword.” (Heb. 11:34-38) All of their time – particularly these outrages occurred because the prophets exposed the evils of teaching and practice – particularly, the evils of the religious leaders of their time. Note specifically 2 Chr. 24:19‑21: “God sent prophets to them, they testified against them... the spirit of God came upon Zechariah... Thus saith God, Why transgress ye the commandments of the Lord?... Because ye have forsaken the Lord, He hath also forsaken you. And they conspired against him, and stoned him with stones at the commandment of the King.” Many who were one time in the forefront of the Harvest battle now seem to feel that the laurels gained in the past will suffice to bring them to the Heavenly Canaan; but the entire record decries such an attitude. Of Jeremiah, Isaiah, Zechariah, Jesus, the Apostles, and the multitude of Gospel‑Age martyrs, the sublime report is that they died with their boots on – “faithful unto death.” Those people today who advocate the preaching only of winsome truths – giving no offense to any one – can scarcely be classified as “enduring hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ” – nor will they eventually be in the same record book with those who have done so – the fully faithful. We consider it a truthful observation that none can be faithful to Present Truth without contending for that Truth. “Earnestly contend for the faith (the Truth) which was once delivered to the saints.” (Jude 3)

WHO MAY ENDURE THE DAY OF HIS COMING?

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

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

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

There is a man in our town

Whose name I need not tell;

I am sure you all must know him,

For he put the fires out of Hell!

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

Theirs not to make reply;

Theirs not to question Why;

Theirs but to do and die!

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

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

That Nature might stand up and say to all the world

THIS WAS A MAN!

To do any task well, there must first of all be the knowledge to do; then the will to do; then the tools wherewith to do; then the capacity to do; and finally the providential circumstances to do (the physical, mental and financial strength). This is very well summed up by St. Paul in 2 Tim. 3:15‑17, Dia.: “From a child thou hast known those Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise for Salvation, through that faith which is in Jesus Christ. All Scripture, divinely inspired, is indeed profitable for teaching (doctrine – what we should believe), for refuting (error – that which we should not believe), for correction (that which we should not do), for that discipline which is in righteousness (that which we should do); so that the Man of God may be complete thoroughly fitted for every good work.” Usually it is by controversy that the clear untainted truth is established; and this has been especially true here in the end of the Age. Thus, the prophecy of Malachi forcefully applies: “He (Jesus) shall sit as a refiner and a polisher (developer) of the Truth.”

And those who clamor for peace without first having purity, those who have faulted Brother Russell and others for engaging in controversy, such have in effect been finding fault with our Lord Himself; because this controversy – this polishing, this developing – of the Truth is specifically one of the outstanding activities of His Second Advent, It is this “polishing” of the Truth that has directly resulted in “polishing, developing” the Sons of Levi. And the reason the Sons of Levi must be so developed is that “they may make an offering in righteousness” unto the Lord. Until all such have come into Present Truth, to appropriate the Truth from the table the Lord has provided for His people at this time, no activity on their part can be acceptable to the Lord regardless of any outward appearance of prosperity they may have. Jesus said one of His primary purposes at His first Advent was “To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the Truth.” (John 18:37) And, Just as the Truth at that time “brought life and immortality to light,” so in His second Advent “the hail (hard cutting Truth) shall sweep away the refuge of lies.” Note the Berean Comment on John 18:37: “It was this ‘good confession before Pilate’ that cost our Lord His life.”

SOME CORROBORATING CITATIONS

The following is something on this subject from Brother Russell: “Having put on the whole armour of God, and boldly withstood error by a clear and fearless presentation and defense of the Truth during this evil day, when giant errors stalk about, the saints are exhorted, ‘Having done all, to stand,’ clad in the full armour, with the sword of the Spirit ever ready for defense, and with watchfulness and perseverance and prayer for all saints.” (Vol. 3, p. 212) “And suffering with Christ, we have seen, is not the ordinary suffering common to all in the fallen state, but only such sufferings as are the results, more or less directly, of the following of Christ’s example, in advocating unpopular truths and exposing popular errors.” (Vol. 3, p. 209)

In the face of such clear statements by Brother Russell, it seems ridiculous in the extreme for any to decry controversy, and yet claim they are fully faithful to the Harvest Truth and That Servant’s teachings. Indeed, he was fully alerted to the fact that one of our Lord’s outstanding Second‑Advent works would be the “polishing developing” of the Truth; and those who do not understand this are Just that much out of Present Truth.

And more from Brother Russell in Vol. 2, pp. 236, 237: “As there (in the Jewish Harvest) the Truth set the father against the son, the daughter against the mother, and the mother‑in‑law against the daughter‑in‑law, so again, a man’s foes are often they of his own household. This cannot be avoided. They who love peace more than the Truth will be tested, and they who love truth supremely will be accepted as the overcomers, as in the Jewish Harvest... As we should expect, we find it here: the blindest are the leaders of the blind, who, like their types, Know not the time of their visitation.” (Luke 19:44)

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

In 2 Tim. 3:12 we are told, “All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” The only way such persecution may come is by “a good confession” of the Truth. Regardless of how much Truth we may know, if we do not sound forth the “trumpet,” nobody will bother us.

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

To be a “good soldier” one must have courage and combativeness ‑ not a good runner, but a good fighter. And, while “the weapons of our warfare are not carnal,” many of God’s people throughout the Age have willingly answered the call to battle with “the sword of the spirit, which is the Word of God.” (Eph. 6:17, Dia.) The Adversary, ever seeking whom he may devour – and being a shrewd appraiser of human frailty – was quick to discern that many would face lions in the Roman arena, rather than forsake the “good fight.” Consequently, he aroused their combativeness against each other, with both sides on occasion being in error; yet contending so strenuously for their error that they destroyed each other. This mistake we should studiously and determinedly avoid, giving heed to the prophet’s words, “In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.” (Isa. 30:15) We should ever bear in mind it is not characteristic of the Lord’s true people to wish destruction upon the gainsayers (Luke 9:35‑55); but to recover them if possible from their “path of error.” (Jas. 5:20, Dia.)

2 Tim. 2:25,26 (Dia.) offers excellent complement to the foregoing “In meekness correcting the opposers; perhaps God may give them a change of mind in order to a knowledge of the Truth; and that they may be recovered from the snare of the enemy.” Those of us who were not ‘born in the Truth’ know by experience that at one time we had no ear for it; but Got eventually gave us “a change of mind... to a knowledge of the Truth.” Thus, there may Be some today who occupy our identical position before receiving this “change of mind”; so time and instruction may eventually cause them to receive it. This thought should always be in our mind as we appraise those who do not hear us now; they may hear us next year if we give them courteous and generous treatment.

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

We now offer one more quotation from Brother Russell, found in Parousia Volume 2, pp. 358, 359: “In 2 Thes. 2:8‑12 the Apostle Paul declares concerning Antichrist: ‘Whom the Lord Jesus will consume with the spirit of His mouth, and annihilate with the bright shining (Epiphaneia) of His presence (Parousia).’ The light of truth is to penetrate every subject. By exposing rights and wrongs it will lead into the great struggle between these principles, and between the human exponents of each, causing the time of trouble and wrath. In this struggle, wrong and evil shall fall, and right and truth shall triumph. Among other evils now to be finally and utterly destroyed is Antichrist, with which nearly every evil, or theory and practice, is more directly connected. And it will be this bright‑shining (Epiphaneia), this sunlight from the Lord’s presence, which will produce the day of trouble, because of and in which Antichrist, with every other evil system, will be destroyed. ‘Whose presence is with (accompanies by or during) an energetic operation of Satan (Satanic energy and action) with all power, and signs, and lying delusions, and with every iniquitous deception for those perishing; because they did not receive the love of the truth that they might be preserved. And for this reason God will send to them a deluding power, that they might believe the error (which is pronouncedly true of those who have had Parousia Truth and now contend for “peace and tranquility” instead of contending for the Truth – a manifest Truth that they received it NOT in the love of it – JJH): so that all not believing the truth, but taking pleasure in iniquity, may be judged unworthy to share the Millennial Kingdom as joint heirs with Christ.

“We understand these words to imply that in the time of the Lord’s presence (since 1874), through this Antichrist system (one of the principal of Satan’s agencies for deceiving and controlling the world), as well as through all his other agencies (including those who are in Azazel’s clutches – JJH), the devil will make a most desperate resistance to the new order of things about to be established. He will take advantage of every little circumstance, and all the inherited weaknesses and selfishness of the human family, to enlist their hearts and hands and pens in this final struggle against liberty and the full elucidation of the truth. Prejudices will be enkindled where, if the truth were clearly seen, none would exist; and passionate zeal will be evoked, and partisan unions formed, which will deceive and mislead many (beginning at the House of the Lord among the Truth groups – JJH)

“And this will be so, not because God has not made the truth clear enough to guide all the fully consecrated, but because those who will be deceived were not sufficiently in earnest in seeking out and using the truth provided as meat in due season. And thus it will be manifested that the class misled received not the truth in the love of it, but rather through custom, formality or fear.” (The revealing is in this Epiphany. The Berean Comment on 2 Thes. 2:11 – “Great delusions are just before us, and some of these may come closest upon those possessing the most Light of Present Truth.” – JJH)

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

Sincerely your brother, John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

This is a reprint of No. 263, published in May 1977

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QUESTION OF GENERAL INTEREST

QUESTION: – Are Consecrated Epiphany Campers represented in any way in Noah’s Ark?

ANSWER: – No! And it would be essential for them to be shown in the Ark in some clear manner if they are a genuine class, because that Ark is a “Type of Christ and the power in Him which will replenish and reorganize society..” (See Gen. 6:19 – Berean Comment) In other words, the Ark portrays the embodiment of God’s Plan. (Nor does Noah’s Ark portray the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Jonadabs, or any of their earthly “Organization” that will allegedly survive Armageddon.)

In elaborating this statement Brother Johnson gives us this in E‑5:62 (59): “It will be noticed that there were four human pairs who went into the Ark, as well as at least one pair of every clean and unclean kind of animals. We know that there are four elective classes who in this life obtain a good report through faith in the Abrahamic Covenant: (1) The Christ, (2) the Ancient Worthies, (3) the Great Company, and (4) the Youthful Worthies. Noah undoubtedly types our Lord, who is the Heir of righteousness which comes to us by faith (Heb. 11:7) These classes we understand to be typed in their respective order by Noah and his wife, Shem and his wife, Japheth and his wife and Ham and his wife, the males apart from Noah representing all the leaders of their respective classes, and the females the rest of these classes. We understand the animals in the Ark to represent the non‑elect who will ultimately be saved. We understand the clean animals to represent the Jews, as typically clean, who will be saved, and the Tentatively Justified as tentatively clean, who will be saved. The unclean animals we understand represent those of the present unclean world who will be saved; while those who perished in the Flood we understand to represent from one viewpoint those who have perished under the Adamic curse, and from another standpoint, the movements and systems of Satan’s Empire and the Second Death Class. Just as in the type the clean and the unclean animals occupied altogether different positions in the Ark from those of Noah and his family, so in the antitype, the Jews and the Tentatively Justified on the one hand, and the prospectively saved of the rest of mankind on the other hand, are quite differently related to the Abrahamic Covenant from antitypical Noah and his family. These animals were placed in the Ark to type that anticipatorily their antitypes would be included in the Abrahamic Covenant.”

From the foregoing, it is clear enough that the clean animals typed the quasi‑elect – those “truly repentant and believing, but not consecrated, Jews and Gentiles.” (See E‑10:209) They are those who have “adhered to righteousness” and who accept Christ as their Savior – anticipatorily in the Jewish Age, and actually so during the Gospel Age. Note we have italicized the words “adhered to righteousness,” because this feature of the quasi‑elect is definitely portrayed in the clean animals by all of them having the split or divided hoof, such hoofs typifying that their conduct has been acceptable to God and to man – they have practiced righteousness – have made “straight paths for their feet” – adhered to the Mosaic law to the extent of their ability (even perhaps more so than the ‘measurably faithful’ Great Company Class, and the ‘measurably faithful’ of the Youthful Worthies – although ‘adherence to righteousness’ does not admit the quasi‑elect as one of the fully elect classes). Thus, it is apparent that the quasi‑elect are clearly shown in the Ark; and it is equally apparent that the same Ark is completely silent about a consecrated segment of this class at any time during the Gospel Age in the embodiment of God’s Plan. Clearly enough, a consecrated division of the quasi elect is an Azazelian perversion by uncleansed Levite leaders – whether they be designated Epiphany Campers Consecrated, Quasi‑elect Consecrated or Jonadabs. It is an arbitrary addition to “that which is written,” and without Scriptural foundation in the Ark, which reveals the “Whole counsel of God” in its generalized features – emphasizing the same six classes as are found in Joel 2:28, 29, but no more.

When RGJ tells us that his Campers Consecrated are so much like the Youthful Worthies that he can hardly tell the difference, we would present the logical question respecting the type: Did Noah and family have any difficulty whatever in noting the difference between themselves and the clean animals in the Ark?

This is a reprint of a Question in No. 263, published in May 1977.

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Sister Hoefle:

Many thanks for the welcome papers which I continue to enjoy very much. I do hope you are bearing up well, and that you are strengthening one another at the Bible House – both spiritually ant emotionally. ........

I am glad to have been associated with Brother Hoefle’s writings. He understood Scriptural interpretations as I believe they were meant to be understood. And what has happened since Brother Russell’s demise! I heartily agree with the teaching of Brother Russell and Brother Hoefle.

I pray God be with you always as you march on in faith as Good Christian soldiers at the Bible House.

Christian love to all, Brother ------- (ENGLAND)

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Dear Sister Hoefle:

So glad for the article you sent regarding President Truman. I wrote David Horowitz a letter stating that was one of the wonderful important moves he had ever made in office. I received a ‘thank‑you’ note from him. Looking back it is wonderful how things seem to be shaping up for big things to cone. My sisters will read this, then I will save it for future reference. Thanks so much for sending it...........

I have been reading the cleansing of the Sanctuary. Every time I pick up one of the Truth papers and books I see something new. So good to have all those articles’

How are you getting along? Can scarcely realize how old we are getting. Just think – I have lived every day in this century and look forward to the next one. Most folks would say I’m too ambitious. Please take care of yourself. Got bless you!

With love, ------- (OHIO)

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Dear Emily,

Just a quick word for no other reason than to remind you that we love you. John was right in his No. 357, that the shaking of all nations has begun. I am watching the Lord measure the nations in their behavior toward Israel, and I believe they are coming up wanting. John was a detailed and deep teacher of the Word, and you must have had wonderful biblical discussions together. How you must miss him!

            Don’t forget – you are loved by the Lord and by us. Shalom, ------- (MASSACHUSETTS)

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Dear Brethren: Grace and peace be multiplied!

We enjoy the papers very much. They are timely – especially the September 1984 paper on Cornelius. Brother Hoefle has ably and resoundingly refutes the false doctrine of Consecrated Epiphany Campers, as well as other errors presented in the Present Truth.

However, the November‑December 1984 PT, p. 92, col. 2, presents the error of Seven saved classes from among MANKIND. The Consecrated Epiphany Campers are injected into the Scriptures of Joel 2:28, 29 and Psa. 107:32‑34. The Epiphany Messenger taught SIX saved classes from MANKIND and used these Scriptures as proof. They teach the SIX Saved classes from MANKIND – the four elect classes and the two non‑elect the Restitution classes. We do well to continue in what we have learned and been assured of from the Star Members – knowing of whom we have learned them.

The editor has another misrepresentation of Brother Johnson’s teaching on p. 93, col. 1, par. 2, in his quotation “as great missionaries of the Millennial Age,” indicating that his CECs are not only the ‘first’ but the “great missionaries.” If the “great missionaries” are the Consecrated Epiphany Campers, the “great missionaries” will be mainly the Gentiles – if not altogether.

This is a bracketed comment from E‑17:339 on Ezek. 36:24‑38 (which please see), and it is clearly evident that it applies to the JEWS and their return to the land. The JEWS will be the “great missionaries” in the Kingdom, just as Brothers Russell and Johnson taught.

God has done “great things for us” (Psa. 71:19), which we shouldn’t forget! Therefore, let us continue in the “faith once delivered unto the saints” – and not be turned aside by the “faith once delivered unto crown‑losers – Great Company leaders.”

Our warm Christian love and the assurance of our prayers. Faithfully, -------

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NO. 358: "THE THIRD WATCH"

No. 358

In Luke 12:37‑38 Jesus said, “Blessed are those servants, who the Lord when he cometh shall find watching.... And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants.” These words were addressed primarily to the Saints, but “What I say unto you, I say unto all, Watch.” (Mark 13:37) During the ministry of Jesus the Roman army maintained a strong guard in Jerusalem, a fresh troop probably being installed each evening at six o’clock, the same as is true with the American army. The individual guards were relieved every three hours, each relief being known as a “watch,” the first watch being at six p.m., the second at nine, the third at midnight, and the fourth at three a.m. When the watch was changed at midnight and at three a.m. a trumpet sounded, the same being referred to as the first and second cock‑crowing. Therefore, when Jesus said to Peter (Mark 14:30), “Before the cock crow twice, thou shalt deny me thrice,” He was telling Peter that before the sounding of the second “cock” at three a.m. that same Peter would have denied Jesus three times.

Jesus never used words idly or without special significance; therefore, He did not do so in this instance. “The morning cometh, and also the night” (Isa. 21:12), the reference here being to the Millennial morning and the night of trouble that would come abreast of it. For those awake to its significance, this morning has given light of great brilliance; but to those not understanding it, it has been a “day of trouble? Of clouds and thick darkness.” For those on the alert it would seem proper to observe that they have been in a watching attitude, the first one of these watches‑ being the period of forty years from 1874 to 1914 During that watch the hopes were high and certain that by its end the Household of Faith would all be gathered to their Lord and the Kingdom established; and great was the disappointment of many when 1914 did not confirm all they had expected.

But those whose faith failed not, girded themselves for the second watch the forty years from 1914 to 1954; and early in this watch the “signs of the times” seemed to point with certainty to the fulfillment of many Kingdom prophecies before that watch would be completed. Surely, the [all in 1917 of Czarist Russia was of great portent; it was one of the greatest and most absolute governments in all history. And other events brought into clear focus Isa. 24:20, “The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage.” So convincing were some of the happenings at that time that good sober Brethren, well “established in the present truth,” were heard to remark that we were no longer walking by faith alone; we were walking by sight. During the years 1914‑1918 “the furnace (of persecution against Bible Students) was heated one seven times more than it was wont to he.” (pan. 3:19) But the virility of the Old Order is not to be denied, nor is “The Strong Man” easily bound. Thus, the second watch has come and gone; and the third watch is already thirty years with us.

When Jesus said, “If He shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch,” it would seem a reasonably strong inference that He would come for His own before the third watch is completed. It should be noted that the expression “shall come” does not always refer to His second advent to earth. Note, for instance, Matt. 24:50: “The Lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him.”

The reference here is to That Evil Servant, who did not appear as such until over forty years after Jesus had returned in 1874; yet a superficial reading might cause us to conclude it was something that would occur at the same time as the Second Advent. But during the first watch, and again in the second watch, and now in the third watch, those who are faithfully watching will still embrace the words of the Psalmist: “My mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips .... When I meditate on thee in the night watches.” (Psa. 63:5,6) In Vol. E‑12, pp. 368‑369 Brother Johnson says that in 1914 “Satan began the antitypical 70 years’ depopulation of Christendom”; and it would seem almost certain that some of God’s elect will remain until toward the end of that work – just as Jeremiah was one of the last to leave Israel during the desolation of Israel.

THE FIGURE FORTY IMPLIES TRIAL

We have repeatedly stressed that the Bible does not use words unnecessarily; and we know the destruction of the first world is typical of the destruction of this Present Evil World. Therefore, when we are told in Gen. 7:12 that “the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights,” we are hardly warranted in giving that just a 40‑year antitype. The figure forty in Scripture is used to designate a trial time “tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years.” (Heb. 3:9) In substantiation, we quote Brother Edgar’s observations, as published in Reprints 3574, colt 2, par. 2, June 15, 1905 Watch Tower:

“When we turn back to the early history of the typical kingdom, we find that Saul, David and Solomon each reigned 40 years. It is clear that the reign of Saul represents the Jewish Age, that of David the Gospel Age, and that of Solomon the Millennial Age. The fact that the duration of each reign was 40 years indicates that it represented a complete period of testing and sifting. This would appear to be the thought underlying the number 40 in all instances in which it is used in the Scriptures. For instance, there were the 40 years’ temptation of the children of Israel in the wilderness, Christ’s 40‑days’ temptation (Moses’ 40‑days’ stay in the Mount, which allowed for severe temptation to Israel – JJH), etc. They all seem to foreshadow the 40 years of harvest at the end of the Jewish, of the Gospel, and (possibly) of the Millennial Ages.”

The life span of Moses also had three forty‑year divisions: (1) the first 40 years which he spent in Pharaoh’s Egyptian palace; (2) the second 40 years in Midian, which was a region in the Arabian desert near the gulf of Akabah (recently given prominent news mention because of the war between the Arabs and the Jews); (3) the third and final 40 years in which he led Israel from Egypt to The River Jordan preparatory to their entrance into Canaan land. We believe all will agree that those three 40‑year periods were extremely trialsome to Moses.

Therefore, if we construe the three “watches” as the three forty‑year trial times beginning with 1874, we note some interesting conclusions: (1) The Parousia forty years had to do mainly ‑ though not exclusively – with the trial time of the Little Flock. By the time it was over at September 16, 1914 every crown‑retainer of the Harvest had his name written in that “book” from which none can ever be “blotted out.” At the conclusion of that forty years many others murmured because of unrealized expectations – “and they walked with Him no more.” (John 6:66) To such the Truth speedily lost its appeal; they had built their house upon Christ “as sand,” and this was quickly made manifest.

(2) The first forty years of the Time of Trouble beginning with 1914 – or the first half of the Epiphany, represented by the “forty days” of rain (the Epiphany and the Time of Trouble are identical) had to do mainly – though not exclusively – with the trial time of the Great Company. By the time that forty years was finished in Sept. 1954, every crown‑lost leader in the Truth groups – and the great bulk of lesser lights among the crown‑losers in the various Truth groups – had been manifested by the sixth Slaughter‑weapon Man of Revolutionism, the last leader of whom was RGJ. His 1938 deflection was merely against arrangements; but his deflection after the demise of Brother Johnson was persistent and numerous revolutionisms against Parousia and Epiphany Truth; and this became clearly manifest to some of us by September 1954.

The conclusion of that trial time also gave severe trial to some because of unrealized expectations. One of the more prominent leaders in Truth circles was unyielding in his prediction that the Ancient Worthies would return in 1956; and he, and those who accepted his foolish conclusions, have since faded pretty much into the limbo of spiritual inactivity – just as was true of many who had been so positive in their predictions respecting 1914. In 1914 and 1954 the Scripture was forcefully apparent that “judgment must begin at the House of God” (1 Pet. 4:17); the depth of the profession of their faith was manifested in those claiming to be in “present truth.” And this was more apparent with the Epiphany Truth Movement at 1954 than with any others.

(3) The second forty years of the Epiphany, and the third “watch,” represented by “forty nights” of rain, beginning in 1954, is having to do mainly – though not exclusively with the trial of Youthful Worthies; and this will run to its logical completion. The world in general is also being more severely “tried” in this second forty years – these “nights” of the antitypical “rain” (the third watch). This is evident on every hand in international affairs, where Governments are being toppled by the “sea” (the lawless, restless elements of Society) with increasing regularity. Also, in ways not known world‑wide, conditions internally are becoming unbearable – even here in the United States, as an example: In many Detroit public schools it is now necessary to have policemen patrolling the corridors all day long to Prevent lawless students from knifing the teachers and other students. (written in 1974) Such a condition was unheard of – would have been considered unbelievable – in the “second watch” from 1914 to 1954, the forty “days” of rain of the Time of Trouble.

The third watch had scarcely begun before the Cuban Government was overthrown by a Communist regime, which added considerably to the problems of the United States. And during these thirty years we have experienced serious and devastating riots in many principal cities of the U.S.; along with crucial disorders on college campuses; aggravated murders in the City Detroit, and its main street is practically a ghost town immediately after dark.

Despite the serious implications of the foregoing, the politicians are once again mouthing “peace and safety” – Just as they were doing before the holocaust of 1914. And those of us who remember the situation can testify that “sudden destruction” came upon them (1 Thes. 5:3); and the predictions of “peace and safety” now will meet similar fate.

Immediately after the completion of the Parousia trial time there appeared a Levite (JFR), who usurped to himself all the prerogatives of That Servant – he professed to “sit in Moses’ seat.” Those who disagreed and resisted him were speedily and unjustly labeled “sifters,” and the decree went forth to “avoid them.” And, as should be expected from such a reprobate power‑grasper, he quickly brought forth much error and was the chief offender in Revolutionism (the sixth Slaughter‑weapon man). One of his principal and primary errors was the denial of Tentative Justification, which so perverted the teachings of Tabernacle Shadows that he was eventually forced to reject that book in toto. This “overthrew the faith of many” among the Great Company.

At 1954, after the completion of the second trial time (at the end of the “second watch”) appeared RGJ, another Levite who also professes to “sit in Moses’ seat.” He also labels us “sifters’, and decrees that his adherents “avoid them” – any who resists his Revolutionisms. And, in true style with JFR, the perverter after the first 40‑year trial time, we find also with RGJ that one of his main perversions is on Tentative Justification. He now has that teaching outside the linen curtain (the righteousness that cometh from Christ alone in this faith dispensation) and in the Camp. This is also “overthrowing the faith of many” among the Youthful Worthies, as this perversion forces him to other perversions, prominent among such being his denial of further opportunity to enter the Youthful Worthy Class – in direct contradiction to the teaching of both Messengers that Tentative Justification inside the linen curtain for Youthful Worthy opportunity would be available even after Armageddon – and “until Restitution sets in.” (E‑4:342) Yet in this spiritual bedlam he continues to “Herald the Epiphany” (See front cover of the Present Truth magazine), although claiming we are now in the Basileia. The Epiphany Bible Students(our own group) is now the only group adhering to the Truth on Youthful Worthies as given by Brothers Russell and Johnson, as we continue also to “herald the Epiphany” – the same being identical with the Time of Trouble. (See E‑4:54)

Be it noted that Tentative Justification was a dominant factor in the teaching of revolutionistic Levites at the end of both trial periods, the main difference is this: After 1914 That Evil Servant eliminated Tentative Justification entirely for any Age; whereas, RGJ now has it in EVERY AGE – right on through the Millennium! But note also: It was after tampering with Tentative Justification that each Levite brought forth his “strange fire” (false doctrine), JFR immediately with his “Millions Now Living Will Never Die” and his specially invented class of Jonadabs – and RGJ with his Campers Consecrated, who may also live right into the Kingdom – or, so he says. Of course, time itself has completely eliminated the “Millions” doctrine – it is no longer even mentioned in those words; and time will also demonstrate the “folly” of R. G. Jolly and his kindred Campers Consecrated.

THE HOURS OF REVELATION 18

As a companion thought with the foregoing, it would seem in order to consider Rev. 18:8, 10, 17, and 19. In E‑5:422 (28) Brother Johnson states that the “one day” of v. 8 is the Millennial Day, and an hour of which would be 41 years 8 months. At the time he wrote that he could not see clearly the conditions existing today – anymore than we can now see clearly the conditions five, ten or twenty years hence. It is now too apparent that much of what Brother Russell expected in 1914 and what Brother Johnson expected respecting 1954‑56 have not materialized; and this should sober us all in our attempts to pry into the future in too much detail – “sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.” (written in 1974)

However, if we consider the “hour of judgment” of v. 10, the “hour” of v. 17, and the “hour of desolation” of v. 19 as three different hours – instead of all of them being the same hour – we may reach come informative conclusions. But just as Brother Johnson eventually saw much detail respecting 1914‑1916 that was not at all apparent at the time, so we too may eventually see much detail respecting 1954‑1956 that is not now readily apparent. A pointed example in this respect is Brother Russell’s observations on Psa. 149:7‑9, “to execute upon them the judgment written” – which event he discussed as a future matter, although it was going on right at the time he was talking about it.

It is stated that in one hour Babylon’s judgment came. If that hour began in 1874, it would end 41 years 8 months later at Passover, 1916; and it was at that date that the last Saint was brought into Present Truth. While the Judgment had been pronounced early in the hour, it was not until its full end that it could be truly said, “The voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee” (in Babylon the Great). At that date the judgment had come to the full.

Then at Passover 1916 began the second hour (v. 17) – “so great riches is come to naught” (“in one hour such great wealth is laid waste”¾ Dia.); and the hour ended about January 1958. Have we seen any evidence of the wasting in this second hour? Yes, verily – much more than appears on the surface! The rule of ‘hard money’ has almost completely disappeared; Governments have issued so much worthless paper that no one with any financial intelligence believes it will ever be redeemed with gold, which is still the only international money of any value. Few governments today want the paper of other governments; and there is not nearly enough gold even to transact international trade in its present‑day volume. There are only three ways to do business – namely: (1) by cash – Gold; (2) by credit – paper promises to pay; (3) by barter. At best the barter system is cumbersome; and then it is only workable when governments trade mutually desirable commodities. It cannot work at all between, say, two agricultural countries, since they cannot trade wheat to each other for agricultural machinery; nor can it work between two industrial countries, as they cannot trade each other machinery for foodstuff. It should here be noted that it was the failure of the Austrian Reichsbank in late 1931 that caused such international turmoil as to force England off the Gold Standard, which in turn forced the United States to do the same some months later.

The amount of paper issued in various countries is staggering beyond comprehension. In France today the Franc is about 400 for one American dollar; and this is the same Franc that was the unit of value in France before the second hour of wasting began – just as our dollar is the unit of value here. With the Franc deteriorated to 1/4 cent, one may buy little more than a toothpick or a match with one of them; and even the Frenchmen do not want them except for day‑to‑day convenience. It is well known that the peasants of France have their little gold hoards, which the government has repeatedly tried to tempt into exchange for paper Francs; but the peasants will have no part of a rotting and wasting currency, which gives every evidence of being worth even less in the days ahead. About fifteen years ago (written in 1974) in Czechoslovakia the people awoke one morning to be greeted with the news that the currency unit had been shrunk to one for fifty; thus, a man having $5,000 in the bank was given $100, and told to start all over accumulating more. It caused widespread riots, resulting in many deaths and injuries.

In the United States the overall debt today is about 1.5 TRILLION DOLLARS, and this staggering figure is increasing about 70 billion more each year. (written in 1974) This includes national, state, municipal and private obligations, If we figure just four percent interest on that, the yearly interest is forty billion – over $200 for each man, woman and child in the United States. Thus, a man and wife with three children faces an annual interest burden of over $1,000 – as an average. To express a solid cold opinion on this might involve “things not lawful for a man to utter”; but it should not require a very vivid imagination to arrive at certain conclusions, and it would indeed be an ironic fate should we eventually see the capitalistic system “wasted” by the Frankenstein of its own creation – caused to collapse by a top‑heavy interest system of its own making. Of this there will be more to say in “due time.”

Coming to the hour of v. 19, the hour of desolation, which began about January 1958: We have often been asked when the violent features of Armageddon will begin. It did not begin in 1958, and it has not started yet; but it is our opinion that it will certainly be accomplished to the full in the third hour. But its start will not be advertised ahead of time. We shall wake up some morning to find it with us. This is in keeping with the “sudden destruction” of 1914. Twenty‑four hours before it began all was serene ‑ no indication whatever that the next day would bring the explosion that tottered the whole world, so much so that the New York Stock Exchange was tightly closed for three whole months – although the United States was not then embroiled.

It is pointedly significant that governments never fall so long as the army remains loyal. It seems almost certain that Armageddon would have overtaken some countries ere this had it not been for the American army which is there to preserve order; nor is there any likelihood of violent disturbance in any countries where a loyal American army continues to police it. And, since the “hour of desolation” is now not over, the spirit of a sound mind should forbid us from making conjectures about details yet future. We may relax in the assurance that “the vision is yet for an appointed time it will surely come, it will not tarry”; and it is for each of God’s people to order his affairs in keeping therewith. (See Hab. 2:3)

Therefore, dearly Beloved, let us not be weary in well doing, but strive earnestly to “maintain the true word in our teaching, so that we may he able both to exhort by the sound instruction, and to confute the opposers. For there are unruly persons, foolish talkers and deceivers ... whom it is necessary to silence.” (Titus 1:9‑11, Dia.)

It is certain that if we “maintain the true Word in our teaching” that the promise of Luke 21:15 is ours: “For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.” Nor will it ever become necessary for us to “flee” from our adversaries’ attacks. Thus, shall you “sanctify the anointed Lord in your hearts, and be always prepared with a defense for every one demanding an account of the hope that is in you; but with meekness and fear, having a good conscience that in what they speak against you, they may be ashamed, who slander your good conduct in Christ.” (1 Pet. 3:15,16 – Dia.)

Sincerely your brother, John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

The above article is from No. 227, May 1, 1974. This article was first written in 1957, reprinted in June 1964, and reprinted as above with additions. If Brother Hoefle were with us he no doubt would make some changes and additions.

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QUESTIONS OF GENERAL INTEREST

QUESTION: – Will Restitutionists have “peace with God” during the Mediatorial reign, after they accept Jesus as their Savior?

ANSWER: – No, they will not have “peace with God,” nor will they be of the Household of Faith when they accept Jesus. God does not deal with Restitutionists at all during the Kingdom reign. That Servant confirms this in Parousia Volume 5, p. 458: “Similarly, the world of mankind, the children of Christ, must all report to Him, as their Head, nor will they have any intercourse with God, nor be recognized by Him at all, until after the Millennial Age shall have restored and brought back to perfection those who will avail themselves of those privileges.”

However, at the end of the Millennium, God will justify the physically, mentally, morally and religiously perfect sheep, at which time they will have “peace with God.” Even though the sheep are willing and obedient, they cannot be justified‑until the end of the Millennium. It is God that justifies. They are taking the proper steps when they accept Jesus as their Head, and are willing and obedient to the Kingdom requirements. Justification is instantaneous, although there are progressive steps to be taken before they reach instantaneous justification. Even in this Faith Age, those in the Camp take progressive steps toward the gate of the Court. They must desire harmony with God, become repentant and believing, and accept Jesus as their personal Savior. But when they enter the Court they are instantaneously tentatively justified, and have “peace with God.” Tentative justification is an imputable thing.

As Brother Johnson has taught and repeatedly emphasized: “During that Age there will be neither a tentative nor a vitalized justification, since both of these kinds of justification operate on the basis of the imputed ransom merit, as distinct from the applied ransom merit.” (E‑15:261) And That Servant has this to say in Question Book, p. 571: “There will be no imputation of Christ’s merit during the Millennial Age. Not a bit.”

During this Faith Age, justification can be obtained only in the Court. “There was only one gateway to enter the ‘Holy Place’ or ‘Court’; the type thus testifying that there is but one way of access to God – one ‘gate’ – Jesus. ‘I am the way..... No man cometh unto the Father but by me’; ‘I am the door’ – John 14:6; 10:9.” (Tabernacle Shadows, p. 18)

The invitation of Rom. 12:1 is an invitation only to those in the Court: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice; holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” No one in the Camp is invited to sacrifice; none of the Restitutionists will be invited to make a sacrifice unto God. God’s justice prohibits that. He will reward all consecrators, if faithful – “between the Ages,” when sin and evil are in the ascendancy with a “better resurrection,” in honor and service with the Ancient Worthies.

Brother Johnson has made this very clear in his refutation of JFR, as he proved from the Scriptures that a class of unbegotten consecrators “between the Ages” would receive tentative justification – who, if faithful, will be rewarded with the Ancient Worthies, in harmony with what That Servant taught. JFR disposed of tentative justification, as well as the unbegotten class taught by Brother Russell. RGJ does not dispose of tentative justification, nor Youthful Worthies, altogether: he extends tentative justification to include the present Camp as he closes the opportunity for consecrators to enter the Court. He does this in order to “justify” his invented class of Campers Consecrated. Of course, JFR’s denial of tentative justification was to make room for his non‑existent class – Jonadabs or “great crowd.” It is “strange fire (false doctrine) offered before the Lord” that produces such revolutionisms against the Truth and its Arrangements.

The Gospel‑Age Court contains the Household of Faith – and the Tabernacle Court of the Millennial Age also contains only the Household of Faith. When the embargo is lifted from the Court, the merit of Christ will be applied for the world of mankind in “due time” – no longer imputed as in the Faith Age.

Brother Johnson did not change anything That Servant taught on tentative justification – nor did he dispose of the class of unbegotten consecrators “between the Ages”; but JFR and RGJ have revolutionized and changed his teaching on both doctrines. They have invented classes of their own. However, RGJ does not dispose of tentative justification and That Servant’s unbegotten consecrators “between the Ages” altogether; he simply extends tentative justification to the present Camp to make room for another class of consecrators “between the Ages,” as he closes all opportunity to enter the class taught by both Messengers. Brother Johnson simply elaborated and brought forth further Scriptural proof of such a class; he did not dispose of, pervert or revolutionize against these doctrines – nor did he invent a class to replace this unbegotten class of consecrators, taught by That Servant.

Tentative justification during this Age is primarily the result of faith, but demonstrated by works; justification of the next Age will be primarily the result of works, accompanied by some faith. There would be no need for a Mediator if Restitutionists were reckoned perfect. Those who receive tentative justification now have no need for a Mediator – because they have “peace with God” so long as they continue in the Court condition. A place in the Tabernacle is a condition in antitype.

“There will be no more faith justification working during the Millennium, no more Gospel‑Age study, spread and practice of the Truth then.” (E‑11:169) RGJ says all who accept Jesus during the Kingdom will be of the “Household of Faith.” How can they come into God’s Household of Faith when they cannot have “peace with God,” when God does not even recognize them until the end of the Millennium? “For when this Age ends Christ’s merit will cease to be an imputable thing.” (E‑11:170)

The leaders in the 1908‑1911 sifting tried to put the Church under the New Covenant, which would place them under a Mediator; whereas, they have an “Advocate with the Father.” Restitutionists will not have an Advocate in any sense of the word, because they have a Mediator who stands between them and God’s justice, as a shield of protection until they become perfect at the end of the Millennium. They will have no need of an Advocate. At the end of the Millennium God will recognize them – they will then have “peace with God.” We repeat ‑ It is God that justifies. “Then cometh the end, when He shall have delivered up the kingdom to God” (1 Cor. 15:24) – at which time the sheep will be fully restored; they will be kings as was Adam in the Garden of Eden.

It is our fond hope that the Truth reasserted herein, as taught by both Messengers, will strengthen and bless all who are “of the Truth.” And we are assured that the faithful will not be “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men” (Eph. 4:14) contrary to “the things which thou hast learned and been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them” (2 Tim. 3:143; and in so doing let us “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” as opportunity presents itself.

Reprint of Question in No. 227 paper, May 1, 1974.

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

To Whom it May Concern:

I have recently read a couple of articles on your organization and found them to be interesting. They have helped me to understand a little more about how you see some of the problems people have and how they can be dealt with.

I would be grateful if you could send me some information on your organization for my interest’s sake. It would be appreciated if you could send information on your philosophy of operation, some work you have done with people, and if possible a brief outline of your history.

Your cooperation is appreciated. Thank you. Yours truly, ------- (CANADA)

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Dear Brethren: Christian greetings!

I enjoy very much reading your papers that you send to me, and I also thank you for your personal letter to me.

In the January‑February issues of your magazine I read with interest about the existence of the Bible House Brethren and the United Israel Bulletin. In addition I thank all of you for publishing letters of such importance to all of us readers.

I thank you in advance. I enclose a self‑addressed, stamped envelope for your convenience.

Sincerely yours, ------- (NEW YORK)

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Dear Sister Emily: Greetings of Grace and Peace in Jesus dear Name!

Thank you for the lovely card and message to me. I will be glad to hear about your trip to New York and meeting with David and Nan. I am glad David keeps mentioning Pastor Russell. Not many do outside of Truth people.

Also, it is good of David to publish the articles about the Prophets, making everyone who reads better acquainted with them as persons as well as their prophesies. It will be a Happy Day when the prophets wake up and see in a much fuller way the wonderful plan of God and realize more what an honorable part they had in bringing out parts of that plan as God through His power had them tell it. Also, they will surely be glad they have received a ‘better resurrection’ and have a wonderful part in the great work of the Kingdom.

I was noticing awhile back how Psalms 103 tells of God’s glorious character and mercy. Then Psalms 104 tells of the beauties and wonders of nature that God created. Psalms 105 tells how God made a covenant with Abraham and confirmed it to Isaac and Jacob. Also it tells about Joseph and how later God sent Moses and Aaron to the people – tells of the plagues.. Then how God brought them forth and gave them bread of heaven and water.

Psalms 106 tells more about how God delivered the children of Israel many times from their troubles and also about their experiences in the wilderness – how some envied Moses and Aaron.

Later 106:35 tells how the children of Israel did not live faithful to God after they were in Canaan – mingled with the heathen and learned their works. Many times did God deliver them (106:43), but they provoked Him with their counsel.

Psalms 106:44: Nevertheless He regarded their affliction and their cry – and He remembered for them His covenant and repented according to the multitude of His mercies. He made them also to be pitied of all those that carried them captive. (106:45,46)

“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting: and let all the people say, Amen. Praise ye the Lord.” (106:48)

It is like a story telling how God started the nation of Israel and brought it along step by step. I am sure there are deeper meanings in these Psalms, too.

I hope this finds you well. I seem to feel quite well most of the time. Don’t feel you need to comment on the different things I write. Enclosed use for whatever you feel is needed.

With love from Sister ------- (California)

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)