NO. 368: A CHOSEN PEOPLE

No. 368

So long as the natural Children of Israel kept the Law to the best of their ability, the Lord prospered them. But they didn’t do this. They not only were contaminated by the sins of the nations around them, but they rejected the Messiah who came to His own, and His own received Him not. It has been much the same with Gentiles who made a Covenant with God. They, too, have failed to keep their Covenant of sacrifice, and the majority have fallen into disfavor. None of them, natural Israel or Spiritual Israel, have been able to keep a perfect Law; but all those who have done so to the best of their ability have been blessed and protected from many evils of the nations around them.

But we are now discussing natural Israel: they were chosen because of their forefathers – Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. In the 11th chapter of Hebrews we see that there were individuals who had God’s favor before He chose Israel as a nation: Abel, Enoch and Noah, as well as Abraham, are mentioned as faithful. This chapter mentions some of the faithful Ancient Worthies, but not nearly all of them. The reason we call them “Ancient Worthies,” is because they were the “Ancients,” and verse 38 tells us, “Of whom the world was not worthy.” So Ancient Worthies is a Biblical expression. These Ancient Worthies not only kept the Mosaic Law to the best of their ability, they lived above the Law – sacrificed to do God’s will amidst very adverse conditions. “They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented.” (Heb. 11:37) For doing God’s will they underwent such sufferings, the same as the faithful footstep followers of our Lord have suffered. Natural Israel, however, was blessed and favored of the Lord when they made an honest attempt to keep the Law.

Deut. 7:6‑18 tells us: “For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God: the Lord thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto Himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. (v. 6) The Lord did not set His love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people (v. 7) [And that is true of Spiritual Israel in the Gospel Age – “they have been the fewest of all people”¾JJH]. But because the Lord loved you, and because He would keep the oath which He had sworn unto your fathers, hath the Lord brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. (v. 8) Know therefore that the Lord thy God, He is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love Him and keep His commandments to a thousand generations. (v. 9) And repayeth them that hate Him to their face, to destroy them: He will not be slack to him that hateth Him, He will repay him to his face. (v. 10) Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, and the statutes, and the judgments, which I command thee this day, to do them. (v. 11) Wherefore it shall come to pass, if ye hearken to these judgments, and keep, and do them, that the Lord thy God shall keep unto thee the covenant and the mercy which He sware unto thy fathers. (v. 12) And He will love thee, and bless thee, and multiply thee: He will also bless the fruit of thy womb, and the fruit of thy land, thy corn, and thy wine, and shine oil, the increase of thy kine, and the flocks of thy sheep, in the land which He sware unto thy fathers to give thee. (v. 13) Thou shalt be blessed above all people: there shall not be male or female barren among you, or among your cattle. (v. 14) And the Lord will take away from thee all sickness, and will put none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which thou knowest, upon thee; but will lay them upon all them that hate thee. (v. 15) And thou shalt consume all the people which the Lord thy God shall deliver thee; thine eye shall have no pity upon them: neither shalt thou serve their gods; for that will be a snare unto thee. (v. 16) If thou shalt say in shine heart, These nations are more than I; how can I dispossess them? (v. 17) Thou shalt not be afraid of them: but shalt well remember what the Lord thy God did unto Pharaoh, and unto all Egypt.” (v. 18)

But with all these promises they didn’t hearken unto the Lord. They did this despite Joshua’s encouragement: “Be ye therefore very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the book of the law of Moses, that ye turn not aside therefrom to the right or to the left.” (Josh. 23:6) And “One man of you shall chase a thousand: for the Lord your God, He it is that fighteth for you, as He hath promised you.” (Josh. 23:10) And also this assurance, “And, behold, this day I am going the way of all the earth: and ye know in all your hearts and in all your souls, that not one thing hath failed of all the good things which the Lord your God spake concerning you; all are come to pass unto you, and not one thing hath failed thereof.” (Josh. 23:14)

Not only did God choose Israel as a nation but He specially used certain ones among them – such as the Prophets, David, Solomon, John the Baptist, et al. David is called Beloved of God – and God was pleased that Solomon asked for “an understanding heart to judge Thy people.” (1 Kings 3:9) “And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast thou asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of shine enemies; but hast asked for thyself understanding to discern judgment; Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee. And I have also given thee...riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.” (1 Kings 3:11‑13) But Solomon loved many strange women – and when he was old “his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father.” (1 Kings 11:4)

Here are some pertinent quotes from That Servant:

“Nevertheless, the Scriptures most clearly declare that the natural seed of Abraham, the Jews, are still heirs of a certain promise of God, which in due time will come to them. To their nation will come the great privilege of being the foremost nation amongst men during Messiah’s glorious reign, when the church glorified, spiritualized, will be with him in his throne, invisible to men. St. Paul thus explains that the full number, to complete the elect kingdom class, must be first found amongst the Gentiles, and then, these being glorified in the first resurrection, natural Israel will obtain the great earthly blessings which are still theirs and which were promised to their fathers. Natural Israel will receive blessings from spiritual Israel. ‘They shall obtain mercy through your mercy.’ – Rom. 11:25‑34.” (Reprints 5101 – 1912)

From this we can see that it will be the Church Glorified who will convert the Jewish nation, through the Worthies. Then the Jews will help convert the world of mankind.

You might ask why was Israel specially chosen. Let That Servant answer:

“At the beginning of our Lord’s earthly ministry the Jewish nation were invited to become the kingdom of God. The offer of God’s chief blessing was ‘to the Jew first.’ For many centuries they had been God’s special people. They had been called to be unto God ‘a kingdom of priests and an holy nation’ – a peculiar treasure unto God, composed of a priestly class and a chosen, holy people. (Ex. 19:5,6) We do not understand that all Israel from the time of the giving of the law could have been of the heavenly kingdom, however faithful they have been. None could be of this kingdom class before Jesus came to earth; for he was the Forerunner of this class. The offer was made to the Jews of his day. But those of the nation who lived previously, and who had been faithful to God, true to their covenant, shall be greatly blessed of the Lord on the human plane. They shall be used to bless all nations under spiritual Israel ‑ the kingdom of God now being set up.

“God’s special favor to the people of natural Israel in choosing them above any other nation was especially because they were the seed of his faithful friend, Abraham. God had promised Abraham that because of his faith and obedience his seed should be blessed. It was not because they were of themselves holier or better than other peoples. (See Ex. 32:9‑13; Deut. 9:4‑8) But for their fathers’ sakes God chose them to be his people.

“At our Lord’s first advent the time had come for the offer of membership in the kingdom, for the testing of the whole nation of Israel, to prove whether they were ready for this choice blessing. Jesus was the One to offer this kingdom; for he had consecrated himself a sacrifice for sin, which would constitute a basis for the establishment of the kingdom on earth.

“True And False Ideas Of The Kingdom: The sermon on the Mount, from which our text is taken, points out the earnestness and singleness of heart necessary in those who would become members of the kingdom class. The Master intimates that not all of this favored nation who heard his message would be ready to accept it. Many were absorbed in the things of this life ‑ in what they would eat, what they would drink, what they would wear. But in order to be ready to receive the proffered blessing, in order to be acceptable to God, they must make the kingdom their first interest. ‘Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,’ enjoined the Savior, not the earthly things. If the kingdom was made first, all their earthly needs would be supplied; ‘All things shall be added unto you,’ was his promise.

“Not many of the Jews were ready for so drastic a Teacher. They had their own plans – business plans, political plans, social functions. Hence this invitation of Jesus to leave all to obtain a kingdom of which they knew nothing and which seemed so intangible did not find a very ready response. The twelve apostles were among the first to accept his offer. At the time of Jesus’ death, something over five hundred had joined themselves to him as his disciples. Of these we are told that one hundred and twenty were gathered in the upper room on the day of Pentecost, where they received the begetting of the holy Spirit. After Pentecost some thousands of Jews came to the point of decision to make the kingdom of God their first business. These, however, were but a small minority of the nation of Israel.” (Reprint 5917, 5918, top ‑ 1916)

Nevertheless, there is still that promise of God to natural Israel that they will become the foremost nation on earth. Pastor Russell gives a very beautiful picture in Volume 4:

“Jehovah’s Feet On The Mount Of Olives: (Zech. 14:4,5) This prophecy is generally misunderstood, and applied to the feet of our Lord Jesus, at his second advent. Indeed, those who thus err generally go farther and assert that it will be the feet of flesh, pierced with the nails of Calvary – not realizing that our Lord gave his human nature, complete and forever, as our ransom; and that he was raised from the dead, by the Father’s power, a glorious spirit‑being, the express image of the Father’s person. (See Vol. 2, Chap. 5)

“But a glance at the preceding verse (3) shows that the Prophet speaks of the return of Jehovah’s feet; for the verse (referring to the trouble by which the Kingdom will be established) is: ‘Then shall Jehovah go forth and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle [anciently for Israel]. And his feet will stand in that day upon the Mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be divided in its center, from east to west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove northward and half southward.’

“As soon as any see the fact that the feet mentioned are Jehovah’s feet, they will not dispute that this language is symbolic, and refers to the Lord’s re‑establishment of his dominion in the earth, that has long been comparatively abandoned to the ‘god of this world’ Satan, except as the Lord was represented first by the typical Tabernacle, secondly by the Temple at Jerusalem, and lastly by the present tabernacle condition of the Church of Christ, during this Gospel Age. Surely, no one will err and get the thought that Jehovah literally rests his feet upon this earth as a ‘footstool.’

“And if the placing and resting of Jehovah’s feet is symbolic, and signifies the return of divine favor and dominion to earth, so, we may be sure, other features connected in the same prophecy are symbolic: the Mount of Olives, its peculiar division, its valley, the flight of the people, the waters of life from Jerusalem (compare v. 8 with Ezek. 47:1‑9), etc., are all symbolic statements, pictures of grand spiritual truths.

“The olive is a meaningful symbol: in olden times it was the source of artificial light, its oil being generally used for this purpose. (Ex. 27:20) Indeed, in the Hebrew the olive tree was called shemen or oil tree. Olive oil was also used as the basis of many of the precious ointments of olden time – such as that used in anointing the priests and kings, typing the holy spirit upon the antitypical ‘royal priesthood.’ (Ex. 30:25) And from time immemorial the olive branch has been used as a symbol of peace. (Gen. 8:11; Neh. 8:15)

“If then the olive be the symbol of light, peace and divine blessing through the holy spirit, and if mountain be considered as elsewhere the symbol for a Kingdom, the significance here of the term Mount of Olives is easily seen to be the Kingdom of Light, Peace and Divine Blessing. And the standing or establishment or fixing of Jehovah’s ‘feet’ upon it, signifies that the divine favor and law will be re‑established in the earth by and through the holy Kingdom.

“This application of the term Mount of Olives, is in full accord with Paul’s statement (Rom. 11:17, 24) in which he compares Fleshly Israel with the original cultivated olive tree, and Gentile converts to wild olive branches grafted in where the natural branches had been broken off. (Compare Jer. 11:16, 17) He explains that the root of the tree is in the promise of God, the Abrahamic promise, that the seed of Abraham should finally bless all the families of the earth, etc. Finally the same root or promise will bear two kinds of branches, the engrafted wild olive branches, and the re-engrafted natural branches: when Israel shall have his blindness turned away, and shall look with the eye of faith on the Saviour crucified and pierced eighteen centuries ago, a sacrifice for sin. We remember also that fleshly Israel was God’s typical Kingdom or mountain for a long time, and that spiritual Israel of this age is called to be the real Kingdom of God, as Jesus said ‘Fear not, Little Flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom!

“Further, from these two Kingdoms (even before Jehovah’s glory rests on them to make them his channels of blessings to all mankind) has proceeded all ‘the light of the world’ during all the darkness of the past: for are not these the representatives of the Old and the New Testaments, the two parts of the oath‑bound Covenant? Are not these related to the Lord’s two witnesses and to the two olive trees of Zech. 4:3, 11, 12, distinctly mentioned also in Rev. 11:4? ‑ in that these two parts of the mountain symbolize the outcome of that covenant, the results of the witnessing – the Kingdom in its heavenly and its earthly phases?

“Here we see, then, that the two halves of the Mount of Olives mean the two parts of the Kingdom of God, distinctly separated according to a divine order or arrangement. The separation indicates no opposition between the two parts of the Kingdom. It is, on the contrary, for the purpose of making the ‘Valley of Blessing’ between – to which all who desire divine aid may flee and find succor under the blessed protection of both the heavenly and the earthly phases of the Kingdom.

“The Prophet David (Ps. 84) seems to have been given a foreview of this great ‘Valley of Blessings,’ close to Jehovah’s ‘feet,’ when he sings first of the saints of the Gospel Age and then of those blessed in the next Age, saying:

‘How lovely are thy dwelling places

O Jehovah of Hosts!

My soul desired, yea, it even fainted

For the courts of Jehovah.

My heart and my flesh shout with joy

Unto the living God.

Even as the sparrow hath found a house,

And the swallow a nest for herself,

Where she may lay her young: (so

I have found) shine altars, O Lord of Hosts,

My God, my King.

Happy are they that dwell in thy house:

They shall be continually praising Thee. Selah.

Happy is the man whose strong confidence is in thee,

Whose heart reflecteth (wholly)

On the paths of righteousness.

Passing through the valley of mourning,

They change it into a place of (joy) springs ‑

[Valley of Blessings].

The Autumn rain brings them blessings [Joel 2:28]:

They go from strength to strength

That each of them may be presented (perfect)

Before God in Zion.’

“The 85th Psalm also pictures the return of divine clemency and blessing under the Millennial Kingdom, the Olive Mountain (Kingdom) of two parts.

“The removal of one part of the mountain to the north and the other to the south is significant; the North is the direction of the Pleiades, the celestial center of the universe, the supposed seat of divine empire. (See Vol. 3, p. 321) This would seem to indicate the ‘change’ of the Gospel Church at this time, from human to spirit conditions as ‘partakers of the divine nature’; and the removal of the other half of the mountain would seem to signify the complete restitution, to perfect human conditions, of those ancient worthies accounted worthy to constitute the earthly representatives of God’s Kingdom.

“The valley thus produced would be one full of light ‑ free from shadows: for the sun would stream through it from east to west. This speaks pictorially of the Sun of Righteousness and its full light of divine truth and blessing scattering the shadows of sin, ignorance, superstition and death, and healing and restoring the willingly obedient of men who will flee to this valley of blessings, the valley of mercy. The valley of mercy, between and under the care of the spiritual and human phases of the Kingdom of Light and Peace (the standing of Jehovah’s feet) will surely be a ‘Valley of Blessings’ to all who enter it with broken and contrite hearts.

“We must recall, further, that while it is said to Israel only, ‘Ye shall flee to the valley of the mountains,’ yet as a name Israel meant ‘The blessed of the Lord,’ ‘The people of God,’ The Lord’s people.’ (2 Chr. 7:14) While, as we have seen, the first or spiritual blessing of the Kingdom shall come to spiritual Israel, and the second or earthly blessing shall begin with Israel according to the flesh, yet it will not stop there; for whosoever will may become an Israelite; by exercising the faith and obedience of Abraham, all mankind may become Israelites indeed, ‘the people of God.’ Hence the Prophet Isaiah declares that when Israel is called back to divine favor, at the establishment of the Kingdom, it will include ‘Every one that is called by my [Jehovah’s] name: for I have created him for my glory; I have formed him, yea, I have made him.’ (The name Israel will then apply to all who are God’s people.) – Is. 43:7; Rom. 9:26, 33; 10:13” (P‑4, pages 649 – 654, 1897)

We will close with something from the Epiphany Messenger regarding Pastor Russell:

“He (Bro. Russell – JJH) likewise forecast that during the Time of Trouble, which he considered synonymous with the Epiphany, the Jews would in Palestine greatly increase in numbers, wealth, influence, possession of the land and development in national respects. This increase in these respects we now see going on before us, and they are additionally a mighty forecast of what will yet take place in the remaining time of the Epiphany. For him (Bro. Russell – JJH) to have made such a forecast (long before 1914‑‑JJH), which the Epiphany increasingly witnesses as fulfilling, proves that he had charge of the storehouse of Truth, and therefore functioned in this respect as That Servant.” (E‑9, p. 350, par. 1 ‑ 1938)

“Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.” (Matt. 24:46, 47)

(Written by Brother Hoefle August, 1978)

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“IN THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW”

Brother Gray Charles Dunnagan finished his course March 4, 1986, and was buried March 6, 1986. He was a member of the Bible House Family, and did what he could to help with the work as long as he was able. He was ill for over a year, and when he was told his case was terminal, he said, “I’m not afraid to die, as I know too much Truth to be afraid.” He knew he would be “asleep in Jesus” until the resurrection in the Kingdom, which would be only a nap or night’s sleep for him. He had faith in God’s promises, especially in Rev. 21:4: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

His family and friends mourn for him, but are comforted with the thought that he is now at rest, free from pain, and his suffering is over.

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Brethren: Christian greetings!

I would appreciate a copy of the book “About Pastor Charles Taze Russell.” We have read his six volumes but would like information on differences of teaching in      Jehovah’s Witnesses. Thank you and God bless you! ------- (MICHIGAN)

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Dear Brethren:

Could you send me five copies of the book “About Pastor Charles Russell” by David Horowitz? Some brethren in this area would like to have copies. Do book stores have the book? Enclosed is check which I hope will cover some of the cost. If it is not sufficient, please let me know.

Yours in Him, ------- (NEW JERSEY)

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Dear Sirs:

Glad to receive your Bible articles. We have been receiving them for some time. Your announcement concerning the book “About Pastor Charles Taze Russell” in your No. 366 would be sent to those for the asking. Please send me a copy ------- (MICHIGAN)

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Dear Mrs. Hoefle:

I was delighted to receive a copy of Mr. Horowitz’ book “About Pastor Charles Taze Russell,” and I have read it already. I am also grateful to receive the papers which arrive regularly. I notice that you publish them as originally written by Brother Hoefle. It is very comforting to know that you are keeping up the good work.

I hope that you are in the best of health. I enclose a check for use and to help with the administrative costs ‑ or in whatever way you wish. Once again thank you for sending me the papers and the book.

Yours faithfully, ------- (CANADA)

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Dear Sister Hoefle: Loving greetings in our Lord and Head!

We appreciate receiving the papers .... Now, hope we aren’t too late to obtain a copy of the book “About Pastor Charles Taze Russell” by David Horowitz. Pastor Russell was surely used by the Lord to bring ‘present truth’ to His people.

May God continue to bless your efforts to carry on Brother Hoefle’s work.

Much Christian love, ------- (MICHIGAN)

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Gentlemen:

Last week our office received a copy of David Horowitz’ book, entitled PASTOR CHARLES TAZE RUSSELL, which had been mailed to Rev. J. Manning Potts. Our friend and colleague, Dr. Potts, passed away in January of 1973. I had worked for several years with Dr. Potts and to this day still maintain correspondence and telephone communications with his widow, who is now close to 90 years of age and living in Florida.

If you should like for us to return the book or forward it to Mrs. Potts or keep it here, we shall be glad to follow your direction. Please let us know what your wish is.

In the meantime if you have other books which you might want to share with us, please know that we would be glad to have them and enjoy them.

Sincerely, Lake Junaluska Assembly ------- (NORTH CAROLINA)

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Dear Sister Hoefle: Warmest Christian greetings to you!

I am very much interested in the book “About Pastor Charles Taze Russell.” I am requesting a copy of this book, and I am willing to cover the expenses when you notify me. I will be anxiously waiting for your reply.

Christian love, ------- (MICHIGAN)

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Dear Brethren in Christ:

Thank you for the book David Horowitz wrote “About Pastor Russell and his writings.” I hope he gets as much out of Pastor Russell’s writings as we do. Maybe Pastor Russell’s writings will open the Jews’ eyes as it did with some of the nominal churches. Who knows what God can and will do! We are serving a wonderful God!

Your sister by His Grace, ------- (OHIO)

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Dear Sister: Grace and peace through our Beloved Lord and Master!

I just got the promised copy of Pastor Russell’s life. Thank you very much. As we believe, Pastor Russell will be on our Lord’s right hand. What a wonderful Christian battle he fought!

Hope you are keeping well. Thanks again! It is a lovely New Year’s gift.

Warm Christian love, ------- (TRINIDAD)

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Dear Sister:

Thank you, thank you and the Lord’s blessings be upon you! Today I received David Horowitz’ book “About Pastor Charles Taze Russell.” I could scarcely believe it, although I recalled in your last paper learning there was such a book....... I also meant to express my appreciation of the previous issue about Casimir Lanowick’s remarkable work. I met the Lanowick’s many years ago.......... But now about the book – I have not put it down, reading it cover to cover, then going back and forth savoring some of its precious details. .......

This book is a necessary vindication of Brother Russell and an expose’ of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. It will be of much benefit to those who have become disenchanted with the Society (the JW’s) – or have been disfellowshipped. I’m sure it is God’s “due time” for this book to have been written – and just the right person to do so was David Horowitz. In thankfulness and His love, ------- (NEW YORK)

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Dear Sister Emily: Peace and blessing!

I hope this finds you more rested up. I am quite well. I hope many will let the wonderful promises sink into their hearts, D.v. I don’t know of any one but David who could have brought these things together at present. And you were there to help! Brother Hoefle, when he was here, did his part to make it possible.

We don’t know what results even one book to the right person may bring. But even if only a few are touched and comforted, it is all worthwhile.

I like to read about Israel. It is like taking a trip there (in our minds), and it makes us see how things are fulfilling in God’s plan.

With love to you from ------- (CALIFORNIA)

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Dear Sister Hoefle: I greet you with a warm “Shalom” in His precious Name!

It was indeed kind of you to send me a copy of the new book, “About Pastor Russell.” Needless to say, I was very gratified to learn that the early Christian Zionist work of Charles Taze Russell is being given recognition in this way. .... I pray that its influence will be widespread, to our Heavenly Father’s glory.

What a faithful servant Pastor Russell was! His love for God’s chosen people was, as indicated in the book, tied up with his love for all mankind and his joy in both knowing and heralding the Kingdom blessings.

You may be interested in a sidelight experience that Brother Casimir and I had on our first trip to Israel in 1950. We planned to place an advertisement in all Israel newspapers to try to reach any and all Israeli who had known of the work of Pastor Russell and his proclaiming of the prophecies concerning Israel’s restoration. So we contacted the representative of the hotel where we were staying to ask for a run‑down on the nature of each Israel newspaper. (There were many even in those days, due to the need to provide news in so many languages.)

The gentleman did give us the list we requested and asked why we wanted it. When he learned we were planning to advertise for Israeli who had been influenced by PASTOR RUSSELL, he was most enthusiastic and told us that at the Hebrew University he had taken a course in Zionism which included a section on “Christian Zionism.” At the top of the list of the latter, he said, was the name of Charles Taze Russell. Regrettably, the cost of placing the planned ads was way above our budget and we never did have the opportunity of following through on this, It is only one of the many privileges of service we had to pass up due to carrying on “a shoestring,” as they say.

As you know, many Bible Students in those days did not see God’s hand in developments in Israel and were reluctant to support a work such as we were doing, trying to call attention to both Jew and Gentile as to the extreme importance in God’s great plan of the return of the Jews to their homeland.

How greatly to Pastor Russell’s credit that he foresaw the events of our day and yet many of his followers decades hence fail to appreciate the historic times in which we live! Nevertheless, I will try to publicize David Horowitz’ book to the extent of my ability. Again, many thanks for so generously sending a copy to me.

Yours “for Zion’s sake,” ------- (CALIFORNIA)

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Dear Brethren: Thank you for including us on the readership list. We have received many blessings and especially find the article interesting concerning your visit with author David Horowitz. We would greatly appreciate receiving a copy of this book. In fact, if you have sufficient quantity, there is a lovely, large Jewish Community Center in our area of Houston which has a nice library. We are well acquainted with a member of the Board of Directors and feel he would be interested in placing the book in the library. We feel it is timely that an authentic book on the life of Brother Russell is published ‑ one we can recommend to our friends and associates.

Please advise if there is cost involved. With Christian love, ------- (TEXAS)

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Dear Mrs. Hoefle:

Sorry about the blank card. I wanted to know about Epiphany Bible Students. Yes, I would like to receive a copy of the Charles Russell book and be put on your mailing list.

Rev. ------- (MICHIGAN)

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Dear Sirs and Fellow‑workers: Thank you for the book on Pastor Russell.

With appreciation, Pastor  ------- (FLORIDA)

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NOTE: We are publishing these letters of appreciation of the book for our readers to know that the book “About Pastor Charles Taze Russell” is receiving the acclaim it deserves. This is especially for those who have been benefited by the teachings of Brother Russell. We welcome the cooperation of all faithful Bible Students. We owe a debt of gratitude to David Horowitz for his time and efforts to bring Pastor Russell’s name and teachings to public knowledge.

NO. 367: TAKE, MY BRETHREN, THE PROPHETS - PART TEN

No. 367

ZECHARIAH ‑ Little is known of his ancestry, but it is fairly reliable that he was a priest and a prophet – probably just a boy when he joined the caravan from Babylon to return to Jerusalem in BC 536. He was probably born in Babylon, but his family were very solicitous to instruct him in the Law and other Old Testament writers. While Satan is mentioned in 1 Chron. 21:1, Zechariah is the only Old Testament prophet to mention that individual. (See Zech. 3:1,2) Apparently, he exercised his prophetic office in Chaldea and wrought miracles there; then returned to Jerusalem at an advanced age, where he died and was buried by the side of his contemporary prophet and friend, Haggai.

It may be said with certainty that much of what he wrote he did not understand because large parts of it apply to the time in which we are living and to years ahead – probably well into the Millennium. It would seem the Jews tried to apply his teachings to the time in which they lived – as they did with many other prophetical writings, although time itself proved their expectations wrong. Zechariah joined Haggai in arousing the Jews to rebuild the Temple, work on which had been stopped for about fifteen years by hostile neighbors.

The reason for the delay came when the Samaritans wanted to join the Jews in the rebuilding of the Temple, to which the Jews objected. The Samaritans had said, “We seek your God, as ye do,” but the Jews retorted, “Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God.” This so angered the Samaritans that they filed a complaint with the Persian Court – after the death of Cyrus, and Cambyses and Ahasuerus complied with the request and nothing was done on the Temple for about fifteen years. But when Darius, the son of Hystaspes, came to power, he ordered the Temple work to proceed. He renewed the policy of Cyrus and favor was again extended to the community at Jerusalem. Zechariah was the eleventh of the Minor Prophets.

Much controversy has arisen about the authorship of the Book of Zechariah, some contending that it is the work of two or even three writers. There is little use to argue this question. We are not real certain at all of the writers of some books of the Bible. The author of the Book of Job is not certainly known, although it is generally believed that Solomon wrote it. Some scholars contend that this book is the finest piece of literature in existence. It is so superb that no one has been able to properly translate it into the English language. The author of many of the Psalms and the larger part of the historical books of the Old Testament is not known, but in all of these instances they have a certain ring to them that they are inspired. In the Douay version of the Bible (the Catholic version) we have the apocryphal writings, but anyone familiar with the general tone of the Bible will readily realize that these books do not compare at all with the inspired writings to be found in the other 66 books. And we think this applies also to the entire book of Zechariah. Therefore, we accept that prophet as the writer of all of it.

It should be noted, however, that the authenticity of the entire book was never doubted by Jews or Christians until about two hundred years ago – when a ‘smart’ higher critic began to criticize the authenticity of some of it. However, we accept all of it as a true part of the Bible, and we shall proceed to discuss it from that standpoint. As stated, the prophet himself did not understand what he wrote, and the critics of two hundred years ago did not understand it either. It was not to be understood until “the time of the end,” although there are some parts of it that apply to the distant future which we do not clearly understand, but the generalities are quite clear to close Bible students of our time. If we wish to consider the difference in style between the first eight chapters and the remaining six, we may logically reason that the book was not written at one time; and the prophet’s experiences in his later years may easily have influenced his changed style – just as it probably has done with us and with the writings of That Servant, with which we believe all our readers will agree.

In this connection, those higher critics have reached some hairline conclusions because of the phraseology of the first and second parts of the prophet’s book. In the second half he resorts to the phrase “in that day”; but there is good reason for this: In the second half the prophet is especially talking of things in the distant future, some of which have already occurred – such as his comments about the coming of the Messiah – but moreso concerning the time in which we are now living – 2500 years after Zechariah wrote his book. It requires no great intelligence to understand why he would use such a phrase in referring to happenings so far in the future. It does not require a scholar to understand this very simple conclusion.

Also, the primary impetus in Zechariah’s activities was the delay in rebuilding the Temple, which delay had been going on for fifteen years; and it was he and Haggai that really aroused the Jews to complete the job – which was done in four years once it had begun again. Thus, there was nothing much to say about the Temple in the latter part of his book. Naturally, his choice of words and subject matter would have to change. Thus the two parts of his book are not conflicting and contradictory, but successive and complementary oracles. When the Temple had been completed, the prophet would self‑evidently have nothing more to say about it.

SOME GENERALITIES ON THE BOOK

While Zechariah is counted among the Minor Prophets, some of his promises to the Jews are among the most forceful in the Bible and give added strength and faith to the Jewish people as a nation. In 2:8 there is this: “He that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.” It is well to stress here that there are now more Jews on earth than there were at the height of Solomon’s kingdom. And it is also well to emphasize that every nation that has shed Jewish blood has come to extreme trouble. Germany and Hitler offer one outstanding example of this. It is reported that six million Jews were exterminated during Hitler’s rule. This may be an exaggeration, but we firmly believe that the number of martyrs during this time was indeed in the millions. And Hitler and his co‑operators came to a violent and tragic end.

Then in 2:11 there is the far‑reaching promise: “Many nations shall be joined to the Lord in that day, and shall be my people: and I will dwell in the midst of thee [the Jewish nation].” This has not yet been fulfilled, but the evidence is very potent that the establishment of Messiah’s Kingdom is nearing accomplishment. Continuing in 8:3: “I am returned unto Zion, and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth; and the mountain [kingdom] of the Lord of hosts the holy mountain.”

But (8:10), “For before these days [before the kingdom can be well established] there was no hire for man, nor any hire for beast; neither was there any peace to him that went out or came in because of the affliction: for I set all men every one against his neighbor.” But after the holocaust “the seed shall be prosperous; the vine shall give her fruit, and the ground shall give her increase, and the heavens shall give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things.” (8:12)

MICHAEL SERVETUS – (B. 1511 – burned at the stake under most gruesome circumstances at Geneva, Switzerland, in 1553.) This Star Member was one of the foremost reformers, a contemporary of Martin Luther, he was intensely hated by John Calvin, who was instrumental in securing his conviction as a heretic, and secured his execution by burning. This reformer stressed and clarified four outstanding doctrines of the Bible:

1 – The unity of God as against the Trinity;

2 – Man’s mortality as against the immortality of the soul;

3 – Death the wages of sin as against eternal torment;

4 – Future probation as against this life ending all probation.

We have inserted this digression because of Zech. 5:5,6: “Lift up now shine eyes, and see what is this that goeth forth. And I said, What is it? And he said, This is an ephah that goeth forth. He said moreover, This is their resemblance through all the earth [society as presently organized].” These four great truths are opposed by four great errors, as shown above; and “their resemblance through all the earth” is telling us – in highly figurative language that the large majority of Christians – most Protestants and all Greek and Roman Catholics now embrace the four very misleading errors of Christendom: the Trinity, man’s inherent immortality, eternal torment the wages of sin, and no hope for the dead that are not now Christians. In these four respects they all “resemble” each other.

Let us consider now 8:23: “In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men shall take hold out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, We will go with you: for we have heard that God is with you.” It is our understanding that “those days” refer to returning favor to Israel, which began at the Berlin Congress of Nations, which was held from June 13, 1878, to July 13, 1878. At that time England, “whose sun never set,” ruled the sea and the financial markets of the world. The Congress was convened to adjust some of the extreme settlements that had resulted from the Russo‑Turkish War. Disraeli, the first Jew ever to be Prime Minister of England, pretty much dominated that Congress; and he not only forced through some favorable measures for the Turks, but also obtained certain favors for the Jews in their quest for their return to Palestine, which favor has been steadily increasing to this day, and will yet become more prominent.

From the death of Jacob in BC 1815 (when his twelve sons became the leaders of Israel as a nation), to 33 AD – when they crucified the Lord of Glory: Up to that time it was truly recorded of them: “You only have I known of all the families of the earth: therefore I will punish you for all your iniquities.” (Amos 3:2) And the punishment they received “for all their iniquities” was an exact double for the blessings they had received. The time of disfavor being 1845 years from 33 AD and came to its conclusion in 1878, when the first ray of returning favor came to them at that Berlin meeting.

The prophet we are now discussing had written of them: “They [the Jews] had refused to harken... stopped their ears that they should not hear. They made their hearts as an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law, and the words which the Lord of hosts had sent in his spirit by the former prophets: therefore came a great wrath from the Lord of hosts.” (7:11,12)

“Ten men shall take hold out of all the languages of the nations” (Zech. 8:23): All of Europe was represented at that Berlin conference, at which time there were more than twice ten nations; but there was then – and still is – but ten language nations in Europe: The Scandinavian (Norway, Sweden, etc.); Anglo‑Saxon (England, Scotland, etc.); Teutonic (Germany, Austria, etc.); Gallic (including France, Belgium, etc.); Hispanian (Spain, Portugal, etc.); Latin (Italy); Greek (Greece); Turkish (Turkey); Slavic (Russia, Poland, etc.); Magyars (Hungary) and the Jews would make eleven, of course. It is our understanding that the prophecy in Zech. 8:23 was fulfilled at that time. Now, chap. 9:9: “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion;... behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just, and having salvation: lowly, and riding upon an ass.” This prophecy was written more than 500 years before Jesus rode into Jerusalem five days before His crucifixion, and is certainly a strong proof that “holy men of old spake as they were moved by the holy spirit.” Then in 9:12: “I declare that I will render double [as explained above] unto thee.”

This prophecy about our Lord coming upon an ass has provided the higher critics with some ammunition to prove (?) that Zechariah did not write all his book; some other writer wrote that part of it; and they latch on to Isaiah about his comment regarding Cyrus 200 years before Cyrus arrived, which also provided them with proof (?) that that prophet did not write everything that is shown in his book.

And at that time: “They shall be as though I had not cast them off: for I am the Lord their God, and will hear them.” (10:6) “I will bring them again out of the land of Egypt [type of the Gentile world in darkness – under the domination of Satan. “The god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not” – 2 Cor. 4:4] and will bring them into the land of Gilead and Lebanon [as we now see it].” (10:10)

Chapter 11:8 speaks of three shepherds that would be cut off in one month. We consider this month a symbolic month of thirty days, the same actually meaning thirty years. It is our understanding that this period began in 1878 and ends in 1908, and the three shepherds refer to three individuals that were on the scene during that time. It is not our intention to detail this here; we simply mention it to show that much of what Zechariah wrote has a direct bearing on events here in the end of the Age.

In Zech. 11:15 we are told, “Take unto thee yet the instruments of a foolish shepherd.” Here we have a fourth person mentioned – also here in the end of the Age. And Zech. 12:3 is much to the point: “All that burden themselves with Jerusalem shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.” Then 12:9: “I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.” “They [the Jews] shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn because of it.” (v. 10)

In The Day Of Battle – “The Day of the Lord cometh... I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle... Then shall the Lord go forth, and fight against those nations, as when He fought in the day of battle.” (Zech. 14:1‑3) One instance of the Lord miraculously delivering Israel is found in Judges 7:1‑25. The Midianites had arrayed themselves against Israel; “and they lay along in the valley like grasshoppers for multitude; and their camels were without number, as the sand by the seaside for multitude.” Against this host Gideon proceeded with a picked 300 men. The Jews did not draw an arrow or wield a sword; the Lord gave Gideon the instruction which so demoralized the Midianites that they slew each other, and fled from their camp in complete rout.

Another Phenomenal Occurrence – This one is in 1 Kings 20:1‑34. At that time Ahab was king of Israel, and the Assyrians were a top world power. Benhadad, King of Syria, had with him “thirty and two kings... And he said, The gods do unto me, and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall suffice for handfuls for all the people that follow me,” to which Ahab gave his noted reply: “Let not him that girdeth on his harness boast himself as he that putteth it off.” And a prophet said to Ahab (v. 13): “Thus saith the Lord, Hast thou seen all this great multitude? behold, I will deliver it into thine hand this day; and thou shalt know that I am the Lord.” “Then Ahab numbered the young men of the princes... two hundred and thirty‑two: after them he numbered all the people... seven thousand.” (v. 15) “These young men of the princes of the provinces came out of the city which followed them. And they slew every one his man: and the Syrians fled; and Israel pursued them: and Benhadad the king of Syria escaped on an horse with the horsemen... And the king of Israel slew the Syrians with a great slaughter.” (vs. 19:21) And the Syrians came back at the turn of the year; “and the children of Israel pitched before them like two little flocks of kids; but the Syrians filled the country. A man of God spake unto the king of Israel... Thus saith the Lord, Because the Syrians have said, The Lord is God of the hills, but He is not God of the valleys, therefore will I deliver this great multitude into thine hand, and ye shall know that I am the Lord.” (vs. 27,28)

“In the seventh day the battle was joined: and the children of Israel slew of the Syrians an hundred thousand footmen in one day. But the rest fled to Aphek, and there a wall fell upon twenty and seven thousand of the men that were left. And Benhadad fled.” (vs. 29,30) And this is just a small illustration of what will happen to those Arabs, et al, that are now bent upon destroying Israel. Indeed, God will fight for them as “in the day of battle.” Had such a report come to us regarding such secular battles, we would be skeptical about it: but this is given to us from “the inspired Word of God,” so we know it is the truth!

The Assyrian came down like a wolf on the fold,

And his cohorts were gleaming in purple and gold;

And the sheen of their spears was like stars on the sea,

When the blue wave rolls nightly on deep Galilee.

Like the leaves of the forest when summer is green,

That host with their banners at sunset were seen;

Like the leaves of the forest when Autumn hath blown,

That host on the morrow lay withered and strown.

For the angel of death spread his wings on the blast,

And breathed in the face of the foe as he past;

And the eyes of the sleepers were waxed and chill,

And their hearts that once heaved, they have grown still.

And there lay the steed with his nostril all wide,

But through it there rolled not the breath of his pride;

And the foam of his gasp lay wide on the turf;

But cold as the spray of the low‑beating surf.

But there lay the rider distorted and pale,

With the dew on his brow, and the rust on his mail;

And the tents were all silent, the banners alone,

The lances uplifted, the trumpet unblown.

The widows of Asher are loud in their wail,

And the idols are broken in the Temple of Baal;

And the might of the Gentile, unsmote by the sword,

Hath melted like snow in the claws of the Lord.

“TIMES OF RESTITUTION [RESTORATION, REJUVENATION] OF ALL THINGS, WHICH GOD HATH SPOKEN BY THE MOUTH OF ALL HIS HOLY PROPHETS.” (Acts 3:21) Zechariah, being one of the holy prophets, has spoken of the “times of restitution,” some of which we now quote:

“And it shall be in that day [in the times of restitution], that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them to the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be. And the Lord shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one Lord [a pure language – no error].” (Zech. 14:8,9) “Men shall dwell in it [the Kingdom], and there shall be no more utter destruction; but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited” (v. 11). “The nations shall go up from year to year to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles” (v. 16). “In that day shall there be upon the bells of the horses, HOLINESS UNTO THE LORD... in that day there shall be no more Canaanite [type of the world in sin] in the house of the Lord of hosts” (vs. 20,21),

The Prophet Zechariah is very clear and emphatic about his testimony of the “times of restitution,” and we are fully persuaded that we are now near “that day” of which he writes. “The Lord shall open unto thee His good treasure.” (Deut. 28:12)

Sincerely your brother, John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

(Written by Brother Hoefle April 18‑28, 1983)

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GIANTS IN THESE DAYS

Readers of these columns, and especially such as are familiar with the presentations of the volume entitled “Armageddon,” know quite well that it is our opinion that there is a correspondency to be noted between the conditions which prevailed in the days of Noah, prior to the Deluge, and the conditions which will prevail in the days of the Son of Man, prior to the Great Time of Trouble, which the Bible declares will symbolically melt, or dissolve, as in a furnace of fire, the social elements of today. We have called attention to the fact that the giants of Noah’s day, according to the Bible, endangered the lives and the happiness of humanity; and that it was our thought that a counterpart of these giants is to be found in the great institutions and trusts of our day, which have the power to throttle, to strangle humanity.

We have pointed out that much could be said in favor of aggregations of wealth and intellect in mighty combinations, if properly used, not selfishly, but in the interests of the people. We have pointed out that although these giant corporations have accomplished great good, which could not have been accomplished without their aid or without some Divine interposition, nevertheless, under present selfish conditions, they are a menace to the people.

We should not be misunderstood. We do not mean even to hint that the men at the head of these giant corporations are inferior to their fellows in sympathy and in wisdom. On the contrary, we believe that they are generally superior, and that had brutish men been at the head of these giant corporations they long ago would have sought to squeeze the very life out of the people. But, as we have pointed out, there is continually a tendency on the part of all imperfect people toward selfishness, acquisitiveness. That “Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty” is as true today as ever it was. The people must watch the giants lest they become autocratic.

APPEARANCES SOMETIMES DECEITFUL

But, say some, The Editor of THE WATCH TOWER must be behind the times. Does he not know that the trusts are being throttled, and that these giants have been made the slaves of the people?

The Editor is well aware that apparently much has been done to bind these giants; and he well knows that they have apparently submitted and apparently acknowledge themselves the creatures, the servants of the people. But he also takes note that this transformation is merely an appearance. This docility is merely affected. The giants of intellectual and monetary strength have not really surrendered, nor is it in harmony with the laws of human nature to suppose that they would ever capitulate. Instead, they have seemingly acquiesced to the laws and regulations while merely transforming themselves and retaining their power. In several instances they have demonstrated that they are as powerful today as they ever were. And in their behalf it should be acknowledged that much of the legislation enacted against them is mere demagoguery the work of politicians, intended to curry favor with the people and not for practical use.

We have no sympathy with those who make tirades against the courageous and brainy men who have, along purely commercial lines, done so much to help forward the world’s condition – so much to prepare for the Millennium. Instead of being tantalized and hampered, these financial and engineering princes should be appreciated, honored. Then, while honoring them we should insist upon their reasonable control and supervision by the people through their governmental representatives. If these giants are necessary and useful, they can be better ruled by love and justice than by nagging and pin pricking. No doubt it is this very nagging that is producing more and more a spirit of bitterness in the giants – a feeling that they are not appreciated by some, a feeling that they must teach the people a lesson.

CONDITIONS AS THEY ARE

We are not especially finding fault with anybody. We are merely pointing out conditions as they are, and showing how these are shaping themselves and preparing for a great struggle between the giants and the people – a struggle in which the people will suffer more than the giants. The fault is not with humanity at all. The fault is with the sin, the selfishness, the meanness, which for centuries has had a firm foothold in humanity: – rich and poor. All are selfish. Each according to his opportunity seems disposed to take advantage. The giant corporations, we believe, are much more lenient than they would be if they were in the hands of naturally smaller men of lower class.

These giants are realizing that they have opponents on every hand. They have long contended with the labor unions, and more or less have been compelled to submit. Now, in addition to the unions, they are obliged to contend with the people in governmental legislation, and with new ideas in respect to corporation rights and liberties. These giants are saying to themselves, The people do not realize how much good we have done, nor what important factors in their welfare we are.

Few of the people realize that the managers and the presidents of our great railroads and large business enterprises are men of powerful mind, any of them well qualified for the highest stations of life, and many of them are earning salaries as great as that of the President of the United States, and solving problems as difficult as those which the President must handle. Few people realize that next to the farming element in importance come the railroads, as respects numbers of employees. And, the latter are an increasing army, while the farmers are a decreasing army, because of labor‑saving machinery.

Whoever supposes that these long‑headed business men intend to sit down and quietly submit to every kind of legislation is deluding himself. The giants know their own strength. They prefer to hide it rather than to boast if it; but when it comes to a life‑and‑death struggle they will use it, and terrible will be the effects. The very fact that the people are seeking to bind them arouses them to a more arbitrary exercise of their power. If legislation, for instance, affects to hinder railroads from monopolizing the anthracite and other coal interests, the coal‑owning railroads with a snarl of defiance raise the price of coal, and thus give a hint to the consumers that they will need to be thankful if permitted to purchase at all and to keep from freezing.

A SHOW OF GIANT STRENGTH

A more or less preconcerted action has begun on the part of the great railroads and affiliated interests. They have determined that unless they are granted permission to raise their freight rates they will make the restrainers of their liberties pay dearly for it by bringing upon the country financial disaster, reaching losses a thousand times greater than the five per cent which they demand. It would surely in many respects be wise to placate these giants with the increase they ask, merely requiring them to render more prompt and efficient service in return.

But will this course of wisdom prevail? Possibly not. If not, we have before us already an illustration and prophecy of what may be expected. Already the railroads have laid off thousands of workman who have been employed in road construction and repairs. Already they have canceled orders for rails and equipment, which in turn has rendered idle many of the large mills, throwing other thousands out of employment. Already they are cutting down their office forces. All this is done with a certain amount of justification in the fact that they have not been making as much money as formerly. For instance, a great steel corporation’s recent report showed a “sad” falling off of revenue and profit, “leaving only $18,000,000 of profit for the quarter”; whereas they had for some time been accustomed to more. In accord with this policy, there has for some time been a gradual curtailing of train service, which is really a safe and sane policy.

We are not complaining, we are not finding fault even; we are merely recording facts, in supporting our contention that these great institutions are really giants which, if they become angry and malicious, may accomplish incalculable injury. Their power and dissatisfaction have already been hinted to the government, which is more or less fearful of the industrial suspension threatened.

On the other hand we have trades unionism, which is only beginning to realize its great power at the polls, and also its physical power through strikes. The threat of the railroad managers partially to suspend business until their demands are met may any day be duplicated by the giants of labor with their threat of suspension of labor, stoppage of fuel supply, walk‑outs, etc. It may be said that these giants of labor are blind and unwise; but nevertheless it is manifest that they, like the blind Samson of old, are feeling for the pillars which support our present social structure; and that they have in view its wreck and ruin, even though this means also the destruction of their own interests.

THE DEATH STRUGGLE NEAR

How soon these great giants will enter upon their death struggle, each confident of victory, yet both doomed to destruction, no one can tell. Sure we may be however, that in the battle of these giants the masses of mankind will suffer with them in the ordeal.

Looking from the Bible viewpoint, we perceive that these giants have reached their present size and strength through the light and blessings of the Millennial morning. Had the veil of gross darkness been lifted a thousand years sooner, these giants would have developed that much sooner; and their death struggle would have come that much sooner; and its resultant overthrow of present institutions in anarchy. But God would not permit this. It is no part of His plan to allow human passion utterly to desolate the earth. Hence, He withheld the morning light until the morning time, so that the struggle and its disastrous effects upon human institutions will occur just in advance of the time for the establishment of Messiah’s kingdom, for the control of the world by its spiritual, invisible, but all‑powerful King, who is so soon to take unto Himself His great power and reign. (Revelation 11:17,18; 19:6; Psalm 99:1)

How soon this great catastrophe will engulf the world none is wise enough to say, yet the trouble is discerned and feared by all persons of intelligence, but more particularly by those whose intelligence is guided by the Word of God. The catastrophe may be put off for months or years, but it is sure to come. And we can see how it might be suddenly precipitated. Even as we write, the newspapers are echoing the mutterings and threats of the labor giants, while the capitalistic giants are admittedly feeling sour, and are half inclined to give the public a pinch as a mere suggestion of what they could do. It is these hints, suggestions and threats which are likely to lead from bad to worse, producing anger, malice, hatred, strife, and various works of the flesh and of the devil as St. Paul intimated.

“SEEK PEACE AND PURSUE IT”

Whether this Great Trouble be very near or further afield, the proper course of God’s consecrated people is the same – “Seek peace and pursue it.” And not only so, but we are to be peace‑makers and not strife‑breeders. When all around men’s souls give way, a special opportunity comes to the people of God for pointing their distressed fellow‑creatures to the grand blessing which God has provided for the near future, and for re‑establishing faith in the Creator and in the future life, and for pointing out that it is to be attained only by those who learn the true lesson of life and who come to love righteousness and to hate iniquity.

We would be inclined to expect this great trouble to break out very soon were it not that the Scriptures apparently indicate that it will be preceded by a very powerful Church Federation, which will flourish outwardly in unrighteousness and which will be the first to succumb.

“I can see his coming judgments, as they circle all the earth,

The signs and groanings promised, to precede a second birth;

I read his righteous sentence in the crumbling thrones of earth;

Our King is marching on.”

(Reprints of 5457‑5459 of Watch Tower, May 15, 1914. Please notice that it was in 1914 when That Servant wrote this article.)

NO. 366: SOME THOUGHTS FOR THE MEMORIAL

No. 366

Comes again the Memorial of our Lord’s Gethsemane and crucifixion, the time this year being after six p.m. March 22. This year 1986 the moon nearest the Vernal Equinox comes new at 2:52 p.m. March 10 at Jerusalem, which makes Nisan 1 begin at six p.m. March 9, according to Bible reckoning; and 14 days later brings us to the proper time for doing “this in remembrance of Me.” The general understanding of this Sacrament has been so ably treated in Volume 6 by Brother Russell (the reading of which we again recommend as preparatory for “keeping the feast”) that it leaves little to be said by those of us who remain unto this day – only incidental details being perhaps about all we can accomplish by this writing.

SUNDRY DETAILED OBSERVATIONS

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

To all such “the Angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them.” (Ps. 34:7) This may be accepted by the faithful Faith Class during this Age without reservation, a feature which the type brings forcefully to our attention. As the Jews were eating their lamb that awesome night “with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand” – eating it with bitter herbs – “not a dog did move his tongue against any of the Children of Israel... that ye may know that the Lord hath put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.” For Gospel‑Age purposes, especially here in the Epiphany night, those Egyptian dogs type rabid sectarians (Phil. 3:2 “beware of dogs” – “quarrelsome partisans” – See Berean Comment). Dogs are known to lose their savagery, and to mourn deeply over the death of their masters; and this will yet prove pointedly true during this Epiphany night of the symbolic dogs – rabid sectarians – when they eventually learn that their leaders have grossly misled them, that many of them have “gone to their own place,” as did Judas. (Acts 1:25) As Brother Johnson has pointed out, New Creatures that die impenitent go into the Second Death, and this will be brought home in forceful fashion when the fires of Armageddon have done their work.

“TILL HE COME”

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

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

“Dear Brethren, if we will consider our trialsome experiences with Satan’s deluded servants as opportunities of obtaining Divine Truth and the graces from them, we will be helped ardently to desire such acquirements from such experiences and will be helped to receive them in the Lord’s spirit and thus will receive the symbolic articles of gold and silver and garments. Let us view these experiences from this standpoint and act accordingly amid them; and we will emerge from them greatly enriched spiritually. This consideration will keep us from murmuring and complaining amid such experiences and will enable us to take them joyfully. (1 Pet. 4: 12‑14)”

As the Israelites fled from the Egyptians after being told to be gone the morning after the tenth plague, the morning after the Passover had been eaten, the cloudy fiery pillar set a barrier between them and the pursuing Egyptians, casting a light ahead of it to lighten the path of Israel, but working a thick darkness to the Egyptians. And so during this Harvest period, and especially so during this Epiphany night, the Truth (the fiery pillar) has been the means of separating the faithful from the measurably faithful, and from the unfaithful. That which effects deliverance for the faithful, keeping them standing and “growing in grace and in the knowledge of our Beloved Lord Jesus”, is the very thing that entraps the unfaithful and brings them to a fall. This is much the same picture as given in Exod. 4:9, where Moses was told to “take of the water of the river, and pour it upon the dry land: and the water which thou takest out of the river shall become blood upon the dry land.” The refreshing Harvest Truth would appear to be bloody repulsive error to those for whom it was not intended. “The natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit ... for they are foolishness unto him.” (1 Cor. 2:14)

CONSIDER HIM

“Consider Him who endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself.” (Heb. 12:3) All during the Age the “brethren” of the Fully Faithful have been among their chief persecutors – as example, John Calvin burning Miletus Servetus at the stake in most gruesome manner (illustrative of the Measurably Faithful, the Great Company, in some of their members, particularly their leaders) – “your brethren that hated you, and that cast you out for my name’s sake.” But those who have “endured hardness as good soldiers” during this Harvest period have become more and more proficient against all forms of sin, error, selfishness and worldliness, until goodly Canaan land (the sphere of Present Truth and the Spirit of the Truth) has become their laurel of victory, their unbreakable and unchangeable possession. Surely, those of us who have attained this pinnacle know of a certainty that we have attained that victory that overcometh the world.

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” (Ps. 34:19) Many of the dear brethren have become old in this “good fight.” We know intimately of quite a few who are now over ninety years of age, who have borne the burden and heat of the day; yet they still “rejoice in the Lord, and joy in the God of their salvation.” This is fittingly typed by the ‘heave offering’ of Ex. 25:1‑9 – “of every man that giveth it willingly with his heart ye shall take my heave‑offering.” This offering was repeatedly lifted upward toward God by the offerer, the same representing the thing sacrificed to God, and the elevation to higher and higher uses of the things offered unto God’s greater honor and glory – not handling the word of God deceitfully, but “partakers of solid food ... for those possessing faculties habitually exercised for the discrimination both of good and evil.” (Heb. 5:13, 14, Dia.) And to such the words of the Apostle Paul fittingly apply: “He who sows bountifully will reap also bountifully; even as each one purposes in his heart, not from grief, or from necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor. 9:6, 7, Dia.) One translation has it, “God loves a man that is glad to give.” And, as we do “this in remembrance of Him,” it is a most propitious time to consider how freely He gave of Himself – “endured the cross, despising the shame,” and has now received “the crown of life” – immortality, the highest form (crown) of life.

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

As our Lord was praying in the upper room that last night He was able to declare truthfully: “I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do” (John 17: 4) – although the completion of that work had drained His physical resources to the breaking point. Much the same was true of Brother Russell at his death. In the Spring of 1916 he had said, “Brother Johnson, I’m tired – my very bones are tired”; yet of him it was prophetically written, “I have done as thou hast commanded me.” (Ezek. 9:11) And Brother Johnson himself had become so weary from physical exhaustion that he would no longer receive any questions on Bible texts. Yet, our Lord was “found in fashion as a man” – even as all of us; and the agony on the cross distorted His facial features as the same experience would do to us. Therefore, the prophet foretold of Him: “As many were astonied at thee: (amazed that He would submit to such abuse if He were the Son of God). His visage was so marred more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men” (physical exhaustion and the torture of the cross took their toll more than would be true of us, because of His sensitive physical perfection – a harrowing sight indeed to all with a normal degree of sympathy and mercy in their hearts and minds). (Is. 52:14)

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

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

 “I have fought my way through;

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

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

Well and faithfully done!

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

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Some comments by Brother Johnson apply so well here:

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

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

To all our readers do we extend cordial good wishes and the Lord’s rich blessing in their preparation for, and participation in this coming Memorial, which we shall hold this year at 1901 Morningside Drive, just outside of Mount Dora, Florida at 7:30 p.m. March 22. Our warm welcome is extended to any who may wish to join with us in this service. As always, we suggest refreshment to the various features of the service by a reading of the chapter in Parousia Volume 6, perhaps also by a pertinent article by Brother Johnson, as we quote Titus 2:7‑9: “In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.”

Sincerely your brother, John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

Reprint of March 1967, No. 141

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GOD KNOWS BEST

Sometimes in trepidation

I sail life’s stormy sea,

But God in love and wisdom

Points out the way for me.

And so my soul speeds onward

In its eternal quest,

I look back on my pathway

And see that God knows best.

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BOOK “PASTOR CHARLES TAZE RUSSELL” – DAVID HOROWITZ, AUTHOR

Mr. David Horowitz, his wife, Nan, and Mrs. Rose Morse Runes, publisher of the book, were our welcome guests the weekend of January 11. It was a joyous occasion a pleasure and honor to have them in our home. They came to Florida to launch the book “About Pastor Charles Taze Russell.”

A dinner party was held at Squires’ Supper Club in Leesburg Saturday, January 11. The rabbi of Leesburg and members of his congregation attended the meeting, as well as other friends and Bill Bond, the reporter for the Sentinel. All were attentive to Mr. Horowitz’ review of the book. He spoke in a soft and genteel voice, but penetrating.

On Sunday, January 12, a luncheon was held in Orlando at the Radisson Plaza Hotel for the launching of the book. All were attentive and appreciative of Mr. Horowitz’ review of the book. At both meetings every one present was given a complimentary copy of the book. Pictures were taken of both meetings. Mr. Horowitz, editor of the United Israel Bulletin, will publish some of these pictures in his next Bulletin.

Pastor Russell never tried to convert the Jews to Christianity. He taught that God’s promises to the Jews were unconditional – especially to the Jews who are faithful to the Mosaic Law. He taught the Jews would return to their homeland, and after 1914 would become a State of Israel. Several years before 1914 he predicted a World War would occur in 1914. Many people laughed at his prediction, saying it was impossible. But when World War I came in 1914, quite a few people changed their attitude toward Pastor Russell. He taught all this from his study of God’s Word in accordance with the prophecies. He was the first Christian minister to prominently advocate Zionism. He addressed the Jews many times, the most prominent meeting was held at the New York Hippodrome in 1910. He was indeed a friend of the Jews! He said they were God’s timepiece. Many Jews fondly referred to him as their Pastor.

Pastor Russell never claimed to be inspired as were the Prophets and Apostles nor did he claim infallibility. He gave us the Plan of Salvation for all mankind as no other man has done since the days of our Lord. Eph. 3:11 tells us that God has a purpose; and the Diaglott translation says: “According to a Plan of the Ages, which he formed for the anointed Jesus our Lord.” However, nothing in God’s Word can be understood until “due time.” During Pastor Russell’s lifetime it was “due time” for the understanding of God’s Plan. God has always raised up a man for His purposes.

Pastor Russell taught the truth on the “restitution of all things” (Acts 3:19‑21), which is proof that “God is love.” Acts 24:15 tells us “there will be a resurrection of the dead, both the just and unjust.” Our Lord said: “Marvel not at this; for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice and come forth: they that have done good unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment.” (John 5:28, 29 – ‘judgment’ is mistranslated ‘damnation’ in the King James version, but the correct translation is ‘judgment,’ as given correctly in the Diaglott and Dr. Rotherham’s Bible.

The Jehovah’s Witnesses reject the Lord’s Word. They teach that those who do not accept and join with them will be annihilated in Armageddon. Pastor Russell taught all would come to a knowledge of the truth before they will be judged: “Because he hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead. (Acts 17:31)

Many Bible Students today believe that Pastor Russell was “That Servant” of Matt. 24:45‑47: “Who is a faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord hath made ruler over his household, to give meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his Lord finds so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.” Pastor Russell spent his life teaching a God of Love, Justice, Wisdom and Power.

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Sister Emily: Christian greetings!

Thank you again for inviting me to the dinner to initiate the distribution of the book “Charles Taze Russell” by David Horowitz. I enjoyed the excellent dinner and the dynamic speech by David Horowitz. I was pleased to meet him and his charming wife Nan. His presentation on Zionism was powerful. He had the facts and personal experience to substantiate what he said. He is humble and yet forceful.

The audience including a rabbi, members of his congregation, reporters and friends were extremely attentive during his speech.

The following day I read the book from cover to cover and found it truthful, factual, forceful and intensely interesting. I am sure that this book will be effective in awakening many to the history of Charles Taze Russell and calling attention to the prophecies of the Bible.

Yours in the Master’s service, ------- (FLORIDA)

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Dear Brethren: Loving greetings!

It was a great privilege to have been in Florida when David Horowitz presented his book about Pastor Russell. It was a momentous occasion! We wish it had been possible for many others around the country to have been present.

David’s speech was inspiring. He gave a brief synopsis of the book – how it brings out about Pastor Russell’s interest in the Jews – and his teaching that the Jews would be the first to receive the Kingdom blessings. He also mentioned how the Jehovah’s Witnesses have deviated from Pastor Russell’s teachings. We hope that this will be the start of many activities to brings Pastor Russell’s name and teachings to the forefront. Also, we hope that the good and honest‑hearted among the Jehovah’s Witnesses will become aware of the history of their sect – how it has strayed from the teachings of their claim that Pastor Russell is their founder. He was not the founder of their gross errors. As David said, “It is time to set the record straight.”

The Jews present at the dinner were very attentive, and afterward were so warm to us, even embracing and kissing us. It is probably due to the fact that we were not trying to proselytize them. We love all of them! We do hope they will read the book. Once again, It was good to be there. We pray a blessing upon all who continue battle for the Truth – fight the “good fight” of faith.

Warm Christian love, Bro. & Sr. ------- (NORTH CAROLINA)

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Dear Emily,

We enjoyed the Saturday dinner in Leesburg, as well as the luncheon in Orlando when David Horowitz launched the book “About Pastor Charles Taze Russell.” The book is very dear to us because it is dedicated to the memory of Uncle John. I’m so glad the book includes some of John’s writings.

Of course, the main joy is the fact that the book revives what Pastor Russell taught. David’s review of the book was very inspiring. His faith in YHVH and His Word is manifest in all he says. He is a wonderful man! David and Nan were such a pleasure to all of us. We were so happy to have Rose Runes with us. She is a remarkable woman, as well as lovable. Our warm love, ------- (FLORIDA)

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Dear Emily,

Received your letter and picture, and appreciate very much. I will be proud to have the picture in my album. The book written by David, and printed with your support, about Pastor Russell opened my closed eyes, since I was convinced Pastor Russell was the organizer of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. I admire and love you for the work of your departed husband in supporting the Zionist movement and Israel. The Jewish people for many years were oppressed all over the world, and had no protection. Now they have a home and a nation and a lot of friends – and now you and David Horowitz are spreading a book with all the explanations of the Bible……. My grandfather was a devoted Zionist and predicted the near future when the Jewish people will have Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple.

I am very sorry that I cannot type. My eyes are closing. I hope you will be able to read my scribbling. My bookkeeper cannot type. If God willing I may recover and will be able to meet you and discuss our opinion of the book written by David. As to celebrate my 96th birthday, I will be happy and honored to see you, David and his wife Nan at the party. If God willing and I will recover reasonable enough to have a party. You will excuse my scribbling with a lot of grammatical mistakes.

Wishing you the best of health and a successful life – from your friend

With love, Sammy ------- (FLORIDA)

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Dear Sr. Emily,

Thank you very much for sending me the book “About Pastor Russell.” It has so many wonderful words from Pastor RusseIl and the grand prophecies of great things to come for Israel and the world – and also pointing out that Pastor Russell’s teaching and those of the JW’s are different. I hope the blessed words of Israel’s great future will comfort and inspire many.

“BIessed be the Lord who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation.” (Psa. 68:19) “Rest in the Lord and wait patiently for him.” (Psa. 37:1) with love, ……. (CALIFORNIA)

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Dear Sir:

Thank you for the contribution of Pastor Charles Taze Russell, An Early American Christian Zionist by David Horowitz.

This book contributes to our efforts to collect materials from many points of view in order that our students may prepare themselves for ministry. We appreciate your interest in adding to the collection.

Sincerely, ------- Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (TEXAS)

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Dear Sister Emily,

I am so sorry that you did not see my message on the reverse side of the envelope. I have just finished reading the book but haven’t yet read the appendix. I have gone over it carefully so it took a little time. I enjoyed it very much. But I wanted to write you a more lengthy letter about an experience with your book and two Jehovah’s Witnesses. As soon as I finish reading the appendix I will write you a nice long letter. Please be patient with me.

Yours in the bonds of Christian love, ------- (FLORIDA)

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Dear Sister Hoefle: Love and blessing in Jesus dear Name!

I read most of the new book over again. I got more out of it this 2nd reading, as the first time I read it quickly.

I found a few more names to add to your list for some future mailing, D.v. The enclosed from US News was interesting. I thought “Awaiting the next blow.” It says, “At no time in recent memory has there been so much doubt about what the New Year holds.” I wrote David and thanked him for the book.

Christian love, ------- (CALIFORNIA)

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Dear Brethren: Christian greetings!

Just a note concerning David Horowitz’ excellent book. Evidently God is using Mr. Horowitz to accomplish an important Epiphany work of calling attention to Pastor Russell’s name and, more specifically, associating that name with Zionism and disassociating with Rutherfordism – (the JW’s).

No doubt this book will create new interest in Brother Russell’s writings on Israel. Hope all are doing well. May God’s blessings be with you.

With Christian love, ------- (NORTH CAROLINA)

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Dear Brethren:

Your issue “Retrospect and Prospect” was interesting, especially as related to Israel. I am interested in more information regarding David Horowitz’ book “About Pastor Russell.” Where can it be obtained – and what is the price?

We are especially featuring Vol. I in this its 100th anniversary year.

In the hope of the Kingdom, ------- (ORLANDO)

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Dear Sister Hoefle: With warm “Shalom” in His precious Name!

It was indeed kind of you to send me a copy of the new book, ABOUT PASTOR RUSSELL. Needless to say, I was very gratified to learn that the early Christian Zionist work of Charles Taze Russell is being given recognition in this way. I pray that its influence will be widespread, to our Heavenly Father’s glory.

What a faithful servant Pastor Russell was! His love for God’s chosen people was, as indicated in the book, tied up with his love for all mankind and his joy in both knowing and heralding the Kingdom blessings.

You may be interested in a sidelight experience that Brother Casimir and I had on our first trip to Israel in 1950. We planned to place an advertisement in all the Israeli newspapers to try to reach any and all Israeli who had known of the work of Pastor Russell and his proclaiming of the prophecies concerning Israel’s restoration. So we contacted the representative of the hotel where we were staying to ask for a run‑down on the nature of each Israel newspaper. (There were many even in those days, due to the need to provide news in so many languages.)

The gentleman did give us the list we requested and asked why we wanted it. When he learned we planned to advertise who had been influenced by Pastor Russell, he was most enthusiastic and told us that at the Hebrew University he had taken a course on Zionism which included a section on “Christian Zionism.” At the top of the list of the latter, he said, was the name of Charles Taze Russell!

Regrettably, the cost of placing the planned ads was way above our budget and we never did have the opportunity of following through on this. It is only one of the many privileges of service we had to pass up due to carrying on “on a shoestring,” as they say. As you know, many Bible Students in those days did not see God’s hand in developments in Israel and were reluctant to support a work such as we were doing, trying to call attention to both Jew and Gentile as to the extreme importance in God’s great plan of the return of the Jews to their homeland.

How greatly to Pastor Russell’s credit that he foresaw the events of our day, and yet many of his followers so many decades hence fail to appreciate the historic times in which we live! Nevertheless, I will try to publicize David Horowitz’ book to the extent of my ability. Again, many thanks for so generously sending a copy to me.

Thank you, too, for your letter of explanation that accompanies the book, clarifying Pastor Russell’s teachings. May the Lord bless you as you carry on in His service.

Yours “for Zion’s sake,” ------- (CALIFORNIA)

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Dear Friends,

Thank you for sending your interesting articles to us. Please note our new address shown above.

Yours truly, ------- (CANADA)

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ANNOUNCEMENT

It has been our pleasure to give our local friends a copy of the book “About Pastor Charles Russell.” They have expressed much appreciation, some of them telling us that the book has opened their eyes to the difference between the belief of Bible Students and the belief of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. We have sent several complimentary copies of the book to our readers, some of them expressing hearty appreciation of the book and its contents.

If any of our readers request a copy of this book, it will be our pleasure to send one to them so long as our supply isn’t exhausted. Our purpose is to revive to public knowledge the teachings of Pastor Russell – especially the difference in his teachings to the teachings of the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

NO. 365B: RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT - PART TWO

THE JEWS

“Group’s 40th Anniversary Honors David Horowitz: Both this writer [Jeffrey Ellis Aronin] and Mr. Abrahams addressed the assembled guests in paying tribute to Mr. Horowitz. The writer read out a number of communications from prominent rabbis and others congratulating the honoree. Mr. Abraham’s tribute follows:

“In honoring David, he stated: ‘It is with profound appreciation of David Horowitz’ unique record of righteousness and compassion that the Committee has bestowed this 1982 prize. The founder of the Award, Ambassador Enrico Garda, would have enthusiastically endorsed the choice of Mr. Horowitz, the universally honored creator of United Israel World Union and editor of the Bulletin.

“‘A valiant fighter against cruelty and hypocrisy, he has been a heroic champion of the Torah’s program of justice, facing in the name of God all ecclesiastical or political scoundrels who are abusing biblical texts for devilish propaganda in shameless violation of the Holocaust.

“‘In the United Nations, whose majority are oil‑bribed for heathen irresponsibility, David Horowitz has proclaimed wisely, forcefully and consistently Israel’s rights, Soviet Jewry’s rights to stay Jewish, the right of all God’s children to live in peace and to enjoy basic human opportunity’... ‘We all share in this tribute to our David,’ said Dr. Jung. ‘Shalom.’

“Significantly, Congressman Siljander, a Christian, indicated that he had fallen in love with Israel and the Jewish people to such a great extent that he turned to study of the Hebrew language and that he considers the Hebraic faith as a part of his own religion.

“Thus, as he arrived at the banquet, he began to speak Hebrew with Mr. Horowitz who, he said in his speech, he had met at the UN upon his return from Israel last year and discussed issues held in common. Siljander enthusiastically hailed United Israel World Union for having stood firm to its principles and in its educational activities for forty years on behalf of biblical truths, paying high tribute to Mr. Horowitz and the local unit’s leaders who had found a common denominator in the Sinaitic Code.

“The main part of Congressman Siljander’s speech dealt with Israel, America’s faithful ally in the Middle East, which, he stated, had accomplished miracles in all fields of endeavor. Thunderous applause greeted him when he referred to Judea and Samaria, the so‑called West Bank, as being part of historic Israel. .... He was proud of the role he had played in preventing the UN’s PLO Observer from visiting Washington and addressing Congressmen at the invitation of Rep. Crockett.

“Upon learning of the invitation, he said he was shocked that a representative of a group seeking the destruction of Israel be given the chance to address congressmen. He immediately intervened by sending a letter of protest to Secretary of State Shultz. The visit was called off. There’s a 25‑mile limit for travel for the PLO.

“He noted that what’s happening to Jews in USSR is a tragedy, noting that his wife has joined a group of Washingtonian women on behalf of Soviet Jewry. In pride, he informed the audience that he had marched in New York’s recent Salute to Israel Parade.

“Congressman Siljander is a Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and also serves in the Middle East subcommittee. United Israel World Union, in addition to units in the US, has many members in Ghana and other African states, in the Philippines, Mexico and North Africa.” (By Jeffrey Ellis Aronin)

“Behind The Scenes At The United Nations – September 19: Precisely one week before this World Organization opened its 40th session with a minute of silent much‑needed prayer – while at the same time the Jewish people throughout the world assembled in their houses of worship to meaningful worship the second day of Rosh Hashana – a significant event took place here in New York, bringing to‑mind the miracle that is Israel. The inspiring occasion marked the Ninth Annual Dinner of the American Associates of the Ben‑Gurion University during which the phenomenal progress involving the revivification of the Negev desert was brought into full focus.

“What was especially unique about the Ben‑Gurion University Dinner was the presence of two outstanding souls, Rhoda and Rudy Boyko, as the recipients of the Ben-Gurion Negev Award.

“But, more importantly, the name Boyko is synonymous with the resurrection of the Negev. It was Rudolph’s late brother, Hugo Boyko, along with his scientist wife, Elizabeth, who, after settling in the old Palestine in 1935, pioneered in Israeli agriculture, growing crops with saline water from undergound desert sources. They studied the factors enabling desert plants to thrive in an arid environment. Elizabeth Boyko, in her ingenuity, brought vegetation to primitive Eilat, transforming the desert town with more than 180 species of plants. [The desert shall blossom as a rose. Isa. 35:1]            

“In the spirit of Hugo and Elizabeth, Rudolph and Rhoda along with a friend, Ike Schine, as far back as 1959, established an Israeli company known as the Desert Plants, Ltd. The project flourished and today the Ben‑Gurion University, a jewel in the heart of Beer Sheba, is benefiting greatly from the seeds they have sown. The Boyko Institute is directed by Dr. Dov Pasternak, an internationally‑renowned scientist whose pilot project in desert revivification has brought new hope to several African states including Egypt.”

“THE GREENING OF ISRAEL: The economic crisis won’t stop the trees from growing, but it will put extra pressures on the budget of the Jewish National Fund. The JNF, says world chairman Moshe Rivlin, funds its multifaceted operations from contributions, leasing fees on lands and government payments for clearing land and building infrastructure for new settlements... Today, the JNF mountains over 250,000 acres of forest, the majority of which it has planted. ....

“Within four or five years, the city of Jerusalem will be completely encircled by forest, including its outermost suburbs. Once far from the city, forests have come within the city’s expanding borders.

“From Augusta Victoria Hospital on Mt. Scopus, one can see a new forest being planted in the Judean Desert that will eventually forge a link of trees with the town of Ma’ale Adumin. ‘The desert is being pushed away, bit by bit,’ says Rivlin. ‘The forest area will serve both Arabs and Jews.”’ (By Judy Siegel, Jerusalem Post Reporter – September 7, 1985)

“The American Jewish Congress has called Pope John Paul’s assertion that the Moslem view of the future status of Jerusalem is also the Vatican’s view a ‘puzzling and distressing’ remark. Henry Siegman, executive director of AJCongress and an authority on Catholic‑Jewish relations, disputed the Pontiff’s statement in Morocco on Monday (Aug. 19) that Moslems view Jerusalem as ‘the capital of three monotheistic religions’ – Christianity, Judaism and Islam.

“‘We are not aware of any Moslem leader who has ever expressed such a view of Jerusalem,’ Mr. Siegman said. ‘Moslems,’ he noted, ‘have consistently called for the removal of Jerusalem from the State of Israel.’ Mr. Siegman called the Pope’s statement ‘an apparent effort to find some common ground with his Moroccan hosts.’

“The AJCongress official, a founder of the International Jewish Committee on Interreligious Consultations, which includes leading Jewish organizations, acknowledged that the ‘intention and spirit’ of the Pope’s statement may have been misconstrued and said a clarification of his remarks ‘is most urgently needed.’

“The text of Mr. Siegman’s statement follows: Pope John Paul’s statement in Morocco on the subjects of Jerusalem ‘is also the view of the Holy See,’ is puzzling and distressing.

“Either Pope John Paul is uninformed about the Moslem view of Jerusalem, or he has now repudiated the Vatican’s long‑standing position on this subject.

“In an apparent effort to find some common ground with his Moroccan hosts, the Pope attributes to Moslems the view that Jerusalem serves ‘as a central point, the capital of three monotheistic religions.’ We are not aware of any Moslem leader who has ever expressed such a view of Jerusalem. We are aware, however, as Pope John Paul himself must be, that Moslems have consistently called for the removal of Jerusalem from the State of Israel.

“In recent years, Vatican officials have earnestly sought to convey the impression that the Vatican is anxious to improve its relations with the State of Israel. The Pope’s statements in Morocco are hardly calculated to bring that goal any closer.

“It is possible that both the intention and spirit of Pope John Paul’s remarks in Morocco were misconstrued. If so, a clarification is most urgently needed.” (Israel E. Levine, Director of Communications, American Jewish Congress, Aug. 21, 1985)

“Judaism – The ‘Eternal Fire’; Christianity – The ‘Eternal Rays’: Philosopher theologian Franz Rosenzweig, the son of a well‑to‑do Jewish family, was born in Cassel, Germany, in 1886. He spent two years in the study of medicine, then switched to modern history and philosophy. He became deeply interested in Hegel’s philosophic idealism. However, while attending a Day of Atonement service in a traditional synagogue in Berlin in 1913, Rosenzweig experienced a ‘closeness to God,’ and that experience became the turning point in his life. He gained a conviction of the impotence of Hegel’s idealism when confronted with existential problems of human life and life’s ultimate question: Who am I and what is the purpose of my existence?

“While in the Balkan foxholes with the German army in the First World War, he began to compose The Star of Redemption, which became his magnum opus (1921). He wrote it on army postal cards, which he sent on to his mother. During the postwar period, he and Dr. Martin Buber collaborated in a new German translation of the Hebrew Bible, which is said to be the finest since Martin Luther’s translation.

“According to Rosensweig, Judaism and Christianity possess equal religious validity and represent complimentary aspects of God’s revealed truth. Judaism is ‘the eternal fire’ – Christianity, ‘the eternal rays.’ Judaism is oriented inward to the Jews, whereas Christianity is facing outward to the Gentiles. In fact, Christianity is ‘Judaism for the Gentiles.’ Israel stays with God, Christianity goes out into the world to bring the unredeemed peoples to the God of Israel. Christianity’s function is well symbolized by the cross, the vertical beam of which looks heavenward to God and the horizontal beam is outstretched toward mankind. Only in the endtime, when the task of mankind’s redemption will have been completed, will Judaism and Christianity fuse into one faith.

“Rosenzweig is considered to have been the ‘single greatest influence on the religious thought of North American Jewry.’ At one time he came very close to embracing the Messianic faith of Jesus. He carried on an extensive correspondence with knowledgeable Christians, some of whom were his own kinsmen, and gained a sympathetic understanding of the Christian faith.” (The Messiahship of Jesus, p. 56)

Christians who believe in Pastor Russell’s teaching have no trouble in recognizing and approving of the faithful Jews who believe in His promises to them. He never tried to convert the Jews to Christianity, because he knew that God’s promises to the faithful Jew were unconditional. He said, Let us leave the Jew in the future to his God, and let the Christians in general go on in their blindness as the Scriptures foretell, to their destruction.

Salvation is of the Jews. It was to the Jew first at our Lord’s First Advent, and then to the Gentiles; and it will be “to the Jew first” in the earthly phase of the Kingdom – and then to the Gentiles. The New Covenant will be made with the Jews. The Kingdom will be Israelitish. “Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that are far from righteousness; I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my Glory.” (Isa. 46:12,13)

“At the inauguration of the New Age of blessing, natural Israel will be granted a special place and privilege; “for the gifts and calling of God are not things to be repented of.” (Romans 11:29) The orthodox Jews will be more ready to receive the blessing of the new dispensation promptly than will other people. Therefore they will have the first blessing – not by reason of partiality on God’s part in showing favor to these people, but by virtue of the fact that He made a covenant with them as the posterity of faithful Abraham.

“This special privilege of preeminence in the Messianic Kingdom, however, will not be granted to all who are Jews by blood; but only to those who prove loyal to the Law and the Prophets – those who are Jews at heart, and not merely outwardly. All others are merely Gentiles. (Rom. 2:28,29)” (By Pastor Russell, Reprint 5964 – October, 1916)

“Bible Not Written By Man Say Scientists In Israel: Researchers at Israel’s Technion say they have discovered secrets hidden in the Bible that can prove to scholars that the Five Books of Moses were not written by man.

“The researchers – in the fields of computers and Bible – have discovered that the Torah contained many names and future bits of history by forming words using every 26th or 49th letter.

“‘We are not presenting any conclusions,” said Yosef Katz, one of the researchers. ‘This is only initial research.” (By Yaakov Rodan)

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Sister Emily: Loving Christian greetings! –

We want to compliment you and the brethren on the way you have carried on the Lord’s work. No one could have done better. We hope you are not working too hard. We do appreciate getting the monthly papers. We are as well as we can expect to be, considering our ages. We have some good days and some not so good.

Friday (November 29) is our Mother’s birthday. We are thankful that we were lucky enough to have her for our “Mom.” Now we know what this trouble in the world today is all about, and we are not worried or afraid. Instead we rejoice and look forward to the future. Thanks to her teaching! Am sending a check to the EBSA, but please use it as you wish. Sorry it is not more.

The Season’s greetings to you and the others with you. We think of you often.

You are always in our prayers. With Christian love, ------- (OHIO)

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Dear Brethren: Grace and peace!

We enjoyed your November and December 1985 papers, especially the paper about Casimir Lanowick’s work for the Jews. He was a wonderful and courageous man!

The September‑October Present Truth all about Brother Russell and Zionism is very good. It sounds like the LHMM is now in harmony with the teaching of Brother Russell about the Jews – “To the Jew first.” I earnestly hope they have abandoned the error of Epiphany Campers Consecrated being first, and ahead of the Jews – and are no longer casting God’s Word aside.

Do you think your paper refuting their May‑June 1985 Present Truth on the nonexistent class of Epiphany Campers Consecrated, together with the book coming out “About Pastor Russell,” may have influenced them to write this September‑October 1985 Present Truth? They should know that if they should preach this doctrine to the Jews it would not be acceptable to them. However, they use Brother Russell’s teaching to the Jews.

So keep up the good fight of faith! The Truth is powerful and will eventually overthrow all errors. “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two‑edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12) Warm Christian love, ------- (MISSOURI)

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We wish to convey our deep appreciation and thanks for the many beautiful Christmas cards received, expressing their love and prayers. We heartily reciprocate these sentiments and regret that we were unable to do so by individual cards. May “The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich and addeth no sorrow with it” (Prov. 10:22) be your portion.

We wish all our readers a Happy and Blessed New Year! “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not to thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowl­edge Him and He shall direct thy paths.” (Prov. 3:5,6)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

On January 11 and 12 Mr. David Horowitz and Ms. Runes, the publisher, will come to Florida to announce the publication of the book “About Pastor Russell.” This announcement will be made in Leesburg January 11 after a dinner party at 6:30 p.m. Also in Orlando after a luncheon at 12:30 p.m. The publication of this book has been joyfully anticipated by many. Much praise has been expressed about the publication of this book.

“David Horowitz sets the record straight about the beliefs and achievements of Charles Taze Russell. A recognition of Pastor Russell’s important role as an early American Christian advocate of Zionism is long overdue. Mr. Horowitz has performed an admirable service in restoring to public knowledge the story of this important Christian Zionist.” (By Ambassador Benjamin Netanyahu

NO. 365A: RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT - PART ONE

No. 365A

During the past year there was progress in many fields and retrogression in others. Science has made great strides during 1985. We are told that with today’s electrode implants Helen Keller could have been made to hear. Also some people who would have died of heart failure have had heart implants which saved their lives. Medical science has made great strides, but so far is unable to come up with a cure for AIDS and Alzheimer’s disease. These diseases are plaguing mankind.

“A New Kind Of Terrorism Rattles Western Europe: The sounds of bomb blasts and pistol shots are grimly familiar, but changing terrorist targets and tactics are adding a dangerously different dimension to resurgent violence in Western Europe. …….

“In less than three months terrorists have struck in Belgium, France, Greece, Italy, Portugal, the Netherlands and West Germany. .......

“Common aims: Public statements by key terrorist groups disclose that their common goals are to destabilize NATO, wreck Europe’s defense industries and stir up anti-American sentiment. .....

“In addition to the terrorist’s own statements, American officials say that they have physical evidence and intelligence reports confirming that leftist groups are indeed coordinating their activities. .....

“For Western Europe, the harsh reality of the mid 1980’s is that a new, more complex battle with terrorism already may be under way.” (US News & World Report, February 25, 1985)

However, the “more complex battle with terrorism” did not stop the hijacking in October when one of the citizens of the US was murdered. Crime continues to be rampant everywhere – armed robbery, murder, rape, hijacking, drugs and alcohol, together with many other evils. This is happening not only in the United States, but also in other nations.

We are reminded of Jer. 25:31: “A noise shall come even to the ends of the earth; for the Lord has a controversy with the nations, He will plead with all flesh; He will give them that are wicked to the sword, saith the Lord.” Also our Lord tells us, “For then shall be great tribulation, such as not since there was a nation, no, nor ever shall be.” And the Prophet Daniel tells us: “There shall be a Time of Trouble such as never was since there was a nation to that same time.” (Dan. 12:1)

We are happy to note there are many good people in the world today. Recently the Martins and their two young children came from Ohio to Florida to make a new start. They had $640 in cash with them – their life’s savings. Mrs. Martin went to a phone booth and left her purse with the $640. When she went back to get it the purse was gone. They reported it to the police. The press reported it the next day. More than 100 people offered to open up their purses. Jeff Cohen, a disc jockey with the radio, said the station raised $800 to $1,000 in two hours. The Sea World has offered to play host to the Martins once they get settled. But the police department didn’t know where to find them, as they had no address to leave them. They were found a couple of days later. Their loss had become their gain.

Our Lord said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35) The giver is blessed in two ways – first in having the resources to give, then in having a generous heart. “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall also be watered himself.” (Prov. 11:25) “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” (15:3)

IN FINANCE

The economy of the United States and the rest of the world is deteriorating rapidly. Economists and writers of investment news letters are confused and are giving mixed recommendations to their subscribers. Here is a sample of some of the foremost writers:

“Very critical times! US economy, world financial systems and New York Stock market are all deteriorating rapidly. We are in the final stages of a super cycle top which when complete will be followed by a devastating crash. The second great depression of the 20th Century is about to begin.

“American Banking system is in a crisis. Hope that the problems will be solved without a collapse of the system grows dimmer every day. Savings and Loan industry is in especially bad shape. Savers have recently been withdrawing funds from S & L’s in increasing amounts. Bad loans made by banks and S & L’s of all sizes over the past decade in the agricultural sector, real estate and energy are finally being admitted and written off.

“Bankers feel they are already on the grill for big loans of the past. Fifteen major debtors from Argentina to Yugoslavia alone owe some 437 billion dollars – 63% to commercial banks. Loan rescheduling, threats of default mar the scene.

“We are now in a recession and believe it will get out of control. The government will eventually respond with foreign exchange controls and controls on withdrawals, travel and import restrictions, wage and price controls and controls on withdrawals from bank accounts.

“Double digit inflation will return. It’s not a question of if, it’s only a matter of when. Build up to an international banking crisis is developing. The debt crisis is due to the fact that the banks of the world have made massive loans which cannot be repaid. Some loans made to nations, some to farmers, some to real estate men and some to oil men. Most of this money is lost.”

Politicians do not have the answers. “Why do the heathen rage and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together.” (Psa. 2:1,2) “Men’s hearts failing them.” (Luke 21:26) The Time of Trouble progresses steadily – from war to revolution and finally anarchy. The only solution to the world’s problems is the establishment of Christ’s Kingdom, which will be inaugurated at the end of anarchy.

What should our attitude be? “Wait upon the Lord.” (Psa. 27:14) “Commit thy way to the Lord; trust also in him; and he will bring it to pass.” (Psa. 37:5) “Seek ye the Lord, and all ye meek of the earth which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness; it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger. (Zeph. 2:3)

IN RELIGION

The following excerpts are from The Kingdom Of God And The KGB: “For decades the radicalization of the Protestant churches has been notorious: huge confederations (the World Council of Churches, the National Council of Churches, the Quakers) have become enthralled by a vision of the world in which America has come to represent evil, while the Third World and a wide variety of proteges of the Soviet government shine forth as either themselves absolutely Good or at least well on the way toward it.

“Some elements of the Roman Catholic Church, too, have long since embarked on the same course. The Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers, organized in America generations ago, and the Maryknoll Sisters of St. Dominic have become celebrated, especially since the Second Vatican Council of 1962‑65, as a specifically political expression of Christian theology: at the conclusion last December of two months of meetings, the Rev. John Halbert, Vicar General of the society, summed up its current faith: ‘Maryknoll’s involvement with the poor and oppressed peoples in the Third World has indeed politicized us.’ (The New York Times, Dec. 10, 1984)

“It is evident that the Roman Church, besieged in the modern age by the rise of science, of history mindedness, of humanism’s of various kinds, has at last been eroded from within as well. It has, in effect, been ‘penetrated’ by Marxism.”

We digress here to give the understanding of some Bible students on 2 Kings 9:33: “And he [Jehu] said, Throw her [Jezebel] down. So they threw her down.” They believe Jehu is a type of conservative labor, and Jezebel the type of the Roman Catholic Church. The ‘they’ is a type of those inside the Church; and the painting of Jezebel’s face (2 Kings 9:30) is her attempt to modify the doctrines of the Church to please the people. (See also Rev. 2:20)

More from the kingdom of god and the kgb: “By the Fifties, the Soviet Executive had become a catalytic agency of focused upheaval throughout the world, especially the ‘undeveloped’ world: the Bolshevik apparatus – a monolith manipulating all media and public life – became a model for the striving of elite everywhere.

“From the end of the Second World War on, a restiveness began to permeate the Church: colloquies between Roman Catholics and Marxists became commonplace. This malaise was reflected in the Vatican II deliberations of 1962‑65 which in 1968 achieved a political concentration in the celebrated conference of Medellin, Columbia, where a gathering of luminaries (actual bishops) published a manifesto dedicated to the comprehensive reconstruction of all Latin America.

“The concept and execution of this reconstruction were predicated, explicitly or implicitly, on a Marxist view of society, often expressed in the idiom of Marxism itself or else tacitly inspired by it.

“At first sight this seems bewildering: what can be the basis of a rapprochement of any kind between Marxism – notoriously atheist, with a ‘materialist’ and in any case humanist view of history – and the Christian Church, for which the advent of Jesus Christ, Light of the World, must surely mean something, after all, beyond human striving?

“How can Christians who still believe, one way or another, in a Vale of Tears that except for the salutary action of the Savior is intrinsically irredeemable become fanaticized by a theory that the shortcomings of the civil order can be set right by political action?

“And how can Marxists take seriously the basic Christian proposition that the human condition was transformed by the Incarnation?...

“In its historical origins the Kingdom of God entailed, of course, a better world – i.e., God’s action would restore the fortunes of the Jews, undo the pagan empires and regenerate society [which God’s Kingdom will actually do].

“Yet it was the Church that was designed, as it were, to replace [a counterfeit Kingdom] the Kingdom of God: in the French scholar Alfred Loisy’s words, what Jesus preached was the Kingdom of God – but what happened was the Church. [And what evil and crime has existed during their counterfeit reign!] By guaranteeing salvation in the next world, the Church filled the vacuum created by the failure of the Kingdom of God to appear, and thus encompassed all life. [When the Kingdom of God is established no evil will be permitted: it will be good Tidings of Great Joy to all who love righteousness.]

“It is this potent, anachronistic idea that has blossomed again in the Liberation Theology that sprang up more than 15 years ago in Latin America (which together with the Philippines contains half of the Roman Catholics in the world), and took on the accouterments of Marxism.

“In the words of a Sandinista Minister of Culture, Father Ernesto Cardenal: ‘For me the Four Gospels are all equally Communistic. I’m a Marxist who believes in God, follows Christ, and is a revolutionary for the sake of His Kingdom.’ (Quoted by Michael Novak, The New York Times, October 21, 1984)

“At the end of the Fifties, accordingly, the concrete situation had created a framework for action: Liberation Theology soared aloft. ......

“Throughout Latin America, as indeed throughout the world, Communist Parties present themselves as the natural exponents of mass discontent: all revolts, all civil wars, all upheavals are taken to be an upsurge of the Oppressed Masses, and for that very reason are not only justified but invincible. .....

“These churchmen have swallowed the Marxist Kingdom of God – but they are gullible enough to hope for its realization in the Here and Now. And for that they need agencies – and that alone, in Latin America, lands them squarely in the arms of KGB...

“It is undeniable that the Pope, while distancing himself from specific activist rhetoric, has consistently been attacking ‘capitalism’ – and with increasing passion. An indispensable element in the Pope’s espousal of implicit Marxism is obviously the need for camouflage. His conservative profile as a Catholic theologian requires the elimination of any suspicion of complicity with the Soviet Executive.

“It is the need for camouflage that may help explain the apparent attempt on his life by a 23‑year‑old Turk in May, 1981, well‑nigh universally attributed to the KGB and its (Bulgarian) puppets. .....

“From that point of view, the KGB professionally arranged an unprofessional‑looking assassination, designed to establish in the minds of multitudes a primordial, would‑be fact – the ‘natural’ hostility between the Kremlin and the Vatican. ....

“It is curious, after so many centuries of bitter hostility between Protestants and Catholics, to observe a practical merger on the basis of this intellectual confusion: a merger signalized last September by the new Secretary General of the already marxified World Council of (Protestant) Churches, the Rev. Emilio Castro of Uruguay who said that the ‘struggle of Liberation Theology is my struggle.’ (The New York Times, September 6, 1984)

“Fidel Castro himself, an ex officio member of the Soviet Politburo whose control of the small island of Cuba has made him a premier world statesman, has summed up, perhaps sardonically, the whole process: ‘theologians are becoming Communists, Communist are becoming theologians,’ according to Jose Bonino, the Methodist Liberation Theologian... In the United States this erosion was given a dramatic form last November when a committee of five American Catholic Bishops published a Letter on the Economy proclaiming the ‘moral unacceptability’ of the world economic order and especially that of the United States. .....

“The booklet, which was issued on November 11, 1984 – to avoid influencing the Presidential election – and which gave rise at once to a long‑lasting commotion – had taken the five‑member committee more than four years to produce. Yet it had no substance: the suggestions, which sound specific, are in fact vague: .....

“They admitted, to be sure, some achievements that America could be ‘proud of’: but the ‘massive and ugly failures’ – hunger, homelessness, racial discrimination are indigestible. ....

“The very phrase ‘morally unacceptable’ is a study in silliness: for the Church, the world was never ‘acceptable,’ otherwise why the Church? For Marxism, the phrase is merely stupid, unless it is a euphemism for a revolutionary overturn, since for Marxism, ‘capitalism’ is irredeemable, that is, incorrigible, just as the world is for the Church.

            “The edifice of the Roman Catholic Church…..        is so vast that in the minds of its believers its movements are imperceptible… The Church can sustain its hundreds of millions of believers like the Rock they think it. .....

“There is, to be sure, a Catholic Opposition to Liberation Theology. Grouped loosely under the American Catholic Commission in Washington, D.C., some able Catholics – ex‑Secretary of the Treasury William Simon, Michael Novak, resident scholar in religion, philosophy, and public policy at the American Enterprise Institute of Washington, Alexander Haig, Jr., Claire Booth Luce, AT&T President William Ellinghause are aware of the ‘liberal’ innovations that were rife at Vatican II; they perceive the dangers of Liberal Theology. ….. This opposition is no doubt sincere, though its quantitative assessment is elusive. ……

“It is superfluous to point out the danger to Israel of this rapprochement between the Kremlin – Israel’s most intractable major opponent – and the great Churches, which while fitfully softening their public attitude toward Jews in general are now, in their hostility to the State of Israel, more united than ever

“How strange an irony that the great Churches, on returning to the world, on reviving the ancient Jewish vision of the Kingdom of God in the Here and Now, should have been mesmerized by Marxist ideology into collaboration with a murderous dictatorship – and that Israel is bound to become a prime target of that collaboration!” (By Joel Carmichael)

The names of the true Church are written in heaven (Luke 10:20) – not the names of the various denominations. There are many good people members of these sects, but very few “footstep followers” of our Lord. During the Dark Ages quite a few of these faithful Christians were persecuted, some burned at the stake because they couldn’t accept the false doctrines of Papacy’s kingdom. Today such things are prohibited, but those who forsook these churches to testify to the truth were persecuted in various ways in the past. But the “powers that be” – both ecclesiastical and political – are in so much trouble among themselves that they have very little time for persecution of faithful Christians as they did in the past. “Yet once more I shake not the earth [society] only, but also the heaven [the ecclesiastical powers].” (Heb. 12:26) Also see Joel 3:2 and Hag. 2:6, 7.

“Plight Of Poor Challenges Preachers To Open Wallets: Outside of government, the most galling under performers are some of the telegenic preachers who are so gung‑ho about America’s holy war in Nicaragua and an amendment to balance the budget. I would like to see them better live up to the fifth book of Moses – Deuteronomy – which says, ‘You shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother, but you shall open your hand to him, and lend him enough for his need, whatever it may be.’

“To the degree that government can’t help all citizens meet their basic needs, I want to hear more about how those who preach against big government will help fill that pain‑riddled gap. If by chance, adequate clothing for the poor meant fewer suits for TV preachers, if adequate housing for the poor meant less‑opulent houses of worship, so be it.” (By Douglas Pike)

“Coming Up Short ‑ The Rev. Billy Graham may have raised the spirits of thousands who attended his week long Southern New England Crusade at Hartford, Conn., but he failed to raise enough money to cover the expenses of the event. Graham: ‘The expenses were higher here per capita than any place I’ve been.’ Total bill: $739,000. Shortfall: $40,000. Graham said a $5 donation per person would help cover expenses for the eight day event at the Hartford Civic Center.”

Billy Graham also made the statement that he had never begged for money – ‘that if he had to beg it would be time for him to quit.’ At the same time he said if the donations didn’t come that they wouldn’t be able to carry on the TV programs.

The Catholic and Protestant churches are having their problems trying to unite. They are wealthy, with opulent places of worship and well paid clergy, but despite that they are having their troubles. The cults boast of their large followings, which have made inroads into the churches. The cults become rich in a short time. The Indian guru, Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, is an example with a 64,000 acre commune in Oregon and many Rolls‑Royces which they had while in the U.S. But we don’t know of any such cults doing a charitable work toward the poor and downtrodden. However, the various denominations are noted for their charities to the poor and needy, with many good members zealous workers in this good cause. Prophets and Profits are the order of the day. Religion is a profitable business, so the TV Evangelists have found.

“Bible Supply Can’t Keep Up With Demand In Africa, Asia: Bible translators printed 25 million copies of Scripture in African and Asian languages last year but said that was not enough to keep up with the explosive growth of Christianity in the developing world. .....

“The United Bible Societies donated millions of Bibles last year in six African countries. Each Bible costs $3 to $4 to print and distribute. ......

“Research by Wycliffe Bible Translators in Huntington Beach, California, shows 5,445 languages in use around the world. So far, translators have prepared Bibles in 235 of the world’s languages. Work is proceeding on versions in 750 more languages, spokesman said.”

Atheism is now called a religion in some sections. The Bible calls atheists fools: “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.” (Psa. 53:1)

“Anti‑Religion – The Freedom from Religion Foundation says that since it filed a lawsuit about the matter, the University of Wisconsin has added agnosticism and atheism to the list of religious preferences from which students check their choices on registration forms. The foundation also says that after its intervention, the Wisconsin Senate substituted a ‘moment of silence’ for prayers by paid clergy at the opening of daily sessions.”

“Catholic Theologian’s Plea For Unity Is Gaining Attention: A groundswell of attention is focusing on a final, dramatic conclusion of Karl Rahner, the late Roman Catholic theologian – that unification of Christian churches is now possible and also is essential to their survival. .......

“Lutheran Bishop James R. Crumley, Jr., president of the Lutheran Church in America, in referring to a recent meeting with Pope John Paul II said: ‘I feel that there is now a kairos (Greek for the ‘right time’) that we must in the best way possible take advantage of.’

“Some participants said that this special time may be running out for some kind of decisive action on the accumulated agreements – a view also advanced by Rahner and another German Catholic theologian, Heinrich Fries, in their book, ‘Unity of the Churches – an Actual Possibility.’

“In the book they say: ‘This unity is a matter of life or death for Christendom at a time when faith in God and his Christ are seriously threatened by a worldwide militant atheism, and by a relativistic skepticism.’

“They say that in once colonial regions, ‘Christianity can no longer afford to encounter peoples and cultures to whom it wishes to convey its message – so far almost in vain – in its splintered and ruptured state.’

“Among Christians in the West, ‘there are no longer any countries where what is Christian could be socially and culturally obvious’ and among Christians, the lack of unity shows in ‘a constant weakening of their faith and of their confidence,’ the book says. ‘On the whole, all churches and Christian communities today exist in a situation in which the ecumenical task has become an urgent matter for the survival of Christianity and the churches.’

“The authors lay out eight thesis for uniting the churches as partners in ‘reconciled diversity.’ It would involve accepting the ancient Nicene and Apostles’ creeds leaving the different churches structurally independent, recognizing the pope’s leadership but without binding authority, making church‑wide decisions in inclusive councils and sharing pulpits and Holy Communion.” (By Associated Press – WS Journal, May 11, 1985)

The Bible puts quite a different construction on the “uniting.” “They shall gather together, but not by me.” (Isa. 54:15) Further from Isa. 34:1‑4: The indignation of the Lord is upon all nations... the mountains [powerful monarchies, such as Russia, etc.] shall be melted [overcome by the radical elements]... the heavens [the present religious systems] shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine.” This is accentuated in Rev. 6:14: “The heaven [present religious systems] departed as a scroll when it is rolled together.” The two ends of the scroll are Protestantism and Catholicism; and these two ends have been making tedious effort to “roll together,” although the intimacy is definitely a vexatious accomplishment.

So we witness what our Lord predicted for this Time of Trouble: “Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of the heaven [present religious systems] shall be shaken.” (Luke 21:26)         ‑

“Catholicism Is No Longer Official Religion Of Italy – The Vatican and Italy exchanged documents ratifying a revised church‑state accord that officially ended the roll of the Roman Catholic Church as the state religion and Rome’s status as a ‘sacred city.’ Socialist Prime Minister Bettino Craxi and the Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Agostino Casaroli, exchanged the documents on the new concordat at a ceremony in the Vatican.

“Craxi [Socialist], making his first official visit to the Vatican since he assumed the office nearly two years ago, met Pope John Paul II later in the pontiff’s private study. The pontiff told Craxi that a new era had begun. He said the church would respect the state’s autonomy, but continue its efforts to help deal with such social problems as drug abuse, threats to the family and unemployment.

“The ceremony formally put into effect two pacts on the revision signed last year and later ratified by parliament. The concordat is a revision of part of the Lateran Pacts signed between the Vatican and the government of Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini in 1929.

“The new accord officially guarantees religious freedom for non‑Catholics, and Craxi [Socialist] has described it as the formal realization of an article on religious liberty in Italy’s 1948 constitution. [This is a long way from the Dark Ages when those who didn’t join and accept the Papal system as infallible were burned at the stake, or other tortures. Jezebel (type of the Catholic Church) is indeed painting her face! 2 Kings 9:30]

“Cardinal Casaroli said that the accord should not be seen as a break with the past, but as the product of a continuous maturation process. He noted that although Roman Catholicism no longer is the state religion, the pact acknowledges that Catholic principles are an important part of Italy’s patrimony.

“Rome loses its status as a ‘sacred city,’ a title that in the past had led to the banning of plays or books considered offensive to Roman Catholics or the papacy.

“The concordat establishes stricter criteria for state recognition of church institutions eligible for tax benefits and gradually will phase out state subsidies of salaries for clerics.

“Beginning in 1990, Italian bishops will pay the salaries of clerics from funds to which Italians can contribute and claim income tax deductions. Catholic schools maintain their freedom, but religious education in public schools becomes optional. Italy and the church will jointly maintain religious art and buildings in Italy.” (The Washington Post – June 8, 1985)

“Is The Devil Dead? Is Hell Necessary? Hell – For most people the word evoked thoughts of eternal fire and damnation, of darkness and desolation. Writers and theologians, poets and clergy through the ages have offered various visions of hell.

“The early‑American preacher Cotton Mather spoke of children roasting in hell, and the medieval poet Dante wrote gleefully of the seven ring‑like realms where he found the lustful torn apart by winds, hypocrites weighed down by the lead of their own pretenses and traitors frozen in blocks of ice because they could no longer feel loyalty or affection. ...

“But today, fear of hell no longer seems to grip the public imagination. ‘Hellish’ images may continue to show up in books, movies and records, but as religion commentator Martin Marty observed in a recent lecture at Harvard Divinity School, the idea of eternal punishment has practically disappeared from the American cultural scene.

“Not only is it hardly ever talked of, he said, but few people think of hell as a possibility for themselves: Only one percent of ‘Catholic Digest’ readers in 1983 thought there was a chance they might go to hell, compared with 12 percent of the readers in 1952.

“Have people stopped fearing hell because they believe everyone is going to heaven anyway? Or have they simply become indifferent, maybe not even believing in an afterlife.

“The Rev. George H. Webb, pastor of a Methodist church, said he believes the clergy is partly to blame for not preaching sermons on hell. But another factor, he said, is the widely reported stories of near‑death and after‑death experiences. Invariably, he says, such stories have tended to emphasize the peaceful, joyful experiences, with people talking about seeing a great light. Yet, he says, many of the dying see quite different, painful and distressing visions that go unreported.

“‘What happens is that the researchers filter these out,’ Webb said. ‘I’m not saying they do it on purpose. I think it’s unconscious. They are frightened by negative testimony, so they put it out of their minds! Listen, I’ve talked to people near death who have told me, You can’t imagine the beauty and peace I’m feeling right now. But I have been with other people who have screamed and cried and begged not to die because they could see evil demons around the room. So what do we say? That one’s a true spiritual experience and the other a hallucination? I think we clergymen have to state both sides of the case, even though it may be painful.’

“‘Is hell really necessary?’ Most clergymen contend that it is. A Lutheran Church minister says hell is important to Christian theology because it is ‘man’s last guarantee that he won’t be saved against his wishes.’

“‘To assert that all people will be saved,’ Stacy said, ‘is in effect a denial of human freedom, the freedom to choose against God’s will.”’

THE HELL OF THE BIBLE

The Hebrew word sheol occurs sixty‑five times in the Old Testament – three times translated pit, thirty‑one times translated grave, and thirty‑one times hell. The meaning of the Hebrew word sheol (hades is its Greek equivalent) is hard to describe in one English word. It signifies hidden, extinguished or obscure, the condition or state of death. The one word oblivion would more accurately describe the word sheol of the Hebrew and hades of the Greek.

We have been taught the wages of sin is eternal torment, but God’s word tells us that “the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Rom. 6:23) “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” (Ezek. 18:20) We have been taught that we have a soul that never dies; that our soul is immortal. In that case, God could not take back the life – i.e., his immortal soul – He gave to Adam. When God created man out of the dust of the ground, He “breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” (Gen. 2:7) So man is a soul. He can say “My soul,” just as he can say “My being.” When Adam ate the forbidden fruit God had said, “for in the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.” (Gen. 2:17) So when Adam died he was no longer a living soul. However, Adam lived 930 years. “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” (2 Pet. 3:8) Again, “For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.” (Psa. 90:4) No one has lived over a 1,000 years, nor lived a 1,000 years.

David said, “Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.” We were all born in sin and inherited Adam’s death sentence. “The dead know not anything.” (Ec. 9:5) There would be no need for a resurrection if we were not dead. We are assured of a resurrection – the just and the unjust, the good and the bad. (Acts 24:15 and John 5:28,29) “Because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that man [Christ Jesus] whom He hath ordained.” (Acts 17:31) In that day “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord.” (Isa. 11:9) Today, “the god of this world has blinded the minds of them that believe not.” (2 Cor. 4:4)

Do the clergy know that hell is not eternal torment? Perhaps some of the better educated do know, but they think it wiser to tell the people to “be saved now” and join the church of your choice. The more members they can get, the more prosperous they will be.