NO. 376A: RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT - PART ONE

No. 376A

At the beginning of another year, we may look with a measure of satisfaction at the results of the year past, and again express our gratitude in the words of the Psalmist: “Thou crownest the year with thy goodness; and thy paths drop fatness.” (Psa. 65:11) We are optimistic because we know the Lord is at the helm, and He will adjust all inequities in “due time.”

Crime is rampant everywhere – terrorism, robbery, murder, rape, hijacking and kidnapping, besides the illegal drugs and alcohol problems. We are grateful for our noble officers ‑ some have been killed in their pursuit of criminals. If we were without these faithful officers, it would indeed be bedlam, and possible anarchy. Our jails are so crowded that quite a few inmates have been released and are now in the public to commit other crimes. ‑

Calamities, such as earthquakes, tornadoes, etc., have caused many deaths and many to become homeless. Even though medical science is making valiant effort to stem the tide, disease is increasing. Medical researchers are looking frantically for a cure for AIDS, ALZHEIMERS and other incurable diseases, but so far have been unsuccessful. Surgeons are to be commended for their success in kidney and heart transplants, and in some cases operations for brain cancer.

The farmers are having their problems. “LIFE TOO MUCH TO BEAR ‑ FARMER KILLS FAMILY, SELF: Bill Stalder had not been born when the Dust Bowl and the Great Depression ravaged the Plains in the 1930s, but he remembered the words of his father. The specter of another depression, ‘when banks would fail and men would be killing men,’ was more than Stalder could bear. ...

“In the last three years thousands of farmers, dozens of banks and hundreds of rural businesses have failed, causing violent reactions from some of those affected. Last December (1985), for example, farmer Dale Burr of Hills, Iowa, shot and killed three people, including a bank president, because he was about to lose his farm.” (Compiled from Wire Reports)

“WORLD PEACE IS SO FRAGILE – LET’S HANDLE IT WITH CARE. Britisher lexicographer Dr. Samuel Johnson once said, ‘Depend upon it, sir, when a man knows he is to be hanged in a fortnight, it concentrates his mind wonderfully.’

“Three recent events have focused my mind wonderfully on the bleak prospects for peace in the world. One was the assassination of Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme, one of the world’s leading proponents of peaceful solutions to human conflict. The loss of such a forceful voice in behalf of non‑violence is immense. ...

“So how has my mind focused? It has been focused because, like the person to be hanged, I feel as though everyone can see the noose but refuses to see his neck in it. There are many places in the world – the Middle East and Northern Ireland are two – where conflicts appear to be intractable. The only answers that any side has to offer are military solutions, while the world situation becomes more dangerous, peace more fragile. Why is this so? We must have the moral outrage to cry enough. Enough!” (By Irby C. Pugh, Attorney and Environment Activist in Orlando, Florida)

EVANGELIST BILLY GRAHAM SAYS: “Forty years ago I thought I was going to change the whole world. I don’t think that anymore.”

THE LAST WORD: “Britain’s Prince Charles was asked what could be done to improve the world. His Answer: ‘Search me. I don’t know. The older I get the more cynical I get, in the sense that I just think things are going to get worse.”‘ (The Orlando Sentinel, June 28, 1986)

There are many good people in the world today who are doing their best to alleviate the misery all around us. There are individuals and organizations who are doing a good work in easing the difficulties of the needy. The Children’s Wish organization is giving children who have incurable diseases their dying wish. However, all this good work will not stay the Time of Trouble as prophesied by the Prophet Daniel.

“And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be fount written in the book.” (Dan. 12:1)

Also, our Lord says: “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.” (Matt. 24:21) We thank God for the last clause!

The question has been asked, Why does God permit such evils? We have a tract THE PERMISSION OF EVIL – that answers that question. A free copy will be sent upon request.

When the New Covenant is inaugurated with the Jews (Jer. 31:31), God will have all men to come to an accurate knowledge of the Truth. (1 Tim.2:4, Diaglott) “They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” (Isa. 11:9) All will agree that the “knowledge of the Lord” and His Plan of Salvation is not in the earth today “as the waters cover the sea.”

IN FINANCE

The economy in this country and the world is steadily deteriorating. While personal and national indebtedness is not mentioned in the news media as much as it warrants, it is steadily increasing. Investment newsletter writers are quite diverse in their prognostications. Many are writing that “Fear of inflation is back and also continued low interest rates.” The general advice for protection of assets is “Diversification.” One writer has summed up the situation well by stating the following:

“Time for the United States is running out. Things have surely not taken a turn for the better. Another $500 billion has been added to the debt of the U.S. Our trade deficits have gone from disastrous to catastrophic and in 1986 for the first time in our history, the U.S. will experience a trade deficit in agricultural products. The national debt has reached $2 trillion, a balanced budget is still nowhere in sight, our trade deficits continue to increase despite a 40 per cent decline in the exchange value of the dollar, bank failures are at a new post‑Depression high of 100+ thus far this year, commercial real estate values have begun to crumble, the international debt problem remains unsolved and worsens by the day. Everyone goes deeper and deeper into debt and financial instability throughout the world is greater than at anytime since the beginning of the Great Depression of the 1930s.” (Contributed)

“FINANCIAL COMMUNITY PAYS DEARLY FOR A FEW PEOPLE’S ILL‑GOTTEN GAINS: The extraordinary desire to attain great wealth, along with a growing fascination with those who have accomplished that, seems to be increasing – and there seems to be no limit to the risks that people will take to make it big.

“In the 15 years as a business writer and columnist, I have never seen a time when fraud and corruption dominated the news as they do today. The go‑for‑broke attitude seems to be leading more people to jail than to mansions with all the earthly comforts, but that doesn’t keep them from trying.

“While some people would argue that corruption is running rampant, others contend that things have always been just as bad as they are today – but that the press is doing a better job of exposing the rascals and that the long arm of the law is reaching out farther than it has in the past to nab the wrongdoers and bring them to justice.

“It is hard to tell whether popular TV shows such as Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, Dallas and Dynasty have anything to do with the trend to attain wealth at any cost. But there is plenty of evidence to show that people are doing some pretty desperate – and even stupid – things strictly for the lifestyle that ill‑gotten wealth can bring.

“People who could satisfy all their needs through legitimate businesses seem to be stepping across the line of honesty for reasons that are difficult to understand. What some of them seem to be seeking is not simply the comfort and security of wealth but an opulence that is as bizarre as it is tacky.

“When the Internal Revenue Service went looking for a way to get back some of the $1.8 million owed in overdue taxes and penalties by former Maryland savings and loan operator Jeffrey Levitt, it found 17 luxury automobiles – including Rolls Royces and Cadillacs – at homes in Maryland and Florida owned by Levitt and his wife.

“Levitt, former president of Old Court Savings and Loan in Maryland, Tuesday pleaded guilty to the theft or misappropriation of $14.6 million from the insolvent thrift.

“Levitt is not the first and will not be the last banker to aim for a life of luxury and wind up behind bars. Making restitution is very difficult in such cases, because auctions of such luxurious properties seldom bring in anywhere nearly as much money as has been stolen. Levitt’s fleet of luxury cars, for example, is expected to bring only $350,000 to $500,000 – quite a bit short of the $14.6 million that was stolen or misappropriated.

“It would not be fair to single out bankers. The entire financial community seems hell-bent on ruining its own reputation.

“On the first day after vacation, I glean the financial wire services to learn that nothing much has changed in a week. In Los Angeles, seven men have been charged in a $21 million fraud scheme involving real estate loans. I learn from the news reports that one of those charged was convicted two years ago in another case for conspiracy and making false statements for loan applications.

“And The Wall Street Journal reports that there are a lot of nervous stock traders around New York awaiting the trial of Dennis B. Levine, who is accused of making $12.6 million in illegal profits on inside information. Seeking accomplices, the Securities and Exchange Commission may hand out as many as 200 subpoenas.

“Putting all this together, and the message is that the entire financial community is fast working itself into a crisis. Don’t tell me that these are isolated cases and that I need to look at the big picture. When unscrupulous individuals can threaten the credibility of an entire industry, then it is high time for corrective action and some internal policing.” (By Dick Marlowe) This is the Time of Trouble spoken of by the Prophet Daniel – Dan. 12:1. And at that time Michael shall “stand up” (our Lord) during His Epiphania. It is a time of manifesting Persons, Principles and Things.

IN RELIGION

A Methodist committee voted to delete “Onward Christian Soldiers” and “Battle Hymn of the Republic” from their hymnals. It was said that some young people didn’t want to become soldiers and go to war. We would remind them that the “weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.” (2 Cor. 10:4) We are also reminded to “wage a good warfare” in 1 Tim. 1:18. As to soldiers, the Apostle Paul admonishes Timothy: “Thou therefore endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” (2 Tim. 2:3) It is our duty to explain to our young people who wish to be good Christians, to walk in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, what our warfare is, and what it means to be a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

However, in a later publication there is this: “Methodists decide not to purge 2 militaristic songs from hymnal. The committee decided to review its decision after receiving 8,000 letters and ‘enough calls to jam office phones for 10 days,’ said the Rev. Carlton Young, hymnal editor.

“Larry Stookey of Rocksill, Md., voted against keeping the ‘Battle Hymn.’ He said the song originally was written about the Civil War and the author called on people in the North to die for blacks in the South. One stanza says ‘As he died to make men holy, let us live to make men free.’

“‘I want to know which men. I might have been willing to die to free the Jews under Hitler, but I wouldn’t have been willing to die in Vietnam,’ Stookey said.” (Orlando Sentinel, July 9, 1986)

“PRIEST’S ESSAY TELLS DISMAL STORY ABOUT CATHOLIC CLERGY: It is the cry of rage against the cluttered loneliness of his life, the lament of a soul sorrowful about unfulfilled expectations. It is a priest’s story, a modern testament of inner torment.

“‘If I had a son, would I want him to become a priest? Regrettably, my answer has to be No,’ contends the author, a pastor of a 1,000‑family Midwestern parish. ‘At least in the United States, the Roman Catholic priesthood is a dying profession.’

“Father William Wells says he still believes God calls men to be priests, but says he can’t encourage a young man to consider a profession plagued by ‘conflict, turbulence and uncertainties as the Roman Catholic priesthood is today.’” (By Bruce Buursma, Chicago Tribune)

All Apostles except the Apostle Paul were married, so far as we know. Are “priests” more pious than the Apostles that were married?

“PREACHERS PRAYING FOR FOES’ DEATH: Fundamentalist preachers from coast to coast are urging an age‑old solution to their woes, praying for the death of their foes.

“In Indianapolis, the leader of what he claims is the largest congregation in town says the time for turning the other cheek is past.

“In Texas, state Attorney General Jim Mattox is on the prayer hit list. And in Los Angeles, the pastor of one downtown Baptist church called on his congregation to pray for the death of Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan, Jr. because he supports a woman’s right to have an abortion. ....

“In Indianapolis, the Rev. Greg Dixon, who endorses prayers for death as a last resort said, ‘We’re tired of turning the other cheek... Good heavens, that’s all we have done...’

“The first such death prayer he could recall in recent times came on April 1, 1982, when Bob Jones, Jr., of Bob Jones University railed against then Secretary of State Alexander Haig, Jr., as ‘a monster in human flesh’ and called on God to ‘smite him hip and thigh, bone and marrow, heart and lungs... and destroy him quickly and utterly.’

“Jones, chancellor of the fundamentalist college in Greenville, S.C., was angered because Haig had refused to grant a visa to extremist Northern Ireland Protestant leader the Rev. Ian Paisley.” – (Orlando Sentinel, June 29, 1986)

Jesus said “My kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36) If His Kingdom was not of the world at His first advent, how could it be of this “present evil world” (Gal. 1:4) today? Jesus did not pray for the death of His foes, but said, “Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matt. 5:44,45) “For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same?” (Matt. 5:46)

It would be interesting to know how many of these “death prayers” have been answered. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” (James 5:16)

“FALWELL AND CARTER SWAP INSULTS: Raleigh, N. C. – Rev. Jerry Falwell said Friday that former President Jimmy Carter ‘got his mouth going before his mind was in gear’ when he suggested the conservative religious leader should ‘go to hell.’

“‘President Carter just needs to let Senator Helms write his speeches for him and he won’t get into trouble,’ Falwell said...

“‘I don’t let Jerry Falwell and others define for me what is a Christian.’ Carter said. ‘I just think he got on a roll in front of those students and got his mouth going before his mind was in gear,’ Falwell said.

“‘When I grew up as a Baptist, one of the basic tenants of my faith was total separation of church and state,’ Carter said. ‘But the fundamentalists of my own denomination have now tried to limit the church and the state. This is of deep concern. (Orlando Sentinel, September 13, 1986)

“It was reported that more than one neo‑Nazi revolutionary group is based in some churches. It was asked the Why of this? All I know is that no church has to disclose in any way how much money it gets or what it does with it.” (Press Report)

PROPHETS AND PROFITS: Many TV Evangelists have found their prophecies profitable. The Rev. Billy Graham has criticized some television evangelists for overemphasizing money. “‘They are hurting the cause of Christ by emphasizing money and ostentatious life style,’ he said Sunday.” Graham later defending his own use of television said “‘I am on 18 evenings a year,’ adding that, besides preaching the gospel, he asks the television audience ‘to remember us because television work is expensive.”‘

“CASTRO IS WOOING CATHOLIC CHURCH: More than a quarter century after the triumph of the revolution that made atheist Marxism Cuba’s idealogy, the leader of that revolution, Fidel Castro, is making overtures to the Roman Catholic Church that are believed to be unprecedented in the communist world... First, they said, was Cuba’s geopolitical attachment to the rest of Latin America, where the church’s spiritual and political influence often rivals those of governments.

“Second, they noted that Castro has shown clear interest in the liberation theology, under which some priests preach a redistribution of wealth and power to favor Latin America’s legions of poor. Third is the intermediary role the church can play with Washington. Castro has frequently sought to improve his extremely poor ties with the United States, and he clearly sees the US church as more receptive to his efforts than the Reagan administration.” (LA Times – Washington Post)

“RABBIS HAIL THE SPIRIT OF POPE’S VISIT – Archbishop Edward McCarthy confirmed Wednesday that Pope John Paul II will visit Miami in September 1987 and announced that the pontiff will celebrate an outdoor Mass and will meet with both Catholic and Jewish leaders. ......

“‘I think this is evidence of a strong rapprochement between the Catholic church and the Jewish community,’ said Rabbi Herber Baumgard, president of the Synagogue Council of America... Rabbi Larry Halpern of the Congregation of Liberal Judaism in Orlando also welcomed confirmation of the pope’s Florida trip... ‘John Paul II’s visit will be a powerful influence on Catholics and for people of all faiths,’ said Rev. David Page, rector of the Cathedral of St. James in Orlando. ‘It marks an occasion of Unity.’ Page anticipated that ‘hundreds of buses’ of Catholics from across the state will go to Miami for the pope’s visit.” (Orlando Sentinel, November 6, 1986)

“POPE LEADS ECUMENICAL SERVICE – The pope led the 40‑minute service conducted in English, at the modern Synod Hall. ......

“‘Divisions among Christians are contrary to the plan of God,’ the pope said in his homily. He said the restoration of unity will not be possible without a ‘wholehearted personal commitment’ by all individuals concerned...

“After delivering the homily, the pope exchanged greetings of peace by embracing the three – Archbishop Stylianos Harkianakisof the Greek Orthodox Church in Australia; the Rev. Henry Chadwick of the Anglican Communion; and the Rev. Jacque Maury from the French reformed church, representing the World Council of Churches. ......

“An ecumenical service is a religious rite without communion. Catholics are not allowed to receive communion in churches of other denominations, and the Vatican bars Protestants from full participation in the Catholic rite of communion. ......

“The other observers were from the Coptic Church, the Lutheran World Federation, the World Methodist Council, the World Reformed Alliance, the Disciples of Christ, the World Baptist Alliance and the Pentecostal Dialogue, all of which have been holding unity talks with the Vatican.”(The Associated Press – WS Journal, October 21, 1986)

It is self‑evident that “unity” will not be had with the Protestants and the Catholic church, the Papal System, if they do not conform with what the pope decrees. What has become of Protestantism? They are still called Protestants, but their PROTESTS seem to have gone. The Bible puts a different construction on the “uniting”: “They shall gather together, but not by me.” (Isa. 54:15) Further from Isa. 34:2, 4: “For the indignation of the Lord is upon all nations, and his fury [in this Time of Trouble] upon all their armies... And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens [Protestantism and Catholicism] shall be rolled together as a scroll.” This is accentuated in Rev. 6:14: “And the heaven [present religious systems] departed as a scroll when rolled together,” as shown above.

“PIOUS PARKS ‑ EVANGELISTS MAKING MULTIMILLION‑DOLLAR PLANS TO BUILD CHRISTIAN

ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEXES….. With the razzle‑dazzle of Walt Disney and the fervor of tent preachers, common‑man evangelists in Texas and Oklahoma also are planning multi­million‑dollar Christian entertainment complexes. At least five such religious resorts are being promoted in the two states this year alone.

“Proposed attractions run the gamut from the religiously significant to the blatantly commercial: passion plays, water rides on the River Jordan, animated Bible scenes, Holy Land plants and crafts, statues of Christ, adjacent shopping malls .....

“One vacation spot in America already has capitalized on that segment of the traveling public. Built by cable TV evangelist Jim Bakker on the North Carolina‑South Carolina border eight years ago, Heritage USA attracts 4 million people annually. That figure is topped only by the two Disney parks.

“Christian dinner theater and televised church services are main events. A water park is open in the summer, and Christmas lights are displayed in winter. Visitors can stay in a four‑star hotel.

“‘A high‑tech theme park is planned with features like the shipwrecked apostle Paul,’ said Neil Esdelin, a vice president at Heritage, USA.” (Fort Worth Star Telegram)

“SATANISM: The ICCC, after holding a meeting with law enforcement officials from New York State, has embarked upon an intensive study into Satanism, a form of devil worship. Satanism has been associated with drugs, vandalism and human sacrificial rites, and is perceived as the largest growing cult phenomenon nationwide... A survey will be taken in the tri‑state area in an effort to ascertain a clearer picture of the impact of Satanism upon our community.” (Jewish Press, September 19, 1986)

Many denominations have built magnificent edifices and churches, and are still building more. The TV evangelists are prospering and even the cults have found religion to be a good business as they, too, become wealthy in a short time.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES are not behind in building magnificent places of worship. They, no doubt, expect their Kingdom Halls to be preserved during the Time of Trouble. They are God’s organization, so they claim. Naturally they believe God will preserve His place of worship! At one time they taught that their “Great Crowd” would survive through Armageddon, but when so many of their devotees died like the rest of the human family, they modified their teaching.

“LABOR OF LOVE BUILDS ASSEMBLY HALL: When Jehovah’s Witnesses build a Kingdom Hall it usually only takes one weekend... Like a barn‑raising in the Old West, the project is one of love and friendship designed to hold down costs.

“Later this month, however, Central Florida Jehovah’s Witnesses will hold an open house for a different type of building in Plant City... The building will seat more than 2,000 in the main hall with overflow areas that can accommodate 1,000 more. The building includes a dining hall for 780, a baptism pool, huge kitchen facilities, a nursery, a first‑aid room, offices and a two guest apartment.

“The building’s value has been estimated by church officials at $6.25 million, but as a result of the volunteer labor and material contributions the actual cost to the denomination was $2.8 million.” (Orlando Sentinel, August 2, 1986)

The Witnesses have a “first‑aid room” in their new Kingdom Hall. They claim to be God’s organization, and are “dividing the sheep from the goats,” as they tell us that all those who don’t join them will be annihilated in Armageddon. But in God’s Kingdom “they shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the Lord.” (Isa. 65:25) “For when thy judgments [true teachings] are in the earth, the inhabitants will learn righteousness.” (Isa. 26:9) There are very few today “learning righteousness,” the reason being: “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” (2 Cor. 4:4) People will not “endure” sound doctrine today, but will accept any kind of hocus‑pocus rather than the true

Gospel – the Good Tidings of Great Joy which shall be unto all people in “due time.” The Adversary is working harder than ever to deceive people during this Time of Trouble.

The Witnesses teach that their organization is the only way to salvation, just as did the Catholics during the Dark Ages. The Catholics have modified their doctrine somewhat now. Most denominations do not teach their sect is the only way to salvation, although they believe that you should join some of their denominations. Billy Graham says, “Make your decision now and join the church of your choice.”

The Jehovah’s Witnesses boast that Pastor Russell was their founder, yet none of the Witnesses know what Pastor Russell taught, as they do not use the Studies in the Scriptures in their class meetings. Their teachings have very little, if any, resemblance to Pastor Russell’s teaching. Pastor Russell taught “Good Tidings of Great Joy” to all, whether they joined with him or not. The Jehovah’s Witnesses teach “Bad Tidings of Great Misery” to all who do not accept them.

The Truth will remain on the earth even though it is scarce in comparison with the errors now being taught. Thousands of Bible Students throughout the world are zealous in distributing the Studies in the Scriptures. They have made a special effort in 1986 to publicize THE DIVINE PLAN OF THE AGES on its 100th anniversary.

David Horowitz wrote the book about PASTOR CHARLES TAZE RUSSELL to bring to public knowledge his name and teaching, as well as to help all Bible Students in their efforts to distribute his Studies in the Scriptures. He has great respect for all Bible Students who continue in Pastor Russell’s teaching on the Jews and God’s promises to them.

All faithful Bible Students know that “Salvation is of the Jews.” (John 4:22) “And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion [the Spiritual phase] shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem [the earthly phase].” (Isa. 2:3)

The Lord has these systems of error in derision: “The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder and cast away their cords from us. He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: The Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath [this Time of Trouble], and vex them in his displeasure. Yet I have set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.” (Psa. 2:2‑6)

The book about “Pastor Russell” has been publicized in many foreign countries as well as in the United States, and been placed in the hands of many Jehovah’s Witnesses. Some of them have gotten their eyes opened and have left that organization.

NO. 375: THE BIRTH OF OUR SAVIOR

No. 375

“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.” — John 1:14

Of the four records, only John attempted to trace our Lord’s genealogy to the heavenly source, and to show us that before He was made flesh, He was a spirit being with the Father and a sharer of His glory – a god with The God. All the Evan­gelists are clear in their statement that He “was made flesh.” But not that he remained a spirit being, and assumed flesh as clothing in which to appear to men. but, however ex­plainable, that the life power of the spirit being, the Logos, became the life power of the human being, born of a woman and under the Law, subject to all the conditions and circumstances of the Jews. Matthew traces Joseph’s genealogy; for although the state­ment is clear that Jesus was not the son of Joseph, nevertheless, being adopted by him as his son, He might, without impropriety, inherit through him. Luke shows the gene­alogy of Mary, by which our Lord was actually related, according to the flesh, to our race and to the royal family of David through the line of Nathan.

The time of our Lord’s birth was an auspicious one in several respects, and very evidently Divine wisdom had exercised itself in respect to the world’s affairs by way of preparation for the important event: (1) the spirit of world-conquering that began with Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom was favorable to it, in the sense that it brought the various families or nations of mankind into closer contact with each other, broaden­ing their ideas. (2) This policy had resulted in the transplanting of peoples from one land to another, and thus had made them more cosmopolitan in their sentiments. (3) Israel and Judah, thus transplanted in their captivity to Babylon, became so at­tached to the new conditions that comparatively few of them availed themselves of the offer of Cyrus to return to their own land, only about fifty thousand of all the tribes, out of several millions. The Jews among the Gentiles were by no means lost and had by no means abandoned all of their hopes in the Abrahamic Covenant nor all of their faith­fulness to the Mosaic Law – although they were lax in these matters and too full of love of gain and ease to cultivate the spirit of Israelites indeed. Nevertheless, they had their influence amongst all the nations with whom they dwelt, and were witnesses to the hopes of Israel in the one God and in a coming Messiah, the Son of God, to be the world’s Deliverer. (4) The triumph for a time of the Greek Empire had brought to the civilized world a highly developed literature – the Greek language had reached its zenith, and was the literary language of the civilized world. (5) The Roman Empire had conquered the world and was in the height of its power, and as a result there was a time of universal peace, and hence a more favorable time than any before for the an­nouncement of the Gospel and for the safety of its represent­atives in passing from na­tion to nation. (6) Israel itself had reached probably its highest development, in­tellectually, morally and religiously, and additionally we are told in the Scriptures that “All men were in expectation” of the Messiah’s coming. (Luke 3:15)

The noting of these little incidentals by which Divine providence prepared for our Savior’s birth and for the sending forth of the Gospel message, is strengthening to the faith of the Lord’s people. Realizing God’s care in the past over even the little things, gives a foundation for confidence in His wisdom and provision for the features of His plan which are yet future – the fulfillment of all the exceeding great and precious promises which centered in Him who was born in Bethlehem. And so also a realization of the Divine providence in the larger affairs of the Divine plan stimulates faith also in the Lord’s providences as respects the personal and more private affairs of His people. Let us more and more realize that, as even the smallest inci­dents connected with the birth of our Savior were ordered of the Lord, so also He is both able and willing to order all of the affairs of His spiritual children. Let us reason with the Apostle that, if God loved us while we were yet sinners, so as to make such careful provision for our redemption, much more now that we are no longer rebels, aliens, strangers, foreigners, but have become His sons, fellow-heirs with Christ and all the saints, we may have confidence in His love and in His providential care, that according to His promise all things shall work together for good to them that love Him to the called ones according to His purpose. (Rom. 8:28)

The same decree that brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem brought many others of the numerous family of David, and as the inns or hotels of that time were comparatively limited in numbers and in capacity, it is not surprising that the inn proper was full of guests when Joseph and Mary arrived. Indeed, it was rather the custom for many travelers to carry with them their own lodging outfit, and to provide for their own conveniences in the courtyard connected with the inns. And hence the experiences of Joseph and Mary were by no means exceptional. When therefore the Babe Jesus was born, a manger became His most convenient cradle.

The city of Bethlehem still exists, and probably is not so dissimilar to what it was in that day, for in that land customs seem to have changed but little in centuries. A certain grotto is claimed to be the one which nineteen hundred years ago was the stable of the inn, and a certain stone manger is shown which, it is claimed, was the one in which the Babe Jesus was laid. Over this has been erected a Catholic Church, and various ceremonies are continually performed in and about and connected with “the sacred manger.” With such ceremonies we can feel little sympathy, believing them to be rather of the nature of idolatries. To us the center of interest is not the holy ground on which our Savior trod, nor the holy manger in which He lay as a babe, nor His holy mother; yea, though we reverence His flesh, and are deeply interested in all that pertains thereto, especially in all its experiences, from the time of its conse­cration to death at baptism; nevertheless, our greater interest is in our risen Lord, the new creature perfected, the spiritual One, far above manhood, far above angels, principalities and powers and every name that is named – next to the Father, and ex­alted to His right hand of power. The Apostle voices this sentiment well, saying, “Though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we Him (so) no more” – our knowledge of Him as the risen and glorified Lord and Savior thoroughly out­shines all of our interest in His earthly life. (2 Cor. 5:16) And yet His earthly life is interesting and profitable to us, as we have seen and shall see.

Had the people assembled at Bethlehem realized who this was that had come to their city – that He was from the heavenly courts, that He was the Logos made flesh, that He had come to “save His people from their sins” – how gladly they would have wel­comed Him into the inn and have given to His use and comfort its choicest apartment! But they knew Him not, and hence lost this great privilege of ministering to Him. Sim­ilarly, in every city and town where the Lord’s people are (His true saints), there are many who would make them welcome and give them the best at their disposal, did they but recognize them as the messengers of Jesus and of the Heavenly Father; but as the Apostle says, “The world knoweth us not, because it knew Him not.” (1 John 3:1) The disciple must not expect to be above his Lord, and hence, even when going upon missions of mercy and benevolence and as ambassadors for God, we should expect that the Lord’s providence would furnish for us, not the most palatial conditions, but probably very humble conditions. And when we find it thus we should rejoice that to some extent at least we have experiences which harmonize with those of our Lord. The Lord’s people will obtain a blessing in proportion as they are prepared to receive all opportunities for God’s service as Divine favors and to appreciate them, no matter how humble the conditions; and it is noteworthy that neither Joseph, nor Mary, nor Jesus, nor the disciples, nor the Evangelist who recorded the incident, offer the slightest complaint or suggestion of dissatisfaction with the arrangements provided by Divine providence. In proportion as they would have felt dissatisfied with the arrangements provided, in that proportion the Divine plans would not have worked for their good.

SHEPHERDS WATCHING BY NIGHT

The vicinity of Bethlehem is a pastoral country, and today is covered with flocks. It was the custom of that time for the shepherds to remain with their flocks by night as a guard against thieves as well as against wild beasts. It was in this vicinity that David (afterward king), when a shepherd-boy protecting his flocks, slew on one oc­casion a lion and at another time a hear. The shepherds as a class were not particu­larly well educated people as respects schools, and yet many of them were thoughtful and thus secured, in their leisure time while watching their flocks, by reflection and by conversation, considerable knowledge, so that they might he termed an intellectual and thinking class of people – their minds being turned more to reflection on large subjects than are the minds of some who are constantly immersed in trade and mechanics. The shepherd whom God honored in making him king of His typical kingdom, was a great poet, and evidently much of his time while shepherding was given to the muse, and one of his most beautiful poems (Psalm 23) represents Jehovah himself as the Shepherd of His people – His flock, for which He cares. It was to men of this thoughtful class, and no doubt men familiar with David’s Psalms, and with the Messianic hopes therein set forth, that the Lord sent the first message respecting His Son made flesh.

The description of the appearance of an angel, and of the fear which the bright­ness of his countenance engendered, is both simple and natural. All mankind more or less feels instinctively a fear of the supernatural, a trepidation at the very thought of being in the presence of the holy angels. And this is proper as well as natural, for all realize their own imperfections through the fall, fearing more or less that the results to themselves would be unfavorable if Divine justice were laid to the line and to the plummet in respect to their affairs. All seem instinctively to realize their need of mercy at the hands of Him with whom we have to do. And so it was with these shepherds; they were affrighted as they beheld the heavenly visitor in their midst; but his message was not one of justice, nor in any sense of condemnation, but of Divine mercy. He soothed them with the words, “Be not afraid; for behold I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be unto all people.” Can we wonder that joy took the place of fear in their hearts as they heard the gracious words? Surely not. And so it is with all who from that day to the present time have heard this true Gospel mes­sage, not merely with the outward ears, but truly, with the ears of their understanding comprehending and appreciating it.

How false and how sad has been the understanding of this message by many of God’s people as it has echoed to them down the Ages! How few have heard it gladly, appre­ciatively! How remarkable that nearly all of the different churches and their thous­ands of ministers and hundreds of thousands of Sunday School teachers should unite in a complete contradiction of this message of the angels – a contradiction which not only wounds their own sentiments and grieves their own hearts, but which robs our dear Sav­ior’s mission of nine-tenths of its majesty, and thoroughly dishonors and maligns the name of our gracious Heavenly Father by its misrepresentation of the salvation which He has provided in Christ Jesus. Even in our day there are some who have received the true “good tidings of great joy which shall be unto all people,” deny this great Truth: they say, “not all the people – only those people who join with us.”

GOOD VERSUS BAD TIDINGS

Some perhaps may be surprised, and even shocked, at such an arraignment of the message which they and other well-meaning but blinded Christians are delivering in the name of the Gospel – for the word “gospel” signifies by  derivation  glad  or  good  tidings. We are quite ready to believe that the vast majority of those who promulgate the bad tidings of eternal misery, as being the Divine message and sentence to the vast majority of mankind, are wholly unaware of how seriously they misrepresent the Divine character and govern­ment in the message which they carry to men; they misstate the Gospel, not of intention, but of blindness, the very blindness mentioned by the Apos­tle as originating with the great Adversary (2 Cor. 4:4) – the blindness by which he blinds the minds of the vast majority, to hinder them from realizing the glorious light of God’s goodness revealed in Jesus Christ our Lord.

O, if we could only get all true Christians to study Luke 2:10, and see the depths of its significance, it would quickly revolutionize the teachings of Christendom! But as our Lord declared, some of the deep things of the Divine plan are hidden from many of the wise and prudent according to the course of this world, and are revealed only to the humble – the babes. Nevertheless, the testimony of God standeth sure, and all whose understandings have been opened and who have been enabled to comprehend some of the lengths and the breadths, and the heights and the depths of God’s love, may rejoice that the ignorance of the world in general on this subject and the opposition of the great Adversary who is blinding them, cannot continue forever, but must soon give place, when the Lord’s due time shall come: when He who died on Calvary for the world’s redemp­tion shall begin His glorious reign by binding that old serpent, the devil, Satan, that he should deceive the nations no more for the thousand years of the Millennial reign. Then all shall see out of obscurity; then all shall discern what at present is the privilege of only the favored few to see, respecting the Divine character and plan ­that the message of the angel was true, every word of it – that the grand results to flow from the birth of the Savior in Bethlehem justified the message sent by the great Jehovah, -- a good message of great joy which eventually shall be to all people – whose enlightenment and blessing shall have no hindrance, no restriction, and as a result all shall come to “an accurate knowledge of the truth” (2 Tim. 2:4, Dia.) and to an oppor­tunity of availing themselves of the grace, mercy and peace provided for all in the great salvation secured by Jesus’ ransom-sacrifice. In that glorious reign, “They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea” (Isa. 11:9), in contrast to the present “evil world” when “the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not.” (2 Cor. 4:4)

The angel further explained his great Gospel message, showing its basis, and de­claring that all the good things mentioned should come to pass because the Savior, Messiah, had been born – the one so long looked for in Israel, the promised seed of Abraham in whom not only Israel should be blessed and exalted to honor, dignity and cooperation, but in whom also “all the families of the earth should be blessed.” And let us here remark that the order of presentation used by the heavenly messenger, and evidently Divinely ordered, is the proper presentation of this subject which should be adopted by all who seek to be used of the Lord as His ambassadors. First, there is the grand pronouncement of Divine favor and blessing, that it is a cause for joy, and that ultimately it shall extend to every creature; secondly, there is the specific explanation of how all this is to be accomplished – through a Savior, a Deliverer, who as stated in our text, in order to deliver His people from the wages of sin, death, into eternal life and blessing, must first of all save them from their sins. And we see from other Scriptures that this salvation from our sins signifies not only the payment on our behalf of the penalty for Adamic Sin, but also, subsequently, man’s in­struction in righteousness and lifting out of sin; in which uplift each one is re­quired to cooperate to the extent of his will and ability.

So all teaching of the grace that is to come to mankind should be coupled with the philosophy of the salvation – the Savior made flesh and the flesh devoted or sacrificed for our sins, and the Savior glorified, that in due time after the selection of His Church, He might, with her, according to the Divine plan, establish His Kingdom of righteousness for the uplifting of the world of mankind out of ignorance, superstition and general degradation into which the great Adversary has gotten them into through the fall and through his subsequent blinding and misleading. In this connection it is well to remember that our Lord’s name, Jesus, signifies Jehovah is salvation, and that all who would be of the elect Church must have the spirit of the bridegroom (as well as by faith he covered with the garment of His imputed righteousness); and that His spirit is one of opposition to sin to the extent of self-sacrifice. We also are to “resist unto blood (death) striving against sin.” (Heb. 12:4)

Then the angel gave the shepherds an intimation of the humble conditions under which this great King of earth was born into the world, as a babe, wrapped in swaddling bands and lying in a manger. This was necessary, not only to their identification of Jesus, but necessary also to bring down their thoughts from the great and grand results to its humble beginnings, lest they should be misled in their expectations. And as it is with every part of the Divine plan, so also it should be in respect to all of our proclamations of the same. We are not only to tell of the future glory and greatness and grandeur, but we are to tell also of the present humiliation – not only of our Sav­ior who humbled Himself to take a low estate amongst men, and to die for our sins, but also to point out that the “elect” are called to walk in His footsteps, under similarly humiliating circumstances – to suffer with Him, if they would reign with Him; to die with Him, if they would live with Him.  And thus also the prophets spoke not only of the glory that should follow, but also of the sufferings of Christ (Head and Body) which must precede the glory. (1 Pet. 1:11) The lesson to every one who has ears to hear it is, “No cross, no crown.” Let us, then, humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God, and rejoice in every step of the humiliation that He may exalt us in due time to share the glories of His Son, our Lord, and to share with Him the grand work of blessing all the families of the earth.

It was a fitting climax that, after the one angel had told the surprised shepherds of the good tidings of great joy for all people and was ready to depart, he should he joined by an angelic host, singing, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” This was but a reiteration of the Gospel message already de­livered. It declared that the work which should be accomplished by the babe just born, should redound to the highest glory and honor of Jehovah God, His Father. It declared also that through this work to be accomplished by Jesus should come to earth Divine good will and consequently peace, – and all that these would imply in the way of bless­ings of restitution and privilege of attaining everlasting life.

But how much in conflict with all this are the erroneous theories which have gained credence in Christendom, which teach that, notwithstanding the ransom which our Lord Jesus gave, and notwithstanding the turning aside of the original sentence upon our race as the result of the propitiation for our sins accepted by the Father, the vast majority of the human family will nevertheless, to all eternity, be in rebellion against God, and in torture will continually blaspheme His name; – and that without ever having had a full, reasonable opportunity to know the Savior or to accept His salvation. How strange that any should think that such a plan would be glory to God in the highest!

How strange that any should refuse to see the very plain statement of the Scrip­ture that God has provided through Christ that every member of the human family shall have a full opportunity of coming to a knowledge of the truth, and then of relinquish­ing sin and of accepting new life of righteousness under the New Covenant – and that then whoever still refuses and will not submit himself to this righteous arrangement (refuse to rid themselves of the Adamic Death Process – the defilements they had re­maining in their characters from the reign of sin) shall be utterly destroyed from amongst the people (Acts 3:23) – in the Second Death, –that none will be suffered to live in sin and opposition to God to blemish any part of God’s dominions, but that all the incorrigible shall be as though they had not been. In no other way can we pos­sibly imagine that the time will ever come when there will be full peace among men.

The only solution which God offers respecting the establishment of peace is in connection with the establishment of His Kingdom, for which our dear Redeemer taught us to pray, “Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is done in heaven.” That will mean peace in its fullest and most absolute sense. The Scriptural propo­sition does not include the violation of any man’s will, but merely the offering through Christ of any opportunity for the everlasting blessing and peace, or his cutting off in the Second Death if he fails to appreciate the Divine offer. (Acts 3:23) The 35th Chapter of Isaiah is a brief and beautiful description of that glorious Kingdom.

The shepherds having heard of God’s grace manifested their interest by visiting and paying their homage to the Savior; and so each one who has heard of the grace of God with an appreciative heart can do nothing less than seek the Lord and do Him rev­erence and serve His cause by proclaiming the gracious message with which he has been favored. Let us each do so, and thus more and more increase in our hearts our joys and our appreciation of the Gospel – the Good News.

THE GREAT SHEPHERD AND HIS SHEEP

“The Lord is my Shepherd.” (Psa. 23:1) The thought presented in this text – as in other Scriptures – is that the great Over-Shepherd appointed His Son to be the Under Shepherd of the Sheep, even as the Son has appointed under-shepherds in the Church sub­ject to Him. The great Under-Shepherd does not shepherd goats or wolves. The only ones who are shepherded are the sheep; and special care is taken of the faithful Flock of God. The great Over-Shepherd looks out for the interests of His sheep, provides for them, leads them into green pastures, as the Psalmist tells us. He also protects them from wolves and other ravenous beasts. The Scriptures give us good evidence that orig­inally the Jewish nation constituted this flock, and that King David recognized himself as one of the sheep. Israel was not chosen by the Lord because they were better than the rest of mankind; but God made an exception of the people on account of Father Abra­ham, for whose sake He became the “Shepherd of Israel.” Because of Abraham’s great faith in God and his implicit obedience under the most crucial tests, the Lord promised to make of his seed a peculiar people above all the peoples of the earth.  He promised to bless them, to assume a particular care over their affairs, and eventually to use them in blessing all other nations. So God made the Hebrews His chosen people. And in proportion as they were obedient to His commands, He blessed them; and whenever they went astray, He chastised them and brought them back again under His care. And this is true of spiritual Israel, during the Gospel Age, He chastises the “children of disobedience” (the Measurably Faithful new creatures) and abandons them for a time un­til they are penitent and repent of their willfulness – at which time He brings them back again under His care.

So while the Lord had a care over the affairs of Natural Israel, and still has a care, He has a still more particular care over the affairs of Spiritual Israel. How­ever, as we know, the first privilege of becoming a member of Spiritual Israel was offered to Natural Israel – just as the first privilege of becoming a member of Christ’s children when the New Covenant is inaugurated, will be to Natural Israel – to Israel after the flesh. But all now who are privileged to use these words are the fully faithful of the Faith Age: “Jehovah is my Shepherd; I shall not want.  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His Name’s sake.” In this 23rd Psalm there is a distinction between sheep and wolves in the Faith Age, just as there is a difference of sheep and goats during the works Age – during Christ’s Kingdom. God has chosen for the members of this nation those – few in number – who are sheep like in disposition and who desire to come into His Fold. For these He has provided a par­ticular way in which to enter this Fold. He does not have bears in His Fold, nor ti­gers nor wolves nor birds of prey. God does not recognize such; they are not to be fed and cared for as He cares for His sheep.

If, therefore, we would claim the promise of this beautiful Psalm, we must make sure that we are of sheep like disposition and desirous of being led of the True Shep­herd. We are to be careful to note that there is only one Shepherd who is able to care for our interest and who can be safely entrusted with them. A strange shepherd would lead the sheep astray, would lead them into difficulties, dangers and disaster. For this reason we do not trust everybody who wears the garb of a shepherd. There is but one Shepherd that we can trust. He has appointed as the Under-Shepherd the One who died for us, that He might fully deliver all the sheep from the Evil One – the roaring lion who walketh about seeking whom he may devour. Our gracious Savior left the Courts of Glory and came down to earth, and for thirty-three years He traversed with weary feet this vale of tears. He mingled with the poor and lowly; He wept with the sorrowing and the sinful; He had no place to lay His head. He bore the griefs and sickness of those about Him. He did all this to recover us from the bond­age of sin – to deliver us from the death sentence imposed upon Adam and all in his loins. How grateful we should be for such a Shepherd! How can we sufficiently show forth His praise! Truly we can never know this on this side of the veil, “how dark was the night that the Lord passed through,” that He might redeem us to God – and not only His sheep of the Faith Age, but also the sheep of the Millennial Age.

But the sheep of the present Age, who are to be exalted, and are to do a shep­herding work for the sheep of the incoming Age, are given a distinct and peculiar training, to fit them for their future great work. From the time they are accepted to this higher plane, they are dealt with accordingly. This means that they must have certain trials and afflictions, according to the flesh. They represent only a small portion of mankind – those who have special qualities of earnestness, humility and love of righteousness. It is a “narrow way.” But, having come into this Fold of God, we have every reason for confidence in the great Shepherd, and should recognize His constant care over us, His supreme interest in our spiritual welfare. Let us be good sheep! Let us not stray from the Fold, to the right hand or to the left, nor be attracted away from the green pastures and pure waters to go browsing on the thistles and poisonous weeds of some by-path, or to drink of the muddy, polluted waters of hu­man speculation and delusive theories of men. In other words, let us keep the Truth and the Spirit of the Truth even though we travel a very lonely way. The way has in­deed been lonely in this day of “special wrath,” with some of the Lord’s dear people becoming weary of well doing – attracted away from the green pastures, frequently into the ‘fold’ of the measurably faithful under-shepherds.

The basic concepts of the foregoing are from the writings of the fully faithful under-shepherds of the Laodicean period – much of which is verbatim. Since the demise of That Servant, however, the measurably faithful under-shepherds have perverted and distorted the “faith once delivered unto the saints” – especially so in regard to the Messianic blessings “to the Jew first,” those covenant-keeping Jews after the flesh. It will be through natural Israel that “all the families of the earth” will be blessed, even as we have been taught. And for these “good tidings of great joy which shall he unto all people,” we echo the singing of the angelic host – “Glory to God in the high­est, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

Our cordial good wishes to all our readers for a Blessed Holiday Season – and may “The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7)

Sincerely your brother, John  J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

(Reprint of December 1974, No. 234)

=========================

LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Reader: Lectori Salutem!

Please, may I ask you to send me information about the history and object of your movement? Have you a regular magazine, and can I have a sample copy? What kind of books, booklets or pamphlets do you have in stock? Is there a relation to the literature of the early Pastor Charles Taze Russell? Have you some of his publications – maybe reprints or reprints of other related authors?

Thank you very much for your attention to this letter.

Sincerely, ------- (THE NETHERLANDS)

------------------------------------

Dear Sister Hoefle: Grace ant Peace!

Thanks for the booklet "Exceeding Great and Precious Promises." Please send the "PASTOR CHARLES TAZE RUSSELL" book to the four people listed below.

May the small check make us a part of your good work. ------- (MICHIGAN)

------------------------------------

Dear Sister Hoefle: Greetings of Christian love!

Our Sister Reinchardt gave me the extra book you sent her and that has been passed on to a sister in northern Michigan. If you have any extra supply remaining I could place a couple more. This book by David Horowitz is such a good examination of the Truth movement under Brother Russell and what happened after his death. Would be nice if every J. W. would read it. Thank you again for making them available to us.

Your papers – No. 368 and No. 369 – are very good. We continue to appreciate them and thank you for sending them.

God bless you as you seek to serve Him and the brethren.

In Christian love and bonds, ------- (MICHIGAN)

------------------------------------

Dear Mr. David Horowitz: "Shalom" in His precious Name!

The writer is Pastor ---------– "A Loyal Dedicated Devotee of Pilgrim John J. Hoefle," who has lead hundreds of students of the Epiphany Bible Students Association in Nigeria.

Your book, "PASTOR CHARLES TAZE RUSSELL" is now here in this part of the globe, sent by the Epiphany Bible Students Association, not to talk of the "UNITED ISRAEL BULLETIN" which has long been given recognition by the Epiphany Students here.

The book is very interesting and inspiring, giving clear light to our students. It also echoes the re‑birth of Pastor Charles Taze Russell. My sincere thanks goes to Pilgrim John J. Hoefle, as through him we came to the true knowledge of Bible Prophecy, by lighting us the candlestick, with which Pastor Charles Taze Russell instructed him with his teaching.

My thanks also comes to you and your dear wife Nan, and all those Dedicated Devotees who have contributed their quota for this wonderful book. We wish them God's guidance and more grease to their elbows.

Yours for "Zion's" sake, ...…. (AFRICA)

------------------------------------

My dear friend David:

Thank you for the latest news "Behind the Scenes at the U.N."

I have read with interest your book. Many years ago when Mr. Russell was alive he said someone would set him up before the world, and I do believe, the Lord made you as that instrument, to have his purpose accomplished, and well written.

I do with much interest enjoy your news.

Till we both rejoice to see Jerusalem the capital of Israel I remain your dear friend.

Yours, -------

------------------------------------

Dear Mr. Horowitz,

I wanted to let you know how much I appreciated your kind message following my recent surgery. Having returned home after a successful operation, I am happily in a position to contemplate a speedy recovery and the full resumption of my functions in the coming weeks.

I also appreciated very much your thoughtfulness in sending me a copy of your recent book on Charles Taze Russell. I look forward to perusing it at the earliest opportunity.

With kind regards. Yours sincerely, Javier Perez de Cuellar, The Secretary‑General (NEW YORK)

NO. 374: THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

No. 374

“I desired mercy, and not sacrifice; and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings,” says Hos. 6:6. This subject of knowledge, especially so with the “know­ledge of God,” has been bandied about by all classes from the least unto the greatest; and a little reflection readily makes evident that it must be embellished with copious qualifications if it is to be retained in proper balance. Almost every virtue becomes a vice when overdone; therefore, almost every virtue requires a companion virtue if it is to be maintained in good perspective. This is certainly true of knowledge, because St. Paul says that “knowledge puffeth up, but love buildeth up.” The great Apostle is not here putting a slur on knowledge, because no one can have too much knowledge if that knowledge is given proper balance by the grace of love.

“The spirit of a sound mind” implies that such a person has all four of the Divine attributes in reasonable proportion – each companion to the other three prorated to its correct position. Knowledge is acquaintance with fact, clear perception of truth; and wisdom is the correct application of knowledge. Thus, a man who is gifted chiefly with knowledge may be said to be an intellectual man; one with knowledge and power, an aus­tere man; one with knowledge, power and justice, a righteous man; and one with know­ledge (wisdom), power, justice and love is a “good man.” And to one possessing these four the promise is sure and certain that his “steps are ordered of the Lord.”

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

Above we quoted St. Paul’s statement that love is the principal thing, but here also qualification is necessary, because no one ever developed Agape love without pa­tience, and none can retain it without that adorning grace. It is of such importance that St. Paul mentions it last in Titus 2:2 in his admonition to be “sober, grave, tem­perate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience.” Jesus had perfect love, but this He retained only through His perfection in patience – “He steadfastly (in full patience) set His face to go to Jerusalem.” But we must go beyond patience in our qualification of Agape love. Before patience must come faith; and before faith must come knowledge – “the knowledge of God.” This is emphasized in Romans 10:14–17: “How shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard (received sufficient knowledge to enable them to be­lieve)? And how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach except they be sent?... So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”

Clearly, then, in the primary sense the “knowledge of God” is the principal thing; without that knowledge there could be no faith; without faith “It is impossible to please God,” and without faith none could possibly gain that principal thing – Agape love. It has been our observation that those who would discount the virtue of know­ledge – “not the essential thing” – are those who possess very little of it; and their contention is simply a lame alibi for their glaring incapacity – “My people per­ish for lack of knowledge.” We are instructed to “study to show thyself approved unto God”; and we are to account those elders ‘‘worthy of double honor... who labor in word and doctrine (the knowledge of God).” (I Tim. 5:17)

And with such servants abides the assurance of faith – they know that they know. Nor need such assurance “puff up” if that knowledge is moderated by Agape love. If such knowledge is not moderated by Agape love, such people will lose it as prophesied in 2 Thes. 2:10,11 – and God will send them “strong delusion” that they should believe a lie (errors and false doctrine). The Egyptians have a proverb: “He who knows, but knows not that he knows, is timid – encourage him. He who knows not, and knows that he knows not, is ignorant – teach him. He who knows not, and knows not he knows not, is a fool – shun him. But he who knows, and knows that he knows, is wise – follow him “ Surely, the last two Principal Men knew, and knew that they knew; the Scriptures speci­fically state of one of them that he was ‘‘wise”; and our trust was well placed as we followed them. Also, it was prophetically written of the Epiphany Solomon (1 Kgs. 3: 12): “I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart; so that there was none like thee before thee, neither after thee shall any arise like unto thee.” Therefore, those who recognize Brother Johnson as the good Epiphany Solomon will proceed most cautiously before attempting to dispute any of his faithful Scriptural teachings. Neither of the Laodicean “stars” deemed it essential to be “as the actors,” to use the tricks of ora­tory, or the flummery of the stage, much of which is simply humbug. A pleasant anecdote is related of Charles Darwin, the famous naturalist: Some neighborhood boys attempted a prank upon him by catching a grasshopper, tearing off its wings and long hind legs, then substituting the wings of a wasp and parts of several other bugs. They then showed him their artifice, asking him if he could tell them what kind of a bug it was. “Did it make a humming noise when you first caught it out in the field”? he asked. “Oh, yes; it made a very loud humming noise when we first grabbed it.” “Then,” replied Mr. Darwin, “it’s a ‘hum’-bug.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

But, if we would be better used of the Lord, it is essential that we have a cer­tain amount of knowledge, although some with limited knowledge and inherent wisdom (the proper application of knowledge) often accomplish more than others with great knowledge but endowed with less wisdom. Therefore, Solomon says, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore, get wisdom, and with all thy getting get understanding.” Companion thoughts are excellently expressed by both Star Members in the May 14 Manna Comments:

“What is it to grow in grace? It is to grow in favor with the Lord through an inti­mate personal acquaintance and fellowship of spirit with Him.... To grow thus in grace and not in knowledge is impossible.... If, therefore, we love and obey the Lord and de­sire to grow in His favor, His written word is our daily meditation and study; and thus we grow in knowledge.”

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

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

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

It has been contended by some in our midst that the Truth has always come first, then followed by error. This is only a half truth; and half truths are more mislead­ing than whole errors. In the broad sense, the Bible, which is the Truth, has been first, of course; but Micah 5:5 clearly states that “when the Assyrian (the errorists) shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise up against him seven shepherds and eight principal men.” This is in keeping with Prov. 24:16 – “A just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again.” The “just man” of this Gospel Age has been the fully faithful justified Christ Company, which fell into obscurity as much error sprang up about them after the death of each Star Member. We need only look at the Lutheran Church, the Meth­odist Church, the Adventists and others to note the force of this contention. If Martin Luther, Wesley, Miller, et al, came back they would be unable to find their teachings in those organizations that now claim to be their followers. In our time we have the in­stance of Brother Russell, and with what speed the falling occurred after he died. Je­hovah’s Witnesses bear no more resemblance to the truths he espoused and the organization he set up than does a vulture to a swan. The measurably faithful made quick havoc of his good work – just as uncleansed Levites are doing all about us – some more, some less. And, as we observe this state of affairs, it behooves us all the more to equip ourselves with “the knowledge of God” to the extent of our natural and acquired providential cir­cumstances. The world in general, of course, “knows not God”; and the great mass of Christian believers quite evidently have very little of the “knowledge of God.” There is the constant and irrepressible conflict, the battle of darkness against light, and – “The darkness hateth the light because it is reproved by it.”

But the “knowledge of God” is for “the children of light,” who zealously try to pass it on to others, although with very limited success against the opposition of the “god of this world.” Therefore, it confers its greatest blessing upon its possessor; hence, the words of Solomon, “Buy the Truth (the knowledge of God), and sell it not.” To such, and to such alone, applies the promise of Psalms 91:10 – “Neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.” Such are the members of that “one Church, which in its entirety is the steward and administrator of the Truth (the knowledge of God), to preserve and defend it from error and to administer it for the benefit of the responsive.” (E-8:253) And such will be in full agreement with the slogan of Brother Johnson’s letterhead as respects the Knowledge of God – “The noblest science; the best instructions.” To which we would add, “that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3), and “He shall enter into peace: they shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.” (Isa. 57:2)

(Reprint of April, 1971, No. 190)

====================

LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Sister Emily Hoefle:

Thank you very much for your letter of June 17 (my birthday). Yesterday I received the parcel with the four books “About Pastor Charles Taze Russell,” and the two books, “The Divine Plan of the Ages.” I say thank you very much for these books. I shall distribute these books to interested persons speaking English. I have re­ceived the books in good order. Thanks again very much.

I am happy to receive your good literature. Tomorrow I shall travel to Budapest, the capital of Hungary, and will post your Air Mail letter there.

The Lord bless you and all the brethren and sisters in Christ. For today I remain with all good wishes. Your brother by His Grace, ------- (AUSTRIA)

------------------------------------

Dear Sister Hoefle: Greetings in Christ our Lord!

I want to thank you for sending me your papers for many years. My parents got in the Truth in Pastor Russell’s day, around 1915. My brother and I were baptized in 1939 Convention in Philadelphia. Enclosed is a check. Please sent me two books “About Pastor Russell,” and use what is over in your wonderful work.

With Christian love, Brother ------- (New York)

------------------------------------

To our brother in Messiah, --------:

We received your precious book, THE RECONCILIATION (THE ATONEMENT). It is a marvelous thing that God has sent me this book through you, because of all the problems concerning the personality of our Saviour Jesus and the Trinity. It sounds exactly right, just as God revealed these matters to me since I found my Saviour. It is for that reason that we bless you with all our heart. But the author’s name is not shown, because the few first pages are missing. If you know the name of the author, you will render me a Great favor by sending it to me. You know that I have had and still have many dissentions with the number of Christians concerning the Divinity of Jesus and the Trinity. Thank God that this book has verified my beliefs and I am most pleased to read and reread it with great enthusiasm.

In the Name of our Lord Jesus the Messiah we wish you a life of good health in body and in spirit. May the Grace of our Lord Jesus always be with you. Amen.

From your brother and sister in Christ, -----------– (JERUSALEM)

------------------------------------

Dear Sister: Grace and peace be multiplied!

Dear Sister, it was a shock on our part, and a blessing in the sight of the Lord, to receive a letter from the Cross River State School of Accounting, inviting me to lecture during their graduation ceremony. I was wondering who might introduce me to the Board. when we never got the opportunity to televise our ministry, or have opportunity to be on the radio.

The Lord has richly blessed our work in this part of the globe in special ways. His Providence goes into action when it is “due time.” A little flock out of thousands, are being called to deliver the Lord’s message as already spoken.

On May 10, 1986, the day of the ceremony, I went in company of three brethren. We were a little late arriving, but not to the time of my lecture. I found the whole premise choked up with prominent people of all walks of life, whose sons and daughters were to receive the merits of their endeavors.

We were not known immediately, and we stood on one corner awaiting some one we know to introduce us, and lead us in. In less than ten minutes a voice came out of the loud speaker calling me to know whether I was around. With this I was identified and taken in to a seat.

I was to lecture for 30 minutes, but the atmosphere was extremely warm. I spoke for one hour and fifteen minutes, with warm claps of hands and admiration. The topic of my discourse was THE REBUILDING OF JERUSALEM. (Bible – Neh. 1:1 to end) No one could give an account of the number of the people there.

Dear Sister, with the events of that day, it became a source of joy for us, and an opportunity to remember our dear Brother Hoefle, who gave us these precious Truths, already presented in embryo earlier. I trust that He will open up other ways in the future.

We hope that this news will be a joy to you and other brethren of like precious faith. Pray especially for this work, and ask the brethren to pray for it, and support its cause and course, especially as the dark clouds are announcing greater trouble preceding the Kingdom.

Outside the hall I received hundreds of handshakes, most especially as many hadn’t had the opportunity of entering the hall, They were eager to meet the speaker. I used this opportunity to distribute over 200 Divine Plan Books, The Hell of the Bible and the Six Saved Classes, with the help of the brethren.

I hope the Lord will do what is pleasing to Him and His people. With my warm Christian love and a vote of confidence to you and the brethren world‑wide, and most especially to the editor of the UIB, David Horowitz, in which Sister Emah and all the brethren join. Sincerely your brother, --------– (AFRICA)

------------------------------------

Dear Brethren,

Please sent me one copy of the book you mentioned by David Horowitz About Pastor Russell. Enclosed is a small donation. I’ll gladly send more if required.

I live about a mile from Pastor Russell’s tomb. Sincerely, your Brother ------- (PENNSYLVANIA)

………………………………………

My dear Friend Emily,

Thank you very much for you to remember to call me. It was a pleasure to talk with you. I am getting old and cranky, so the same with my friends. I have had a lot of friends during my long life [he is 96], but it is shrinking now. The reason is natural old age.

My health is so I can’t depend on it, and I am living from day to day. Tonight I am feeling a little livelier, and decided to write you.

Rabbi Mularsky let me have one of the Horowitz’ second edition “About Pastor Russell” and Pastor John J. Hoefle, your departed husband. It is very interesting, since it is similar with translations of the Bible and the Zionist movement. My grandfather taught me when I was a young boy, of the expectation that the Jewish people will return to Jerusalem. You and David Horowitz deserve the right to be called “the Holy People of the Jewish Nation,” who devote your time and expense to promote, to support and help protect the State of Israel. God bless you and Mr. David Horowitz. Your work should be successful.

As to my birthday party, I cannot promise anything since it is complicated to invite people – maybe to the hospital. Since you asked me to write to Mr. Horowitz, kindly let me know his address. I may communicate with a letter or telephone.

Hoping this letter will find you in the best of health, and that you will be able to understand this letter with all the scribbling. Be well!

With love from your friend, ------- (FLORIDA)

------------------------------------

Dear Sister Hoefle: Greetings in His precious Name!

I received and read with pleasure “About Pastor Charles Taze Russell.” The second book was much appreciated and given to my daughter. She is not consecrated, but accepts and loves the Truth. There are no Jehovah’s Witnesses in this area – and my contact with the public is very limited.

It is so gratifying to note that through the efforts of your Ecclesia Brother Russell is finally receiving the recognition he deserves. A check is enclosed. With it I send Christian love and thanks.

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

……………………………………….

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

I want to thank you for sending me your excellent newsletters, and the no less excellent approach to Israel. I was a good friend of Casimir Lanowick (who, by the way, tried to have one of my books – “The Prince and The Prophet” – published in the USA – you might have heard about it). The main work here has been translated into English            It is called “The Zionism of God.”

I do specialize in Biblical Prophecy and came to the conclusion that our Lord is at hand – a matter of some years. I have lived in Israel since 1952 and am an Israeli citizen – having been sent by our Foreign Affairs to some 20 countries (twice to the USA). ..............

Should you be interested in my book “The Zionist of God,” I would gladly send it to you free of charge, of course! And perhaps could I this year come to the USA in order to meet you and give some lectures and services – with my French accent!

Many thanks for answering me. With my fraternal “Shalom” in His love, ------- (Jerusalem)

------------------------------------

Dear Brethren and Sr. Hoefle: Christian love and greetings through our dear Redeemer!

This is just a note to let you know that I received the two books – one for me and one for the other brethren. I read it all through and enjoyed it, and said to my­ self “What a pity my husband died before it.” He used to hunt up the reprints and volumes just to read what was in store for the Jews – and he was quite happy when a battle was won by the nation of Israel. What I wonder about is how RGJ gave the Jews so much comfort and at the same time taught that his Campers Consecrated were the first to begin God’s Kingdom on earth.

Well, dear Brethren, I have not been able to talk over with any of the brethren because when it came it was the starting of one of the worst floods I ever saw. In Crofts Hill the houses didn’t suffer much except for leaks. But surrounding districts the houses suffered – some drowned and others took refuge in schools and churches.

So I am not sure the brethren in Crofts Hill will get the mail, as some roads were completely blocked. God bless and keep you in His loving care. Please give my Christian love to the rest of the brethren with you.

Yours by His Grace, ------- (JAMAICA)

------------------------------------

Dear Sister Hoefle,

Many thanks for your letter and your help towards our effort in publicizing here. Well, of course, our Heavenly Father is looking on. ............

With regard to the advertising campaign, we have decided to begin about October. This, we feel, will be more effective, because by then the summer madness will be worn off. We are still negotiating. I also note that you have sent an additional six copies of the book “About Pastor Charles Taze Russell.” We are most grateful. But please, dear Sister, do not deplete your stock.

Incidentally, a copy of this book was sent to a Jehovah’s Witness a few weeks ago and has resulted in his eyes becoming opened to the great cover‑up done by the Watchtower on Brother Russell. Accordingly, he and his family, and another family in his congregation, are now about to leave the movement (eleven in all!). I wrote them, pointing out select portions from the Studies in the Scriptures, and they were amazed how the present‑day WT organization stood condemned in the light of what Bro. Russell wrote. The next time I write you, I’ll tell you what sections I quoted. I think you will be interested! I’ll keep in touch in the meantime. Please be assured of our prayers and warmest Christian love.

Your brother, ------- (ENGLAND)

------------------------------------

Dear Emily ‑ Shalom and “kol toov” and all the best of God’s blessing!

I’m taking the liberty of writing and also calling you by your first name, as we cannot forget the honored name, Hoefle. We do sense a very near kinship in our mutual understanding of God’s abounding grace and His election of the people of Israel. We do wish we could have known Pastor Russell! We do get David Horowitz’ paper. He has been sending the United Israel Bulletin for some time. .............

Emily, I did so much appreciate your thoughtful, knowledgeable, true and kind remarks about ‘my Shulamit’ (Hebrew spelling). Songs 6:9 (the choice one) to 13, and Proverbs 31:17‑22, 24‑31. Besides the Lord Himself (as Charles Haddon Spurgeon, of London wrote of his wife), Chris is “the comfort of my soul and my sole comfort.”

And, Emily, God continue to bless and honor the memory of your dear companion. I’m certain he was a magnanimous soul as you. God continue to bless his memory and give you many more useful, happy and joyful years.

In the name of the Lord, ------- (KANSAS)

------------------------------------

Dear Sister Emily: Loving Christian greetings!

If you have anymore of the books “About Pastor Charles Taze Russell,” written by Mr. Horowitz, could you please let me have one? I read through the one that was sent to Brother Mahoney, and would pass on the good news for the Jews to others. May you keep up the good work! God’s hand is never short concerning His people.

The Lord bless and keep you all! With Christian love, ------- (JAMAICA)

------------------------------------

Dear Sister Emily: Greetings of love through our Blessed Savior!

Yes, your good letters do my heart good! They are especially appreciated since you have such a long list of letters to write. ............

Janet and George sent me Psalm 27:1‑4. I think you would appreciate it also: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; whom shall I be afraid?

“(2) When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

“(3) Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear; though war should rise against me, in this I will be confident.

“(4) One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.”

Warm Christian love, ------- (CONNECTICUT)

==========

NO. 373: IN MEMORIAM

No. 373

It is now just seventy years since Brother Russell finished his earthly journey; but those few who knew him personally still hold warm and fragrant memory of his personality and scholarly understanding of the Bible and related subjects. And many of us who never met him hold fond memories by considering his record, and from the things told us by these who did know him personally. Thus, we shall endeavor to pass on some of such recollections, along with quotations from some of those who are no longer with us.

First, we shall offer 2 Tim. 3:16,17: “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; That the man of God may be perfect, thoroly furnished unto all good works.” It will be readily noticed that this is a very poor translation as found in the King James version, because “is” after Scripture is in italics, telling us there is no corresponding word in the original Greek. But even if this were not so, we could easily deduce that the statement cannot possibly be true, because ‘scripture’ in the broad sense is anything written – including newspapers, magazines, books of fiction, etc. Certainly, no one would contend that such writings are given “by inspiration of God.”

In a more restricted sense, scripture may be applied to cherished writings of the various heathen religions, such as those from Confucius, Mohammed, etc. However, these likewise cannot be described as being inspired of God. It would seem that any one even moderately schooled in Present Truth should know this; yet the Jehovah’s Wit­nesses published a book as late as 1963, the title of which is “ALL SCRIPTURE IS IN­SPIRED OF GOD AND BENEFICIAL.” (Emphasis ours—JJH) And in their strenuous effort to be ‘different,’ they offer the word ‘beneficial’ for profitable; but of the leading Greek scholars – such as Doctors Young, Strong, Rotherham and Wilson – not one of them offers the word ‘beneficial’ as a good translation substitute for ‘profitable.’ Even Brother Russell himself – who was not a Greek scholar – saw the error in the text as early as 1897, and omitted the word “is” from the Manna Comments of May 21; thus, the Witnesses would not have made this blunder had they held proper regard for his excel­lent Biblical interpretations.

Following is an excellent translation of the text by Benjamin Wilson: “All Scrip­ture, divinely inspired, is indeed profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correc­tion, for that discipline which is in righteousness; so that the man of God may be complete, thoroly fitted for every good work.” We have offered the foregoing detail because some of those who knew Brother Russell intimately before his demise in 1916 often referred to him as “that wonderful man of God,” their substance being taken from this writing of St. Paul.

“A PROPHET UNTO THE NATIONS”

At the outset, we would stress that Brother Russell is shown in more Scripture and types than any other person on this earth, except our Lord Jesus; and it is our belief that one of such typical instances is the Prophet Jeremiah in his acts and words. In Jer. 1:4-6 there is this: “The word of the Lord came unto me, saying.... I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations. Then said I, Ah, Lord God! behold I can­not speak; for I am a child.” In verse 1 we have “The words of Jeremiah” – the name meaning Jehovah is exalted. Certainly the name itself applies most fittingly to Bro. Russell, whose firm and repeated expression was “God first,” which attitude well ap­plied to him all during his entire adult life. Also, the statement, “I am a child” points fittingly to him. At the outset of his ministry in 1874, knowing his ignorance of Hebrew and Greek, he considered himself but a babe in Biblical exegesis; and for seven years – to 1881 – he always tried to place those with superior education before him because he considered them better qualified. But the Lord knew what He was doing when He called Brother Russell to be His special mouthpiece – “the prophet unto the nations.” Note verses 7-9, “The Lord said unto me, Say not, I am a child: for thou shalt go to all that I shall send thee, and whatsoever I shall command thee thou shalt speak... The Lord put forth his hand, and touched my mouth ... said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.”

Looking back, it is very easy to discern the fulfillment of these words. That Ser­vant predicted the end of the Gentile Times (Luke 21:24) 25 years before 1914. During that 25 years he received much vilification and ridicule from various sources; and by 1913 – with the world then in seeming calm – some in high position said a general world war among the then friendly (?) nations was just so much nonsense. But, when 1914 came – with the great explosion on July 28, August 1 – great numbers began to have a differ­ent view and respect for what he said. In fact, a conference of Southern ministers openly stated that Pastor Russell had been right in his predictions.

To emphasize the strong parallel between him and Jeremiah we need only to consider the parallel dispensations: It was just 2520 years before 1914 (in the Fall of 607 B.C) that Jerusalem was taken by Nebuchadnessar, the temple was ravished and the gold and sil­ver vessels carried away to Babylon. That was exactly what Jeremiah had predicted – in the face of the severe criticism of the Jewish priesthood – just as Brother Russell had predicted against the disputations of the ministers of Christendom. Jeremiah had not predicted the beginning of Gentile dominion, because it was not possible for him to see that then; but Brother Russell, knowing that “seven times shall pass over thee” (Dan. 4 25,32), and understanding that those “seven times” would end 2520 years later, did not have much difficulty in figuring out when they would end, once he knew when they began.

Let us carry on now to Jer. 1:11-14: “What seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree.” As explained in Tabernacle Shadows, p. 122, the almond rod symbolizes the royal priesthood, elect and fruitful; and this fact was seen very clearly by Bro. Russell in 1879, when he wrote Tabernacle Shadows. “The second time, What seest thou? And I said I see a seething pot... an evil shall break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land.” This “seething pot” was the Time of Trouble, which would come with the end of the Gentile Times; and those of us who were living at that time still have most vivid memory of that holocaust. Even though the United States was not immediately involved (we did not enter the war until April 1917), the uproar was so great and the shaking of society in all the great countries of the earth was so severe that the New York Stock Ex­change was forced to close down for three months – “an evil shall break forth upon all the inhabitants of the land.”

This great conflict – up to then the world’s greatest calamity – was also typed by Elijah smiting Jordan.  In that picture Jordan pictured Christendom; and its smiting portrayed how the various elements of society would be divided into two distinct classes – the conservatives and the radicals; and this has become more pronounced each year since 1914, with the radicals generally victorious – just as the Babylonians (who typed the radicals of our day) won victory after victory until the final one saw the complete collapse of Jerusalem, and the beginning of the desolation of the land for seventy years: “The word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed her sabbaths: for as long as she lay desolate, she kept sabbath, to fulfill threescore and ten years.” (2 Chron. 36:21)

God further instructed Brother Russell to confess the sins of Christendom over the head of Azazel’s Goat – “the house of Jacob, and all the families of the house of Israel.” (Jer. 2:4) In the Old Testament the Gospel-Age Christians are never called Jacob; rather, Jacob almost always refers to natural Israel; whereas, Israel usually is used to designate the Christian Household. And of both these houses Jeremiah said: “I brought you into a plentiful country... but when ye entered, ye defiled my land, and made mine heritage an abomination.” (v. 7) This statement is indeed a true declaration of the Church history. Under Jesus and the Apostles “the people which sat in darkness saw great light.” (Matt. 4:16) But the intervening years up to 1874 had witnessed the distortion of that “great light” into all sorts of weird concoctions; with practically all of them – Protestant and Catholic – becoming infested with “their resemblance through all the earth.” (Zech. 5:6) The four great errors that arose during the Gospel Age are the Trinity, immortality, eternal torment and probation limited to this life. In these four great errors most Protestants and all Greek and Roman Catholics resemble one another – they are “their resemblance through all the earth.”

Once Brother Russell became fortified with the Truth against these great errors he employed all of his remarkable skill and energy in onslaught against them. His favor­ite address to the public was “Where Are The Dead?” For forty years he battled with all courage against the theory of eternal torment as the wages of sin, and so well did he analyze those Scriptures that treated of that subject, that toward the end of his min­istry one newspaper carried four stanzas of poetry, the last quatrain of which was some­thing like this:

There is a man in our town

Whose name I need not tell;

I’m sure you all must know him,

Because he put the fires out of Hell.

Today few educated ministers believe in the doctrine of Hell-fire, although some of them occasionally preach it, perhaps believing it to be a restraint upon evil-doers. All concordances and critical translations of the Bible clearly dispute the thought of eter­nal torment as the wages of sin. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Rom. 6:23)

Brother Russell received strong assurance from the Lord for the work he was to do, as told to Jeremiah in vs. 17 & 18: “Speak unto them (the people of Christendom) all that I shall command thee: be not dismayed at their faces.... I have made thee this day a defenced city” – immovable and strong as against society, against the various sects in Christendom, against the four prominent classes in American society: Rulers, capital­ists, aristocracy and labor, particularly against their leaders. These are the “four angels” – messengers of wrath – as set forth in Rev. 7:1-3 – whose destructive work was restrained “till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.” Although these all, some more, some less, waged controversies against him, God assured him of full victory: “They shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with the... to deliver thee.” Surely, as we look back, we are able to see how forcefully this was fulfilled in the work he did.

When the prophecy was made, “They (the gainsayers) shall not prevail against thee,” it was not an idle promise; God gave him the Parousia Truth as his “strong tower,” which proved to be impregnable against the combined attacks of all adversaries. The promise made to Joshua (1:5): “There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life,” certainly applied to Brother Russell with great emphasis. Those who attempted to engage him in controversy soon came within the scope of Rev. 16:10  “They gnawed their tongues for pain.” Many of them resorted to slander, which was their weap­on of last resort; but it may be said of Brother Russell that he never reciprocated in kind; with the strong and clear and Biblical system of truth he had, there was certain­ly no need to cheapen himself by using the tools of the “god of this world.” (2 Cor. 4:4) The Parousia Truth was indeed a “defenced city” for him. (Jer. 1:18)

Chapter 2 of Jeremiah carries on in much the same fashion as the first Chapter. Brother Russell was commanded to shout his message from the housetops, and it is a mat­ter of record that he did just that. “Go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem (type of Christendom here in the end of the Age), saying, ‘Thus saith the Lord: I remember thee, the kindness of thy youth (when the pristine purity of Christianity was established under the guidance of Jesus and the Apostles), the love of thine espousals, when thou wentest after me in the wilderness” – “The woman (the true church) fled in the wilder­ness, where she hath a place prepared of God, that they should feed her there a thous­and two hundred and threescore days” (the 1260 years from 539 to 1799 AD) Verse 3 continues: “Israel (the true church) was holiness unto the Lord, the firstfruits of his increase.”

But that condition had become greatly changed “in the time of the end” (Dan. 12:4 – from 1799, and especially after 1874). Thus, antitypical Jeremiah was prompted to raise the question: (v.5) ‘‘What iniquity have your fathers found in me, that they are gone far from me, and have walked after vanity, and are become vain?” The nominal church from 1874 is described in similar criticism to what Jeremiah said to the Jews before the fall of Jerusalem in 607 BC: “Thou sayest, I am rich and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” (Rev. 3:17) Following are some of the Berean Comments on this text: “Possessing little of the truth and the spirit of the truth... Cannot see afar off.... cannot see the high calling for the Church or restitution for the poor world... stripped of the robe of Christ’s righteousness by the clergy, in the name of Higher Criticism and Evolution.”

Having come to the condition of full complacency – “rich and increased with goods” – they poised the insolent question (Jer. 2:8): “Where is the Lord, that brought us up out of the land of Egypt (typical of the delivery of the Gospel-Age church, which had been delivered from antitypical Egypt, “this present evil world”), that led us through the wilderness.. the shadow of death (“the wages of sin is death”).. and (v. 7) I brought you into a plentiful country.. but ye defiled my land.. and made my heritage an abom­ination.” “We have need of nothing”!

The question carries on in v. 11: “Hath a nation changed their gods... but my people have changed their glory for that which does not profit”; and because of this they “be astonished... be horribly afraid... very desolate (v. 12).” During this “time of the end” nominal Christendom committed two evils – they gave up God as their God, though He is the only source of life-giving Truth; and they developed creeds: “broken cisterns that can hold no water.” (v. 13) “Their cities are burned without an inhabitant” – an evil which they brought upon themselves. “Hast thou not procured this unto thyself, in that thou has forsaken the Lord thy God, when he led thee by the way?” (v. 17)

“Yes I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed.” (v. 21) When we review the superb religious system which God had given Israel under Moses and Aaron, and the downward course they pursued in the following years, it is most difficult to understand how that could have been possible. Yet their course was but a forecast of the downward course of Christendom after the departure of the Apostles. Indeed, “A just man falleth seven times, but he riseth up again.” (Prov. 24:16) The words of Solomon in this text are a terse statement of the history of the Gospel-Age Church in its seven epochs, as outlined in Revelation, Chapters 2 and 3. Each of these epochs began with a virile mes­sage of Truth – first with Jesus and the Apostles, then followed with the ministry of the remaining “six stars” (Rev. 1:16); but in every instance those that came after the various stars quickly retrograded into much error and decay of morale – as their prede­cessors had done.

Finally in 1874 came That Servant (Matt. 24:46), faced with an accumulation of the colossal errors of the entire Age – a fact which would have discouraged any man who had not the encouragement of the Lord Himself: “I have made thee this day a defenced city, and an iron pillar, and brazen walls against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, against the priests thereof, and against the people.” (Jer. 1:18) But just as in times past, the finely-tuned system of Parousia Truth which he left was bandied about by some of his followers – particularly by the Jehovah’s Witnesses – so that if his writings and their writings are placed side by side now, no unbiased mind would believe they should he recognized as coming from the same source – which indeed they do not.

THE TRUE VINE Vs. THE VINE OF THE EARTH

The “noble vine” established through Moses and Aaron was all that the expression implies; and all will surely agree that had the Jews adhered to the Law Covenant through their continuing priesthood they would have developed into a nation the likes of which the world had never known. On the last night before He was crucified Jesus had told the Disciples, “I am the true vine” (John 15:1), thus identifying Himself as the anti­type of the “noble vine” God had planted in Israel; and Christians generally would have done well to “continue in His word.” But instead, they developed the “vine of the earth” (Rev. 14:18,19); and the angel was commanded to “gather it... and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God” – the great Time of Trouble, which began in 1914 at the end of the Gentile Times.

“The vine of the earth” in these texts is the great Papal system which is slowly being consumed – much the same as are grapes that are pressed for their juice. And Paul tells us that this system is “the wicked one” (2 Thes. 2:8), whom the Lord “shall destroy with the brightness of His coming.” The word “brightness” in this text is from the Greek ‘epiphaneia,’ which is literally ‘bright shining’; and “coming” is from the Greek ‘parou­sia.’ Thus, the text properly stated should read, “whom the Lord will destroy with the bright shining of His Presence.”

This has been progressing slowly, but surely, since 1914 – in harmony with the state­ment in Dan. 7:11: “I beheld even till the beast was slain, and his body destroyed, and given to the burning flame” – just another expression for the Time of Trouble. And just as much of Jeremiah’s message is harsh condemnation of the Jews, so much that That Ser­vant wrote and preached was harsh condemnation of the “vine of the earth” – although he never resorted to reviling or slander in any of his statements; the Truth that he had was more than enough.  And just as Jeremiah had been told, “speak unto them all that I command thee,” so Pastor Russell uttered the scathing message against nominal Christen­dom as it was revealed to him in the Word of Truth.

It is probably in order here to state that many features of the Gospel Age have been re-enacted here in the end of the Age, one of these being a little Papal System in the organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses. And just as the large Papal system “shall think to change times and laws” (Dan. 7:25), so this little Papal system has also changed times and laws; in fact, they have made so many changes in their chronology and in some others of their teachings that few, if any, of them know just what they do believe. How­ever, when we analyze big and little Papacy we assuredly do not include all members of those organizations in our criticism. It is our conviction that there are many noble and honorable people in both systems – some of whom are our good personal friends; but they have not given themselves to the research on the subject that we have done.

Jeremiah continues his castigation in chapter 2:21,22: “I had planted thee a noble vine: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?.... Though thou take thee much soap, yet thine iniquity is marked before me.” Of course, such scathing denunciations aroused the sharp animosity of the Jews, who eventually did Jer­emiah to death by stoning him. He was a “speckled bird” (Jer. 12:9) – a man marked for contempt and persecution from early manhood, as was also Brother Russell. Yet the de­termination of both of them caused them to hew to the line to the end of life’s journey.

But, as some men are determined to declare the Word of Truth in purity and sincer­ity, so others are just as determined to go the way of Balaam, who was a type of those who teach error for profit. Thus they play the symbolic harlot with strangers. “I have loved strangers, and after them will I go.” (Jer. 2:25) “Have gone astray, follow­ing the way of Balaam.” (2 Pet. 2:15) “Thou hast them there that hold the doctrine of Balaam.” (Rev. 2:14) See the Berean Comment on both these texts – “Type of class that teach error for profit.” The Revelation text was directed to the Church of Per­gamos, the third epoch of the Gospel Age, which had its beginning about 315 AD when Emperor Constantine embraced the Christian religion and contaminated it with many of his former heathen beliefs.

The heathen beliefs and customs accumulated with each succeeding epoch of the Gospel-Age Church, many of which were discernible even to worldly men of good charac­ter. The nominal church had become clustered with hypocrites, as stated in Rev. 18:2: “Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.” Many “jail” birds were members of some great religious system at 1914; thus, the call had gone out, “Come out of her, my people.” (Rev. 18:4) This is emphasized by the Prophet Jeremiah (2:26, 27): “As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so is the house of Israel ashamed; they, their kings, their princes, and their priests and their prophets (many of the leading clergy at 1914 openly admitted they accepted only such parts of the Bible as suited their taste).. they have turned their back unto me, and not their face; but in the time of their trouble (which came upon them in 1914) they will say, Arise, and save us.”

At that time we were a faithful member of the Lutheran Church; and, when the preacher arose in the pulpit and urged the congregation to support the war in every way possible, we went to him to inquire how he could do such a thing, when the Lutheran Church had originated in Germany, with a large part of the population then members of that Church. Therefore, he was advising Lutherans to kill brother Lutherans instead of “we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren” (1 John 3:16) as we are instructed by God’s Word; and we left his house never to return. The same could be said of the Ro­man Catholics in Italy, who were pitted against the Catholics in Romanist Austria. Thus, Jeremiah continued his charge: “Where are thy gods that thou hast made? Let them arise if they can save thee in the time of thy trouble.. Ye all have transgressed against me, saith the Lord.” (Jer. 2:28,29) Wars always bring out the worst in people; and this was especially true of the 1914 conflagration. They had made dead churches their moth­ers, having rejected God; yet they called upon Him in their Time of Trouble. Thus, the accusation: “Your children have received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion.” (v. 30) These truths were boldly and repeated­ly proclaimed by Brother Russell; and he and his followers received much persecution from the nominal church; hence the charge, “In thy skirts is found the blood of the souls of the poor innocents.” (v. 34) This is repeated in Rev. 18:24: “In her (the nominal church) was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.”

Thus far we have considered only two chapters of the 52 chapters in the Jeremiah writings; and we hope to continue the book at some future time. However, we believe all our readers who have been even passingly schooled in Present Truth will recognize the pointed application to the writings and sayings of Brother Russell as he repeatedly set them forth. Briefly, Jeremiah was “the prophet unto the nations” for forty years before the capitulation of Jerusalem; Brother Russell was “the prophet unto the nations” for forty years before the collapse of Christendom in 1914. The former foretold the overthrow of Jerusalem, with the Tribes of Judah and Benjamin (the ten tribes had already been transplanted to Babylon 133 years previously by Shalmaneser, the Assyrian king – see 2 Kgs. 17:1-7 – and subsequently became the “ten lost tribes” of Israel); Brother Russell foretold the collapse of Christendom 2520 years later; and he gave his forecast about 25 years before the event occurred. The same conditions prevailed in both places before their collapse; and the current evils were  repeatedly and truthfully castigated by both men.

In closing, we would say that much of the foregoing has been gleaned from the writings of the Epiphany Messenger, who left us on October 22, 1950 – 34 years almost to the day after Pastor Russell died. Thus we take this occasion to pay grateful tribute to both of them. We have made the major elaboration for Brother Russell, because his work and office in the Lord’s Household was much superior to that of Brother Johnson.  And, just as there were no successors to the twelve Apostles, so there was no successor to That Servant – although since his death there have been faithful mouthpieces, of whom the Epiphany Messenger was foremost.  But we would emphasize here that he did not set aside any of That Servant’s basic teachings; rather, he scrupulously defended the gen­eral structure of Parousia Truth, and used that Truth as a foundation for his own teach­ings in the Epiphany.

The same is true of us regarding the teachings of both of these faithful servants; we “continue in that which we have learned and been assured of (from them), knowing of whom we have learned them” (2 Tim. 3:14). However, we would stress that none of the faithful mouthpieces of the Lord since the Apostles fell asleep were infallible; they made mistakes, as Church history relates. The same may be said for the Parousia and Epiphany Messengers: They also made mistakes – especially as relates the time features concerning future events; but their basic chronology we accept exactly as they gave it, altho we reject some of their conclusions which time itself has proven such expectations premature. We feel those faulty conclusions were permitted of the Lord for “the trial of your faith”; and we regard them in this light. –

We believe that both of these messengers come well within the Scripture: “The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.” (Psalms 112:6)

Sincerely your brother, John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

(Reprint of No. 256, October 1976)

Will "that Servant's" work endure?

Ah, yes! Of this we may be sure

For he was faithful, wise and true

And brought forth truths, both old and new.

Though Satan's error now enshrouds

And hides the light with darkest clouds

Our God will shake and then remove

All things that He cannot approve.

"Truth crushed to earth shall rise again"

And in its purity remain,

Unconquered by the Devil's arts

In even its minutes parts.

Will "that Servant's" work endure?

Ah, yes, with all that's good and pure!

For sin and error flee away

Before the light of the coming Day!

========================

LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Sister Hoefle:

Thank you very much for the book "About Pastor Charles Taze Russell. Please send me two more of these books. God's Blessings and all good wishes be with you.

Very sincerely your brother, ------- (AUSTRIA)

------------------------------------

Dear Brethren:

I am a Bible Student living in Omaha, Nebraska. I have just learned that your group has made available literature related to the Divine Plan of the Ages as expressed by Pastor Charles Russell. Would you be kind enough to send me information on tracts or books available through your office? I would like to order them at once.

You may also send copies of any or all such literature and enclose an invoice and be assured of a check covering the amount by return mail.

Thank you in advance for your help. Sincerely, ------- (NEBRASKA)

------------------------------------

Dear Friends,

I would like to take advantage of your offer of the book "About Pastor Charles Russell," if the offer is still in effect. Thank you! ……. (OHIO)

------------------------------------

Dear Brethren: Christian love!

Would appreciate a copy "About Pastor Charles Russell" mailed to the address below:..

Praise Him for "Present Truth through 'that Servant."'

Thank you! ------- (WASHINGTON)

------------------------------------

Dear Brethren:

Please send me a copy of the book "About Pastor Charles Russell." I have been witnessing to five JW's in our area. Two of them are around 55 years old and have heard about Pastor Russell in a very small way. The other three knew nothing about Brother Russell and were surprised when I informed them. They have been to my home twice, and say they will return. This book will help me to explain things to them.

If there is any cost, please let us know. Thank you!

Yours in Christ, ------- (INDIANA)

------------------------------------

Dear Sirs:

I have been receiving your bulletins for a long time now. I have been very much interested in the teachings of Pastor Russell, I would so very much love to have the new book "About Pastor Russell." Please tell me the cost, and where and how I could get the book, and any other books I might find enlightening.

Sincerely, ------- (MISSOURI)

------------------------------------

Dear Mr. Horowitz:

Thanks much for your book on Pastor Russell. Indeed, I learned much from it not only about him but also about that which happened after his death. You have earned our gratitude – even as you have earned his from his eternal rest.

Warmest personal regards, -------------(ISRAEL)

------------------------------------

Dear Sr. Hoefle,

What a wonderful surprise I received in the mail last week. Thank you so much for sending me the book on Pastor Russell. It is gratifying to learn that Pastor Russell's good name is being defended and that the Jews are more and more recognizing him as a true lover of God, the Truth and the Jews, as His chosen people.

Enclosed is a check to cover the cost of the book and postage. Thanks again!

With Christian love, ------- (CONNECTICUT)

------------------------------------

Dear Brethren:\

I would appreciate a copy of the book "About Pastor Charles Taze Russell" by David Horowitz. Can I get them from a bookstore?

Please let me know the cost so I can forward a check right away. Thank you and God bless you.

Sincerely, ------- (CALIFORNIA)

------------------------------------

Dear Aunt Emily,

It is good to be home with a break in college. As you know I go to Gardner Webb College and thought you would like to read a letter I received from the college library. The following quote is from the letter:

"Thank you for sharing the volume about "Pastor Charles Taze Russell" with us. The students and faculty will appreciate having access to this information. Please let us know if we can help you in any way.

Sincerely, ----------, Library Director ------- (NORTH CAROLINA)

------------------------------------

Dear Sister Hoefle: Grace and peace!

Thank you for your letter of the 7th. We did not receive the book "About Pastor Charles Taze Russell." Thank you very much for offering to send me a copy. Your papers have been quite interesting and informative. May the Lord bless you as you endeavor to   please Him daily. With warm Christian love and gratefully, ....… (ILLINOIS)

------------------------------------

Dear Sister Hoefle: Greetings in the Master's Name!

I was given your circular to read and was very interested to find you have a book by David Horowitz on "Pastor Charles Russell." I would appreciate a copy as offered to those who request one.

My husband is very interested in reading about Pastor Russell, as he believes the teachings that he has read in the volumes so far. He was a Catholic before our marriage, but now attends the meetings with Truth friends. I believe the book would be a help to us both. Thank you for your offer in your pamphlet. God bless you for your good service!

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

=========

NO. 372: TIMES OF REFRESHING - TIMES OF RESTITUTION

No 372

In Acts 3:19–24 the Apostle Peter was calling to the attention of the Jews the promise that God had made to Abraham, saying, “In thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.” The word ‘restitution’ in the text means restoration; or, as Rotherham states it, “the times of the due establishment of all things..... But indeed all the prophets – from Samuel and those following after – as many as have spoken have announced these days.” The Apostle here is contrasting the ‘refreshing times’ to come with the present dry and dying condition of the human race – likened to grass that with­ers and sears for lack of rain. And he proceeds to stress that the Prophet Samuel and all who came after him had spoken of these ‘refreshing times’ to come. This was one of the first public speeches that came from any of the Apostles after Pentecost, and it is in fact just another way of preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom. Often it is recorded of Jesus that He ‘went about preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom’ (Matt. 4:23; 9:35 Mark 1:14), which the Apostle Peter here declares to be the ‘times of restitution,’ so the question is properly in order, What conclusions are we to draw from this?

It would seem that such an important and far–reaching doctrine as this should have prominent recognition wherever and whenever the Christian religion is preached. But what do we find? So far as we are concerned, we have never once – over the past sixty years – ever heard Acts 3:19–24 even mentioned from the pulpits of Big Babylon; much less has any attempt been made to explain it.  Since men usually preach the things they understand and love, we can but conclude that the silence on this part of Scripture is due to the lack of knowledge of those who should be declaring it.

Perhaps the most of us who have any understanding at all of Harvest Truth would testify that one of the very first things we heard from the platform and in private conversation, too, was discussion of the “times of restitution”; and this is still a very prominent and favorite discussion among the various groups of Truth people who were emanated from Parousia Truth. But, tragic though it be, some of them have perverted the real truth on the subject – have twisted it out of all recognition to the way That Servant gave it to us – prominent among them are the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

All during the Age, since the death of the Apostles (or shortly thereafter), the doctrine of Restitution was completely lost, as represented in Luke 15:8,9, by the woman in the parable who had ten pieces of silver, had lost one – sought diligently till she found it, then “calleth her friends and neighbors together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.” The woman in the parable is the Church, which had lost sight of one cardinal doctrine of the Bible – Restitution – and it was not until the Harvest that this great truth was once more recognized with great rejoic­ing.  After the Harvest work had attracted a following, and the Pilgrims began to cir­culate, That Servant often urged them all to preach Restitution. That was especially emphasized with those Sunday speakers that were sent out from the Bible House on week­ends. It was indeed “Good Tidings of great joy” to all who received it with grateful hearts.

Those of us who are at all familiar with the situation know that That Servant gave a very clear and convincing presentation of the times of Restitution; and his entire following was almost a solid unit in accepting it the way he taught it. But what do we find since his death? We find many who once seemed to understand the subject have now perverted it out of all recognition to the manner in which they had once accepted it. Chief among these is Jehovah’s Witnesses, who now have consigned Adam to annihilation, which idea is actually a denial of the Ransom – although they would not admit that. How­ever, since Adam was the only perfect man on earth aside from Jesus Himself; and since the word Ransom itself means a corresponding price, an exact duplicate, Adam is actually the only one who could be ransomed. Therefore, St. Paul gives the philosophy, “As all in Adam die, so all in Christ shall be made alive.” When ransom is provided for Adam, that act becomes the inheritance for all of us – just as all of us inherited the death penalty for sin which was passed to him. But the Witnesses now leave out a very large section of the human race in their presentation of Restitution. To all who understand the phi­losophy of the Ransom, it is an elementary conclusion – that if Adam wouldn’t be awakened, none of the rest would be awakened.

They are now telling us that all living today who do not accept them will never be awakened – never experience restitution – at a time when the Devil is bound, and nothing but Truth will be taught. In Isaiah, Chapter 35, there is this: “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. (v. 5) And an highway (an easy way) shall be there, and a way (Christ the Mediator), and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men (the restitutionists), though fools (‘fools’ according to Psa. 53:1 are atheists), shall not err therein.” (v. 8) Also Rev. 22:5 tells us, “There will be no night (error) there.” The Jehovah’s Witnesses admit that Satan is still blinding the eyes of those who believe not – yet they are dividing the Sheep from the Goats during this Time of Trouble when Satan is more active “blinding the eyes of those who believe not” than ever before.

When they say all present “unbelievers” in them will be annihilated in the approaching Armageddon, it is a far–cry from the “good news” taught by That Servant, who had a message of hope for the groaning creation; and they claim That Servant as their founder! He is not the founder of their errors, but is the founder of The Watch Tower Bible and Tract So­ciety, which the errorists took over after his demise. This simply reveals that they do not understand, or will not accept, the meaning of “the gospel of the kingdom,” as St. Paul so clearly states it in Gal. 3:8: “The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, in thee shall all nations be blessed.” Most of these heathen have never even heard the name of Christ; and there are quite a few today who have never heard of Jehovah’s Witnesses despite their world–wide ministry.

So this “annihilation” in Armageddon, according to the Jehovah’s Witnesses, will in­clude the majority of the people living – quite a few of whom are honorable, benevolent and kind to all with whom they have to do – their besetting sin being that they cannot accept the Jehovah’s Witnesses and their errors. We continue to teach the gospel of Christ (Good Tidings to all mankind), which not only includes all unbelievers in the Wit­nesses, but the believers in Jehovah’s Witnesses, the grand and glorious restitution work of that blessed Kingdom. Those who teach the Truth are far more generous to those who teach error than the errorists are to them.

They can no longer teach John 5:28,29: “Marvel not at this: for the hour is com­ing, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice. And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment.” (Damnation is a mistranslation: judgment is the cor­rect translation, which is for all Restitutionists. See Diaglott.) Also, Acts. 24:15: “There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.”

Many of our readers are familiar with the teaching of the Witnesses, by which, for a number of years, they put forth their ‘Jonadabs’ as the Restitution class. They still retain much the same view, except that they now call their Jonadabs the Great Multitude of Rev. 7:9–17. All Bible logic is against such an interpretation, because the language and setting of Revelation 7 clearly depict a class on the spirit plane – “before the throne” – which is in Heaven. This is another text that they have set aside the  interpre­tation of That Servant and substituted their own interpretation, which is error. There are at least two other Truth groups that likewise teach a superior Restitution class that is being developed now – Consecrated Epiphany Campers and Quasi–elect Consecrated. To refute these errors we need only bear in mind that we are still in the Gospel Age – ­the Faith Age; and during this Age the merit of Jesus is only for Himself and His house – for all those who honestly accept Him as their Savior and walk a ‘narrow way.’ And during this Faith Age there is only one place where His merit can be obtained – tenta­tively or reckonedly – that is, in the Court of the antitypical Gospel–Age Tabernacle. Both these groups have their non-existent classes outside the linen curtain of the Gospel-Age Tabernacle – outside the righteousness of Christ in this Faith Age.

The antitypical Camp is Christendom in general – those people, those systems which make at least a token acceptance of Jesus as their Saviour – who wish to be on ‘speaking terms’ with Him, although they do not wish an intimate acquaintance – they do not wish to know Him well enough to do His “good, and acceptable and perfect will.” (Rom. 12:1–3) “I am the way”; and there is only one manner in which that “way” can be obtained, and that is by taking the step from the Camp, through the Tabernacle Gate, and into the Court, whereby “Justification by faith” has been obtainable all during the Faith Age; and it is still the only way, be­cause we are yet in the Gospel (faith) Age. We would emphasize that a place in the typical Tabernacle is a condition in antitype in this Faith Age.

There would seem to be little excuse for such distortions for those who have received Harvest Truth. According to Mal. 3:3, one of the specific missions of Jesus at His Second Advent would be to “sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.” The ‘silver’ in this text is the Truth; and all familiar with the situation know that the Truth has shone with great brilliance during the Harvest pe­riod. The meaning of the text is better revealed by the following:: “refiner and polisher of silver” (the truth).

While the truth on Baptism, the Lord’s Supper, the state of the dead, etc., were understood fairly well by some groups of Christendom before 1874, it remained for the Har­vest Messenger to refine and elaborate upon every one of them with telling force. This is better understood when we consider that the word ‘purifier’ in our text would be better rendered ‘polisher.’ It is from the Hebrew ‘metaher,’ one of whose meanings is brighten­er or polisher. Thus, at His Second Advent our Lord not only refines – purges the dross of error from the Truth – but He also brightens or polishes it.

Our text says He ‘shall sit’ as a refiner and polisher. At the time of the first Advent the speaker usually sat down, as the audience stood up; and in the Talmud ‘to sit’ is almost synonymous with ‘to teach.’ Jesus was indeed the teacher; but when He said the Scribes and Pharisees “sit in Moses’ seat,” He meant they were setting themselves forth as the teachers of the people – just as Moses had done when he gave them the Law at Sinai. Also, Jesus now sits on His throne, as does a king, a judge on his bench, etc. Thus, He is the executive, the authority, the official opponent of error and developer of truth. And this is not only true of religious truth, but it is also true in great degree of secular truth, as is apparent on every hand. Satan has done an excellent job of cor­rupting secular and religious truth over the centuries; and none but our all–powerful Divine Lord would be capable of undoing the damage. But He has come with the golden crown on His head as evidence that He has the power and the authority to extirpate the damage of the past.

To polish anything requires a cleansing agent to be applied with muscular strength. And how has this been specially done since 1874? Mainly through much controversy. In con­troversy the Truth comes out – just as necessity is said to be the mother of invention. Therefore, those who object to controversy are actually objecting to one of the special missions of our Lord since 1874, and are imposing a deception on those who listen to them. But our chief purpose in giving this explanation is to focus attention upon the ‘outer darkness’ (See Matt. 25:30 on the “unprofitable servant” and the Berean Comment) of those who once saw Restitution in its brilliance and clarity, but who have now sullied it so badly by their perversions. We can but conclude that this reveals something woefully wrong in the hearts of such; the evidence clearly points to just that.

SEEKING THAT WHICH WAS LOST

In Matt. 18:11 we have the words of Jesus, “The Son of Man is come to seek and to save that–which was lost.” The question now properly arises, What was lost? We would answer that four things have been lost – things which man once had in his pristine purity. First of all, after the transgression in the Garden of Eden, he lost his intimate and friendly relationship with his Creator.  Second, he lost his perfect home in the Garden. “The Lord God sent him forth from the Garden of Eden, to till the ground from whence he was taken. So He drove the man out.” (Gen. 3:23,24) Third, man’s dominion was lost. “Let man have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the cattle, and over the fowl of the air ... and over ever every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” (Gen. 1:26–28)

In Heb. 2:8 St. Paul quotes from Psa. 8:4–8: “Thou hast put all things in subjec­tion under his feet. ... But now we see not yet all things put under him.” It surely needs no argument that man has lost his dominion; animals often trample man under foot, instead of man dominating them. We have been told that the Kodiak bear (a brown bear larger than the grizzly) is so ferocious that it is not necessary for the hunter to look for him; once he knows there is a hunter in his locale he will come looking for him ­and often with deadly results to the hunter. And the fourth thing that man lost is his life.  “Lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever.” (Gen. 3:22) Man was not created to die; he was created to live; and the Scripture is clear enough that he would have continued to “live forever” had he remained in his perfect Edenic home. And all four of these things Jesus said He came to “seek and to save.” We shall offer detail on this later in this article.

THE RESTITUTION PROCESS

Just as there were four things lost, so we have four component parts to accomplish the Restitution, the restoration. These are clearly set forth in Psa. 103:2–5: “Bless the Lord, 0 my soul, and forget not all His benefits: (1) Who forgiveth all thine iniq­uities; (2) Who healeth all thy diseases; (3) Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; (4) Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies ... Thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

The first two of these processes come to man without any effort on his part; and, generally speaking, with little, or no knowledge that he is receiving these “benefits “ St. Paul says of us, who presently believe, “God commendeth His love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Rom. 5:8) Thus, “He made Himself an offering for sin” for us before we knew anything about it being done. And, “Christ gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due tine.” In “due time” all men will rec­ognize what we now know – that a propitiation for sins was provided by the Redeemer with­out men asking for it – Christ “forgiveth all thine iniquities.”

And the same may be said for the second restitution process, “healing all thy dis­eases.” In the resurrection day it is self–evident that the disease which brought man to the grave must be cured before his resurrection; otherwise, he would immediately die again. The natural and artificial causes that have caused death for centuries must be eliminated in all men before they are returned from the grave. This also will be accom­plished without men asking for it. If a man has died by having his head shot off, he will certainly have it back when he returns from the grave.

The third and fourth processes will operate somewhat differently. The third: “Who redeemeth thy life from destruction,” will require cooperation on the part of the recip­ient. “God will have all men to be saved, and come to an accurate knowledge of the Truth.” (1 Tim. 2:4–6, Dia.) But this “knowledge of the Truth” will not be forced down the throats of the unwilling; they must all show some desire, and willingly cooperate, in the educational process. That educational process will not only teach men the religious truth on the facts of life and death, it will also teach them the physical, mental, moral and religious philosophies of life which will enable them to live forever in perpetual youth. “I will ransom them from the power of the grave (that power which now turns man to destruction, to the grave, will be stayed); I will redeem them from death: 0 grave I will be thy plagues (by depriving it of its present power over all); 0 grave, I will be thy destruction.” (Hos. 13:14) Then will come to pass the prophecy of Job 33:24, 25: “Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom. His flesh shall be fresher than a child’s: he shall return to the days of his youth.”

The fourth process will also require man’s cooperation, and will receive it with a clear understanding of its import: “Who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies.” This is emphasized in the parable of the Sheep and the Goats: “Then shall the King say to them on His right hand, Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the king­dom prepared for you.” (Matt. 25:34) Today, in earth’s affairs, when a prince inherits a kingdom from his father, he is seated on the throne, and a crown placed upon his head. Figuratively speaking, this same procedure will be followed when the restitution process has completed its work. Each one of the ‘sheep’ will then inherit a kingdom – his full right to life and its accompanying life rights – just as Adam had it in Eden, when he was given dominion over all things on earth. He was then in every sense “monarch of all he surveyed, lord of the fowl and the brute.”

However, this cannot become true in the full sense of things until the causes that now send men to the grave have been eliminated. St. John states this very graphically in Rev. 21:3–5: “I heard a great voice out of Heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men... And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” And the Angel who gave those words to John evidently realized the disbelief with which the message would be received by the present sick and dying race, for he then emphasized it with these words: “Write: for these words are true.” This forces the logical conclusion that the Restitution processes will eliminate all crime – all thievery, physical violence, moral depravity, sickness; no more need for locks on doors; no more destructive armies; no more rigid police protection. “And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” (Isa. 2:4)

THEN COMETH THE END

Confirmation of the foregoing is graphically stated by St. Paul in 1 Cor. 15:20–26, which we quote from the Improved Version: “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and be­come a firstfruit (Jesus) of them that slept. For since by man (Adam) came death, by (a) man also (Jesus) shall come the resurrection of the dead. For as all in Adam die (this would exclude Jesus, for He was never ‘in Adam’), even so all in Christ shall be made alive. But every man in his own order; Christ a firstfruit (meaning the entire Christ Company, and not merely Jesus only); afterward they that are Christ’s at His presence.

“Then cometh the end (the end of the Little Season, when He shall have ruled over the earth to the full elimination of death and the dying processes), when He shall have delivered up the Kingdom to God, even the Father; when He shall have put down all rule and all authority and all power (complete elimination of Satan and his evil acts). For He must reign, till He hath put all enemies under His feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.”

The “last enemy – death” is not only evil persons, but their evil characteristics, which include Adamic defilements, the dying process – all the mental, moral physical and religious ills now prevalent in the human race – is the last great enemy, which will finally be destroyed at the end of the Little Season.

The foregoing is vividly illustrated in Ex. 15:26–31 – a picture which is probably the grandest type of the entire Old Testament: “And the Lord said unto Moses (type of Christ), Stretch out thine hand over the sea, that the waters may come again upon the Egyptians (Pharaoh and his hosts being typical of Satan and his henchmen) ... and the sea returned to his strength ... and the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea ... All the host of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them; there remained not so much as one.” Then the conclusion of St. Paul in Heb. 2:14 will be realized: “Jesus (through His sacrificial death) would destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil.” And the destruction of the Egyptians in the Red Sea typically sets forth how and when that will be done. At that same time the ‘goats’ of the parable in Matt. 25:41 will come to their complete annihilation from earth’s activities, leaving the ‘sheep’ the unmolested and perfected rulers of all they survey – free from all the evils that Satan’s deceptions have inflicted upon the human race during the past 6,000 years. Some one said when hear­ing this “good news” of the Kingdom, “It is too good to be true!” And an old wo­man exclaimed, “It is too good NOT to be true!”

SOME CONTRARY VIEWS

“God will have all men to be saved.” (1 Tim. 2:4) Like all other fundamental teach­ings of the Bible, this text has been given the extremes of erroneous interpretation. Some contend that if God will have all men to be saved that is a guarantee of eternal life for every human being that has ever lived. Universalism goes even further, and in­sists that even the Devil and his angels will also eventually be saved – despite the clear statement of St. Paul quoted above. Others contend the text to mean that God would like to have all men saved, but He just can’t seem to accomplish it. These perversions are based upon a misunderstanding of the salvation process.

God will have all men to be saved. But saved from what, to what? St. Paul offers the proper help here in Rom. 5:12: “By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; so death passed upon all men.” All of Adam’s progeny inherited the death sentence from him – through no fault of their own; and it is relief from that sentence from which God wishes all men to be saved. Often in human affairs we hear of a condemned man be­ing ‘saved from execution’ by official decree; but that does not mean that he shall continue to live forever. It simply means that he is saved from the sentence passed upon him by judicial process.

Much the same explanation may be given for the entire human race being saved; they will be saved from the sentence now hanging over them, and thenceforth will be given the privilege of regaining perfect life – as Adam had it – If they wish to take advantage of it. If they do, they will be classified as the ‘sheep’ of the parable; if they do not, they will be classified as the ‘goats’ of the parable, and will be sentenced to death once more – that time for their own transgressions, and not for something they have in­herited. This is well stated in Jer. 31:29,30: “In those days they shall no more say, The fathers have eaten a sour grape (sins of the fathers visited upon the children unto the third and fourth generation), and the children’s teeth are set on edge. But every man shall die for his own iniquity: every man that eateth the sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge.”

Some years back we exchanged quite some correspondence with a preacher in Jamaica, who insisted that St. Paul’s words mean that every man will eventually receive eternal life – although there is just nothing in the text to warrant such a conclusion. Man will be relieved from the present load upon his back, and given the opportunity, under favorable conditions, to free himself from its effects if he will take advantage of the opportunity. Nothing more than that; nothing less. During our exchange of  letters the brother cited Matt. 25:46, and argued that “everlasting punishment” simply means age–lasting; that man will continue to receive one opportunity after another – for a full Age – until he eventu­ally avails himself of eternal life. But the same adjectives are used for the righteous as are used for the unrighteous – which forces the logical conclusion that the life re­ceived by the sheep will also be limited to the Age. It is well to note here the foot­note for verse 46 in the Emphatic Diaglott:

“The Common Version, and many modern ones, render ‘kolasin aionion’ everlasting punishment, conveying the idea, as generally interpreted, of ‘basinos,’ torment. Kolas­in is derived from ‘kolazoo,’ which signifies ‘to cut off’; as lopping off branches of trees, to prune... Thus, the righteous go to life, the wicked to the cutting off from life, or death.”

If we cut the limb from a tree, we know that limb no longer will continue to live; it withers and disintegrates – in much the same manner that Adam withered for 930 years, then disintegrated in the grave. “Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.” (Gen. 3:19)

A SUMMATION

At the birth of Jesus the angel declared, “I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” In 1 John 2:2 this is elaborated. “He is the propitiation for our sins (those who accept Him in this present Age): and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” “He forgiveth all thine iniquities.” As we look back with joy at the Saviour’s birth and subsequent atonement for “all men,” so the ancients looked forward to it. “Abraham rejoiced to see My day: and he saw it and was glad.” (John 8:56) The 72nd Psalm gives considerable detail on the subject, too: “God shall come down like rain upon the mown grass (times of refreshing): as showers that water the earth. In His days shall the righteous flourish (the ‘sheep’ of the par­able); and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth. He shall have dominion also (that which was lost) from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth. The kings of Tarshish shall bring presents – the kings of Sheba shall offer gifts (“every knee should bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord”—Phil. 2:10,11): all nations shall serve Him ... to Him shall be given the gold of Sheba... daily shall He be praised ... they of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth... All nations shall call Him blessed ... Let the whole earth be filled with His glory.”

Biblical names are often significant of the character and accomplishments of the persons to whom they are given. Thus, Jesus is the Latin word for Joshua, or Jeshua, which means ‘Jehovah is salvation,’ the same being very expressive of the work He would do. Thus, He not only delivers, saves, believers in this Age, but in the next Age He will deliver the world in general from the sentence now resting upon men. This He will accomplish by His Priestly, Mediatorial, Kingly, Legislative, Judicial, Prophetic and Pa­ternal offices by His good Word and works. He is indeed mighty to save!

Then will be realized the words of Psa. 22:26–31: “The meek shall eat and be satis­fied (none to hurt or make them afraid): They shall praise the Lord that seek Him. All nations shall worship before thee. For the Kingdom (Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth) is the Lord’s and He is the Governor among the nations ... A seed shall serve Him ... They shall come, and shall declare His righteousness unto a people that shall be born.”

Sincerely your Brother, John J. Pilgrim, Pilgrim

Reprint of No. 315, September 1981

==========================

LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Sr. Hoefle: Greetings in the name of our Heavenly Father, and Lord Jesus Christ!

We have heard reports about a very nice book concerning our late Pastor Russell, and we are very much interested in obtaining six copies for our ecclesia. Please find a check for donation enclosed. If this is not sufficient, please let us know!

May the Lord continue to bless this effort to vindicate the character and doctrinal teachings of "That Wise and Faithful Servant"! Thank you very much. By the Lord's Grace, ------- (MICHIGAN)

------------------------------------

Dear Sr. Hoefle: Greetings in His Name!

Thank you! It was indeed kind of you to send 2 copies to us of the new book, "About Pastor Russell." Brother Russell was indeed That Faithful Servant! May the Lord bless you in your efforts to serve Him. Christian love, ……. (PENNSYLVANIA)

------------------------------------

Dear Brethren: Greetings of love in the Name of our Precious Redeemer!

Many thanks for your article No. 366. Here you mention that you have a book "About Pastor Charles Russell." We wish to receive a copy if there is anymore avail­able. Also note the change of address.

From Brother ------- (CALIFORNIA)

------------------------------------

Dear Brethren:

I read No. 365 letter and I always get a blessing from these letters. I really enjoy the research put in the letters. The world is a small place, and I think it behooves all of us to be on the watch. I hold fast to the truth that that Faithful and Wise Servant taught us. I am 81 years old and have been studying the Truth for 50 years, and love the Lord's people wherever they are. I have enjoyed Brother Hoefle's letters for many years [seven years]. Will you please tell me how to get the book David Horowitz has written "About Pastor Charles Taze Russell." He is a Jew, and that is good! I am waiting for the Jewish people to get their eyes opened, but we have to wait on the Lord for that – and it will be in His own good time. I am thankful that Mr. Horowitz knows about Pastor Russell. I will be looking forward for the news in your good letters. Bidding you God's speed ‑ I love you all, ……. (OHIO)

------------------------------------

Dear Emily,

My stay in Mount Dora was most pleasant and as usual it was great to see Aunt Ethel and Duncan once again. It was delightful seeing you on several occasions and it was most thoughtful of you to take us out to dinner – a memorable part of my trip.

Many thanks for Pastor Russell's book by David Horowitz. It really would be a pleasure to meet Mr. Horowitz. The book is most fascinating and filled with information not known to me. Stay in good health and continue your fruitful work.

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

………………………………

Dear Sr. Hoefle,

Sister Clara Ogan showed me a book from you entitled "Pastor Charles Taze Russell, written by David Horowitz. She said you may still have some left to sell. If so, I would appreciate it if you would send me one. Please state the price of book and postage.

Sincerely, ------- (MICHIGAN)

------------------------------------

Dear Mrs. Hoefle,

Last week I received an anonymous envelope mailed from the Israel Consulate in New York, addressed to me here, with a copy of a book "About Pastor Charles Taze Russell," by David Horowitz. ... I have just finished reading this very unusual book. I must admit that it contains much that was new to me – in a sense a revelation!

When I prepared the first draft for my book – FAITH AND FULFILMENT – I included a very brief mention of Pastor Russell – much too brief, I know today, to do him Justice. But even those few lines were then taken out by the editor. Now thanks to you and this book, I have a totally different picture of Pastor Russell's activities, and I strongly feel that it should have a place – a prominent place! – in my book. This should be rectified as soon as possible.

May I hope that, meanwhile, you have seen my book? I am keenly waiting to hear your 'verdict.' [The verdict is that FAITH AND FULFILMENT is a remarkable book – a historical book of great value. It would be an asset to anyone's library.]

With every good wish and sincere personal regards. ---------(ISRAEL)

------------------------------------

Dear Sister: Christian greetings!

Thank you for the book on Pastor Russell! Forgive me for not writing sooner, but I have been in the hospital for two spinal operations. I am getting around now with the aid of a cane. I do appreciate the book!

Enclosed is a check that you may use as you see fit. Hoping this note finds you in good health.

With Christian love, ------- (NEW YORK)

------------------------------------

Dear Mr. Horowitz,

I loved your new book on Pastor Russell. Thanks so much for writing about this wonderful man, who had a happy message for all mankind. I hope some day you'll write another book on Pastor Russell. Also, I like to see the articles about him in the United Israel Bulletin. No other single individual in modern history has done more than Pastor Russell to further the cause of Truth. Have you ever seen THE DIVINE PLAN OF THE AGES? What a masterpiece! This year 1986 is the 100th anniversary of its publication, and also the 70th anniversary of Pastor Russell's death. Again, congratulations on your book – and keep up the good work! I presented a gift copy of your book to the University of Colorado. It is now on the shelf at the Williams Village Library (residence hall on campus).

"Thank you" is such a simple phrase, but I hope you know there's a world of meaning and appreciation in it.

------------(CALIFORNIA)

=========