NO. 377: SOME THOUGHTS FOR THE MEMORIAL

No. 377

Comes once more the “remembrance” of our Lord’s death – this year 1987 the proper time being after 6 p.m. Friday, April 10. The method for determining the date is this: The moon nearest the Spring Equinox comes new at 2:46 p.m. March 29 at the 30th Meridian East (the Meridian nearest Jerusalem). This makes Nisan 1 begin at 6 p.m., March 28 Bible time, with Nisan 14 starting at 6 p.m. April 10. There still seems to be considerable misunderstanding about the correct time – even among those who have a reasonably good knowledge of the meaning of the bread and the wine – so we would stress once more that the condition of the moon on Nisan 14 is of no consequence, because that date is unchangeably stated in the Bible as the only date upon which the Passover is to be kept.  Thus, once we come correctly to Nisan 1, the remainder is simply a matter of simple addition.

Some brethren are yet apparently confused about some of this calculation; they still believe the moon should be full for the Memorial. The moon represents Israel in this Passover ritual, and it is always substantially full by Nisan 14, but not always completely so; some years it misses by two or three days. When the moon be­gins to wane after reaching its fullness, it well represents the national and religious decline of Jewry – just as its coming to the full about Nisan 14 pictures forth the pinnacle of Divine favor that came to them through the ministry of Jesus at His First Ad­vent. “That people dwelling in darkness, saw a great light; and to those inhabiting a region, even a shadow of death, a Light arose.” (Matt. 4:16, Dia.) Having had the teachings of Jesus and the Apostles available to us most of our lives, it is probably impossible to evaluate fully the dazzling splendor of the Truth they proclaimed to the Jews at that time; but we believe it is a proper appraisal to state that the presence of those teachings has been a great factor in the progress of those nations who have been most influenced by them. About one-sixth of the world’s population has produced most of the great inventions, both constructive and destructive; and this in turn has enabled them to dominate the affairs of the other five-sixths throughout this Age.

CONSIDER HIM

Inasmuch as the bread and the wine are a Memorial, a representation, of “Christ our Passover who is sacrificed for us,” it follows without argument that this time of year is especially appropriate to hark to the words of St. Paul: “Consider Him atten­tively who has endured such opposition from sinners, so that you may not be wearied, being discouraged in your souls. You did not yet resist to blood, contending against sin.” (Heb. 12:3,4¾Dia.) And, as we “consider Him,” it is very clear the Scriptures do not intend that we consider Him before His baptism at Jordan, because we know noth­ing whatever of His life from the age of twelve until He became thirty years old, the age in Israel when men were really concluded to be men. And, since all institutional types that begin on a specific date must continue until their antitype appears, and since Jesus was the antitypical bullock of the Day of Atonement sacrifice, we are forced to the conclusion that the day of His birth was on the tenth day of the seventh month, the month Tishri.

Thus, St. Paul makes the declaration, “He takes away the first that He may estab­lish the second.” (Heb. 10:9, Dia.) And he clearly states in the verse following: “By which will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” The Apostle in this chapter is comparing the typical Atonement Day sacrifices with the antitypical – contrasting the inefficacy of those that must be offered year after year with the one that was offered “once for all” – the One enduring sacrifice – that need never be repeated. Therefore, by the offering of Him­self, He did indeed take away the first (the Atonement Day bullock) that He might establish the second, which need never be repeated. This next prompts the explanation of the way He did this:

HIS NARROW WAY – This He explained at the very outset of His ministry: “Enter in through the narrow gate; for wide is the gate of destruction, and broad that way leading thither! and many are they who enter through it. How narrow (strait – tight, close, constricted) is the Gate of Life! how difficult that way leading thither! and how few are they who find it.” (Matt. 7:13,14—Dia.) And, “having left us an example that we should follow in His steps,” He could indeed state the rule of procedure to all who would accept His name: “If any one wish to come after Me (by voluntary choice), let him renounce himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” (Matt. 16:24) It is well stated that the most difficult thing is to know thyself, and the easiest thing is to advise another; but in the foregoing statement Jesus was not only advis­ing others, He was actually doing Himself what He had advised – and He continued to do it for 3½ years, from Jordan to Calvary.

During that 3½ years He was definitely a non-conformist. One of the main charges against Him was that “He stirreth up the people”; and there is no doubt that His faith­ful Disciples “followed in His steps.” Note the counsel of St. Paul in Rom. 12:2: “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” The Apostle was definitely out of step with those about him, which made him a very unpop­ular person. It has been well stated that the wise man adapts himself to his sur­roundings, but the fool tries to adapt his surroundings to him – and thus we progress. Paul told the Corinthians: “We are fools for Christ’s sake... we are despised. Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling-place; and labor, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: being defamed, we entreat: we are made as the filth of the world, and are the off-scouring of all things as unto this day.” (1 Cor. 4:10-13) Here the Apostle leaves nothing to the imagination: He, too, was walking a “narrow way” – a straight way – a tight, close constricted way. Of Jesus Himself, it is written, “Of the people, there was none with Him.”

HIS BAPTISM – “Comes Jesus from Galilee to Jordan, to be immersed by John (the Baptiser).  But John refused Him, saying, ‘I have need to be immersed by Thee, and thou comest to me?’ But Jesus answering, said to him, ‘Permit it now; for thus it behooveth us to fulfill all righteousness.” Did Jesus’ immersion actually “fulfill all righteousness”? No, it certainly did not. It did so only figuratively. His immer­sion there did antitype the killing of the bullock on Atonement Day, but the antityp­ical burning of that bullock required the whole 3½ years of what Jesus did. “He poured out His soul unto death” – just as one might take a pitcher of water and slowly pour it out until all is gone. So also Jesus was slowly pouring out His soul (His very being) unto death for 3½ years. This is shown in a slightly different way when He took the cup, and said, “All of you drink all of it, for this is my blood of the covenant, that is poured out for many” – represented by the bullock’s blood taken into the Holy and sprinkled on and before the Mercy seat, and by the slow burning of the animal’s vital parts on the brazen altar in the Court of the Tabernacle.

Thus, the human death of Jesus, and His human righteousness worked out by His obedience are the actual fulfillment of all righteousness of justice – duty love to God and man. But it went beyond that: His walk from Jordan to Calvary – His narrow, strait (difficult) way – fulfilled the law of disinterested love toward God and man; He not only laid “down His life for His friends,” He did it for His enemies as well. “If I be lifted up, I shall draw all men unto Me.” By His immersion (baptism) in Jordan, and by His continuance in His “narrow way” to Calvary He did Indeed “fulfill all righteousness” in His humanity and in His new creature. “I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened (in difficulty) till it be accomplished!” (Luke 12:50) The Diaglott does indeed make this emphatic: “I have an immersion to undergo; and how am I pressed (in difficulty), till it may be consummated.” This was not looking back to His immersion at Jordan; It was a preview of His narrow way from that time until He eventually “poured out His soul” on the cross.

HIS STEADFASTNESS – His determination to continue in the narrow – strait (diffi­cult) – way is forcefully expressed in Luke 9:51: “When the time was come that He should be received up, He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem.” The central thought of this Scripture is to establish the perfect patience of our Lord, which grace He had in excellency of balance with all the other graces.  The Biblical patience is an active grace, one of the seven chief graces, meaning the determination and ability to continue cheerfully and without abatement against any and all obstacles that might tend to detour Him from His narrow way. And this He did in perfection and unto a completion.

Especially did He do this with respect to the Truth. “To this end was I born and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the Truth” (Jn. 18:37); and the Berean Comment for this text says, “It was this ‘Good confession be­fore Pontius Pilate’ that cost our Lord His life.” Thus it has been also with many of the martyrs during this Age – crucified, beheaded, thrown to the lions, strangled, burned, hanged, dismembered – as they bore witness to the Truth. And, as we “consider Him attentively,” we are forced to the conclusion that He was our “example” – to go and do likewise. And it is only to those who steadfastly do this – “faithful until death” – that the full laurels of victory will eventually come.

Jesus first studied the Truth. There is little doubt that He had memorized the entire Old Testament; and His study of the Scriptures that testified of Him so en­grossed Him for the forty days after Jordan that He neither ate nor drank. St. Paul also retired into Arabia for three years (Gal. 1:17, 18) after his conversion that he might study and meditate on the best course for him to pursue as respects the “great light” that had come to him. The lesson here is clear enough for us: We should also first be properly informed before we attempt to minister “the good word of God” to others. Even in the distribution of free literature, That Servant always advised those who would distribute it should first read it themselves.

Jesus also practiced what He preached – perfectly – in thought, word and deed. St. Paul, and all others of similar inclination, also practiced what they preached ­imperfectly, of course, because of their faulty inheritance. Thirdly, Jesus, and all His faithful followers have spread the Truth to the best of their  ability – often mis­understood, frequently misrepresented and their words twisted and often misquoted by the henchmen of Satan. But they kept steadfastly at it – “endured to the end” – through “glory and disgrace; through bad fame and good fame; as deceivers, and yet true; as grieving, but always rejoicing, as poor, but enriching many (by their ministry of the Truth); as having nothing, yet possessing all things.” (2 Cor. 6:8-10, Dia.) And the rules are still the same as they have been all during the Age: “He that endureth unto the end, the same shall be saved.” Some determined that “the end” would be in 1914; others determined that “the end” would be to 1954-56; but steadfast faithfulness to the Truth knows no date: “He that endureth unto the end, the same shall be saved.” And, as we consider Him – as we “do this in remembrance” – it is timely and proper that we determine anew, steadfastly determine anew, to “Be faithful to the Lord, the Truth, and the brethren” – to “preach the Word, in season, out of season.” Perhaps it is timely that we consider a few lines from the Poem:

When some great sorrow, like a mighty river,

Flows through your life with peace-destroying power,

And dearest things are swept from sight forever,

Say to your heart each trying hour:

“This, too, shall  pass  away.”

When ceaseless toil has hushed your song of gladness,

And you have grown almost too tired to pray,

Let this truth banish from your heart its sadness,

And ease the burdens of each trying day:

“This, too, shall  pass  away.”

When fortune smiles, and, full of mirth and pleasure,

The days are flitting by without a care,

Lest you should rest with only earthly treasure,

Let these few words their fullest import bear:

“This, too, shall  pass  away.”

When earnest labor brings you fame and glory,

And all earth’s noblest ones upon you smile,

Remember that life’s longest, grandest story

Fills but a moment in earth’s little while:

“This, too, shall  pass  away.”

HIS FAITHFULNESS – Faithfulness means full of faith – firm in adherence to prom­ises, contracts, treaties, etc.: true in affection or allegiance; worthy of confi­dence and belief. Jesus was all of this in perfection as He pursued His narrow way. This was likewise true of St. Paul: “This one thing I do.... I even esteem all things to be a loss, on account of the excellency of the knowledge of the anointed Jesus my Lord (on whose account I suffered the loss of all things, and consider them to be vile refuse, so that I may gain Christ).... to know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings (the understanding of and adherence to His narrow way).”—Phil. 3:8-13—Dia. “I came not to do my own will, but the will of Him who sent Me,” said Jesus; and He truthfully stated also, “I delight to do thy will, 0 my God, Thy law is written in My heart.” Thus, He was always dead to self, but alive toward God; He always maintained the peace of God which passeth understanding – that “perfect peace” which was always His as He kept His mind “fixed” upon God the Father. (Isa. 26:3)

When we remember in all of this that Jesus “was touched with a feeling of our in­firmities,” we must conclude that many of our appetites and desires were His also. Often we hear people say, I don’t care what others think of me! This assertion is fundamentally nonsense. In so many of the things we do – our mode of dress (usually fashioned measurably by the times in which we live), often our conduct, even some­times in the things we eat – the opinion of others influences us.  Certainly, there is no evil in wanting others to think well of us – so long as we do not compromise principle or domestic ethics to secure that good opinion. Even with “the beggarly elements,” their drinking bouts, their bawdy conversations, and  the like, are often much influenced by their desire to impress others of their caste  – to be admired of them for their bravado, etc. Thus, Jesus also would certainly wish the good opinion of others – without which He could have done very little. The fine robe He wore to the cross was a gracious gift from some one who had a good opinion of Him. Quite often the food He ate, the house He occupied, were the result of another’s good opin­ion of Him. Nor was there anything to criticize in this. However, in all of this, never once did He leave the narrow (strait, difficult way) in compromise to secure what He wanted. So also it should be with us.

None of His faithful followers have followed this course to the same degree of perfection that Jesus did. But some of them have been model examples for the rest of us. St. Paul had been one of those few “noble, rich, wise” – a brilliant lawyer, wealthy, of the social elite – who denied himself, took up his cross, to follow the Lord. Prior to that fateful trip to Damascus, he had cherished an insatiable hate toward the despised Christians – a real zealot bent upon their extinction. But once he saw the better way, he was equally determined to “endure unto the end” in his ser­vice of the Great Commission (Matt. 28:19); and it is to his praise that he could eventually write to his beloved ‘son’ Timothy: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept (guarded) the faith (the Truth)” – fully faithful to the end, knowing as he wrote to Timothy, that in a few days the Romans would chop off his head. And similar praise may be given to many others – all of which should renew our determination as we “do this in remembrance” that “neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom.8:38, 39)

As the minute and detailed religious system was given to the Jews through Moses at Sinai and in the Tabernacle construction and subsequent service, so the Levites were also unconditionally and emphatically given to that service. It is said they were “wholly given” – not partially, but with all the heart, mind, soul and strength. As such, they typified the Gospel Age priests and Levites in their service to Gospel Age matters, all of whom are owned by God. Accordingly, unfaithfulness in any of their religious activities would be unfaithfulness to God, Who always requires an accounting for neglect or willful abstinence from those who have covenanted to serve Him. Accordingly, complete faithfulness on the part of the Levites during this Age would usually lead to promotion to the priesthood; and full faithfulness on the part of the male members of the priesthood would often lead to promotion to the office of “prophets, evangelists, pastors and teachers” in His Body (Eph. 4:11-13), “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the Body of Christ.... unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ.”

In His faithfulness, Jesus endured the cross “for the joy that was set before Him”; and we offer the following from Parousia Vol. 5, p.118 in elaboration of this statement:

“This joy before Him, we may reasonably suppose, was: (1) A joy to render a service which would be acceptable to the Father. (2) A joy to redeem mankind, and make possible their rescue from sin and death. (3) A joy in the thought that by the accomplishment of this redemption He would be accounted worthy of the Father to be the mighty ruler and blesser, King and Priest of the world; to reveal to the world a knowledge of the Divine Plan, and to lift up from sin to Divine grace whosoever would accept of the terms of the New Covenant. (4) A joy that the Father had prom­ised Him; not only a return to spirit glory that He had with the Father before the world was, but a more excellent glory – to be exalted far above angels, principalities, powers, and every name that is named, and to be made an associate in the Kingdom of the Universe, next to the Father – on the right hand of the Majesty on high; and partaker of the Divine nature, with its inherent or immortal life.”

In an accommodated sense, the foregoing is also “the joy” set before all those during this Age who have “followed in His steps”; and it is our hope and prayer for all our readers that their preparation for, and participation in this year’s “remembrance” will be instrumental in increasing the joy set before them. As in previous years, we suggest to all the reading of the Passover chapter in Parousia Volume 6; and we shall be grateful for the report of your experiences therein.

In St. Paul’s words, “I desire that fruit may abound to your account, and that my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you all.” (Phil. 4:17, 19. 23)

Sincerely your Brother, John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

(Reprint  of March, 1969, No. 165)

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QUESTION OF GENERAL INTEREST

QUESTION – The February 15, 1974 Watchtower says that "all Israel will be saved," in Romans 11:26 does not refer to natural Israel. Do you agree with that?

ANSWER ‑ We do not agree with that! Even a cursory look at Rom. 11:25, 26 should convince any novice that the Witnesses are in total blindness regarding the status of Israel: First of all, the Roman Epistle is written to "the invited ones" (1:6, Dia.) – that is, to spiritual Israel. Therefore, when he says to them in Rom. 11:25 that "hardness in some measure has happened to Israel," he is self‑evidently not referring to those to whom he is writing – that is, spiritual Israel – but to Israel after the flesh. Thus, his statement in 11:26, "all Israel will be saved," is also a reference to natural Israel. We refer our readers to Brother Russell's Berean Comments on these texts: "Happened to Israel – natural Israel, the whole twelve tribes – shall be saved – restored to favor, recovered from their blindness – from Jacob – The natural seed of Abraham first – Spiritual Israel is never called Jacob."

Of course, the Witnesses change their teachings from year to year as a chameleon changes its color from minute to minute. Shortly after That Servant's demise – and while they still retained some of the clear convincing Truth he presented – they published their book in 1925, "Comfort For The Jews," which is in full accord with the foregoing. If their claim is now correct that they are "Jehovah's Witnesses," just what should be said of them in 1925 – when they taught the exact opposite of what they now declare to be the Truth! They claim God's Kingdom has been operating through them since 1914; thus, considering their teachings in 1925 with their teachings in 1974 [and in 1987!], the Kingdom is truly a counterfeit of Babylon the Great – confusion in the extreme!

There are quite a few groups today who claim to be "all Israel," although the Jehovah's Witnesses and the LHMM are the main two emanating from the Harvest Truth who have revolutionized against That Servant's teaching regarding natural Israel. The Witnesses no longer believe that the Jews returning to their homeland is a proof that they are no longer under condemnation ‑ that their "double" is finished. To all who have "continued" in the Harvest Truth, the return of the Jews to their homeland confirms our faith in what "we have learned and been assured of." The LHMM has revolutionized against That Servant's teaching, although not nearly so much as have the Jehovah's Witnesses. They continue to teach that the Jews returning to Palestine is God's favor returning to natural Israel, but teach that the Jews will have to become Campers Consecrated if they are to receive their Scriptural promises ‑ "first and chief" place in the Kingdom. In other words, instead of the Campers becoming Jews, as That Servant teaches will be required of all Restitutionists, the Jews must become Campers Consecrated.

This is a gross revolution against the Harvest Truth, because That Servant taught, with Scriptural proof, that the Kingdom will be Israelitish, and that all would have to become Jews if they go up the Highway of Holiness. The New Covenant is made with the Jews ‑ not made with the Campers Consecrated! "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them ... After those days, saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people." (Jer. 31:31‑33)

In this same Watchtower, they tell us that the "apostle Paul made it clear that the natural descendants of Abraham through his grandson Jacob were in line for being 'adopted' as sons of God." This is an unfortunate expression – because when the Jews were spirit‑begotten, they were not adopted, they were God's begotten children – and the same is true regarding the Gentiles when the door was opened for them. During the Kingdom, under the New Covenant, all who come into harmony with that covenant – become Jews – will be the children of Christ. He will be their Head.

The Law Covenant given to natural Israel was a perfect law, and required a perfect man's ability to comply with its rules and regulations – but so long as they made a sincere effort to comply with the Law, God's favor was with them. The Law Covenant did not require sacrifice of their natural rights, although there were some – the Ancient Worthies (Hebrews, Chapter 11) – who did sacrifice their natural rights to do God's will above that which was required by the Law Covenant. They were "Israelites indeed." The New Covenant will not require sacrifice either – but when He puts the Law in "their inward parts, and writes it in their hearts" they will be given the ability to obey that Law as they go up the Highway of Holiness. (Isa. 35:8) So God's favor was to natural Israel first during the Faith Age, and His favor will be to natural Israel first during the works Age.

The Jehovah's Witnesses do not exclude the individual Jews coming to them, although it is not likely that many, if any, Jews take advantage of their invitation – nor will the Jews who have been instructed in the Harvest Truth be likely to take advantage of the favor that the LHMM offers them to become Campers Consecrated to insure the blessings that God promised them. However, the LHMM does not condemn all Jews to annihilation if they do not join with them ‑ they only demote them to a secondary place in the Kingdom arrangement, if they don't become Campers Consecrated.

There are groups in Christendom who now teach they are "God's chosen people," and like the Jehovah's Witnesses, they do not offer the Jews much chance of survival if they do not join with them. Nor will the Jews be likely to join with them either, because they are prominent in their Hate‑Jew publications – publicizing all the uncomplimentary news they can of the Jews whom they believe to be the main cause of the "time of trouble" now upon the earth. However, there are some groups in Christendom who put the two groups emanating from the Harvest Truth to shame, in their sympathy and help to the Jews, believing they are God's chosen people. They do this, not having the knowledge of God's plan as was given to these two groups at the outset. As Brother Russell has said, all who aid and comfort the Jews will not fail of a reward – and we believe that is true of these groups who help the Jews, even though they don't understand the Plan of Salvation as do those who have continued in "Present Truth."

However, the Jehovah's Witnesses and the LHMM, as well as the other groups in Christendom described above, are not offering the "comfort of the Scriptures" to the Jews [the LHMM in their Present Truth magazine] ‑ rather they are perverting the Scriptures by applying these promises to themselves, or to a section of their respective groups: to the "great crowd" in the Jehovah's Witnesses, and to Campers Consecrated in the LHMM. Of course, this 'comfort' is to the faithful covenant‑keeping Jews, and not to the renegade Jews who are classified as Gentiles in God's sight.

There are quite a few of the Lord's people who received the Harvest Truth on the "Hopes and Prospects" of the Jews, who continue to uphold and defend the "faith once delivered unto the saints," but there are many of our brethren bewildered by their leaders into accepting the "pestilence that walketh in darkness (Psa. 91:6) – of this Epiphany night. It is for the purpose of helping these brethren that we continue to reassert and reaffirm the Harvest Truth on the Jewish promises, as well as on other doctrines we have received from that "Wise and Faithful Servant." (Reprint June, 1974)

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Gentlemen:

I have received the copy of David Horowitz' book about PASTOR CHARLES TAZE RUSSELL, An Early American Christian Zionist, which you sent in care of Dr. Moses C. Crouse. We appreciate the gift and thank you very much.

I am sorry to report the death of Dr. Crouse. I am now serving as Curator of the Jenks collection on a part‑time basis in addition to my duties as Professor of History. Again, thanks for the book.

Sincerely, -------------(ILLINOIS)

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Dear Friends:

I have just found out about the book you offer about PASTOR CHARLES TAZE RUSSELL. I would like very much to order a copy of the book if they are still available. Also, I have had opportunity to read some of your mailings. If possible, I would like to be placed on your mailing list for these monthly papers. Also please inform me of other publications that you offer for sale. Thank you very much for your kind attention.

In His service, ------- (CANADA)

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Dear Sister Hoefle: Grace and peace!

Since writing you we have received your good letter and the six books about PASTOR RUSSELL and the Bulletins to go with the books. Four of these books have been passed on to the class.

We have been able to continue our fellowship with the class on most Sundays, and it has certainly been a blessing to us! The main study is with The Divine Plan of the Ages, and since we have reached "The Kingdoms of this World," there is opportunity to introduce some Epiphany features as they become appropriate. It still surprises us how well versed they have become in the Truth in such a comparatively short space of time. [This is a class of ex‑JWs] It is a pleasure to behold! Praise the Lord! The two brothers previously mentioned were there and all passed very well.

As to ourselves, we keep much the same, relying on the Lord to give us the needed health and strength to continue our activities. Betty's sister was with us for a short holiday last month, and then we had a few days with her at her house in London. This gave us an opportunity to meet Brother and Sister Bignell in their new bungalow. They have had their problems with moving, but we enjoyed our fellowship together.

Before I forget it, thanks for the papers which I have passed on to the class for them to enjoy, together with some of Brother Hoefle's circulars of 1956, as well for them to enjoy.

And now, dear Sister, we trust this finds you refreshed and strengthened and able to continue the good work for the Lord's glory. God bless you!

With Christian love, ------- (ENGLAND)

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Dear Emily,

Thank you so much for sending me your publications. I am especially impressed to see the strong support your movement espouses for the Jewish return to our land. Certainly events in recent history only serve to further prove that the Truths of the Biblical prophecies are eternal and not merely ancient folklore. Yet the masses seem to be, almost supernaturally, blind to the very obvious evidence placed before us. One of little faith is easily swayed by the very large numbers of eloquent doubters.

If there is anything that Judaism has proven to the world, time and time again, it is the irrelevance to apparent might and greatness in numbers. We, the smallest and weakest of nations, have not only survived 20 generations of every attempt mankind could devise to totally destroy us; but we have returned to our sacred soil despite the opposition of enemies who are far more numerous than we, and revived our ancient Hebrew tongue.

So those of us whose eyes are not blinded do not fear. We know what the future holds, if we have but the strength and patience to live by G‑d's Law in the face of any obstacles. There are Gentiles who perceive this fact which is only further proof that redemption is rapidly approaching.

My best to you and all with you. Blessings from Hebron, --------------(ISRAEL)

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Dear Mr. Horowitz:

Could you please inform me the cost of the book Pastor Charles Taze Russell, An Early American Christian Zionist? I should like to order a copy or perhaps several.

Respecting the anti‑Semitism discussed in Pastor Charles Russell (a copy of which I have examined) on the part of J. F. Rutherford, I wonder if you have seen a copy of my "Apocalypse Delayed: The Story of Jehovah's Witnesses in which I discuss Rutherford's and the Watch Tower's Declaration of Facts which was distributed in Germany in 1933. Frankly, that Declaration was a shockingly anti‑Jewish document which tried to ingratiate Jehovah's Witnesses with the Nazis. If you should like copies of both the original English and German versions, please let me know. The Watch Tower has hidden its past so well and is so self‑righteous, I would like to expose them.

Sincerely yours,  ----------- (CANADA)

NO. 376B: RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT - PART TWO

No. 376B

THE JEWS

“KALISCHER, HERZL, JABOTINSKY IN THE MESSIANIC TIME‑TABLE ‑ UNITED NATIONS (WUP) – Two commemorations observed here in New York on the eve of the Tisha B’AV season – one last week held at the Theodor Herzl Institute honoring Herzl and Bialik and the other, on August 5, observing Ze’ev Jabotinsky’s 46th Yahrzeit at the Roosevelt Hotel – brought to mind a significant essay authored by publicist Moshe Louvish dealing with the landmarks in what appears clearly as Messianic stages toward Statehood.

“This writer, who addressed the first commemoration on the topic ‘Theodor Herzl, the Journalist‑Statesman’ while Ambassador Benjamin Netanyahu appeared as the main speaker at the Jabotinsky Yahrzeit – found the Louvish essay timely to recall during this season even from this UN‑vantage‑point because of the fact that it must be seen in this context of periodic episodes within an age‑long time‑table of Messianic stirrings – a timetable some of our noted rabbis have seen as one involving the ‘chevlej d’Meshichah’ – the ‘birthpangs of the Messiah.’

“Indeed, even in our own days these ‘pangs’ are being felt heavily upon our people in many parts of the world and this UN is no exception. The vicious ‘racism‑Zionism’ draft is still on the books. The enmity of the ‘nations’ came to the fore during the bitter struggle for independence all through the hectic days in 1947 when the Partition decision was finally voted upon by a hairline. Birthpangs indeed – not without blood!

“The conflict had its mainspring in antiquity and the battle Moses waged against Amalek must still be totally won. The Prophets Ezekiel (chapters 38‑39) and Zechariah (14) tell us how it will be won. Both speak of a period yet unfulfilled.

“That we in this age may be near such fulfillment, current eruptions around the globe appear to bear out. The very fact of Israel reborn after almost a 2,000‑year exile says more than words can explain in connection with the biblical passage ‘keren tzmichat hayeshus’ – ‘the sprouting horn of salvation.’ The term ‘tzmichah,’ a growth, a budding, points to an evolutionary process involving redemption, not a sudden manifestation but an evolvement of events inspired by Divinely‑inspired individuals appearing in different periods within the Messianic timetable.

“Author Louvish gives us this chronology: 1843: Rabbi Yehudah Alkalai (1798‑1878) of Serajavo, published Minhat Yehudah, in reaction to the Damascus blood libel (1840), calling for an organized return to the Land of Israel.

“In 1862 Rabbi Zvi Hirsch Kalischer (1795‑1874), who lived in the borderland between Germany and Poland, published Derishat Zion, containing what would later be called a Zionist Program.

“1862: Moses Hess (1812‑1875), German Socialist leader, published Rome and Jerusalem, calling for the establishment of ‘an independent Jewish State... recognized in international law as a member of the family of civilized nations.’

“In 1882: Leo Pinsker (1821‑1891), born in Russian Poland, published Auto‑Emancipation, based on Hillel’s watchword: ‘If I am not for myself, who will be with me? And if not now, when?’ and calling for ‘the struggle of the Jews for unity and independence as an organized nation.’

“1896: Theodor Herzl (1860‑1904), born in Budapest, published Der Judenstsat, dedicated to ‘an ancient idea’ – ‘the restoration of the Jewish State.’

“In 1897: The first Zionist Congress, in Basle.

“1917: Great Britain issues the Balfour Declaration, and 1922 The League of Nations confirms the Mandate for Palestine, incorporating the terms of the Balfour Declaration... 1929: Establishment of the enlarged Jewish Agency; 1935: Establishment of the Union of Zionist‑Revisionist let by Vladimir Jabotinsky.

“1942: The Zionist General Council ratifies the Biltmore Program. 1947: The historic UN Partition Vote, and May 14, 1948, Israel proclaims its independence ....

“Among the many non‑Jews, let’s single out the great pro‑Zionist friend of the Jewish people, Pastor Charles Taze Russell (1852‑1916), who devoted his life in the cause of Israel’s redemption and who thus may be included as one within the Messianic timetable.

“The tzmichah continued with David Ben‑Gurion and Menachem Begin, and let’s keep an eye on Benjamin Netanyahu as Isaiah’s prophecies on redemption take form... Selah.” (Behind the Scenes at the UN – 7 August, 1986, by David Horowitz)

“TRIO OF BOOKS OF WIDE JEWISH INTEREST – Book publishers, both general and Jewish houses, continue to roll out a wide range of books of Jewish interest... There are books that have wide appeal for Jewish readers – powerful novels that encompass generations of Jewish life here, in the Europe that died with the Holocaust, in Israel and elsewhere. ….. Then there are books that appeal only to small, select audiences, specialized works that seek to fill a particular void, to tell a small story in the tapestry of the Jewish people. Sometimes these too find a wider audience than at first anticipated.

“IN THE LAST CATEGORY, the veteran United Nations journalist, David Horowitz, has produced an interesting biography, the story of a man little‑known today. Its telling adds still another fiber to the vast fabric of our self‑knowledge. This book rectifies the long‑neglected story of a Christian Zionist, a clergyman who visited Palestine early in this century and came back to the United States to preach the message of the embryonic Zionist movement. A respected Bible scholar, Pastor Charles Taze Russell founded the Watch Tower and Tract Society, better known today as the Jehovah’s Witnesses, and preached to tens of thousands that biblical prophecy foresaw the return of the Jews to their ancient homeland. Early in the 1900s, he urged Jews to abide by the Torah laws and to await their return to the Promised Land.

“After Pastor Russell’s death in 1916, a new group took over the organization, Horowitz points out. From that time until now, the organization has remained totally anti‑Zionist, in very sharp contrast to the many Christians and organizations that today are fully supportive of Israel.” (The Jewish Week, October 24, 1986 – by David C. Gross)

“ISRAEL IN THE COMING AGE – The second Psalm reveals Messiah to God’s anointed King sitting upon the Holy hill, Mount Zion. The Prophet Zechariah foresaw a time when the Lord will be King over all the earth (14:9): ‘And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.’

“This is the bright background against which we should view the darkness of today’s world. ‘The darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the LORD shall arise upon thee, and His glory shall be seen in thee.’ So proclaimed the Prophet Isaiah (60:2)

“If people would but read the Old Testament prophets, and see their message confirmed in the New, they would soon learn that their hope for the future centers in Israel. [“Salvation is of the Jews.” – John 4:22] The solution to the world’s problems are to be found in God’s purposes for His ancient people. He has ordained it so. .....

“Dreams to come true – Furthermore, Israel is yet to fulfil its destiny when the nation is restored to fulfil its role in human affairs that God originally intended it to have. The Bible refers to this time when a submissive and repentant Israel shall be the head and not the tail among the nations of the world during the Millennial reign of King Messiah........

“In all the major spheres of man’s life there will be felicity. The Bible outlines the Master Plan for the Millennium. In it is planned equity for all, instead of exploitation of the many by the few. The refugees will find shelter and the famine‑stricken will be fed. ‘And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes...’ ‘with righteousness shall He judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth...’ (Revelation 21:4; Isaiah 11:4)

“The dream persists as yet, but the awakening might be soon! Very soon! Comparatively few of earth’s multi‑millions know God today, but the promise is sure: ‘For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.’ (Isa.ll:9)

“Then, God’s bounty will be bestowed upon men as never before envisaged, and His promise to His friend Abraham will at last be realized: ‘In thee shall all the families of the earth be blessed.’ (James 2:23; Genesis 12:3)

“For the hope of Israel and of the world – LET US PRAY!” (The Vineyard, February 1986 – by Thomas Walmsley)

“HEBRON SETTLERS BOLSTERED BY AMERICAN NON‑JEWS – Leanore Staede is unique by the fact that she represents a school of Bible Students numbering in the tens of thousands who have been inspired by the pro‑Zionist, Pro‑Jewish teachings of the late Pastor Charles Russell, whose writings based on prophecy pointed to the imminent reestablishment of the Jewish national home.

“A brief history of this remarkable friend of the Jewish people (1852‑1916) is recounted in a 159‑page book – ‘AN EARLY AMERICAN CHRISTIAN ZIONIST’ – written by your correspondent and published by The Philosophical Library this year... As this volume bears out, the Pastor urged the Jewish people to remain faithful to their Torah‑religion. He opposed proselytization.

“Leanore points to the fact that she, and surely all devotees of Pastor Russell, are militantly inclined, supporting the Greater Israel concept as adjudicated in the Bible. Hence they are taking a strong stand in favor of the settlers in the territories and more particularly the Jewish community of Hebron, originally inspired by Rabbi Moshe Levinger and his dynamic wife Miriam, parents of eleven children.

“Leanore’s communication contained a copy of a most interesting letter from Gary Cooperstein, Director of Public Relations. Its highlights are worth taking note of:

“‘I have read the book about Pastor Russell and was quite impressed to hear of his teachings. Truth is universal and it is there for anyone to find if he is but willing to honestly look for it. Pastor Russell was evidently a true scholar who came to his conclusions as a result of sincere, laborious searching for the Truth. It is satisfying to learn that he left behind a living legacy of those who carry on the dissemination of the knowledge which he so painstakingly achieved ... We are all children of G‑d and each one of us has a role to play in the great Divine Plan. .....

“‘Leanore, it appears to me that you and your fellow followers of Pastor Russell understand the role of the Jewish People far better than some of our Jewish leaders...

“‘And worst of all, we have forgotten our very reason for the establishment of the Jewish State. To be different, by living our lives according to the Torah of G‑d is by no means to be racist. Judaism doesn’t denounce other religions... All we pray for is the right to live as Jews in our Biblical Land. Only when we live here, under G‑d’s Law, can we fulfill our Divine destiny to be a light unto the nations – not by force, but by example.’

“The Hebron patriot continues to expound the Maccabean policy which all the settlers within the Jewish community of the Abrahamic city hold in common: ‘The rebirth of the Jewish homeland in Israel is the most obvious proof of Divine intervention in modern times. Every war fought here since has augmented that proof. That we fail to see that is the greatest tragedy of our time. We are living in a time of fulfillment of the prophecies and of monumental miracles. Those of us who see have no fears and worries about what will be... The more we refuse to see the more pain and suffering we will be made to endure. But Divine destiny has already been set in motion and nothing can stop it...’

“Indeed, nothing can prevent the decreed as blueprinted in the Tanach.” (Behind the Scenes at the UN – 28 August, 1986 – by David Horowitz)

“NO STANDING OVATION – Months have now come and gone. A perspective can be drawn. Has the world applauded Israel for being a light to the nations? Have other nations followed her example in bringing refugees to their countries? Indeed, most of the Arab world still calls for her annihilation.

“There are no Vatican diplomatic relations with Israel. Middle‑East maps show no Israel in existence. American officials still refuse to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. And a great number of Christians the ‘new Jews,’ continue to wish that Israel would just fade away so that they would feel justified in teaching such doctrinal heresy.

“But Israel will not disappear. And this nation of fallible flesh and blood, sinners like all men, continues to role model to the nations. The 1975 UN twist that “Zionism equals racism’ has been disproven again. ‘For the umpteenth time.’

“In fact, it appears that God’s little Zionist miracle called Israel is the best answer to racism. Jewish people, mindful of the world’s indifference to the deliberate murder of European Jewry, could not let their desperate brothers suffer alone. We Christians like to sing ‘We are one in the Spirit.’ The Israelis did more than sing they lived it! .....

“God never changes. Didn’t He prophecy long ago, ‘I will say to the South: Do not hold them back. Bring My sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth?’”

(The Vineyard, February 1986, pp. 3, 4 – by Frank Eiklor)

“WHAT IS THE PLO WORTH? – If the Palestine Liberation Organization were an American corporation, it might very well make the list of Fortune 500 companies. The guerrilla group is believed to have built such a fortune through skillful investments that it is probably the wealthiest revolutionary organization in the world.

“Just how much is the PLO worth? Based on two months of research and interviews with people on three continents, the estimates range from $2 billion to $14 billion... In the words of one Arab diplomat: ‘The PLO could live from interest alone.’ In his forthcoming book, THE FINANCING OF TERROR, James Adams contends that the return on PLO investments is now the group’s largest source of income – about $1 billion a year...

“Prior to its ouster from Lebanon in 1982, the PLO was believed to be earning $300 million annually by trafficking hashish from the Bekka Valley. According to a recent Israeli intelligence report, the PLO still is deeply involved in the drug business. The decision to broaden its international drug‑dealing to help remedy financial problems reportedly was made by the PLO at a meeting in Algiers on Feb. 20, 1983...

“Critics, including defectors from Arafat’s camp, allege that the PLO uses its wealth to live high. Said Abu Moussa, who helped lead a rebellion against the PLO chief in 1983, charges that Arafat’s group ‘has developed into a filthy bourgeoisie.’ Another Arafat adversary, Abu Saleh, argues, ‘I don’t know how one can be revolutionary and at the same time keep palaces and millions of dollars in international banks.’ PLO commanders and diplomats have been known to enjoy a lavish lifestyle.” (Parade Magazine, September 21, 1986 ‑ by Marvin Scott)

“FAITH AND FULFILMENT – “Does Christianity have a task to fulfil to ensure that the prophecies of the Jewish Return are realized, possibly as precondition to the fulfillment of Christian Final Redemption? .... The reply in the affirmative: Christians do have a stake in the Return. The Restoration of the Jewish People to their homeland is part of a Christian understanding of God’s purpose for the world.

“It is perhaps an odd irony that the Jewish Return home was achieved partly, but significantly, through the instrumentality of that very faith which they, the Jews, have given the Gentiles.” (p. 4 of the Introduction)

“Colonel Richard Meinerzhagen (1878‑1967) shortly after Israel was declared a State in 1948, wrote: ‘Thank God I have lived to see the birth of Israel. It is one of the greatest historical events of the last 2000 years and thank God I have been privileged to assist in a small way this great event which, I am convinced, will bring benefit to mankind ... The only constructive element which emerged from the wreckage of 1914‑18 was the conceded principle of a Home for the Jews in Palestine; and the only worthwhile dividend of 1939‑45 is Israel.’

“On Israel’s tenth Anniversary he summed it all up succinctly: ‘The Jewish State is a world necessity... I am convinced that Israel will become the core of a spiritual influence, much needed and powerful in the history of mankind; a stable and progressive government in Palestine would provide a new, purer and more living religion based on tolerance for a world which is lapsing into dead materialism. When the full power of Israel is developed, Jerusalem rebuilt and the Temple restored, then will the Holy Land become the spiritual centre for the whole world.” (P. 108 of the book FAITH AND FULFILMENT, by Michael J. Pragai)

FAITH AND FULFILMENT is a historical book of great value – especially to those who love Israel. This book can be obtained for $12.50 from the following publisher:

Biblio Distribution Center

81 Adams Drive

Totowa, NJ 07512 – Telephone (201) 256‑8600

“JEWS CALLED ‘SINNERS, TRAITORS’ – Jews are portrayed as ‘sinners and traitors, who have lost every right to Divine salvation,’ by an official document prepared by the Central Committee of the German Catholics, for a conference which is to take place in the city of Aachen next year (1986).

“Referring to the ‘Divine rule’ in Christianity, the document says that Jesus was convinced that all of Israel, as existing at His time, is lost and has no more right to claim the benefit of any former acts of salvation by God.

“Christian experts, questioned by the Jerusalem Post, commented that the ideas in the Catholic document belong to the hard‑line anti‑Jewish school in the history of Christianity. Similar ideas were voiced in the Third Reich by so‑called ‘German Christians,’ an organization of Protestants who tried to reconcile the Christian faith with Nazi ideology. The experts added that there were similar voices in the Catholic Church at that time.

“The experts described the present statements of the Catholic Central Committee as one of the gravest attacks on Jews by official Christian representatives in Germany since the end of World War II.”

(Jerusalem Post, December 1985 – by Wladimir Struminski, Jerusalem Post Correspondent)

“Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.” (Jer. 30:7) The Apostle Paul says “And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob.” (Rom. 11:26) “Salvation is of the Jews” (John 4:22), and Jerusalem will be the capital of the World!

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Sister and Brethren:

We received your lessons of Nos. 374 and 375. Thank you for sending. Glad to be remembered.

God bless you as you endeavor to please Him is our wish and prayer.

Christian love and greetings (Psalm 67), ------- (OREGON)

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My dear Sister Emily Hoefle and Brethren:

Thank you very much for your dear letter of August 13. I have received it with much appreciation and thanks! I shall try to find more English‑speaking people to give them the book about PASTOR CHARLES TAZE RUSSELL and THE DIVINE PLAN OF THE AGES. The Studies in the Scriptures written by Pastor Russell are the best books I know except the Bible. It is God’s Plan. I shall continue the translations in German beginning in 1983. I’m very busy in working for the Blind, selling their products in all cities and villages of our Province of Styriv. God’s blessings are always with me in my work.

The Lord bless you and keep you! With warm Christian love, ------- (AUSTRIA)

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“IN THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW”

“SISTER MARY EMMA FRY of Willow Springs, Missouri, finished her course September 25, 1986. She was loved by all who knew her, and was our beloved, loyal, and faithful co‑worker for many years. As it is written of Jesus, “He went about preaching the gospel of the Kingdom,” it can be said of our dear departed Sister: she, too, was always seeking opportunity to tell the Good Tidings of the Kingdom. She did this faithfully during her illness, even though many times wracked with pain. She asked our prayers that she would endure all the pain permitted by the Lord. This she did! Thus we say of her, “She did what she could.”

She leaves a decided void in her family, as well as in the Truth work she loved so dearly. She cannot be replaced, even as all such faithful brethren cannot be replaced. We sorrow for her, and we mourn our loss with those that mourn. But we rejoice with them in the blessed memory she has left us. We are happy too that the Lord has now said, “It is enough – rest now for awhile and await that glorious Kingdom. She is now “asleep in Jesus.”

We quote a paragraph from her letter written May 4, 1985, when she first knew her case was terminal:

“All of my life I have been blessed with the knowledge of the Truth. I can look back and see the Lord’s providential care in the events of my life. He has abundantly blessed and provided for me – even as He is doing now. Therefore, I am sure he will not prolong my suffering beyond what I can bear and what I need for my character development. In perfect peace of mind I am ready to sleep until it is time to enjoy the wonders of His Kingdom.”

We want to express our thanks to the brethren for the beautiful Christmas cards which we received with grateful hearts – especially for their love and prayers. Much to our disappointment we were unable to send the usual Christmas cards because of the pressure of the general work and due to some physical disabilities. Nevertheless, our warm Christian love and prayers are ever with you. We wish all our readers a blessed New Year! May the “joys of the Lord” be with you. “Be of good courage, and He will strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.” (Psa. 31:24)

THE PROPER DATE for the Memorial for 1987 is April 10 after 6 p.m.

If any of our readers fail to receive future papers, please let us know if they wish to continue receiving them.

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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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, -------

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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