NO. 380: "THE SHEEP AND THE GOATS”

No. 380

Recently we have been urged to offer an analysis of this parable and related sub­jects as given by Jesus in Matt. 25:31-46. At the outset we would stress that in a parable the thing said is never the thing meant. Probably every one would accept that statement as respects this particular parable; nobody believes that Jesus was discuss­ing literal sheep and goats, although many take just the reverse position with His other parables and try to read them literally, thus reading themselves into a morass of con­fusing error.

First of all, the time and place: Most nominal Christians believe the time will be at the judgment day – a 24-hour period when the Lord and His faithful Church “will come down from Heaven with a shout, with an archangel’s voice, and with God’s trumpet.” (1 Thes. 4:16, Dia.) Of course, to fit that together with any semblance of logic they cannot do; nor can they locate the place, except to state it will be on this earth at the time it is burned up at the last day.

Our own thought, as we shall presently show, is that the parable covers the entire Kingdom reign of a thousand years, in harmony with the prayer of Jesus: “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” And that will be a time of puri­fying the sheep, and making manifest the goats – some during that thousand years, and some after it is completed – graphically stated in Ezekiel 46:23,24: “It was made with boiling places under the rows round about... These are the places of them that boil, where the ministers of the house shall boil the sacrifice of the people.” This is some­what akin to the Roman Catholic purgatory, the fires of which supposedly burn out (“purge”) the evils of the savable.

ANALYSIS OF MATT. 25:31-46

“When the Son of man shall come in his glory (in the Kingdom), and all the holy angels (messengers – the Saints) with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory.” (v. 31) “And before him shall be gathered all nations (first the living who survive the “Time of Trouble,” and then those who come forth from the tombs); and he shall separate them one from another (during His Mediatorial reign – the final and complete separation being in the “Little Season”—Rev. 20:7-9), as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats.” (v. 32) “And he shall set the sheep (the meek, the teach­able) on his right hand, but the goats on the left (opposite of favor – as subjects of condemnation).” (v. 33) “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand (those during the Mediatorial reign who will have obtained the position of favor, by harmony and obedience), Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world (when Christ delivers up the dominion of earth to man­kind—l Cor. 15:24 – He will do so by delivering it up to mankind, who were designed by the Father to have this honor);” (v. 34) “For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: (All who are awakened in the kingdom will be without possessions of any kind);” (v. 35) “Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me (was sick – neither actually well, perfect – nor actually dead).” (v. 36) “Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?”(v. 38) “And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of my brethren (Restitutionists – the least of His brethren), ye have done it unto me.” (v. 40)

“Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed (condemned – unfit for eternal life) into everlasting fire (annihilation – everlasting destruction), prepared for the devil and his angels (the Devil, fallen angels and the “goats” into the Second Death from which there is no recovery – See Rev. 20:14 and Be­rean Comments).” (v. 41) “For I was an hungered, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink;” (v. 42) “I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.” (v. 43) “Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungered, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?” (v. 44) “Then shall he answer them saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.” (v. 45)

“And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” (v. 46) The goats to be cut off from life, eternally punished; just the op­posite of the sheep who receive eternal life – eternally blessed, as promised the obedi­ent in the Kingdom. The goats “shall be as though they had not been.” (Obadiah 16)

THE ADAMIC DEATH

During past centuries every member of the fallen race that has entered the tomb has gone there by experiencing the Adamic death; but all of them that return from the tomb will never again experience the Adamic death, although the dying process will be pres­ent with every one of them; and it is this that will be “boiled” out of them if they are to receive the real “resurrection from the dead” – a raising up to life again in ex­act duplication of what Adam had in the Garden of Eden.

Although the parable of the Sheep and Goats is exclusively applicable to the Kingdom reign, there are related expressions that may be applied to the Jewish and Gospel Ages. The goats of the Jewish Age are described as “the chaff” in contrast to the wheat; but it should be emphasized here that that “chaff” did not go into everlasting destruction, as will be true of the goats of the Mediatorial reign.  However, when Jesus said, “Other sheep have I that are not of this fold” (John 10:16), He was referring exclusive­ly to the sheep of the parable we are now discussing.

There was only two classes in the Jewish nation at the first Advent; but there are three classes here in the Gospel Age, as there will also be three classes in the Millennial Age.  In 1 Pet. 4:18 there is this: “If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?” The “righteous” in this text are the Lord’s true sheep; the “ungodly” are the second-deathers; and the “sinner” is the Great Company (see James 5:20 Berean Comment). In the Kingdom reign there will also be three classes: sheep, goats and princes (Psa. 45:16).

THE ADAMIC-DEATH PROCESS

The Adamic-death state and the Adamic-death process are closely related, yet there are pronounced differences in the two expressions. As every person is raised from the grave he at that instant permanently separates himself from the Adamic-death state (hades—oblivion); it no longer has any hold on him. But not so of the Adamic­-death process. At the resurrection of the restitutionists most of the Adamic-death process (the evils of the “curse”) will still be noticeably present with all.  Note the Berean Comment on Rev. 20:14: “Death and Hell were cast into the lake of fire – including aches, pains, mental and moral imperfections of every sort .... gradually from the beginning of the Millennial Age to its close.”

Adam had been told, “In the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die” – “Dying thou shalt die” (see margin of Gen. 2:17).  It is this dying  process  that  must  be eliminated after the awakening if man is to return to perfection. This is tersely told in Psa. 103:2-4: “The Lord forgiveth all thine iniquities; healeth all thy dis­eases; redeemeth thy life from destruction; crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies.” The first two of these promises are already arranged, and guaranteed to every one that returns from the grave in the Mediatorial Kingdom. “He is the propitiation for our (the Christ Company) sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.” (1 John 2:2) “Make reconciliation for the sins of the people.” (Heb. 2:17)

The second two sections of this text will require the cooperation of the people themselves if they are to be fully consummated. The sheep will give full cooperation, but the goats will not. Some of these latter will die during the Mediatorial reign (Isa. 65:20); but the large majority of them will not be destroyed until the end of the Little Season – those who outwardly conform to the benevolent requirements of the King­dom, but who inwardly retain some of the evils of the past.

It should now be clear enough to all our readers that the dying process is not a person, but a thing – a condition – indelibly stamped into the character of the goats. And this being true, it should also require little argument that this contagion – in whatever form it may appear – could not possibly be destroyed, be put out of existence ­until the last goat infected with it would be destroyed. –It is indeed “the last enemy” of 1 Cor. 15:26; and “He must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet..... the last enemy death.” That this “last enemy – death” – cannot possibly mean the Adamic-death state is self-evident because that will have passed out of existence at least one hundred years before the end of the Mediatorial reign. Therefore, the Adamic-death process is the last enemy; and it will not be destroyed until the full and of the Little Season.

The question has occasionally come to us, Did Brother Russell teach the Adamic-death process in this manner; and the answer is definitely, Yes he did! In Parousia Vol. 5, page 380, par. 3, middle, there is this: “In the future no one will die for Adam’s sin: it will be out of view as a factor in the trial of the future. The only death thereafter will be the Second Death, which will affect only the sinner who commits the sin, not the parents, not the children. In that day he that dies shall die for his own sin. ‘The soul that sinneth it shall die.’ (Ezek. 18:4) Though such will have weak­ness of the Adamic nature (the Adamic-death process—JJH) from which they will never re­cover, for refusing to use the means and opportunities placed within their reach during the Millennium by the Mediator of the New Covenant, yet under that New Covenant inher­ited weaknesses will not be reckoned against them, being fully offset by their Redeemer’s sacrifice. Hence from and after the time when this opportunity of the Millennial Age is offered to each one, the Adamic weakness and imperfections (the Adamic-death process—­JJH) will still be upon them, their death will not be counted as being a part of the Adamic death (hades—JJH), but as being part of the Second death; because their failure to make progress will be the result of their own willfulness (by keeping the Adamic-death process in their being—JJH), and not the result of Adam’s transgression, nor of their own heredity to its weaknesses.”

It has been said by RGJ that if the goats of the Little Season still had the Adamic-­death process in them, they would be dying the Adamic death. Once the Kingdom is fully established, those who die will die the Second Death – even though they have the Adamic­-death process in them, and willfully refuse to have it striped out; and this same condi­tion will prevail with the goats in the Little Season.  Those who die during the Media­torial reign, because they would not even outwardly submit to the Kingdom opportunities of purging themselves of the evils within themselves, will die the Second Death; not the Adamic death. The difference between the two classes of goats is that the goats who continue into the Little Season will have been smart enough to obey outwardly, thus liv­ing throughout the Mediatorial reign and to the end of the Little Season. And at the full end of the Little Season “the last enemy” will be destroyed. Our present  assurance that God’s love and justice operate in fullest harmony gives us confidence that the same principles will continue to rule the universe forever. The “wrath” – the “curse” – will be lifted from all who come into harmony with God through Jesus the Savior; but all who do not avail themselves of this saving grace will be swallowed of the Second Death – the “wrath (the Adamic-death process) of God abideth on them.” (Acts 3:23; John 3:36; Rev. 22:3—Parousia Vol. 5, p. 439, par. 2) Thus, all who will survive the Little Season must enter it with perfect characters; no more opportunity for developing character dur­ing the Little Season.

The following from p. 111 Tabernacle Shadows, par. 1, states very clearly that Brother Russell understood the Adamic-death process, and taught it just as we have given it in the earlier pages of this article: “The cleansing of defilement through contact with the dead would seem to teach that this cleansing, effected by and through the Ancient Wor­thies, will specially apply to the world of mankind during the Millennial Age, while they are seeking to get rid of all the defilements of Adamic death – seeking to attain human perfection (ridding themselves of all the evils that harbor the Adamic-death process—JJH). All the blemishes of the fallen condition are so much of contact with death; all constitutional weaknesses and blemishes through heredity are contacts with death; and from all of these the ashes of the Red Heifer are to be used for the cleans­ing of all who will become the people of God.  Like the ashes of the Red Heifer, laid up in a clean place, so the results of the painful experiences of the Ancient Worthies will be a store of blessings, instruction and help, by which they, when made subordinate ‘princes’ in the Kingdom, will assist in the restitution work. Each pardoned sinner, de­siring to be cleansed perfectly, must not only wash himself with water (truth), but must also have applied to him the instructions of these ‘princes’ – said instructions being typified by the sprinkled ashes of the heifer, representing the valuable lessons of faith and obedience learned through experience by this class—Ex. 12:22; Lev. 14:4,49; Psa. 51:7; Heb. 9:19.”

OTHER OBSERVATIONS

During this Age, whether in the Household of Faith or out of it, all are afflicted with the Adamic-dying process. Although forgiven from their sins, all the faithful follow­ers of Jesus still possess these evils – inherited or acquired. And, though they make resolute effort to rid themselves of these imperfections, they yet retain some of them although they all make some progress toward perfection if they are to be “more than con­querors.” They also inherited the Adamic death; but they “have passed from death unto life.” (1 John 3:14) If they continue faithful, they die the sacrificial death; if they are only measurably faithful, they die the constrained death; if they become to­tally unfaithful, they die the second death: they no longer die the Adamic death.

The following quotation is from Parousia Vol. 5, p. 330,331: “But while, as the Adamic death has been turned, by reason of God’s plan and ransom, from being a destruc­tion to a suspension of existence, called sleep, yet we find that the Bible very dis­tinctly asserts that after the revival or awakening from the death-sleep, it will de­pend upon each individual whether he shall go on unto perfection and life, under the guidance, government and tutelage of the glorious Christ, or whether he will willfully, deliberately and stubbornly choose the way of sin. If he choose the latter, he will get the punishment designated for father Adam: death, but no longer Adamic death, the penalty of Adam’s sin: this is styled the second death. This Second Death is nowhere spoken of as a sleep, nor is there the slightest intimation anywhere that there will be any awakening from it. On the contrary, it is designated everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord.’—2 Thes. 1:9.“Of this redeemed and awakened class, that shall have its trial during the Millen­nial Age, the Bible declares, ‘The soul that sinneth it shall die.’ (Ezek.18:20) That this verse is not generally applicable now is evident from three considerations:

(1) – It would be meaningless, at the present time, when all die – saints and sinners.

(2) – It is expressed in the form of a second sentence, and based upon the individual action, and this could not be applicable now, because now we all die because of ‘one  man’s disobedience,’ and the sentence of death which came upon him and indirectly affects all his race—Rom. 5:12.

(3) – The context shows that this verse refers particularly to those who have gotten free from Adamic sin that prevails in general today. Its special applicability, therefore, must belong to the next Age, the Millennial Age. Note the connections, not forgetting that the Law Covenant of the Jewish Age was analogous to the covenant of the Millennial Age, except that the latter will have a better Mediator, able and willing to succor and to help all seeking to walk righteously, not imputing uninten­tional short-comings.”

And further from Parousia Vol. 5, p. 361: “‘The wicked shall be (re)turned into hell (sheol, oblivion) and all nations that forget God.’—Psa. 9:17. The Hebrew word shub in this text is properly translated ‘returned.’ This gives the thought of one re­covered from sheol, oblivion, and that some thus recovered will be returned to oblivion on account of wickedness and forgetfulness of God. The deliverance of mankind in gen­eral from sheol will occur during the Millennial Age, as a result of the ransom price finished at Calvary. However, those once awakened and brought to a knowledge of the Truth, who then are willfully perverse, will be returned again to oblivion, ‘the Second Death,’ from which there is to be no ransom and no restitution. That this passage is not applicable to the masses of mankind (the heathen) who have never known God, is very evident; from its own statement it refers to those who forget God after they have been brought to a clear knowledge of Him, and to corresponding responsibility.”

It should be emphasized here that the cause for the Second Death in the next age will be the Adamic-death process that the possessors refuse to eliminate in themselves. The evils of this curse are everywhere evident now; nor will they be eliminated while their possessors are in the tomb. “In the place where the tree falleth, there it shall be.” (Eccl. 11:3)

However, today the world of mankind is dying the Adamic death. God’s wrath is not only revealed against the grossest of sinners, but against all unrighteousness, even the slightest. Hence there is no escape for there is none righteous, no, not one (Ps. 49:7); and hence the infants as well as the gray-haired are subject to this ‘wrath,’ this ‘curse.’ This time of wrath that has now lasted six thousand years is to be brought to a close by the great Day of Vengeance, in which Justice prescribes that there shall be additional trouble upon mankind, because of the rejection of greater opportunities and privileges, and failure to obey the laws of righteousness, to the extent that these laws have been discerned by Christendom. Hence this Day of Vengeance and of special wrath, additional to what has prevailed previously, it is declared, will be “a Time of Trouble such as was not since there was a nation.” (Dan. 12:1; Matt. 24:21)

Further from Reprints 3433, col. 1, par. 5,6: “Rev. 20:12 reads, ‘And I saw the dead, the great and the small, stand before the throne, and the books were opened; and another book of life was opened, and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books according to their works.’

“This is a brief description of the work of the Millennial Age. The whole world will be on trial before the throne – the Millennial throne – the throne of Christ. Our common version says, stood before God, but this is not in agreement with the reading of the oldest manuscripts, from which we have quoted above. The world will be standing be­fore the throne of Christ throughout the Millennial Age in the same sense that the Church has been standing on judgment during this Gospel Age. A picture of the world’s judgment is given in Matt. 25, where two classes that will be found amongst men are to be separated into sheep and goats, and the division between them is to be the work of the Millennial Age – to separate the true sheep, who will be accounted worthy of Divine favor everlastingly, from those of the goat nature, who, refusing to come into subjec­tion to the Lord’s will, shall be estimated unworthy of any favors beyond the Millen­nial Age, and will be destroyed with Satan, as described in Rev. 20:9,10.”

During this Age all are afflicted with the Adamic-dying process, although the footstep followers of Jesus, faithful to the end, are not dying the Adamic Death; they die the sacrificial death, even as did Jesus.  However, Jesus was perfect in His humanity, whereas none of His footstep followers are perfect – they continue to have some of the Adamic-death process inherent within them. Nevertheless, they are reckoned perfect; Christ’s merit covers their imperfections. (Rom. 4:3,5 8, 11)

In the Kingdom, even as it is now, fully willful sins will not be forgiven; in other words, those who have sufficient light and ability to obey what that knowledge requires, will not be excused without some chastisement. But it requires perfect wis­dom to know when a person has such knowledge and ability, and refuses to obey. In this Age, as well as in the Kingdom, we are to wait until the Lord’s judgments are made man­ifest. The Lord is the heart-searcher and the manifester. (See Heb. 4:12 and Berean Comment)

GOD THE SAVIOR OF ALL MEN

1 Tim. 4:10 shows that God will save all men from the Adamic condemnation, but not eternally: “We trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men (from the Adamic death sentence – but not eternally; after this sentence is removed from each one, he is given an individual trial for life; and only those who prove worthy in their trial gain everlasting life), specially of those that believe (He is the Savior to the uttermost only of the faithful elect now and the faithful non-elect in the Kingdom).”

Titus 2:11-13 (A.R.V.): “For the grace (favor, love) of God hath appeared (in His gift of Jesus for man’s salvation, and in the Gospel message), bringing salvation to all men (this ransom grace is salutary for all men, saving all now or in the Millennium from the Adamic sentence, and also, as the bread of life – John 6:33-58 – offering eternal life to all who will partake of it on the Divinely-arranged conditions, and withholding it from all who will not), instructing us (especially God’s people), to the intent that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world; looking for the blessed hope (of seeing and being with and like our Lord) and appearing (epiphaneia, bright shining) of the glory of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ.”

It is not the bright shining of a literal light that is meant here, but rather the brightness of God’s and Christ’s characters, shining resplendent in perfect wisdom jus­tice, love and power, in connection with the entire 1000 years’ stay of our Lord in His Second Advent. This bright shining continues until the entire 1000 years’ stay of our Lord in His Second Advent. This bright shining continues until the entire earth is filled with God’s glory (Num. 14:21; Ps. 73:19; Is. 6:13). Antichrist is to be de­stroyed by this bright shining (epiphaneia) of our Lord’s Parousia or Second Presence (2 Thes. 2:8), which will bring more and more brightly to light the corrupt persons, principles and things of the papacy. This will result shortly in the masses arising against it and annihilating it in the revolution stage of the Great Tribulation. This Great Tribulation was begun by the World War (Phase 1) in 1914. God’s faithful people love the appearing (epiphaneia, bright shining) of our Lord (2 Tim. 4:8), for it will ef­fect not only the overthrow of Satan’s empire in the Great Tribulation, but also will fill the earth with the glory of God during the Millennium, in the eternal overthrow of all evil persons, principles and things and the eternal triumph of all good persons, principles and things.

A NEW HEAVENS AND EARTH

Another Millennial testimony, which incidentally identifies the Judgment Day with the Millennium, is found in 2 Pet. 3:6-13: ‘‘Whereby the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished (not the literal world – the earth – nor the human fam­ily perished, but the symbolic world, the order of affairs which then existed, was de­stroyed by the flood): but the heavens and the earth, which are now (‘this present evil world’—Gal. 1:4, the order of affairs now existing: its heavens being its religious systems and teachers – and its earth being its organized society), by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire (a symbol of destruction—Mal. 3:2,3; 4:1,3; Matt. 3:11,12; 1 Cor. 3:12-15; Rev. 17:16; all the symbolic earth will be devoured by the fire of God’s jealousy—Zeph. 3:8) against the day of judgment and perdition (destruc­tion) of ungodly men. But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing (do not forget), that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day (this identifies the Day of Judgment of v. 7 as a 1000-year day). The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness (God’s time seems slow to the natur­al man); but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. But the day of the Lord (the 1000-year Judgment Day) will come as a thief in the night (Comp. 1 Thes. 5:1-5); in the which the heavens (not the literal heavens, but Satan’s false religious systems—comp.  Heb. 12:26,27) shall pass away with a great noise (uproar and confusion), and the elements shall melt with fervent heat (the various component elements of the present symbolic heavens and earth will disintegrate), the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up (Satan’s selfish, unjust and corrupt social arrangements shall be destroyed; but the literal earth is to remain, just as it remained after the flood – ‘the earth abideth for ever’ Eccl. 1:4).

“Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God (the 1000-year Judgment Day), wherein the heavens being on fire (a sym­bol of destruction) shall be dissolved, and the elements (the political, financial, re­ligious, etc.) shall melt with fervent heat (of human passion and wrath).  Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens (Jesus and His faithful followers, the Millennial religious ruling powers) and a new earth (human society organized on the basis of truth, righteousness and love, as against the erroneous, unjust and selfish ar­rangements of the ‘present evil earth’), wherein dwelleth righteousness.”

1 John 2:2 shows that Christ is the Satisfier of Divine Justice for Adamic sins, an behalf of the elect during the Gospel Age, and the non-elect during the Millennial Age: “He is the propitiation (satisfaction) for our sins (the Church’s sins of Adamic source): and not for ours only (who now accept Christ as our Substitute or Redeemer), but also for the sins of the whole world (the non-elect’s sins of Adamic source, for which satisfac­tion is effected during the Millennium).”

THE HALLELUJAH CHORUS

Rev. 5:12,13: ‘‘Worthy is the Lamb, that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing.” Christ at the time of His ascension is set forth here, as He then became the Inheritor of all things (Heb. 1:2). God is the Owner of all the universes with all they contain, which makes Him very rich – wealthy to the utmost. All of the universes, solar systems, each one carrying along as their parts many planets, belong to God. Also, all the spirit beings present and future, and all other things that now are or yet will be, belong to God. These uni­verses in the Ages of Glory in their planets and in their suns will be perfected and their planets will be inhabited by perfect beings, which the wisdom of God will plan, and which Christ, as God’s Chief Agent, will bring into being unto perfection. God has made Christ His Heir; for the Lamb has been found worthy of inheriting all things, in­cluding these riches of God, as well as His power, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and blessing.

By the end of the Millennium the Adamic death state (the imperfections of the humanity – the physical infirmities) will have been eliminated; and by the end of the Little Season the Adamic death process (the evil character of the goat class) will be eliminated from the earth when the last of the “goat” class is annihilated. The goats (the wicked human beings) are those who refused to have the Adamic death process plagued out of them during the Mediatorial reign. As said, the Adamic death process is the evils retained from the “curse.” These evils are all striped out from the sheep by the beginning of the Little Season – because they cooperated with the opportunities ­the instruction and good influences of the Kingdom. They will be able to stand the crucial test of the Little Season and gain eternal life; while the goat class will not be able to stand the tests of the Little Season, and will be annihilated – eter­nally cut off. The Adamic death process cannot be eliminated from the earth until the “goats” (all evil persons) are eliminated. When Satan (Ezek. 28:19; Heb. 2:14), the unrepentant fallen angels (Matt. 25:41) and the “goat” class – all the wicked (Ps. 145:20) – will be utterly, completely and eternally annihilated in the Second Death, symbolized by the lake of fire – “they shall be as though they had not been.” (Obad. 16)

Then “the righteous shall see it and rejoice; and all iniquity shall stop her mouth” (Ps. 107:42).  Sin shall never rise again. God will be glorified forever and ever by perfect creatures, both in heaven and on earth. “And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.” (Rev. 5:13) “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” (Rev. 21:4) “And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him.” (Rev. 22:3)

Much of the foregoing is drawn from the writings of That Servant and the Epiphany Mes­senger – some of which is verbatim. We are grateful for their faithful ministry, but we give praise to God, the Author of the Plan of Salvation, who has revealed His Plan in His Word: “The secret of the Lord is with them that fear him; and he will shew them his covenant.” (Ps. 25:14)

“Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. Rejoice in the Lord, ye righteous; and give thanks at the remembrance of his holiness.” (Ps. 97:11,12)

Sincerely your brother, John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

(Reprint of June, 1978, No. 276)

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LETTER OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Brethren: Shalom, Shalom! (which means abundantly overflowing blessings)

It has been a pleasure to hear of the letters and commentaries in interest of the Jewish cause that has come to your publication. This has not received much prominence in other Bible Student groups. Pastor Russell spent much time and effort in carrying out the Divine mandate to comfort His People as set forth in Isa. 40:1,2. Regardless of the criticism that has been directed his way, God will bless him for this if for no other reason. And who of us know the whole story of any of us, except each of us alone?!

A couple of years ago an orthodox Jewish couple were visiting in my home. He being something of a bibliophile, was looking over my book shelves and discovered my set of "Studies in the Scriptures." He then related how he had discovered two complete new sets of Pastor Russell's work in a trash bin out back of a book store. He retrieved them and sent them to the Hebrew University library in Jerusalem.

In 1978 we were part of a tour group organized by Casimir and Elva Lanowick. We were attending a World Peace Congress which was held at the Diplomat hotel in Jerusalem. Casimir and Elva, my son, my two oldest grandchildren, and one other couple from Grand Rapids, Michigan, were the only representatives of Bible Students among the 800 to 1000 participants. We heard a deeply moving speech by Prime Minister Begin who himself was so deeply touched that he returned to the lectern to acknowledge the love that was being tendered. I'd never experienced anything like it before. Love was palpable. It could almost be touched! Prime Minister Begin is a godly man. In grief I turned to dear Casimir and Elva: "This auditorium should have been filled with Bible Students, alone."

It has been one of the greatest sorrows of my life to note the indifference of the general populations of Bible Students to our Jewish brethren. Also, it has been one of the greatest joys of my life to be the recipient of the love and blessing of our Jewish friends. Another blessing, and a great one, is to see the love and succor that is being extended to the Jewish People by members of so many other denominational groups. First Peter 4:8 and Rev. 18:4 apply here.

The Heavenly Father has blessed my family in more ways than we can count because we bless His ancient Chosen People. Genesis 12:3; Psalms 122:6,7; Isaiah 40:1,2. We pray for the peace of Jerusalem and we strive to comfort His People. And we believe the Lord is specifically referring to His Jewish brethren in the passage in Matt. 25:31‑45.

Sincerely, with Christian love,

--------------, (IOWA)

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NO. 379: MIDEASTERN PROBLEMS WILL COME OUT ALL RIGHT

No. 379

The question is asked in a recent Reader’s Digest, “How Religious Are We?” According to a Reader’s Digest‑Gallup Poll survey, it was found that Americans are quite religious.

Disregarding the breakdown into percentages and categories, it is noteworthy that Kenneth Briggs, former religion editor of The New York Times, says the religious revival is the most visible in the American attitude toward prayer. He called it “the most powerful, least documented development within American religion.” Out of 87 percent who say they pray sometimes, the figures include 75 percent who say they do not have membership in either churches or synagogue.

Whether people believe there is a Higher Power Who controls the destiny of the world is utterly irrelevant. The world will eventually learn as did the ancient Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar that “the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomsoever He will.” (Daniel 4:32)

The Jews are the nation of Israel and have been from the days of their beginning with the Abrabamic Covenant, and the little geographical area which is today called Israel is their land. The Jews and the nation of Israel make up that which is called “God’s Chosen People.” But as Elmer A. Josephson, clergyman, writer and lecturer, stated in his book, “Israel, God’s Key to World Redemption,” “The Almighty did not choose Israel to coddle, to show them special favors, or ‘spoil them’ as a pet child. On the contrary He has permitted them to suffer more than any other nation in their role as ‘Mahmlechet Koahneem – a ‘kingdom of priests’ to the nations.”

There is a persistent belief among Christian Zionists of every nation that the degree of well‑being and prosperity of each nation depends upon the treatment extended to the Jewish population – and to the nation of Israel. And many among Christian Zionists of America also believe God has raised up America for the very purpose of aiding and sustaining Israel through the difficult time of her rebirth as a nation again in her own land.

The Declaration of Independence of the United States of America was signed July 4, 1776. One hundred seventy‑two years later, on May 14, 1948, the Declaration of the State of Israel was signed and the ancient nation of Israel was reborn.

In 1976, a remarkable little booklet was published by the American‑Israel Friendship League on the occasion of the Bicentennial of our country, “The Birth of Two Nations – An Historical Account of a Nation Born and a Nation Reborn.”

To those who so loudly proclaim that ours is not a Christian nation – and admittedly, it falls far short – let it not be denied that it was founded upon the Judaeo Christian principles of the Bible. To quote from a passage in the booklet: “American history, from the colonial days to the present, abounds in memorable manifestations of support for the age‑old aspirations of the Jewish people for the return to Zion. This unbroken thread in the fabric of American history is rooted in the influence of the Old Testament upon the Founding Fathers and the spiritual legacy they handed down to the generations that followed. The Hebrew prophetic teachings, which served as the guideline for the lifestyle of the Puritan fathers and the early pioneers, were subsequently embodied in the tenets of the American Constitution.”

It would be interesting to research the many towns and villages in America with the names of Bethlehem, Salem, Jericho, Hebron, and even Jerusalem. Parents named their children after beloved and revered Bible heroes, and today the custom is being revived.

Of the 16 presidents who have held office from William McKinley in 1897 to Ronald Reagan since 1981, every one has publicly stated support for a “Zionist State.”

In spite of the controversies and political maneuverings, America has been a strong supporter of Israel from the very beginning. In his famous letter to the Touro Synagogue in Newport, RI, which is now enshrined in the archives of the synagogue and in American history, George Washington wrote, “To bigotry no sanction. To persecution no assistance. The Biblical injunction inscribed on the Liberty Bell, ‘And Proclaim Freedom Throughout the Land unto all the inhabitants Thereof’ (Leviticus 25: 10), is evidence of the deeply rooted love and respect for the heritage of the Jewish People.” So say we all.

And our nation has struck a hard blow – a blow for freedom – against terrorism in the bombing of military targets in Libya.

Freedom and peace for Israel is both the key and the gateway for freedom and peace for the whole world. Will it end now? No, not yet. It will even get much worse, but it will come out all right. I have read the Book. (Yvonne S. Lewerke, of Clear Lake, is associated with Iowa Christian Friends of Israel)

GOD’S LOVE FOR ISRAEL

“I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love.” (Hosea 11:4) Hosea prophesied in Israel ‑ the ten‑tribe kingdom ‑ prior to the Babylonian Captivity, dying about the time that Samaria capitulated. The name Hosea signifies salvation and corresponds well with the prophecy. The Lord through Hosea made plain to Israel that their national destruction and captivity was at hand; that it was a punishment for sin; but that it also told the people of God’s sympathy for them, of His many loving forbearances, etc., and assured them that He would continue to love them to the end, and eventually bless them and recover them from the land of the enemy.

Hosea’s own experiences in life in some degree pictured the Lord’s experiences with Israel. Hosea’s wife was unfaithful to him, as Israel had been unfaithful to the Lord. Following the Lord’s direction, Hosea took back his wife, reclaiming her; and his message to Israel was to God’s continued love for that people ‑ that although they had been unfaithful to the Lord, He would nevertheless loyally receive them again when they should have learned their lesson and be glad to come back as a bird from Egypt and a trembling dove from Babylonia.

“THE LORD LOVED THEE”

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

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

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

CALLING ABRAHAM’S POSTERITY

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

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

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

“HE CAME UNTO HIS OWN”

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

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

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

(Pastor Russell, Reprints 5809, 5810, December 1, 1915)

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QUESTION OF GENERAL INTEREST

QUESTION: – “And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” (Matt. 19: 24) – The Jehovah’s Witnesses say this means exactly what it says, and the ‘needle’ is a literal needle. If that is true, then wouldn’t it be impossible for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom – i.e., have any part in the elective salvation?

ANSWER: – Brother Russell has explained this passage in this way: “A small gateway of ancient cities, used at night; camels could pass through unloaded and on their knees only.” That is a reasonable explanation and in harmony with the Truth and its spirit. It is certainly true that the rich have to ‘unload’ – i.e., they are as much in need of a Savior as the poor, although the vast majority can’t see that. Jesus also said, “Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 19:23) But in that statement He also teaches that there is a possibility of some entering the Kingdom. “All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them.” (Matt. 13:34) At this same time His disciples were exceedingly amazed, and said – Who then can be saved? Jesus answered that “with God all things are possible.” If we take that Scripture without qualification, then we would say that it is possible for God to lie. “That by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we might have a strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold upon the hope set before us.” (Heb. 6:18)

It has been said that God must love the poor, because He made so many of them. It is self‑evident that the “poor of this world” are better prepared to enter the Kingdom than the rich, because they have less to overcome in many instances. As Jesus has said, It is harder for a rich man. The poor more often feel the need for a Savior – far more than the rich, the mighty and the noble of this world. “But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty.” (1 Cor. 1:27) However, there have been some rich men that have truly “humbled themselves under the mighty hand of God,” as we can see from Church history. They are those who did not place their trust in their possessions and were faithful stewards of their wealth. “He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.” (Prov. 11:28)

One outstanding example of such is “St.” Francis of Assisi, born in 1182 of a rich merchant in Assisi in Umbria. His proper name was Giovanni Bernardone; but he is known in Roman Catholic circles as St. Francis of Assisi, or “The poor little rich man.” Motivated by the words of Jesus in Matt. 19:21, “Go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in Heaven,” he did just that. Disposing of all his treasures, he became the first of the begging friars, whose shibboleth was, “Help the poor, help the poor.” Thus, one historian writes of him:

“In the unexampled power of his self‑denial and renunciation of the world, in the pure simplicity of his heart, in the warmth of his love to God and man, in the blessed riches of his poverty, St. Francis was like a heavenly stranger in a selfish world.

“Any who wished to join him were required to distribute all their possessions among the poor, and dress in the poor clothing of the order... to carry out in their personal lives the ideal of poverty, joined with loving service in institutions for the poor, the sick, and the lepers.”

Of course, all of the foregoing in itself would not make of any one a saint, and it is quite probable that Francis cannot be counted among that “elect” group. Justification for this conclusion is found, we believe, in his attempt to “tempt the Lord,” as he endeavored to convert the Moslems to Christianity in Africa, Sicily and Spain. Here is what the record says of him on that occasion:

“St. Francis himself started this work when he entered the camp of the Sultan Camel and bade him kindle a fire and cause that he himself with one of the Moslem priests should be cast into it. When the imam present shrank away at these words, St. Francis offered to go alone into the fire if the Sultan would promise to accept Christianity along with his people should he pass out of the fire uninjured. The Sultan refused to promise, but sent the saint away unhurt with presents, which, however, he returned.”

Indeed, “Many shall say unto Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then I will plainly declare to them, I never approved of you.” (Matt. 7:22, 23, Dia.) Had the course of Francis been the correct one, St, Paul would certainly have prodded those wealthy Corinthian brethren to do as Francis had done.

There have been some also who have failed because of their possessions – whether those possessions were greater intellect, wealth, or other talents. Their trials and temptations are greater, but the Lord will give them corresponding strength if they continue in humility and obedience – if they look to Him in full faith and faithfulness. Their responsibility, too, is correspondingly greater. That doesn’t mean that the poor won’t have severe temptations, too. Some of the “poor” who “would be rich” if they could be, have much the same severe temptations. “They that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” (1 Tim. 6:9) The Berean Comment on this text says, “That will be rich, whether they succeed or not... Who are determined to be rich at all hazards.” In 1 Tim. 6:10 (Dia.) we read: “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil: which while some longing after, wandered from the faith, and pierced themselves around with many sorrows.” Certainly, this does not apply to money itself, for without money we can do very little in the Lord’s work. And there are quite a few people who “love” money even though they have very little of it; and some who have money, but do not love it value it ‑ above that which is right and proper.

We have known those who had nothing to go out and “stomp” for equal distribution of the wealth of the country – for socialism, etc., but when they came into money they changed their views. Of course, among the Lord’s people those who have more of this world’s goods also have more responsibility – just as those who have more knowledge of the Truth, and are in position to impart that knowledge, have more responsibility to the brethren and to the world. Possessions of any kind are to be treated the same as a stewardship of which we are expected to be faithful. Blessed are we when we can appraise what we have and what we are in proper perspective, because then we will be the better enabled to serve the Lord in Truth and in deed. However, we are to appraise our own and not the possessions of others. We are not stewards of the possessions of others. We might qualify this, as it may be proper enough at times to apprise a Brother or Sister of his “opportunities of service,” if done in a loving and helpful spirit, and for his own best interests. Brother Russell had occasion to do this at times when brethren didn’t seem to realize they had such “opportunities of service” – either in ability to serve in public speaking or in some other capacity.

It will be noticed that there are many Scriptures regarding the poor – how we should not oppress them, etc., with nothing said about “oppressing” the rich. There is a reason for this, we believe. Usually the rich (whether in the Household of Faith or in the world) can look after themselves, because they have had more opportunity of education, business experience, etc. And, too, because there has been, and still is to some extent, power in money. So there is no warning in the Scriptures – not to “oppress” or misuse the rich – although, in some cases they have been abused and misused. Today the slogan is to “soak the rich” – take advantage of them in any way you can. We are living in that special period when it is indeed “woe unto the rich”! This is especially true of those who “withholdeth more than is meet” (Prov. 11:24) – that is, those of the Household and those of the world who are miserly with the poor. “Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Behold, the hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabbath.” (James 5:1, 4) Some of this “crying” has already begun.

Some of the Lord’s people who have had much in this world’s goods have unselfishly ministered it to their brethren, and to others with whom they have had to do; and some have unstintingly supported their sects – the sects of all denominations of Babylon believing they were “giving to the Lord.” And if such were their hearts’ attitude they will be blessed in “due time” with the Truth. And in this they have apparently been “examples of the believers” to many. However, the real examples of the believers are those who like Jesus, gave their all to “bear witness to the Truth” – and they diligently studied God’s Word to know what is Truth. They willingly and gladly accepted the Truth and its responsibilities, and “Through honor and dishonor, through evil report and good report, as deceivers, and yet true; giving no offense in anything, that the ministry be not blamed.” (2 Cor. 6:8, 3)

All who have received the Parousia and Epiphany Truth are much blessed in every way, and it is our hope and prayer they will daily seek to be faithful to that Truth, and be a living (active) “example of the believers.” May the Lord bless all who are endeavoring to “walk in His steps,” and enable them to come off victors, whether they have little or much of this world’s goods.

(Question by Brother Hoefle in Reprint No. 190, April 1971)

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Brethren and Sister Emily Hoefle – Precious in the Lord’s Name!

It was a great joy for us to receive your letter of December 29, 1986. Many thanks for all the information which was received with much appreciation, and has added to our knowledge. We understand the situation in America and accept with hearty pleasure the help you have given us.

We are full of confidence that the Youth Center will be joined to the Emek ha Shalom settlement and it is also possible to build the proclamation hall. Herewith will be fulfilled the wonderful visions of our esteemed Brother Charles Taze Russell.

We see it as a great privilege to carry out our common fight together with the brethren in America, which will lead us to the full salvation of Israel, and then also to the liberation of all mankind.

We send you with pleasure the confirmation of your help to us. Connected by hearty love, we are

Your brethren in Israel, Brother ------- (ISRAEL)

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Dear Sirs:

I am interested in learning about your Association and its teaching. Please send me information and a list of publications if any are available.

Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter. Sincerely, (TEXAS)

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Dear Sister Hoefle:

Thank you so much for the copy of Tabernacle Shadows. Yes, I already have what Pastor Russell wrote for the Overland Monthly.

Thanks again.  In Christ, ------- (MASSACHUSETTS)

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Dear Sister Hoefle: Greetings to all in the Name of our Beloved Savior!

I always enjoy your letters. Sorry I failed to put the date on my last letter. Thank you very much for the Bulletin. I don’t see how the Jehovah’s Witnesses can deny that God had a Hand in the Jews returning to their homeland. They are very blind spiritually and want to keep spreading their false doctrines.

I can use another Pastor Russell book for a family that may be interested. We have had the flu and it has been hard to get rid of. I do hope all there are well and happy in Jesus.

With all our love, Brother and Sister ------- (ARIZONA)

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Dear Sister Hoefle: Grace and peace!

I must acknowledge your good letter of January 24, which arrived in the same mail with the January‑February circular ‑ quite a coincidence! Also the winter Bulletin received about the same time. I took your letter to the class at Boldon, and they intend writing you in due course.

Enclosed is a 20 lb. note from us. If it is not too much trouble would you order two copies of Brother Russell’s Overland Monthly? The other 20 lb. is from our friend, who wishes to be anonymous, in appreciation of your labor of love on behalf of the brethren.

You will be interested to know that I have started re‑reading your papers from the beginning, and am passing them over to the class each week ‑ four at a time. I have already passed to them the early issue of the ETW as well as our spare volumes of the PTs up to 1951. So they have plenty of spiritual Manna to feed on.

I am glad to say we are much the same here, but at Boldon Grand dad (89) has not been too well. Otherwise we continue to enjoy the fellowship and study each Sunday.

I am wondering if you have any spare copies of the Manna book (1937 edition), which is far superior to the LHMM reprint.

Now, dear Sister, this brings you our Christian love and best wishes for your health – so necessary for your continued labors of love for all the brethren. God bless you.

Yours by His Grace, Brother and Sister ------- (ENGLAND)

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Dear Sir:

I am writing because I have heard about your organization from a friend. I have become interested in your organization and wish to find out more information. It would be appreciated if you would send me any books, magazines, or pamphlets that would inform me about the following: history of the organization, global concentrations, and finally your doctrinal beliefs. I would also like to know the location of your headquarters. I thank you for taking time to read this letter and also for the information.

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

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Dear Sister Hoefle:

I thank you for your recent mailings. Yes, I Would be happy to be placed on your mailing list. I am a 31‑year‑old attorney who studies with a friend. My friend has witnessed the unfolding of the Parousia, Epiphany, and as some suggest, and the Apokalypsis (1954‑1994) periods.

I believe my friend would also like to be on your mailing list. He would be happy to remain in touch with other Bible Students, and would like to be included in your mailing list.

Very sincerely yours, ------- (MICHIGAN)

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Dear Sir:

Please let me know the cost of “ABOUT PASTOR CHARLES TAZE RUSSELL.” I need about five (5) copies now. Send them by airmail, please. We’ll pay the expense.

I belong to a group who enjoy your monthly papers. We study everything that you write.

Sincerely yours, ------- (TRINIDAD)

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Dear Sister Hoefle:

Thank you so very much for sending the book. I am enclosing a small donation to be used in your service. I have been a Bible Student since 1919. I meet with a small class. Thank you and God bless you!

Sister ------- (MICHIGAN)

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Dear Friend David: Greetings from Bethel!

Your mailings of your book on Charles Taze Russell accompanied by copies of your United Israel Bulletin have been received here. I wish to express my sincere appreciation for your kindness in sending this material.

It has been many years since I used to correspond with you, but somehow lost touch after the passing of our beloved Paul Penn. I regret that this occurred but sometimes this happens to people during the twists and turns of life.

I was very much interested in some of your comments in the book on Mr. Russell. Especially was I interested in what you had to say about the Messiah. I would like to discuss your ideas more thoroughly at some future date.

Although I was not raised to observe Yahweh’s Torah Law, I and my family have been observing it now for the past 25 years. Each passing day we learn more and we praise HaShem Yisborach for His kindness toward us in educating us for His Kingdom. I love to study the Word and I love to hear it speaking to me from the pages of the book, especially in the Hebrew tongue. I was blessed to study Hebrew for almost 5 years in a local seminary and then HaShem Yisborach blessed me to study the last two years that studies were held at Dropsie College after the institution moved to West Philadelphia. But, if I live to be 100 I shall not have enough time to learn all I would like in my lifetime.

Friend David, I rarely read a book in which I can emphasize with the author and the story he is telling, as I did by the material in your book. Also, I look forward to your column in the Jewish Press each week.

One of the things I cannot understand is the laxness in the Jewish Community today. For one who is striving to live in harmony with Yahweh’s Torah, I become greatly anxious when the local Jewish people pay little regard for the Laws. Why should Jews want to live as Gentiles? I cannot understand how they can turn their back on their heritage. Did the Holocaust do this much damage?

Well, I have said enough for now. Hope that I haven’t bored you to tears. I look forward to meeting you for lunch in New York sometime.

May the Most High Bless and Keep you in His name. Cordially, ------- (PENNSYLVANIA)

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Dear David:

I am grateful to you for sending along a copy of the United Israel Bulletin with a story about Pastor Charles T. Russell. It is a fascinating story and you have set it out very well indeed.

Thank you for making this most interesting article available to me.

With warm personal regards, Sincerely, Maxwell M. Rabb, Ambassador (WASHINGTON)

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Dear Mr. Horowitz:

Please accept my sincerest thanks for giving me a copy of your book Pastor Charles Taze Russell. A cursory examination convinced me that you unfold an extremely interesting story.

I hope that this book will have the wide distribution it so deserves and that it will be read by many Americans – especially Christians.

Sincerely yours, Dr. Moshe Yegar, Consul General (NEW YORK)

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Dear David,

I hope this finds you and yours well. I’m sorry it took me so long to get around to answering you, and to acknowledging receipt of that fascinating book. We had various preoccupations – my wife wasn’t well (now she’s fine, thank God!); I’ve switched careers (I’m now Judaica editor and chief English editor at Carta); we’ve just married off our youngest son. And now we are getting back on the normal track of life.

The Russell book is, indeed, fascinating, and I hope to write something about it for the Post (with which I have not severed all connections). When I do and it appears, I’ll surely send you a copy.

Shall we see you again soon? Meanwhile, be well and have naches, with best wishes to all.

Cordially, Moshe Kohn (ISRAEL)

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NO. 378: “THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING”

No. 378

“They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain [kingdom].” (Isa. 11:9) Accustomed as all mankind have been to misrule and misgovernment, it was necessary that assurance should be given to Israel that the kingdom of Messiah which God would one day set up in the earth would not only have good motives and intentions, but would also possess superior power of knowledge and judgment. And this is what the Prophet Isaiah pointed out. The new King will not need to rely upon the common channels of information in the giving of His blessings and in the administering of his reproofs and chastisements, but will have a superhuman endowment of power by which He will know the very thought and intents of the heart. He will not need to judge after the hearing of the ear or by the sight of the eye, as must all earthly rulers, however well intention­ed. (Isaiah 11:3,4)

It was proper also that Israel and all others should know that the kingdom of God to be established would be absolutely just and impartial; for their experiences have demonstrated that even the wisest and best of their rulers, lawmakers, judges, etc., have been largely governed by selfishness. The world’s great ones have amassed wealth at the expense of their subjects, and have made their special friends wealthy and have granted them special privileges, oftentimes at the expense of the poor, the helpless, the despised. Hence the Lord through the Prophet assures us that the earth’s new King will administer equity toward all; that the meek, the backward, the modest and unassuming, those who are indisposed to press their claims and to assert their rights, will have His particular assistance; and that the poor, who have few to sympathize with them or to encourage or help them, will find in the new King a Friend.

MILLENNIUM NOT THROUGH EVOLUTION

Those who expect the Millennial kingdom to come as a result of present efforts, under the order of society now prevailing, and who believe that the world is gradually approaching the Millennium by an evolu­tionary process, should carefully consider this Word of the Lord through the Prophet, as shown in our text and context. The Prophet declared that when Messiah shall take the reins of government, His first step will be to judge the poor, and to reprove the rich in equity, in the interests of the meek of the earth. How could this be possible, if equity had already prevailed by a gradual process, so that there were no poor and no rich, and so that all had become meek?

Other Scriptures in harmony with this testimony of the Prophet Isaiah, show that the very work which our Lord is to do at the beginning of His reign will be to correct the wrongs then prevailing. Our Lord Himself implies that the earth will be far from being a blessed condition at His Second Advent, when He asks the question, “When the Son of Man cometh, shall He find the faith [Truth] on the earth?” (Luke 18:8) The Revelator also gives no uncertain testimony on this subject. He says: ‘‘And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdom of our Lord and His Christ; and He shall reign forever and ever ... And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead that they should be judged, and that thou shouldest give reward to thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and to them that fear [reverence] thy name, small and great, and shouldest destroy them that corrupt the earth.” (Rev. 11:15‑18)

BIBLE HARMONIOUS AND CONSISTENT

Many Scriptures are of like import. The position of the Bible is throughout harmonious and consistent. It describes the present time, while sin is prevailing, as “the present evil world,” in which “the prince of this world” rules, and in which the Lord’s true people, the body of Christ, the heirs of the kingdom, “suffer violence,” and declares that this violence is working out for those who are rightly exercised by it a character which will be approved by the Lord. The Scriptures point out that to God’s faithful saints who suffer now will be granted this glorious new kingdom in Joint heirship with Messiah. They shall be given the dominion “under the whole heavens,” as declared by the angel to Daniel the Prophet. (Daniel 7:27) This dominion Jehovah will wrest by force from the “prince of this world,” Satan, and will give it to His Son, whose bride will share her Bridegroom’s kingdom. This transfer will be accomplished in a great time of trouble, which is to end this present world, the present social order.

In our context the Prophet goes on to say, “He shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of His lips shall He slay the wicked.” It is very evident, then, that at the time of the establishment of the kingdom there will not only be poor needing assistance and succor, but there will be the wicked also. The rod of Messiah’s mouth signifies the judgments which He has already expressed, and which have very largely gone unheeded by Christen­dom. We remember His declaration: “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath One that judgeth him; the Word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” (John 12:48) – the day of judgment, now present, since 1874. Christendom in general has admitted the righteousness of the Lord’s Word, but those who attempt to live in harmony with that Word are remarkably few. Consequently, when the time shall come that “judgment shall be laid to the line and righteousness to the plummet,” and when this judgment shall begin at the nominal house of God, the nominal systems will fall – condemned by that Word.

Only the faithful few, the Lord’s Jewels, shall “be accounted worthy to escape those things coming upon the world,” when, as elsewhere described, “He [the Lord] shall speak to them [the world] in His wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure” when He shall render vengeance to His enemies, and recom­pense to those who have known the Master’s will, yet have done it not. “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, saith the Lord.” “Wait ye upon Me, saith Jehovah, until the day that I rise up to the prey; for My determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them Mine indignation, even all my fierce anger; for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy. For then will I turn to the people a pure language [message] that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve him with one consent.” (Zephaniah 3:8, 9) “Righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.” (Isaiah 11:5) The girdle represents diligence, service, and the proclamation here is that Messiah will be a faithful, diligent Servant of God, accomplishing all the work entrusted to His care.

GREAT CHANGES IN ANIMAL CREATION

The reference in this 11th chapter of Isaiah to the change of disposition in the animal kingdom, so that the wolf and the lamb, the leopard and the kid, the calf and the lion, will dwell in harmony, is in full accord with the general Scriptural outlines of “the times of restitution of all things.” Not only is mankind to be restored, to be brought back to his primeval condition of human perfection and harmony with his Maker, but the lower animals will also share in the blessing and the restoration of order to be accomplished by the Reign of Christ, now, we believe, very near at hand.

In the Genesis account there is no intimation that the animals over which Adam had control were wild, vicious, at enmity with man. On the contrary, the implication is that they were in complete subjection to their perfect master. We may reasonably suppose that while the race, under the disintegrating influence of man’s death sentence, gradually lost more and more of the likeness of their Maker in which the first man was created, they at the same time lost the power of control over the lower animals.

The nature of the power possessed by the perfect Adam may still be imperfectly traced in the superior ability of certain of the fallen race to control the brute creation. Thus we see that some men can exercise mental force and control, not only over wild horses, but also over the ferocious beasts of the jungle. Adam was declared by the Lord to be the king of earth, and as such he was recognized by the lower orders of creation. After mankind had lost his original mental power to control the lower animals, a warfare sprang up between them, in which man has been compelled to pit force against force, as he has lost his hold upon the animal creation.

The restoration of mankind to that exalted position which was lost by sin implies naturally, therefore, a restoration of the brute creation to primeval conditions, such as is suggested in the prophecy which we are considering. The same thought is conveyed in the statement that “a little child shall lead,” or control, the wild beasts, when these are brought into their proper relationship with mankind. In Chapter 65:25 of Isaiah’s prophecy, it is stated of the Millennial conditions that “the wolf and the lamb shall feed together.” The reference may be to men who were formerly of wolf like and of lamb like dispositions, or character; or it may refer to animals, or both. The expression in either case signifies a blessed reign of peace. The Prophet continues, “And the lion shall eat straw like the bullock, and the dust shall be the serpent’s meat.” If this refers to literal lions, it would imply that they will lose their carnivorous dispositions, and that they will undergo some change which will make them herbivorous, as animals were originally created. (Genesis 1:30) It would seem to imply that animals will not prey upon one another.

DAWN OF HOPE FOR THE WORLD

The expression “Dust shall be the serpent’s meat,” is similar to the statement in Psalm 72:9, regarding Messiah’s coming dominion: “His enemies shall lick the dust,” signifying the destruction of the serpent, or rather of the great adversary, Satan, whom the serpent symbolizes. “They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain [kingdom], saith the Lord.

The birth of the true Zion, the church of Christ, will be the cause of rejoicing among all who truly love righteousness; for, though it will at first dash in pieces all their long‑cherished hopes, it will be the dawn of a real hope for all the world. It will humble their pride and despoil them of all their cherished possessions and of what they have come to consider their rights. It will break down their boasted institutions, civil, social and religious, and completely wreck the present social order. Yet it will be the necessary prelude to the establishment of the grand New Order, which will come to be “the desire of all nations,” as soon as they shall see its vast superiority to the old order.

TWO CLASSES BORN OUT OF ZION

In describing the birth of the “Man‑child,” The Christ, whose head was born more than eighteen hundred years ago, and the body of whom is now soon to be born, the Prophet Isaiah exclaims (chapter 66:7, 8), “Before she travailed she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man‑child! Who hath heard such a thing? Who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion travailed she brought forth her children.” The especially marvelous thing that the Prophet here records is that a “man‑child” is to be born out of Zion before Zion travails. This is a striking reference to the fact, elsewhere clearly taught, that the ripe “wheat” of the Gospel church are to be separated from the unripe wheat and the “tares” at the end of this Age, that they are to be exalted and glorified before the burning, the consuming, trouble shall come.

This “man‑child”, then, is the little flock, the body of Christ, the true Zion. Out of nominal Zion will come this first‑fruits class, before the nominal system will be overthrown; for she will die in her travail pains, and in dying, will bring forth her later children the great company. In this great day of the Lord, nominal Zion will bring forth the man‑child and these later children.

“Shall I bring to the birth and not cause to bring forth? saith the Lord. Shall I cause to bring forth and shut the womb? saith thy God.” Ah, no! As surely as the Head was brought forth, so surely shall the body also be born. The birth shall certainly be completed. The great composite Christ shall come forth entire, not one member lacking – and before Zion’s travail has begun. But “who hath heard such a thing? Who hath seen such a thing?” And so, after the man‑child is delivered, the mother system will give birth, when travail pains come on, to a great company of children! This great company is described in the Apocalypse as coming up out of “great tribulation,” and washing their robes, spotted and soiled, and making them white, “in the blood of the Lamb.”

Following the birth of these two classes of the Lord’s people, will come the birth of the Jewish nation. They shall be awakened from the sleep of hades, in which as a nation they have been for over eighteen centuries. All this will take place in the early dawn of the day of Christ. O what rejoicing there will be! Fleshly Zion and spiritual Zion will rejoice together! Then soon the poor, chastened world will begin to join in the songs of praise to the God of all grace. What wonderful times are just before us! Though clouds and darkness for a brief time obscure the bright beams of the blessed Millennial dawning, soon the glorious “Sun of righteousness” shall rise in splendor, and its beams will rapidly spread over all the earth, scattering the darkness of sin, dispelling the fogs of error and superstition, and bringing the world into the light of the knowledge of the glory of God.

RESTITUTION NOT CHANGE OF NATURE

The entire testimony of Scripture in regard to the blessings to come to the world in the new Age show that they are all to be earthly. The declaration that even the brute creation shall be changed in nature is a promise that in that blessed day there will no more be a condition of antagonism and enmity between mankind and the lower orders of God’s creatures, but all shall be peace and harmony. It would be wholly unnecessary to change the disposition of the animals, to bring them into subjection to man, if all the race were to be changed into spirit beings, and become like the angels. Many prophecies speak of mankind in the times of restitution as human beings, adapted to the earth and enjoying the blessings of the earth. They are to “sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid.” (Micah 4:4) “They shall build houses and inhabit them ... They shall not build and another inhabit ... they shall long enjoy the work of their hands.” (Isa. 65:21‑25)

These promises for the world in general have no reference to the class being chosen out of the world during this Gospel Age. The promises to these are all spiritual. They are to be made like Christ, and “see him as he is.” (1 John 3:2) They are called to the obtaining of His glory. As they “have borne the image of the earthly,” so shall they “also bear the image of the heavenly.” (1 Cor. 15:49) They are promised a share in Christ’s resurrection – the first resurrection. They are to reign as kings and priests in a kingdom which earthly beings cannot inherit. “Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.” (1 Cor. 15:50) They have been called with a heavenly calling. They are not of the world, even as their Lord and Head is not of the world. (John 17:16)

WHY MANY FAIL TO UNDERSTAND THE WORD OF GOD

With many the difficulty in understanding these distinctions is a failure to rightly divide the Scriptures, as St. Paul counseled Timothy, saying, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) This process would enable them to discern that the kingdom of God per se consists only of our Lord Jesus and His “little flock” of overcomers, to whom He says, “It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom.” (Luke 12:32) These are to constitute the reigning class, as many Scriptures point out. At first the world of mankind will be subjects of this spiritual kingdom, and afterward become citizens, or members, if they come into harmony with its laws and regulations and into a condition of reconciliation with God, becoming the children of Christ, who will be the age‑lasting Father of the world during the Mediatorial Age. He will be the One who shall bring the entire race of Adam – both those who have a measure of life and those who have gone down into the tomb – back from the condition of death into full perfection of life, if they then prove willing and obedient. Otherwise they shall be cut off in the second death – everlasting destruction.

The Prophet Daniel, in explaining Nebuchad­nezzar’s dream regarding the Great Image, shows that the kingdom of God when first set up at the introduction of the Millennial Age will be but a small stone, which has been “cut out without hands,” but which will become a “great mountain and fill the whole earth.” (Daniel 2:31‑45) This stone kingdom is quarried out of the “earth” by the Lord. It is at first insignificant in size, and it seems to the world as powerless. But as soon as set up in power, this kingdom will smite the “great image” of earthly rulership, and shall grind it to powder (in the coming trouble), and the wind shall carry it away. This stone kingdom is the holy mountain referred to in Isaiah 11:9. A mountain is the Scriptural symbol of a kingdom. Hills seem to be symbolic of the smaller governments of earth. (See Isaiah 2:2; 40:4; 51:5; 59:18; Psalms 46:2,3; 97:5)

Nothing shall be permitted to do violence or to work injury throughout all God’s holy kingdom, after it shall have been established. Love will be the law, and Divine power will be the means which will enforce that law. All who do not conform to it will be “cut off from among the people,” as the Lord declared through the Apostle Peter. (Acts 3:23) How evident it is that this kingdom has not yet come, when we see that amongst mankind selfishness is the rule, individually and nationally, and that there are many influences of evil which hurt and destroy throughout the world today. So we continue to pray: “Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth, as it is done in Heaven.” And we believe that this petition so long offered by the Lord’s saints is very soon to be answered.

After Messiah has crushed the power of evil, after He has overthrown all the great systems of error and vice, and has set the people free, He will accomplish the blessing of humanity by the spread of the knowledge of Jehovah’s character. The Apostle Paul also assures us that it is the will of God that all men shall come to a knowledge of the Truth in order to be saved. He assures us that there can be no salvation without knowledge. None will ever be saved by ignorance. As yet only a comparatively few of earth’s millions have come to such a knowledge of God as to be able to exercise faith in Him and in the great sacrifice which He has provided for the whole world.

COMPREHENSIVENESS OF PLAN OF SALVATION

But the fact that but few in the present life come to this saving knowledge shall in no wise thwart the great Divine Plan, not make the death of Christ on behalf of the entire race of Adam of no avail. The Lord assures us in His Word that, in due time, the true light shall lighten “every man that cometh into the world.” (John 1:9) This includes all the heathen and all those of imbecile mind, who could not in this life grasp the Truth, as well as all infants who have died before reaching the age where they could know of God and His Truth in Christ. It includes the dead, as well as the living. For “there is none other name given under heaven among men whereby they must be saved,” by the name of Jesus. God has thus made ample provision for all.

Nor are we to suppose that the knowledge which is to become worldwide during Messiah’s reign is merely a little sprinkling of knowledge, such as has come to a very limited portion of the world here and there in spots, up to the present time. The Lord’s people have received the droppings of grace and truth, but the provision for the next Age will be abundant and universal. The knowledge of the Lord shall be ocean deep like the fulness of the sea. Showers of blessings shall come down upon the world in copious measure. The effect will be “like rain upon the mown grass.” (Psalm 72:6) When the grass has been freshly cut and its roots are thus the more accessible, how quickly it responds to the refreshing showers! And how rapidly does it spring up in renewed vigor! So it will be with mankind, after they have been shorn of all that has encumbered them and prevented the showers of grace from reaching their hearts. How quickly they will respond to the refreshing rains and showers of blessing so copiously bestowed upon them, and will spring up into life and beauty as they drink in the rich supplies of grace! (By That Servant – Reprints 5573‑75, November 15, 1914)

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QUESTION OF GENERAL INTEREST

QUESTION: – Does That Servant teach that the Epiphany and the “Time of Trouble” are one and the same, as does the Epiphany Messenger?

ANSWER: – Yes, That Servant teaches the same as the Epiphany Messenger on the “Time of Trouble.” Both teach that the “Time of Trouble” began in its wide sense in 1874, but in its narrow sense the Time of Trouble began in 1914 when the World War started. In its “narrow sense” – beginning the destruction of Christendom and the Nominal Church – the Epiphany and the “Great Tribulation” are one and the same. As most Truth people know, Sodom types Christendom and the Nominal Church, and Egypt types the world of mankind – this “present evil world.” (Gal. 1:4 – See Rev. 11:8 and Berean Comments)

In “The Battle of Armageddon,” Parousia book 4, is this: “Her destruction will have a beginning by the end of the appointed ‘Time of the Gentiles’ – 1914.” And p. 158 of this book: “These [the Little Flock] have no share in the judgment of great Babylon, but are previously enlightened and called out of her. ” (Rev. 18:4) And from the Reprints we quote the following:

“To the very best of our ability we have endeavored to make clear that the parousia of our Lord is wholly different from His epiphaneia. Both of these Greek words are translated ‘coming’ in our common Bible, but in the Greek they have very different signification. The word parousia signifies presence, but does not signify any outward manifestation of that presence. It is used in respect to the first stage of the second advent, in which our Lord is said to come ‘as a thief in the night’ to reckon with His own servants and to take the faithful of them with Him to the heavenly mansion or condition prepared for them.

“Our Lord’s parousia and the gathering of the elect, we understand, has been in progress since October, 1874. It will continue until all of the ‘elect’ shall have been gathered and glorified. In one sense our Lord will continue to be present as the world’s King to the conclusion of the Millennial Age; but His parousia, in the sense of secrecy of presence, will terminate when, as the Scriptures declare, ‘He shall be revealed in flaming fire (judgments), taking vengeance on all who will not obey the truth,’ but enlightening and revivifying all who will hear and, to the extent of their opportunity, obey His message. The parousia is to the church and for the church only. The epiphaneia or apokalupsis of the Lord in power and great glory is not to the church, nor for the church, but to the world and for the world.” (Reprint 4543, bottom)

“Emphasizing the suddenness with which the calamity will overtake the world, Jesus said that on the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained down fire and brimstone from heaven; and He declared that thus it will be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed. The Greek text shows a difference between the parousia, or presence, of Christ before the time of trouble, and the later epiphaneia, or revealing.” (Reprint 5456, top, col. 1, par. 2 – May 1, 1914)

“The Scriptures indicate that the Gentile governments will receive from their own peoples their first notice that their lease of power has expired. The people will take note of the sign of the Son of Man in the heavens. The judgments of the Lord will begin to be manifest in the world, and will run counter to many of their interests. This manifestation of His presence is Scripturally called the epiphaneia, the shining forth, the revealment, of the King of Glory. ‘He shall be revealed in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.’ (2 Thes. 1:7‑10) As a result, the nations of earth will be broken to pieces like a potter’s vessel. ” (Psa. 2:8,9) (Reprint 5527, col. 1, top – September 1, 1914)

There is more from That Servant that will prove that the Epiphany Messenger simply elaborated on his teachings regarding the Time of Trouble, or the Great Tribulation, as the Epiphany period, but what we have given will suffice for now. Quite a few of the brethren have lost sight of this Truth – even the LHMM, founded by the Epiphany Messenger, now teaches that we are in the beginning Basileia since 1954 – the overlapping of the Epiphany – when three major stages of the Great Tribulation are yet future. One section of the Epiphany brethren teaches that there are four periods – the Parousia, Epiphany, Apokalypse (separate periods) and the Basileia – something never taught by Brothers Russell and Johnson; nor do the Scriptures support this claim. “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing [the Epiphany] and his kingdom [the Basileia].” The way the Apokalypsis brethren teach, this text should read: “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing [the Epiphany] and at his revealing, or Apokalypsis [a separate period from his “appearing”] and his kingdom [Basileia].”

To some extent the LHMM teaches four periods of the Lord’s Second Advent – the Parousia, the Epiphany, the “Overlapping,” which will witness three more severe stages of the Great Tribulation, as well as the annihilation of the Man of Sin (2 Thes. 2:8), and the Basileia. Their “overlapping” has no similarity to the overlapping of the Parousia of 26 months (1914 to Nov. 1916). As it is now more than 22 years overlapping [written October, 1977 – now 32 years overlapping], and we are not yet in Armageddon, the second stage of the Great Tribulation, with Anarchy and Jacob’s trouble still future after that.

We are living in the day when “they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” (2 Tim. 4:3, 4) Some of the Lord’s people who have received present truth are now setting much of it aside for opinions of their own. Some now say the end of the “Times of the Gentiles” is still future, and we are not in the “Time of Trouble” since 1914 although some of the thinking worldlings realize the world is in a “Time of Trouble” such as has never been before. Some deny our Lord’s presence; the Jehovah’s Witnesses are teaching that Armageddon will destroy not only this present system of things, but also annihilate all who do not join with them before Armageddon. This is “bad news” to those whose eyes are blinded (?) and do not accept their teachings. They teach that the world is not so blinded today, as not to be able to recognize their truth (?), which they are now teaching – that when they have had a chance to “learn of them,” and don’t accept them, it will be their last chance. This is much the same as the Papacy has taught: You must accept us, or receive eternal torment! (Reprinted from No. 268, October, 1977)

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Mrs. Hoefle,

I am writing to let you know we have received your January paper and also the back issues. We have enjoyed reading them and are looking forward to the ones that will be coming every month. We received your name from Mr. and Mrs. Ward Buell of Pass Christian, MS.

My wife and I were both born into Catholic families and practiced that religion until 1965. We then became Jehovah’s Witnesses. However, due to certain teachings, we are no longer associated with them and are now searching again. We have attended a few Dawn meetings and have enjoyed them.

Thank you again for putting us on the mailing list. We are enclosing a little something to help with the postage. Yours truly, ------- (MISSISSIPPI)

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Dear Sister Hoefle: Grace and peace!

It is a while since we wrote you, and our thoughts and prayers are for your speedy recovery from your operation and resumption of your labors of love on behalf of the brethren. I had meant to write earlier when David Horowitz’s book arrived safely, but delayed half hoping to have word from you or one of the brethren as to your health. We have the full assurance of faith that all things work together for good to those called according to His purpose and we say Amen to that!

We have had a fairly quiet Christmas and New Year. Frank Shuttleworth (younger brother to Cyril) stayed for a week over Christmas with us, and we enjoyed the company.

He is 87 and has had a long history of association with the Truth, but not quite on our lines of Epiphany Truth unfortunately. His eyesight is very poor (like Cyril’s was), and this is quite a hindrance.

Our association with the Boldon brethren continues to be very enjoyable, though missing two Sundays owing to sickness with the children. Good progress is being maintained, and Parousia Volume 2 has just been started as the study.

I am glad to report we both keep reasonably well, and send you our Christian love with the assurance of our prayers. God bless you!

Yours by His Grace, Bro. & Sr. ------- (ENGLAND)

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Dear Friends:

I am late in requesting it, but if you still have anymore of the books about PASTOR CHARLES TAZE RUSSELL, I would appreciate receiving it.

Enclosed is a little something to help defray the expense. Sincerely, ------- (MISSOURI)

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Dear Emily,

Just a quick word. Newsletter #375 was fabulous. I’m going to use lots of its content on my broadcast.

Also, I plan to be pushing David’s book in my newsletter – it is powerful and I can use it in my defense of Israel and the early Christian Zionists. Thanks for the reminder. Tell David my plans. Can people order books from you or him? We’re not generally in the book business, so let me know.

Must run because I have to speak tonight. Loads of love from Norma and me.

Shalom, Frank ‑ Shalom Ministries, (MASSACHUSETTS)

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Dear Sister Hoefle,

Thank you so very much for sending the books, first the single copy, then the four, of PASTOR CHARLES TAZE RUSSELL, AN EARLY CHRISTIAN ZIONIST.

We are giving them to interested brethren, and I will be happy to send you my responses to the book when I have completed reading it.

May the Lord bless you! With Christian love, -------(NEW JERSEY)

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Dear Sister Hoefle: Grace and peace!

Thanks for the Pastor Russell books and No. 376. They arrived in good shape. Clarence Mulder, Jr., received his book. We sent two of the Pastor Russell books to The “John Ankerberg Show” Chattanooga TN, asking them to read and then pass them on to the two speakers on the show.

Mr. Walter Kaiver, a student of Hebrew and of the Old Testament, and Rabbi Pinchas Tapdide, both were writers of a book, the name of one was Yshva. Their subject for the evening was “Was Jesus the Messiah?” and the Rabbi’s answer was maybe.

We suggested three complementary books – Pastor Russell’s Sermons – $8.50; Tabernacle Shadows – $1.00; The Divine Plan of the Ages – $2.00. So we cast yours and David Horowitz’ bread upon the waters, trusting God will bless it even if it will take years.                                                                                                    

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

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TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:

I have heard about your organization and I am very interested to hear what you are about.

Please include as much information about yourselves and give the best shot you can at convincing me to join. I do have to admit that I am a bit cynical about groups like yours, but you do have my curiosity aroused.

My address is listed below. Thanks for your help.

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

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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.