NO. 407B: RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT - PART TWO

No. 407B

IN RELIGION

“Churches Look For Common Ground – Group goal: Unity in spirit. Leesburg – Before the year 2000, the Rev. David Taylor is looking forward to attending an unusual wedding ceremony.

“The service would mark the beginning of a group called Church of Christ Uniting, a show of unity by nine Christian denominations and their 25 million worshipers. But be­fore these churches could unite, they must be prepared to deal with different rituals, church government and the varied racial makeup of their congregations.

“More than 35 people... in Leesburg listened this week as Taylor compared the possible partnership of nine denominations in a marriage. ‘When a man and woman stand together at the altar, they make promises to each other, but they continue to be two separate people,’ he said.

“Likewise, he would like these nine groups to form a ‘covenant communion of churches’ – an agreement that brings them together... but lets them retain their individual identities and forms of government and worship. For the past 25 years, delegates from the following denominations have been working toward such a plan: African Methodist Episcopal Church, African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, Episcopal Church, International Council of Community Churches, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), United Church of Christ and United Methodist Church.

“Other interested but not committed groups include the Roman Catholic Church, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Reformed Church in America. ‘The reason for doing what we are doing is because we believe God wills the unity of the church,’ Taylor said, quoting John 17:21, which states Jesus’ desire ‘that we all be one.’

“If the plan is approved, local churches of participating denominations would see an additional name on their signboards – Church of Christ Uniting – they would also be expected to work together for justice and against discrimination on the basis of race, sex or physical condition. Mutual recognition requires quite a bit of tolerance, given the difference among denominations in worship, ministry and sacraments such as baptism.

“There were some concerns expressed about the plan among the 11 denominations represented at the meeting this week. ‘I can see an alienation coming out of this,’ said a man representing the Quakers. But Rev. Walter Horlander, executive director of the Florida Council of Churches, said after the meeting that he did not share that concern. ‘I think there’s going to be such an openness to dialogue with all non-member COCU religious groups, Christians and non-Christians, that I do not fear alienation at all,’ he said.

“Despite the challenges, Taylor is optimistic about the success. ‘If the churches can’t reconcile their own differences, how can the world live in peace.'" (By Adelle M. Banks, The Orlando Sentinel, November 18, 1989)

It seems there is no doctrinal differences in the 11 denominations, only different rituals, church government, etc. If they would go back to the early Church and agree to the simplicity given to the Church in the Apostles’ day, which is given in the Scriptures, there would be no disagreement on the rituals and Church government.

However, it is a commendable effort by those who are trying to organize all denominations for the purpose of peace. It is the desire of all good people. We are thankful we are living in the United States, a country that is favored of God. We are not at war, but crime is accelerating in our country as well as in all countries. We have the downtrodden, the homeless, the hungry and afflicted, with the increase of disease and natural disasters. As long as these conditions exist, we cannot have “peace on earth.” Despite the efforts of many good people, man is unable to effect a cure. But God beholds the good and the evil in this “evil world” (Gal. 1:4) and will reward the good.

During the Gospel Age God has been selecting a people for His Name (Acts 15:14) from all denominations, nations and peoples. These individuals comprise the “true Church” whose names are written in heaven (Heb. 12:23) – not necessarily written in any religious organization. In the Gospel Age the “way” is “narrow” and “few there be that find it.” (Matt. 7:14) “Many will seek to enter in but shall not be able.” (Luke 13:24) The majority will not be able to “enter in,” because “the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them that believe not [His glorious Gospel].” (2 Cor. 4:4)

The Lord knows that Satan is the “prince of this world” (John 12:31), and He is compassionate and plenteous in mercy to the unbelievers. “He hath concluded them all in unbelief [of His Glorious Gospel], that he might have mercy on all.” (Rom. 11:32) “Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness.” (Acts 17:31) In that ‘day’ He will turn to the people a “pure language” (Zeph. 3:9) – a language all will understand. “When thy judgments [instructions] are in the earth, the inhabitants will learn righteousness.” (Isa. 26:9) There will be no error there. Many people are “Ever learning [error], and never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (2 Tim. 3:7)

Faithful Christians continue to pray, “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as in heaven,” as the Lord taught us to pray. So we “both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.” (Lam. 3:26)

“Catholics, Baptists Find Out They Have A Lot In Common – Southern Baptists and Roman Catholics, the nations two largest denominations, generally have been regarded as doctrinally far apart, but their scholars find they basically agree.

“Despite varied terminology and some real differences, ‘we do share a basic understanding of what it means to be followers of Jesus Christ by the grace of God,’ said their joint report.

“After 10 years of periodic discussions, the Baptist-Catholic dialogue group, quoting Ephesians 4:5 concludes, ‘We not only confessed but experienced One Lord, one faith and one baptism.’

“The talks, sponsored by Catholic Bishops Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs and the Southern Baptist Department of Interfaith Witness, involved 18 meetings between 1978 and 1988.

“Dealing with such topics as Scripture, salvation, spirituality, church and ministry, grace, missions and eschatology (end of time), the team agreed ‘that the ultimate authority and object of faith is the triune God’ – Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

“Participants concurred that the ‘primary source of our knowledge of God’ is the Bible which is ‘the inspired Word of God, authoritative for faith and practice.’

“But the report notes that Baptists, while valuing tradition in understanding the Bible, say tradition must be tested by Scripture, while Catholics say interpretation must be measured by tradition.” (The Orlando Sentinel, September 2, 1989)

It is evident that in Protestant, the PROTEST has been eliminated by many Protestants. Protestants fled from the persecutions of the Catholic hierarchy in bygone years. The Catholic hierarchy is often called the Mother Church and the Protestants the Daughters. “And all the host of heaven [the ecclesiastical ruling powers] shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree.” (Isa. 34:4) “Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me: whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake.” (Isa. 54:15)

“My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure... yea I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.” (Isa. 46:10, 11)

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not to thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” (Prov. 3:5,6)

“Whether it is the Church of Rome or the successive Popes who are represented as the woman on the scarlet beast (Revelation 17:3), whether the Papacy is the first or second beast of Revelation 13, we shall one day know for sure. But we can study and seek revelation from God’s Word now. And we can study the Antichrist, Rome and the Jesuits. All these studied Rome and saw the Pope (the many Popes) as the Antichrist: Wyclif, Luther, Zwingli, Latimer, Foxe, Calvin, Knox, Wesley – all names listed previously – and many more equally worthy. We can add later names: Richard Baxter, Jonathan Edwards, Spurgeon, Ryle, Moody – and again many more who are worthy of mention. Rome hasn’t changed. Rather it is THE apostasy, discussed in BULLETIN No. 7, that has these past 100 years been accelerated to the speed we see today. Now there seem few who know the truth of Rome, and still fewer who will warn.” (Christian Action For Israel, September 1989)?

“Gay/Lesbian Caucus Promotes Lifestyle At Triennium – Presbyterians for Lesbian and Gay Concerns, a General Assembly recognized, Chapter 9 organization which has been granted special privileges to promote its causes among denominational groups, set up shop in the exhibit area at the Presbyterian Youth Triennium.”

The article gives details by Rev. Daniel Smith to lesbians and gays, saying it is normal for some – that ‘You are in complete control over what you do sexually and with whom.’ Some of the members of the Presbyterian Church are horrified that Rev. Smith ignores the Scriptures regarding such inordinate desires and activities. We publish excerpts as above to reveal the iniquity in some of the denominations. We notice that the Presbyterian Church of the U.S.A. is one of the nine churches seeking to unite. (See p. 5) The whole. article about gays and lesbians is not edifying – nor is it edifying even to mention such iniquities, although we should be informed about such perversions being practiced by Christian organizations.

“Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with woman kind: it is abomination.” (Lev. 18:22) “And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.” (Rom. 1:27) “For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature.” (Rom. 1:26)

It is unbelievable that any minister who is supposed to preach God’s Word would give such counsel – openly discarding God’s inspired Word. When iniquity reaches its full, God will destroy them as He did Sodom and Gomorrah.

“Large sections of the Church have failed to come to terms with God. Now they are trying to come to terms with Man and calling it Christianity.” Author unknown.

“The Bible states that the victorious will reign with Christ at His coming. It says nothing about the Church reigning with man before Christ’s coming.” Author unknown. (Christian Action For Israel, Newsletter – Third Quarter 1989)

“Hands Across The Sees – His road to Rome was paved with good intentions, but the Archbishop of Canterbury found it rough going back home. Visiting the Vatican to discuss with Pope John Paul II eventual Anglican–Catholic unity, the Most Rev. Robert Runcie preached a homily urging Christians to reconsider the Pope’s primacy as spiritual leader. That threw some of Runcie’s flock into a tizzy: Did he mean to enthrone the Roman Pontiff and dethrone Queen Elizabeth, head of the Church of England? Runcie dismissed any such nonsense, but during his stay – his first official visit to the Holy See – he wore a ring given to one of the Archbishop’s predecessors by Pope Paul VI. It was, he told John Paul, ‘a sign not unlike an engagement ring.’ Ahem!” (Time – October 16, 1989)

Ark Found, Orlando Man, Partner Say – Istanbul, Turkey: Two Americans claimed Thursday to have discovered Noah’s ark on the southwest side of Mount Ararat in eastern Turkey while flying over it by helicopter.

“Chuck Aaron, the pilot, said a square boat shape was spotted 14,500 feet up on the mountain in a place usually covered by a glacier. He said the area was exposed this summer because of high temperatures in the region near the Soviet border. ‘We are 100 percent sure this is the ark,’ Aaron said in a telephone interview.

“Many Christian fundamentalists, who interpret the Bible literally, believe the ark must be on Mount Ararat. The book of Genesis says that after the flood that destroyed the world, the ark came to rest on the mountain with Noah’s family and pairs of every kind of animal.

“Aaron said they plan to return next year for a June climb to the spot with a team of 20 that will include geologists and archeologists. Aaron said that they based their search on information provided by an American pilot, Ed Davis of Albuquerque, N.M., who said he saw the same boat shape at the same spot during a flight in 1943, and on other reported sightings.” (The Orlando Sentinel, September 22, 1989)

“There is one limitation, however, on whom Aaron will take. ‘I don’t want an atheist up there,’ he said.” (The Orlando Sentinel, October 2, 1989)

Jehovah’s Witnesses: – In the August 15, 1989 Watchtower, they quote from the translation of their Bible, which is only a paraphrase of their teaching. “Do not marvel at this, because the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.” (John 5:28,29)

Their ‘memorial’ tombs are those they select to be awakened, in the past and in the present. But the Scriptures tell us that “all in their graves will come forth.” Our Lord tells us: “Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice and come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life [those who have had their judgment in the Faith Age]; and those that have done evil, to a resurrection of judgment [mistranslated ‘damnation’].” (John 5:28,29)

Pastor Russell was very particular that he taught Scriptures that were verified by the oldest manuscripts of God’s inspired Word. The Diaglott translation of these texts is very good – different wording but the meaning the same. The Witnesses do not hesitate to change texts that do not harmonize with their teaching. It is a dangerous thing to tamper with God’s inspired Word. They claim Pastor Russell was their founder, which he was of their organization, but not the founder of their errors.

The text of Acts 24:15 further corroborates the resurrection of all in their graves: “There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust.” But the Witnesses teach that the unjust who do not accept their teaching and join them will not receive a resurrection.

The parable of the Sheep and the Goats is a Kingdom picture. “Then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: and before him shall be gathered all nations.” (Matt. 25:31-46) That day is future, after this Time of Trouble is over. “When thy judgments [instructions] are in the earth, the inhabitants will learn righteousness.” (Isa. 26:9) “The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” (Isa. 11:9) Today the people are “Ever learning [error], and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.” (2 Tim. 3:7)

The Witnesses teach that all must “come to the knowledge” of their teaching and accept them if they get eternal life. They teach this knowing that “the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them that believe not.” (2 Cor.4:4) There are good people in the Witnesses, and plenty of good people in the world today who do not accept the teaching of the Witnesses. In the Kingdom God will turn to the people a “pure language” (Zeph. 3:9) – a language all will understand, the Witnesses and all people.

The Witnesses are separating the Sheep and the Goats in this “evil day” (Eph. 6:13) when people are more blinded by the Adversary than they ever were. God will have mercy on them in the Kingdom: “God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all.” (Rom. 11:32)

“And the Spirit and the bride say, Come ... And let him who is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely.” (Rev. 22:17) The Jehovah’s Witnesses, the same as the denominations, say “Now is the time to come” – “Be saved now or be lost forever.” The Spirit and the bride are not saying Come in this “evil world” (Gal. 1:4). This message will be given in the Kingdom to all Restitutionists.

We quote the comments of Pastor Russell on Rev. 22:17: “And whosoever will receive it – During the Millennial Age – Water of life, Restitution blessings: Truth, clear as crystal.’) The Witnesses set aside Pastor Russell’s comments for comments of their own. If it was the Truth then, it is the Truth now. Advancing light does not set aside former Truth that we have learned and been “assured of.”

The Witnesses are unmerciful to the unbelievers of their teaching – telling them they will not be resurrected in the Kingdom unless they join them. God is merciful to them and all unbelievers, as He knows that the Adversary is the “prince of this world.” (John 16:11)

“To the law and testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” (Isa. 8:20) “Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.” (Isa. 8:13)

THE JEWS

“Israel Has Gone Upscale – Pioneering spirit is memory of past – Jerusalem: Gone are the days of poverty and pioneering zeal, barefoot immigrants and tents. Affluence has changed the face of Israel, replacing ill-stocked shops with chic boutiques and cafes.

“Some call it progress. Others lament the loss of simplicity that marked the Jewish state at its founding in 1948.

“No one, however, disputes that new-found wealth, built on agricultural and industrial success and U.S. aid, has given Israelis a lifestyle to match that of many Western countries.

“‘I remember going to the supermarket and feeling there was nothing to buy,’ recalls Stephen Bier, 33, a graphic designer who emigrated from England 14 years ago. ‘Today it’s the opposite. There’s a feeling of luxury. Now when I go to England I don’t bring back food anymore.’

“Even an 18-month-old uprising by Palestinians fighting Israeli rule in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip has had little visible effect on Israeli’s standard of living. Israel’s Arab minority have also become richer, but remain poorer on average than other Israelis.

“The myths of modern Israel are replete with images of near hunger, bare feet and leaking tents ... Hundreds of thousands of Jews who arrived in the late 1940s and early 1950s from Europe and North Africa were housed in muddy shanty towns.

“David Ben-Gurion, Israel’s founding father and first prime minister, presided over cabinet meetings dressed in khaki shorts and sandals. But the leaders of the 1980s wear Western business suits and have abandoned their predecessor’s vision of turning the Jewish people from scholars and businessmen into farmers and laborers.

“Today’s Israel is in many ways no different from any other industrialized Western country. Where once basic restaurants and dusty stores with shoddy clothes stood, glitzy cafes, delicatessens and chic boutiques have appeared.

“Once-barren Israel now exports fruit and other agricultural goods as well as cut diamonds, electronics and arms. Some $3 billion a year of U.S. aid, donations from world Jewry and reparations from West Germany for victims of World War II have also boosted the economy. Inflation, which hit 400 percent in 1985, has been brought down to 17 percent.

“Israeli-born Arie Shovel, 61-year-old deputy director-general of the Education Ministry, says he still feels a rush of excitement at the sight of a basket of Israeli fruit. Fine wines and goat cheeses, once expensive imports, are now Israeli-produced and reasonably priced.

“Despite their wealth, however, many Israelis – faced with annual military duty and a constant threat of war with Arab neighbors – find the country a stressful place to live. Tens of thousands emigrate every year to the United States and Western Europe.

“‘Most of us live in nice apartments, dress well, eat well and hundreds of thousands travel abroad every year,’ Shovel says. ‘But there are many people who can’t stand the stress and leave.’

“Recalling simpler times, he adds: ‘There is no need to look back with longing. I am glad the standard of living is high and there is no hungry children in Israel.’

“In the occupied territories, the 70,000 Jewish settlers generally enjoy a high standard of living. A few still live in spartan prefabricated huts or mobile homes... but most live comfortably in suburban-style villas or apartments bigger than they could afford in the cities.

“Consumerism has been slow to come to Palestinians under Israeli occupation, who have a lower standard of living than their Israeli neighbors.

“However, before the uprising brought a new mood of austerity, shunning conspicuous consumption, the Palestinian ‘yuppies’ had made their appearance, driving fancy cars, wearing latest European fashions and patronizing fancy delicatessen stores in Jerusalem and Bethlehem.” (By Susan Sappir – The Orlando Sentinel, July 9, 1989)

Bonn Germany – “The Palestine Liberation Org. (PLO) has been invited to attend a political convention in West Berlin (Oct, 1989). (Beware Germany! Genesis 12:1-3 says God will bless those who bless Israel, and will curse those who curse Israel.)” (Bible Light International)

“Soviet – Armenia – Last December Israel sent medical teams to help earthquake victims. They treated over 2,000, and the Russians were grateful. The Israeli teams provided all their own medical supplies, and now USSR has given permission for 61 people to be flown to Israel for further treatment and Israel is supplying artificial limbs for those who need them. The plane which went to Moscow was the first direct flight between Russia and Israel and Izvestia, the official Soviet newspaper gave the events on the front page.

“Moscow – The Soviet Union has been grateful for the help of Israeli medical teams who have been helping with the severe burn victims of the train disaster. Israel again supplied the medical needs for their teams, and also used their newly developed ‘Omidern, a type of artificial skin which is successful. Again Israel proves it does have concern to help others in this type disaster. Remember the Lord said, they would be a blessing to the whole world.” (Bible Light International)

“Jerusalem Is Non-Negotiable – United Nations (WUP), ‘Go back to Jerusalem, where you belong!’ This had been the age-long bitter cry [of Gentiles] to the Jew in whichever country he was forced to seek refuge and a place to live during his 2,000-year exile ...

“Now that the Jew has returned to his ancient homeland and established himself in Jerusalem as his capital, these same nations, in rage say, ‘No, you cannot have Jerusalem!’

“But the Jew, having survived the ancient tyrants, the Crusaders, the Inquisitors, the Nazis, and the modern Philistine, remains unmoved, and no power on earth can change his will: ‘I am here in Jerusalem to stay!’ ... Jerusalem is not negotiable! ...

“President George Bush put his hand on the Bible and swore by it when he was inaugurated as President of the United States. It was the very Bible used by George Washington at his inauguration. Bush made his oath as a true Christian, as did his Secretary of State James Baker when he was sworn into his office.

“It may be well for both the President and his Secretary of State to be reminded of what this same Bible says about Jerusalem: Zechariah: ‘Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of staggering unto all the peoples round about ... And it shall come to pass on that day that I will make Jerusalem a stone of burden for all people; all that burden themselves with her shall be severely cut ...’ [“Cut in pieces” – KJV – 12:2, 3]

“The same prophet offers a word of advice: ‘Thus hath said the L–rd of Hosts: I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with great jealousy: and I am sore displeased with the nations that are at ease: for I was but a little displeased, and they helped for evil...’ (Zech. 1:14)

“And the great Isaiah declares: ‘For the sake of Zion will I hold My peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake will I not rest, until her triumph go forth as brightness, and her salvation as a burning torch ...’ (62:1)

“‘But be ye glad and rejoice forever for that which I create; for behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing and her people a joy. And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in My people ...’ (65:18,19).

“And G–d speaks by His prophet Zechariah: ‘Thus hath said the L–rd of Hosts: Behold, I will save My people from the east country, and from the west country, and I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem: and they shall be My people, and I will be their G–d, in truth and in righteousness ...’ (8:7,8)

“These are no vain words, Mr. President and Mr. Baker. Our days have already seen partial fulfillment. All attempts to prevent his return back-fired and no future attempts can succeed. The name Jerusalem has a double meaning and, Mr. President, you would do G–d’s will to move the USA Embassy from Tel-Aviv to jerUSAlem. (By David Horowitz – Behind the Scenes, June 8, 1989)

“As a child I received instruction both in the Bible and in the Talmud. I am a Jew, but I am enthralled by the luminous figure of the Nazarene ... No one can read the Gospels without feeling the actual presence of Jesus. His personality pulsates in every word. No myth is filled with such life.” Dr. Albert Einstein (Christian Action For Israel – Newsletter – First Quarter 1989)

“Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees... Why have ye not brought him? The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.” (John 7:45,46)

“Pope Implies Jews Broke Covenant – Vatican City – Pope John Paul yesterday implied that the Jewish covenant with God had been broken, the third time in three weeks he has repeated remarks which Jewish groups say are prejudicial to them.

“The Pope told several thousand people at his weekly audience in St. Peter’s Square that God had made ‘a new and eternal covenant’ with Christians through Jesus Christ.

“‘In the old covenant, God chose Israel to be his possession, his chosen people ... but (Israel) was called to become holy, to reflect her consecration to God by the holiness of her way of life,’ the Pope said.

“‘Under the new covenant,’ he said, Christians ‘are consecrated as members of a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, through the gift of the Holy Spirit.’

“On three successive Wednesdays, the Pope has implied that God made a new covenant with Christians because of the failure of the Jews to live according to divine laws.

“On August 4, an American Jewish group, the Anti-defamation League of B’nai B’rith, described similar remarks as ‘unavoidably prejudicial.”’ (Christian Action For Israel, September, 1989)

The Pope should fear the wrath of God when he brazenly sets aside His inspired Word and teaches opinions of his own instead. God chose Israel from all nations. His Word clearly states that He knew they broke the Mosaic Covenant; and that it takes a perfect man to keep a perfect Law. Many Jews tried to keep the Law, and some of them may have thought they did. The New Covenant Law will not be changed from the perfect Mosaic Law, but it will have a Mediator that will instruct them, and forgive them until they become perfect and can keep the perfect Law.

The Jews need a New Covenant, otherwise the Lord would not give them one: “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 I took them by the hand to bring them out of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was a husband unto them, saith the Lord: but this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; after those days [after the Gospel Age], saith the Lord, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (Jer. 31:32,33)

The above texts clearly prove that God will make a New covenant with the Jews. “Salvation is of the Jew,” Our Lord says. (John 4:22) It was “to the Jew first” in the Gospel-Age salvation, and it will be “to the Jew first” (Rom. 2:10) in that Kingdom “wherein dwelleth righteousness.” (2 Peter 3:13)

“And it shall be in that day, that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem.” (Zech. 14:8) The “word of the Lord” (Isa. 2:3) will come from Jerusalem, which will be the capital of Messiah’s Kingdom. All nations will be taught through the Jews.

Those whose names are “written in heaven” (Luke 10:20) will have already been selected in the Gospel Age. The Christian’s covenant is by sacrifice: “Gather my saints together unto me; those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice.” (Psa. 50:5) Christians do not need a New Covenant. They will be judged individually – not as a religious organization.

The Jews say that the Pope’s remarks were “unavoidably prejudicial.” His remarks were “unavoidable” for him because his purpose is to downgrade the Jews regardless of God’s inspired Word. Papacy ruled the world in its heyday in the Dark Ages – crowned and uncrowned kings, murdered and tortured the Jews by every conceivable means that could be imagined to exterminate the Jewish nation. However, the Jews are here today. God preserved the Jewish nation the same as He preserved the Bible which papacy tried to destroy.

Here are more Scriptures that the Pope wantonly disregards: “For I will take you from among the heathen, and gather you out of all countries, and will bring you into your own land. Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from your idols, will I cleanse you.” (Exe. 36:24,25)

“Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them: and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in the midst of them for evermore.” (Ezek. 37:26)

“For the Lord will have mercy on Jacob, and will yet choose Israel, and set them in their own land: and the strangers shall be joined with them, and they will cleave to the house of Jacob.” (Isa. 14:1)

The Messianic Kingdom will be Israelitish. The strangers are all peoples who are not Jews and will become proselyte Jews if they get the blessings of the New Covenant. God does not think kindly of anyone who teaches man-made doctrines. “The Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near to me with their mouth, and with their lips do honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear [reverence] toward me is taught by precept of men.” (Isa. 29:13) “To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” (Isa. 8:20) “The wheels of the gods grind slowly but surely.”

It is wonderful to behold that amidst all the afflictions of the Jews, there are many who still trust in God and rely on His promises to them. So we continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem, knowing our prayers are not in vain.

“As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the Lord is round about his people from henceforth even for ever.” (Psa. 125:2)

NO. 407A: RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT - PART ONE

No. 407A

At the beginning of the New Year, we look back at the last year with grateful hearts for all His benefits toward us. “Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for thy name is near thy wonderful works declare.” (Psa. 75:1)

The earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes and other tragedies have brought much pain and sorrow to many people, making many homeless, as well as the grief and heartache of those who have lost loved ones in these tragedies. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to all those who have experienced these hardships. “We weep with them that weep.” (Rom. 12:15) However, such tragedies bring out the best in people. Quite a few have risked their lives in trying to rescue the unfortunate. It is wonderful to see “people helping people.” God bless such good people! “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good.” (Prov. 15:3)

Amidst these tragedies, crime is escalating in every country – thievery, murder, rape, child abuse, suicide among the young, illegal drugs, alcohol and terrorism.

“D.C. Leads Nation In Murders As Violent Crime Rate Jumps – Washington – The number of violent crimes reported nationwide in 1988 increased 5.5 percent from 1987 to a new high, with murders rising 2.9 percent to 20,675, the FBI said in a report released Sunday.

“The overall murder rate was 8.4 per 100,000 people. Washington, D.C. led the nation in the rate of murders and non–negligent homicides, with 59.5 per 100,000. The police have reported 372 people were slain in the nation’s capital. The murder rate calculations cover cities with population of 400,000 or more.” (The Orlando Sentinel, August 7, 1989)

Disease, too, is increasing with no cure in sight for many terminal cases – such as ALZHEIMER, AIDS, etc. However, medical science is researching and making every effort to find such cures.

“Jerusalem (JTA) – Scientists at Bar-llan University have reported finding a medication to treat Alzheimer’s disease, a degenerative condition that affects middle-aged and elderly people, and is usually manifested by loss of memory.

“Yediot Achronot reported Monday that a team of scientists, led by Professor Shlomo Eliahu, developed a medication that reverses memory loss in patients with Alzheimer’s. The scientist said they tested it successfully on humans, but it needs further development before being approved for mass production.

“According to the report, the university in Ramat Gan is negotiating with various pharmaceutical companies to eventually produce and market the medication. But few details have been released because of the need for ‘commercial security,’ Yediot Achronot said.” (New York Jewish Press, September 15, 1989)

“Progress On Blood Substitute – Artificial blood is no longer the stuff of science fiction books. After years of research, a team at the Technion in Haifa claims to have developed a series of blood-substitute compounds that carry oxygen ‘no less effectively’ than human blood. The new substitutes, which are not yet being produced on a commercial basis, can help solve the problem of emergency transfusions, and can avoid the transmission of diseases through the use of contaminated blood.

“Prof. Noah Lotan, who heads the team, says that the use of blood or of blood plasma in field emergencies or even hospitals raises serious medical and logistical problems. Thus artificial materials based on hemoglobin have been developed.” (By Judy Siegel – Jerusalem Post, July 15, 1989)

“Aids – A Human Time Bomb – AIDS is one of the most serious scourges to strike humanity. While authorities in the USA and SA continue to cry ‘Don’t panic,’ AIDS statistics continue to mount. Of 100 people who contract AIDS – after 3 years 90 will be living and working oblivious of the fact. Average life expectancy for an AIDS patient is 7.3 years for most of which time they will not know they have the disease.

“In the USA AIDS is expected to become the major cause of death by 1992 surpassing motor accidents. Scientists are not expecting to find an effective vaccine for at least 10 years. The incidents of AIDS in Africa is doubling every year.” (By Ack Citizen, Christian Action for Israel – 2nd Quarter)

“Aids Ravaging Florida Youth, Lawmakers Told – Miami, Florida has the second–highest number of Pediatric AIDS cases in the nation, a congressional committee was told Monday.

“The committee decided to hold the hearing in Miami because of the high number of AIDS-infected babies here. New York is the only state with more cases of HIV-positive babies than Florida, which was 215 cases, half in Miami.

“Rep. George Miller, the committee’s chairman, said the study was one of the toughest his committee has undertaken. ‘This is not something that’s going to be remedied with slogans or a one-year political campaign,’ the California Democratic said.” (The Orlando Sentinel, August 8, 1989)

“1980s – A Decade Of Greed – After 10 years of meanness, the ‘70s look better every day. Any era looks better from a distance. Nevertheless, as the decade of the ‘80s draws to a close, the ‘70s look mighty good. In the ‘70s OPEC was our principal challenger. The price of a barrel of oil soared from $1.75 to $35. Economies spun out of control. The rising cost of imports turned our trade balance negative. Manufacturing exports exceeded imports by a healthy $30 billion. We are still the world’s banker.

“In the ‘80s, Japan became our main challenger. A long list of product lines in which we were dominant a decade ago are now produced by others: telecopier machines, VCRs, TVs. In 1982, three of the top four companies receiving U.S. patents were American. Today the top three are Japanese.

“Faced with the new challenge, we’ve lost our confidence. George Bush labels our educational system a disaster, but refuses to provide relief. Congress criticizes corporate takeovers and leveraged buyouts, but does nothing to impede them. Time magazine’s cover story wonders, ‘Is Government Dead?’ America’s big businesses eagerly sell out to foreign investors, or move abroad themselves.

“In the ‘80s, we lost our economic supremacy. We also lost our social conscience... Three of every four jobs created in the ‘80s paid wages less than the household poverty level. Government abandoned its role of nurturer and instead expanded its role as enforcer.

“In the 1980s, greed has been in the saddle. The number of millionaires equals the number of the homeless. A recent Senate bill creates ‘special preferences’ for 4,800 immigrants. The price of admission? A cool million dollars. U.S. citizenship is now for sale... We’ve become a meaner and weaker nation – meaner to one another, weaker compared to others.

“What will the ‘90s bring? A renewed sense of community and purpose? Or a widening of the cracks in society and a continued, perhaps more rapid, economic decline? The portents are not favorable, yet hope springs eternal. Maybe the ‘90s will be as pleasantly surprising as the ‘80s have been painful and distressing.” (By David Morris – The Orlando Sentinel, October 26, 1989)

“Japan Winning War Without Firing A Single Round – After their defeat and surrender in 1945, the Japanese wisely concluded that waging war in that old conventional military manner, to gain wealth and power, proved futile. They realized that the smarter route to national greatness was economic. So while we were spending billions of dollars expanding our defense posture, the Japanese concentrated their efforts on making their country a first-rate economic power, and in this way they succeeded – most of it at our expense.

“It is now evident that the victory Japan failed to win with its military might is now being won by waging ‘war’ with economic clout.

“Japan’s Road To ‘Victory’: Japan has become the world’s biggest creditor nation. Japan now has the second–highest number of identifiable billionaires – 34... In the banking world, the U.S. is not No. 1. It is not even No. 10. The 10 largest banks in the world are Japanese. The Japanese yen has nearly doubled in value against our dollar.

“The Japanese are having a field day ‘buying’ up America... Japanese purchases of prime real estate, resorts, hotel chains, businesses, corporations, gold mines, office buildings, universities and our Treasury bills are legion. You name it and they are buying it.

“And now this: The Japanese blame the United States for our trade problems. Their foreign minister said Americans don’t try hard enough to penetrate their market. He said, ‘Japan must speak its mind to bring the U.S around to its way of thinking.’ What gall!

“The Japanese prime minister... told our president they want more to say as we develop our policies toward the Soviet Union and Latin America. They are telling us to put our house in order. What hubris! And this from the country that we allegedly defeated.

“Perhaps the Japanese have earned the right to criticize us. After all, they demonstrated to the whole world that the use of military force is passé – that if you want to gain more land, more wealth and more power you can do it without firing a single shot.” (By Donald N. Salvetti in My Word – The Orlando Sentinel, November 22, 1989)

The Orlando Sentinel reported Japanese Top List Of The Rich. “Forbes [magazine] says U.S. has the most billionaires, with 55 individuals qualifying for that title.”

“But woe unto you that are rich! for you have received your consolation.” (Luke 6:24) “Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts as in the day of slaughter.” (James 5:5)

However, some of our rich men have been benevolent and mindful of the poor and needy, and have used their wealth to alleviate the condition of the helpless. “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or evil.” (Eccl. 12:14

“White–Collar Criminals Are Attacking Everywhere – Having already plundered the nation’s savings and loan associations and HUD, racketeers are invading other strongholds where unbelievably large amounts of money circulate freely and are pretty much there for the taking for those who are smart enough to pull off a paper heist.

“If we are to believe Raymond Maria, acting inspector general of the Labor Department, the racketeers who are hijacking our financial institutions are not hooded Mafia characters carrying machine guns, but are a relatively new breed of criminals posing as lawyers, bankers, accountants and investment advisers. Virtually every financial institution is under attack these days, so it is no surprise that the nation’s pension funds are being targeted for a stupendous hit. No good hold-up man would overlook an unguarded cache of $1.7 trillion.

“The white-collar criminal element has invaded every institution where dollars flow from the stock market to pension funds – and money is disappearing faster than country club jails are being built to house the people stealing it. The new racketeers are slicker than Willie Sutton and have more guts than Al Capone. They can steal millions without ever being in a life-threatening situation, and are confident in the knowledge that even if they get caught, they won’t have to endure anything as demeaning as spending time with common hoods in a hole like Alcatraz.

“Now that more securities fraud is being exposed and white-collar criminals are being collared, crooks are crying ‘foul.’ For the first time last week, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act, or RICO, was used to convict five executives with the defunct firm of Princeton-Newport Partners and one former trader with Drexel Burnham Lambert Inc.

“A lot of people who have been victimized, however, tend to side with Ronald Goldstock, a director of the New York State Organized Crime Task Force. ‘If the RICO statute can be used for three bookmakers standing on the corner, it certainly ought to be used for individuals sitting in corporate board rooms stealing massive amounts of money from the public,’ Goldstock said.

“Our leaders, however, can always be counted upon to help those in distress. Congress is already considering two bills that would revamp RICO in civil cases, eliminating the award of triple damages. Some lawyers argue that such penalties are too severe and inappropriate in cases where the crooks are gentlemen.” (By Dick Marlowe – The Orlando Sentinel, August 6, 1989)

IN FINANCE

“The Economy – As we progress another year further in the Time of Trouble (Dan. 12:1) the trouble increases and is being manifested in all facets of life – especially in finances in our country and in every country in the world. The current debt ceiling in the U. S. is $2.87 trillion with prospects of a new law raising it to $3.0 trillion. It has been said that a ‘nation can be propelled into bondage more easily through debt than invasion.’ Our nation has changed from the largest creditor nation to the largest debtor nation in the last 8 or 9 years. What is true of the nation is also true of individuals abusing credit.

“The Federal government and the people comprising the government are marching to complete financial collapse because of failure to live within our means – spending more than we receive in taxes or wages. The recent failure of Savings and Loans still present a problem that cannot be solved without presenting the bill to the taxpayer. All debts may not be paid, but all debts are eventually liquidated.

“There are hundreds of financial newsletters written endeavoring to predict the future and advise their subscribers. They are divided into optimists and pessimists, and both try to substantiate their opinions. A large percentage are predicting a very serious economic collapse in the near future. The stock market is very jittery, making wide swings up and down on any bit of news. Mr. Donald Trump, on being interviewed by Sam Donaldson, said that ‘we are in for a bumpy five years ahead.’

“In the November issue of U.S. News there appears a lengthy article on ‘The Soviet Economy in Shambles,’ going into great detail describing conditions in all phases of life in Russia, indicating the nation’s patience is running short.

“At the same time Russia continues to support Afghanistan, Cambodia, Nicaragua via Cuba and Syria’s support of the bloody occupation of Lebanon with military equipment.

“The Lord’s people are in the world but not of it. So our faith is in the Lord. He promises to never leave us or forsake us. And though storm clouds loom dark above we continue to pray, Thy Kingdom Come, because we know that this present ‘evil world’ (Gal. 1:4) under Satan must fall before the Lord’s Kingdom will be established. The Lord called Satan the ‘prince of this world’ (John 12:31) who will be cast out when the Lord ‘judges the world in righteousness.’ (Acts 17:31)”(Contributed)

As we move into the 1990s and the beginning of a new decade, we look back at the nation’s unprecedented peace-time economy, which is now in its eighth year. The majority of the business economists are predicting three or more years.

In the ‘80s we have seen the Dow Jones rise to its highest level and drop to its lowest point since the 1930s. We have seen oil prices fluctuate all over the board in the last year. Between December 1988 and December 1989, we have seen crude oil prices rise 50%. Precious metals have gone up and down.

As we start into the 1990s, we see signs of the economy’s weakness as more companies are trimming back on their number of employees to make their companies more profitable. We have had a great many leveraged buy-outs of large companies, such as R. J. Reynolds, which itself consisted of some of the largest companies in this country – like Nabisco and Planters. Our debt level is at an all time high. We are still challenged by the expert craftsmanship of foreign companies, especially the Japanese. They say the American people are fast losing their place as being the leader in quality goods and services.

It looks like a gloomy picture. All of these things are predicted in the Bible. Many countries are in a revolutionary stage, with the hope that a new government will straighten out the conditions which have prevailed. Violence has erupted many times. Our Lord says, “For there shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.” (Matt. 24:21) We are thankful for the phrase, “no, nor ever shall be.”

We think the first part of 1990 will continue to be good, but there will be ups and downs. Precious metals should continue to be a good investment.

(To be continued February 1990)

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Mrs. Hoefle:

My friend, David Horowitz of World Union Press, United Nations, asked me to mail you a copy of my article “Papal Visits ...” So here is a copy of the Baptist Bulletin’s Report.

I’m enclosing other sheets which may be of interest to you. The enclosed Israel Chance or Destiny will indicate our pro-Zionist position.

Shalom to you, Rev. ------- (NEW HAMPSHIRE)

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Gentlemen:

Just want you to know how much we enjoy your publication. We would like you to have this check to help you with your work.

Thank you! ------- (MISSISSIPPI)

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Dear Emily,

Thanks for your letter. I am looking for the early publications of C. T. Russell, originals or reprints. I have The Divine Plan of the Ages and also CTR – An Early American Christian Zionist. If you can provide me with any other Watch Tower publications from the period of 1878-1916, please let me know.

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

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Dear Sister Emily: Greetings in the precious Name of Jesus!

Thank you for your literature for the many passing years. We are second generation Bible students. Our parents came into the truth through a Slovak brother... We appreciate your service of love to the brethren. We do not know of P.S.L. Johnson’s work. We stay very close to the “meat in due season” our Present Lord has given through That Wise and Faithful Servant. We do not accept teachings of anyone else. We thank you for No. 327, defending the Bible chronology. We fear too many today are losing faith in what our precious Lord has given us.

The Lord bless you! We love you ------- (WISCONSIN)

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We are grateful for the many beautiful Christmas cards, and especially appreciative of the Christian love and prayers of the brethren. To all our reader our best wishes for a Blessed New Year.

ANNOUNCEMENT: The date for our Memorial is April 8, 1990, after six p.m.

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I

NO. 406: GOOD TIDINGS OF GREAT JOY

No. 406

My dear Brethren: Grace and peace through our Beloved Master!

At this time of the year there are so many people reminded of Jesus our Savior and it is a pleasure to see them rejoice in the Birth of our Savior. We well realize that much of the emphasis placed on this occasion is for commercial purposes, yet the general atmosphere is “Good Will To Men.” It seems to affect those who are not believers – especially those of “good will.” Even though we know it is not the correct date for the birth of our Lord, it is not indicated in the Scriptures that we should celebrate that event; therefore, if the world wishes to honor His birth, we can join with those who from the sincerity of heart appreciate Him as their Redeemer. We now offer the following from That Servant as given in our Daily Manna, with which we are in full agreement:

“Although we cannot agree that this is the proper day for celebrating the birth of our dear Redeemer, but must insist that it was about October first (Studies, Vol. 2), nevertheless, since He did not intimate His desire that we should celebrate His birthday, it is quite immaterial upon what day that event, of so great importance to all, is celebrated. Upon this day, so generally celebrated, we may properly enough join with all whose hearts are in the attitude of love and appreciation toward God and toward the Savior. The habit of giving little remembrances one to another at this time of the year seems to us specially appropriate. God is the Giver of every good and perfect gift. He is continually giving; and we are continually receiving from Him, but amongst all His gifts the One of greatest importance to us is the Gift of His Son to be our Redeemer.”

Although December 25 is generally recognized as the birth date of JESUS, there is not the slightest hint in the Bible or in secular history that this is the correct date. How then has this date been established? Jesus said, “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” (John 5:39) Among the outstanding types of the Old Testament that “testify” of Him is the one on the Day of Atonement, in which sacrifice of the bullock typified Jesus as the Atonement for our sins. The bullock represented Jesus at the age of thirty years. This service was held on the tenth day of the seventh month – the tenth day of the seventh month is Tishri, or Tizri, which is represented in our calendar by about the tenth of October. And in every institutional type the antitype must appear on the same date as did the type.

The question now comes, Why this gross error? After the “falling away” (2 Thes. 2:3) became more pronounced in the early Church, the question of the same date for the Jewish Day of Atonement and the birth of Jesus propounded some irritating and intricate questions, so the “bright minds” of the time came up with this solution: The Vernal Equinox occurs about March 25, so Jesus would begin generation in Mary about that time; and nine months from March 25 would arrive at December 25, which should be the day of His birth. Truly, “Wisdom is justified of her children”! (Matt. 11:19) And we have here an excellent illustration of that truth. But we agree with That Servant, that we may properly enough join with all those whose hearts are in the attitude of love and appreciation toward God and toward the Savior on December 25, which is generally accepted as the birth date of our Redeemer.

“Behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy.” But the Jehovah’s Witnesses bring us “bad tidings of great misery” for all those who do not join with them. According to them, the vast majority now living will be annihilated in Armageddon unless they join with them beforehand. So the majority of this generation will have no opportunity of eternal life in the Kingdom. But the Scriptures clearly teach, “there shall be a resurrection of the dead? both of the Just and the Unjust” (Acts 24:15), which will not only include those of past generations, but those of this generation also. There has never been a time when the Adversary has deceived the children of this world more than today so why should we be surprised at those who are unable to accept the Truth? “In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.” (2 Cor. 4:4) But we are promised that the “eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped” (Isa. 35:5) in that glorious Kingdom.

Jesus did not die for the few who become His footstep followers during this Faith Age, when sin is in the ascendancy, but He died for all mankind – to be “testified in due time.” (1 Tim. 2:1–6) There are Two Salvations – one for the world of mankind who have been “blinded by the god of this world,” – called the “common salvation” (Jude 3); and the “great salvation” (Heb. 2:3), which is the salvation of the Elect during this Faith Age – the footstep followers of our Lord – the “called according to His purpose.” (Rom. 8:28) “Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.” (Acts 17:31)

The story of the “good tidings” of this text (Luke 2:10) is so familiar as to require no special comment – yet in its simple details lies the hope of the whole world. For four thousand years the birth of this child was promised, and during these forty centuries some faithful souls continued to trust in the promises and to look for the salvation to be brought about through Him. We may surely take it for granted that the humble shepherds to whom the message of the Lord’s Advent first came were men who thus hoped in the promises of God; for to such, and to such only, the Lord discloses His purposes.

These men where quietly tending their flocks by night when suddenly “the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.” (Luke 2:9) But their fear was soon overcome by the message of the angel, which, strange to say, has been partially omitted – leaving out one of the grandest features of the message – that it was to be to all people.

The message reads, “Fear not; for, behold I bring you good tidings, of GREAT JOY, which shall be to ALL PEOPLE.” (v. 10) It will be observed that the blessedness of these tidings is cumulative: first, it is “good tidings”; then, it is “great joy”; and then the crowning feature of it is that it is to “all people” – not only to you shepherds who are this night looking for the hope of Israel, but for your friends and relatives – to all their friends and relatives and neighbors far and near, to both those who now live, and to all those now in death.

Blessed tidings! Hearken to the gladsome sound: “For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (v. 11) Then He was to be a Savior to all people: so the Scriptures clearly affirm, saying that, by the grace of God, He tasted death for every man, and that He gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time – for all. (Heb. 2:9; 1 Tim. 2:6) The testimony, however, is quite as necessary to the salvation of the sinner as the fact that Christ gave Himself a ransom for all. The favor of salvation will not be forced upon any; but the testimony that it has been provided for every man, on condition of his acceptance of the favor upon God’s terms, is to be given to every man, for his acceptance or rejection. And though millions of the race for whom Christ died have gone down to the grave without such testimony, still the fact remains that the testimony shall be given in due time – which due time, to all such, must be after their awakening from death.

And to this agree the words of the Lord: “The hour is coming in which all that are in their graves shall hear the voice of the Son of Man and shall come forth; they that have done good [who in this present life have come into Judgment and who have passed their trial successfully], unto the resurrection of life [the full reward of the faithful. Such will be the overcoming church]; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of judgment.” (John 5:25-29) That is, the latter class will come forth from the grave to have the truth testified to them for their acceptance or redaction; and their final judgment of worthiness or unworthiness of life will be based upon their course under trial after the truth has been testified to them in the Millennial Age the Age now just ahead of us. Thus the angel of the Lord preached the good tidings of the restitution of all things (Acts 3:19-23) to the shepherds on the plane of Bethlehem.

Verse 12: Then they told where and how they should find this bud of promise, so that when they would see Him they might feel doubly assured that this was He.

Verses 13,14: “Then suddenly there was with the angels a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” This shows how the angels of God are interested in the affairs of men, and how they sympathize with us and rejoice over our prosperity. And this reminds us of other statements to the effect that there is joy in heaven among the angels over one sinner that repenteth (Luke 15:7); and that they are all ministering spirits sent forth to minister to them who shall be heirs of salvation. (1 Peter 1:12; Heb. 1:14) Thus we see them to be creatures of God full of loving benevolence even toward a fallen race, and esteeming it a privilege to serve the heirs of this salvation, although they know, as they studiously look into God’s Plan, that some of this fallen race are by and by to be highly exalted, even above the angels who never sinned.

Thus we see their humble recognition of the right of the Creator to do what He will with His own, and their cheerful and joyful acquiescence in His perfect will, which they know to be determined by His unerring Wisdom and His fathomless Love. Oh, what universal joy will prevail when the whole family of God in heaven and in earth is brought into fullest harmony under Jehovah’s Anointed!

Verses 15,18 show the teachable attitude of the shepherds: they recognized the angels and their message as from the Lord, and, their fears being allayed, their hopes revived and their faith increased, they felt that they must go at once and see this which had come to pass. And when they had so determined, a strange star (evidently a meteor, as it could not have been a fixed star) appeared, moving in the direction which the angel had told them to go; and they followed the star until they reached Bethlehem, when it stood still over the place where the young child was. And when they saw Him, they worshiped Him and presented to Him gold and frankincense and myrrh, recognizing Him as the long–promised Messiah. And being warned of God in a dream, they disregarded the request of Herod to inform him of the whereabouts of the new–born king, and so departed into their own country another way. But as they went they published abroad the good tidings which the angels had brought to them, and how they had actually seen Him of whom the prophets testified.

Verse 19: “But Mary [mother-like] kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart,” doubtless calling to mind also the message of the angel to her. (Luke 1:28-35) Again and again we seem to hear her say, “My soul doth magnify the Lord... for He hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden... He that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is His name.” (Luke 1:46-49)

Verse 20: The shepherds returned to their flocks, fully assured of the wonderful truth that the promised seed of the woman who was to bruise the serpent’s head had really come. (Gen. 3:15) And they rejoiced and glorified God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as they were told unto them.

“NEVER MAN SPAKE LIKE THIS MAN”

(John 7:46)

At this analysis a review is in order. We begin at the Mount of Beatitudes and close with the Mount of Transfiguration, and on the way in the Master’s words and conduct find illustrations of the wonderful teachings of the Sermon on the Mount and how faithful obedience to the instructions there given will mean to us eventually a place in the Kingdom, pictured in the Transfiguration scene. The blessings of the meek, the merciful, the persecuted for righteousness’ sake, etc., all will find their fulfillment when, by the grace of God, we shall eventually be changed, transfigured, by the Redeemer and Lord – “Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the Kingdom of their Father.” (Matt. 13:43)

How wonderful are the Lord’s dealings with us and yet how reasonable. His appeal is, “Come let us reason together: though your sins be as scarlet they shall be white as snow; though they be red like crimson they shall be as wool.” (Isa. 1:18) He shows us how He has prepared for this: that He Himself was provided, the sacrifice for sins; that our Lord has already died the Just for the Unjust that He might bring us to God, and that God can be just when He receives us, just in His dealings with us, because the justice element of His Law has been fully met on our behalf. He gives us a glimpse of the blessings He proposes to bring to the world of mankind, points us to the Lamb of God, whose sacrifice takes away the sin of the world, and invites all those who have love and sympathy and appreciation to come now and accept not only life eternal but favor – joint–heirship with His Son in the glorious Kingdom which is to bless the world in the great uplift of “restitution, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all the holy prophets since the world began.” (Acts 3:19-21)

This message comes to us through the Son of God, of whom our text declares, “Never man spake like this man.” No wonder the apostles said to Him when some were forsaking Him, “Lord, to whom should we go? Thou hast the words [the message] of eternal life.” (John 6:68) Others may indeed think that they have eternal life in themselves – they may persuade themselves that by some inherent, immortal principle they will live forever, and that when they die it will merely be the appearance of dying, and actually they will become in that moment more alive than ever. At best that is a very difficult thought, and few are able to so hypnotize their own judgments as to believe it. We on the contrary, hearkening to the voice that spoke as never man spake, hear His declaration that our hope is in Him as the “resurrection and the life.” (John 11:25) We hear Him telling us that the hour is coming in the which all that are in their graves shall hear His voice and shall come forth. (John 5:28,29) It is reasonable.

We can reason together with God when we take the voice of His Son and reject the voices of the “Dark Ages.” From this standpoint – that a resurrection has been provided through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus – the whole matter of the redemption which is in Christ Jesus – the whole matter of death and eternal life is clarified before our mental view. We see the condemnation through Adam, and how death is justly reigning throughout the whole world of mankind ever since. We see the death of Christ, the Just for the Unjust; that He has bought us with His precious blood, that He has paid our ransom price, and that as a result, in God’s due time, all shall come forth from the power of the tomb. We see the keys of death and of the grave in the hands of the One who has purchased all; we rejoice in the proclamation of the coming blessing to all the families of the earth, through a release from this power of sin and Satan and death.

We hearken still more intently to the voice of Him that speaketh as never man spake, and hear Him assure us that there are two resurrections – one a life resurrection, the other a judgment resurrection. We hear Him tell us that only those who through faith and obedience attain a standing with God under the cover of the precious sacrifice will be counted the good, the justified, and only they will share in the life resurrection, because only they will have passed their trial and be counted worthy of life. All others will come forth to the judgment resurrection to be disciplined under the Kingdom, to receive stripes in proportion to the willfulness in which they have cooperated in their own downfall into mental, moral and physical degradation, but to be helped by the stripes, to be corrected in righteousness, if they will, and to be brought step by step out of the sin-and-death conditions, up, up, up, by resurrection power of Jesus, to the full perfection, to all that was lost in Adam.

Well may we rejoice in this One who spake as never man spake, in Him who has the words of eternal life. Respecting those words the Apostle Peter says, “Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises, that by these we might become partakers of the Divine nature.” (2 Peter 1:4) Yes! Wonderful words of life, tell them over again, think them over again, rejoice in them more and more – let them fill our hearts and be in our mouths a new song of the loving kindness of our God, whose tender mercies are over all His works.

Of these words, which the Master spake as never man spake, the Apostle further declares that He spake of our salvation. He says, “Which salvation began to be spoken by our Lord and was confirmed unto us by them that heard Him.” (Heb. 2:3) Not only was there no eternal life in our race, and no hope for attaining any except through Jesus, but all of the promises of the past would have been powerless without His work of atonement, and not until He came was it known how our redemption was to be accomplished. True, the Lord had provided various types and shadows in the numerous sacrifices of the past which illustrated the fact that “without the shedding of blood there can be no remission of sin” (Heb. 9:22); but they could not be understood until the antitype had come. Then He brought life to light and immortality to light – life for the world, eternal life to be conferred during the Millennial Age – immortality for His Church, His bride, His Little Flock, His joint-heirs. These were never brought to light before; they were faintly seen and vaguely described, but it remained for the Great Teacher – Jesus – to set forth before us the salvation which God had proffered through Him. Thank God that our hearts have made our lips more and more tell forth the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Through faith in Him the Little Flock are already reckoned risen to “walk in newness of life” (Rom. 6:4), and through Him by and by the Father will raise them up by His own power, that they shall be like Him and share His glory, honor and immortality.

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 Saviour of all men [from the Adamic condemnation, but not eternally; after the 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], especially [He is the Savior to the uttermost only] of those that believe [the faithful elect now and the faithful non-elect in the Millennium].”

A NEW HEAVENS AND EARTH

Another testimony, which incidentally identifies the Judgment Day with the Millennium, is found in 2 Peter 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 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 identified the day of judgment of v. 7 as a thousand–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 thousand–year Judgment Day] will come as a thief in the night [compare 1 Thes. 5:1-3]; in which the heavens [not the literal heavens, but Satan’s false religious systems – compare 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].

“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.”

Thus by then Jesus will have destroyed the devil and all his works. Accordingly, we look for the Millennial Age to witness the destruction of the sentence of death, as well as all the effects of that sentence: sin, error, superstition, sorrow, pain, sighing, crying, sickness, famine, pestilence, drought, extreme heat and cold, scarcity, war, revolution, anarchy, oppression, poverty, ignorance, dying and death. (Rev. 21:1–4; 22:3)

RESULTS OF THE KINGDOM’S REIGN

One of the results of the Kingdom’s reign will be the utter extirpation of all the effects of the curse as the unholy fruits of Satan’s rule, authority and power. Among other passages, 1 Cor. 15:20-26 shows this. We quote it from the Improved Version: “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become a first fruit [Jesus] of them that slept. For since by man [Adam] came death, by [a] man [Jesus] also shall come the resurrection of the dead. For as all in Adam die [Jesus did not die in Adam, for He was not in Adam, and therefore our correction of the translation], even so all in Christ shall be made alive [e.g., the Little Flock is in Christ; they shall be made alive first and primarily]. But every man in his own order: Christ a firstfruit [the Church is here meant]; afterward they that are Christ’s at [during] his presence [those who are shown to be our Lord’s faithful followers during His presence, these shall also be made alive]. Then cometh the end [the end of the Little Season, when He shall have ruled over all the earth and given every man the opportunity to gain eternal life, which His Ransom–sacrifice,–a corresponding price, enables Him to give], when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father [for God will be the final judge over the earth and will exercise His judgment through Christ, the Head, primarily, and secondarily, the Church, His Body, as His Vicegerent]; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and [all] power [every vestige of the governorship and of the pretended might of Satan, all of this will be put down by the almighty hand of Christ, the Head, and the Church, the Body, using God’s power as that almighty power in their hand]. For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death [thus we see that not only persons are these enemies, but also things. The Adamic Death in the sense of the dying process is this last great enemy; and, because of His faithfulness, Jesus is the One who will in the Little Season finally destroy it].”

But not all will obtain eternal life. Those who will not even externally reform, but will continue to be rebellious to the Kingdom during the thousand years, will after a hundred years of opportunity be cut off in the Second Death (Isa. 65:20); while those who will reform externally, but without a heart reformation, will live throughout the thousand years and attain human perfection; but by the trial during the “little season” at the Millennium’s close, their unholy heart’s condition (the Adamic process) will become manifest, and they will perish in the Second Death – everlasting destruction (Rev. 20: 7-9, 15; Mal. 4:3; Psa. 37:10, 35, 36, 38; Isa. 1:28; Acts 3:23). Those who during the Millennium will practice truth and righteousness, from the love of these principles, will be lifted up to human perfection not only in their faculties, but also in their characters (Isa. 66:10-14), and will thus be enabled to remain faithful amid the final trial during the Little Season after the Millennium; and these shall inherit the earth forever, as paradise restored (Matt. 25:35-40; Isa. 65:16-25). Such will be the grand results of the reign of Jesus and the Church in the earth (Rev. 21:3-5; 22:1-3).

The sad tragedy of sin will forever have ceased to be enacted. The ages to come will witness the realization of the angels’ song of Glory to God in the Highest, and on earth peace, good will to men (Luke 2:14); and from every part of the Universe the glorious Hallelujah chorus of Jehovah’s numberless choirs, without one discordant note, shall forever and ever celebrate Jehovah and Christ, for their glorious Persons, holy Characters, wonderful Plan and great Works (Rev. 5:13)! Therefore let every lover of God and man, of truth and righteousness, pray, “Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done in earth, as in Heaven”! As the hymn says, “I love to tell the story”!

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him aloud with heart and voice, –And always in His Son rejoice.

Sincerely your brother, John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

(Reprint No. 282, December 1978)

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Sister Hoefle,

Israel stands in its last great and final fight because the hate against this small people has become mighty. Also the so-called Christian World stands fully in the camp of the enemies. The Church of Laodicea is completely failing.

But the Lord has well prepared His people. It is now 20 years since we were allowed to proclaim in this land the coming of the Lord and His Kingdom; and with the help of the newspapers in Israel, we and our activity have become well known in all the country.

Despite the tense situation the Israeli Information Ministry issued a prospect which tells about the activity in Emek ha Shalom and all the new building activity in all the district of Meggido with the center in Emek ha Shalom. We worked on this prospect in order to make it understandable for our friends.

We are fully convinced that no might on the earth can hinder the great decision of the Lord – and you can proclaim this in your personal circle.

Could you please let us know the particulars, place and time, about the sermons of Brother Russell abroad, and send us a list? For instance, in Vienna there was a big meeting in the Circus Renz in 1911. On the first day Brother Russell spoke to the brethren, and on the second day he spoke to the Jews. There were about 5,000 who attended this second meeting. But these facts are not mentioned in any publication that we have seen.

Connected in the unshakable hope,

Your brethren, Brothers Bezner and Schmidt,  (ISRAEL)

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Dear Sister Hoefle: Greetings of Grace and Peace!

Thank you for the July-August, #401 and #402 issues of your publications. Enjoy reading them. On the shipping or mailing labels please add #A-1 to the address as there are B-1, C-1, etc. Thank you!

Yours in Christ, ------- (OREGON)

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Dear Brethren: Grace and peace!

I am not much good at writing, but I wanted to tell you about a visit I had with a Jehovah’s Witness. As the letter in the August 1989 paper says the Witnesses do not come to their home, it is the same with me, they do not come to my house very often. But on Memorial weekend a woman came to the door to sell me a paper. When I told her I would give her a book about Brother Russell, she said she would be glad to get the book and pay for it, as he was the founder of their organization. However, when I got the book she said she couldn’t take it as they were not allowed to read anything written or printed by a man. I asked her who wrote their papers. I told her my grandmother was in the Truth when Pastor Russell was alive, and when I told her who she was she said she was a ‘kin’ to the Horns.

She wanted to hear more about her and made an appointment to come back. But I have not seen her since. It seems they are not very truthful. [They apparently are not “of the Truth”]

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

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Dear Sister Hoefle,

“For God has allowed us to know the secret of his plan, and it is this; he purposes in his sovereign will that all human history shall be consummated in Christ, that everything that exists in heaven or earth shall find its perfection in him. And here is the staggering thing ... that in all which will one day belong to him we have been promised a share ...” (Eph. 1:11-14 Phillips translation.)

What a wonderful promise to the overcomer. Whatever we may have to go through now is less than nothing compared with the magnificent future God has planned for the true believer.

Thank you for your letter of September 3rd. Yes you are right, Helen’s mother passed away June 3, 1989, at 98 years old. She was bedridden for over one and a half years. We considered it a privilege to care for her. She was indeed a saint, never complained and was always grateful for everything we did for her.

We are grateful to the Lord that we did not have to place her in a nursing home. She spent a few hours in the hospital after she suffered a heart blockage.

After 46  years Helen and I are on our own.  Because of her father’s condition we moved in with her folks to  care for them. The upside of it all was that we could serve and visit our brethren in this country and Canada on week ends.

Helen was 73 on August 31, and I will be 68 on October 4th. On November 1st I will have been retired 9 years  from General Motors. Hope this answers your question about our family.

We don’t know who wrote THE ADVENTIST FAMILY since it was copied from a library book entitled the ENCYCLOPEDIA OF AMERICAN HISTORY. Brother T. Tzreciak received it from a brother in Pittsburgh and passed it on to me.

I agree with your comment “It would be hard for some people to come into the Truth after reading all these things – good and  intelligent people, too.” It appears that we Bible Students just love to divide. Is it possible that we are fulfilling the words of St. Paul in Gal. 3:15? “But if you bite and devour one another, take heed that you are not consumed by one another.”

No, I don’t have a copy of David Horowitz’s book  nor do I get his Bulletins. What do I have to do to get them?  Yes I would like a copy of Brother Hoefle’s discourse (I wonder why we never use the word sermon?) at the funeral...

Helen joins me in sending our love to you and the brethren working with you.

Yours in HIS service, ------- (ILLINOIS)

PS – Enclosed is the magazine INSIGHT with three articles on the problems Israel leaders have.

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Dear Mrs. Hoefle:

Thank you so very much for replying to my letter and for the literature. I read them all with great interest. I am writing to accept your offer, so if you please, add me to your mailing list. And yes, I would appreciate it if you would send me more information on the books you have in stock.

To make along story short, I purchased the book “CHARLES TAZE RUSSELL, An Early American Christian Zionist” from the publishers, the Philosophical Library ...

I am somewhat familiar with the works of Charles Taze Russell. I’ve spent hundreds of dollars Xeroxing what few of his works I could find at the library. I’ve accepted the fact that he was indeed a gifted person, The great Jehovah God has indeed used Pastor Russell to shine as a light in this spiritually dark world .

My only question was, since it’s obvious that the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of today have strayed from his teachings, where would I find those who are truly carrying out his work today?

Well, Mrs. Hoefle, I don’t want to take up much more of your time. Since I already have a copy of Mr. Horowitz’ book, I will accept your offer for a copy of  “THE DIVINE PLAN OF THE AGES.” And if you wish to know more about me and my religious background, I will be more than happy to answer any and all of your questions...

A small check is enclosed for the literature you sent me and for “The Divine Plan” plus postage.

Once again thank you so much for replying to my letter. May the Lord bless you as you carry on  His work.

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

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NO. 405: THE THREE WORLDS – CONDITIONS AND PEOPLES – (Part Four)

No. 405

My dear Brethren: Grace and peace through our Beloved Master!

As explained in previous papers, the first world – “the world that was” – consisted of but one Age or Dispensation; the second world – “this present evil world” – has been comprised of three Ages: (1) the Patriarchal Age, (2) the Jewish Age, and (3) the Gospel or Christian Age. The latter is now rapidly drawing to a close, and will immediately be followed by a new order of affairs “wherein dwelleth righteousness.” (2 Peter 3:13)

In Eph. 2:7 St. Paul speaks of “the Ages to come,” and the Bible reveals that the first of these will be the Millennial Age. The words Millennial and Millennium as such are not in the Bible, but the idea contained in those words is very clearly taught therein. Millennium is a Latin word – an adjective meaning thousand-yeared. In Latin it is combined with the noun regnum (kingdom). Therefore, the expression regnum millennium means thousand-yeared kingdom. The Latin adjective millennium has been accepted literally into English, but as a noun instead of an adjective – and refers to that period of time in which Christ and His Church will reign over the earth and mankind – the fulfillment of Jesus’ prayer, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth.”

This thought is clearly demonstrated in many Scriptures, such as 2 Tim. 4:1; James 2:5; Rev. 3:21, 11:15, 20:4-9. In Rev. 20:4 it is expressly stated that “they [the Church] lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.” And Rev. 5:10 states, “We shall reign on the earth”; thus, the earth will have to be here for that thousand years if the Christ Company is to reign on it during that time. And Rev. 11:15 states further, “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall reign forever and ever [throughout the ‘Ages to come’].” The setting of this last text clearly shows that the setting up of this “reign” is to be preceded by much turmoil and violent disorder, after which time “He maketh the storm a calm.” (Psa. 107:29; Matt. 8:26) This Matthew text is a striking demonstration of how it will be then. That thousand-year reign is also described in the Bible as “the day of the Lord” – “the day of God” – “that day,” etc.; which infer the Millennium, because “One day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years is as one day.” (2 Peter 3:8; Psa. 90:4)

The Millennial Age immediately follows the last Age (The Gospel Age) of “this present evil world,” and is, therefore, the first Age or Dispensation of the “world to come,” and will be the first thousand years of the third world. It will be followed by the “Ages to come.” How many of such Ages there will be we do not know, because the Bible is silent on the matter; but we do know that the “world to come” will be endless; “Israel shall be saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation... world without end” (Isa. 45:17) – “He shall reign for the Ages of the Ages.” (Rev. 11:15, Dia.) Therefore, apart from the Millennial Age – the first Age of “the world to come” – we know almost nothing about the Third World, except that its many Ages will be completely devoid of evil with all beings in Heaven and on earth in harmony and peace with each other – “They shall feed and lie down, and none shall make them afraid.” (Zeph. 3:13)

God’s revealed “Plan of the Ages” (Eph. 3:11, Dia.) covers the period of Creation in “the world that was” to the close of the Millennium (the “world to come”); therefore, it would profit us nothing to attempt to delve into that which has not been revealed. We are told in Rev. 20:12 that “another book was opened,” and it would seem from this that a third division of the Bible will be added to the Old and New Testaments, which will offer some enlightenment on a future that is now very dim to us.

We would be better occupied here to consider some of the workings of the Millennium as they are revealed to us now. Rev. 22:3 says that when the Throne of God is established in the earth “there shall be no more curse.” However, it is clearly stated in various Scriptures that presently we do experience the effects of the curse – the curse that was pronounced upon Adam as a result of his disobedience. (Gen. 3:16-19; Rom. 5: 12-21, 8:19, 20:22; 1 Cor. 15:21, 22) This curse affects mankind physically, mentally, morally and religiously. The imperfect conditions that now prevail in the earth have placed a great burden on man physically. As we see things today, the great majority of the human race is engaged in a vicious struggle just to keep alive – to have food, clothing and shelter sufficient for survival. It is axiomatic that man lives in hope, and dies in despair. Heat and cold, myriad of disease germs (it is stated that man is subject to about 2,000 different maladies), major calamities such as earthquakes, violent storms, etc., continually sap man’s vitality. Man’s inhumanity to man, coupled with “the darkness that covers the earth, and gross darkness the people” (Isa. 60:2) hangs over the human race like a black night without stars or moon. Over the centuries the hereditary effects of these evils have tended to make man weaker and shorter of years in life.

The imperfect condition of the earth (including fermentation, extremes of climate and very poor quality of air) has greatly dwarfed man’s mental powers. While there has been great dissemination of general knowledge during the past hundred years, we do not have any minds on earth today that would compare with men such as Moses, Solomon, Euclid, St. Augustine, Shakespeare, etc. The rigors of life have been so severe that man has been so forced to neglect his mental development that ignorance has been widespread; and it still continues so with the great majority – even in the more enlightened countries. Error, too – both secular and religious – has made inroads upon the intellect, so that many openly admit they do not know what to believe. St. Paul was acutely conscious of this: “Henceforth walk ye not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them.” (Eph. 4:17,18)

While the untamed earth has taken heavy toll upon man’s physical, mental and moral powers, it has been even worse on his religious perceptions. Many disregard religion entirely, which has caused atrophy in this the finest of his faculties. As we view the multifarious religious cults today – all of them contradicting each other in major doctrines in Christendom, and even worse in heathen lands – it would produce in us gross discouragement were it not for the grand promise that “In this mountain [His Millennial kingdom] the Lord will destroy the face of the covering cast over all people [the death process which collects its unrelenting toll from all], and the veil [of ignorance and superstition] that is spread over all nations.” (Isa. 25:7) This will be the overall grand result of the thousand-year reign just ahead of us.

That there is great need for relief from all of the foregoing all will agree, and many well-intentioned persons and organizations are making great effort to assuage the various evils that afflict mankind; but each century seems to make things worse instead of better, so that St. Paul describes this present time as “the evil day.” (Eph. 6:13) However, man’s effort to rid himself of the evils that afflict the race will continue in failure; his effort is a feeble attempt to lift himself up by his own bootstraps – an impossible thing. This was vividly demonstrated in the Jewish Age through failure to keep the Law; and it has been even more so in the Christian Era, despite the great enlightenment and spiritual blessings that Christianity has wrought.

But, what man has been unable to do for himself, the Millennial kingdom will accomplish when the prediction is realized: “We give Thee thanks, O Lord God Almighty, which art, and wast, and art to come; because Thou hast taken to Thee Thy great power, and hast reigned.” (Rev. 11:17) That power will remove the curse from the earth, and will restore Edenic conditions – perfect life in perfect surroundings. All error shall then vanish from the earth, and Truth will prevail in secular and religious matters. Death and the death process will be lifted. “The creature itself shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption.” (Rom. 8:21) “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) “These words are true and faithful.” (Rev. 21:5)

False religions shall disappear under that reign; oppressive governments shall be eliminated; no more back-breaking labor to enrich the few and enslave the many. The Millennial reign will accomplish all of this in the centuries immediately ahead, and bring it to full conclusion by the year 2874. Self-evidently, these good operations will completely overthrow “this present evil world,” whose history since the flood has been filled with gruesome records of blood, cruelty and tears. “Man’s inhumanity to man makes countless thousands mourn.” This has been pronouncedly true since “the time of the Gentiles” began in the Fall of 607 BC, and which continued for 2520 years to the Fall of 1914. “Let his heart be changed from man’s, and let a beast’s heart be given unto him; and let seven times pass over him.” (Dan. 4:16) A “time” is a Jewish year of 360 days; and “seven times” would be 2520 literal days, or 2520 actual years.

Concurrent with the foregoing, Satan has “blinded the minds” of the many, so that “the whole world [Kosmos – present social order] lieth in wickedness.” (1 John 5:19) He has concocted especially six great errors: Divine right of Kings, Divine right of the Clergy, Divine right of the Aristocracy, Consciousness of the Dead, Transformation of the Dead into spirits, and Eternal Torture in the Lake of Fire. Thus, “His kingdom was full of darkness” (Rev. 16:10), which has produced a “night of weeping” (Psa. 30:5); but joy of the Millennial morning will shortly dissipate all this.

RESTITUTION OF ALL THINGS

The Apostle Peter says this Millennium will accomplish “the restitution of all things.” (Acts 3:21) Restitution means a return to an original state, which implies (1) an original state; (2) a leaving or a loss of that original state; and (3) a restoration to that original state. If man is to have Restitution, we are forced to three conclusions: (1) his primeval perfection in the image and likeness of God at his creation; (2) his fall through sin under the curse to his deficiencies as we see them today; and (3) his uplift out of present adverse conditions, and his restoration (Restitution) to his original state.

The Scriptures are very clear in substantiation of the foregoing. “God saw everything that He had made, and, behold, it was very good.” (Gen. 1:31) “As for God, His way is perfect.” (Psa. 18:30) As for man’s sinful condition, the evidence of it is everywhere about us. His relief from the present undone condition is the declared purpose of restitution, which is synonymous with the Millennial kingdom. One of the first steps in this matter will be to eliminate “the father of lies,” that is, the Devil (John 8:44), which in turn will allow free and fluid teaching and understanding of the Truth. “Satan bound for a thousand years [the Millennial kingdom]... that he should deceive the nations no more.” (Rev. 20:2,3)

The means of accomplishing this has already been provided by the sacrifice of Jesus – the giving of His life and life rights for Adam and his descendants. Jesus kept the Divine Law perfectly, which would have secured for Him the right to perfect existence, perfect environment (home, food, air, water, fellowship with God and man, with dominion over the earth, its atmosphere and creatures). In sacrificing all of these things through His death on the cross He was able to purchase the race in perfection as Adam had enjoyed these things in Eden. This purchase guarantees restoration – restitution – to all who wish to avail themselves of the opportunity.

By opportunity we mean faith and obedience to the Divine Law. Restitution will not be forced upon any one; it is a privilege, not a command, to be consummated gradually during the Millennium with all the assistance necessary to acquire it. Imperfect man at that time will be no more able to keep the Divine Law perfectly than he is able to do so now, but he will be aided in all proper ways to enable him to gain perfection. “An highway shall be there... The way of holiness... the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein... the ransomed of the Lord shall return... with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads.” (Isa. 35:8-10) This is described otherwise as the “New Covenant” in contrast with the old Law Covenant – “Saith the Lord, I will put My law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts.” (Jer. 31:31-33)

In “this present evil world” the sins of the parents have been visited upon the children. Thus, many are brought into this world under unbearable handicaps – through no fault of their own; but it will not be so in the Age just ahead. “In those days they shall say no more, The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children’s teeth are set on edge. But every one shall die for his own iniquity: every man that eateth the sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge.” (Jer. 31:29, 30) Divine Truth will come freely to all, it will be “the leaves of the tree for the healing of the nations.” (Rev. 22:2) Thus mankind will be shown what to believe, what not to believe, what to do, what not to do – in secular and religious matters – “the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” (Isa. 11:9) The cobwebs of error will be swept away, and the people will then desire to render obedience through the inherent reasonableness and inherent strength of the Lord’s Word.

The various Scriptures we have quoted herein witness with harmonious and powerful voice that the Millennium will bring to the living and the dead the privileges and blessings of restitution. “All that are in their graves shall hear His voice, and shall come forth.” (John 5:28,29) The first three chapters of Genesis treat of the original paradise (“The Lord planted a garden – paradise – eastward in Eden”), man in the image and likeness of God, their possession and loss. The last three chapters of Revelation tell of the image and likeness of God restored, the new paradise in “the world to come.” In between these six chapters the Bible is vocal with the grand message of restitution. The patriarchs spoke of, and hoped for it; the Mosaic Law prefigured it; the Biblical histories typed it; the Jews longed and prayed for it; the Apostles and their followers proclaimed it; Jesus by His death guaranteed it; and Jehovah by His oath unchangeably pledged it. When Jesus told the Apostles to pray “Thy kingdom come” it was not intended as a request for something then uncertain. It was rather a yearning petition for the arrival of something that was already irrevocably assured.

The clear truth on the foregoing was completely lost in the deluge of error that developed after the Apostles fell asleep – overruled by the Lord until the “due time” for its understanding. We have already mentioned that the Apostle Peter spoke of “the times of restitution” (Acts 3:21), and we now quote some from what the Apostle Paul has recorded about it: “I knew a man in Christ [Paul himself]... caught up to the third heaven.” (2 Cor. 12:2) This third heaven is the same one mentioned by the Apostle in 2 Peter 3:13: “new heavens and a new earth.” Paul then continues in 2 Cor. 12:4: “He was caught up into paradise [“God planted a garden – a paradise – eastward in Eden.”–Gen. 2:8] and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.” The “paradise” which Paul saw was the restored earth; and, while he says he was not permitted to speak fluently about it, he was undoubtedly much illuminated by what he saw in that vision, giving great force, shading and depth to his writings.

TWENTY–ONE EVILS – TWENTY–ONE REMEDIES

It is our understanding that twenty-one evils are revealed in the Bible as afflicting the human race, and that God has provided twenty-one remedies – a cure for each of them – through the ministry of Jesus. Some of these cures have been operative since the Christian Age began; all of them will have been operative by the full end of the Millennial kingdom. By that time most of them will have accomplished their purposes, and will pass out of existence – although a few of Jesus’ titles will never terminate; they are eternal. We list the twenty-one evils, with brief comment on each of them as follows:

1. Enslavement of the race under the curse unto death. The remedy for this as provided by Jesus is the Ransom.
2. Law–condemned convicts. Jesus acts as Advocate for them.
3. Destitution of righteousness (Isa. 64:6): “We are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousness as filthy rags... our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.” But, “Jesus is made unto us righteousness.” (1 Cor. 1:30)
4. A selfish and worldly life. Jesus, as Bridegroom, shows us a “more excellent way.” (1 Cor. 12:31)
5. Alienation between God and man. Jesus, as High Priest, forgives and blesses.
6. Ignorance. Jesus “is made unto us wisdom.” (1 Cor. 1:30)
7. Captives of Satan. Jesus is made unto us deliverance. (1 Cor. 1:30)
8. Enmity of truth, righteousness and holiness. Jesus is “the Captain of our salvation.” (Heb. 2:10)
9. Inability properly to think God’s thoughts, feel His affections and will His will. “The head of every man is Christ.” (1 Cor. 11:3)
10. Distrust between God and man. Christ as Mediator will mediate these differences.
11. Dying and death. Jesus is “the everlasting Father.” (Isa. 9:6)
12. Lack of a perfect law and lawgiver. Jesus is the Perfect Lawgiver. “The law of the Lord is perfect... making wise the simple.” (Psa. 19:7)
13. Worry and strife. Jesus is “The Prince of peace.” (Isa. 9:6)
14. Unruliness. Jesus is King.
15. Without knowledge of Divine Truth. Jesus is a Revealer and Teacher of the Truth. “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” (Psa. 32:8)
16. Impracticability as to saving arrangements. Jesus will cure this as God’s Executive.
17. Physical, mental, artistic, moral and religious sickness. Jesus the Physician: “Who forgiveth all shine iniquities; Who healeth all thy diseases.” (Psa. 103:3)
18. Owned and controlled now by Satan. Jesus will be Lord. “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow... in heaven... in earth... Every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” (Phil. 2:10, 11)
19. Not able to stand before the judgment seat unaided. Jesus is our understanding and merciful lenient Judge. “Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; Who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies.” (Psa. 103:4) “The Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son.” (John 5:22)
20. Impurity. Jesus the Purifier and Refiner. “And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver [Truth]: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver.” (Mal. 3:3)
21. Impoverishment. Jesus the Provider. “My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:19)

It will be noted that the foregoing 21 evils are all-inclusive of the afflictions that presently beset the human race; and that Jesus, “Who learned obedience by the things which He suffered” (Heb. 5:8), is well-qualified and empowered to correct and fully cure all of them. And this He will do when He takes to Himself His great power and reigns throughout the Millennial Age – the first Age just ahead in “the world to come.” By the time that reign ends the death that “has passed upon all men” (Rom. 5:12) through Adam’s disobedience, and the dying process that has afflicted the human race for more than six thousand years, will have been fully destroyed and “there shall be no more curse.” (Rev. 22:3) Also, the “goats” in the parable that Jesus spoke in Matt. 25:31-46 will have gone into everlasting destruction – 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.” (Psa. 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 forever and ever.” (Rev. 5:13) May this presentation prove a rich blessing to all our readers!

Sincerely your brother, John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim (Reprint No. 251, May 1976)

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QUESTION OF GENERAL INTEREST

QUESTION: – The Jehovah’s Witnesses make mistakes, so did Pastor Russell. Why do you uphold Pastor Russell and refuse the advancing truth of the Witnesses?

ANSWER: – We uphold Pastor Russell’s teaching because he had Scriptural proof for all he taught on the Plan of Salvation for all mankind. The Witnesses teach that only those who Join them will have a resurrection in the Kingdom. They teach this with no Scriptural basis. “For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” (1 Cor. 15:22) Those who refuse to Join the Witnesses will receive a resurrection in the Kingdom, as the Witnesses themselves will be resurrected in the Kingdom.

“Behold an hour comes in which all those in the tombs will hear his voice, and will come forth; those having done good things, to a resurrection of life; and those that have done evil things, to a resurrection of judgment.” (John 5:28, 29, Dia.) “There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both the Just and the unjust.” (Acts 24:15) The unjust and the evil will be resurrected in the Kingdom to judgment. “Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained.” (Acts 17:31)

God “will have all men to be saved, and come to a knowledge of the truth.” (1 Tim. 2:4) By the resurrection the world will be saved from the Adamic Death. The world dies because of Adam’s transgression, but in the Kingdom those who refuse to love righteousness and hate iniquity will die for their own sins. “The wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life.” (Rom. 6:23) Those who learn to love righteousness and hate iniquity will receive from God the gift of eternal life.

The Truth – God’s Word – is generous with the unbelievers and the errorists, but the Witnesses predict DOOM for the unbelievers of their teaching. The earth today is polluted with error, but in His Kingdom the “earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” (Isa. 11:9) “When thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.” (Isa. 26:9) The world is learning error and unrighteousness in this “evil day.” (Eph. 6:13)

The Witnesses teach that the inhabitants of the world – the unbelievers of their teachings – who don’t join them will not receive a resurrection. God repudiates that teaching: “For God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!” (Rom. 11:32,33)

The Witnesses are separating the Sheep and the Goats of Matt. 25:31-46; and by doing so they are saying “My Lord Delayeth” (Matt. 24:48) and we will set up a kingdom of our own, just as the Papacy did in the Dark Ages. The Lord will separate the Sheep and the Goats in His Kingdom (Acts 17:31) when He will turn over to the people a “Pure Language” (Zeph. 3:9) – a language all will understand. The Goats who do not learn to love righteousness will be sentenced to “everlasting punishment” – the Second Death (Rev. 20:13,14) – and the Sheep to “life eternal.” (Matt. 25:46)

The Goats of the Witnesses are those that refuse to accept them, and they sentence the Goats to die the Second Death in Armageddon. The Sheep are their devotees. The Witnesses reward their Sheep with “everlasting life,” although we know from God’s inspired Word that the Lord will test all the Sheep and the Goats in the Little Season.

The Witnesses are the largest group emanating from Pastor Russell. They boast of their numbers as their strength, but their numbers are their weakness. The Catholics and the Protestants both have larger numbers than all the Truth groups and the Jehovah’s Witnesses together. The Lord intimated by His question in Luke 18:8 that the truth would be very scarce in our day, which indeed it is! Despite their numbers, and probably because of it, “the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.” (Psa. 2:4,5)

“In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not.” (2 Cor. 4:4) In our day the minds of the people are being blinded more then they ever were, but according to the Witnesses these “blind people” will have to join them to get salvation. We cannot accept the Witnesses so-called advancing truth, because it is “advancing error.” All advancing truth must harmonize with former truth – not set it aside. “Continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them.” (2 Tim. 3:14) “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Tim. 2:15) Some are “Ever learning [error], and never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.” (2 Tim. 3:7)

Chapter 35 of Isaiah is a beautiful picture of the Kingdom. “Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped.” (v. 5) For the benefit of the Witnesses who surely must grieve when they believe their relatives and good friends who refuse to join them will not be resurrected, we quote: “Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, even God with a recompense; he will come and save you.” (v. 4)

Yes, Pastor Russell made mistakes in his expectations of the length of the Time of Trouble (Dan. 12:1; Matt. 24:21) and the time for the inauguration of the Kingdom. He had no Scripture to support his expectations, and they did not mature. However, he gave us the truth on the two salvations, the Great Salvation (Heb. 2:3) and the Common Salvation (Jude 3) – Election and Free Grace. The elective salvation is for the Faith Age, and Free Grace will operate during the Kingdom. The world will receive Free Grace in their resurrection, for they will be without any merit of their own.

Pastor Russell never claimed to be perfect or inspired as were the Apostles. But he gave us the truth as no man has done since the days of the Apostles. It was because it was God’s “due time” for these truths to be revealed. God has a set time for all His events. “When the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth His Son... to redeem them that were under the Law.” (Gal. 4:4,5) God’s appointment of Pastor Russell as That Wise and Faithful Servant of Matt. 24:45-47 was not because of his brilliance, but rather because of his faithfulness. He found him “so doing.” (Matt. 24:46) All God’s Messengers during the Gospel Age were imperfect men. However, the faithful Reformers gave us the Truth due in their day, although they retained some of the errors of the Dark Ages.

“The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.” (Prov. 22:12) “Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” (Psa. 107:31) “Whoso is wise, and shall observe these things, even they shall understand the loving kindness of the Lord.” (Psa. 107:43)

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LETTER OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Epiphany Bible Students Ass’n:

Greetings! Thank you for your letter of July 31 ... Your papers have some information on JWs which interest me ... I like knowing about different Bible Student groups. For example, in PASTOR CHARLES TAZE RUSSELL book, p. 65 interested me to read the new information about Anton Koerber instituting a legal suit to recover some $25,000 loaned to ‘Judge’ Rutherford. This adds to the information that I have read ...

Another experience which caused me to question that the Watchtower Society was God’s organization relates to Anton Koerber. I can still remember my father talking to him after the Washington, D.C. convention in 1935. Koerber was in charge of the sound equipment at the convention, and for some reason had a falling out with ‘Judge’ Rutherford. When Anton returned to Bethel, he found that he had been put out of the building and excommunicated ... He went back into real estate and was very successful, amassing a fortune. Up to 1952, all I heard of him was bad. He was a man who was an unfaithful servant, who went against God’s theocratic organization, and was disfellowshiped as a result.

In 1952 Anton Koerber contacted the Society and told those in authority that he wanted to become a full-time pioneer. His initial request was rejected because of his rebellion in the past. He next appeared at Bethel and I was told by T. J. Sullivan that I should go down to the eighth-floor lobby and make it clear to him that he could not be a pioneer. I went to meet Mr. Koerber and found an elderly man who was not well. He asked me if he could be appointed a pioneer. I told him again that it was impossible because of his past history, and suggested, “You know Anton, if you really love Jehovah you should serve Him for as many hours as you can without the title. You are merely being denied the title but not the privilege of service.” He was not satisfied with this answer, and indicated that he would pursue the matter further. As he shook my hand, he left a ten-dollar bill in it.

I reported back to T. J. Sullivan that Anton was not satisfied with my answer and stated that I wished that someone else would talk with him. So A. H. Macmillan was sent to convey the same message. I sat in on the session ... It was a thorough “chewing out”: Koerber was told that he was a selfish man who only wanted a title and that he would not get one. If he wanted to do something, he could be a congregational publisher. Macmillan was much more severe than I had been.

A day or two later when I went to the Bethel dining hall for dinner, I was dumbfounded, for there in the seat next to N. H. Knorr, as his guest, was Anton Koerber. I left the room after the meal almost not believing what I had seen. I went into the lobby and Koerber called me over and pointed out the window, and said: “See that Cadillac across the street – I gave that to Knorr, and he can have another anytime he wants one.” President Knorr was surrounded by sycophants. Some years later when I spoke of this experience to Russell Pollock, he related how Koerber had approached the Dawn Bible Students in 1951 shortly before his contact with the Watchtower Society. The information was presented in a letter from Pollock dated November 15, 1971: ... Anton Koerber sent The Dawn a check for $2,000 and asked to have a conference with the trustees of the Dawn. We had the meeting with him at our General Convention in 1951. He offered money to the Dawn if they would establish an organization similar in structure to that of Jehovah’s Witnesses. That is, to be controlled from a central headquarters.

This discussion continued at various times by telephone from his home in Florida. We, of course, could not accept his terms of cooperation. As Bill stated: “The ‘evil servant’ refused his bribe but the ‘faithful and wise’ accepted it.” The foregoing is true and can be verified.

But the conclusion of his account is even more significant. Anton Koerber, who had been turned down as a pioneer, a relatively insignificant position, was made a circuit servant, a position normally selected from the ranks of faithful pioneers! In 1953 he was made a chairman of the international convention at Yankee Stadium. N. H. Knorr practiced Simony!

Dear Emily, you say, “I am sorry that I told you about our expenses. You can destroy it [which I have], as we are not charging you anything – our papers are free.” But the EBSA must pay for printing and postage. My draft ... was sent to the EBSA to cover literature and postage. It’s a contribution or gift ... PLEASE accept it. Thank you for your time and good health to you.

In the Savior Lord Jesus Christ who saved me. ------- (AUSTRALIA)

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NO. 404: IN MEMORIAM (The Star of Laodicea)

No. 404

My dear Brethren: Grace and peace through our Beloved Master!

Comes once more the time of year when many of us are sadly reminded of the passing of the Parousia and Epiphany Messengers – accompanied howbeit by many pleasant memories of our personal experiences with them. In Rev. 1:16 we are told that “He [the Lord] had in His right hand seven stars,” and verse 20 explains that the “seven stars are the angels of the seven churches.” That these “stars” are not seven individuals, as some have taught, is clearly demonstrated in Rev. 12:1, where the “woman” (the true church) is adorned with “a crown of twelve stars.” Those twelve stars are the twelve Apostles, who comprised the composite star, or special messengers, to the incipient Gospel‑Age Church.

And, as was true of the first epoch of this Age, the same has likewise been true of all seven epochs of the Gospel Age – each epoch had more than one “angel” as the special Pastor and Teacher. In the last, or seventh, epoch in which we have been since 1870 the “star” contained but two individuals, the same being Brother Russell and Brother Johnson. Thus, we caption this paper “The Star of Laodicea,” and we hope to relate certain items about both of them to the pleasure and inspiration of our readers.

The “angels” all during the Age were under the Lord’s special guidance, protection and care; they were His messengers, or representatives. (See Berean Comment on Rev. 1:20.) It is well to note this fact as a sobering influence upon each of us in our appraisal and attitude toward them. Especially is the thought emphasized for the first and seventh epochs of this Age, of which more later on.

It was never our privilege to meet Brother Russell personally, although we have received much information from various brethren who were closely attached to him. In Vols. 9 and 14 Brother Johnson has eulogized him far beyond anything we might here present; but to what he wrote about him we add one item he related to us personally, and is not given in detail anywhere in his writing, so far as we know – although a kindred thought is expressed in E‑8, p. 561.

As most of us know, Brother Russell never attended any institution of higher learning; therefore, his knowledge of Hebrew and Greek was limited. On the other hand, Brother Johnson was highly skilled in both languages, so much so that he often quoted copious sections of the Bible in English, then quoted the same text in Hebrew. Therefore, Brother Russell often asked his interpretation on difficult texts; and, in over four hundred such instances, Brother Russell himself had the correct meaning before asking Brother Johnson’s opinion. And it was this, said Brother Johnson, that thoroughly convinced him that Brother Russell was “That Servant,” because no one unschooled in Hebrew and Greek could have been so consistently right without the special enlightenment, guidance and care of the Lord.

And, as That Servant, “The Parousia Messenger was given charge of the Church, of its doctrinal, correctional, refutational and ethical teachings, of its work... specifically of the correct interpretation of the Scriptures on the ransom, atonement, sin offerings, mediator and covenants” (E‑11, p. 107); and “as a priest in his relations to the errors and wrong practices of the nominal church. Certainly his face was set like brass in strength against these errors and wrong practices.” (E‑11, p. 108) Of course, this aroused venom and vituperation from those whose errors and wrongs he exposed – just as the same course led Jesus to the cross.

Many were our personal experiences with such people in the years we spent in the colporteur work early in the Epiphany. On one occasion, as we approached a man, the hardening of his features became apparent, as he declared he wanted none of the literature; he had known “Russell” and attended a number of his lectures. In politeness we asked him what opinion he had formed of the man. His answer: “I think he was just an old crank!” In another instance we allayed the ire of a Mormon by mildness and politeness, after which he became affable enough to offer us this advice: “Young man, you have the qualities, and you could be an Evangelist if you just got away from the influence of that old quack.” Many such instances could we relate as we learned from experience the truth of the Lord’s words: “Men shall revile you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely.” And by such treatment That Servant learned that “the servant is not above His Master” – he drank the same cup as did Jesus. Brother Johnson said he once affectionately told Brother Russell that he was the most loved man on earth. Brother Russell’s answer: “Yes, Brother, and the most hated!”

BROTHER RUSSELL’S STEWARDSHIP DOCTRINE

On previous occasion we have stated that Brother Russell’s stewardship doctrine was the correct interpretation of Leviticus 16, the central feature of which is Restitution. In support of this conclusion, we quote from E‑11, p. 94 (24): “It was especially during this period, in 1879, that the light on the tabernacle in general, and on Leviticus 16 in particular, was by Jesus given, first to That Servant and then later to the Church, showing the two antitypical Sin‑offerings, the two salvations in natures separate and distinct... Here, too, the doctrine of the World’s High Priest was brought to light.”

Corroborating the foregoing is this in Parousia Vol. 3, page 216 by Brother Russell himself: “And strange to say, it is the message of God’s loving provision, in the ransom, for the restitution of all things [Acts 3:19‑21], by and through Christ Jesus and His glorified body, the Church, God’s Kingdom, that is to develop and draw into heart union the true class only, to test them and separate them from the nominal mass.” This statement by Brother Russell clearly states that the preaching of Restitution would accomplish the Harvest reaping work, and this is substantiated even in the name of one of his types in E‑14, p. 114:

“Jashobeam, the people shall return, in allusion to his preaching much on restitution.”

And further in E‑14, p. 155 (16): “Brother Russell also charged these Sunday Pilgrims to exhort the public to declare continually the restitution salvation.”

It was the understanding of Restitution that harmonized the Bible, made vital the Harvest Message. (See E‑8, p. 384, top) As at the first Advent, “The people that sat in darkness saw a great light,” so all of us “saw great light” when the restitution message was explained to us. But, just as the great light at the first Advent roused great opposition, so here in the Harvest time the Truth people became “the sect that everywhere is spoken against.” (Acts 28:22) Nevertheless, Brother Russell continued with vigor and determination to preach Restitution “through evil report, and good report”; and surely we all can join with Brother Johnson in exclaiming, “God bless his memory!”

[Sad to note that the organization that Pastor Russell founded, known today as Jehovah’s Witnesses, do not teach Restitution and Resurrection for all mankind – only for those who join them. Pastor Russell is not the founder of their gross errors.]

THE SECOND STAR

Brother Johnson was Brother Russell’s companion helper, and faithfully carried on in spirit and in Truth the teachings and practices established by him. As he himself states in E‑11, p. 107, it was his duty “to expound and defend correctly everything connected with the antitypical Tabernacle.” If he was right in that statement, then the attempts to change the teachings of that Tabernacle which have been made since his death are all anathema.

As some of our readers know, it was in the fall of 1942 that we were privileged to accomplish a month’s pilgrim trip with Brother Johnson to the West Coast of the United States and back. This gave us many intimate hours of travel together, during which he related details of his life from infancy, which he said he had never before revealed to any one. Clearly enough, he was among us “as one that serveth” – “an example of the believers” and to the believers. Nothing was ever too bad; he had that “godliness with contentment, which is great gain.” On occasion when the going was rough, he would emit his hearty chuckle with the observation: “When we get into the Kingdom, won’t we look back and laugh at some of these experiences.”

As we said at his funeral on October 27, 1950, he was a man, even as you and I; and he made mistakes, even as you and I. But when we consider all the good he did for us in his years of faithful ministry, we reveal our sad limitations if we dwell upon his mistakes, rather than his virtues. As for us, and our house, we heartily exclaim, God bless his memory!

“MY SERVANT MOSES”

It is not good that we should extol the Stars of Laodicea beyond fact; although we should be guided by St. Paul’s clear admonition to “count them worthy of double honor who labor in word and doctrine.” (1 Tim. 5:17) They themselves repeatedly exhorted all likewise to “labor in word and doctrine” – “to prove all things, and to hold fast that which is good.” Thus, as faithful Pastors and Teachers, they “watched over your souls as they that must give an account,” and continually waged war against clericalism and sectarianism – two besetting Gospel‑Age sins of the Great Company that developed after the Apostles passed away. The Ephesus period of the Church was commended for the avoidance of these evils: “This thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitanes, which I also hate.” (Rev. 2:6) Note the Comments: “The deeds of the Nicolaitanes (Nicholans means ‘Lord’ – Compare verse 15.) Which I also hate – ‘One is your master (Lord) and all ye are brethren.”’

And, while we should not “fall at their feet and worship,” neither should we take the other extreme of discounting them too much, or become overly critical. The outstanding warning against this latter evil is to be found in Numbers 12, where the Lord’s anger was kindled against Miriam and Aaron: “Were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?” We do well to take close note of this, and apply it properly and according to our time. Jesus specifically told the “Star” (the twelve Apostles) of the first Church: “He that receiveth you receiveth me.” (Matt. 10:40) At that time those that rejected the Apostles were not blessed with the Harvest Truth. That condition did not prevail between the two Harvests, because the Interim Stars did not possess the same authority as did the Apostles. But with the inception of the Gospel‑Age Harvest some of the same authority attached to the Laodicean Star; That Servant was made ruler over all His goods. Those who refused to receive him never came into Present Truth; and those who did receive him, and then “spoke against” him soon found themselves “leprous,” as was Miriam – they became “plagued” with error.

Especially would we say it is markedly true of those who came to an understanding of the Numbers 12 type. Once such began to “speak against” him, it was not long before they became noticeably “leprous”; they rejected some Truth they had, thus becoming “unclean.” (John 15:3)

These are troublous times, with the tendency in every direction being toward Anarchy; and the Lord’s people should be on guard that “it shall not come nigh thee.” (Psa. 91:7) We believe all would do well at this time to read Chapter 6 of Parousia Vol. 6 “Order and Discipline in the New Creation.” This will be honoring both members of the Laodicean Star.

It is well for us to note here once more that “the Lord seeth not as man seeth.” Moses was the youngest child – the “baby” in his family. Then, as is still true in many countries, the oldest boy was given the pre‑eminence in inheritance and prestige. Even yet, in Germany the oldest boy is considered the head of the family after the father dies, regardless of the superior brilliance and integrity that may reside in a younger son. We have the striking example of this in the way Joseph’s older brethren envied and discounted him – hated him, and “could not speak peaceably unto him.” (Gen. 37:4)

Somewhat similar was the situation of Brother Johnson, who was one of the younger pilgrims at Brother Russell’s death, and his older brethren would not bring themselves to accept instruction from him. Yet, it is now clear to us who hold his memory blessed, that he was more qualified than all of them combined to be leader of God’s people. Again there was demonstrated the truism that “Age is no proof against folly,” coupled with the advice of St. Paul to Timothy, “Let no man despise thy youth!” (1 Tim. 4:12) It is well that we honor those whom God honors, regardless of age or youth, and strive honestly to “see not as man seeth.”

It is our opinion that both Brother Russell and Brother Johnson did the best they knew how to do; nor will greater tribute ever be paid to any of us. As Jesus said of Mary, “She hath done what she could,” so may it eventually be said of each of us – “We have done what we could!” And again, God bless their memory!

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces. For my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of the House of the Lord our God I will seek thy good.” (Psa. 122:6‑9)

Sincerely your brother, John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

(Reprint of No. 76, October 1, 1961)

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 “SO MOSES THE SERVANT OF GOD DIED”

(Deut. 34:1‑12)

Our Lord alone excepted, no character of history stands out before us so grandly and majestically as that of Moses, the great Apostle Paul, even, being overshadowed by him. If we think of him as a man, we see a sublime grandeur and nobility of character, combining strength with humility, wisdom with love and gentleness. If we consider him as the leader and deliverer of Israel, we find that he accomplished a greater work than any of the kind before or since. If we consider him as the lawgiver, we find in his code of laws justice, wisdom, mercy and an appreciation of human nature far superior to anything of his day, and the basis upon which the laws of Christendom in this twentieth century are built. If we consider him as a statesman, we find him wise, prudent, careful, yet broad.

We see how he brought order out of confusion, and changed a disorganized rabble of over a million into a thoroughly organized and well ordered nation. But it is when we come to consider him as the servant of God that his character shines out most brilliantly. His faithfulness to God; his faithfulness to the trust committed to him as the Mediator for his people; his self‑sacrificing spirit in connection with the entire work, indicating that he served not the god of fame or of ambitions or of self‑love, but the Lord of Hosts.

The greatness of Moses would be incomprehensible to us from any other standpoint than that which the Scriptures set forth; viz., that he was under special Divine direction as God’s servant, and that, therefore, being naturally an able, efficient, humble, good man, had these manifold qualities of his character intensified by reason of the Lord’s power working in him and through him for the effecting of the Divine purposes.

Moses was now 120 years old; 40 years of his life had been spent as an Egyptian prince in the court of Egypt, educated, trained, and in the public service as a general and a ruler. The second forty years of his life he was a shepherd in the wilderness, because of his love for the Lord, his appreciation of the Divine promise, and his preference to share these with his brethren, the Israelites, rather than to continue in the favor of the Egyptians, their enemies and oppressors. We have already seen how this wilderness experience was probably valuable to him, enabling him to transform and transmute the knowledge and experiences already gained into a broad and deep philosophy, the foundation of which was faith in God and respect for His promises.

Thus does God sometimes work by natural means to prepare the instruments for his service. The closing forty years of his life were devoted to the exercise of all the knowledge, experience and mental philosophy and faith previously gained, to the service of Israel as their leader, lawgiver, statesman – prophet, priest and king. And now his work was finished – the work which the Lord intended him to do. Another, Joshua, was to take up the work of leader, and he had already, by the Lord’s direction, been formally and publicly ordained to this office, and Moses was ready to die.

In considering the fact that Moses was not permitted to go into the promised land, we are to bear in mind that he, as well as the nation of Israel, was being used of the Lord in a typical manner. We are not to go to the extreme of higher criticism, and to think of the deliverance from Egypt as an allegory. It was all true; the history of a series of facts; but truths and facts, under the Lord’s guidance, may be so arranged as to be types of still higher facts, illustrations of still higher principles. One of the reasons mentioned why Moses was not permitted to lead Israel into the land of promise was the second smiting of the rock. The smiting the first time (Ex. 17:1‑7) was by the Lord’s direction, and the waters gushed forth, but the second time (Num. 20:2‑12) the Lord said to Moses, “Speak unto the rock,” but instead he smote the rock a second time.

In this he spoiled a type, while he made another type. Christ Jesus, the true Rock, was to be smitten but once for our sins, and as a result of that one smiting at Calvary the water of life would be obtained for all true Israelites to all time; and if for a reason the flow was stopped it was only necessary that the Rock should be invoked in the name of the Lord, that the waters might again flow forth. Christ dieth no more; death has no dominion over him; therefore in the type the Rock should not have been smitten a second time.

But the second smiting, nevertheless, made a new type, because as the Apostle explains, there are some now who crucify Christ afresh, and put him to an open shame some of his professed followers denying or ignoring the value of the original sacrifice, denying the blood that bought them, are counted as committing the sin unto death – second death – and of these Moses became a type, and as a type of a class which would have to do with the antitype of the rock, he was debarred from Canaan. (Heb. 6:4‑6)

But even aside from the making of this type, Moses would not have gone into the land of Canaan; because, from another point of view, he was the type of the Law Covenant, which must end before the people can enter into their rest. As Moses was the representative of the Law Covenant, so Joshua became the representative or type of the New Covenant and of its mediator, Jesus, the Deliverer. “The law came by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.” The law was a pedagogue or guide to prepare and bring the Israelites along to the borders of Canaan, but the Law could never give them rest, could never take them into the land of promise. Christ, the antitype of Joshua, must do that.

We are to remember, too, that Moses’ error in smiting the Rock, did not involve him in the Second Death, nor will it work any injury to him as respects to the future. It was comparatively a trivial matter, and taught him a valuable lesson which he evidently learned to the Lord’s pleasement, and his failure to go into the land of promise, therefore, should not indicate a continuance of Divine indignation against him, but merely a continuance of the Divine purpose in making of him a type of a class who would have to do with the antitypical Rock, the antitypical water, and the antitypical smiting.

We might remark here, too, that those who smote the Lord the first time, at Calvary, have the promise of full forgiveness. They shall look upon Him whom they pierced, and shall mourn for Him and the Lord will pour out upon them the spirit of prayer and supplication, and they shall have full opportunity of recompense and reconciliation. (Zech. 12:10) It is those who, with greater knowledge, and after they have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good Word of God, and the powers of the Age to come, sin willfully and count the blood of the covenant a common thing – these are they who commit the real sin unto death, and for whom the Scriptures suggest no hope, or further opportunity, because they have sinned willfully.

MOUNT PISGAH VIEWS

At this time the Israelites were in the land of Moab, at the northern end of the Dead Sea, opposite Jericho, and nearly in line with the city of Jerusalem. They awaited the Lord’s direction, by the pillar of cloud, before crossing Jordan to take possession of Canaan. Here, Moses’ work being accomplished, the Lord led him up to Mount Pisgah’s top, a lofty peak 3,586 feet above the sea‑level. From this point an extended panoramic view was possible – is possible today. Here Moses saw much with his natural eyes, but much more with the eye of faith, seeing the promises which God had made to the tribes of Israel, through Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and by his own mouth. He saw of the travail of his soul, and was satisfied. We hear not a murmur respecting the transfer of leadership and the cessation of his own labors. If God had used him in His service to the extent that He was pleased to do, the servant was thankful and satisfied.

“So Moses, the servant of God, died” – not from weakness and infirmity of age, for “his eye was not dimmed nor his natural force abated”; he died according to the word of the Lord. Throughout his life he had been the Lord’s servant, used and blessed as such, protected and kept by the power of God through the many vicissitudes of life, and He who thus kept him, buried him in one of the many little inaccessible valleys of this Mount Pisgah. The Lord not only hid Moses in the grave, but hid the grave, so that no man knoweth its place.

This also illustrates the Divine Wisdom; for (1) had the place of the grave been known it no doubt would have been an object of veneration amongst the Israelites, a Mecca, to which pilgrimages would have been made, and the man Moses would have been honored, rather than the God whom this man represented, and whose servant and mouthpiece he was. (2) Doubtless, also, the hiding of the grave was typical, and represented that the Law Covenant, which died and passed away, was not to be revived; that the New Covenant, not only displaced, but thoroughly replaced it, so that there would never more be need for the Law Covenant in connection with the bringing of Israel to all the precious promises of God.

“Lives of great men all remind us

We can make our lives sublime;

And departing leave behind us

Footprints in the sands of time.”

This great truth, so beautifully expressed by the poet, finds a grand illustration in Moses. His life and character are a noble example, not only for the Lord’s saints, but also for natural men. No one can study the life of Moses, and note its purity, its lofty ideals, it humility, its obedience to the Lord, its faithfulness to his fellows, without being bettered, ennobled, by the contemplation. And each one thus bettered himself by contemplating this noble character, should in turn seek to leave noble and enduring footprints for others, that perchance “some forlorn or shipwrecked brother seeing may take heart again.”

The Book of Deuteronomy is chiefly composed of addresses by Moses to the Israelites, setting before them the various lessons they had received from the Lord, expounding to them the Divine Law, their duty to God and to man. It closes with the Song of Moses, and Moses’ blessing of the nation, two poems whose beauty and literary merit are acknowledged as being of the highest order. Jacob called his twelve sons when dying and pronounced over them certain blessings. So now Moses, as the father of the nation, in these poems, completes his admonitions respecting them, his warnings and encouragements; and in these prophecies, not only their trials and difficulties and failures are foretold, but also their final victories, as we believe these victories shall ultimately be attained by all the Israel of God – all who will become by faith the children of Abraham – the Jew first and also the Gentile, during the Millennial Age. (Rom. 11:11,12, 28‑32)

This song of Moses was evidently not merely for Israel but prophetical, and was referred to by our Lord (Rev. 15:3,4), but long after that nation had been blinded and given up as respects the High Calling of this Gospel Age. This is the song of Moses and the Lamb which the overcomers are to sing, those who, with Christ, shall be members of the body of the great Prophet who shall bless, not only the literal seed of Abraham, but all the true Israel of God; all who shall become Israelites according to the faith and obedience of Abraham. This song, after telling of trying experiences, ends with rejoicing, saying, “Rejoice all ye nations with his people!” The poem of blessing, which applied most particularly to the tribes of Israel, though doubtless also typical of the elect 144,000, ends with rejoicing, saying, “Happy art thou, O Israel! Who is like unto thee, O people saved by the Lord?” (Deut. 32 and 33)

The scribe who wrote the Book of Deuteronomy at Moses’ dictation finished its account as a historian, describing the death and burial of Israel’s great leader, and declaring the great honor in which he was esteemed, recounting his mighty works, and ascribing these as did Moses himself, not to Moses personally, but to the Lord, who sent him to do them.

JOSHUA THE NEW LEADER

Joshua was now eighty years of age, and was accepted by the Israelites as Moses’ successor without murmur. They had, doubtless, learned valuable lessons in their wilderness discipline. Joshua, it will be remembered, was Moses’ companion when he went up into the mountain, Sinai, and there received the Law, and indeed throughout the wilderness journey he seems to have been the one above all others upon whom Moses could thoroughly rely. He and Caleb were the two spies who brought the favorable report, declaring that by the help of the Lord Israel might go up and assuredly take possession. In the change of leadership Israel learned another great lesson; viz., that their confidence and trust must not be in man; that so long as they recognized the Lord as their Leader they might feel safe and confident; because, although others might pass away, the Lord would abide faithful and could raise them up at any time just such leaders as he saw best.

There is a lesson in this matter for spiritual Israelites as well. We are not to put our trust in leaders, but in the Lord. This does not signify that we are not to trust leaders, and not to acknowledge leaders, for all the history of the Lord’s dealings with His people, the typical as well as the antitypical, shows us that He is pleased to use human agencies as His representatives in the teaching and leading of His people from grace to grace, from knowledge to knowledge. The lesson to be learned is that the Lord is thoroughly competent to manage His own work, and that while we may look for His leading through human agencies our trust is not in them, their wisdom, their strength, but in the Lord’s wisdom and strength, guiding them and us through them.

Another lesson here set forth is found in the words “Israel hearkened unto him [Joshua] and did as the Lord commanded Moses.” Joshua was to be followed only as the people could realize that he was following God’s instructions, given through Moses through the Law. In the antitype the great Deliverer Jesus, will be the commander of the people, will bless the people during the Millennial Age, and they must hear Him and must obey Him, but all that He will speak and all that He will order will be in full accord with the Divine Law, as represented by Moses.

The Christ, during the Millennial Kingdom, will attempt nothing on behalf of mankind in violation of the laws of righteousness, the laws of God. But everything in the way of lifting mankind up, will be by magnifying the Law of God, and making it honorable, and assisting all to conform their lives thereto, but not by that Law Covenant which is forever dead.

 (Pastor Russell, Reprints 3077‑3078, September 15, 1902)

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Bible Students:

Kindly please send me some information about your association. Do you publish a monthly magazine and have other literature on Bible subjects?

I would like to receive your monthly literature. Most sincerely, ------- (NORTH CAROLINA)

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Dear Sister Emily:

Greeting of warm Christian love in our dear Master’s Name!

Just a short note to let you know I have recently received a letter from Sister ……. and she informed me that you put out a newsletter (Bible). I would appreciate it if you would kindly put me on your mailing list. I have been isolated since 1980 and so this is one way I can hear from the brethren from various parts of the country.

Thank you kindly in advance. God bless you! ------- (KENTUCKY)

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Dear Sirs:

Please send me a list of your publications – also the book about PASTOR CHARLES TAZE RUSSELL, An Early American Christian Zionist.

Thanks very much. ------- (CALIFORNIA)

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Dear Brethren:

Please put me on your mailing list for your newsletter. I just received an old issue and enjoyed its contents. Also, please send me issues 390 and 391 if you still have some on hand.

I am anxious to read your many up‑to‑date current events pertaining to prophecy and end‑time happenings.

Yours in Christ and God, ------- (FLORIDA)

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Dear Friends,

If available, please send me a list of your publications and a statement of your beliefs. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Thank you very much, ------- (MICHIGAN)

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Dear Sir,

I would appreciate it if you could send me any material informing me of your beliefs, philosophy, practices, etc., as soon as possible.

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

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