NO. 409: THE TABERNACLE

No. 409

In Matt. 5:17,18 we have these words of Jesus: “Think not that I am come to destroy the Law, or the prophets; I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill... I say unto you, Till Heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in nowise pass from the Law, till all be fulfilled.” Complementing this statement is one by St. Paul in Heb. 10:1: “The Law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices.... make the comers there­unto perfect.” Here then are clear Scriptures that tell us in direct words that every feature of the Law was typical; and the Law in the broad sense is the Pente­teuch – the first five books of the Bible (Luke 24:44), although the Law in the strict sense does not appear before Exodus. It is thus a sound conclusion that every person, principle and thing mentioned therein are typical, and must have an antitype to be fulfilled.

Of those things given to Moses in Sinai the Tabernacle is the central figure. It became the foundation premise for the entire Jewish religion; and it may be prop­erly concluded that every important feature of the Plan of the Ages is somewhere re­vealed in the Tabernacle and the rituals pertinent thereto. Therefore, if any one has a good clear grasp of the Tabernacle, as it is presented in Tabernacle Shadows, and retains that truth structure, he is not likely ever to go out of the Truth; where­as, if we see any one losing the Tabernacle truths, we may conclude that something has gone badly wrong with that person, and we should be governed accordingly.

A close analysis of most religions will reveal that they began with a priesthood, then deteriorated to priestcraft, then degraded to priestgraft. This is strikingly true of the Jewish priesthood. When the Tabernacle had been set up, and Aaron was called of God (Heb. 5:4) to officiate, there was then given the Jews a religious sys­tem in its pristine purity; every detail was the embodiment of perfection – ‘‘The true tabernacle, which the Lord fixed, not man... divine service for a symbol and shadow (typical) of the heavenlies; even as Moses, when about to construct the tabernacle, was divinely admonished; for, See, says He, that thou make all things according to that pattern shown to thee on the Mount.” (Heb. 8:2-5, Dia.) “And Moses, indeed, was faithful in his whole house, as a servant, for a testimony of the things to be spoken.” (Heb. 3:5, Dia.) And this same Scripture could be applied in like manner to Aaron as Priest. “Like the precious ointment (typical of the Holy Spirit) upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron’s beard: that went down to the skirts of his gar­ments.” (Psa. 133:2) Tradition has it that Aaron’s beard reached almost to his knees; and his anointing with the holy oil is a fitting picture of the anointing of the true church during this Age with the Holy Spirit, which came first upon the Head Jesus, then continued down to the last members of His Body here in the end of the Age.

However, Aaron’s example soon became a lost art. In the strict sense the Jews had only one high priest – Aaron, “called of God” to the office. Others received that office through heredity, the oldest living son aspiring to the office – much the same as the kings in the nations today have come to the throne as successor to their fathers – although the Sanhedrin (counsel of the 70) had altered this somewhat before Jesus’ first Advent. Thus, some of the high priests after Aaron made honest effort to continue his per–formance; some, such as Eli (1 Sam. 3), feebly attempted to give proper service; while some were very much renegades. When we reach the fall of Jerusalem prior to 607 B.C., priestcraft was definitely inevidence. ‘‘The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and My people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof.” (Jer.5:31)

At the time Jesus arrived the priesthood had degenerated to priestgraft – they had reached the very bottom of the dirty barrel. “Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of them that sold doves, and said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer; but ye have made it a den of thieves.” (Matt. 21:12,13) A little from secular records will emphasize this. It had been ordered in the Law that the sacrifices brought to the priest should be ‘‘Without blemish.” Taking advantage of this, the priests in the temple gave minute scrutiny to any animals brought to them. It is said they had as many as seventy different points on which they would reject a lamb – such as a wart on its belly, and the like. Thus, when a penitent and humble Jew came in from the hills to make himself right with God, it was almost a certainty that the priest who examined his lamb would find something wrong with it, which made it unacceptable for sacrifice. So what was the poor man to do?   Must he go all the way back to the hill country for another? Why, no, of course not! The priest had a lamb in the backyard that he could have – if he had the price – ­so much money, plus the lamb he had brought in. Then the priest took the rejected lamb, put it in the backyard and sold it to the next innocent victim. It is little wonder that Jesus was so outraged that He overturned their tables and uttered the con­demnation against them that He did.

And much the same pattern was followed in the Christian Church as we trace it thru the years.  The Christian Church under the Apostles (also called and chosen of God) offered proper comparison to Aaron and his sons. But when Martin Luther appeared on the scene, the sale of indulgences was in full sway, with the repulsive Tetzel raking in the money – almost an exact duplicate of what Jesus saw in the temple. It is not surprising that Luther referred to the Roman Church at that time as “the synagogue of Satan.” Or that we have the prophecy against the reprobate church today, “I will spue thee out of My mouth.” (Rev. 3:16)

CONSTRUCTION OF THE TABERNACLE

“Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” (1 Cor. 10:11) The Diaglott puts this much clearer: “These things occurred to them typically, and were written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the Ages have come.” St. Paul thus clearly identi­fies “these things” as types, and they have to do with the wilderness journey of the Jews on their way to Canaan, during which time the Tabernacle was the focal point of all their religious activity.

It is not our purpose herein to discuss all the intricate details given to Moses in the Mount, but we believe a few of them will prove quite helpful. Ex. 26:15 says, ‘‘Thou shalt make boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood standing up.” Clearly enough, the Jews were not to gather broken-down logs for construction of the Tabernacle, but trees “standing up” – alive and growing. And is this not exactly what the Apostle says in Rom. 12:1: “Present your bodies a living sacrifice”? During the building of the Gospel-Age Tabernacle the Lord did not want a dead sacrifice; He wanted a “living” one. This is confirmed by St. Peter, 1 Pet. 2:5, Dia.: ‘‘Be you yourselves also built up, as living stones (in the temple, or Gospel-Age Tabernacle), a spiritual house for a holy priesthood (fully faithful and competent, as was Aaron), to offer sacrifices, well-pleasing to God through Jesus Christ.”

St. Paul counsels, “Endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ,” and this characteristic of the “living stones” is well typified in the Shittim wood “standing up.” This timber was plentiful in the wilderness of Sinai, and used in the construction of the Tabernacle, for the woodwork in the Ark, the altars and their staves, the table, the boards, bars and pillars. It was used in Egypt in boat building, and Josephus speaks of its strength and durability. (Antiq. III 6,5) The wood is hard and close-grained.

Some time back the Jehovah’s Witnesses were attempting to revive the study of the Tabernacle in their Watchtower periodical; but it is readily clear enough that, once having lost the Truth on this important edifice, they will have plenty of error in what they send forth. As instance, they quote 1 Pet. 2:5, and they use the King James version, which says we “offer spiritual sacrifices” during this Age. Just a little reflection should reveal the folly of this. In Rom. 12:1 St. Paul says, ‘‘pre­sent your bodies” as a sacrifice. We do not sacrifice our spiritual qualities; rather, we develop them in every good word and work, and we do this at the expense of our human bodies. Thus, we are told to “grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus,” even as St. Paul says of himself and his abused physique, “I die daily.” (1 Cor. 15: 31) He was “putting off the old man with his deeds, and putting on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge” [not sacrificed, but built up, invigorated] (Col. 3:9,10.)

Also, in this same Watch Tower, Dec. 1, 1972, p. 717, col. 1 bottom, there is this statement: “The temple ‘curtain’ illustrating the fleshly barrier, was now indeed passed for the resurrected Jesus Christ, and so on the fortieth day from his resurrec­tion he could ascend to heaven itself and appear before the person of God with the precious value of his sin-atoning blood, to present it at God’s propitiatory throne in behalf of all mankind. With that presentation the great antitypical Day of Atonement came to an end.”

The foregoing is a rank perversion of what That Servant wrote about the antitypi­cal Day of Atonement. He taught that it continued throughout  the entire Gospel and Mil­lennial Ages; and just a little scrutiny should prove that he was right. The real work of the antitypical  Day of Atonement has not yet even begun, which work is to ac­complish the “restitution of all things.” (Acts 3:21) Jesus is simply the antitypi­cal bullock of that day’s sacrifice – “first for His own sins, and then for the peo­ple’s” (Heb. 7:27).

It was not until the bullock and the Lord’s goat had been placed upon the brazen altar in the Court, their blood sprinkled upon the Mercy Seat in the Most Holy, fol­lowed by Azazel’s Goat being delivered to the fit man and led off to the wilderness, that the High Priest (Aaron in the first instance) then appeared in robes of Glory and Beauty and blessed the people. This antitypical blessing – “the times of refresh­ing, restitution of all things” – has not yet even begun; therefore, it should be quite apparent the antitypical Day of Atonement is not nearly at an end. When we re­call the treatment the Watch Tower leaders dispensed to their faithful brethren after Brother Russell’s death, we are painfully forced to apply to them the Scripture ­“Because they poured out the blood of saints and of prophets, Thou gavest them also blood (error) to drink; they deserve it.” They would be well advised to follow Tabernacle Shadows if they attempt further treatise of the subject – to prevent further er­roneous teachings.

When work was to begin on building the Tabernacle, the people were asked to bring the material necessary for the job, ‘‘And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing hearted, and brought bracelets, and earrings, and rings, and tablets, all jewels of gold.” (Ex. 35:22) “And they spake unto Moses, saying, The people bring much more than enough for the service of the work... The stuff  they had was sufficient for all the work to make it, and too much.” (Ex. 36:5-7) The antitype for these verses is to be found here in the end of the Age, when the general call closed in 1881. From that time on more people came into the Truth than there were crowns available – they were bringing “much more than enough” to complete the Gospel-Age Tabernacle. Many still do not recognize this great truth, so they con­tinue to bring more than enough, but this can but result in their eventual chagrin.

While some have been overly ambitious in this respect, others have adopted just the opposite course. When the sad and disturbing conflicts appeared shortly after Brother Russell’s death, many concluded they wanted none of that, so they simply with­drew and did nothing after that. Thus, they were no longer antitypical shittim wood “standing up” (“living sacrifices”); they became as it were ordinary spiritual flot­sam floating about in time and space, with no definite purpose. They completely for­got that their covenant was with God and not with men. We still see that same attitude among quite a few.

THE TABERNACLE AND THE PEOPLE

Much detailed comment is given in Tabernacle Shadows regarding the general con­struction of the Tabernacle, and its typical significance, which we shall review very briefly. The Most Holy typified, or represented the Divine presence; the Holy repre­sented those Gospel-Age believers who were aspiring to the Divine presence (“exceeding great and precious promises, that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature” – 2 Pet. 1:4); the Court represented the tentatively justified of the Gospel Age ­those believers who were progressing toward the Holy. The Court was enclosed by a linen curtain, which was held in place by sixty posts. Tabernacle Shadows very prop­erly explains that those posts type justified believers displaying the righteousness of Christ. These would properly represent sixty sections of the Gospel-Age Levites and their various activities, shown also by the sixty heads of Levite families.

Isa. 52:11 counsels, “Be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord.” When that was written, the Jews recognized it as advice to the priests and Levites who had to do with the Temple, which had replaced the Tabernacle of the Wilderness. Apart from the censers, there were four sets of vessels belonging to the brazen altar in the Court (Num. 4:14; Ex. 38:3), four sets to the golden table in the Holy (Num. 4:7); four to the golden lampstand (Num. 4:9). This may also have been true of the golden altar in the Holy, this conclusion being drawn from the fact that the brazen altar in the Court had four sets of vessels. These four sets of vessels would properly represent the four groups of Bible teachings that are profitable (1) “for teaching (doctrine), (2) for conviction (refuting), (3) for correction, (4) for that discipline which is in righteousness; so that the man of God may be complete, thoroly fitted for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:16,17, Dia.) Self-evidently, all of these “vessels” would be neces­sary in the life of those who were holding up the linen curtain of Christ’s righteous­ness; and especially would this be true of the leaders in the Gospel-Age church.

Aside from the brazen altar in the Court, there was also the laver, at which the priests washed, as well as the tentatively justified (the Household of Faith ­only for those in the Court). This laver was said to be of copper polished so bright­ly that it served also as a mirror to those standing in front of it. It would proper­ly represent the entire Bible, the base typing the Old Testament, and the upper part containing the water typing the New Testament. “That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.” (Eph. 5:26 – See Berean Comments) During the Gospel Age those progressing from the gate of the Court would pass the brazen altar, then approach and pass the laver on their way to the door of the Holy.

The Tabernacle was situated pretty much in the center of the Jewish Camp. Just outside and around the Court we find the Levites – the Amramites (Moses, Aaron, etc.) directly in front of the Gate to the east, the Kohathites to the south, the Gershonites to the west, and the Merarites to the north. All of this has a Millen­nium significance – the Amramites (no longer Levites in any sense) typing the Gospel-­Age “royal priesthood,” the Kohathites the Ancient Worthies, the Gershonites the Youth­ful Worthies, and the Merarites the Great Company. These four groups type the four elect classes who will bless and uplift the non-elect in the Kingdom.

It will be noted that Tabernacle Shadows states that the Gershonites typified the world of mankind; but this is not a logical deduction, since none of the Levites had any inheritance in the land. A question was put to Brother Russell – If the Gershonites type the saved world, wouldn’t that indicate that the entire saved world would become spiritual, and that this earth would not be man’s eternal home? After some discussion That Servant dropped the matter, but later taught that the Ancient Worthies would become spiritual during the Little Season. He also taught a class of consecra­tors “Between The Ages” who appeared on the scene too late to be of the royal priest­hood, but who would rank in honor, reward and service, with the Ancient Worthies. The only difference between the two classes is that the Ancients lived too soon to be of the royal priesthood; whereas, the Youthful Worthies lived too late to be of that se­lect group. Since 1916 many very pertinent Scriptures to substantiate that teaching have been presented, the Epiphany being the “due time” for them to be understood. That Servant confirms the above in the Sept. 1, 1911, Reprint 5761, which we now quote:

“THOSE CONSECRATING BETWEEN THE AGES”

“It is our thought that with the closing of the ‘door’ of this Gospel Age there will be no more begetting of the Holy Spirit to the spirit nature. Any afterward coming to God through consecration, before the inauguration of the restitution work, will be accepted by Him, not to the spirit plane of being, but to the earthly plane. Such would come in under the same conditions as the Ancient Worthies who were accepted of God. The Ancient Worthies came in, no call being opened to them – the High Calling not being yet open, and the restitution opportunities not open, But they freely gave themselves up to God without knowing what blessings their consecration would bring, except that they had the intimation that they would, in the future life, have a ‘bet­ter resurrection’ than would the remainder of the world.

“Our thought is that whoever under such conditions as these will make a full con­secration to the Lord, to leave all to follow in His ways, and will live up faithfully, loyally, to that consecration, may be privileged to be counted as a similar class to those who preceded this Gospel Age. We know of no reason why the Lord would refuse to receive those who would make a consecration after the close of the Gospel Age High Call­ing and before the full opening of the Millennium.”

And continuing from the June 15, 1911, Reprints 4836: “Suppose that some should present themselves after the close of the acceptable time; what would be their status and God’s dealing with them?... Quite likely there will be some in the end of this Age who, although faith­ful unto death, will not have been begotten of the Holy Spirit and not attain the spirit plane of being in the resurrection, but who will come forth members of the same class as the Ancient Worthies, who were developed before this Age began.”

The Jewish Camp encircled the Levites as the Levites encircled the Tabernacle; and they fittingly typed the rebellious nominal people of God in this Gospel Age. Once this picture is fully visualized, much may be deduced from it. Those in the Jew­ish Camp were not allowed in the Court or the Tabernacle, although those immediately con­tiguous to the Levites would have a much better view of it than those farther away; and those at the extreme outskirts of the Camp might barely see it at all.  Beyond the Camp was the heathen world having no knowledge or interest of any kind in the Tabernacle or its ceremonies.

All this would well represent the condition in Christendom during this Age. The “royal priesthood,” as parts of the antitypical Tabernacle, would have an intimate close-up view of the Gospel call, its privileges and obligations. Next comes those in the Court – the tentatively justified unconsecrated who had accepted Jesus as their Savior and practiced righteousness – who were on more or less friendly and intimate terms with the priesthood, and understanding some features of the priestly call. Be­yond this class would come what might be termed noble worldlings – motivated by good principles, and with more or less knowledge of the priestly aims and ambitions. Be­yond these would be the antitypical outskirts of the Camp, consisting of those who had little or no interest in Christian teachings; while the heathen world would be those people beyond the realm of Christendom.

VARIOUS PERVERSIONS

Much of what we have given on the Tabernacle, its appurtenances, its relation to the Camp and to the Jewish people has been gleaned more or less directly or indirect­ly from the writings of Brother Russell. He himself recognized some mistakes in the original Tabernacle Shadows book, most of which he corrected in later Watch Towers; but we are reliably informed that he often stressed the fact that the six volumes of Scripture Studies, which he wrote, were the direct outgrowth of that book, which was first published in 1881. In his Foreword that appeared in subsequent printings he said:

“It was specially intended for the royal priesthood. Many of this class have confessed that as the Lord’s finger it pointed out to them meanings in Old Testament types never before appreciated, leading them to see the true significance of the Scrip­tural declaration – ‘Present your bodies living sacrifices,’ ‘Fill up that which is be­hind of the afflictions of Christ,’ etc.... The author rejoices that this is true... The understanding of the subjects herein set forth seems to have been heaven directed, ‘taught of God,’ at a time when the light was absolutely necessary to the full and clear presentation of the Plan of the Ages...... The author has sought to prove every point and every application by the Word of the Lord, and has taught nothing of himself... The careful student will discern that, the applications of the types herein presented being correct, the entire Plan of the Ages is thereby corroborated – justification, sanctification and glorification first for the Church, and subsequently restitution for whoever will, of all the families of the earth.”

With such a forceful endorsement as the foregoing by Brother Russell himself, it would seem that any and all who still hold any respect for him would tread very soft­ly before attempting to tamper with such an important book. However, it is a matter of record that all during this Age those stewardship truths that were emphasized by the Lord’s special mouthpieces were perverted, and often badly distorted by the crown-lost leaders who followed them. Therefore, we should ‘think it not strange” if the same class of people – crown-lost leaders – should follow in the footsteps of their kinsmen of the past, and pervert the writings of the Lord’s important mouthpiece here in the end of the Age.

And true enough, That Servant was hardly in the tomb before Tabernacle Shadows was attacked by those who succeeded him in administrative office – subtly at first, then openly and boldly – replacing the faithful teachings of this book with ‘‘new light” (?). It was just a matter of a few years before J. F. Rutherford declared the book was entirely worthless, and cast it into the ash can.  However, their treat­ment of Tabernacle Shadows has gone unheeded by others.

From Taber­nacle Shadows, p. 33: “Concerning the natural seed of Abraham... ‘they are enemies for your sakes; but as touching the election they are (still) beloved for the father’s sakes...’ They are to be first (emphasis by Bro. Russell) blessed by the spiritual or true Seed and may later become associate laborers. (Rom. 11:26-29)”

Christ’s merit, as an imputable thing, is not now available in the Camp in the Kingdom, for the Household of Faith. Christ’s merit, as an imputable thing, is not now available in the Camp, nor will it be available in the Camp in the Kingdom. Actual justification will prevail in the Camp under the benevolent Kingdom arrangements for the sheep, enabling them to walk up the Highway of Holiness. Christ’s merit continues to apply only to the House­hold of Faith, and will so long as there is any part of this Household with us. That Servant corroborates this Truth in the May 15, 1911 Reprint 4819, as follows:

‘‘He has not applied the merit of that sacrifice as yet to Adam or his children, but merely to those who, in the type, were represented by the underpriests, and to the Levites, the brethren and servants of the priestly family.”

And from the types in Tabernacle Shadows, p. 55: “’And Aaron shall offer his bul­lock of the sin-offering which is for (represents) himself, and make an atonement for himself [the members of his body – the  underpriests] and for his house [all believers, the entire ‘Household of Faith’ – the Levites].’ (Lev. 16:6)”

THE MILLENNIAL TABERNACLE

While the Millennial Tabernacle will differ sharply in some respects from the Gospel Age Tabernacle, the typical features established in the arrangement given to Moses at Sinai are clearly in evidence as we consider its structure. The Most Holy will contain the glorified Christ serving Godward for the people; the Holy will repre­sent the condition of the Christ serving peopleward for God; the Court will contain the other three elect classes – the Ancient Worthies, typified by the Kohathite Levites, the Great Multitude by the Merarites, and the Youthful Worthies by the Gershonites. The Camp in that Tabernacle will contain the world undergoing restitution – actually accom­plishing what the Jews in their Camp expected to do – to gain life by keeping the Law, but failed because of their inherited weakness. The Sheep in that Camp will eventually gain that perfection that was first in Eden; while those outside the Camp will be either those that have not yet made a start toward restitution, or “the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.” (Isa. 65:20)

And, when that Tabernacle progresses to the end of that Age, another spiritual class will appear; namely, the Worthies who have been ‘‘princes in all the earth” dur­ing the Kingdom reign, but who will leave this earth when their work is done, and join those in the spirit realm.

DEATH AND HELL INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE

“Death and hell (Hades) were cast into the lake of fire.” (Rev. 20:14) For man­kind in general this brief statement makes comprehensive summation of the typical Tab­ernacle and its services on the Day of Atonement as given in Leviticus 16. Since the Bible does not use words indiscriminately, we may conclude that ‘death’ and ‘hell’ do not mean the same thing. It is our understanding that hell (Hades) is the Adamic death state – the grave; whereas, death refers to all those things that send man to the grave. This is clearly taught in Tabernacle Shadows, p. 111, respecting the ashes of the Red Heifer:

‘‘The cleansing of defilement through contact with the dead would seem to teach that this cleansing, effected by and through the experiences of the Ancient Wor­thies, will specially apply to the world of mankind during the Millennial Age, while they are seeking to get rid of all the defilements of Adamic death – seeking to attain human perfection. All the blemishes of the fallen condition are so much of contact with death; all constitutional weaknesses and blemishes through heredity are contacts with death; and from all of these the ashes of the Red Heifer are to be used for the cleans­ing of all who will become the people of God.”

This is emphasized in the Berean Comment on Rev. 20:14: “Death – including aches, pains, mental and moral imperfections of every sort.” In its totality this will not be accomplished until the end of the Little Season – when the antitypical Atonement Day will have come to its full end. Some have thought that the Epiphany Messenger had pro­duced some new teaching with respect to the Millennial performance – also that we are doing the same by copying what he has said; but the only thing new about it is the name coined by the Epiphany Messenger, when he summed all this up as the Adamic death process. However, this expression simply says in one sweeping phrase what Brother Rus­sell states in detail on p. 111 of Tabernacle Shadows, and in the Berean Comment for Rev. 20:14. Our Lord has said of David – and antitypical David – “I have found David my servant; with my holy oil have I anointed him: With whom my hand shall be estab­lished: mine arm also shall strengthen him.” And of those who have disregarded his teachings: “But thou hast made void the covenant of thy servant: thou hast profaned his crown by casting it to the ground... Thou hast broken down all his hedges; thou hast brought his strong holds to ruin.” (Psa. 89:39,40)

“O how love I thy law! It is my meditation all the day... I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.” (Psa. 119:97,102)

Sincerely your brother, John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

(Reprint No. 215, May 1973)

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Brethren: Grace and peace!

How grateful I am to continue to receive the Newsletter every month! It is a continual source of inspiration and spiritual truth for me. I am so glad there is an organization which promulgates the original and unchanged truths of dear Brother Russell who sought to harmonize Bible truth as given in the Studies in the Scriptures and other truth documents. May God's blessings be on you as you seek to uphold the truth.

Your brother, Jerry Kloss ------- (PENNSYLVANIA)

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Dear Friends,

Please send me a list of literature that you have available. I am especially interested in obtaining a copy of the book, PASTOR CHARLES TAZE RUSSELL, An Early American Christian Zionist, by David Horowitz.

Thank you! Hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely, ------- (TEXAS)

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Dear Friend:

Received your letter and Christian literature this date. Thank you! Yes, I would like to receive The Divine Plan of the Ages and the book about Pastor Charles Taze Russell.

No, I have not read any of your papers until today. I got your name and address from a publication or letter of Savior of all Fellowship, and it states that a Brother Marotta sent your address to them. These folks believe God will save all. The brief article states, like the Primitive Baptists who support the idea that the great majority of mankind (though not every single individual) will be saved. They are definitely Armenian in viewpoint, emphasizing man's free choice rather than God's sovereign election. This is all the article says.

Hoping to receive the books soon. And thanks so much for putting me on your mailing list to receive the monthly literature.

Sincerely, ------- (NORTH CAROLINA

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Dear Sister Hoefle: Grace and peace!

Your good letter took 10 days to travel. We appreciate your various items of news. Also the volumes have arrived ...

We saw Margaret at the end of last month, and she said she would like to be put on your mailing list. In addition to the Plan she has a copy of the Photo Drama and the LDH, and two of your circulars, Nos. 392 and 393. I will wait a little while longer and send her my copies of Nos. 401 and 402. So you might like to send us these two copies to replace them.

We still keep in touch with Ron Shuttleworth's widow, Ella. She recently stayed a few days with us ... We are always hoping for a spark of interest in the Truth since Ron's sad decease. It may be we will have to wait for the resurrection to open people's hearts and minds. But we live in hope as always.

How nice for your nieces and families to have a chance to visit Israel for three weeks. I know you missed them. We trust you have good news of Nan Horowitz ... Our health continues as well as can be expected, I am glad to say ...

We join in sending our Christian love to you and your co‑helpers. God bless you!

By His Grace, ------- (ENGLAND)

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To Whom it May Concern:

I would like information about the Epiphany Bible Student Association and any available literature. My address is ....

Thank you ------- (VIRGINIA)

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Dear Mrs. Hoefle:

We appreciate receiving your fine letter and the copy of your folksey newsey letter. The Josephsons are good friends and so is David Horowitz at the UN.

I am studying Hebrew and subjects related to Jewish‑Christian relations at the University of Minnesota – and Lois and I are trying to finish the last three programs of our dialogue series. I am enclosing a folder that explains it.

Thank you for your kind letter. We wish you all the best in your work of supporting the people and State of Israel. 

Sincerely, ------- (MINNESOTA

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NO. 408: SOME THOUGHTS FOR THE MEMORIAL

No. 408

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

Comes again the Memorial of our Lord’s death, and with it the realization of the truly sanctified faith-justified that its observance under existing conditions draws nearer and nearer to a finality. This realization should ever determine us to continue in the course we have embraced and to reside in that isolated and privileged place provided for us as we

“Go to Him Without the Camp.”

In Ex. 33:7 we read, “And Moses proceeded to take a tent and pitch it by itself outside the camp afar off from the camp, and he called it the Tent of Meeting, and so it came to pass that whosoever was seeking Yahweh went out unto the tent of meeting, which was on the outside of the camp.” (Rotherham) Moses in this instance types our Lord as He arranged to remove the Star Members and His fully faithful people from the midst of the measurably faithful and the tare class, beginning in the Pergamos epoch of the Gospel-Age Church and continuing until 1799. We quote parts of Brother Johnson’s comments on this from E-11, p. 430 (70):

“God had our Lord do another thing indicative of His displeasure with His nominal people, i.e., remove the faithful servants of the Truth and its Spirit from places of prominence and influence in the nominal church – caused the symbolic woman, the Covenant promises and the servants who apply them to the brethren to go into the wilderness condition (Rev. 12:6) – to the Tent of Meeting, not the Tabernacle, but Moses’ official residence – and that not but slightly away from the erroneous doctrines, practices, organization and disciplines of the nominal church, but very far from these, and made the Truth and the servants who applied it to the brethren, as well as these last, the place where God resided, met with His people and blessed them. Henceforth every one who in heart’s loyalty sought fellowship with the Lord in spirit, truth, righteousness and holiness went forth from the nominal church to such Truth, its applying servants and the others of His real people, apart from the nominal church (without the camp)... When our Lord busied Himself with Truth matters, its applying servants, etc., the Truth and its Spirit as due became manifest (the cloudy pillar descended), and remained at the entrance, consecration, where God revealed truths to Jesus in the star-members.”

The foregoing dovetails so very beautifully with St. Paul’s admonition in Heb. 13:13, “Let us, then, now go forth to Him outside of the camp bearing reproach for Him.” (Dia.) And it is such a very clear-cut and definite course of procedure for all who elect to “follow in His steps.” Such indeed is one very appropriate Thought for the Memorial. In principle, this arrangement is as true today as it ever was, of which we shall offer some elaboration further on.

“What Mean Ye by This Service?”

All the details of the original Passover in Egypt were prearranged with meticulous care and exaction, even to its future remembrance “throughout your generations,” and the instruction of the Jewish children during future observances. It was properly anticipated that inquiring and curious children would ask, “What mean ye by this service?” (Ex. 12:26), thus providing the opportunity to instruct them in the niceties and the solemn responsibility of every Jew participating in it. And this exaction so thoroughly gripped the Jewish conscience and imagination that the Passover observance today is almost identical to what it was in the day of Christ, excepting only the temple sacrifices which are no longer performed. However, they yet make very elaborate preparations for the festival. In previous years we have detailed the search for leaven. After all leaven was collected, it was then cast into the fire, and the master of the house declared in Aramaic that any further leaven that may have been in his house and of which he was unaware was to him no more than dust.

The eldest son of each family, if he were thirteen years or older, was required to fast on the day leading up to the service. Then on the evening of the 14th all the male members of the house betook themselves to the synagogue, attired in their best apparel. On their return they would find the house lit up, and the “Seder” or paschal table prepared. The head of the family took his place at the head of the table, after which all the family, including the servants, were seated around the table, to partake of the Seder, or Haggadah, as some Jews designate it. To be certain the question would properly arise, the oldest son was previously coached to ask, when they came to the table, why on this night above all other nights do they eat bitter herbs, unleavened bread, etc., at which the head of the house would relate the story of the original Passover and the deliverance of the Jewish firstborn on that fateful night in Egypt. Then proceeded the feast, which had been elaborately and meticulously prepared – the bitter herbs such as parsley and horseradish, and a kind of sop with charoseth consisting of various fruits compounded into a sort of mucilage and mixed with vinegar and salt water – each arranged in its own vessel. At the outset the master took some of the bitter herbs, dipped them into the charoseth and gave to each one present to be eaten along with the first cup of wine. Thus the feast continued throughout the evening until the fourth cup and the recitation of the Great Hallel – after which, in the case of Jesus and the Disciples, “They went out into the Mount of Olives.” (Matt. 26:30)

Many of the requirements of the original Passover were subsequently ignored, and properly so. The Lord had told them in Egypt, “Thus shall ye eat it; with your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand, so shall ye eat it in haste, it is Yahweh’s passing over.” (Ex. 12:11, Rotherham) Every minute detail in these instructions is fraught with grave significance to those who would commemorate the memorial of “Christ our passover Who is sacrificed for us.” The girdle in Bible symbols represents the serving features of those who would be servants in God’s Household. “He that is chief among you, let him be your servant,” – just as Jesus Himself illustrated this on His last night by “girding” Himself, taking a towel and washing the Apostle’s feet. “I am among you as one that serveth,” He had told them. Then, the sandals on their feet were a representation of the Gospel-Age fact that “we have here no abiding city”; always should God’s people be alert to “move on” as occasion dictated, ever willing to follow the cloudy-fiery pillar, the Truth as due, and to remember always that “The King’s business requires haste” – no time to linger and “change clothes” when the occasion should arise to journey on. And all this should be done with “your staff in your hand,” the staff typifying God’s precious promises, without leaning on which no one could ever make the journey from antitypical Egypt (the world in sin) to the Heavenly Canaan.

EVER THE TRUE AND THE FALSE

As most of us know, so many features of the true religion have been counterfeited by Satan. This was even true of Jesus’ death and resurrection. In Ezek. 8:14 it is related, “There sat women weeping for Tammuz.” Tammuz was the Sun God of the Babylonians, consort of Ishtar. He was identical with Adonis, the same as Baal of the Canaanites. Tammuz supposedly died each year, descended into the lower world, and was brought back to life by the weeping and lamentation of Ishtar, who was joined in her weeping by the women of Babylon. Thus, as Jesus was being led to the cross and He saw women weeping along His journey, He mildly admonished them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children.” (Luke 23:28) It is also related in Ezek. 8:17 that the Jews “put the branch to their nose,” in keeping with the custom of the Persian sun worshipers holding before them a branch of date, pomegranate or tamarisk that their breath might not contaminate the risen deity. All of these sacrilegious practices by the Jews brought forth the scathing denunciation of God by the mouth of His prophets, and are a warning to all God’s people to “have no other gods before me.” (Ex. 20:3)

While it is our hope and prayer that the foregoing will result in blessing our readers, by no means is it our thought that this should replace the excellent exposition of the Passover in Parousia Volume 6. We believe it also appropriate to offer something from E-11, p. 210 (66):

“Moses’ charging Israel to remember Nisan 15 as the day that they went forth from Egypt from the house of servants, types our Lord’s charging the Gospel Church in general, and the Parousia and Epiphany Church in particular, to remember antitypical Nisan 15 as their deliverance time from the house of servants to sin, error, selfishness and worldliness. This implies a remembering of our justification, sanctification, and deliverance, as well as of our Truth instruction (1 Cor. 1:30; Rom. 8:29, 30). As Israel in general remembered the typical deliverance at all times and in particular at the Passover, so are we as antitypical Israel to remember our deliverance at any and every time, but especially in connection with our Memorial service. We do the antitypical remembering, not only in thought, but also by living out the principles implied in our instruction, justification, sanctification and deliverance. As God’s mighty delivering power exercised on Israel’s behalf deserved their remembering their deliverance day, so the power of God exercised in our deliverance from our taskmasters of sin, error, selfishness and worldliness in our coming out of Satan’s empire, is worthy of our remembrance in motive, thought, word and deed. One way in which Israel was to remember the typical deliverance was to abstain from leaven. Accordingly, we are to commemorate our deliverance, among other ways, by abstaining from antitypical leaven – sin, error, selfishness and worldliness.”

There is much else that could be included here, but we believe the foregoing will suffice to bring forcefully to mind once more our obligations to “do this in remembrance of ME”; and it is our hope and prayer that all our readers may be richly blessed in their preparation for and participation in this year’s Memorial as they “consider Him that endured such contradiction of sinners against Himself.” (Heb. 12:3) This year we shall commemorate the Memorial at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, April 8, 1990; and we invite all who may be of like mind to join with us in this service.

Sincerely your brother, John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim

(Reprint No. 58, March 1960)

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THE WORK OF THE MESSIANIC KINGDOM

“The creature [creation, Diaglott] itself shall be delivered from bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the sons of God.” (Romans 8:21)

Death, not eternal torment, was the penalty which God placed upon Father Adam when he disobeyed. (Gen. 2:17; 3:17-19) Over four thousand years after the fall of man, our Lord Jesus came into the world to lay down His life to be a payment of that penalty; and thereby with His own life He made arrangements for the ultimate purchase of all mankind. He has laid down the price, and eventually will take over the purchase. He has not yet completed His work. Thus far He has merely used the merit of His sacrificial death to make an imputation on behalf of the Church class. As soon as the Church shall have been completed, they will be glorified as the Body of Christ, His associates in the Heavenly nature, glory, honor, and immortality. Then will come the time for Christ Jesus the Head and the Church His Body – to inaugurate the great Messianic Kingdom, which God has long promised, and for which we pray, “Thy Kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth, as it is done in Heaven.”

Attentively considering the transaction by which Jehovah is to turn over the world to become responsible to His Son Jesus Christ, we perceive that it is pictured in the Jewish Day of Atonement. When the high priest had completed his work of making satisfaction for the sins of the Israelites, he forthwith had the Divine authority to begin to bless the people. (Lev. 9:22-24) So when Christ, the great antitypical high Priest, shall have finished the work of offering the “better sacrifices,” and when the last member of the Body of Christ shall have been glorified, then the merit of those “better sacrifices” will be made applicable to the whole world. (Heb. 9:23) As in the one man Adam all mankind were constituted sinners, so in the one man Christ both Adam and all of his children will be justified from the original condemnation, that which came upon the human race because of Adam’s disobedience. (Rom. 5:12-19)

This squaring off of accounts will be accomplished by the transfer of Adam’s account to the account of Christ. The death of Christ will be found to be the full equivalent for the sin of the whole world; and as far as the Divine judgment is upon the world, mankind will be set free. They will be freed from the sentence which came upon Father Adam in Eden. Forthwith Christ will take possession of the whole world. His Millennial Kingdom is for the very purpose of lifting the Adamic race out of sin, degradation and death, and restoring them to human perfection. But He does not purpose, nor is it in the Father’s Plan, that any one be forced to receive the Divine Blessing. “Whosoever will, let him take the Water of Life freely.” (Rev. 22:17)

Under the beneficent rule of the Messianic Kingdom the light of the glory of the goodness of God will be manifest to all mankind. They will be made to know that restitution to all that was lost in Eden is God’s provision for the world. When they shall have come to the knowledge of the Divine goodness, it will be their part to conform their lives to purity and righteousness. They will retain their own individual will, however, and if any one should will to do otherwise than what is right, he will have the opportunity to do so. But he will not be permitted to do that which is injurious to others; for the power of Messiah will be exercised at such a time, and will not permit any one to work injury. Under the full light and opportunity of that blessed time, a sinner who makes no progress toward perfection will be cut off from life at the end of a hundred years of trial. Having had every possible incentive to do right under that glorious Messianic Reign, he will have no excuse for wrongdoing. If he does not yield to the regulations of that righteous Rule, he will thereby demonstrate that he loves iniquity. (Isa. 11:9; 65:20)

God purposes to give life everlasting only to those who manifest a disposition to become loyal and obedient to Him, and who by patient perseverance will develop a character worthy of being raised up to perfection of life. Those who manifest the right disposition will be lifted up out of their fallen condition to the full standard of human perfection as it was originally in Father Adam. This work of human uplift will be the work of Christ and the Church through the various agencies of that time. The world will then be free from the condemnation which came upon Adam because of his disobedience in Eden. God is willing to give them everlasting life upon condition of obedience to His righteous Law. But they will be expected to cooperate in this matter; and in their endeavor to rise out of sin and degradation they will have His assistance, through Christ. Ultimately the willing and obedient will have everlasting life; but the unwilling and disobedient will be cut off from life – in the Second Death.

Manifestly, then, there will be an interim between the time when mankind are legally forgiven and the time when they will either reach perfection or die the Second Death. During this interim they will still be of the Adamic race. So when the hosts of sleeping dead are awakened, they will not come forth from the tomb as children of Christ, but as children of Adam. Under the arrangements of the Messianic Kingdom they will be given the opportunity of renouncing their relationship to Adam and of accepting the Life everlasting that Christ will give to those who demonstrate their loyalty to God and to the principles of righteousness. So far as the world is concerned, this work of the Christ will continue until the end of the thousand years of the Messianic Reign. Then mankind will be perfect, ready to be turned over to the Father, as the Apostle Paul points out. (1 Cor. 15:21-28) During those thousand years the Father will ignore humanity altogether. He will have turned the whole Adamic race over to the Christ, who will have full charge of mankind. While the Messianic Kingdom is in power, neither the Father Himself nor any one else except the Christ will have anything to do with humanity. At the end of the Millennium, Christ will present the perfected race to the Father.

Speaking of the human family, the Apostle Paul says, “The creation was made subject to vanity [frailty], not willingly.” (Rom. 8:20) That is to say, the Adamic race did not become imperfect through any will of their own. Father Adam got out of touch with his Creator. Sin invaded his domain and he was led astray. Condemnation to death came upon him; and because of being in his loins, through the law of heredity, all of his posterity were involved in his condemnation. But “God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Our Lord Jesus is ready to redeem those who have come unwillingly into sin, if they will accept His terms and conditions. The first-fruits of His work form the Church of the Gospel Age. (James 1:18) The expression first-fruits suggests after-fruits. In other words, the Church are not the only ones who are to be saved, but are a first gathering only. It is theirs to share with their Lord in His Kingdom glory, honor and immortality. Then all mankind will have their opportunity – the creation itself which was made subject to frailty, and which is to be delivered from the bondage of corruption. (Rom. 8:19-22; 1 John 2:2) Eventually the whole world will have the opportunity of getting out from the bondage of death. First there is the legal phase of the condemnation upon the earth. This legal condemnation will be set aside at the beginning of the Millennium. Then there is the actual condemnation – death and all its concomitants. Mankind have become so infected with the virus of death that their minds and bodies have both become diseased. “There is none righteous, no, not one.” Everybody is wrong, imperfect, out of the way, religiously, mentally, morally and physically; and the race will still be in this condition of imperfection after the legal phase of the condemnation is set aside.

When at the beginning of the Millennium Christ presents the merit of His sacrificial death on behalf of the world, forthwith the race will be turned over to Him. But, on being raised from the dead, the world would soon come into condemnation again, were it not in the hands of the “Mediator between God and men.” (1 Tim. 2:4-6) If any one had his sins forgiven and then stood forth in his own strength before God, for even one day, by nightfall he would again be under condemnation, unless he could live sinless for that one day. Because of their inability to stand before God, He will pass the world over to the ministry of Messiah, and will ignore mankind altogether until the end of the Millennium. The work of Christ will be to effect the deliverance of humanity from the bondage of corruption, from which they are unable to deliver themselves. Christ will set the groaning creation free from the power of Sin and Death, and will bring the willing and obedient back into full liberty of sons of God. Whoever will may then become a son of God, on the human plane, perfect as Adam was before he fell from Divine favor.

When Adam was a son of God, he was not “sold under sin”; but on the contrary, he was perfect, the image and likeness of His Creator – “very good.” And so it is with the holy angels. They are the sons of God on the spirit plane. Thus does God design that it shall be with His human sons. They shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the full liberty of the sons of God. (Rom. 8:19-21) Father Adam was originally called a son of God. (Luke 3:38) So when humanity shall have been restored to perfection, the Son will deliver up the Kingdom to God, even the Father, when He shall have put down all insubordination. (1 Cor. 15:24-28) Then all those whom God will receive, after being tested, will enter into the glorious freedom of the children of God. They will be perfect, in the image and likeness of their Heavenly Father, as was Adam. (Brother Johnson, The Herald of the Epiphany, January 15, 1921)

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QUESTIONS OF GENERAL INTEREST

QUESTION: In Rev. 10:6 there is this statement: “There should be time no longer.” Is this a proper statement, or proper translation?

ANSWER: No! it is not. As it occurs in the King James version this is certainly a wrong translation – a most ridiculous statement. There will always be time, regardless of what we may think about the continuance of our earth. However, even as respects our earth, it is clearly stated in Eccl. 1:4: “One generation passeth away, and another generation cometh: but the earth abideth forever.” The Emphatic Diaglott gives the proper translation for the text: “The time shall be no longer delayed.” Verse 7 speaks of the days of the “Seventh Trumpet”; and it refers to the time in which we are living; and part of the message of the Seventh Trumpet is what is stated in verse 6. It has been properly stated in Acts 3:21 that there would be a “restitution of all things,” which has been postponed for such a long time that few people now pay any attention to the words of St. Peter. But verse 6 says we have come to that time in history that the great Plan of the Ages is now to see important parts of it fulfilled. We have now come to that time in earth’s history that the time should be no longer delayed; the grand procession of the Plan is now to be fulfilled.

The book of Revelation is a very complex part of the Bible – so much so that in the early church some members would not accept it as a part of the Bible; it was not capable of explanation. However, we have now come to understand much of it; and there is no question in good scholarly minds that it is a genuine part of Holy Writ, although verse 1, of Chapter 1 says it was given to the Apostle John in sign language – “He sent and ‘sign’-I-fied it by his angel unto his servant John.” When properly read, Rev. 10:6 is a very enlightening statement.

In our discussion of the various prophets we have stressed the overall import of this statement: “The time should be no longer delayed.” While we can recognize the fulfillment of this prophecy in a limited manner now, it will be much more pronounced in the years immediately ahead. Once these present institutions are removed, and the new order is firmly established, it will be in the daily news: “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) Then, as the Apostle John expresses it, “I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven... Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God,” (Rev. 21:2,3) after the close of the “little season.” (Rev. 20:3)

Here we offer just a few of the prophecies of that time: “His [man’s] flesh shall be fresher than a child’s: he shall return to the days of his youth.” (Job 33:25) “I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction.” (Hosea 13:14) Then, according to the promise to Abraham: “In thee, and thy seed, shall all families of the earth be blessed.” (Gen. 22:18)

Next we offer 1 Tim. 2:4-6: “God will have all men to be saved, and come into the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” Especially do we stress “in due time.” No prophecy can be fully understood until it has been fulfilled, or in course of fulfillment. And even with Jesus Himself, He told the disciples with some of the last words He spoke to them: “No one knows concerning that day and hour [when the Kingdom would be established]; no, not the angels of the heavens, nor the son, but the Father only.” (Matt. 24:36, Diaglott) But here we should recognize that the Son “in due time” did know “the day and hour,” although He did not know it when speaking to His disciples. As for ourselves, we do not pretend to know the day or the hour; but we do know from certain prophecies, by the chronology, the parallel dispensations, and the signs of the times that we have come to that day when “The time shall be no longer delayed.”

Jesus has provided us with a very strong picture of the Kingdom in Luke 20:27–36: The Sadducees, one of the leading cults of that time, who did not believe in any resurrection, came to Jesus with a hypothetical question concerning a woman who married one of seven brothers. The man died leaving no children. At that time it was the custom for his brother to marry the woman in an effort to carry on the family name. In due course, she married all of the seven men, leaving no children, so the Sadducees asked Him: “In the resurrection whose wife will she be?” And His answer: “Those that attain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage: neither can they die any more [“There shall be no more death.”––Rev. 21:4] (Brother Hoefle, Reprint No. 337, July 1983)

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QUESTION – Sometime ago someone gave me a Herald of the Epiphany, subject Where are the Dead? It is interesting, but what about Enoch and Elijah – and Moses who appeared at the transfiguration of the Lord Jesus? Where was, and is he? Shouldn’t we conclude that those good men are in Heaven?

ANSWER – The transfiguration recorded in Matt. 17:1-13, and the whirlwind experience of Elijah have misled many Christians into believing these two men must be in Heaven; but Jesus Himself was very emphatic that “no man hath ascended unto heaven, but He that came down from heaven, even the Son of man.” (John 3:13) St. Paul adds strength to this statement in Acts 26:23, “Christ should be the first that should rise from the dead”; and further in 1 Cor. 15:20, “Christ should be the firstfruits of them that slept.” As respects Moses and Elijah in the transfiguration scene, Jesus said it was “a vision” (v. 9); and a vision is somewhat after the manner of a dream where one might see a dead relative. However, such a dream would be no proof at all that the relative was alive, or in heaven.

In 2 Chr. 21:12 it is stated that Elijah wrote a letter to King Jehoram of Judea; and that was about eight years after his whirlwind experience that had taken him from Elisha after they had crossed Jordan. Therefore, the only logical conclusion is that Elijah was removed by the fiery chariot to some remote spot, but not taken into heaven.

In 2 Kgs. 2:12-18 “the sons of the prophets” insisted upon a three-day search for Elijah, lest he be in distress upon “some mountain or valley.” These were educated men, in no wise considered stupid; and they certainly did not believe Elijah had gone up to God’s throne, or they would have known better than to go searching for him. They were persuaded they would be able to find him, although their search proved unsuccessful.

As for Enoch, it is simply related that “he was translated that he would not see death” (Heb. 11:5); but there is no hint here that he was “translated” to God’s throne. And we may be certain that he was not taken there, as the Bible never contradicts itself. If Jesus had been wrong in John 3:13, that “no man hath ascended into heaven,” He could just as easily be wrong in other places, which would make him a fallible teacher, and not worthy of our implicit confidence. St. Paul further says of all three of these men that “they received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for Us [the Christ Company], that they without us should not be made perfect [raised from the dead, perfected in the resurrection].” ––Heb. 11:39, 40 (JJH – No. 168, June 1, 1969)

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QUESTION – In view of the general Scriptural teaching that no man can see God and live (Ex. 33:20), how do we understand Ex. 24:10,11?

ANSWER – In Ex. 33:20 we are told that no one can see the literal face of God and live. The glory-light shining out therefrom is so bright that it would destroy a human being, if he would see it. What was in Ex. 24:10, 11 vouchsafed Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu and the seventy Elders was not a sight of Jehovah’s body, rather they were given a vision, a representation, of His body. Not only is this suggested in verse 10 by the symbolic pavement under His feet, but also by the word in verse 11 which is translated “they saw,” i.e., God. This word is the Hebrew word “chazah” from which the Hebrew words for seer and vision are derived, e.g., “chozeh,” seer, 2 Sam. 24:11; “chazon,” vision, Hab. 2:2,3; “chazoth,” visions, 2 Chron. 9:29; “chazooth,” vision, Isa. 21:2; “chizayon,” vision, Joel 2:28. The Hebrew, therefore, suggests that they saw a vision, a representation of God, but not God Himself. (The Epiphany Messenger – The Present Truth, March 1, 1921)

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Sister Hoefle:

I pray all is well with you at the moment. I received your letter yesterday and so decided to sit down and write you – tell you a bit about myself.

I am 27 years of age. I was born in New York City where I spent my early childhood. My high school years in Puerto Rico – whose people need our prayers at the moment. I spent some time in the United States Marine Corps. When I was discharged I returned to New York, where I lived with various friends and family. I now live alone.

I was born and raised a Catholic, but never lived the life of a Catholic. Although I did go through the ‘routines.’ going to church every Sunday, serving as an alter boy. I was even a leading member of the CYO (Catholic Youth Organization).

I never believed in ‘hellfire’ or ‘purgatory’ or even the ‘trinity’ doctrine for that matter. I certainly don’t believe that the ‘short bald, fat guy in the dress’ at the Vatican is St. Peter.

In 1981 I officially disassociated myself from the Catholic church, which caused a lot of commotion in my family. My mother did not speak to me for almost a year. But she soon snapped out of it. She figured she’d rather have a heathen son than none at all.

As far as my religious background is concerned, I’ve associated with many different organizations. I am an avid book reader and have a large selection of books and religious paraphernalia. That’s how I came across the name of CHARLES TAZE RUSSELL.

It wasn’t until I read the book by Mr. Horowitz that I realized the impact Pastor Russell had on people the world over – and that he still has faithful Bible students throughout the earth.

Next to our Lord and Master, Christ Jesus, I’ve never seen such a division among people because of one man.

But as you stated in your letter, all these individual Bible Student groups believe they adhere close to Pastor Russell’s teaching. And whom am I to argue with them?

I don’t belong to any Bible Student group, church or temple. My goal is to learn the Truth as Pastor Russell revealed it. I enjoy your articles and enjoy the warmth as revealed in your letters.

Many thanks and prayers go to you as you carry on the work.

Your brother in Christ, ------- (NEW YORK)

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Dear Brethren:

Please send me a list of all your publications – books, tracts, booklets, cassettes, videos, etc. If you have a tract describing your organization and its history. I would enjoy reading it very much. I would like to receive your newsletter. Thank you in advance.

Christian love, ------- (MINNESOTA)

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Dear Sister Emily:

Enclosed is a small check for all the papers you have sent me, etc. It isn’t much and I know you have never asked for anything. But I think I should give something if it is a nominal amount.

Also, your sent me a list of issues that are no longer available. Would it be possible to get good copies of those? I would like to get a completed set.

Of course, you know Brother Wayne passed away. ... It is sad to see so many of the older brethren leave us. Also, in case you haven’t heard, Brother Gould Jolly just died the other day.

Well, that’s it for now. Continue in the Lord’s providence.

Your brother, ------- (MICHIGAN)

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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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