NO. 430: SOME THOUGHTS FOR THE MEMORIAL

No. 430

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

Comes once more the Passover season, at which time we commemorate the death of “Christ our Passover.” (1 Cor. 5:7) The correct time for 1992 is after six p.m., April 15. The moon nearest the Vernal Equinox this year comes new at 7:23 p.m., April 3 at the 30th Meridian East (the one nearest Jerusalem), thus commencing Nisan 1 at 6 p.m., April 2. Counting from this start we come to 6 p.m., April 15, as the 14th day of Nisan, during which evening the Memorial is properly in order. We here at Mount Dora will memorialize at 7:30 p.m., and we issue a cordial invitation to any who may be in this vicinity, and who are of like mind, to join with us.

Our interest in the type centers especially in the lamb, which typified the Lamb of God. At this point it may be well to stress the difference between the Passover proper and the Passover Festival, which continued for a week after the Passover, making eight days in all for the two occasions.  At the actual Passover in Egypt that preceded the freedom of the Jews from their bondage there was no Passover Festival, the first celebration being observed at Sinai the following year. The word Passover comes from the Hebrew pesah, which means to pass over in the sense of to spare.

The Passover Festival is first mentioned in Ex. 12:15–17;  and it is elaborated somewhat in Lev. 23:6–8. At the Passover in Egypt the participants stood; but in the subsequent memorials they reclined.  “There was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved.” (John 13:23)  There was also several other differences between the original and the memorials. In Egypt the lamb was taken up on the tenth day of Nisan, but this was not done in later celebrations. Nor was there any blood sprinkled on the doorposts in the memorials. Likewise, there is no mention of wine in the first, but four cups were used in the later events; and with the last of these, “the cup after supper” (Luke 22:20), Jesus instituted what is commonly known throughout Christendom as the Lord’s Supper.

In the Passover proper the lamb was the thing stressed; whereas, in the seven–day Festival the unleavened bread was emphasized. In the Festival the first and the seventh days were to be “a holy convocation” (Ex. 12:16), rigidly kept – “no manner of work done in them, save that which every man must eat, that only may be done of you.” The seven days of this Festival type the seven periods of the Gospel–Age Church; and in the first of these –– the Ephesus stage, under the guidance of the twelve Apostles –– there was unusually strict discipline. The same was true in the Laodicean period under the supervision of That Servant. This would account for the large number of saints that were won during those periods –– as against the five interim days, when certain laxity was permitted for the Jews to pursue their ordinary activities. This offers partial explanation for the large number of measurably faithful during the Gospel-Age interim, when business, state and church fraternized more freely, thus promoting such laxity as caused many to lose their crowns during those five interim periods. As there was only one Passover (all subsequent services being simply a memorial of the great type), so there has been only one antitype – “the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” And in keeping the Lord’s Supper as a memorial of that antitype we commemorate the greatest event of all history – the sacrificial death of the Savior of the world. As the type was formed in the evening, so subsequent memorials were kept in the evening. Likewise the Supper was given in the evening by Jesus; so also our memorial should be in the evening. Millions of Christians will partake of the bread and the wine on Easter Sunday – mostly in the morning – because they do not understand the real significance of the celebration.

Also, the real date has been lost in the confusion of the Dark Ages, mainly because the Roman Church wished to disassociate itself as fully as possible from anything Jewish. Therefore, instead of observing Nisan 14 as we do – and to be sure that “good Friday” would always be a Friday – they use the first Friday after the first full moon after the Vernal Equinox. Although the moon is substantially full at Nisan 14, it may be two or three days before it actually reaches that point. However, the moon is not the controlling factor for keeping the Memorial, other than determining the first day of Nisan. The Bible is very definite that the Memorial should be kept on the 14th day of Nisan, regardless of the condition of the moon. And by ignoring these details, the great majority fail to grasp the real significance of the event.

THE TRUE MEANING

The Passover in general represents the deliverance of God’s people from Satan’s rule on the basis of the antitypical Lamb’s blood, the emphasis being mainly on justification through faith in Christ’s merit. In this picture Egypt is a type of the world in sin, with Pharaoh typing Satan as “the god of this world.” Celebrated the 14th through the 21st of Nisan, it represents mainly the salvation of the Gospel Age and its joys, etc. ­particularly that of the Gospel Church. All of this was clearly understood by the Ephesus period of the Church – the first antitypical day of the Gospel-Age Church.

When the true date for keeping the Memorial was distorted so badly, it also brought a corresponding loss of understanding on the true meaning of the Memorial; and the darkness deepened during the Dark Ages, so that the import of the service was very nebulous with most of the participants – and not even moderately clear to any of them, so far as we know. However, in 1521 Star Member Zwingli began to revive the truth on the service, claiming as he did that the Lord’s Supper represents (1) the death of Jesus; (2) faith appropriating justification from the merit of His humanity and life laid down unto death (“He hath poured out His soul unto death”); and (3) the fellowship of the saints in suffering. In all of this, however, he did not recognize the Church’s share in the sin–offering – which is actually the case – for it remained for the bright shining of the Harvest Truth to make this fact clearly understandable as we see it today.

While Zwingli’s truth on the doctrine was rather limited, it was potent enough to arouse the antagonism of the Roman Catholic Church, which then was thoroughly submerged in the hallucination of transubstantiation, and of the Lutheran Church which held to the view of instrumentalization – both churches claiming that the actual body and blood were received through the mouth of the communicants. While he did produce the general truth on the bread and the wine – much as we see it today – he did not grasp the thought of the right date for partaking of the emblems. Nor did any other group have the right date then, so far as we know. That also needed the Harvest Truth for clarification.

Although the true date is a minor question, we should use it correctly if we are able to do it; but, if there be those who disagree with us, that difference should not be allowed to destroy Christian fellowship.  We know that many of the very best of God’s people during the Age have habitually observed the Lord’s Supper on the wrong date and at the wrong time of the day; but this did not debar them from receiving rich blessings from the Lord. Nevertheless, the full truth on the subject does deepen the conviction in the Church that the entire Church is but one; and this unity should be preserved to the extent of our ability and knowledge.

The Jews, of course, were very meticulous in their observance of the Passover proper and in the seven–day Festival that followed. It is one of their greatest memorials as a nation; and is celebrated by Jews in all parts of the world – even by some who claim to be agnostics. The same may be said of the Day of Atonement service. We have known Jews personally who claimed to have no faith in the Mosaic covenant, yet they would assemble in the synagogue of the orthodox Jews on these days – just to please their parents, as they put it.

However, it is one of the oddities of the Age that the Jews, with so many brilliant minds among them, have not thought it worth while to seek the truth on the subject. Why was the Passover lamb slain and eaten? Why was the blood sprinkled upon the doorposts and lintels? The Jews did it that night in Egypt because God had commanded them to do it; but why had He told them to do it? One of the greatest of their prophets had counseled them, after they had come into Canaan land, to “seek judgment ... come, let us reason together.” (Isa. 1:17,18) Such a God would give only reasonable commands, which means that the Passover ritual, with its strict exactions, must also be based upon sound reason. And we may consider ourselves blessed indeed if we are able to grasp fully and clearly the date and ceremonial features of the Lord’s Supper.

The Passover type is clear enough in its purpose; all of the Jews understood that it was to free all of them from Egyptian bondage. And, while only the firstborns were in danger that night, the entire nation was in danger as they entered the Red Sea with the Egyptian army in hot pursuit. But they all passed over dry shod, and were saved, while the pursuing hordes were all swallowed up in the receding waters. Not one Israelite was left behind, and not one Egyptian that pursued them was spared. There was enacted the grand drama of the Ages; and is intended to portray the salvation of the sheep, and the destruction of the goats at the end of the Little Season – at which time will be accomplished “the restitution of all things.” (Acts 3:21)

Of course, the foregoing is not what we shall celebrate on the evening of April 15. At that time we shall memorialize the passing over of “the church of the firstborn” (Heb. 12:23) of this Gospel Age. They are the ones who have been in danger of destruction if they should go out from under the blood of Christ our Passover. Having come “under the blood” by acceptance of Jesus, and having had His merit applied to them, it then does become a matter of life or death to them whether or not they should consider the blood of Him who gave Himself for them to be a trivial thing. This is the true lesson of the Passover type, and it applies in this Age only to those who have come “under the blood,” and become a part of the Gospel–Age Church of the Firstborn – and to  no others.

JESUS OUR PASSOVER LAMB

The Apostle Paul clearly and positively identifies the Passover Lamb with our Lord Jesus: “Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us: therefore, let us keep the feast.” (1 Cor. 5:7,8) With such clear and direct words, is it not strange indeed that few even of the leaders in Christendom fail to grasp their meaning? But for those who do understand their import they feed on the Lamb of God, just as the Jews fed on the lamb in Egypt that night. And, just as the Egyptians knew nothing of the Jews feasting that night, so “the world knoweth us not, even as it knew Him not.” (1 John 3:1) So also Jesus had said of Himself, “I have meat to eat that ye know not of... My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work.” (John 4:32–34)

Everything the Jews did that night was laden with significance. They were to eat the lamb with bitter herbs, which were typical of the trialsome and exhausting experiences which have come to the Gospel–Age Church. And, as the eating of those bitters merely sharpened their appetites for more of the lamb – which would give them the needed strength for the journey to the Red Sea – so it has been with the bitter experiences of the Gospel-Age Church. They have been strengthened in their determination to “keep up the good fight.” The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church.

And the Jews were to eat the Passover in this manner: “With your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and ye shall eat it in haste.” (Ex. 12:11) Ready for travel at a moment’s notice, they typified the Gospel Age Church in the words of St. Paul: “We have here no continuing city, but we seek one to come. “ (Heb. 13:14) Most people are not nomadic; they desire to establish a residence and to remain settled there. But such was not to be for the true Church. Had not Jesus told them, “When they persecute you in this city, flee ye into another... The disciple is not above His master.” (Matt. 10:23,24) And He left them a grand example in His own life: “Foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man hath not where to lay his head.” (Luke 9:58)

All of our readers are more or less familiar with the truth of the foregoing ­either by their own experiences, or by having intimate knowledge about those of their brethren who have been forced to move on as it were. History is replete with the forced travels of many of the best of the Lord’s people during this Age; and some instances come vividly to mind here in the end of the Age of brethren who were prodded to change company because they did not wish to become companion with the many errors that have appeared since 1917.

It is probably well in order here to consider the Apostle John. From shortly after Pentecost we hear nothing at all about him for more than forty years; but we are warranted in the conclusion that he was certainly not in Jerusalem at the time of its capture by the Romans in the year A.D. 70. Nor would he have returned there after the year 70. According to his own statement, he was on the Isle of Patmos at or near the end of his life – “for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Rev. 1:9) Patmos is a small rocky island in the Greek Archipelago, now called Patino – off the southwest coast of Asia Minor, about ten miles long and six miles wide, and generally barren. It was there that he wrote the Revelation – about the year AD 95 – apparently in much the same condition as was John Bunyan in prison when he wrote his memorable Pilgrim’s Progress. Patmos means ‘suffering.’ Clearly enough, the Disciple that Jesus loved had here “no continuing city”; and Patmos could hardly be described as a desirable place to spend the last years of his life. However, his way of life had been well established – “with his loins girded, his shoes on his feet, and his staff in his hand”; and he continued in this manner until he had received from his Lord that, “Well done, good and faithful servant” – an “example of the believers.”

At the supper in the upper room that last night Jesus intimately identified Himself with the Passover Lamb. On the same night of His betrayal, just preceding His crucifixion, He said to His Apostles, “With desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.” As Jews, it was a strict requirement of the Law that they should eat the Passover that night – on the exact anniversary of the occurrence in Egypt. But as soon as the requirements of the type had been met, He instituted a new Memorial upon the old foundation, saying “Do this in remembrance of Me.” He blessed the bread and gave it to them; He blessed the cup and handed that to them, explaining that these items represented His broken body and shed blood, and that His followers accept this pattern in their annual commemoration of Him. No longer would the Apostles eat the Passover Lamb; rather, they would follow instructions and replace the lamb with the bread and the wine – not only as a Memorial, but as a yearly pledge that they would “follow in his steps.”

When He told them, “Take, eat; this is My body” self-evidently He did not mean He was offering them His actual body, because He was not yet dead. Therefore, He had to mean that it represented His body. This truth. seems plain enough, yet many of the best minds in Christendom try to take it literally, and this has brought them into great confusion. The unleavened (pure, unfermented bread represented Jesus’ sinless perfect flesh; whereas, leaven represented sin, and the commandment was very rigid that the Jews have no leaven in their houses at the Passover season. Jesus had said, “I am the bread of life: the Bread of God is He which cometh down from Heaven, and giveth life unto the world... The bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” (John 6:33,51)

For us to keep the Memorial properly it is essential that we have a clear understanding of its meaning. To contend that the intention of the participant in this ceremony is the important thing, rather than a proper understanding, is not sound reasoning. To accept such an attitude in this instance would justify the same for any and every feature of Biblical truth. And once we come to such a conclusion, we are then forced to admit that the heathen do the same, which would give them equal standing before God with the Christians; and the Bible nowhere supports such a viewpoint.

Once we have a clear understanding of the matter, that Jesus offered His pure and spotless nature on behalf of sinners, then we see that we are privileged to appropriate to ourselves that which He gave, His perfect human life – the thing that would “save His people from their sins.” of course, this premise could not be a workable thing until He had been raised from the dead, ascended to the Father and deposited the sacrificial merit of His death with Him who had raised Him from the dead.

During this Age those who make intelligent acceptance of this fact – accept Him as Savior and submit themselves fully to His will – such are then said to be “justified by faith... and boast in hope of the Glory of God.” (Rom. 5:1,2, Dia.) An intelligent participation in the bread and the wine means that by faith we receive a right to human life – with all its privileges, and which our Lord procured for us by His death.

THE DEEPER SIGNIFICANCE

Let us note that God’s object in justifying the Church of the Gospel Age by faith – in advance of the world’s justification by works in the next Age – has been that they might “fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ.” (Col. 1:24) This deeper meaning is not clearly stated by Jesus, although there is some intimation of it in Luke 22:20, Dia.: “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, that in your behalf being poured out. “ The full meaning of the cup was probably one of the things He had in mind, when He told them that last night, “I have yet many things to tell you, but you cannot bear them now. But... the spirit of Truth will lead you into all Truth... and declare to you the coming things.” (John 16:12,13, Dia.)

The spirit of truth had made this quite clear to St. Paul, “The cup of blessing, for which we give thanks, is it not the participation of the blood of Christ? The loaf which we break, is it not the participation of the Body of Christ... For we being many, are one loaf.” (1 Cor. 10:16,17, Dia.) Thus, we would stress that the surface and the deeper meanings of the Memorial are essential to a proper participation in the celebration. Understanding the deeper part impresses each communicant with the exhortation, “We ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” (1 John 3:16, Dia.)

The “life” in the foregoing is not the spiritual life, of course; it is rather bodily life – just as Jesus gave His “flesh for the life of the world.” The Jews had been told by Moses that “the life is in the blood”; and this is confirmed by the fact that anyone opening one of his important veins or arteries will quickly die – even though his body might be in excellent health. Therefore, when the cup represents the blood, it does not refer to the life retained, but to the life poured out. This is made quite clear by St. Paul’s words in 2 Tim. 4:6, “I am now ready to be offered”; although the Diaglott makes this much more emphatic – “I am already being poured out.” He was referring here to the fact that the Romans would very shortly chop off his head – his life would then be speedily ended – poured out in much the same manner as would be the wine in the cup. Therefore, obedience to the Jewish Law would not suffice in this matter, nor faith in some great teacher, nor the mere acceptance of Jesus as Savior. It must be the blood poured out – “Without an effusion of blood no forgiveness takes place.” (Heb. 9:22, Dia.)

“Jesus went about preaching the gospel of the kingdom.” Seldom did He fail to proclaim that “good news.” Nor did He fail to do so that last night He spent with His Disciples. He would go away, He said, to receive for Himself a kingdom; and would come again to receive them to Himself to share in it. In the course of the talk He told them that the Memorial which He was instituting would find fulfillment in that kingdom – that He would no more drink of the fruit of the vine until He would drink it anew with them in the Father’s Kingdom.

Just what He meant by this statement may be difficult to determine positively; but it would seem He meant that the trials and sufferings portrayed by the cup – and which His followers would experience after His departure – were symbolized in the cup. As stated previously in this paper, the Jews had four cups of wine during their Passover memorial, the purpose of which was to enable them to be jubilant in the memory of their release from Egyptian oppression. Thus the cup which Jesus blessed would be emblematic of the joys which the Apostles would experience when they joined Him in His heavenly home. “Ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.” (John 16:20) “He shall see of the travail of His soul and shall be satisfied.” (Isa. 53:11) And the same would be true of those who were supping with Him that night. They would sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

The strong conviction that these things would be so made Him complete master of the situation – gave Him that “peace of God which surpasses all conception.” (Phil. 4: 7, Dia.) Later in the evening, when that cantankerous screaming mob was worked into a frenzy, it is recorded that “Jesus held His peace” (Matt. 26:63) – maintained His calm – was silent. This He did in defiance of the demand of the High Priest that He give them answer to their questions.

It seems appropriate to state here that the Jews were required to answer such questions by a magistrate or superior (Lev. 5:1); the answer thus given was considered to be under oath. A false answer would be judged to be perjury; and even the silence of the person was not accepted as proof of his innocence; and the High Priest questioning Jesus made full capital of the situation, continuing to hurl unfounded accusations against Him until he finally received Pilate’s order to crucify Him. “As a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so He opened not His mouth.” (Isa. 53:7)

In all this “He left us an example.” In all that reviling cursing mob He was most calm – so much so that after Peter had denied Him three times that night, after which third denial the cock crew – as Jesus had said it would – immediately He turned and looked at Peter. Hadn’t He told him it would be this way. We may be sure that Peter never forgot that look; he rushed from the trial scene to the outdoors and wept bitterly. So impressed was he that it is claimed that he arose at four o’clock each morning for the rest of his life to remind himself of his weakness that night.

THEY SANG THE HALLEL

Going back to the “upper room” – before Jesus had departed with His Disciples – it is stated in Matt. 26:30, “When they had sung an hymn, they went out into the Mount of Olives. “ The marginal reading says they sang a Psalm. The Psalm they used would be taken from the Hallel, a Hebrew word meaning ‘Praise God.’ The Hallel consisted of Psalms 113 through 118. The first two are known as the small Hallel; and the last four the great Hallel. This is the root of our English word hallelujah – praise to God.

The small Hallel was sung or chanted before the Passover memorial meal began; and the last four after the third or fourth cup. It is worthy of note that no more prayer was offered after drinking the fourth cup; they simply sang a Psalm and went out. Here again we have evidence of the great strength and composure of Jesus that night, knowing what He would be facing in the hours just ahead; yet joining in song with His Disciples in spite of that. It would seem almost certain that there was no singing during the original Passover; at least, there is no record of it; and the Jews were certainly under great stress that night – in no mood for singing. Yet there was singing just before the death of the antitypical Lamb, as just described. Of course, this type of singing in the Memorials could not have existed before King David wrote the Hallel, so we cannot know the exact type of service during the period of the Judges.

In their preparation for and participation in this coming Memorial we wish all our readers the Lord’s rich blessing; and we would stress that what we have written is in no respect intended to replace the chapter on the Passover in Parousia Volume 6; we urge all to read that again this year. “For a day in thy courts is better than a thousand. I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness. For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will He withhold from them that walk uprightly.” (Psa. 84:10,11)

Sincerely your brother,  John J. Hoefle, Pilgrim (Reprint No. 237, March 1975)

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QUESTION OF GENERAL INTEREST

QUESTION – What is the Law of the Lord?

ANSWER – “The law of Yaveh is complete, bringing back the soul, the testimony of Yaveh is confirmed, making wise the simple.” (Psa. 19:7 – Rotherham) The Law of God may be viewed from three standpoints in the Bible: ]First, the Ten Commandments as given to Moses in Mount Sinai; Second, the Pentateuch, or the first five books of the Bible, the same being also the first of the three divisions of the Old Testament (The Law, The Prophets and The Psalms); Third, the entire Word of God as revealed in the Bible. As viewed from any of these aspects, the Law of the Lord is immutable and eternal “without variableness or shadow of turning.” (James 1:17) This is the direct opposite of the law of man, which is in large part a product of evolution – warped, adjusted, improved, eliminated in accordance with the demands of the times. A pointed illustration of this is our Traffic Laws, which the invention and expanded use of the automobile have made so necessary only during the past ninety years. The production of traffic lights for cities has created a major industry, with the incidental laws changing to fit the changing times.

But no such evolution or adjustment has been necessary with the Law of the Lord, nor have any conditions arisen over the centuries to cause its revision in any of its aspects. “The Law of the Lord is perfect,” which means it is designed to fit all occasions and every side of every question – regardless of how extreme the case may be. In the United States, County Prosecutors, States’ Attorneys, etc., and in the British Empire the Crown Council, are elected or appointed to administer the law; and it is the duty of these public servants to free the innocent, as well as to convict the guilty. That their efforts over the centuries have been far from perfect needs little argument. The statement is as true today as it was three thousand years ago that “Man looketh on the outward appearance.” (1 Sam. 16:7) Consequently, public officials have often convicted innocent men of heinous crimes which they did not commit – even to the point of executing some for murders which they did not commit; whereas, the guilty have also much more often escaped the just penalty for their crimes through the inefficiency, inadequacy, or corruption of public officials.

The question is properly in order, What is the Law? In secular phrase, Law is a rule of action,” and needs no further definition than these six words; therefore, Psalms 19:7 is confirmed in Is. 28:17: “Justice also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet” in the Kingdom (Acts 17:31).  The obedient will walk up the Highway of Holiness (Isa. 35:8) unto perfection, and will gain eternal life if their obedience is from the heart, and not lip service only.

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Brethren: Greetings in the Lord!

Thank you very much for sending me your monthly issues of Epiphany Bible Students Ass’n. I have enjoyed reading them and appreciate the good articles.

I would appreciate it if you would keep me on your mailing list. May the Lord bless you and your service to the Lord and the brethren.

Christian love, ------- (JAPAN)
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Dear Brethren:

Continue sending me your material. It is most helpful. Thanks! ------- (TEXAS)

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Dear Brethren: Greetings in the Lord!

I received the publications you sent me yesterday and found them very interesting. They revived memories of things I had read about in the past, plus some new information. It is sad that the general public cannot differentiate between the Watch Tower [of Brother Russell] that was and the Watchtower as it exists today.

I would appreciate it if you would send copies of the material you sent me to the following brother and sister. The articles you sent me were “Retrospect and Prospect,” Zionism, Part Two. Give me a copy of Zionism, Part One if it is possible.

Sincerely in Him, ------- (ILLINOIS)

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Dear Emily,

WHAT a most welcome encouragement your letter was! I cannot begin to describe to you how important it is for us living in this area of seemingly, perennial tension, to get word from people a half the globe away, who know, understand and care!

I am grateful to you for your warm words and continuing friendship – along with a few friends of mine, too, to whom I took the liberty to show your letter (NOT for publication, of course).

You write about eye trouble, and a forthcoming appointment with the doctor. I can only hope for you that things are going your way and that your eyes will serve you without any more trouble for many years to come. I keep my fingers crossed!

You write about new names for you mailing list and the work increasing, which I feel, of course, is a good thing. Don’t think I’m mentioning this to poke my nose into your affairs, but because I am concerned how you make ends meet. The bulletin, printing, distributing, correspondence, etc., is very expensive. I understand your literature is free – no subscription charge for your papers.

I think we of Israel are in for very trying times. My own sense is of a constantly decreasing perception of what Israel and her struggle is all about. Parallel with this is a collective memory that gets shorter and shorter. Who, for example, among the young people today knows anything about pogroms, expulsions and the Holocaust? And who, for that matter, knows anything about the age–old longing and praying for a Return – back to the Land where it all began, in order to be Home, Home once more, like other people ­safely planted on their own earth? How many people know about the mind–shattering wealth of the Arab countries? They have a full 6th of the globe’s land under their feet – and the equally mind–shattering abuse of that wealth for armaments and tools of destruction. Anybody remembers Saddam Hussein – only a few months ago? And we here are in our minutely small niche, trying to make the best of an extremely hazardous situation...

Too late did I realize that space is running out. But I feel certain, that without completing my train of thought, you for one will understand, for you are with me, with us, in your heart and prayers!

Only wish that there were more people like you –– Christians and Gentiles – who would have the courage of their convictions and their belief; who would also write to the President so that he would know what the Nation feels, and act accordingly.

Dina and myself send you, your family and your friends, our warmest wishes for a Merry Christmas and a HEALTHY, rewarding and PEACEFUL New Year!

Cordially, Michael Pragai (ISRAEL)

[God does not count numbers and wealth when they attack Israel. Remember Gideon and his 300 against a multitude, and many more cases when the Lord delivered Israel.]

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Dear Emily,

I just have to tell you that John’s magnificent paper on “The Glory of God” really touched my heart. Sometimes when you have to fight anti-Semitism and bigotry like I do, the hunger for a greater measure of God’s love becomes evident. Your precious husband tapped into that Divine source of love through the Holy Spirit, and it is obvious that John walked as an example fleshing out God’s love to the world.

After reading the article, I confess I only wish that I had known your beloved. I know one day I shall know him, and he shall know me. And perhaps that’s when I can tell him in person, “John Hoefle, thanks for your special insights on the love of God and the glory of God just when I needed a new measure of that love in my own life.”

Norma and I love you, dear Emily. We thank God for you.

Shalom, Frank Eiklor (CALIFORNIA)

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Dear Friends,

I appreciate your semi-monthly papers, although I am associated with the LHMM and am very well satisfied.

I have literature on evolution but would appreciate your sending me the papers on Evolution and the Creation Days offered in your January-February 1992 issue. There is nothing better than Brother Russell’s 6th volume and Brother Johnson’s 2nd volume. I need small booklets.

Thank you! ------- (OKLAHOMA)

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NO. 429B: RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT - PART TWO

No. 429B

THE JEWS

“The desert shall bloom: ‘Israel is the only nation in the world today where the desert is diminishing. In every other place on Earth the deserts are enlarging. Jerusalem Centre, April 1991’

“‘The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose.’ (Isa. 35:1)” (Christian Action for Israel Newsletter, Third Quarter 1991)

“Status Of Jerusalem: Non-Negotiable: The Israeli Government says ‘no negotiation’ at peace talks. The PLO want to negotiate. There’s an interesting Scripture which may refer to this time: ‘On that day when all nations of the earth are gathered against her, I will make Jerusalem an immovable rock for all nations. All who try to move it will injure themselves.’ (Zech. 12:3)” (Christian Action for Israel Newsletter, Third Quarter 1991)

“Israel Outnumbered – But God!: Who is on the side of Israel? It is easier to add up those who rather wish that she would ‘go away.’ This includes the Moslems, the Vatican, most all the cults, all of the communist countries and the majority of traditional Christians. Probably 3600M people or more.

“Who supports Israel? Fundamentalist evangelical Christians in the West; Zionist Jews and precious few others. Perhaps 60M. Odds 60:1 BUT GOD! The Bible is on the side of the minority!

“‘And they will dwell safely there, build houses, and plant vineyards; yea, they shall dwell with confidence, when I have executed judgments upon all those that despise them round about them;  and they shall know that I am the Lord their God.’ (Ezek. 28:26)

“‘He will swallow up death in victory; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces; and the rebuke of his people shall he take away from off all the earth; for the Lord God hath spoken it.’ (Isa. 25:8) Numbers mean nothing with God. Remember Gideon’s 300!” (Christian Action for Israel Newsletter, Third Quarter 1991)

“Marvel At The Jews: If the statistics are right, the Jews constitute but one percent of the human race. It suggests a nebulous dim puff of star dust lost in the blaze of the milky way. Properly, the Jew ought hardly to be heard of; but he is heard of ­has always been heard of. He is as prominent on the planet as any other people, and his commercial importance is extravagantly out of proportion to the smallness of his bulk.

“His contribution to the world’s list of great names in literature, science, art, music, finance, medicine and abstruse learning, are also out of proportion to the weakness of his numbers. He has made a marvelous fight in this world, in all ages; and he has done it with his hands tied behind him. He could be vain of himself and be excused for it.

“The Egyptian, the Babylonian and the Persian rose – filled the planet with sound and splendour then faded to dream-stuff and passed away: The Greek and the Roman followed, and made a vast noise and they were gone. The Jew saw them all, beat them and is now what he always was – exhibiting no decadence, no infirmities of age, no weakening of his parts, no slowing of his energies, no dulling of his alert and aggressive mind. All things are mortal but the Jew: all other forces pass, but he remains. Mark Twain. Circa 1885.

“‘It is no accident – God ordained it! (Ed)’” (Christian Action for Israel Newsletter, Third Quarter 1991)

“Israel’s Loss – The World’s Gain: In some strange and mysterious way the very existence of Israel reminds the people of God... People throughout the world even those who know nothing about the Bible, are vaguely aware that the Jews claim to be the people of God. Those who have even the slightest knowledge of the Bible are aware, sometimes uncomfortably aware that God has made promises to Israel that are everlasting... But there is the strange thing – the very rejection of Jesus by His own brothers, the nation of Israel, sent the good news of God’s amazing love into the world. If Jesus had been accepted by the Jews as their Messiah they would no doubt have kept Him to themselves as part of their own exclusive religion. God’s promise that all peoples on earth would be blessed through the Jews has already been fulfilled for a thousand million believers today. Prophecy Today, Volume 7, No. 3.” (Christian Action for Israel Newsletter, Third Quarter 1991)

“Quotable Quotes: I know men; and I tell you that Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between Him and every other person in the world, there is no possible term of comparison. Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creations of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded His empire upon love; and at this hour millions of men would die for Him. By Napoleon Bonaparte.” (Christian Action for Israel Newsletter, First Quarter 1991)

“A True Zionist: The letter titled ‘Zionist only as a ploy’ (July 19-25), which criticizes David Gross’ fine piece of July 5-11 on the late Pastor Charles Taze Russell, shows a lack of knowledge of the pastor’s teachings about the Jewish people and Israel.

“As I have proved in my book on the Pastor, as a faithful Zionist he urged the Jews not to convert but to remain faithful to the Torah faith.

“Second, he was not the founder of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. He did establish an International Bible and Tract Society that published millions of pamphlets espousing the Jewish cause and Israel.

“The name, ‘Jehovah’s Witnesses’ came into being only after Pastor Russell died, and his successors, especially a certain ‘judge’ Rutherford, betrayed Pastor Russell and became anti-Jewish and anti-Zionist.

“Pastor Russell not only was a true Zionist – he was a true friend of the Jews.” (David Horowitz, New York, NY - The Jewish Week, Inc., August 16-22, 1991)

The main reason Pastor Russell did not advocate conversion to the Nominal Christian Church, is because of their trinitarian belief. The Jews believe in one God, and so do Bible Students. They believe the Jewish people will recognize their Messiah in Jacob’s last trouble, if not before. Then the Jewish people will call on the Lord to deliver them, and He will fight for them “as in the day of battle.” (Zech. 14:1-3)

United Nations (WUP): It never fails, the opening of the annual UN Assemblies usually coincides with the beginning of our High Holy Days, and this year is no exception: The 46th session is faced with a multiple of agenda items including a great many on the Middle East. During their debate, the PLO, the Arabs and their Third World supporters plan to launch their perennial attacks against Israel. Opening day was Yom Kippur, Tuesday, the 17th of September, a date which also marks the 30th anniversary of the death of former UN secretary-general Dag Hammarskjold.

What makes this session’s items on the Middle East more newsworthy and eagerly awaited, is the unexpected controversy President Bush sparked by his sharp September 12th statement angrily and bitterly challenging the Likud Government, the American-Jewish Leadership and Lobby and the Congress over the ten billion dollar loan guarantee sought by Prime Minister Shamir which Mr. Bush, during the Gulf war, had asked Israel to delay until now, as he had asked Jerusalem to hold back on the Scud missiles.

Mr. Bush wants 120 days before even the loan can be discussed. Nothing can be more ridiculous. He fears that a debate on the loan now will jeopardize the chance for an October peace conference. On the contrary, by his very request, he has already spoiled the chances for a successful peace conference.

Moreover, his constant stress on Jewish settlements as being “an obstruction to peace” and linking settlements – in any part of historic Israel – with the political issue of the conference, is a betrayal of an earlier pledge to facilitate emigration and settlement of both Soviet and Ethiopian Jews who alone are to benefit from the loan guarantee which Mr. Bush is ignominiously fighting. Shame!

In reply to the following query put to the President during his press conference, namely: “Mr. President, you said that a contentious debate could now actually keep some parties away from the peace table, yet the Israelis claim that those Arabs who have indicated a willingness to participate in the peace process have not made the settlement issue a precondition. They say that’s your precondition. As one columnist said this week, it’s your obsession. Is that fair?”

He gave this incriminating answer: “Well, I would simply say that I read some charges coming out of a source in Israel that we’d made a deal with the Arabs that we would fight this. That’s not true. That is factually incorrect, simply not true. No, it is my judgment, and Jim’s, and everybody else’s working this problem, and has been for months, that this is the approach we ought to take. Because we don’t want a contentious debate on settlements or anything else over there at this juncture. We want to get these parties to the table. And I don’t think it’s too much to have a 120-day delay. I think Congress should listen carefully to what I am asking for, and I hope they will go along with this...”

Regarding his arguments against Jewish settlements in land biblically decreed for Israel, President Bush might reflect on what one of his main Gulf war generals stated recently after a visit to Israel. Declared General Thomas Kelly, former director for operations of the Joint Chiefs of Staff:

“The West Bank mountains, and especially their approaches, are critical terrain if an enemy secures these passes, Jerusalem and all Israel become uncovered. Without the West Bank, Israel is only eight miles wide at its narrowest point. That makes it indefensible.”

The President has acted unwisely. He would have been more American and more in the spirit of his predecessors had he not been tempted by the evil spirit in him to turn away from the more important issues such as a firmer stand against Saddam Hussein who is now rearming his country with lethal weapons. Also he should have dealt more rigorously with the Zionism is racism Resolution.

In a statement released here last week, the Washington-based Heritage Foundation issued a 13-page document entitled “Removing the Stain of the United Nations – Zionism Is Racism Resolution,” written by Christopher Cacek, the important document opens thus:

“0ne of the worst stains on the reputation of the UN is the General Assembly’s 1975 vote to adopt Resolution 3379 condemning Zionism as a form of racism. While championing so-called national liberation movements throughout the Third World, the UN not only singled out the Jewish nationalist movement for criticism, but in perversion of history, falsely accused Israel of inflicting on others the same kind of injustice – racism – from which the Jews have suffered for centuries...”

This historic document, which this writer would advise every delegate here at the UN to study carefully, cites three basic reasons why the UN is duty-bound to repeal this vicious anti-Semitic Resolution 3379. [Rescission of the 1975 UN resolution declaring Zionism a form of racism was passed by the UN General Assembly December 17, 1991.]

Dear President Bush, this is the season of repentance and atonement. It is never too late even for a President to admit his error, confess his sins and sincerely change his ways! The Founding Fathers of this Republic demand it of you! (Behind The Scenes at the United Nations, 26 September 1991, by David Horowitz)

“Iraq Reveals ‘Supergun’: Iraq has shown its long-feared ‘supergun’ – assembled but not operational – to UN inspectors, it was reported Monday.

“The barrel is 172 feet long – eight times longer than a conventional U.S. howitzer. Estimated range: up to 465 miles carrying conventional nuclear or chemical payloads up to 114 pounds.

“Iraq also admits trying to assemble a ‘doomsday gun’ to reach 200 miles into Israel with 39-inch-diameter shells.

“UN inspectors photographed the gun in the mountains north of Baghdad. They eventually will destroy it under terms of the Persian Gulf war cease-fire.

“The gun long was suspected to exist. ‘It just fits the pattern of the huge and varied arsenal’ of Saddam Hussein, says Tel Aviv University analyst Joseph Alpher.

UN officials revealed Monday that a U.S. U-2 spy plane flew over Iraq last weekend and photographed suspected weapons sites.” (USA Today, August 13, 1991)

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LETTER OF GENERAL INTEREST

 Dear Brethren: Grace and peace in the Name of our Beloved Savior!

Although you no doubt know many of the happenings of the takeover by “judge” Rutherford after the demise of our dear Pastor Russell, I am giving you the details as I know them. It was not long after the demise of Brother Russell, that “judge” Rutherford succeeded our Pastor as president of the Society.

In 1920 Rutherford published the booklet Millions Now Living Will Never Die. The booklet stated: “Therefore we may confidently expect that 1925 will mark the return of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the faithful prophets of old.” Needless to say that 1925 came and went without so much as a glimpse of those “faithful prophets.”

In 1929/30 a house was constructed in San Diego, California. It was named “Beth­Sarim,” meaning “House of the Princes.” According to the deed it was for the “faithful men who were named with approval in the Bible at Hebrews the eleventh chapter.” The deed was also to have been made out in the name of King David, but for legal purposes this was not permissible. The only known resident was “judge” Rutherford himself. The faithful prophets never showed up.

Years later the truth about “Beth-Sarim” would try to be buried in the past by the very ones who promoted it. The 1975 Yearbook of the Jehovah’s Witnesses made mention that the house was built from donations for Rutherford’s failing health. The Society to prove the house was built for Rutherford’s failing health quoted the book Salvation which mentions Beth-Sarim having been built- in California in 1929/30. Since Jehovah’s Witnesses are forbidden to read old literature they cannot know the truth. What exactly did the book Salvation have to say in regard to Beth-Sarim? Exactly the purpose it was originally intended for, the return of the faithful prophets of old.

In the 1920s all Watchtower adherents went advertising the year 1925. Needless to say until this day, seventy years later, none of the faithful prophets of old returned or occupied Beth-Sarim. Most Jehovah’s Witness have no idea of a Beth-Sarim. The few who do know prefer to forget. In 1942 Rutherford died. In 1948, Beth-Sarim was quietly and secretly sold. Rutherford had wanted to be buried on the property of Beth-Sarim that he had long used and enjoyed while it awaited the return of the ancient prophets. It never happened! The area was not zoned for the creation of private cemeteries. The neighbors complained that to bury the “judge” where he had requested would lower their property value. It was also felt that Rutherford’s prospective tomb would become a monument, visited by Jehovah’s Witnesses from far and near. Hence, local officials refused to issue a burial permit. Watch Tower publications asserted bitterly that this was simply a last act of spite by the Devil’s organization against Jehovah’s faithful departed spokesman. The local Witnesses carried on a three-months battle to honor Rutherford’s last wish.

According to the Watchtower when San Diego County officials finally refused to honor Rutherford’s request, his remains were laid to rest in Rossville, New York, and were quickly forgotten by all but a few close friends. Beth-Sarim was also forgotten.

Years later it was to be divulged that all of Beth-Sarim was not sold. According to its new owners a small plot of land was still owned and held by the Society. A plot of land which would later be revealed as a grave. In a private conversation with Frederick Franz, current president of the Society, he was questioned about this “grave,” he bluntly stated: “Brother Rutherford is buried there!” Joseph Franklin Rutherford is buried there in an unmarked grave. He got his dying wish and so all the towns people and officials of San Diego, California, and all Jehovah’s Witnesses were deceived into believing Rutherford was buried in Rossville, New York – lied to by the ‘Faithful and Discreet Slave’ class, God’s channel of communication.

The Witnesses claim to be God’s organization on earth since 1914. God’s organization (?) has made gross errors and false predictions during their reign, and are still doing so. When God’s organization is on earth during His thousand-year reign, there will be no mistakes, no errors, for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord. As Zeph. 3:9 assures us, He will then turn over a “pure language” to the people – a language all will understand.

God bless you as you seek to serve Him in sincerity and in truth.

Yours in His service, -------------- – (NEW YORK)

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Our heartfelt thanks and appreciation for the many beautiful Christmas cards expressing love and prayers. Be assured that our warm Christian love and prayers are ever with you. We wish all our readers a blessed and prosperous New Year. “Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.” (Psa. 31:24)

ANNOUNCEMENT: The Memorial for 1991 is April 15 after six p.m.

NO. 429A: RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT - PART ONE

No. 429A

In the beginning of the New Year, we give thanks and praise to our Lord for His overruling providence in the past year. “Praise ye the Lord. 0 give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” (Psa. 106:1) “Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men.” (Psa. 107:31)

“A new partnership of nations has begun...A new world order... stronger in the pursuit of justice and more secure in the quest for peace... A hundred generations have searched for this elusive path of peace... where the rule of law supplants the rule of the jungle. A world in which nations recognize the shared responsibility... and... the strong respect for the rights of the weak.” (President Bush, Orlando Sentinel, November 9, 1990)

It has been over a year since the President made the above statement. Since that time the “strong” have oppressed the weak, and we are no nearer peace with all countries than we were a year ago. Even if the President had accomplished unity and peace with all nations, we would still have no peace with crime continuing to escalate. Great efforts have been made to stop crime such as murder, rape, burglary, etc., but crime continues. Diseases are rampant also. Medical science hasn’t found a cure for ALZHEIMERS, AIDS and other dread diseases. So ailments of all kinds plague the people. We are grateful for the good doctors who can cure some diseases and alleviate the pain of other diseases. of course, it is impossible for man to cure all these ills, or accomplish peace with all nations.

So we continue to pray the prayer our Lord gave us: “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is done in heaven.” (Matt. 6:10) Man is not able to bring peace on earth, altho it is commendable for him to try. At present “Men’s hearts are failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven [ecclesiastical order] shall be shaken.” (Luke 21:26) But we have the comfort of the sure promise that our Lord will bring justice, peace, health and happiness to the human family in the Kingdom. (Acts 17:31) “And I shall shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord.” (Hag. 2:7) We see that shaking going on all around us. “The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard, and shall be removed like a cottage; and the transgression thereof shall be heavy upon it; and it shall fall, and not rise again.” (Is. 24:20) “Hear ye, 0 mountains [kingdoms], the Lord’s controversy, and ye strong foundations of the earth: for the Lord has a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel.” (Mic. 6:2)

We are in the Time of Trouble described in Dan. 12:1 and Matt. 24:21. Our Lord prophesied of this trouble: “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.” (Matt. 24:21) We thank God for the last phrase. After the Time of Trouble the Lord will inaugurate His Kingdom, and there will be a peace on earth as was never known before.

IN FINANCE

If you were asked, “Are you better off financially today than you were one year ago?” most people would answer “No.” Daniel foretold that there would be a Time of Trouble such as never was since there was a nation. And the Lord stated further that “then there would be great tribulation.” (Matt. 24:21)

There is trouble in our country and in all the countries in the world – in all phases of society, financial, political, religious, military, social, moral, ethical, legal, etc. But we will now confine our remarks to finances.

Our country is financially indebted to the degree that many financiers say that the debt will never be paid. When we borrow money to pay the interest on debt, conditions are serious. It has been well stated that “debts are not all paid but all are liquidated.” The signs of the time are so self-evident that in spite of some politicians forecasting “better times are just ahead,” it seems that our present recession, or “double dip,” or depression, may be with us for some time – maybe until our economy goes bankrupt, in the further phases of the Time of Trouble.

Layoffs in the thousands continue ‘ (often in the large organizations. Jobless claims continue to surge. In October, 1991, the unemployment rate rose to 6.8%. One newspaper article stated, “The double dose of bleak news led analysts to suggest the midyear rebound had been a false start – a blip on an underlying trend of a sick economy.”

From the Associated Press we read, “Mass layoffs pushed jobless claims to a six-month high this month (November) as 454,000 Americans sought unemployment help in a one week period, the Labor Department said recently. The number of people filing first-time claims surged by 33,000 during the week of November 2.”

U.S. News and World Report states, “Even more ominous, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation predicted that additional bank failures could triple the amount of money needed to rescue the nations troubled financial institutions.” At the present writing the rate of interest on credit card debts is being debated. Some feel that 20% is much too high. Many banks state that if the rate were lowered, it would slash an important source of income.

The London Financial Times reports, “There is no clearer symbol of the Soviet Unions determination to move to a market economy than its achievement of associate membership of the International Monetary Fund. In fact, there is no clearer symbol that little is going to change economically, especially under the advice of the IMF. The Soviets will get their aid, enough to survive temporarily, and the U.S. has sold out by agreeing to make the Soviets full members of the IMF. That gives them direct access to the wallets of American citizens.”

Inflation in Russia is already at 100% a year - going stratospheric. Some at the world bank estimate it will reach 1000% in 1992. This year alone the government will print an estimated 150 billion rubles more than all of the rubles in circulation at the beginning of the year, rendering the currency practically worthless. (A recent newspaper article states that civil war is a definite possibility in Russia in 1992.)

A leading economist writes regarding “Cashlessness.” “To erect a cashless society, the Federal Reserve is preparing for more financial record keeping.” The Dallas Federal Reserve alone will build a brand new headquarters – 15 stories and 750,000 square feet. Despite the recession, government building is not slowing. Researchers at the University of California have invented a tiny laser-based device to store up to 6.5 trillion bits of information. This is the equivalent of a million novels in a memory chip the size of a sugar cube. This great technology will be used by the Federal government to control and monitor our every transaction.

In the U.S. an astounding 80% of all corporate net after-tax profit, now goes to service debt. A weakening economy, higher inflation, steeper interest rates, burgeoning oil costs are causing the sinking of heavily indebted U.S. companies. In 1990, corporate bankruptcies jumped 64% in the Middle Atlantic region alone. In the 24 months ahead, heavy leverage will open the floodgates and force many more companies to travel the sorrowful road of defaults and restructuring.

It is not just the government and the greedy corporations, individual Americans, too, are in debt up to their eyeballs. For every dollar we have to spend, we have 80 cents in debt. And the worst part is we can’t pay. Personal bankruptcies are already double what they were in the depths of the ‘82-’83 recession. In New England bankruptcies were up 45% in the past 12 months alone. Fully half of all FHA mortgages are now on the delinquent list. And the collapse of ‘91-’92 is just getting started.

Germany is having a major problem economically and socially absorbing East Germany. One day the world will wake up and all the markets will panic when it’s realized that debt-ridden economies cannot be bailed out with government monetary and fiscal stimuli.

The 12-nation European Community (EC) has been in development for several years. Together the EC, scheduled to be completed by the end of 1992, will preside over 340 million consumers. A central bank and a single currency is proposed, as well as a political union. A unified foreign policy under EC would give the U.S. serious trade competition.

As we move further into the Time of Trouble we realize conditions must get worse before it can get better - before the long sought peace is a reality when Christ’s Kingdom is established on earth. From the Scriptures we know that the conditions prior to the birth of the Kingdom are likened to travail before a natural birth when the pangs come more frequently and more severely until the birth. We expect world-wide revolution to increase in magnitude leading to Anarchy until the final phase of Jacob’s last trouble is upon us.

As Brother Hoefle has often said of these troublous times, “If the Lord doesn’t hold us by the hand, we are in serious trouble.” Zeph. 2:3 tells us to “Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger.” (Contributed)

IN RELIGION

Billy Graham: Someone asked Billy Graham, “Do you think the world is going to get better and better in the future?” His answer: “The Bible doesn’t promise that the world is going to get better and better. in fact, it indicates that ‘there will be terrible times in the last days.! (2 Tim. 3:1)

“Yes, we may see (for example) more scientific or medical progress as time goes on, or even periods of relative peace, and we should be thankful for this. But at the same time we may devise more ways of killing each other. Jesus warned ‘You will hear of wars and rumors of war... Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom... Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of many will grow cold’ (Matt. 24:6,7,12)

“Our greatest need is to turn to Christ and allow him to change our hearts – for only Christ can replace our hate and selfishness with love and compassion. And yes – some day our world will know peace, when Christ comes again to establish his kingdom of righteousness and peace.” (Orlando Sentinel, December 7, 1991)

We commend Dr. Graham for giving the comforting message that the world will have peace in Christ’s Kingdom. Even though, as he truly says any period of peace before the end of this Time of Trouble will be temporary because man cannot accomplish permanent peace to the world. So we continue to pray the prayer the Lord gave us: “Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth as it is done in heaven.”

God loves the world and He knows that the Adversary, who is the prince of this world, is blinding the minds of the people (2 Cor. 4:4). “Darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people.” (Isa. 60:2) It will be different in that glorious Kingdom. “For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” (Hab. 2:14) “He shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.” (Psa. 9:8)

“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) God’s promises are sure. He is faithful that promised (Heb. 10:23).

That day will not come until after this Time of Trouble is over. God has a controversy with the powers that be. “And I will shake all nations, and the desire [for peace] of all nations will come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the Lord.” (Hag. 2:7) The earth is God’s footstool and He will make His footstool glorious.

In the Faith Age the way is “narrow” and difficult, and “few there be that find it.” (Matt. 7:14)  Our Lord is selecting a people for His Name (Acts 15:14) to bless the world in the Kingdom. God has prepared an easier way for the world – a Highway of Holiness that all can walk who learn to love righteousness and hate iniquity.

“And an highway shall be there, and a way [the Messiah], and it shall be called The way of holiness: the unclean shall not pass over it: but it shall be for those the way­faring men, though fools [the atheists – Psa. 14:1], shall not err therein.” (Isa. 35:8) Those who will not obey that prophet will be cut off from among the people (Acts 3:23).

Jehovah’s Witnesses – In the Watchtower of May 1, 1991, the Witnesses give their version of the “pure language” of Zeph. 3:9 as follows: “The pure language is the truth of God found in his own Word, the Holy Scriptures. It is the particular truth regarding God’s Kingdom which will bring peace and other blessings to mankind.” (pp. 12,13)

Of course, the truth is “pure language” in any Age. But the truth given when due for the Household of Faith is not the whole truth. Enough truth is given in each Age for the Household of Faith to make their calling and election sure. But the “pure language” of Zeph. 3:9 is the entire truth as described in Rev. 20:12 to be given in the Kingdom. Many of the Lord’s faithful people in the Dark Ages knew very little truth. But they were given enough truth to be faithful in their standing before God. They will know all the truth in the First Resurrection. The Lord’s people in the end of the Age were given much more truth ‘ enough for them to be faithful. They were given the truth on the two salvations and other important truths to witness to the world the Plan of Salvation for all mankind. They, too, will be given all truth in the First Resurrection so they will be capable ministers for the world under the New Covenant.

All truth is a matter of the future in the Kingdom. The faithful Restitutionists will know more truth then than we now know. Brother Russell said the whole Bible will not be understood by the faithful now – but enough for them to make their calling and election sure. “And I saw the dead [world], small and great, stand before God; and the books [the Bible] were opened (understood]: and another book was opened, which is the book of life [for Restitutionists]: and the dead [world] were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” (Rev. 20:12)

All Bible Students know that the dead are the world which includes those who have gone into the grave and those living. Some of the dead world will survive the Time of Trouble into the Kingdom when it is inaugurated. The Bible clearly says that the violent phase will be cut short, otherwise there would be no flesh saved (Matt. 24:22). Just nothing says that only Jehovah’s Witnesses Great Crowd will be saved, but there may be some of the Witnesses who will live through along with others of the surviving dead world.

The Witnesses say the “pure language” is the particular truth regarding God’s Kingdom which will bring peace and other blessings to mankind. It is that “particular truth” regarding God’s Kingdom that they have grossly perverted. They tell us they are God’s organization, but God’s organization does not present error. He has no organization in this “evil day” (Eph. 6:13) to separate the sheep and the goats – the good and the evil of this present generation. In that day (Acts 17:31) he will “judge the world in righteousness” – when righteousness shall prevail. Today unrighteousness prevails. There are so many systems of error, the Witnesses included, which keep the people confused. And not many are able to “endure sound doctrine” (2 Tim. 4:3). But in His Kingdom there will be no error taught. “For the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord.” (Isa. 11:9) “When thy judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.” (Isa. 26:9)

In the Faith Age it is a narrow way, but in the Kingdom there will be a Highway of Holiness. (Isa. 35:8 – Isaiah Chapter 35 is a beautiful picture of the Kingdom.) The Scriptures clearly teach that there will be a Time of Trouble before God turns over a “pure language” to the people.

“Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the Lord, until the day that I rise up to the prey: for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them my indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy. For then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the Lord, to serve him with one consent” (Zeph. 3: 8, 9)

There are many more Scriptures we could quote, but these are enough to refute this gross error of the Witnesses. They are now teaching the “pure language” of Zeph. 3:9, according to their claim. They are saying by their acts and teaching that “The Lord Delayeth,” and they have set up a kingdom of their own - a counterfeit kingdom. The Witnesses blaspheme the Name of the Lord when they teach that all who do not join them before Armageddon will be annihilated in Armageddon – never to receive a resurrection.

 Dear Sister Hoefle: Warmest greetings in the bonds of Christ!

Heartily we join with David’s expression of praise in Psalm 145! By this note we send you “Thanks” for the book, Pastor Charles Taze Russell, An Early American Christian Zionist.   Chapter 2 deals with a resume of Pastor Russell and his approach to the Scriptures. If I remember correctly the book says, “God’s return to earth.” [The book does say that.] It is not clear to me whether this is a direct quote from the Herzl Yearbook or was an interpolation from the source used by Mr. Horowitz. Either way it is an unfortunate and misleading statement. Of course, we are not alone to recognize the implication of the Trinity in this statement. This foolish doctrine cripples everyone who espouses it... We commend the Jewish people for their belief that God is one – “HEAR, 0 ISRAEL THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE.” I know, dear Sister, you will agree with me in this. I know, too, that you can’t get the Herzl Yearbook changed! But perhaps with Mr. Horowitz’s permission, an “addendum of correction” might be inserted in subsequent distributions of the book. It would honor the character of our dear Pastor whose pursuit was “The Truth”; it would emphasize his and our separateness from Nominal Christendom; and it might suggest to the Jewish reader a basis of fraternal unity which we as Bible Students surely feel.

[To our readers who have the Pastor Russell book, please make the correction on p. 25, last line of par. 1, “God’s return to earth.” Instead of God, you may put our Lord or our Redeemer. “God’s return to earth” is not our Pastor’s teaching and is a dishonor to his name.]

An American family came to visit Tel Arad yesterday. At the conclusion of their visit the father began discussing the methods of dating antiquities, on the “days” of creation, the flood and finally expounded on the Valian Theory. I then made bold to ask him what was his faith? “I’m a Jehovah’s Witness,” he responded. I showed him the Pastor Russell book. Excitedly he called his family. The Young girl told me there were two families of Russellites in our town. I asked her if she would like to take the book to read. She seemed appreciative and eager to read it. Why is it, when I talk to J.W.’s I get the feeling they have studied to be super-salesmen – trained to foist on a gullible public a product neither useful nor desirable?

When you wrote that the Pastor Russell book had been the means of helping many J.W.’s, did you think I would put it to immediate usefulness? I would not have thought So!

Israel today, its infrastructure, its industries, its agriculture, are the result of toil and sweat – not on the part of the haredim but of secular and believing Jews. The last are trinitarians of a different sort: God, the Jews and the land of Israel. They pray, they labor, and they defend the country. Israelites indeed! It is not hard for me to imagine them seeing “Joseph” as their brother long before the fore-mentioned Rabbis are even willing to open their eyes.

There was a third point, but mercifully, dear Sister, I’ve forgotten what it was! Perhaps I will recall it for a later writing.

By Grace, Fervently in Christ, Brother Jack Campbell (ARAD, ISRAEL)

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Dear Brother Miles,

I feel I can call you Brother for after reading your book “Don’t Call me Brother,” I’m part of the family.

I was a Jehovah’s Witness for 21 and a half years. And though I never witnessed the sexual discrepancies you did, I’ve suffered the gossip and shunning you have. I was disfellowshipped after serving the Watchtower for all those years.

I truly believed it was God’s organization. My husband used to beg me to stop studying with these people, but I believed he was a “tool of Satan.” The reason I was disfellowshipped? Because I could not preach 1974 Armageddon. I can sympathize with you. But maybe Rose Marie will read the book. My husband is dead, so he will never know how sorry I was, and am. [Her husband will know in the Kingdom.] I was “chucked out” a year after he died. My daughter and grandchildren are told not to talk to me. They are still in “Bondage.”

I am afraid to trust any religion now. I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ but I am too tired at 62 years old to study and learn. All I know is “He died for me,” and I don’t care where I go. If He wants to use me I’ve told Him, I’m willing. But how, when and where, is His decision. As long as He gives me strength and wisdom to do His will – not Man! Sincerely, I remain, Grace Gough.

 PS - I’m thinking about writing a book entitled YOU USED TO CALL ME SISTER.

 (SETTING THE CAPTIVES FREE, pp. 90,91, by Austin Miles)

Remarks by Austin Miles: “This is why, even after a severe burning and an earnest attempt to leave the church, the devotees will still try to hang onto religion, any religion. Church brainwashing is difficult to counteract. It takes real strength, and sometimes outside help, to break away.”

“Episcopal Church Fears Schism By Traditionalists: New York – A tradi­tionalist group has cast aside entreaties of head bishop in the Episcopal Church, vowing to proceed with a plan that has raised fears of schism. Leaders of the traditional group, the Episcopal Synod of America, say they will go ahead with plans to challenge structures of authority. The traditionalists are angry that liberal bishops have ordained women and practicing homosexuals in violation of church resolutions. In a statement released by Episcopal Church headquarters, Bishop Edmond Browning, top bishop of the Episcopal Church, did not say what disciplinary action, if any, might be taken against Episcopalians who form a new ?missionary diocese.’” (Orlando Sentinel, November 21, 1991)

‘The Word Of God: CAI has distributed 7000 free New Testaments in Southern Africa. These have been sent out in the mail over 10 years following advertisements in newspapers. Additionally 5000 Bibles were sponsored by a member through the Israel Bible Society. SA BIBLE DISTRIBUTION: In a nation-wide campaign R7.5M ($2.7M) was collected to buy 900,000 Bibles to be distributed free by the SA Bible Society. Many lives are bound to be transformed by having God’s Word to study.” (Christian Action for Israel, P.O. Box 5242, Cape Town 8000, SOUTH AFRICA – “Our Newsletter is free to all upon request.”)

“Ailing Pravda Sees The Light – It’ll Print The Bible: Moscow – After more than 70 years of opposition, Pravda, the giant and very official Communist party publishing house, has decided to give the masses their opiate. It plans to print the Bible. All in the name of capitalism, of course. “Business, “ explained Mikhail M. Troschin, Pravda’s deputy director, “is business.”

“Right now, business is bad. Pravda, the big party newspaper, dropped in circulation last year to 5 million from 10 million. Magazines such as Party Life and Political Self­-Education also have stumbled.

“With the cost of paper rising daily, Pravda knew it needed a best-seller. Providentially, the patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church, Alexis II, told Pravda that he was interested in placing an order for Bibles. ‘Demand for the Bible is very great,’ Troschin said Thursday. He acknowledged that the desire for the Bible might always have been there, ‘but for some political purposes, it wasn’t published.’

“One of the political purposes just might have involved Lenin, who called religion a ‘deception, a fraud, which clogs the brains of the workers and peasants in the interest of the landlords and capitalists.’ Marx had called it the opiate of the masses.

“Today, the Communists are the landlords and are trying mightily to catch on to capitalism. The printing house wants to keep its 2 billion-ruble-a-year empire intact. The Bible looks like the answer to Pravda’s prayer.

“‘We could do 5 to 10 million and it would sell easily,’ Troschin said. ‘The demand is really great.’

“The officially set price, if prices are still officially set when the Bible comes out, will be about 15 rubles, or around $27. But, Troschin predicted, ‘it will immediately appear in the black market for 70 to 150 rubles.’” (Baltimore Sun)

“How interesting. I refer to Myriam Marquez’s comment in her column ‘Separation of church and state is simple – except to zealots.’

“To wit: ‘If atheists don’t believe in God, then you would think they would simply view the Bible as a collection of fairy tales written by men whose diet of wild desert berries caused all sorts of hallucinations. Indeed, how could the mere presence of the Bible – it’s not required university reading, after all – ‘insult’ anyone?’

“This is a very logical, secular observation. What makes it interesting to a student of Scripture is the knowledge that the Bible ‘ its words, its ‘presence,’ its very existence, from Genesis to Revelation – does indeed insult someone. That ‘someone’ is Satan.” (Karen Hanson, Orlando Sentinel, April 12, 1991)

The Man Who Dares To Doubt Darwin: Imagine what sort doubts Charles Darwin’s magisterial theory of evolution and what do you come up with? Hillbilly Bible-pounders in bare feet. Talks in tongues and handles rattlesnakes.

Yet here stands the polished and erudite Phillip Johnson, 50, who went to Harvard and clerked for Chief Justice Warren before joining the law faculty at the University of California at Berkeley. He’s the author of a small, elegant book that asks the question: Is evolutionary theory really a screwball idea promoted by fanatics?

The Scopes trial in Tennessee in 1925, when Clarence Darrow made aged Bible literalist and windbag William Jennings Bryan look like a dope, formalized the status of “The Origin of the Species” as one of the intellectual pillars of the modern world view.

Darwinian theory holds that life started as a microbe, maybe in the primordial sea billions of years ago when a bolt of lightning made the water sizzle and started a chemical reaction producing something that looked like a germ.

All living things – bottom-feeding scum to finger-steepling Nobel Prize winner ­trace lineage back to that. Once emerged from the ooze, our ancestors survived by being fittest. They scaled evolutionary ladders, rung by slow rung, over so many millennia it makes the bead ache to think about it. Species branched off, which is why some living things are brain surgeons driving Mercedes today and others are dung beetles.

As a way of explaining things – God having gotten the hook in favor of a random chance by most lab guys in white coats – this theory seemed pretty good. In the nation’s school textbooks Darwin and his theory had, well, very nearly scriptural authority.

Those who questioned the orthodoxy generally got the horse laugh when they appeared before school boards and curriculum committees to enter their demurs. The California State Board of Education, though hard-pressed by creationist elements pushing the hand-of-­God line, defined evolution theory as “an accepted scientific explanation and therefore no more controversial in scientific circles than the theories of gravitation and electron flow.”

Among learned classes, questioning Darwinian dogma is an invitation to professional suicide.   Oxford zoologist Richard Dawkins, one of the most influential modern new ­Darwinists, laid down the law: “It is absolutely safe to say that if you meet somebody who claims not to believe in evolution, that person is ignorant, stupid or insane (or wicked, but I’d rather not consider that).”

“I’m not easily intimidated,” says Johnson, author of “Darwin on Trial” (Regenery, $19.95).  A book for laymen, it illumines what he describes as the grave doubts about Darwinism long entertained in scientific circles but not talked about in front of outsiders for fear of giving aid and comfort to religious zealots.

Johnson, a churchgoing Presbyterian and an expert in rhetoric and the techniques of argument, said he was struck by the way Darwinists defend their theory. For all the outer imperturbability, they seemed to him to have a nervousness of people who have something to hide.

When Darwin’s theory was published a century ago, there was one class even more hostile to it than the clergy. These were fossil experts, who pointed out there was no sign of the links connecting primitive with more advanced species that Darwin said would be in evidence of gradual evolution. His expectation, in fact, was that most fossils would fall into this transitional category.

Despite the passage of 100 years, Johnson says this still hasn’t happened. Johnson says neo-Darwinist paleontoligist Stephen Jay Gould concedes “the trade secret of paleontology” is “the extreme rarity of transitional forms in the fossil record.”

Rather than obliging Darwinian theory, the fossil record shows the sudden appearances of species, such as at the start of the Cambrian Age when complex life forms appeared during a relative wink of time. Further confounding the theory, Johnson says, life remained unchanged for millions of years rather than evolving. As tellingly, the rocks suggest species extinction was caused by catastrophes such as falling asteroids rather than by gradual obsolescence, as Darwinists expected.

“Plenty of fossils of intermediate forms have been found,” including a whale with what appears to be legs, says Thomas Jukes, a Berkeley professor of biophysics who has tangled with Johnson in the past and expects to give his book a good thumping in a forthcoming review for an alumni publication.

“Intermediate forms are also studied today by molecular evolution, which shows that all organisms may be “intermediate forms,” Juke says... “I think he hasn’t done his homework.”

Johnson has dug up some interesting tidbits. One is a lecture given in 1981 by British paleontologist Colin Patterson at the American Museum of Natural History:

Stepping From the Ranks: “Can you tell me anything that you know about evolution, any one thing... that is true? I tried that question on the geology staff at the Field Museum of Natural History and the only thing I got was silence. I tried it on the members of the Evolutionary Morphology seminar at the University of Chicago, a very prestigious body of evolutionists, and all I got there was silence for a long time and eventually one person said, ‘I do know one thing – it ought not to be taught in high school.,”

The furious storm that followed the lecture caused Patterson later to recant, which Johnson said shows how dangerous it is to step from the ranks.

“One of the things I’ve learned from experience is that to establish an intellectual orthodoxy and keep it beyond criticism, you don’t need concentration camps and secret police. All you have to do is say that people will laugh at you and you’ll lose your prestige. This has an enormous effect in academic life, where prestige and the respect of other professionals is the coin of the realm.”

One major university, Johnson said, retracted an invitation to sponsor a debate of his views when no one could be found to take him on... Says Johnson, “I regard the cosmos and the living world as the product of a pre-existent, purposeful intelligence. This provides what I would call the metaphysical space for the proposition that life has a purpose outside what we might invent for ourselves and that value and aesthetic questions have right and wrong answers, so there can be an objective quality to statements about morality and ethics.”

Retorts Jukes: “Bring on the flying saucers, astrology and extrasensory perception. How sad that a professor of law should argue on behalf of a degradation of the intellect.” (By Jerry Carroll, Staff Writer, San Francisco Chronicle, June 14, 1991)

“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.” (1 Cor. 3:19) “O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and opposition of science falsely so called.” (1 Tim. 6:20)

The creation of six days is a period of time and not 24-hour days. “For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.” (Psa. 90:4) “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” (2 Peter 3:8)

We have papers on Evolution and the Creative Days which we will be glad to send anyone, copies free, upon request.

NO. 428: BLESSED IS THE KING

No. 428

“And they that went before, and they that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna; Blessed is He that cometh in the name of the Lord: Blessed be the Kingdom of our father David, that cometh in the name of the Lord: Hosanna in the highest.” (Mark 11: 9, 10) The multi­tude hailed Him King, but a few days later they cried, Crucify Him! “And Pilate answered and said again unto them, What will ye then that I shall do unto Him whom ye call the King of the Jews? And they cried out again, Crucify Him.” (Mark 15:12,13)

The message of John the Baptist was, “The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.” This same message Jesus instructed His disciples to carry from village to village throughout Palestine. This same message was the burden of His preaching and the theme of His parables. Finally, at the close of His ministry, the Kingdom came to the Jewish nation in the sense that it was offered to them – it was theirs for the accepting. Thus “He came unto His own, and His own received Him not” – except a few. His own nation rejected Him, and four days later crucified Him. A little later, at Pentecost, a few who received Him were begotten of the Holy Spirit and became the nucleus of Spiritual Israel, in preparation for the glorious Kingdom and the work which is to be accomplished at His Second Advent.

On the second evening preceding the story of this lesson, Jesus and His disciples were at Bethany, the guests of Lazarus, Martha and Mary, who had prepared a special feast for Jesus, whom they loved so dearly. This was the Lazarus whom He had awakened from the sleep of death but a short time before. The feast took place at the close of the Jewish Sabbath day. The next morning corresponded to our Sunday, the first day of the week, and on Monday Jesus made His triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

In preparation for presenting Himself as King, Jesus sent two of His disciples for an ass’s colt, telling them where they would find it, and instructing them to say that it would be returned after the Master had used it. By the time the colt arrived, a considerable multitude had gathered – people of the village of Bethany and others who had come out from Jerusalem, about two miles distant, to see Jesus and to see Lazarus, upon whom the notable miracle had been wrought. It had long been the custom of the kings of Israel to ride to their coronation upon an ass; and the multitude seemed to enter into the spirit of this occasion and to realize what it meant that Jesus was about to ride into Jerusalem on this colt. It signified that finally He was ready to assume the office of King.

For some time the disciples had recognized Him as the Messiah, the glories of whose Reign they were to share; and the multitude in general had learned so to regard Him, saying, “When Messiah cometh, will He do greater works than this man?” – could we expect anything more of Messiah than we see being accomplished by this man Jesus? But this was the first time Jesus had formally put Himself forward. On previous occasions, when they had sought to take Him by force to make Him a king, He had withdrawn Himself, realizing that the time was not yet come. Now, so far from withdrawing, He was taking the active part, sending for the colt, preparing for the triumphal ride to the capital of the 14/15/2014nation as its King.

We may be sure that the hearts of the Apostles thrilled with excitement as they thought of the nearness of their Master’s glory and of their own share in it; for as yet they did not realize the full import of His words to the effect that He must be crucified and must depart to a “far country,” even Heaven itself, and be invested with authority, and later return to establish the Kingdom which would bless the world. Jesus, however, was fully aware that the presentation of Himself as King was a formal matter, fulfilling the prophecy and leaving the nation of Israel without excuse. If, when He entered the city, the people should rise en masse, acknowledge Him and acclaim Him, then indeed they would be in line with the Divine requirements which would bring them the greatest of all blessings. But Jesus knew that prophecy had already declared that He would be despised and rejected, and that His own people would hide their faces from Him in shame. (Isa. 5) The journey and the preparation for it, therefore, meant something very different to Jesus from what it signified to the disciples and the multitudes.

ENTERING JERUSALEM

When the ass arrived, some of the people put their garments upon it in lieu of a saddle; Jesus mounted and the procession began. Some went before Him, and some followed after. The people were familiar with the prophecy relating to Messiah’s coming, which declared, “Shout, 0 daughter of Jerusalem! behold, thy King cometh unto thee: He is just and having salvation; Lowly, and riding upon an ass.” (Zech. 9:9) They were familiar also with the “shout” the prophets had foretold and the responses – one party crying, “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is the King of Israel, that cometh in the name of the Lord!” Then the response, “Hosanna in the highest!” These different expressions are recorded by the different evangelists.

But not all were enthusiastic acclaimers of Jesus; a discordant note was heard. Some of those who had come from the city through curiosity criticized the shouting, and wondered why Jesus did not rebuke the people for ascribing so great honor to Him. They sent word to this effect to Jesus through His disciples. Jesus made answer that a great prophecy was being fulfilled. The Prophet Zechariah had by inspiration said, “Shout, 0 daughter of Jerusalem!” and such a shout must be made.  Jesus declared that if the multi­tudes had failed to shout, the prophecy would still have been fulfilled – the very stones would have cried out. The record tells that on the journey many of the people strewed their garments in the way, as a mark of respect and honor, waiting until the little animal had passed over them, and then running on before and placing them again. Others brought ferns, flowers and grasses, and strewed them on the way. Still others, John’s Gospel tells us, brought palm tree branches.

It was a jubilant procession, fulfilling the prophecy of Zechariah. Yet to Jesus it had the sad feature, as indicated by the account. When they had reached the turn of the Mount of Olives, which brought Jerusalem into view, the Master halted the procession while He looked over the city and wept, saying “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the Prophets, and stonest them that are sent unto thee; how often would I have gathered thy children together, as a hen doth gather her brood under her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your House is left unto you desolate: and verily I say unto you, Ye shall see me no more, until that Day [over nineteen centuries later] when ye shall say, Blessed is He that cometh in the name of Jehovah!” (Luke 13:34,35) Jesus realized that day was a turning point with the Jewish nation – that their rejection of Him meant their rejection by the Heavenly Father for a long time. It meant that during those long centuries the highly favored people of Abraham’s natural seed would be in distress.  It meant that the favor of God, which had been with them for centuries, would instead be extended to the Gentiles, to gather out of the Gentiles a company of faithful, saintly ones to be associ­ates and joint-heirs with Jesus and the faithful ones of the Jews in the Heavenly Kingdom. It meant that not until this elect, Heavenly, spiritual Kingdom class should be received to glory would the Jewish people be again received into fellowship with God. St. Paul markedly calls our attention to this fact that the rejection of Israel is not permanent, but only for a time – only until the complete number of faithful Saints be gathered out from amongst the Gentiles. Then God’s favor will go to Israel, and all earth’s families. (Rom. 11:25–32)

THE KINGS OF THIS WORLD

How different was this entry of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, from the triumphal marches of earthly conquerors and kings! In the excitement of human passion and the prejudice of human minds a special halo of glory has surrounded the world’s conquerors. Heroic deeds, valiant conquests, as pictured by historians have a charm. The rising generation reads with thrilling interest of the prowess of Alexander the Great, of the Spartans of Greece, of the Caesars of Rome, and in more modern times of Robert Bruce, of Napoleon and Wellington, of Generals Grant and Lee, Sherman and Johnson, Sheridan and Steward. The homecomings of all of these were triumphal marches, in many cases rendering honor to whom honor was due.

Nevertheless, in every instance the mind’s eye necessarily closes against scenes which led up to such triumphs. We try to forget the millions of slain and wounded, and other millions of mourning widows and orphans. We try to forget the smoking ruins of homes behind those victorious armies.  However necessary war at times may seem to be for the maintenance of justice, nevertheless all must concede that the blessings purchased by the sword are procured at a terrible cost. From this viewpoint Jesus, the Prince of Peace, followed by an army of saints who are walking in His footsteps, presents a beautiful picture – even to the worldly. These victors – Leader and followers – conquer by dying.  Thus Jesus said to His followers, “Whosoever will save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life for My sake and the Gospel’s shall find it.” (Mark 8:35) Thus viewed, all the followers of the Lamb are self-sacrificers, as the Bible declares: “I beseech you, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.” (Rom. 12:1) Such a victory – victory through death – is difficult for the majority of people to understand! What is the philosophy of it? Where is the victory?

VICTOR–KINGS THROUGH DYING

Well may it be asked, Wherein is the victory of Christ and His followers in laying down their lives for the brethren and in support of truth and righteousness? Only the Bible answers the question, and only those who exercise faith can understand the Bible answer. The Bible declares that the real victory of Christ and the Church is over self. Their crowning day is future – their triumph will be then.  The triumphal entry of Jesus on the ass was only typical. The antitype will be glorious – beyond the veil. As Jesus after His resurrection was “received up into glory,” so also He has promised His Church that their resurrection shall change them from imperfect human beings to perfect spirit beings, joint–heirs with their Master, their Redeemer, in the glorious Millennial Kingdom which is to bless the world.

After Jesus had risen from the dead, He explained to His perplexed disciples what His death signified, saying, “Ought not Christ to have suffered these things (death], and to enter into His glory?” (Luke 24:26) So St. Paul has declared in respect to all who will be Jesus’ associates in the Kingdom – they must suffer with Him if they would reign with Him; they must be dead with Him if they would live with Him. (2 Tim. 2:12) Christ and His Church die to human hopes and interests, present and everlasting – laying down their lives, suffering for righteousness’ sake. Their reward is two-fold: (1) Their own personal exaltation to a Heavenly, spirit glory, like unto the angels, and yet more glorious – “far above angels, principalities and powers and every name that is named.” (2) The Kingdom glory – the joy of being the Divine agents for human restoration.

From this, the Bible viewpoint, the Christian warfare is different from every other warfare known to the world. It is a fight against sin, a fight against self-will, a full submission to the Divine will, a victory through death. “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.” (Rev. 2:10) “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My Throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His Throne.” (Rev. 3:21) No wonder that a proposition of this kind is but imperfectly understood by the world! “The world knoweth us not, even as it knew Him not.” (1 John 3:1) And this is one of the requirements of the Gospel, that Jesus and His followers shall submit themselves to be misunderstood by the world. We are counted fools for Christ’s sake. (1 Cor. 4:10)

It requires some stamina to be a loyal follower in the footsteps of Jesus, mis­understood as He was misunderstood by those of His day, reviled as He was reviled. “They shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for My sake.” (Matt. 5:11) It is only when we understand through God’s promises that in these trying experiences of Christ and His followers there is a glorious purpose, that we are able to endure them with any measure of rejoicing. Only these are granted glory, honor and immortality, and the Kingdom which the Lord has promised to His faithful followers. Since Jesus is the Prince of Peace, how shall we understand the various passages of Scripture which refer to Him as a mighty Conqueror in blood–stained garments, taking vengeance on His foes? But especially, how shall we understand the declaration that, at His coming in the clouds of heaven, all the tribes of the earth shall wail because of Him?

Of this Prince of Peace it may be said that He will wound to heal, that whatever disasters He may bring or permit to come upon the world will be so overruled as to make of them blessings in disguise. Undoubtedly much that is said respecting our Lord is highly symbolic. For instance, He is to smite the nations with the Sword that proceedeth out of His mouth – the Word, or Message, of Truth.  Such a smiting is in full conformity with the declaration that when St. Peter preached the Gospel at Pentecost, some of his hearers were “cut to the heart” – not with St. Peter’s literal sword, but with “the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” Eventually, that Sword will smite all opponents of righteousness for their good. Only the willfully wicked will eventually be destroyed in the Second Death. We are not to forget, however, that the inauguration of the Messianic Kingdom is to be in the midst of the Time of Trouble, and that Christ will have to do with the bringing, or at least the permitting, of that Trouble. Apparently mankind will be permitted to bring the great trouble at the end of this Age upon themselves. There are forces of evil, Satan and His angels, ready to do us harm and, through human forces, sin-forces entrenched in human nature, ready to do harm to the social fabric.

The New Covenant is the Scriptural name for the new arrangement between God and man which will be instituted at the beginning of the Age to follow this, and by which God purposes to receive the world of mankind again into favor with Himself. The covenant relationship which Adam originally enjoyed with his Maker, and its resultant harmony with Him, was contingent upon obedience to the expressed will of God, and was forfeited by disobedience. This covenant relationship with God was renewed typically at Mount Sinai, with Israel (Ex. 19:1-9; 24:3-8). Through Moses as      mediator, God promised that if Israel would keep His Law they should have everlasting life. The inauguration of that Law Covenant was effected by their mediator, within six months after Israel left Egypt, through the sacrifices of bulls and of goats, the children of Israel solemnly agreeing to their part of the covenant. Later the Atonement Day sacrifices were repeated year by year continually; “for the blood of bulls and goats could never take away sin.” (Heb. 10:1-9) Israel failed to gain the blessing promised in their Law Covenant. God foreknew that Israel would fail; but through their endeavors He was giving an object lesson which in the future would be a lasting blessing to Israel and to the whole world.

God will introduce this new Law Covenant through the Mediator of the New Covenant, Christ Jesus, in whom the entire arrangement centers, and through whom it will be carried out. He will be assisted in this work by the Church. This New Covenant will succeed, because of its better Mediator.  And He will be not only Mediator, but Priest, Prophet, King and Judge. As Priest, He will uplift and bless humanity and receive their offerings. As King, He will rule mankind in righteousness; as Prophet He will teach them; as Judge, He will test them, decide and pass sentence, favorable or unfavorable. It will require the full thousand years to bring the people out of their condition of death and degrada­tion, to restore whosoever will of all mankind to the image and likeness of God, lost by Adam in Eden.

The Scriptures tell us that “out of Zion shall go forth the Law, and the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” (Isa. 2:3; Micah 4:2) So Jerusalem will then be the capital of the world, and the Ancient and Youthful Worthies will be made “princes in all the earth. (Psa. 45:16) This arrangement will appeal first and primarily to the Jew, who would naturally be the first to come under the new regulations, because a nucleus of these Jews who were faithful to the Law Covenant, will be in Jerusalem when the Kingdom is inaugurat­ed. The Scriptures tell us they will be humbled by the last phase of Jacob’s trouble in Jerusalem, and they will “cry unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saveth them out of their distresses. He sent his word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions.” (Psa. 107:19,20) They will then recognize their Messiah, and will become the most active and zealous missionaries of the Kingdom. They will receive their instruc­tions first-hand from the Worthies in Jerusalem, and will then appreciate the Lord’s promise to them: “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake. I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts: and will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (Jer. 31:31-34)

We may not say that all the Jews will do so, but that this will be true of at least a considerable number of them. Quite a few have become infidels – unbelievers of God’s promises: “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh.” (Rom. 2:28) There are many well-meaning people among the Gentiles who have not taken the vow of consecration to the Lord. They have accepted Jesus as their Savior, and have practiced righteousness to the best of their ability; but have not taken the second step of full consecration to the Lord, because the narrow way was too difficult for them: “Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matt. 7:14) during the reign and ascendancy of sin and evil These Gentiles will be the first to join with the Jews and become Israelites – and like the Jews, they will become faithful and zealous missionaries of the Kingdom. We refer to these Gentiles as the quasi-elect, just as the Jews who were faithful to the Law Covenant are quasi-elect Jews.

In that day “The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose. It shall blossom abundantly, and rejoice even with joy and singing; the glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon, they shall see the glory of the Lord, and the excellency of our God. And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of Holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein.” (Isa. 35:1,2,8) This Highway of Holiness will be an easy way for all who love righteousness, and we believe there will be many who find it – which is in contrast with a “narrow way” under the reign of sin and evil.

By the close of the Mediatorial Reign those who have responded and made earnest effort to advance will be brought to a condition of human perfection, as was Adam at the beginning. Then they must be subjected to the same loyalty as was Adam, with no Mediator between them and God’s justice. How many will maintain their loyalty under the test, and how many will lose out and suffer destruction, we cannot know because there will be some who have obeyed outwardly during the thousand years, but not inwardly – were not in heart-­harmony with righteousness.

Covenant relationship with God means perfection, either reckoned or actual. During the thousand years of Messiah’s Kingdom, mankind will be approaching actual perfection. The New Covenant, with all that goes with it, is the blessing which The Christ gives to mankind. It is God’s Covenant, and He has arranged that it shall go to the world through the Christ class, Head and Body.  These glorious things are clearly set forth in various types in the Old Testament, as well as plainly stated in the New Testament.

For instance, St. Paul explains that Isaac, the heir of Abraham, was a type of The Christ, Head and Body. Isaac did not receive his inheritance by a new covenant, but by the original Covenant with Abraham, as does the Church. (Gal. 3:8,16,29; 4:22–31) In Micah 4:1-4, we read: “In the last days... that Mountain [Kingdom] of the House of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains [kingdoms of earth]... and people shall flow unto it. And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the Mountain of the Lord, and to the House of the God of Jacob;  and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths.” The succeeding verses of the chapter depict the influence that will be exerted. The blessings and prosperity will then be with those who will be in harmony with God. Now it is different, “All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” (2 Tim. 3:12) The world thinks that Christians, true followers of Jesus, are making their lives miserable. But the world is greatly mistaken on this matter. On the contrary, we are enjoying ourselves greatly, we are having a good time. We have much advantage every way, in spite of our afflictions; for we know that in a very little while our trials and afflictions will be over. We know that the glorious Kingdom of Messiah, in which, if faithful, we are to share, is about to be set up on the earth.

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OUR BLESSED HOPE

When’er the storms come down on thee,

And days of peace all seem to flee,

This thought thy peace again shall bring,

Why should I fear? – the Lord is King.

E’en when the tempest rages high,

And darkest clouds are drawing nigh,

With hands of faith to this, oh, cling,

Why should I fear? – the Lord is King.

Amid the stormy waves of life,

Above the tumult and the strife,

The chimes of hope still sweetly ring,

Be not afraid – the Lord is King.

Thy ship is toss’d by wind and wave,

But there is One whose power can save;

Across the sea He hastes to bring

Both rest and peace – the Lord is King.

Yes, Jesus walks upon the sea,

And in the storm He comes to thee;

Then trust in Him, rejoice and sing;

He calms the waves – the Lord is King.

He stretches out His hand to thee,

And from thy fears He sets thee free;

Beneath the shadow of His wing

He keeps thee safe – the Lord is King.

In the future Dispensation, God tells us, the tables will be turned. None of the wicked shall prosper. THEN whoever is unrighteous shall suffer, and whoever does righteously shall receive a blessing. (Psa. 37:1,2,7-17,22) NOW the wicked very often prosper, and the poor and needy and the good of earth are oppressed. When the Times of Restitution come to the world, all will be changed.  The result will be a clean universe in which everyone in heaven and on earth, and such as have been in the sea, the rebellious race, will glorify and praise the God of perfect wisdom, justice, love and power, and the Lamb that sitteth with Him on His throne forever and ever, saying, “Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever.” (Rev. 5:13)

The basic concepts of the foregoing are from the “faith once delivered unto the saints” – and much of it is verbatim of their writings. As much of the beauty and harmony of the Truth has been distorted, set aside, and revolutionized against, since the demise of That Servant, it is our hope that what is presented herein will commend itself to all our readers and better enable them to appreciate the “Good Tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.” (Luke 2:10) “May that peace of God which surpasses all concep­tion, guard your hearts and your minds by Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:7, Dia.)

Our cordial good wishes to all for a Blessed Holiday Season – and “The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it.” (Prov. 10:22) (Brother Hoefle, Reprint 222, December 1973)

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Brethren,

Wilbur has returned to Canada as of August 8. He enjoyed his visiting with you. He may be too caught up in his historical studies to show much interest in certain spiritual matters at this time, however.

Pastor Russell was certainly a fascinating man. I have a copy of his Photo-Drama of Creation on videotape. I appreciate the way he tied secular history with prophecy on the film.

I have a set of Watch Tower reprints from 1879-1916 that I purchased from the Chicago Bible Students. As to the Heavenly Calling, I am not dogmatic as to doctrine. The Lord knows those called to be with Him, and their reward will be self-evident in time. And rather than condemning the world of mankind who are not Jehovah’s Witnesses, I am striving as a Christian to love my neighbor as myself – not desiring anyone to be destroyed if at all possible.

Our greatest reward, I feel, is friendship with God. And what a wonderful Father and friend He is! And the greatest truth is that “God is love,” and that nothing can separate us from His love except ourselves. God bless you!

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

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Dear Sister Hoefle: Christian greetings in the Name of our Blessed Lord and Savior!

Your letter was received with appreciation. I am not sure whether I have replied before now. If not, I apologize for not doing so.

I must now express my appreciation and gratitude for receipt of the fourth volume and for the thirty copies of The Divine Plan of the Ages. They were received in good order a few days ago. I shall reimburse you shortly. I am aware of the expense of books at this time.

I know you are hard-pressed in His service but the Lord has promised to give strength to His people. We thank God that the brethren here are in good spirit. Regarding Armageddon, I have always seen it as the Day of Vengeance, covering a span of time by three separate destructions – War, Revolution (Armageddon) and Anarchy. The editor’s preface gives a clear description of the time in which we are.

May the good Lord bless and keep you as you continue to serve Him. This is my daily prayer for you.

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

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Dear Sister Hoefle,

I received our copies of the July/August on Zionism today and am enjoying them very much.  This is to let you know my correct address and tell you that Ora C. Lockwood has finished her course this side of the veil. She enjoyed your magazines for many years as did I also. I will leave you with Ruth 2:12.

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

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Dear Friends: Greetings in the Name of our Risen Lord, Jesus Christ, and peace!

Clearing my study I came across  Numbers 419–A, 421, 422, 423, and 424 from Epiphany Bible Students Ass’n. I do appreciate the material but I must confess I do not remember how I came by it. I did read through them.

My request is simple, do you have any other publications besides the monthly letters? I’ve been away for one month and my desk was getting piled up before I left. I went to Holland, Michigan for the general Convention, and then to the class in Greenfield, Ohio. We (my family) then went to Wilmington, NC.

We (our class) here in Middleton, NY are eleven in number and are meeting on Sundays. We are almost through our Tabernacle Shadows study (about 1 and 1/2 years) and our Bible Study is currently in the eleventh Chapter of Hebrews.

Please convey our love to the brethren there and may He who has gone before us continue to direct all of our affairs.

Yours in His Service, ------- (NEW   YORK)

PS – We have the Pastor Russell book and have distributed quite a number of them in our area.

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Dear Sister Emily Hoefle and the Brethren:

We were very happy to receive the letter of July 16, 1991, and we heard with joy that the brethren in America made serious engagement and efforts for more understanding of Israel; that the Bush government should stop the godless endeavor to force the State of Israel to give up central parts of the Promised Land to the Arabs, a land that Israel received by Divine oath for eternal possession.

Already in the year 1918 when I was 18 years old, I had the great privilege to study the six Studies in the Scriptures of our honoured Pastor Russell. Already when I was 20 years old, I was invited by the Elders to serve as a Pilgrim Evangelist to serve the Holy Community assemblies in all the big German cities till the years 1933, when the Bible studies circle was forbidden by the Nazis.

Afterward I continued to serve the community in Austria till the year 1938. From 1938 till the year 1945 we hid in a mountain farm in Styria, Austria.

But during those years in war and cruel persecutions of Jews it became clear to me, that the time of Restitution of all Things had come and we were allowed to acquire a stony land in Israel, which we changed during 25 years into a Paradise, and which was often praised by the Israeli Press.  So that during many years some 300 thousand people have visited us to hear the lectures. It was raised to State Domain and I – age 90 – together with my devoted Brother Josef Schmidt, were declared Honorary Freemen (citizens) of Israel.

But more important for me, is that due to our work, especially also with Ministers, who are visiting us now, there was created a full understanding of God’s Plan, that Israel will be the first nation in the Restitution of All Things in God’s Kingdom, as our honoured Brother Russell predicted already in the first volume of the Studies in the Scriptures.

We greet all the brethren in America and remain connected in Christ’s love. Your brethren from Israel for Emek ha Shalom,

Brother Hermann Bezner (ISRAEL)

PS – We accept with pleasure your offer and kindly ask you to send us the video of Israel.

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NO. 427: THE GLORY OF GOD

No. 427

Most of our readers are familiar with the attributes of God – Justice, Wisdom, Love and Power. In 2 Tim. 1:7 we are told that “God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind”; but this is not God’s power in the full sense of that word. For us, it is not physical strength, as we recognize that many of the Lord’s people are very weak physically; but we are given will power. St. Paul is an outstanding example of this truth. The name his parents had given him was Saul, probably after Israel’s first king, who was a handsome physical specimen. “There was not one among the children of Israel a goodlier person than he: from his shoulders and upward he was higher than any of the people.” (1 Sam. 9:2) When he was anointed with the Holy Spirit Saul adopted the name of Paul which was more in keeping with his physique – ‘Paul’ meaning ‘little one.’ But in will power he was one of the strongest of whom we have any record, so he could well say the Lord has given us “the spirit of power.”

In 1 Tim. 1:5 Paul says, “The end of the commandment [the entire Bible] is love out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned.” This text thus treats of the four great attributes of God – not in all ways, but to inform us of his intention in making the statement. And he is telling us that the great purpose of God in all His dealings with His people through His spirit, Word and Providence is to develop in them Agape love – flowing out of, based upon and acting in harmony with power, justice and wisdom. These exact words are not used in the text; but he refers to them by calling attention to each one’s main ingredient or ingredients. By the expression “unfeigned faith” he is giving us in sufficiency two of the ingredients of wisdom – trust and truth. By “good conscience” the duty feature of justice is meant. By the expression “pure heart” the Apostle means a will fixed in good principles and executing them. Thus will be seen the relation of all three of these characteristics to agape love and its sources, bases and modifiers.

Therefore, agape love permeates and expresses itself in the various graces, as is succinctly shown in 1 Cor. 13:4-8: “Charity [agape “love) suffereth long [is very tolerant], and is kind [shows kindness wherever possible]; charity envieth not [is generously disposed – no covetousness]; charity vaunteth not itself [refrains from self-­praise – the Germans have a proverb, ‘Self–praise has a bad odor’], is not puffed up [displays a proper humility], behaveth not itself unseemly [always polite], seeketh not her own [selflessness – always striving to give to others a little more than we receive from them], is not easily provoked [literally, is not enraged or infuriated, forbearance – “a merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones” ­Prov. 17:22], thinketh no evil [without guile]; rejoiceth not in iniquity [abhors sin, never glad to see others indulging in evil], but rejoiceth in the truth [appreciates and delights in the Truth and its Spirit – always happy to see others prosper]; beareth [literally covereth] all things [ever ready to forgive], believeth all things [trustful­ness, always ready to give others the benefit of the doubt], hopeth all things [hopefulness, optimistic], endureth all things [patience, perseverance – stick–to-­itiveness]. Charity never faileth [permanency – something no one can take from us].”

Thus charity sourced, based and modified in wisdom, power and justice, enfolds in its ample embrace all of these graces, as well as every lower primary, secondary and tertiary grace.

It is probably in order here to consider how these four dominating graces ­especially love – carry on their domination over all our other affections, virtues and graces. They do this first by detaching our affections from lower and earthly things and attaching them to higher and heavenly things; secondly, by using our other affections, virtues and graces as servants of truth, righteousness and holiness. Thus, these – ­especially love – make our lower affections: love of self–esteem, of approbativeness, of rest, ofsecretiveness, of safety, of possessions, of self–defense, of aggressiveness, of nourishment, of health, of life, of friends, of home and country, of the opposite sex, of wife, of husband, of children, of parents, of brethren, serve truth, righteousness and holiness. Accordingly, if justice and love are the rulers, they develop respectively the lower primary virtues and graces of self-esteem, approbativeness, restfulness, secretiveness, cautiousness, providence, combativeness, aggressiveness, alimentiveness, vitativeness, sexliness, husbandliness, wifeliness, parentliness, filiality, brethren­liness, friendship, domesticity and patriotism.

Thirdly, they use our lower sentiments, especially humor as safety valves – vents. Fourthly, they, especially love, carry on this domination by suppressing the efforts that our lower affections and lower primary graces make to control us, and by such suppression develop the secondary virtues and graces.

It is written in Psa. 89:14 that “justice and judgment are the habitation of thy throne: mercy and truth shall go before thy face.” And, while the Divine attribute of Justice is prominently discussed in the Bible, it was not the first attribute that operated in the creation of the universe and the creation of man. St. Paul says in 1 Cor. 1:24: “Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.” First of all God had to plan (wisdom) the universe: then His power was applied to carry out that plan. For man justice was the next attribute to appear when He expelled him from the Garden of Eden for disobedience; then came “the kindness and love of God.” (Titus 3:4)

In Reprints 4917 (Nov. 15, 1911) appears an excellent article on A Practical Self-examination Of Love, from which we quote a few paragraphs:

“Nothing in this signifies that one should neglect the caring for and providing in every way for those dependent upon him by the ties of nature, in order that he may do good to others. In every sense, ‘love begins at home.’ The proper thought, as we gather it, is that men and women, possessed of the spirit of perfect love, would not think exclusively of their own interest in any of the affairs of life. Put into exercise, this element of Love would have a great influence upon all the affairs of life, inside as well as outside the home and family.

“Have I the love which is good tempered, ‘not easily provoked’ to anger – love that enables me to see both sides of a question, that gives me the spirit of a sound mind, which enables me to perceive that exasperation and violent anger are not only unbecoming but, worse than that, injurious to those toward whom they may be directed, and also injurious in their effect upon my own heart and body?

“There may be times when love will need to be firm, almost to sternness and inflexibility, where principles are involved, where valuable lessons are to be inculcated; and this might come under the head of anger, using that word in a proper sense, in regard to a righteous indignation, exercised for a loving purpose, for doing good; but it should be exercised then only for a time. If justly angry we should see to it that we sin not either with our lips, or in our hearts, in which, at no time may we entertain any but loving and generous sentiments toward those who are our enemies, or toward those of our friends whom we would assist or instruct or correct.”

THE GREATEST OF THESE

In 1 Cor. 13:13, Dia., St. Paul tells us “these three remain – faith, hope, love – but the greatest of these is love.” Love in this text is from the Greek agape, which means good will motivated from unselfishness. It means doing good for the love of doing good; and such love is a refreshing and uplifting thing for all who come into contact with it.

In Rom. 5:3-5, Dia., we have this: “We triumph also in afflictions, knowing that afflictions works out endurance; and endurance approval; and approval hope; and this hope is not put to shame, because the love [agape] of God has been diffused in our hearts, through that Holy Spirit which has been given to us.” That spirit in the new spiritual will lays hold on our organs of veneration, benevolence and appreciation and exercises them toward God, Christ, the brethren, the world of mankind and enemies, and thereby cultivates all the graces mentioned in 1 Cor. 13:4–8.

This is the thought of Gal. 5:22, where the Apostle tells us that “the fruit of the spirit, the product of the new will, exercising our new spiritual capacities and affections is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith [fullness]. Thus, the full complete result of the Holy Spirit is a Godlike and Christlike character, disposition, mind, heart and will. Isa. 11:2-4 also tells us that the Holy Spirit gives us God’s disposition: “And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; and shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: but with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked.”

It would seem that the following from Reprints 5668 (April 15, 1915) is quite appropriate here.

THE SUM OF ALL GRACES

“‘And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.’ (1 Cor. 13: 13) The Apostle Paul has just been referring to the various miraculous gifts of the Spirit then granted to all begotten of the Spirit to the new nature. Anyone lacking some such special gift at that time would thus manifest to all believers that he had not become a member of the Church of Christ. These supernatural gifts also served to assist the primitive Church in spiritual growth. They did not have the Bible in those days [the New Testament], and if they had possessed it, very few could have read it; hence, they needed special assistance which the Church afterward did not need and was later taken away.

“In this letter to the Church at Corinth, the Apostle, after discussing these various gifts, says, ‘And yet I show unto you a more excellent way.’ Then he proceeds to point out the super-excellence of the fruit of love. Whoever has the Holy Spirit must have a measure at least of this fruitage, whether it be the little flower that contains the fruit-bud or whether it be the partly developed fruit, the fully developed fruit or the ripened fruit. God our Father, who looks upon the heart, knows how His Holy Spirit in the heart is seeking to control the flesh, to guide the mind and all the words and actions. We are not able to judge one another’s hearts. The Apostle said that he did not feel able properly to judge even himself, but left judgment to the Lord. He knew that his heart was loyal and that he was endeavoring to be all that the Lord would have him be. Though he was conscious of his inability always to ‘do the things that he would,’ he knew that the Master would accept his loyalty of heart; so he would do his best and leave the remainder with God.

“Our faith and our hope in the Lord lead us to earnest endeavor to develop the fruitage of love in all its varied and beautiful phases. Gentleness is a part of love; meekness is a part of love; so also are humility and brotherly-kindness. The question at issue with each child of God is not, How tall and well-built am I? or, How fine-­looking or well-educated or well-connected am I according to the flesh? or, How many or how fine sermons have I preached? or even, How many have I brought to a knowledge of the Truth? But the vital question is, How much of the quality of love have I developed? How great is the likeness of my character to that of Christ?

LOVE IS THE PRINCIPAL THING

“Why is this quality of love made so prominent in the Word of God? We answer, Because it is the first thing, the most important thing, the principal thing. It is the fulfilling of God’s Law; and, indeed, the sacrificial love enjoined upon God’s Saints of this Age goes even beyond the requirements of the perfect law. But why is love put first? It is not because God arbitrarily so placed it, not because He exercised His power of fiat and declared that it should be first. No, it is because no other quality of character is so lovely, so beautiful, so productive of happiness and joy, so great a blessing to all upon whom it operates. It is the very essence of God’s character, ‘GOD IS LOVE.’ This quality particularly represents His personality. While God is all-just and all-powerful, we do not say that God is justice or that God is power, but that God is Love. He uses His great power only as love dictates and approves. He uses His justice only in fullest harmony with His glorious attribute of Love. Love is the mainspring of all His doings.

“Whoever, therefore, would be God-like must be loving, must have love as the dominating quality of his character and his life. Love and righteousness are inseparable. Love is to continue to all eternity; and only those who become the active embodiment of this gracious quality of character will live eternally. Hence we see the paramount importance of its development in every life.”

THE SPIRIT OF A SOUND MIND

“EVIDENCES OF A SOUND MIND: The fall of Adam has worked ruin to mankind, so that from the crown of the head to the sole of the foot there are none sound. (Isa. 1:5,6) None are sound of mind or body. All are out of the way. ‘There is none righteous; no, not one.’ (Rom. 3:10) But in proportion as we receive the spirit of the Lord, and in proportion as that spirit of the Lord works in us and develops us and influences all the conduct of life, in that same proportion we receive the spirit of a sound mind.

“This soundness of mind will teach us how better to use our bodies. A person of unsound mind may either eat too much or eat what does not agree with him. In proportion as we have a sound mind, it influences what we eat, what we drink, and everything we do; it helps to regulate and control everything in life for us. It gives us broad views of all the affairs of life. It gives us more generous views of mankind. We recognize that mankind are under the curse, and we have a feeling of compassion for them. We have much advantage every way, because God has opened the eyes of our understanding.

“This spirit of a sound mind makes us more helpful. ‘We know better how to deal with each other as brethren. We know better how to deal with our children, with our neighbors, with the butcher and with every one else. The truth does not come to many of those who are naturally soundest of mind, and it takes time for the truth to bring in a measure of soundness. But we notice that when one receives the truth in the love of it, it has a healing effect on his mind. He will begin to think more correctly and to act more wisely.” (Reprints 5977, bottom and 5978, top)

The Wise Man tells us in Prov. 4:7 that “Wisdom [the wisdom that is from above ­James 3:17] is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” But how do we come by this wisdom? In 1 Cor. 1:30 we are told that Christ Jesus is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness [justification by faith], and sanctification [He sets us apart for His own good purposes], and deliverance.”

In 2 Tim. 1:7, Dia., we are given a very meaningful synonym of wisdom – a sound mind – which means a proper mental and religious disposition that is based upon the Truth and views matters according to reality in the light of the applicable Truth, and thinks, feels, speaks and acts accordingly tactful. A sound mind, therefore, is a proper mental and religious attitude. This Scripture also tells us that love and a sound mind are closely linked together. “God did not give us a cowardly spirit, but one of power, and of [agape] love, and of a sound mind.”

The proper application of the Holy Spirit in a “Sound Mind” will little by little and more and more give its possessor an ever increasing sound mind, which will by and by “make such a person of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord” (Isa. 11: 2,3) – that is, in the application of duty and disinterested (agape) love in accordance with the Divine will. Thus, in cultivating wisdom (love and the spirit of a sound mind), we constantly improve ourselves in every good word and work. In this there is a part that God, by Christ, does and a part that we do. Thus we become “co-workers with God,” as we constantly improve our intellectual and providential circumstances.

The spirit of a sound mind is one of the dominating graces of the Holy Spirit, and sometimes operates negatively in keeping us from doing unwise things, but operates positively in helping us to do the wise things. This is true in both our secular and religious relations. We need the spirit of a sound mind in our dealings with the Father and with Jesus, the latter being the Agent as our Creator, Provider, Redeemer, Teacher, Justifier, Sanctifier and Deliverer.

Inasmuch as our own righteousness is as “filthy rags,” we cannot approach Him through works and merits of our own. Therefore, the spirit of a sound mind forbids us to present ourselves – who are children of wrath – to God in any alleged merit or righteousness of our own. On the contrary, the Divine wisdom prompts us to seek for ourselves an Advocate before God, which we recognize to be Jesus. He has told us Himself that “whatsoever ye ask in my name it shall be given unto you.” (John 15:16) Thus, by the Divine wisdom wrought in us by Jesus’ ministry, we are prompted to ask forgiveness for our sins and a righteous standing before God through Him. Thus, sufficient of the spirit of a sound mind, which we receive from Him as natural men, enables us to see the proper approach to God, and tends to keep us in a righteous condition, and prompts us to present ourselves to God in harmony with Rom. 12:1: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Upon so doing in harmony with God’s will, He then gives us that sanctification that is necessary to do His “good and acceptable and perfect will.” This prevents us from engaging in works not motivated by God and Christ. On all sides today we see thousands zealously devoted to various reform and uplift works, which have no real standing in Heaven. “Many will say to me in that day, Master, Master, have we not taught in Thy name, and in Thy name expelled demons, and in Thy name performed many wonders? And then I will plainly declare to them, I never approved of you. Depart from Me, you who practice iniquity.” (Matt. 7:22,23, Dia.) Such will be the reward of all rabid sectarians.

 The spirit of a sound mind teaches us what to do, and what to avoid doing in spirit, manner and method as to our works toward the world in religious aspects, and also in secular relations. But a sound mind will give us increasingly the spirit of wisdom in our religious and secular actions. While we are “not of the world,” yet we are in the world, and have secular relations toward the world.

Our secular relations toward the world may at times give us some consternation, especially with those of lower tendencies. Yet these are vastly in the majority and if we are inclined to avoid such, we may find it difficult to make a livelihood. St. Paul treats of this in 1 Cor. 5:9,10: “I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators; yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye need go out of the world.” That is, if we would refuse to have any dealings with persons of disreputable leanings, we might find ourselves out of business. This does not mean, of course, that we become partners with them. St. Paul’s advice applies here, too – and positively so: “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers; for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Cor. 6:14) Our own experience in the business world over the past fifty years is that many put on quite a respectable appearance, but are ready enough to cut corners as opportunity may present itself. A well-meaning businessman once said to Brother Russell, “Pastor Russell, you have set the standard entirely too high.” His answer was, “I did not put it there; the Lord did.” Of course, having a “high calling,” it necessarily follows there would also be a “high” standard.   And the more of a sound mind we have, the more apparent this becomes to us. Also, the more of Divine wisdom we have the more of a sound mind will be apparent in us.

LOVE – HOW ACQUIRED

In any undertaking the “know-how” is fundamental to success. And this is certainly true in the acquisition of Agape love. We have pointed out that love and a sound mind are closely linked together. All who have developed any degree of Agape love will readily testify that it has put soundness into their thinking. Among the last words of Jesus to His Disciples are those to be found in Luke 21:12-15, Dia.: “They will drag you before kings and governors... And it will turn out to you for a testimony. Settle it in your hearts, therefore, not to premeditate on your defense; for I will give you eloquence and wisdom, which all your opponents will not be able to gainsay, or resist.” “Our sufficiency is of God; who also hath made us able ministers of the New Testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit... the spirit giveth life.” (2 Cor. 3:5,6)

FAITH COMETH BEFORE LOVE

Although, as 1 Cor. 13:13 tells us Love is the greatest of all the graces, for the Faith Age, faith must come first: “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” (Heb. 11:6) Nor can we develop perfect (agape) love unless we continue to believe He is a God of Love, Wisdom Justice and Power, and also, to have faith in His Word that we have received. Those who are faithful to the truth they have will be ready to “learn more of Him,” and as they do they will develop more and more of the “end of the commandment [the purpose of the commandment] is charity.” (1 Tim. 1:5) All New Creatures will have to develop perfect love in their hearts during this Faith Age – their trial time for eternal life. No others are on trial for life, although, it behooves all classes of the Household of Faith to constantly seek to develop perfect love, as they must eventually do if they remain in the Elect classes. However, some of the unbegotten consecrators are not able to develop perfect love. In the 11th chapter of Hebrews we are told that it was by faith that the Ancient Worthies were able to do what they did. Abraham had faith and it was counted to him for righteousness. He didn’t have Agape love, but he will have it in the Kingdom, or he won’t remain one of the Elect.

In the Millennium when the New Covenant is inaugurated, there will be no crucial experiences – no suffering for righteousness sake – that will develop perfect love. But Restitutionists will have to develop perfect Duty Love toward God and man – love the Lord with all their heart and their neighbor as themselves. This will be a much easier requirement for them, for instead of suffering for righteousness, they will be rewarded for righteousness, and if their righteousness comes from the heart, they will be rewarded with eternal life. There was no sacrifice required of Adam – just obedience and faith in God. So Restitutionists will have to have a faith in God, but not a faith where He cannot be traced. Each step of obedience will bring the reward for tracing Him.

From Reprint 5095, top: “The spirit of a sound mind is a most wonderful manifesta­tion of the Holy Spirit in the Lord’s people. It gives them much advantage every way over the remainder of mankind. It sees in the present life opportunities for the attainment of character. It broadens and deepens the mind along all good lines. It makes one less touchy in respect to his own rights, privileges and preferences, and more considerate of the rights and feelings of others.

“The spirit of a sound mind makes one’s judgment clearer, truer, more trustworthy than before, for it impels him to accept the instructions of the Word of God in respect to what he should and should not do, and to reject his own faulty judgment. The meek will He guide in judgment. Whatever may be the imperfection of mind and body resulting from the fall, those who receive the spirit of a sound mind are thereby made purer, kinder, gentler, less selfish and more thoughtful in regard to others. Those who are thus rightly exercised will develop the spirit of love increasingly until that which is perfect shall have come and that which is in part shall have been done away. (1 Cor. 13:10)”

GOD’S GLORY

In Ex. 33: 18 Moses asked God to show him His glory; and in Psa. 104:31 we are told, “The glory of the Lord shall endure forever.” In Isa. 42:8 it is written: “I am the Lord: that is my name:  and my glory will I not give to another.” From these and other Scriptures we conclude that God’s glory is synonymous with His character attributes of Justice, Wisdom, Power and Love. All of God’s faithful people of the past have had some of these character qualities; but none of them, not even Jesus, have had them in the same magnificent and grandiose quantity and quality as they are in our Almighty God. The word translated ‘glory’ in Isa. 42:8 is from the Hebrew ‘kabod’ and one of its meanings is ‘splendor’; and the more we see and learn of His character and works, the more His splendor becomes apparent. Thus, we enthusiastically join with David in his exclamation, “O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker. For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.” (Psa. 95:6,7)

(Written by Brother Hoefle July and August 1978)

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Sister,

Thanks for the books! I haven’t stopped reading until way late in the night! They are wonderful. I am learning as I have never learned before. Pastor Russell sure was blessed and filled with the Holy Spirit. His work will live forever.

I have read all the Bulletins that you have sent – three times. I am now on the third reading of The Divine Plan of the Ages. I am getting the feel of the writer and trying to hear him speak in the language on the printed pages. The truth is there and stands out above all else, as it should.

Sister Florence tells me every time I express my happiness in finding Pastor Russell’s writings, “I knew you would take to his works like a duck to water!” She knows me well. I am always searching for more truth. I have found it.

Florence is in Oregon visiting her son, Melvin. She will be gone for about three weeks. She tried to call you several times, but was unable to reach you.

I would like to have No. 1 Where are the dead? and No. 2, What Is the Soul? Eventually I would like to have all of your literature that is available, but right now, with what I am studying, I think this will be enough.

I will order Pastor Russell’s second book in a little while. Thanks again for your continued prayers put forth to all those who are seeking and searching for the truth.

Your sister in Christ, ------- (CALIFORNIA)

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Dear Sister Hoefle:

My kindest regards and God’s blessings to you and all with you with Psalm 23! With great joy I have received your two air mail letters. I am sending you three names for your mailing list. God bless you. Your brother in Christ, ------- (AUSTRIA)

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Dear Brethren: Greetings of love through our Beloved Lord and Savior! It is a privilege and pleasure to tell you of the special meeting we had on Sunday, July 7. We had a baptismal service in which there were six who symbolized their consecration by immersion. The candidates were four brothers and two sisters all of the same family. There were fourteen in attendance.

Five of the candidates are fourth and fifth generation descendants of a faithful sister who came into the truth during Brother Russell’s ministry. Her works do follow her (Rev. 14:13) was manifested by this occasion. She has left a wonderful legacy for which we can say with appreciation and thankfulness, “God bless her memory.”

The service was brief but meaningful and all present were spiritually enriched by the solemnity of the occasion. All the candidates seemed to have a full understanding of the import of their consecration and its symbol by water immersion. We ask your prayers for all that they will be faithful.

We praise God from whom all blessings flow for the privilege of knowing His truth, and witnessing this momentous event as an evidence of His loving care and overruling providence. With Christian love to all from all here. By His Grace, Brother and Sister ------- (NORTH CAROLINA)

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Epiphany Bible Students:

Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Thanks for sending me the papers on Zionism, Part One and Part Two. I was blessed by reading both. It always enhances my concept of the Grandeur of our God to be informed as to how He uses His creation to show forth His message to those who are drawn to Him.

On page 3 of Part One, last paragraph, second line quote: “and Bezetha the Youthful Worthies.” Would you explain the term Youthful Worthies and give Scriptural support for the term?

May our loving Heavenly Father bless your efforts to serve Him. By His Grace, ------- (TEXAS)

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Dear Brethren: Christian greetings in our dear Lord and Master Jesus’ Name!

Thank you for sending me your newsletter. Some time ago my wife bought a book from Mr. Horowitz about our dear Pastor Russell. In the meantime, our address has changed. We enclose the old address and ask that you send your newsletter to the address above.

Please give us some information about the difference between the LHMM and your Ass’n. Do you have any further literature?

Thanks again. With Christian greetings. Sincerely yours, ------- (GERMANY)

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Dear Sister Hoefle: Grace and peace through our Lord Jesus!

Much thanks and appreciation for your reply. Trusting by His Grace you are enjoying good health. We are keeping fairly well, all thanks to Him. Unfortunately Sister Nora lost her husband a few months ago. We all share her bereavement. Brother Luther McKenzie is still ailing but taking his infirmities in good spirit trusting in the Lord.

Brother Wycliffe Mahoney is fine both in spirit and in body. The time he stood up for Brother Hoefle to speak [at Crofts Hill when Brother Jolly spoke for four hours], I had not made my consecration and wasn’t present. However, I was told of the incident.

We continue getting our periodicals. They are so informative. Thanks much for same. I am making a request on behalf of the ecclesia. We would like to get a few tracts of Permission of Evil, Two Salvations, What is the Soul?, etc. The Lord grant you strength as you continue in His service. Our warmest Christian love and God’s blessings. Your brother by His Grace, ------- (JAMAICA)

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Dear Madam:

I shall be grateful if you would send me a copy of your book on Pastor Russell. Also, I wish to read about the errors of Judge Rutherford and Jehovah’s Witnesses.

If it is not given free, kindly let me know how much it costs. Yours sincerely, ------- (AFRICA)