NO. 510 ABOUT CASIMIR LANOWICK

 This article about Casimir Lanowick was submitted by Elva Lanowick, along with this note:

Thought you might like to see this copy of an account about Casimir’s work that I have submitted to Alisa Klausner Ber at her request. She is planning to write about Christian workers for Israel and wants to include information about Casimir.

Alisa is related to the late Dr. Joseph Klausner, well–known author in Israel who wrote, among other things, a book about Jesus. Possibly as a result of this, Alisa told us many years ago that she has always had a special interest In Christians who love Israel. She is a member of the Israel Interfaith Committee.

Alisa comes from pioneer stock in Israel and has known well, from her childhood, most of the early leaders of the Jewish State – David Ben Gurion, etc. She is married to Baruch Ber who has also been active in politics In Israel and on the editorial staff of the fine newspaper called HA’ARETZ.

Some of my friends remember her well as the dynamic personality who spoke to any number of our Israel tour groups. She told us back in 1955 that she considers Christians who work for Israel as “the saints of all the world,” as the Psalmist put it.

(By Elva Lanowick)

THE WORK OF CASIMIR LANOWICK – 1917 – 1980

Both Casimir and I were raised by Protestant Christian parents who had firm convictions regarding the ultimate rebirth of the Jewish nation as promised by the Hebrew prophets – a restoration that would have profound impacts not only for the Jewish people but also for the blessing of all mankind.

Before we knew each other, separately we read an excellent small book entitled ZIONISM IN PROPHECY, by Professor Franklyn Hudgings, published in 1936 by the Pro–Palestine Federation of America. Casimir was so impressed by this well–documented treatise that, typical of his special character trait of taking action upon his beliefs, at the young age of 19 he purchased and personally circulated many copies of ZIONISM IN PROPHECY which, incidentally, though written by a Christian scholar, carries the endorsement of Dr. Hirsch Loeb Gorton and was reviewed favorably by any number of leading U.S. Zionists of that era.

So it was only natural that when the United Nations voted in 1947 in favor of a Jewish state, Casimir was deeply moved by this development. That same year he commenced publishing, with my help, a magazine to report news about the prospect of Israel’s reconstitution as a nation, in a passionate endeavor to arouse the Christians of America as to the tremendous significance of the imminent rebirth of Israel. This news digest was entitled THE JEWS IN THE NEWS and later changed to ISRAEL’S RESTORATION NEWS.

Of course, when the dramatic date of May 14, 1948 saw the creation of the official state of Eretz Israel, our excitement grew more intense and we could never find enough space in the columns of our monthly publication to include all the truly meaningful reportage of events in that fledgling nation. Frequent reference was made to the very pertinent prophetic Scriptures which had so graphically foretold, some 2500 years previously, and even earlier, the details of this historic rebirth of the ancient nation of Israel. But it was a down-to-earth magazine, reporting on all aspects of life in the new state, whether related to agricultural revival, military achievements, the ingathering of the exiles, etc., so that the readers could hardly gainsay the depth of meaning of it all.

This endeavor to awaken Christians in the U.S. as to the great significance of Israel met, in those early years, with much skepticism among most Christians, and even Jews, who could not conceive that the tiny new nation could survive the tremendous pressures exerted against it by powerful and rich Arab enemies. It was our aim to be one of the voices of assurance.

Subscriptions to our news organ began to come in to our office in Redwood City, California, from all the then 48 states and even from many foreign countries, i.e. Canada, England, East and West Germany, France, Hungary, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Holland, Denmark and others. Because Israel was not a popular subject among the average Christians in those years, we never felt that our publication had the scope of readership it deserved. Yet there was a corps of regular readers, including many influential Christians of all denominations, who were eager to be kept informed regarding the progress in the Jewish State, and in looking back later we realized that our trail-blazing efforts were a considerable factor in bringing about the groundswell of Christian support for Israel that began in the 1970’s.

 Even as Theodor Herzl paradoxically met strongest opposition from among the rabbinical leaders of his time, so we found that ministers in the United States were least likely to respond to the message of Israel restored. However, in almost every church were the one’s and two’s whose parents and grandparents had told them that when the Jews would go back to their homeland, it would usher in the Messianic era of peace and righteousness for all mankind. These individuals often became firebrands of zeal concerning the historic significance of modern Israel. We derived much encouragement from these ardent readers, counteracting the general apathy and often open hostility of many of our peers. It is no surprise to the initiated that even anti-Semitism bared its well-entrenched fangs. Under the circumstances, you can understand that financial pressures were always a fact of life for us.

The Central Zionist Archives in Jerusalem requested, from time to time, that we make sure that a copy of each issue of THE JEWS IN THE NEWS (later ISRAEL’S RESTORATION NEWS) be sent to them, so if you wish, Alisa, you could examine these in their files to get an idea of the nature of our monthly Israel news digest.

In 1950 Casimir and I made our first trip to Israel, equipped with the latest and finest cameras. Between November of that year and March of 1951 we visited almost every important settlement, site, city and village, including Eilat when the only structure there was an army barracks. (We took panoramic motion pictures here and footage all over the country – of immigrants arriving by the thousands at the port of Haifa, of the maabarot camps, youth aliya villages, etc.) As you can imagine, this opportunity to go to Israel during those momentous times of its national beginnings, the days of tzena, the days of euphoria amidst harsh hardship, was a highlight in our lives. We also had the joy of becoming acquainted with many Israeli of diverse backgrounds – pioneers, refugees from the Nazi holocaust, Yemeni recent arrivals on the “Magic Carpet” looking for all the world like they had stepped right out of the pages of the Bible, etc. These early contacts would always be precious to us, even though we returned to Israel many times afterward.

On our way back to America via Europe, Casimir was asked to lecture in Italy, Germany and England regarding his findings in the new Jewish State. We also made a special trip to Basel, Switzerland so as to see the hall in which Theodor Herzl held the First Zionist Congress in 1897 (has since been torn down).

Our illustrated lecture activities began in earnest in the U.S. in July of 1951 when we commenced what would eventually be about ten years of cross–country engagements – six months of each year presenting the story of Israel by word and film, and then often but irregularly through the years right up until his death. Eventually our lecture work expanded into Canada, England and Wales, and especially to Australia and New Zealand where, in 1960, we were able to carry on an indepth coverage of these two down–under lands with our Israel presentation, over a six–month period. Our audiences in this part of the world included many Jewish people.

The films we had taken in Israel, with the aim of more effectively portraying the historic dimensions of the rise of Israel, received fine reviews, but even more important was the exceptional ability Casimir had as a dedicated and dynamic speaker, consistently able to inspire his audiences. His warmth, his vast store of knowledge about modern Israel, the judicious use of the Biblical tie-up, always elicited genuinely enthusiastic response. Casimir’s keen sense of humor spiced his otherwise serious but not pontifical delivery. He liked to use the term “educationally entertaining” in publicizing his illustrated lectures.

These film programs were presented in churches of almost every denomination, for service organizations such as Rotary, Lion’s Club, etc., and we were also sponsored at times by the Zionist Organization of America, Hadassah, and even individual lovers of Israel. Then, too, quite frequently we personally engaged auditoriums, placed newspaper advertising and thus sponsored some of our own very successful meetings. We carried along a very interesting display of Israel products and included Israeli folksongs with each program.

Eventually we came to the realization that an even better way to introduce the magic of Israel to the general public would be to escort them to Israel to see for themselves the marvelous achievements of the sons of Jacob restored to their land. Through our magazine readership and our lecture contacts we organized our first group tour in 1955. (This was when we had the privilege of meeting you, Alisa.) We spent a full 35 days in Eretz Israel that spring, determined to give our Christian friends as thorough an overview of Israel as possible under the circumstances.

As you know, after that we took many tour groups to Israel. We were mindful of the deficiencies of the average Christian “Holy Land” tours – the bypassing of much of the miracle of modern Israel in favor of mostly churches and other so–called “holy places.” Casimir also steadfastly refused to take short tours to Israel, even though we realized that we could have attracted many more tour members by offering cut–rate 7 or 10–day tours or by including Arab countries, European stopovers, etc. The testimonials we accumulated after the tours ended convinced us that our traveling companions were indeed returning home well–informed, deeply impressed and ready to become eager supporters of Israel’s goals and political stance. You are aware, too, that we also put much stress on the importance of introducing our touring friends to the people of the Land – Israeli from all walks of life, Jewish, Arab and Christian, so that they could catch the unusual spirit of the country, ask questions, etc.

By the way, in 1958 and 1959 we took time off to experience living in Israel, renting a lovely home in Talpioth, then a quiet suburb of Jerusalem, continuing to publish our Israel magazine wherever we went (until about 1968); we welcomed this opportunity to get even better acquainted with the Land and with the Israeli. Again new and lasting friendships were forged and our work for Israel took on an added important dimension.

Frequently from the years 1953 to 1979 we also arranged for any number of Israel seminars – both national and regional, at such scenic spots as the Grand Tetons, beautiful Asilomar by the Sea, Rocky Mountain National Park, etc., bringing in Israeli speakers and Christian leaders well versed as to Israel’s modern history in the light of the Bible. We enjoyed our relationship with the late Dr. G. Douglas Young because of his unflagging zeal for Israel and I recall with joy the worthy contribution he made to our 1979 Israel Seminar. Soon after that, in May of 1980, he died, and Casimir passed away only about five months later.

It was about the time that Israel became a state that we heard Dr. and Mrs. Walter Clay Lowdermilk speak at a large Zionist rally in San Francisco, renewing our admiration for their selfless devotion to the concept of a Jewish State, dating back to 1939. Our first tour group had the privilege of being entertained by the Lowdermilks in their fine house atop Mount Carmel in 1955. I mention this to lead up to the fact that when Dr. Lowdermilk died Casimir was moved to do something to commemorate the valuable work Dr. Lowdermilk had done for Israel – devising the national water plan, helping advance Israel’s agriculture in the. early years of statehood, establishing the Lowdermilk School of Agricultural Engineering at the Technion in Haifa, using his high station in the U.S. Government to influence administration policy, etc. (As you know, Mrs. Lowdermilk herself had spoken tirelessly on behalf of Israel while they were stationed in Washington, D.C. and after their return to Berkeley, California, where Dr. Lowdermilk taught at the University of California. Even to this date, at the advanced age of 92, Inez Lowdermilk retains a strong and active commitment to Israel.)

Casimir felt that the most appropriate memorial to Walter Clay Lowdermilk would be a forest planted in his honor in Israel. Always impressed by the work of Keren Kayemeth in planting trees, restoring the land, etc., Casimir proposed to the San Francisco chapter of the Jewish National Fund that such a forest project be commenced. With the help of the California Christian Committee for Israel, the fund–raising got under way. Casimir and I had the privilege of doing most of the work on this project, and after much persistence the full sum of $10,000 was raised, plus further amounts for a recreation area within the forest at Mrs. Lowdermilk’s request.

So, in March of 1976, Mrs. Lowdermilk was the guest of honor on one of our Israel tours organized specifically to include the dedication of the Lowdermilk Memorial Forest on Mt. Turan in the Galilee. How encouraged Casimir was when Golda Meir accepted his invitation to meet Mrs. Lowdermilk at the airport and join our tour group for dinner at the Sharon Hotel in Herzlia. It meant so much to Casimir to do something meaningful, to give recognition and encouragement to this valiant Christian woman and to honor the memory of her truly great husband. Needless to say, the hours spent with “Golda” were precious.

Not long after this project was finished we were asked by some Christian lovers of Zion in the U.S. to organize the “Christian-Israel Friendship League.” So this was done in 1978, but within two years Casimir had died and the loss of his unique leadership meant that the work of this league diminished considerably.

 However, Casimir lived to see a new page in the history of Christian Zionism – the emergence of grass-roots groups of Christian supporters of Israel all around the United States, and, in fact, all around the world. You cannot imagine how excited Casimir was about this development and how enthusiastically he planned to cooperate with them in their worthy endeavors. For instance, Casimir was the U.S. National Coordinator for the First International Congress for the Peace of Jerusalem held in Israel’s capital city in 1978, at which time about 1,000 Christians from many countries gathered to express support for Israel. The next year, when the idea of a Christian celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem was proposed, Casimir got busy and wrote the organizers expressing his delight and started working to organize a tour to take in this first “Feast of Tabernacles” Christian gathering.

But it was not to be. In retrospect, I am convinced that Casimir’s work was done and the torch was being passed on to other zealous Christian lovers of Israel. You no doubt know about the 4,000, 5,000, and then 6,000 Christians from as many as 40 countries who have participated in the subsequent annual Feast of Tabernacles assemblies in Jerusalem. Casimir never considered himself indispensable, and how happy he would be today to see the ever–increasing numbers of Christians who are espousing the cause of Eretz Israel, the nation of destiny. (Elva)

P.S.. Are you familiar, Alisa, with the Christian–Zionist work of the late Charles Taze Russell between the years of about 1881–1916? He wrote and lectured extensively about the hopes of Israel restored, based on the Biblical record. His weekly articles were carried in hundreds of newspapers around the United States, so whenever he wrote about the Jews returning to “Palestine,” his firm convictions received wide coverage. He also addressed large Jewish audiences in the U.S. at the Hippodrome, in London, and around Western and Eastern Europe. He was aroused by the pogroms at Kishenev and elsewhere in Russia. It is touching to note how eagerly “Pastor” Russell reported the smallest developments in Palestine when the first aliya was taking place. A former student at the Hebrew University told us back in 1950 that when they studied Christian Zionism at this university, Charles Taze Russell was at the top of the list.

(Written by Mrs. Casimir Lanowick, November 1985)

Many Bible Students don’t think Emek ha Shalom is doing the Lord’s work by working for Israel, as they say His work now is “gathering the Saints.” But Casimir and Elva inspired many nominal Christians to help Israel financially and otherwise.

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QUOTES RE NATURAL ISRAEL

“Now we are entering the great Time of Trouble which is to inaugurate Messiah’s Kingdom. During this trouble the Church is to be glorified in the First Resurrection. Then the thousand years of Messiah’s reign with the elect, Spiritual Bride, drawn from both Jews and Gentiles, will begin.

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

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

(By That Servant, Reprints 5809 bottom, 5810 top, December 1, 1915)

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THOSE CONSECRATING BETWEEN THE AGES

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

“Our thought is that whoever under such conditions as these will make a full consecration to the Lord, to leave all to follow in His ways, and will live up faithfully, loyally, to that consecration, may be privileged to be counted as a similar class to those who preceded this Gospel Age. We know of no reason why the Lord would refuse to receive those who make a consecration after the close of the Gospel Age High Calling and before the full opening of the Millennium.” (By That Servant, Reprint 5761, September 1, 1915)

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JESUS OF NAZARETH – THE ETERNAL GLORY OF THE JEWISH RACE

Perhaps, too, in this enlightened age, as his mind expands, and he takes a comprehensive view of this period of progress, the pupil of Moses may ask himself whether all the princes of the house of David have done so much for the Jews as that prince who was crucified on Calvary. Had it not been for Him, the Jews would have been comparatively unknown, or known only as a high Oriental caste which had lost its country. Has not He made their history the most famous in the world? Has not He hung up their laws in every temple? Has He not vindicated all their wrongs? Has not He avenged the victory of Titus and conquered the Caesars? What success did they anticipate from their Messiah? The wildest dreams of their Rabbis have been far exceeded. Has not Jesus conquered Europe and changed its name into Christendom?

The whole of the new world is devoted to the Semitic principle and its most glorious offspring, the Jewish faith, and the time will come when the vast communities and countless myriads of America and Australia, looking upon Greece, and wondering how so small a space could have achieved such great deeds, will still find music in the songs of Zion and still seek solace in the parables of Galilee.

These may be dreams, but there is one fact which none can contest. Christians may continue to persecute Jews, and Jews may persist in disbelieving Christians, but who can deny that Jesus of Nazareth, the Incarnate Son of the Most High God, is the eternal glory of the Jewish race?

(Statement by–Benjamin Disraeli from The Messiahship of Jesus, page 268)

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CHRONICLE OF THE GREAT WASTE OF THE GREAT WAR

All across Europe, they marched and rode off to war in the summer of 1914, naively expecting to be home before the leaves fell.

Splendidly attired in uniforms suggestive of Napoleon’s time, they were a tragically innocent generation, with no way to foresee the coming four-year engagement that precipitated the rise of Hitler.

The war to end all wars didn’t. In fact, it was just the start. Leftover tensions led to slaughter of a far greater magnitude 25 years later, and – the case can be made – to Cold War fear of communist aggression, the nuclear arms race and the global instability that persists in the final year of the century.

John Keegan’s study of the Great War makes clear how it all might have been avoided. He writes eloquently with mastery of military history and scholarship that never loses touch with humanity and never gets bogged down in moralizing.

What Keegan accomplishes, through judiciously applied hindsight, is to make us aware of the role of chance in the events of the 20th century. With just a modicum of communication among European leaders, the blood–letting needn’t have happened. History amounts to a game of “what-if?” whose outcome could have been utterly different.

More than a month elapsed between the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand in Sarajevo and the actual clash of armies. There was ample time, even with the rather primitive communications technology of the day, to avert the awful four years that followed.

Statesmen seemed oblivious to the uses of the telephone, preferring instead to rely on hand–written notes and telegraphed messages. The result, in Keegan’s words: “a dead march and a dialogue of the deaf.” causing the destruction of the continent.

Even more disconcerting, Keegan also shows how the course of the war was largely determined in advance by a German war planner’s scheme that had little chance of succeeding.

The so–called Schlieffen plan, concocted by the chief of the Great German General Staff, was devised and refined over more than 20 years, beginning in the 1890s. Its thrust was simple: to enable Germany to quickly overwhelm France in the West, then turn its attention to Russia in the East, thus avoiding a protracted, two–front war, for which Germany lacked the resources.

It called for a massive, exquisitely timed wheeling movement of German forces through the Low Countries, to envelop the French from the right. It demanded precision in the transport of troops via rail, and made little allowance for any delays.

“It was to prove the most important official document of the last hundred years,” Keegan writes, “for what it caused to ensue on the field of battle, the hopes it inspired, the hopes it dashed, were to have consequences that persist to this day.”

The inevitable failure of the German game plan provoked the stalemate known as trench warfare and the ensuing carnage in the hellish, barbed-wire strewn No Man’s Land between the ditches.

Millions died in the senseless and unproductive exchange of heavy artillery, machinegun fire and troops advancing on foot in the battles like Verdun and the Meuse and the Somme.

The numbers are staggering. The French lost 2 million soldiers and had 5 million wounded, including thousands so badly disfigured they were sent to rural villages to endure the rest of their days in privacy. The Germans also lost 2 million fighting men. The wounded included 1,264 who lost both legs.

The body counts were equally destructive for the Russians, Austrians, English, Italians and all the rest, up to and including the late-arriving Yanks.

But the country with the greatest percentage of casualties was Serbia, where 15 percent of the population died.

If only, if only. From Keegan’s perspective, none of it should have happened. Nearly a century has passed, yet the Great War still has aspects of profound mystery. Why, he asks, did a continent at the height of intellectual and cultural achievement choose to risk all in existentially pointless slaughter?

Those who returned home after the Armistice of November 1918 were profoundly changed by what Keegan calls the “ultimate mystery of the First World War.”

They had formed intimate bonds of friendship and mutual dependency unimaginable in peace, Keegan observes. To understand this process, he writes, is to understand “the mystery of human life.”

(The First World War, by John Keegan, reviewed by Chris Cobbs, The Orlando Sentinel, August 29, 1999)

IN ANSWER TO “THE GREAT WAR OF 1914”

Indeed it was a “Great War of 1914,” the greatest calamity to happen to the human race up to that time. Not every country took part in the battles, but every country in the world was involved and felt the consequences. We publish John Keegan’s reflection because it is interesting and informative to the younger generation who know very little, if anything, about its horrors. We agree with John Keegan that it is a “mystery” to all who are not acquainted with God’s Word regarding wars and other calamities that have occurred to mankind.

The end of the 1914 War brought the Great Depression, which, like the war, affected all nations. Many good workmen could not find jobs so could not care for their families and keep them from starving.

None of these events were by chance as suggested. They were providential happenings and could not have been prevented by any man. Dan. 4:17 says: “...to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.” Some of the basest of men, Pharaoh, Napoleon, Hitler, et al, were used of God to further His Plan. They were not men of God, but were men of destiny. “Surely the wrath of man shall praise thee: the remainder of wrath shalt thou restrain.” (Psa. 76:10) However, we have had good and honorable rulers at times – in our country as well as in some of the foreign countries.

God permitted the Gentiles to rule in the world for a specific time and when their times ended the Great War of 1914 marked the end of the Gentile Times. The Gentile nations are still here, but God has rejected them and He is now in the process of ejecting them. The Lord’s Great Army is the masses of restless people (Joel 2:11). They are demanding more than they are getting, so they are protesting by marching on their governments.

The United States is the last great nation. Its economic condition is good, better than other countries. It is trying to make all governments Democratic, which is the best government for humanity in its fallen and imperfect condition. But it cannot succeed, for it cannot maintain its good economic condition – not with all the disasters which are costing more money than it has. Not only that, crime, drugs and health concerns are taking more money than it can afford. But if it cannot take care of the people, their voices will get louder and louder, and the marching on Washington will be increased greatly.

Although the U.S. has never sought to conquer territorial possessions, it now seems to think that it has the right and power to dictate to all countries. This is most notable in regard to Israel, and this meddling seems to be for the purpose of destroying that nation. But God will prevail. He says in Jer. 30:11: “...though I make a full end of all nations whither I have scattered thee, yet I will not make a full end of thee: but I will correct thee in measure, and will not leave thee altogether unpunished.” This is repeated in Jer. 46:28.

Why will He not make a full end of the Israelite nation, even though they have been just as sinful as the others? For their Fathers sake – Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He made promises that He will not break. Also, the Lord knew what He was doing when He called them His “Chosen People.” The Messiah came from the Jewish nation. “Salvation is of the Jews.” (John 4:22) The Kingdom will be Israelitish with Jerusalem as the capital of the world.

“And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us his ways, and we will walk in his paths:’ for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” (Isa. 2:3) The law will be administered from the heavenly Kingdom and handed down to the earthly Kingdom. The earthly Kingdom will be in the hands of the Ancient and Youthful Worthies. They will be “Princes in all the earth.” (Psa. 45:16) In other words the Worthies will be the visible rulers in the Kingdom.

Israel, “Arise, shine; for thy light has come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” (Isa. 60:1) “And the Gentiles shall come to thy light.” (Isa. 60:3)

“I will restore thy judges as at the first, and thy counsellors as at the beginning: afterward thou shalt be called, the city of righteousness, the faithful city.” (Isa. 1:26)

“0 Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee... thou art mine.” (Isa. 43:1) “I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy. I will REJOICE in Jerusalem, in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.” (Isa. 65:18,19)

“I will overturn, overturn; overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until he comes whose right it is; and I will give it him. I will judge thee in the place where thou wast created, in the land of thy nativity.” (Ezek. 21:27,30)

“I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem. I will pour upon the House of David, and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the spirit of grace and of supplications: and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for him, as one mourneth for his only son, and shall be in bitterness for him, as one that is in bitterness for his firstborn.” (Zech. 12:10)

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LET US STAND IN THE GAP IN PRAYER

Has anything really changed in the Moslem Middle East? On September 5, 1999, the Islamic fundamentalist group, Hamas, attempted two simultaneous car bombs – one in Tiberias and one in Haifa. Miraculously, both bombs exploded prematurely, only killing the terrorists. This was in response to the new treaty between Barak and Arafat signed the night before.

While we need to strive to make peace and seek to live at peace with our neighbors in the Middle East, we also need to know the difference between true peace and a peace that is but a wolf dressed in sheep’s clothing. Jesus told us that we are often found as “sheep in the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” (Matt. 10:16) When the world “says peace, peace, when there is no peace” (Jer. 6:14), then we need to beware and pray the prayer that Jesus taught us, “...deliver us from evil.” (Matt. 6:13) We need to pray for God’s peace, not the world’s peace, for our Jewish and Christians brothers in these trying times.

We need to pray for the Jewish residents of Hebron, who still live with constant threat of terror attacks. Pray for their safety and pray that the tragic events of 1929 will never be repeated.

We need to intercede for Israel and the Christians of the Middle East, that we would be delivered from the curses and attacks that are leveled against us. Pray that the nations of this world will hear and understand the meaning of the evil being taught by Islamic religious leaders, as they spew their hatred against Christians and Jews, and not be fooled. Pray that the world’s desire for real peace will not be confused with a “false peace,” giving into the demands of those Moslem leaders whose aim is to destroy or conquer non–Moslems. There are few Moslem leaders who are like Anwar Sadat and King Hussein of Jordan. We must find them and work with them and resist the tactics of the others.

Finally, we need to pray that the Lord God of Israel, the God of the Universe, would reveal Himself to the Moslem nations. Only as they turn to Him will there be real peace in the Middle East, peace for the Christians of the Middle East, and peace for the people and land of Israel. (See Psalm 34:15–17; 91:15; 122:6)

(By Clarence H. Wagner, Jr, Editor of Bridges For Peace, September/October 1999)

NO. 509B POPE PIUS'S 1943 LETTER AGAINST JEWISH STATEHOOD REVEALED

At the height of the Holocaust, Pope Pius XII made known to President Franklin D. Roosevelt his opposition to Palestine becoming a Jewish homeland, according to a letter from the U.S. Archives obtained by The Jerusalem Post from the Simon Wiesenthal Center.

Dated June 22, 1943, the letter sent by A. G. Cicognani, the pope’s special representative to the U.S., to Ambassador Myron Taylor, Roosevelt’s special emissary to Pius XII, is believed to be the first explicit expression of Pius’s policy against Zionism conveyed to the American government.

“It is true that at one time Palestine was inhabited by the Hebrew Race, but there is no axiom in history to substantiate the necessity of a people returning to a country they left nineteen centuries before,” the letter reads.

“If a ‘Hebrew Home’ is desired, it would not be too difficult to find a more fitting territory than Palestine. With an increase in the Jewish population there, grave, new international problems would arise.”

Rabbi Marvin Hier, dean of the Simon Wiesenthal Center, said the letter “is an indictment of Pius XII, because it basically says that when the pope wanted a point of view expressed about how he clearly felt, he said it clearly. Where is a similar letter to Adolf Hitler, telling Hitler that the Vatican finds his policies against the Jews repugnant? But at the height of the Holocaust, the Vatican knew how to oppose the State of Israel.”

Rabbi David Rosen, head of the Israel office of the Anti‑Defamation League and an expert on Catholic‑Jewish relations, said that “it has been well known for a long time of the shameful policy the Holy See maintained during that period, and this is just but one confirmation of that fact.”

Rosen said Pius’s anti‑Zionism was a continuation of long‑standing Vatican policy, which all changed with the issuing of Nostra Aetate.

Hier said the letter, which was found last month in research being conducted on Pope Pius, further spotlights the issue of the church’s moving forward his candidacy for sainthood.

“Many people have asked me, what is it our business who the Catholics appoint a saint?” Hier said, “Normally I would agree with that. But in the presence of survivors, tens of thousands of whom are still alive in their last few years, that they should live out their lives knowing that the person whom they heard nothing from, nothing but silence, has been designated as a saint – many people around the world will say a saint was alive in the Vatican during the Holocaust. That is an insult to the memory of the Holocaust, and is an insult to the survivors.”

(By Elli Wohlgelerntre, The Jerusalem Post, July 9, 1999)

THE MYSTERY OF CHARLEY REESE

A tale of two columnists, as different from each other as is humanly possible in their view of the Middle East. First, four quotes from the columnist who is second to none in his support for Israel:

1. “Yes, I love the state of Israel. It is everything a Western democracy should be at this point in history: brave, resourceful, tough, realistic, in search of peace but ready for war. It is a King Arthur of nations which is showing the rest of us how a brave and free people ought to live...”
2. “...I have no use for the [Palestine Liberation Organization). It is not a political organization, it is a criminal organization and a very wealthy one at that. Any government which recognizes the PLO is condoning murder and extortion.”
3. “The notion of homeless Palestinians is a myth. Some people who consider themselves Palestinians are in fact homeless but a majority are not. Those Arabs who lived in and continue to live in that part of Palestine now called Jordan are obviously neither homeless nor without a country.. Those Arabs who chose to remain in the area that became Israel... are not homeless and never have been.”
4. “Solutions can never come from myths, they must be based on facts. That will not be possible, however, until people who hate Israel stop exploiting the Palestinian issue...”

 And now four quotes from the columnist who, it is safe to say, is the polar opposite of the gentleman quoted above:

1. “To deny that Palestinians were driven out of their homes is the equivalent of denying the Holocaust.”
2. “...[T]here’s no group of people in the world who are more clearly victims of ethnic cleansing than the Palestinian refugees who have been rotting in refugee camps for 50 years. Palestinians were ethnically cleansed in 1948 and again in 1967.”
3. “Because we are all sure that Clinton and the other heads of state who lead the North Atlantic Treaty Organization are men of honor and wouldn’t think of lying [in their justifications for the bombing in Yugoslavia], we can be sure then that as soon as this Balkan business is completed... Israel will be told to withdraw its forces from the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem... and [to] allow all Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and to live there safely. Or else the bombs will fall on Tel Aviv.”
4. “The Zionists in America are the biggest enemy of freedom of speech and freedom of‑the press there is.”

Identification time. The name of the latter writer, the fiery advocate of “ethnically cleansed” Palestinians and bitter denouncer of Zionists? It’s Charley Reese, an Orlando Sentinel columnist syndicated in at least 85 newspapers nationwide, whose columns are featured on a Hamas website.

And the name of the first columnist quoted, the staunch champion of Israel and debunker of Palestinian claims? Why, it’s also Charley Reese, circa 1986 – and therein lies a great mystery, because sometime between the late 1980’s and the mid‑1990’s something apparently happened that caused Reese to turn on Israel and assume the persona of a low‑rent Patrick Buchanan.

It’s not exactly clear why Reese turned; some critics, among them the editor emeritus of the Orlando‑based Heritage Florida Jewish News, have alluded to rumors about Reese’s personal life, while others speculate that Reese simply came under the influence of several hardcore Israeli leftists whom he regularly quotes in his columns.

Motives aside, the big problem with Reese, says Batsheva Genut, senior research analyst at the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America (CAMERA), is his habit “of using false information and distorted, baseless statistics as evidence for his reckless claims.”

Earlier this year CAMERA issued a detailed, point‑by‑point refutation of one of Reese’s more blatantly misleading columns and urged Orlando Sentinel publisher John Puerner to take a closer look at “Reese’s disregard for the facts... and to provide Sentinel readers with accurate information regarding the current situation in the Middle East.”

For now, though, the newspaper is downplaying the controversy, refusing even to run an advertisement critical of Reese that was to have been paid for by a coalition of concerned parties.

(By Jason Maoz, Staff Writer, The Jewish Press, June 25, 1999)

EXPOSED! Israeli Media Admits It Destroyed Netanyahu And Buried Barak Scandals

Be careful what you wish for... For the first time the Israeli media has revealed that they worked long and hard to bring down former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a concerted disinformation campaign. Arutz 7 reported last weekend that the Israeli media magazine Seventh Eye carried several ‘eye‑opening” reports on the conduct of the local press during the Netanyahu Administration and the recent election campaign.

The Jewish Press was virtually the only Anglo‑Jewish media outlet which tried to point out the various disinformation campaigns launched at Mr. Netanyahu in Israel and even here in the USA through the gullible and culpable Anglo‑Jewish weeklies. Not everyone was convinced we were telling the truth but as David Bar‑Illan, Mr. Netanyahu’s former media and policy guru told me recently, “The Jewish Press is the only Zionist Jewish newspaper still out there.”

Now the truth be told... Here is the Arutz 7 story from last weekend which reported on the disinformation campaign:

The latest edition of the media newspaper, The Seventh Eye, chastises Israeli radio, television and newspapers for their treatment of Prime Minister Netanyahu and the Likud party during the election campaign. In one piece, the paper claimed that an activist employed by Ehud Barak’s One Israel party actually threatened to shoot Likud Knesset candidate Liat Rivner. In a report that gives credence to pre-election Likud allegations, The Seventh Eye discussed the Channel 2 news staff’s decision not to publicize extensive information it possessed on the criminal activities of the fictitious organizations associated with Ehud Barak.

Voice of Israel broadcaster Carmit Guy issued her own condemnation of the Ha’aretz newspaper for its treatment of Prime Minister Netanyahu in the course of the campaign. She even hinted that many of the anonymous anti‑Netanyahu advertisements in the paper were composed by the Ha’aretz editorial staff itself.

(By Steve K. Walz, Editor of Informed Sources, The Jewish Press, July 9, 1999)

ARAFAT AND BARAK VOW A NEW ERA OF PEACE

The Palestinian and Israeli leaders promised to unfreeze the Wye River accords. EREZ CROSSING POINT, Gaza Strip – Gripping hands and grinning after their first summit, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat pledged Sunday to rebuild trust and to carry out U.S.‑brokered accords quickly.

Each man spoke in terms that have rarely been heard since 1996, when the hard‑line Benjamin Netanyahu took office: “respect,” “peace of the brave,” and mutual expressions of sympathy for each other’s fears and hopes.

With a Labor party‑led government back in power, along with a commitment to securing peace through conceding land, the differences in chemistry and content could not be sharper.

(By Mark Lavie, Associated Press, July 19, 1999)

HOW DID BIBI MISS THE BOAT?

A strongly pro‑Jewish, pro‑Zionist, longtime Southern Christian friend, Emily Hoefle – valiant champion of the late Pastor Charles Taze Russell, who aided this writer in the publication of the 1985 and 1990 editions of his book, “An Early American Christian Zionist,” on his prophecies of Israel’s rebirth as Biblically ordained – summed up her feelings about the recent Israeli elections in a letter to this writer.

“In one sense, I am sorry Bibi did not win, but in another sense I am glad he didn’t. He wanted to do Hashem’s will but couldn’t, under the present government, and that is the only government Israel can have at the present time. But Hashem’s Biblically ordained regime will be the only government that will bring peace – not only to Israel, but to the entire world...”

I fully share Mrs. Hoefle’s view. I am happy to note that our Jewish people could not have a better friend. In fact, Netanyahu, during his UN days, read my manuscript of the Pastor Russell book before publication, endorsing it with the following favorable comments published on the jacket of the book along with the endorsement of our mutual friend, Jeane Kirkpatrick:

“The renowned Christian preacher and Bible scholar Charles Taze Russell (1852‑1916) is known to many as the founder of J. Witnesses. But few realize that Pastor Russell was an early advocate of Zionism, and that he predicted the imminent return of the Jewish people to Israel. This collection of relevant articles and letters disclose some previously unknown facts about Russell, such as the anticipation of Theodore Herzl’s call for a return of the Jews to the Holy Land.”

That Bibi‑did not win the elections, is partly his own fault. He got into the habit of antagonizing his close Likud friends (Benny Begin, Mordechai), most of whom not only opposed his reelection but also ran against him – eventually withdrawing, with their vote going to Barak. And Barak, as a leader, should not be underestimated. He has a lot of “Bibi” in him.

Moreover, as his Likud friends contend, Bibi never lived up to his original election campaign pledges. Soon after his election the Yishuv was confronted with a new non-Maccabbean Bibi. He made unnecessary concessions – Hebron, the West Bank and the Wye Plantation agreement.

When I realized the new path he had chosen – which was altogether unbiblical, I wrote him a series of letters from the UN reminding him of the underground days and the sacrifices young Israelis made for the Medinah. In one of the letters, I sent him an Israeli Post Office montage showing postage‑size photos of the Israeli hero, Dov Gruner and several of his co‑fighters whom the ruthless. British hanged in the Acco prison. “They gave their lives for the State,” I told him. “Let’s honor them by remaining firm to their convictions not to sacrifice ‘land for peace’.”

He was not the Bibi I admired at the UN during his tour of duty there, where he excelled in his defense of Israel and justice. His colleague, Jeane Kirkpatrick, and he became a good UN team on behalf of Israel.

To his great credit, it must be said that he managed, through skillful maneuvering, to get the UN to kill that vicious anti‑Semitic resolution equating Zionism with racism. He also brought to light from hidden UN archives documents proving that Kurt Waldeim was a Nazi.

And as a good friend at the UN, he would join me and Jewish staff workers, organized as the Judaica Book Club, during Purim and Hanukkah commemorations. He took pride in kindling the candles.

I agree fully with my former UN colleague, Abe Rosenthal who, in a recent column concluded thus:

“I am not at all gloomy about Israel. One good man has been replaced in a way terrifying to every Arab ruler. It’s called election, and for friends of Israel it is powerful anti‑gloom, for all Israel’s years ahead.”

(By David Horowitz, The Jewish Press, June 11, 1999)

THE MOST SACRED BOOK ON EARTH

“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. More to be desired are they than gold; yea, than much fine gold, sweeter also than the honey and the honeycomb.” (Psalm 19:7,10)

The Bible has been read by more people, published in more languages and more copies produced than any other book in history. Overall there is absolutely no book that reaches or even begins to compare to the circulation of the Scriptures. It is a Book still loved, read and studied by millions. “Unbelievers for 1800 years have been refuting and trying to overthrow this Book, and yet it stands today as solid as a rock.” (H. L. Hastings)

The Bible is unique in its survival through time, persecution and criticism. Being written on material that perishes (Papyrus paper), copied and recopied for hundreds of years before the invention of the printing press, even this did not diminish its style, correctness nor existence.

The Bible was the first religious book to be taken into outer space (on microfilm), and read aloud by astronauts on the moon.

Both the Old and New Testaments are inspired by God and contain an unbreakable connection. We need to realize that what Christians call the “Old Testament” was Yeshua’s only Bible. He taught only from it. He said, “Scripture cannot be broken.” (John 10:35) The Psalms formed a very important background for His ministry. He learned them in His Jewish home and synagogue as a young man. At His Baptism, His earthly mission was stated clearly in Isaiah 41:1. Likewise, on the Cross Psalm 22:1 came to His mind in His last moments on earth.

“Think not that I have come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I have not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in any way pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” (Matthew 5:17‑18)

(Christian Action for Israel Newsletter, 2nd Quarter 1999)

QUESTIONS OF GENERAL INTEREST

The three following questions are on Consecration by That Servant:

QUESTION ‑ Is it your thought that those consecrating after the door to the High Calling is closed may have a resurrection to the spirit nature?

ANSWER – No, there will be no begetting of the Spirit that we know of after the High Calling is closed; and if there is no begetting of the Spirit then, there will be no birth of the spirit. The only thought we have in connection with that is what we expressed a moment ago, namely; that some might be accepted as of the Ancient Worthy class if they laid down their lives in loyalty to the Lord in that Time of Trouble, and then when the Ancient Worthy class may possibly have the spirit nature given to them at the end of the millennium, such being of that class might have the opportunity to obtain the spirit nature.

QUESTION ‑ Would the consecrated but not begotten ever have the opportunity of getting the spirit nature?

ANSWER – Our thought is that it is part of the Divine Plan to give the Ancient Worthies a change of nature in the end of the Millennial Age, as a reward for their faithfulness, and their service during the Millennial Age – that quite likely they will receive the spirit nature at the end of the Millennial Age. This is partly conjectural and partly built upon certain texts of Scripture which we have already considered in the Watch Tower and which we need not therefore enter into here.

QUESTION ‑ If any consecrated now and failed to be begotten of the Holy Spirit, where would the Lord place them?

ANSWER – We would presume that if they were faithful, as the prophets of old were faithful, to the extent of laying down their lives in the service of righteousness and truth, that God would give them a share some way with the Ancient Worthies. In other words, that if such should pass into the Time of Trouble to a considerable degree, and there lose their lives because of faithfulness to the Lord, that He would do just the same for them that He will do for the Ancient Worthies – they will be counted in with the Ancient Worthy class.

(Question Book, page 152)

QUESTION – Should we consider it necessary to call attention to other prominent dates than 1874, 1878, 1881 or 1914? Should 1911 be included?

ANSWER – I am glad that question is there, my dear brothers and sisters. You will notice that in my own teachings and writings I am careful to avoid any other dates than these. I know nothing about other dates.

In the third volume of Scriptures Studies there is a suggestion, but it is offered only as a suggestion, merely that a certain measurement in the Pyramid (not in the Word of God) looks as though it might point down to 1910 or 1911, but we do not say that it does mean anything, but merely throw out a suggestion. Don’t anticipate, don’t say things are to occur, for we do not know, at least I don’t, and don’t believe anyone else does. My advice is to follow the Apostle when he says, “We speak those things that we know.” Don’t say anything about those things that you do not know. Quite likely you will wish you had not after a while. Nineteen hundred and fourteen is the time when the “Gentile Times” will end. What does that mean? I do not know, but I think it is when God lets go in a general sense of the world, and permits things to take their course; and we can readily suppose, as the Apostle says, that the course of nature would be set on fire, because of strife. In the world of mankind, I shall expect a time of great trouble, which the Bible marks out as having its beginning about October, 1914, but I think, dear friends, that it is more important, instead of telling of the Time of Trouble, to tell about the good things. The poor people who get into the Time of Trouble will have all they want of it then. I have enough now, and so have you. The Scriptures say that through much tribulation shall we enter the Kingdom, and if we pay attention to our duties, we will get enough without taking time to tell them about the Time of Trouble. The world will not be profited by our telling, either. We do not wish to scare anybody. We see the bad effects of this scare religion in times past. While we can tell them that there is a storm coming, we can also tell them that God is going to make that a blessing, and we are glad for the whole world of mankind, that this time of refreshing is near, “Speak of the time of rest that nears.” They have enough tribulation, and I advise not to talk too much about the tribulation.

I think of one brother who had a large lump of imagination, who told his wife all about the Time of Trouble and told it as though he had been there already, telling her what flour would be a barrel at that time, etc., etc., so that his poor wife was almost afraid of the Truth. If he had said, My dear, there is a Time of Trouble coming and those who make the Lord their refuge, He will have a supervising care over them, I think it would have had a better effect. I have very little faith in any kind of scare religion, it does not work well.

Another thing while we are at it. It is not quite in this question, but it is kind of a second cousin to the question. To what extent should the Pilgrims and other brothers preach “Brother Russell”?

I say, not at all. You have plenty, dear friends, to preach and the Apostle says, “We preach Christ.” Brother Russell is very glad if the Lord has used him as a fingerboard to point the right road for your eyes, that you can see wonderful things in the Word of God, but it is not Brother Russell, but it is the Lord that has used him. As you see the finger‑board points out it is so many miles to Jamestown, it is not the finger‑board, but the person that painted and put it there that is to be appreciated. So my advice is that you do not search the Scriptures to find anything about Brother Russell, but that you search to find things about the “glorious One” whom we all reverence. You remember we had already pointed to it 15 years ago and made this statement applicable. You remember that John the Revelator had seen this and that, and other things, and he said he fell at the feet of the angel who showed me these things, saying, “See thou do it not: for I am thy fellow servant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.” (Rev. 22:9)

That is the right thought, but there is a tendency in this direction, and a danger to worship the creature, or instrumentality, rather than the Creator who uses the instrumentality. Let us not make that mistake. I do not want any to make that mistake through any inadvertency on my part.

(By That Servant, Sourvenir Notes, Bible Students’ Conventions, 1910, pages 205, 206)

NO. 509A THE MISSION OF THAT SERVANT

The memory of That Servant deserves to be kept fragrant, and our best efforts to do so is by a faithful use of the Truth that he gave us, as well as by a loyal endeavor to copy his example of “walking in the footsteps of Jesus.” The following is offered as a tribute to his memory:

“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.” (Matt. 24:45‑47) We believe Brother Russell was That Servant.

If our Lord found him “so doing,” during what period of time did he accomplish the things that the Lord appointed him to do as “that wise and faithful servant”? We think he accomplished all the Lord gave him to do, but it required all of his life from the time he was appointed until he died. Since it covers a period of time, it will require time to fully answer the question.

At our Lord’s First Advent He appointed twelve Apostles. Aside from their inspired teachings, some of their words and acts were not perfect, which proved that they were imperfect men.

At our Lord’s Second Advent He appointed Brother Russell as “That Servant.” He also was an imperfect man, nor were his teachings inspired of God. He faithfully studied the Old and New Testaments’ inspired teachings, and gave us texts from the Bible for his teaching. However, he made mistakes due to his expecting too much to happen at the time. His most notable mistake was his expectations for the year 1914. He corrected this mistake in the foreword of Volume 2, among other places. He knew that 1914 .was plainly revealed in Bible Chronology, but his mistake was expecting too much too soon. That mistake is understandable when we reflect upon the condition of the times then. We cannot find fault with his few mistakes when we recognize the grand panorama of truth he gave us in outlining the whole Plan of the Ages, with Scriptural proof, in a manner that has not been done since the days of the Apostles. All this was done by hard study. It was “due time” for making known many truths and Scriptures which had not been previously understood.

The writers of the Old Testament didn’t understand much of what they prophesied as shown in Daniel 12:8. Also, the prophecies of the Apostles were not all understood by them. The Apostle Paul no doubt understood what he prophesied but it wasn’t lawful for him to utter it to the other Apostles and disciples. (2 Cor. 12:4) But the Lord’s people of all times have received truth sufficient “so that the man of God may be made complete, thoroughly fitted for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:16,17, Dia.)

Our Lord’s Second Presence began in 1874 and That Servant referred to that year, as well as the years 1878, 1881, and 1914 many times in his writings. He did not imagine these dates but understood them from Bible chronology, time prophecies, parallels, jubilees and types. “But these things occurred to them typically, and were written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the Ages have come.” (1 Cor. 10:11, Dia.) It is remarkable how all five of these lines of Biblical teachings reach the same conclusions and the same dates. (See Volume 2, pages 187, 223, 233)

Read what That Servant himself said: “The Truths I present, as God’s mouthpiece, were not revealed in visions or dreams, nor by God’s audible voice, nor all at once, but gradually, especially since 1870, and particularly since 1880. Neither is this clear unfolding of truth due to any human ingenuity or acuteness of perception, but to the simple fact that God’s due time has come; and if I did not speak, and no other agent could be found, the very stones would cry out.” (Reprint 3821, col. 1, par. 3 – 1906)

That Servant in searching the Scriptures realized that the Jewish nation was typical of Christendom. Therefore, he studied the Tabernacle, but sought the advice of able Bible Students before he proceeded with further work. He then wrote Tabernacle Shadows in 1881 which was intended for the Royal Priesthood and all the Lord’s people. It is a precise explanation of the Old Testament Types. It has been truthfully said that any Bible Student who has studied and understood Tabernacle Shadows would never stray very far from the Truth. We would like to know how many Bible Students have even read that “little book.”

The context of our opening passage shows that this special servant would be placed over the household of faith in order to minister to it, showing that “that servant” is an individual leader and not the household itself, nor an organization or group. This “wise Steward” (Luke 12:42) was to be a general steward, overseer and dispenser of the Lord’s goods – not a composite steward, because we are not to recognize a clerical, or authoritative class; and the word “that” (“the” in the revised Version) implies a particular one. The intimation is that during the Lord’s presence, and at the time of the elect’s gathering, Jesus, the great Servant of His people, would make choice of one individual for dispensing meat in due season, though other fellow‑servants would be used in bringing the food to the household.

“BEHOLD THE BRIDEGROOM”

Although the theme “restitution of all things” (Acts 3:21) ran throughout his ministry, his mission included much more. Since 1799 the world had entered the “time of the end” (Dan. 12:4) and the work of cleansing the sanctuary (Church Class) had been proceeding. The awakening of the Lord’s people on the subject of the Second Advent culminated in 1874 when the above announcement began to go forth. This message was given to the Virgins in Matt. 25:6 (see Diaglott). It does not say He cometh but He is present, He has come. And the further announcement, “Thy God reigneth” was proclaimed (Isa. 52:7). This message was also to the Virgins. The revelation to the world would come later. (Volume 3, page 190, bottom; Reprint 3868, col. 1, par. 4)

A detailed understanding of the different lines of Bible Chronology (genealogies, jubilee cycles, parallel dispensation, types, etc. – 1 Cor. 10:11, Dia.) provided undeniable proof to the watching saints that the Lord’s presence had commenced. Truth on the distinction between human and spiritual natures revealed that Christ’s second presence was an invisible one and that the only manner in which He would be revealed or “seen” by the world was through the eye of faith and understanding. That Servant showed that the first and second comings were related and part of one plan; the first to redeem the world, the second to restore and bless the world through the promised seed. (Gal. 3:8,29) He made clear that the period between the first and second Advents (Gospel Age) was for. calling, testing, and selection of a “people for his name” (Acts 15:14) to reign with Christ in the next Age and share in the work of judging and blessing the world (1 Cor. 6:2). The Lord came as the chief “reaper” at that time, also.

“THE HARVEST IS THE END OF THE AGE”

The Harvest is a term which gives a general idea as to what work should be expected to be done during the 40 years between 1874 and 1914.

Jesus’ presence as Bridegroom and Reaper was recognized during the first three and a half years, from 1874 to 1878. Even though Christ was present in the Parousia as chief reaper, separating the wheat and tares with the sickle of truth (Rev. 14:14), That Servant was the mouthpiece and instrument for overseeing the gathering work. The Lord gave the message to That Servant: “Gather my Saints together unto me.” (Psa. 50:5) The Berean comments on that verse is as follows: “Gather my saints – From every quarter of Babylon into oneness with the Lord and each other, and out of fellowship with mere professors, tares after, and in consequence of, the Lord’s return.” That Servant in turn gave the message to the Saints to “Come out of her my people.” (Rev. 18:4) The Saints were never gathered into one unit at all in the Gospel Age until the Harvest when they were gathered into the sphere of the Truth. As the consecrated came forth from the nominal church during the 40 year period from 1874 to 1914, the Lord’s command of Psa. 50:5 was being fulfilled. The gathering was done under That Servant to an extent never done since the days of the Apostles. (See Volume 3, page 121; Volume 4, page 616, last par.)

At 1878 Jesus took the office of King and began to exercise His power by resurrecting the sleeping Saints (Matt. 28:18); Rev. 11:15‑17; Isa. 52:7). “And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.” (Rev. 14:13) Marking a particular time – 1878 – before which it would not be a blessing to die, but after which it would be a blessing to die. (Reprint 5556, col. 2) Since 1878 those Saints who were still alive need not sleep even a moment; but in the instant of dying are changed to spiritual beings. (See also sleep‑even 4, page 621, last par.; Volume 3, page 304, bottom and 305, top)

The date 1878 also was the beginning of the return of Divine favor to fleshly Israel. Their 1845 years double (mishneh), began in AD 33 and ended AD 1878 – 33 + 1845 = 1878. (Volume 2, page 218) The Scripture says, “Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem”. (Isa. 40:2) This “speaking comfortably” was to be done from 1878 onward, before they believe In Christ. Every evidence of the return of Divine favor to fleshly Israel is testimony that Divine favor to spiritual Israel had gradually drawn to a close. (Volume 2, page 218)

In Reprint 1395 there is this: “AH! were it not that the Lord has favored us with a share in the work of gathering out the bride and helping make her ready for the marriage of the Lamb, we would be in Jerusalem and, by the grace of God, would do a part in the great work now due of turning away blindness from Jacob (Rom 11:25).”

The date of the complete casting off of Babylon came in 1881. (Volume 2, page 235) The Gospel Age condition of wheat and tares combined is designated the Church nominal, church in name only. This mixed and confused condition is scripturally styled Babylon. That the wheat and tares were allowed to grow together until the Harvest indicates that God’s favor had been upon the nominal church throughout the Gospel Age (“Babylon hath been a golden cup in the Lord’s hand” – Jer. 51:7; Rev. 17:4). This was for the spiritual growth and testing of the Wheat class. As the Harvest truth reached the faithful Brethren throughout all denominations, it became apparent to them that the doctrines of Christendom were scripturally unsound, moving them to leave their various sects and join the assembly of the Saints outside sectarian boundaries. The Truth, therefore, made plain that “Babylon the Great is fallen [no longer under Divine favor – Rev. 3:16]”, and that the only proper response for the true believers was to “come out of her my people.” (Rev. 18:2,4,23; Reprint 3884, col. 1, par. 3)

The date 1881 also marked the close of the special favor to Gentiles, the close of the High Calling, or invitation to the blessings peculiar to this age – to become joint-heirs with Christ. At this time the full number was complete, including those in Heaven and those still on the Earth. However, opportunity was still open for individuals who would take the place of those who lost their crowns. But at no time after 1881 was the full number not complete, because each crown‑loser was replaced immediately. (Volume 3, pages 217‑219)

“As a matter of fact, then, the only ones who see clearly the peculiarly high and grand features of the call of the Gospel Age, the only ones, therefore, who could announce or explain this calling, are the very ones who are also shown from God’s Word that the time limit of this call was reached in October, 1881. Others, while quoting the Apostle’s words concerning a ‘high calling of God in Christ,’ really explain the lower call which belongs to the Millennial Age. Hence the general Gospel call is ended. None can extend it – some because they do not understand it and cannot give it, others because they know it to be at an end.” (Volume 3, page 219, par. 1)

That Servant predicted, according to Bible Chronology, that 1914 would be the end of Gentile Times and a world war would be the sign of that. But everything was so calm and serene all over the world that he began to question the chronology. But he went over it four or five times with other Brethren, but could find nothing wrong with it. Suddenly the war broke‑out due to the assassination of the Austrian Archduke in Serbia. All countries were involved, though some were not active in the battles of war. (Volume 2, page 101)

In Revelation 7:1‑3 we are told that the four angels should “hold the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth... till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.” The four winds in this text are the fallen angels (see also Dan. 7:2) the wind is the great war that started in 1914; and the forehead sealing refers to the ministering of the Truth to those who came into the Truth before that war began in each country. It should be noted here that all the Saints were spirit‑begotten (sealed in the heart) by 1914, but all of them had not been sealed in their foreheads (intellectually) with present Truth. “Till we have sealed...” – those on this side of the veil had an important work, to gather together the elect and to seal them in the forehead. Each sealed one became a sealer of others as soon as he himself was sealed. The chief mission of the Church has been her own development. “Edifying one another.” (1 Thes. 5:11) “Building up yourselves on your most holy faith.” (Jude 20) The sealing of one another was done with the present truth, “meat in due season,” given by the Lord through That Servant – the “steward” over the “household.” (Volume 3, page 165, bottom)

However, it should be carefully noted that this restraint was to be only “that no wind [World War One] might blow on the earth... till we have sealed the bondservants of our God in their foreheads” – giving sufficient knowledge of “Present Truth” to enable them to “Come out of her, My people.” (Rev. 18:4) The war did not break out in any country until the saints there had been “sealed in their foreheads.” Our thought is that the evil angels would long ago have done injury to the symbolic earth, sea and trees, had it not been for the restraint of Divine Power.

Symbolically, the earth represents organized society; the sea represents disorganized masses, and the trees represent the Household of Faith.

THE SMITING OF JORDAN

But all of them were “sealed in the forehead” in time to take part in the Smiting of Jordan. This Smiting was sharp, disclosing truths that disproved the doctrines of the Divine Right of the clergy, of aristocrats, of labor, each claiming certain privileges and powers by Divine Right. All the literature exposing these evils was used and directed by That Servant such as: Volume 4, Armageddon; tracts like The World on Fire, Distress of Nations, Clergy Ordination Proved Fraudulent, Why Financiers Tremble, Photo‑Drama, etc. Public lectures and private conversations were used in this smiting, also. This was done from the fall of 1914 to that of 1916. Psalms 149:5‑9 by the expression “this honor have all the saints,” shows that this honor would be shared in, even by the last member of the Little Flock to be called. (Volume 2, page 100, last par.)

Some of the Bible Students who believe they are saints are beginning to use the above mentioned literature as if they are finishing That Servant’s mission.

“UNITY OF FAITH”

If we define the “unity of faith” to be a clear and harmonious understanding of the “ten strings of the harp of God” (Psa. 33:2), then we must conclude That Servant and all who came into and clearly understood Harvest Present Truth indeed came to “unity of faith.” That this is the position God wished His people to accept during the Harvest is shown in Isa. 52:8, “Thy watchmen... shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion.” Note the Berean Comments on this: “In the harvest of the Gospel Age, clearly, harmoniously.” It was Brother Russell’s Stewardship Doctrine centering about Restitution that brought “unity of faith” for the first time in history to God’s people as a collective group. It is true that St. Peter preached Restitution (Acts 3:19‑21); and it is true that St. Paul was “caught up into Paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter” (2 Cor. 12:4); but it is also true that the General Church of that time had not come to the “unity of faith” – had not come to a clear understanding of Restitution. However, all in the Gospel Harvest were reasonably clear on the Restitution doctrine. (Volume 4, page 610)

Therefore, a Prophet did accomplish the first of the two purposes for which the servants of the Church were appointed – “till we all attain to the unity of faith.” We believe he also accomplished the second of these purposes – the measure of the full stature of the anointed one.” (Eph. 4:13, Dia.) When the last one was reaped in September 1914, there also for the first time was reached “the full stature of the anointed one” in that the Body was then full and irrevocably complete unto that unity which “every joint supplieth, to the effectual working in the measure of every part.” (Eph. 4:16)

Can it be said that the “watchmen” have seen “eye to eye” since 1916? No! Nor can it be said that this oneness is something attained by the Saint Class beyond the veil, because there would be no need for them to be “watchmen” then. If any are inclined to believe that “unity of faith” means understanding the entire Bible, then we must admit that no one does, so far as we know.

That Servant repeatedly said, in both the Towers and the Volumes, that the Kingdom was set up September 21, 1914. (Reprints 5632, col. 2, par. 3) This meant several things: (1) that the full number of the Saints had been won, and between 1914 and 1916 the last ones came into the sphere of the truth “sealed in the forehead.” (Rev. 7:1‑3); (2) that the full number, 144,000, was irrevocably fixed at that date; (3) that there were no more crowns lost after that date to be taken by others. It also meant that the Time of Trouble and the judgment of the nations had begun – “this honor have all the saints.” (Psa. 149:9 Volume 4, page 624, par. 3) Of course, the most severe features of the Time of Trouble have not yet come, but That Servant could not have known how soon or how late this would be. But the severe trouble is to be to and for the world, not for the Saints.

We see then that the following things took place during the period of 40 years from 1874 to 1914: (1) The announcement of the Second presence of the Lord. (Matt. 25:6; Volume 3, pages 190, bottom through 193) (2) Gathering of the Saints. (Psa. 50:5; Volume 3, page 159, par. 2) (3) The beginning of favor returning to the Jews. (Volume 2, page 258, bottom) (4) The close of the High Calling or special favor to the Gentiles. (Volume 2, page 218, top) (5) The smiting of Jordan. (Reprint 5632, col. 1, top; Volume 2, page 101, last par.) (6) The unity of faith. (Eph. 4:13; Reprint 3856, col. 2)

If all the saints were not gathered under Brother Russell during that 40‑year period then he did not complete the mission of That Servant and indeed was not That Servant. In that case, the Harvest has not yet been. That would also mean that the Lord’s second presence has not yet occurred, because His first task was to be the “chief reaper” of the Harvest. If all this be true then what we have learned from Brother Russell about the Plan of Salvation is all wrong. But more Truth, “meat in due season,” was revealed during his ministry than had been since the days of the Apostles, and we can be confident to “contend for the faith once delivered unto the saints.” (Jude 3) This is not to say that he succeeded the Apostles, or that he was inspired as they were, for we know that there is no such thing as Apostolic succession. But there is no other conclusion than that he was That Servant and that he did complete his mission of gathering the saints.

We love all the Lord’s people including those who believe they are Saints, and we are trying to help and not hurt them. We appreciate the good work they have done in witnessing and in publishing the Volumes and Towers. When we correct their mistakes, it means we love them even more. (Prow. 13:24) Let us remember that the first condition of acceptance with God is loyal obedience to His Word, the evidence of love for Him and faith in Him. Let us remember, also, that the second qualification He will look for in us is love for the brethren, readiness to be, to do and to suffer, to die on behalf of those who are really, truly consecrated children of God, seeking to walk in His ways.

But it is unrealistic to think all in the Bible Student groups are of the Little Flock. That would constitute a great flock. If their numbers could be counted, we believe it would be found that there are more of them now living than the number 144,000 (Rev. 7:4) predestined to be of that class. And, if they are bringing in new ones, the number would be even more inflated.

St. Paul said, “For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” (Acts 20:27) It no doubt means he shunned not to give all the elect classes as well as the saved class of the Kingdom of the world, or the Restitutionist of Acts 17:31. Then the Apostle Paul gave us 2 Tim. 2:20: “But in a great house [God’s household] there are not only vessels of gold [the Bride class] and of silver [the Great Company, or the ones that lost their crowns], but also of wood [the Ancient Worthies of Hebrews, chapter 11] and of earth [the unbegotten class that That Servant taught in Reprint 5761, September 1, 1915]; and some to honour [saved Restitutionists], and some to dishonour [these are the ones that disobey and are sentenced to the Second Death].”

We notice there is a difference in how the elect and non‑elect are listed. The elect classes are separated by commas, while the non‑elect are separated from the elect by a semi‑colon. It seems reasonable that That Servant noticed these two texts when he unhesitatingly gave us an unbegotten class, which we call Youthful Worthies, to be won after all the Saints have been gathered. We do not wish to add anything to That Servant’s faithful teaching anymore than to add to God’s Word (Rev. 22:18); nor do we want to omit any of his faithful teaching anymore than we would omit some of God’s word (Rev. 22:19).

Some may ask, what of those who have consecrated since 1914? That Servant did not hesitate to give us the whole counsel of God (Acts 20:27). He taught four elect classes, including an unbegotten consecrated class between the Ages, after the High Calling is closed and before Restitution begins. (2 Tim. 2:20: Volume 6, page 157, top; Reprint 5761, col. 2; Reprint 5493, col. 1, par. 6) Perhaps in a future paper we will give more details on this unbegotten class in the end of the Age. But it is sufficient to say now that That Servant finished his mission to “gather together the Saints.” (Psa. 50:5) All were reaped into the Harvest movement before he enacted the toga scene in the railroad Pullman in Texas on October 16, 1916, with one of his final statements being, “I have done as thou has commanded me.” (Ezek. 9:11) This was in substance one of the last statements of Jesus, “I have finished the work which thou gavest me to do.” (John 17:4) (See Question Book, page 147, Question 1, and page 152, Question 3)

Will our Pastor’s work endure? Temporarily it has suffered and will for a short time continue to suffer a partial eclipse in many minds – but surely as the Truth is powerful and will in the end prevail, so surely the work that the Lord gave That Servant will endure. In the meantime, it is the privilege of all who wish to support his work to protect against deviation from, and perversions of it whenever, wherever and however they can.

We also pay tribute to the Epiphany Messenger who faithfully upheld and defended the Truth in keeping with 1 Sam. 2:30: “Them that honor me I will honor.” We do well to honor those that the Lord honors – not as “angel” worshipers, but in sound and proper appraisal of their position and service in the Household.

Let their memory abide fragrant to us and be an inspiration for greater fidelity to fruitfulness, in the Lord. We heartily proclaim, God Bless their memory!

NO. 508 PRINCE OF THE POWER OF THE AIR (EPHESIANS 2:2)

Doubtless many have been much surprised when told that Satan is not in some far-off place stoking fires and torturing human or other victims, but that he is present amongst men, an invisible angel of evil, ably supported in his work as an Adversary of God by legions of other fallen angels (Mark 5:9; Luke 8:30), of whom he is master -"Prince of Demons," either because of his superiority of nature, or because of belonging to a higher rank or grade than the ordinary angel. It's a surprise to many to learn that Satan, so far from being ill-favored, is beautiful, according to the Scriptures, and is supervising the work directly and through the fallen angels, his servants, to mislead and to deceive humanity -putting light for darkness and darkness for light, error for truth, etc.

The time was not long ago when intelligent people made light of everything in the Scriptures respecting invisible spirit beings, good and bad -the messengers of God and the messengers of Satan. This, however, can no longer be done. Under the increasing light of the New Dispensation man himself today can do things which but a short time ago would have been considered impossible. We can speak with our friends over hundreds of miles with a telephone and recognize each other's voices. Still more marvelous is wireless telegraphy, the cellular phone, computers, fax machines, etc... whereby we can communicate with others with great ease. If man can accomplish these things, what can not the Almighty accomplish? Who can deny the possibility of the invisible presence of spirit beings and yet admit the possibility of wireless telegraphy? We are safe, dear friends, in guiding our judgments directly by the Word of God and reasoning inside and not outside of its boundaries.

THE BIBLE IN PERFECT ACCORD

The Bible, and it alone, explains certain phenomena, and all of the Bible explana­tions, although written by some of the writers centuries apart they are in perfect accord. Thus in Genesis .the Bible tells us respecting Satan's deflection, and the book of Revelation, written more than three thousand years later, tells us of his being bound for a thousand years (Rev. 20:2) of Messiah's reign and Satan's ultimate destruction. Isaiah and Ezekiel tell us of his being at one time in full harmony with God, and that then he was the "covering cherub" (Ezek. 28: 14,16), glorious, grand, beautiful, and that his name was Lucifer.

All of the angelic, heavenly hosts are termed stars, bright ones; but Lucifer, being of a higher order, was styled the "son of the morning" (Isa. 14: 12). It was at that time, while in Divine favor, that Satan permitted the lodgment in his mind of a disloyal thought of how, indirectly, by being of higher responsibility he could work some wonders and do some things better than the Almighty. Satan craved the opportunity to make a demonstra­tion of what he could do. But the Scriptures declare that first of all he said this merely in his heart and uttered it not. "He said in his heart, I will ascend into heaven: I will exalt my throne above the stars of God [still farther above his angelic associates]. I will be as the Most High [a ruler]." (Isa. 14: 13, 14)

THE OPPORTUNE TIME CAME

Never had there been sin in heaven (Spirit world). Satan was the first of all its inhabitants to cherish and to entertain a rebellious thought, and to bring it to a consummation. He held the thought in abeyance until the opportunity was afforded him, and God Himself afforded the opportunity, with full knowledge of the consequences, and with the desire that this test of the entire heavenly host, and of a human race as well, should be effected, because God seeketh not the worship of constraint, but seeketh such as "worship Him in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24), voluntarily, joyfully.  

It was when Satan beheld our first parents, in the image and likeness of God, yet not spirit but flesh, earthly, that he perceived the opportunity of gaining the coveted power for an empire, separate from that of Jehovah. In the first pair the Adversary beheld a new thing, a creature of Godlike qualities and possessed of the power to propagate his own species. Satan realized that the conquest of this pair and the bringing of them into subjection to himself would signify the capture of a world full of people eventually -that the enslavement of the parents would signify the enslavement of the race.

SATAN'S METHODS WERE SUCCESSFUL

We cannot deny that Satan's plans were logical and that he has carried them out with great success -so that the Scriptures declare him "the Prince of this world" (John 14:30). and again, "the god of this world" (2 Cor. 4:4). Nevertheless, his victory was not so great as he doubtless expected it to be. No doubt he expected that he was capturing an immortal race. Quite probably he believed the falsehood he told mother Eve, when he contradicted the Word of God -that sin, that disobedience in eating the forbidden fruit, would bring upon them the penalty of death, "dying thou shalt die."

Satan's charge was that God had misrepresented the facts for the purpose of holding His creatures in mental slavery to Himself: that He did not wish them to be wise. therefore He forbade the eating of this particular kind of fruit and declared the penalty of death for the transgression of His law. "I, Satan, assure you that you need not be afraid of the fruit; I assure you that it will do you good, and that you will not surely die from the eating of it."

Alas!  Mother Eve believed the Adversary and disbelieved her God, and then enticed her husband, still thinking no doubt, that she would not die and that the serpent had told her the truth and that God had been the deceiver. St. Paul tells us that father Adam knew better and ate the fruit, knowing that it would cause his death, willing thus to disobey in order to maintain the fellowship of his wife, whose life, he realized was already forfeited (1 Tim. 2:14).

When the Divine sentence began to go into execution was when our first parents were driven out of Ede~ to battle with the thorns and thistles until they should return to dust. No doubt Satan was disappointed. He would rather be the Prince of a noble, living family of angels or of a perfect human race than the Emperor of a weak and dying race. However, from that day to the present time he has been fighting upon the same line; he has been contending with mankind that the Word of God is false when it declares that "the wages of sin is death" (Rom. 6:23), and that "the soul that sinneth it shall die." (Ezek. 18:4) From that day to this he has been using this falsehood to the injury of our race, and he surely has succeeded wonderfully.

Today, not only in heathen lands, but amongst the most civilized, it is freely believed (and many Christians consider it Scriptural to believe the nonsensical) that the dead is more alive than he was before he died. People of good, sound reasoning faculties on ordinary subjects seem to be "hoodooed" by this falsehood of Satan, "ye shall not surely die." So true is this, that it seems consistent to them to say that a man hit over the head with a stick and knocked senseless knows nothing, but a man hit over the head harder and killed, knows everything.

THE FALLEN ANGELS

It was sometime after the fall of Satan and the fall of man that the Lord permitted the great test to come upon the angels of heaven, under which test a host of them fell into sin, disobedience, etc., and since then are known in the Scriptures as the fallen angels, and as devils -more properly demons. These fallen angels, demons, are under Satan as their great Prince and they have been his active agents for long centuries in deceiving mankind and opposing the Divine Program.

SATAN THE GREAT MURDERER

No less an authority than our great Lord and Redeemer tells us that Satan is a murderer and a liar. He declares that "He was a murderer from the beginning and abode not in the truth; when he speaketh a lie he speaketh of his own, for he is the father of lies." (John 8: 44) It is well that we keep this Divine testimony in our minds. It is well that we note just what the first great lie was, namely, Satan's misrepresentation saying, "Ye shall not surely die." (Gen. 3:4) It is important that we notice this, because so thoroughly has Satan accomplished his deceptive work that practically everybody, the heathen as well as the civilized, accept Satan's version of the matter and discredits that of the Almighty.

Let us notice that Satan is a murderer; that he murdered Father Adam and Mother Eve, and that his lie is still murdering our race, under the just laws of heredity. The error of believing Satan instead of God has gotten many into the confused situation of disclaiming that God proposed that man should live forever on earth in a Paradise, and, as his family would increase and continue in harmony with His wise regulation, the boundaries of his Paradise would be enlarged and be a Paradise filled with the knowledge of God and home of a perfect humanity, in accord with God, privileged to maintain everlasting life here. And, says this theory, by Satan's lie and our first parent's fall, we die and by dying become more alive and some of us go to heaven and the mass to some eternal, fiery hell, of which we have no knowledge.

SATAN'S KNOWLEDGE AND POWER INCREASING

But in another sense Satan is prince of the air power -literally. When Job was given into his hand to be tried, he manifested his power of death. He caused fire to fall from heaven (probably a bolt of lightening), and destroyed several of Job's servants and his sheep. He caused a great wind (a cyclone or tornado) to come upon Job's house and thus killed Job's sons and daughters.

Satan's object evidently was to make Job suppose that God caused those calamities, and to thus cause Job to feel bitter and resentful against God, and to "curse God and die"; or to shake his faith in there being any God. Indeed, that such was Satan' s object is implied in the narrative; and Job's friends, although God fearing men, were deceived into this view, and tried for days to convince Job that his afflictions were the work of the Lord. But of Job it is written, "In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly [with being the author of his calamities]." (Job 1:22)

Again, notice that when our Lord and His disciples were in the little boat on the Sea of Galilee and our Lord was asleep, a storm suddenly arose, which appalled the hearts of those old and expert fishermen accustomed to the storms, until they awakened the Master, saying, Lord, save us; we perish! We cannot presume that, if the heavenly Father had willed or caused that storm, our Lord Jesus would have commanded it to subside, or that it would have obeyed Him. On the contrary, rather we may suppose that the same Satan who used his power against Job's household sought to destroy the Lord and the infant Church. But that Satan had no power over the life of Christ, until "his hour had come," is evident from our Lord's words upon this occasion, "0 ye of little faith, why are ye fearful?"

We would not be understood to question God's ability to cause st9rms, cyclones, etc.; but from our Lord's teachings we know that such would not be His spirit; for when the disciples were incensed against the Samaritans who did not welcome the Redeemer and asked, "Lord wilt thou that we command fire to come down from heaven and consume them?" Our Lord's answer was, "Ye know not what spirit ye are of [your spirit is not mine, nor the Father's]." (Luke 9:55)

Remembering the deluge and the destruction of Sodom, we can only understand, in the light of the account in Job, that God may at times use storms and fires as His servants to execute His decrees against the wicked; or that Satan is ever ready as an executioner, taking pleasure in evil, to destroy life whenever permitted to do so.

In thinking of how Satan has the power of death, let us not forget that in healing the diseases of the people, at His First Advent, our Lord expressly stated that they were "afflicted of [or by] the devil." If God had directly caused the diseases, our Redeemer in healing the sick would have been opposing the Father, and not doing His will. Since disease is death at work, devouring the sick, to have the power of disease is to have the power of death.

Satan is permitted to have such a power of disease and death because of sin; and because men are under the Divine and just sentence of death, as culprits. The Scriptures represent that mankind had sold itself. under sin and death, and to him that has this power, Satan.

The foregoing being true, it seems more than possible, yes, probable, that Satan's power for evil and death finds exercise in the development of new diseases which for a time successfully baffle the skill of all except Satan's own physicians -Christian Scientists, etc. Many new diseases have arisen in recent years, as well as the resurgence of some old ones thought to be eradicated. Some of these are: Aids, Eco1i, Hunta virus, Encephalitis, Tuberculosis, Chicken flu and Strep A, a very virulent invasive, sometimes fatal strain of Strep.

Knowing that God is resting from His creative work, since the creation of man, we are bound to attribute these new creations to other sources. Satan is knowledgeable, and no doubt merely takes advantage of natural laws in propagation of the evils mentioned; and no doubt if mankind possessed the powers with which his Creator endowed him, when he gave him dominion over every creature, he would have equal knowledge of the laws governing the start and propagation of bacteria and virus, and could use his knowledge and powers to prevent such formations or to destroy them. But man is fallen, and has "lost" (Luke 19: 10) much that he once possessed. Satan is now his master and prince; he "now worketh in the children of disobedience"; under his misrule "the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together." (Eph. 2:2; Rom. 8:19-23; 1 John 5:19, Dia.)

We may safely say that Satan's object in using his "power of death" over his subjects is not merely to, gratify a fiendish delight in their sufferings. Quite probably his special object is to oppose the true light, which is now more and more breaking over the world as the Sun of Righteousness rises into place and influence. He is still striving to prevent the light of the knowledge of the goodness of God from shining into men's hearts and chasing away the dark shadows of doubt and fear which he has deeply engraved thereon for centuries by "doctrines of devils" -by which he has made God to appear as mercilessly cruel, unjust and unkind, and the author of evil, calamities, diseases, plagues, storms, etc.

Satan may think that he is unrestrainab1e, but we know that "all power in heaven and in earth" was given unto Christ, when, having finished His course, He was raised from death by the Father's power, and highly exalted.

By the ransom which He gave, by which God's sentence against the sinner-race was legally met and paid, once for all, our Lord became the owner of the race which had by sin sold itself to Satan and came under his control, but without any Divine sanction of the transaction. Christ, the legal purchaser now holds the destinies of all men. His purpose, as he explains it, is the very reverse of Satan's policy. He will set them free to act for themselves, by increasing their knowledge -opening the sin-blinded eyes of all –to see the goodness and love and justice of God. Those who then choose righteous­ness He will bless and help and heal, restoring them to perfection lost through Adam. Those who will not hear, obey, after the knowledge of the Lord fills the whole earth, will He cut off from among the people -in the Second Death. Then Satan, too, who for six thousand years has had the power of death and exercised it so relentlessly, shall be destroyed. (Heb. 2:14)

The permission of Satan's policy and power as "prince of this world," since the ransom-price was paid, and since all power over man passed legally into the hands of Christ, is not from lack of power to destroy Satan  and release his blinded slaves, nor from lack of loving sympathy and interest in them, but because God's due time for this world (age) to end, and for the world ("age) to come to begin has not arrived; and all of God's dealings are upon lines of strictest order. God's plan provided a work for Christ to do before the setting up of His Kingdom, and taking to Himself His great power and beginning His reign. (Rev. 15:14,17) The Gospel Age was needful for the call, selection and discipline of this class; and its work is almost completed.

At the close of the Gospel Age and the introduction of the Millennial Age our Lord in wisdom has purposed a great time of trouble, which shall not only be a just recompense upon the world for sins against light and opportunity, but also a time of breaking up present imperfect institutions preparatory to the better ones of Christ's Kingdom; and the breaking of the hard hearts of the ungodly -plowing and harrowing them, and getting ready many (we trust) for the good seed of righteousness, which the glorified Church will sow unsparingly during the Millennium.

As a part of that coming trouble, "such as was not since there was a nation" (Dan. 12:1), in addition to its financial, social, political and religious features, we believe that Satan's "power of death" will be permitted to a remarkable degree -increasingly and along the lines already indicated -storms, hail, droughts, pests, germs and diseases. Building upon the false doctrines he has already inculcated, he will be zealous in the exercise of his power of death, that thus to some he may represent God as being of devilish disposition, while to others the effect may be to destroy all faith in a Divine power. For none, except those instructed in the Scriptures respecting the cause and object of the permission of evil, calamities, etc., could suppose any reason why God should either inflict such calamities or permit them to come upon men from other causes.

And Satan's power of death makes it quite possible his relief of sickness, etc., through agencies of his choice for the purpose of enforcing their false teachings. This deception will, we believe, be employed by him more and more as the Time of Trouble advances. This is another sign of Satan's desperation, and indicates the near approach of the dissolution of his kingdom and power of death. So says our Lord in Matthew 12:25,26.

Satan no doubt has been permitted to gain increasing knowledge since 1799 just as have men; and no doubt like them he takes the credit to himself, and supposes that he is daily growing wiser, and through his wisdom he has greater "power of death." Christ, the new King, according to the Scriptures, will permit Satan to use his knowledge and powers increasingly, and thus cause the wrath of Satan to praise God, and to work out features of His plan, as He so often has done with the wrath of man. (Psa. 76:10)

Sickness, disease, accidents and other mysterious dispensations of Providence (so-called) are but the instruments of Satan; and the messengers -not of light but of darkness -by which he gathers in his harvest.

Can anyone look calmly at the misery of the past six thousand years and not discern who has been the ruler of this world? Surely they would exclaim with Job, "The earth is given unto the hand of the wicked one; he covereth the faces of [deceives] the judges thereof; if not where and who is he [the rightful ruler]?" Let those who have the truth stand up for the character and glory of the Father and of His Son, who is about to take up His great power and reign.

When the Time of Trouble is over we shall see a different order of things; when earth's sons may each sit fearlessly and peacefully under his own vine and fig-tree, rejoicing in the fruit of their own planting (Micah 4:4). Now death is everywhere. Carelessness, recklessness, covetousness, drunkenness, or devilishness may each be the instrumentality, but Satan is the director of all. Let us give the devil his due in the fullest sense and bravely stand for the honor of the Name of the Lord, praying, "THY KINGDOM COME."

THE GIFT OF GOD IS ETERNAL LIFE (Rom. 6:23)

God, while permitting Satan and sin and depravity and death to take their course, has not been idle. He has had, and still has a great plan for human salvation -a plan for recovering man from sin and from death and from all of his fallen conditions, a plan of restitution to human perfection, a plan by which the Seed of the woman shall yet, literally, crush the Serpent's head (Gen. 3:15), and undo Satan's great original misdeed -recover man from his murdered condition and from his fallen estate to all that he had at first plus the knowledge and experiences of the present life and plus the experience incidental to his uplift, during the reign of Messiah, for which we pray, "THY KINGDOM COME."

The Scriptures clearly show us that all of this recovery is to be accomplished through the merit of Jesus' sacrifice -the just for the unjust. That the work has not yet begun is evident. We are still living under the reign of sin and death. The Messianic Kingdom must come in power and great glory and be established, the Scriptures tell us, in a great time of trouble. Then the earth will be made to blossom as the rose, and the wilderness and the solitary places will be made glad, and all mankind will receive Divine blessing and opportunity to return to Divine favor and eternal life as human beings. And the willfully disobedient and the negligent of those opportunities will die the Second Death, from which there will be no recovery, no resurrection, no hope.

"The God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly." (Rom. 16: 20) The Church is the Body of Christ, Messiah. Hence the Apostle's words in this text apply to the Church in glory.

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MOSHE ARENS URGED TO INTENSIFY ISRAEL'S SECURITY

Israel's Defense Minister, the popular and well-liked Moshe Arens, has been urged to correct some of the serious mistakes made by his predecessors to offset President Clinton's pro-Arafat and negative postures vis-a-vis the Jewish State.

The urgent call, made by Herbert Zweibon in a recent issue of "Outpost" of which he is editor, is fully consistent with the position of those who believe the time has come for the Netanyahu Government to show its mettle and act in the spirit of the Maccabees and the ancient prophets of our people, respecting the boundaries of the "Promised" Land as delineated in the Book of Books.

Your correspondent believes Arens will heed this call to the satisfaction of the majority of Israelis on the very eve of the scheduled elections:

1. Adjust the open-fire orders: For years, Israeli soldiers have had their hands tied when responding to Arab violence. A soldier facing a mob of Arabs hurling deadly rocks and firebombs is bound by impossible restrictive orders that prevent him from adequately defending himself. The open-fire orders need to be adjusted to reality: anybody throwing a rock or a firebomb is trying to kill and anyone who is the target of such an attempted murder should be allowed -indeed required to -respond with appropriate force.
2. Make the roads safe: For too long, the Jewish residents of Judea-Samaria-Gaza have traveled in fear every time they go to work or send their children off to school. The Israeli army needs to be assigned the mission of forcefully securing the safety of the roads. Just as it wiped out terrorist nests, house by house, in Gaza in 1969, the army today can get the job done -if the Defense Minister has the political courage to give the order and stand by it.
3. Military preparations for Jewish residents of the territories: The Jewish communities of Judea, Samaria and Gaza should not be excessively dependent on the Israeli Army for day-to-day protection. It puts the residents at a military disadvantage, diverts the Army's resources, and could create unjustified public resentment of the Jewish residents of the territories. They should be given training courses in military preparedness and counter-terror tactics for repelling intruders so that they can assume the major share of their own defense requirements.
4. Change the Hebron double-standard: The Israeli legal authorities have been using a double standard against the Jewish residents of Hebron, harassing and intimidating them with trivial or even trumped-up charges, while Arab rioters and inciters walk free -a rule of law must be restored in Hebron.
5. Make Syria pay a price: Syria must not be allowed to continue the sponsorship of Hezbollah’s rocket terrorism without consequences. The Syrians must pay a price for their proxy war against Israel.
6. End the Lebanon rumors: The constant rumors of an imminent withdrawal from Lebanon demoralize soldiers stationed there and embolden the Hezbollah terrorists. Those rumors must be stopped, once and for all.
7. Assert Israel's Authority in Gaza: In the Gaza Strip the Palestinian Authority (PA) has been allowed to quietly expand its authority and powers that endanger local Jewish communities. The Israeli army should reassert its status at the sovereign power in the region.
8. Confiscate illegal PA weapons: Foreign Minister Ariel Sharon recently revealed that the PA is amassing huge stockpiles of weapons prohibited by the Oslo accords, including missiles and anti-tank weapons. If the PA will not surrender them, the Israeli army should seize them. Otherwise they will one day be used against Israel.
9. Pursue terrorist everywhere: Terrorists who attack Israelis and then flee into PA territory should be chased into PA territory whether Arafat likes it or not. Subcontracting the fight against terror to Arafat has never worked. Even the Oslo accords themselves authorize Israel to engage in "hot pursuit" of fleeing terrorist.
10. Protect Arab allies: Since the establishment of the Palestinian Authority, local Arabs who assisted Israel in the past have in some cases, been left without adequate protection by the Israeli security forces. Pressure from the PA should not be allowed to compromise Israel's moral responsibility to defend those who risked their lives to aid Israel in various ways.

And finally, Mr. Defense Minister, it is vital that you remind the Prime Minister that Israeli policy must be decided in Jerusalem, not in Washington or Gaza. Foreign pressures must not be allowed to dictate what measures Israel takes to protect its security.

Yes, let the spirit of the Maccabees and the Prophets inflame the Yishuv again.

(By David Horowitz, The Jewish Press, April 16, 1999)

PAPAL DECREE: "When the Vatican's head of state visited our country, he apparently forgot that he was our guest. His criticism of capital punishment was uncalled for and a blatant attempt to interfere with and change the laws and customs of a host nation.

"In addition to this, his referring to our death penalties as 'cruel and unusual punishment' is somewhat hypocritical. Compared with the cruelty of his eternal purgatories and hells, our execution gurneys and electric chairs are mere slaps on the wrist.

"A papal decree that abolishes the literal concept of eternal punishment would do a lot more to alleviate suffering in the world than would doing away with secular death penalties." (By C. A. Lousignont, Letter to the Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, April 1999)

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LETTERS OF GENERAL INTEREST

Dear Emily,

We are deeply touched by your sharing with us these very trying times. We have your letter of March 6 as well as your lovely card of March 24. Both together  and each one by itself  were such an encouragement. And you yourself don't have it so easy now ­nevertheless you have room in your heart for people you have never seen and who live thousands of miles away. This warmth and humanity is nothing short of astonishing. Too, I am sure, it is Christian to the core, simple and pure!

It pains me to say that Dina's situation has deteriorated: There is more pain. With the help of a variety of medications the pain is kept at bay, less or more. And Dina gets all the food-additions the doctors prescribe, like Royal Jelly - the very concentrated honey. (Remember the "Land that flows with milk and honey"? -Deut. 27:3; Joshua 5:6 and many others, as you so well know!) So, we carry on. The main thing is and remains to keep spirits and hope UP!

Today here is Remembrance Day for the Fallen -which always precedes by one day the Independence Day. More than 19,000 men and women gave their life so that Israel, we all here, can live. And tomorrow it's 51 years that we stand on our own feet.

Be well and do receive our heartfelt gratitude for your support and wishes and Prayers!

Michael Pragai    (ISRAEL)

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Dear Emily:

Back home again after my tenth visit at Emek ha Shalom. Despite Herman's 98 years he still makes speeches and Joseph assists him with the translation into Hebrew.

Visitors came to Emek ha Shalom almost every day. One day for instance there were several school-children in buses, and one Sabbath there was a "public walk" in the valley with thousands of people.

The side-walks are now completed. They end up at resting-places with chairs and tables for the visitors.

During my stay we visited settlers in Judea and Samaria. The settlers at Bet Haggai near Karmel in Judea told us that they were prohibited to build houses. But for a long time they have seen the Arabic people building houses in the neighborhood.

In Samaria we visited settlers not far from Siloh, about 25 kilometers north of Jerusalem. There was a rather deep discussion between Joseph and one of the Settlers. The discussion ended up in the comment from the settler to Joseph: "Your spirit strengthens our faith."

On a hill not far from Siloh, Herman and Joseph plan to stay in a caravan for some time to support the settlers. The caravan is now being prepared at Emek ha Shalom. Joseph pointed out the hill for me and told me that the Jews in the neighborhood call the hill "The Voice of Zion."

Joseph told me that he wants people to take care of the visitors at Emek ha Shalom during the time he and Herman will stay in the caravan in Samaria. I enclose a letter from Anders Karlen. Regards from Anders Karlen and from the other friends in Sweden. All the best and many kind regards from your friend.

Leif Malmkvist       (SWEDEN)

PS. The friends here in Sweden are interested to find the book What Say the Scriptures About Spiritism. Do you know where we can find it?

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Dear Sister Hoefle.

I have received a copy of your newsletter from a brother of Eugene. Or. It is very interesting and informative and I enjoyed reading it very much. If it would be possible. I would like to start receiving it on a regular basis. Please let me know the price and I will send you a check.

It is very difficult to find good reading material involving truth as presented by Pastor Russell and Pastor Johnson. Please keep up the good work and write me at the above address.

Peace and love in the name of our beloved Lord     ------- (OREGON)

NO. 507 MIDEAST PROBLEMS WILL COME OUT ALL RIGHT

The question was asked in a recent Reader's Digest, "How Religious Are We?" According to a Reader's Digest-Gallup Poll survey, it was found that Americans are quite religious.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

GOD'S LOVE FOR ISRAEL

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

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

“THE LORD LOVED THEE”

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

From the beginning God foreknew His plan as we see it gradually ripening. He foreknew that man, allowed to take his course, would fall deeply into sin and be overwhelmed in its penalty, death. He foreknew His own purpose to provide in due time the Lamb of God as a ransom-sacrifice for the sins of the whole world. He foreknew the ultimate blessing of all the families of the earth: purposing that the glorified Redeemer should be the deliverer of mankind. He foreknew and arranged a thousand years of restitution work, when under Messiah's glorious Kingdom all mankind should be brought to a full knowledge of God

and a full opportunity for returning to all that was lost in Eden, all that was redeemed at Calvary; and when the ultimately rebellious should be destroyed. He foresaw from the beginning the glorious result when every knee would be bowing and every tongue confessing the glorious work of Messiah's Kingdom. This entire program was to be of the Father and through the Son. (1 Cor. 8:6)

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

CALLING ABRAHAM'S POSTERITY

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

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

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

“HE CAME UNTO HIS OWN”

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

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

Naturally enough, Israel will then in a natural way come first into harmony with the Divine arrangement and be the first to get the blessing. However, during the thousand years of the Kingdom, as the Scriptures declare, all nations shall bless themselves in becoming Abraham's seed -in coming into relationship with the Kingdom, which will have an Israelitish basis. (Jer. 4:2; 1sa. 65:16; Gen. 12:3) Eventually, all will be destroyed who do not thus become true Israelites. Thus Abraham's seed will eventually include all the families of the earth -all for whom God has provided life eternal. As for Gentiles -strangers from God -none will remain. (That Servant, Reprints 5809, 5810, December 1, 1915)

BARAK ISN'T ISRAEL'S SAVIOR

The election of Ehud Barak as Israel's new prime minister changes nothing: The terms of the Jewish state's surrender and the methods that will be 'Used to annihilate it remain the same.

From the Clinton White House, to State Department Arabists, to Israeli secularists who define evil as something done by Israeli leaders but not by their enemies, there is the misplaced hope that the election is an indication that "peace" is at hand.

Yossi Beilin, a Labor Party Knesset member who will be an influential player in the new government, wrote in Tuesday's Jerusalem Post: "There can be no peace without compromise and without peace there will never be real security in Israel has frequently compromised. It has lived up to its commitments in the Oslo accords, asking only that the Palestinians do the same, which they have not. When Israel relinquished control of Gaza and its sacred city of Hebron, there was a momentary lull. But soon it was back to diplomatic and physical terrorism because the goal of Palestinians is not compromise and coexistence. For them, such things are not ends but means to complete and total control of all the land and the elimination of every Jew (in fact, every non-Muslim "infidel") living and dead, from it.

When the policies of the Clinton administration (and George Bush's before it) of unrelenting pressure on Israel provoke another war, will the weakened U.S. military come to Israel's aid? If we aren't sending ground troops into Kosovo to stop the slaughter of hundreds of thousands, where will we acquire the will to intervene on the ground to save Jews? The United States turned away from the Jews once before in this century. To repeat that error would be an unpardonable sin.

Barak is celebrating the spoils of political victory, but he will be under intense pressure to deliver on a mirage. President Clinton, lusting after an honorable legacy and running out of time, will use the State Department and the anti-Israel cabal in the United Nations to try to force Israel to cave and deliver. Look for Beilin and former Prime Minister Shimon Peres to pressure Barak from within to surrender the Golan Heights down to the border of Israel's main water supply, the Sea of Galilee. But when war breaks out, launched from territory recently acquired by the Palestinians; will the leftists stay and fight? Or will they catch the first plane or boat to safety and indulge in "what might have been" theorizing if Likud had never ruled? Their line will be that Israel didn't compromise fast enough and so made her enemies angry.

This is the stuff of the morally challenged who see not evil but potential goodness in us all. The evil ones use such notions against the naive and allow them to dig their own graves.

Now the Palestinians have resurrected the original 1947 U.N. proposal to partition "Palestine," allowing Jews and Palestinians to live side by side. Then, it might have worked, but it was rejected by the Palestinian side, which began a war against Israel that has never stopped. Palestine Liberation Organization leader Yasser Arafat senses that this fraudulent diplomatic ploy might be another means by which he can seize land for his ultimate and never-changing objective: the consignment of the Jewish state to the dustbin of history. (By Cal Thomas, The Orlando Sentinel, May 21, 1999)

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QUESTIONS OF GENERAL INTEREST

"The Most High ruleth in the Kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomever He will, and setteth up over it the basest of men." (Dan. 4:17)

"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God; the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God." (Rom. 13:1, 2)

QUESTION -Should we understand from the above Scriptures that God guides the affairs of nations, and chooses their rulers?

ANSWER -These Scriptures are in harmony with other statements of Scripture. In the

case of Nebuchadnezzar,  for instance, after he had been seven years insane, lying amongst the beasts of the field, his reason returned to him and he extolled the God of Heaven, acknowledging that God sets up those whom He will and puts down those whom He will. We understand that God's dealing with King Nebuchadnezzar was prophetic.

In the case of Israel God had very particular oversight of their affairs t and dealt with their rulers. David was anointed when he was a youth, to be king in due time instead of Saul. So with several others of their kings -the Lord had them anointed in advance. It might be said of Israel, that whoever sat upon the throne was there as the Lord’s representative. We remember also that on one occasion the Prophet of God was sent to anoint one of the kings of Syria and to give him a prophecy respecting himself, that he should take the throne.

Looking back, we see that in the case of Pharaoh, the perverse king of Egypt. God declared, “For this very purpose I raised thee up, that I might show forth My Power in thee.” (Ex. 9:16) God did not approve of Pharaoh, but used him to show forth His own glory. God also used King Cyrus of Persia as a servant to perform His bidding.

All of these recorded instances show a vital interest on God's part as to who shall come forward and who shall be hindered when these matters would affect His own Plan. We are not to understand that these different kings represented God's choice as respects their loyalty to Him, but that these were the ones through whom the Divine Plan in operation could be signally manifested and worked out. And so it is today. The Lord knew which of the men running for the office of President of the United States in the fall of 1912 would be the most suitable -the one who would most fully cooperate in the carrying out of the very conditions which He is pleased to permit to come to pass at this time.

The Lord guides in the affairs of nations now, only in so far as such oversight will promote the fulfillment of His own purposes. When the monarchs of various countries declare themselves "king by the grace of God," we do not agree to the thought they have in mind in making such claim. They are expressing the thought which has prevailed throughout Christendom for centuries -that they reign as representatives of the Kingdom of God, and by His special favor. And likewise the Catholic Church: When the pope claims that he is the head of the Church of Christ, that he is Christ's Vice-gerent, he thus claims that Christ has set us His Kingdom, and that the pope reigns in His stead.

After the Papal power waned in Europe, and the Protestants came into power, the Protestant rulers claimed the same right that the Catholics had claimed -to rule as the Lord's special representatives. And it is from this standpoint that kings maintain that they reign "by the grace of God, that the Kingdom of God is set up, and that they are reigning in God’s Kingdoms. We do not understand this to be the right thought, but that in God's providence He permits these to occupy the thrones 9f the world for the time being. We understand that God does exercise a supervisory oversight in respect to them -not that He has authorized them to represent Him, or that He is responsible for their deeds and acts, but that He is so controlling matters as to cause them to work out His own arrangements.

God will not convert a ruler in order to do this; He will not make him a saint. But he can allow or hinder events without interfering with the free will of any individual, and without becoming responsible for his government.

We may assume that this supervision of Divine Power is for the ultimate interest of mankind. We remember that there is a Prince of Darkness, who is seeking to do violence to humanity. Our thought is that the Divine Power hinders or restrains, so that the worst thing cannot come to pass until His due time, and He overrules to bring those into power who will have the disposition to do what He purposes to permit when His due time has arrived. However, since the Lord does not explain just how He does this, it would be wise for us not to be too emphatic in our statements. (That Servant, Reprint 5466, May 15, 1914)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Indeed, "Many shall say unto Me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Thy name? and in Thy name cast out devils? and in Thy name done many wonderful works? And then I will plainly declare to them, I never approved of you." (Matt. 7:22.23, Dia.) Had the course of Francis been the correct one, St. Paul would certainly have prodded those wealthy Corinthian brethren to do as Francis had done.

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

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

It will be noticed that there are many Scriptures regarding the poor -how we should not oppress them, etc.,  with nothing said about “oppressing” the rich. There is a reason for this, we believe. Usually the rich (whether in the Household of Faith or in the world) can look after themselves, because they have had more opportunity of education, business experience, etc. And. too, because there has been, and still is to some extent, power in money. So there is no warning in the Scriptures -not to "oppress" or misuse the rich -although, in some cases they have been abused and misused. Today the slogan is to "soak the rich" -take advantage of them in any way you can. We are living in that special period when it is indeed "woe unto the rich"! This is especially true of those who "withholdeth more than is meet" (Prov. 11:24) -that is, those of the Household and those of the world who are miserly with the poor. "Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabbath." (James 5:1.4) Some of this "crying" has already begun.

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

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

(Brother Hoefle, Reprint No. 379)

QUESTION -If the Lord’s people are in such a condition that they cannot get along without help from others, what should they do?

ANSWER -If they are living alone they should go to an existing retirement home. The Lord's people do not have hospitals of their own, but in many cases need to go to a hospital. That doesn't mean that they have forsaken the Lord's work, as many times they can witness truth to those they wouldn't have been able to otherwise. In some cases their physical problems wouldn't permit them to witness to others. Remember that the Lord overrules all things “for good” (Rom. 8:28) for them that love God.

However, if it is a matter of semi-retirement for those who cannot continue to live as they had been, then these retirement homes that provide assisted-living would be the best place for them -that is if none of the Lord's people or their families who are not in the truth could or would care for them. The Lord will provide for His people! "There hath no temptation [trial] taken you but such as is common to man: but God is' faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that you are able; but will with the temptation [trial] also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it." (1 Cor. 10:13) The Lord knows when we are unable to bear it. We think we cannot bear such things when the Lord knows we can. It is through much tribulation that we persevere to be faithful (Acts 15:22).

The Time of Trouble is not for the saints or to the saints, but for the world and to the world. We have not heard of any brethren who are destitute that the Lord's people did not go to their help. But the Lord's faithful look to Him in their time of need.

We quote what That Servant said on the matter: “lt is told of a man who wished to add to the collection of insects that by good fortune he obtained a cocoon, and hung it up in his library all winter. In the spring he found the moth trying to emerge. The hole was so small, and the moth struggled so hopelessly, it seemed, against the tough fiber that he snipped the hole with his scissors. Well, the fine large moth emerged, but never flew. Someone told him afterwards that the struggles were necessary to force the juices of the body into the insects wings. Saving it from the struggle was a mistaken kindness. The effort was meant to be the moth's salvation. The moral is obvious. The struggles that men have to make for temporal good develops character as it could not be developed without them. It is well, too, that spiritual enrichment has to be striven for." (Parousia Volume 6, Pages 192,193)

"Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God." (Acts 14:22) "Beloved think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you. (1 Peter 4:12)