DOCTRINES OF THE SHEPHERDS ROD - 2

- SECTION FIVE -

THE SEALING

The sealing work foretold in Ezekiel 9 and Revelation 7 is a subject of much discussion in the literature issued by Victor T. Houteff, the Shepherd's Rod leader. In considering this subject, he lays great stress on his concept of the role that the 144,000 are to playas first fruits unto God. The first sentence in the introduction to his first book reads: "This publication contains only one main subject with a double lesson; namely, the 144,000, and a call for reformation."-The Shepherd's Rod, Volume 1, (1930), p. 11.

Hence his definition: "The sealing of the 144,000 is the separation of the faithful from the disloyal ones; the purification of the church." - The Shepherd's Rod, p. 29

Time Setting

Mr. Houteff says: "The sealing of the 144,000 can not extend to the close of probation, for they must be sealed long before that time, and it must close before the loud cry of the third angel's message."-The Shepherd's Rod, p. 35. Also: "If we were to mark out the exact time of the beginning of this sealing, we would say it began sometime during 1929."-The Shepherd's Rod, p.32.

Why 1929? Because he claims that light on the sealing work was given to him in that year (The Shepherd's Rod, p.157). Hence the year 1929 occupies a conspicuous place in one of his prophetic charts (The Shepherd's Rod, p. 221). Claiming that he began to proclaim the sealing message for the 144,000 in 1929, he adds: "Thus, the sighing and crying since 1929 for the abominations in the church, has been the supreme evidence that we are living in the period of the sealing."-The Answerer, No. 2, (1944), p.34. His theory is that the investigative judgment for the dead professed people of God extended from 1844 to 1929, and for the living from 1929 to the present time (The Answerer, No. 2 (1944) p.33; The Shepherd's Rod, Volume 2 [1932], p.150, 162).

Assuming that the 430 years of Israel's sojourn prior to the deliverance from Egyptian bondage, as recorded in Exodus 12:40, must have an antitypical counterpart in the Christian dispensation, Mr. Houteff solves the problem as follows: He chooses A.D. 1500 as a starting point, alleging that at this date Martin Luther discovered a Bible in the library of the University of Erfurt, and was thus called out of Rome. By reckoning the 430 years from A.D.1500, Mr. Houteff ends them in 1930, the very year in which he began to publish his call for the 144,000 to come out and do the work he had planned for them. He does a similar thing with the 390 plus 40 years of the prophecy of Ezekiel 4:56, in his new effort to show that his work has been a remarkable fulfillment of time prophecies in the Bible. (See V.T. Houteff, The Shepherd's Rod, Volume 1, (1930), p.108-117, 133 (chart], 219,221, 227, 228; The Shepherd's Rod, Volume 1 [in tract form, 1945 ed.], p. 84-87).

Warning Against Time Setters

Many years ago Ellen G. White gave testimonies of warning that the Lord's people should beware of time setting. She wrote: "Time has not been a test since 1844, and it will never again be a test."-Ear/y Writings, p.75.

"I saw that God tested His people upon time in 1844, but that no time which has since been set has borne the special marks of His hand. He has not tested His people upon any particular time since 1844. We have been, and still are, in the patient waiting time." Testimonies, Volume 1, p 409.

"The repeated efforts to find new dates for the beginning and close of the prophetic periods, and the unsound reasoning necessary to sustain these positions, not only lead minds away from the present truth, but throw contempt upon all efforts to explain the prophecies." -Great Controversy, p 457.

"Let all our brethren and sisters beware of anyone who would set a time for the Lord to fulfill His word in regard to His coming, or in regard to any other promise He has made of special significance. 'It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in His own power.' False teachers may appear to be very zealous for the work of God, and may expend means to bring their theories before the world and the church; but as they mingle error with truth, their message is one of deception, and will lead souls into false paths. They are to be met and opposed, not because they are bad men, but because they are teachers of falsehood and are endeavoring to put upon falsehood the stamp of truth." Testimonies to Ministers, p.55.

"Again and again have I been warned in regard to time-setting. There will never again be a message for the people of God that will be based on time. We are not to know the definite time either for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit or for the coming of Christ." - "It Is Not For you to Know the Times and Seasons," Review and Herald, March 22, 1892, p.177-178.

"The Lord showed me that the message must go, and that is must not be hung on time; for time will never be a test again." -Review and Herald, March 22, 1892, p.178.

Warning Against Divisive Speculations

"Instead of exhausting the powers of our mind in speculations in regard to the times and seasons which the Lord has placed in His own power, and withheld from men, we are to yield ourselves to the control of the Holy Spirit, to do present duties, to give the bread of life, unadulterated with human opinions, to souls who are perishing for the truth.

"Satan is ever ready to fill the mind with theories and calculations that will divert men from the present truth, and disqualify them for the giving of the third angel's message to the world." Review and Herald, March 22, 1892, p.177.

Thus it is evident that since 1844 any setting of dates for the fulfillment of prophecy in connection with the closing work of the gospel is contrary to the counsels of the Scriptures and of the writings of the Spirit of Prophecy.

What Is the Message of the Hour?

Mr. Houteff claimed that his message concerning the 144,000 is the message of the hour, saying: "If the ministry can prove us wrong on the 144,000, which is the message of the hour, or even on anyone topic in our publications, we agree to retract our position and destroy all of our three volumes." - The Warning Paradox (1933), p.59.

For more than a quarter of a century, the Shepherd's Rod party has sought to divert Seventh-day Adventists from the work of giving the third angel's message to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, and to lead us to absorb time, energy, and means in speculations about the 144,000 and other things not of primary importance and certainly not the message for this hour. We were told long ago by the pen of Sister White:

"The truth comprised in the first, second, and third angel's messages must go to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people; it must lighten the darkness of every continent and extend to the islands of the sea. Nothing of human invention must be allowed to retard this work."-6 Testimonies, p.133.

"The Lord designs that the proclamation of the third angel's message shall be the highest, greatest work carried on in our world at this time."-8 Testimonies, p.180.

"To present these truths is the work of the third angel's message. The Lord designs that the presentation of this message shall be the highest, greatest work carried on in the world at this time."-6 Testimonies, p.11.

"The third angel, flying in the midst of heaven and heralding the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus, represents our work. The message loses none of its force in the angel's onward flight, for John sees it increasing in strength and power until the whole earth is lightened with its glory. The course of God's commandment keeping people is onward, ever onward."-5 Testimonies, p.383.

The faith and feelings of men may change; but the truth of God, never. The third angel's message is sounding; it is infallible."-4 Testimonies, p.595.

"It is certain that we have the truth as that God lives; and Satan, with all his arts and hellish power, cannot change the truth of God into a lie. While the great adversary will try his utmost to make of none effect the word of God, truth must go forth as a lamp that burneth."-5 Testimonies, p.595.

Thus the message of the hour-the message for this time-is that of the three angels of Revelation 14:6-12, and it is to become more the message of the hour as we near the close of probation.

That They Should Never Die

In 1935, Mr. Houteff said: "The denomination has always believed that its purpose was to gather the remnant people, the 144,000. Hence, when it (the net) was first sent forth in 1844, which it still vaguely believes it is after, but which the Shepherd's Rod proves it has already gathered." - The Symbolic Code, Volume 1, No. 9 (March 15, 1935), p.8. Such was the burden of his message: "The time has fully arrived for the 144,000 to come into line with God's program for the finishing of His work and the preparing of them for translation." -The Great Paradox of the Ages (1941), p.66.

He declared that those who accepted his message, and lived it as he directed, would never die, but would be translated without tasting death. Note the following statement penned by him to his adherents in 1934: "keep your knees in motion and let not opportunities be neglected, for the final movements shall be rapid ones. ' Thus shall you 'walk with God' as Enoch of old, and as he was translated without tasting death so shall you be. "-The Symbolic Code, Volume 1, No. 4 (October 15, 1934), p.4.

About six months later he published in an official Shepherd's Rod organ this statement: "Moreover, as the Shepherd's Rod is the Elijah message (Testimonies to Ministers, p 475))t is impossible for anyone who accepts it and lives it to die, for the type demands translation. Thus it is that Elijah stands as a type of the 144,000."-The Symbolic Code, No. 9, (March 15, 1935), p.9. In the following year he declared: "There is nothing that can take the life of the 144,000."-The Symbolic Code, Volume 2, Nos. 7-8 (July-August, 1936), p.11.

And in the next year he thus defended his recent marriage against the criticism of some of his followers: "Those who believe in Present Truth, yet continue to find fault with Brother Houteff's marriage, prove to us one of two things: either that they are shallow thinkers, or that they have no faith in what they believe, for the message teaches that we, as a part of the 144,000, shall never die. "-The Symbolic Code, Volume 3, Nos. 5-6 (May-June, 1937), p.8.

Nevertheless, this notice concerning Mr. Houteff himself, the chief propagator of the Shepherd's Rod message concerning the 144,000, appeared in his own paper: "Victor Tasho Houteff was born in Raicovo, Bulgaria, March 2, 1885, and died February 5,1955, at the Hillcrest Hospital in Waco, Texas." The Symbolic Code, Volume 10, Nos. 34 (January-February, 1955), p.9.

A few weeks later a statement was issued under the title "V. T. Houteff's Death in Relation to the Message," which said: "Brother Houteff's death may be a shock and a surprise." - The Symbolic Code, Volume 10, No.5 (March,1955),p.11.

It doubtless was "a shock and a surprise" to those who had accepted his teachings and supposed that he, as leader of the 144,000, would never die. This sad experience of delusion illustrated how important it is that God's people should stay by the counsel that He gave through Sister White many years ago:

"Christ says that there will be those in the church who will present fables and suppositions, when God has given grand, elevating, ennobling truths, which should ever be kept in the treasure house of the mind. When men pick up this theory and that theory, when they are curious to know something it is not necessary for them to know, God is not leading them. It is not His plan that His people shall present something which they have to suppose, which is not taught in the Word. It is not His will that they shall get into controversy over questions which will not help them spiritually, such as, Who is to compose the hundred and forty-four thousand. This those who are the elect of God will in a short time know without question.

"My brethren and sisters, appreciate and study the truths God has given for you and your children. Spend not your time in seeking to know that which will be no spiritual help. 'What shall I do to inherit eternal life?' This is the all important question, and it has been clearly answered."-Elmshaven Leaflets, Volume 2, No.1, p.12.

Are the 144,000 to Minister on Earth? 

The Shepherd's Rod literature teaches: "let it be carefully noted that in his vision, John saw the 144,000 stand not on Mount Zion in heaven, but upon earth, for had it been otherwise, he would not say 'and I heard a voice from heaven.' "-"Behold the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Root of David" (1937), p4

Thus Mr. Houteff would have his followers believe that John, in Revelation 14:1-5; 15:2-3, saw the 144,000 organized and functioning as a special and distinct group upon earth, in this present world, before the close of probationary time. In contrast with that strange view, Mrs. White's comments on these texts of Scripture is this:

"In holy vision the prophet saw the ultimate triumph of God's remnant church. He writes: 'I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory, , stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the lamb, saying, Great and marvelous are Thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are Thy ways, Thou King of saints' (Revelation 15:2-3). 'And I looked, and lo, a lamb stood on the Mount Sion, and with Him a hundred forty and four thousand, having His Father's name written in their foreheads' (Revelation 14:1), In this world their minds were consecrated to God; they served Him with the intellect and with the heart; and now He can place His name 'in their foreheads.' "-The Acts of the Apostles, p.590-591.

This statement plainly shows that John, in Revelation 14:1-5 and 15:2-3, beheld the 144,000 as they shall be in "the ultimate triumph of God's remnant church," when they shall be with their Lord in the better world to come. In a vision given her of the triumph of God's people at Christ's second coming and their entrance into the life to come, Mrs. White saw the following:

"Mount Zion was just before us, and on the mount was a glorious temple, and about it were seven other mountains, on which grew roses and lilies . . And as we were about to enter the holy temple, Jesus raised His lovely voice and said, 'Only the 144,000 enter this place,' and we shouted, 'Alleluia.' "This temple was supported by seven pillars, all of transparent gold, set with pearls most glorious. The wonderful things I there saw, I cannot describe. Oh, that I could talk in the language of Canaan, then could I tell a little of the glory of the better world. I saw there tables of stone in which the names of the 144,000 were engraved in letters of gold,"-Early Writings, p.19.

Additional statements by Mrs. White also make it clear that in Revelation 14:1-5 and 15:2-3, John was viewing the 144,000, not as in this present world, but as triumphant in the world to come after their deliverance at Christ's second coming. For example, she says:

"We all entered the cloud together, and were seven days ascending to the sea of glass, when Jesus brought the crowns, and with his own right hand placed them on our heads. He gave us harps of gold and palms of victory. Here on the sea of glass the 144,000 stood in a perfect square. Some had very bright crowns, others not so bright. Some crowns appeared heavy with stars, while others had but few. All were perfectly satisfied with their crowns. And they were all clothed with a glorious white mantle from their shoulders to their feet. Angels were all about us as we marched over the sea of glass to the gate of the city."-1 Testimonies, p.60-61.

"Upon the crystal sea before the throne, that sea of glass as it were mingled with fire-are gathered the company that have gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name.' With the Iamb upon Mount Zion, 'having the harps of God,' they stand, the hundred and forty and four thousand that were redeemed from among men; and there is heard, as the sound of many waters, and as the sound of a great thunder, 'the voice of harpers harping with their harps' [Revelation 14:1-5; 15:2-3). And they sing 'a new song' before the throne, a song which no man can learn save the hundred and forty and four thousand. It is the song of Moses and the lamb-a song of deliverance. None but the hundred and forty-four thousand can learn that song; for it is the song Of their experience, an experience such as no other company have ever had. 'These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever

He goeth.' These, having been translated from the earth, from among the living, are counted as 'the first fruits unto God and to the Lamb.' "-Great Controversy, p.648-649.

Mr. Houteff's interpretation Of Revelation 14:1-5 and 15:2-3, as meaning that "John saw the 144,000 stand not on Mount Zion in heaven, but upon earth," patently contradicts Mrs. White's statements that the apostle, in those passages of Scripture, speaks of the 144,000 as he saw them in "the ultimate triumph of God's remnant church" and in the world to come after God's people shall have ascended to heaven after Christ's second coming in glory.

Will They Gather the Great Multitude In?

The Shepherd's Rod teaching is that after the 144,000 are sealed, they will gather into Christ's fold the great multitude described in Revelation 7:9. For example, Mr. Houteff says:

"As the 144,000 are the 'first fruits,' there must be second fruits, for where there is first, there must also be a second. And as the first fruits are the 'servants of God,' they must subsequently be sent to all nations to gather the second fruits (Isaiah 66:19-2O)-the great multitude of Revelation 7:9, whom John saw after viewing the sealing of the 144,000."-" Behold the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Root of David" (1937), p.16-17.

In evaluating that statement, let us take into consideration several things, the first of which is that the sealing work covers a period of time. Did it start in 1929 as Mr. Houteff has alleged?

According to Mrs. White, the sealing work was going on as far back as 1851 , for in that year she published the following statements: "Satan is now using every device in this sealing time to keep the minds of God's people from the present truth."-Early Writings, p.43

"I saw that Satan was at work in these ways to distract, deceive, and draw away God's people, just now in this sealing time. "-Early Writings, p.44.

In this connection, we need to keep in mind this statement by Mrs. White concerning the work of the investigative judgment:

"As the books of record are opened in the judgment, the lives of all who have believed on Jesus come in review before God. Beginning with those who first lived upon the earth, our Advocate presents the cases of each successive generation, and closes with the living. "-Great Controversy, p.483.. That is, the closing phase of the investigative judgment will deal with the cases of those who shall then be alive upon the earth. Many have died in the faith of the third angel's message since it first began to be proclaimed, and such now rest from their labors, as indicated in Revelation 14:13. Therefore the sealing work wrought in them, and the probation that was given them for this purpose, closed at their death, for "it is impossible for men to secure the salvation of the soul after death." -Christ's Object Lessons, p.263. (See also Proverbs 14:32 and Isaiah 38:18-19).

Since the investigative judgment "closes with the living," as noted above, and since the 144,000 will live to see the Lord come in glory and will be translated to heaven then without having tasted death, it is obvious that their cases will be dealt with in the last phase of Christ's mediatorial work in the heavenly sanctuary. Thus the sealing work to be wrought in them will cease for them not at death but when the probation of all the living inhabitants of earth shall mark the close of the investigative judgment and shall fix for eternity their character and destiny, shortly before Christ comes the second time (Revelation 22: 11-12). Mrs. White says: "Especially in the closing work for the church, in the sealing time of the one hundred and forty-four thousand who are to stand without fault before the throne of God, will they feel most deeply the wrongs of God's professed people."-3 Testimonies, p.266.

That last statement indicates that the 144,000 will be sealed at the last, for the time of their sealing is in the closing work for the church.

Hence we find that those saints who are to be translated at Christ's second coming, without having tasted of death, will receive the impress of the seal at the close of probation. In Mrs. White's writings we read:

"When Jesus leaves the sanctuary, then they who are holy and righteous will be holy and righteous still; for all their sins will then be blotted out, and they will be sealed with the seal of the living God. But those that are unjust and filthy will be unjust and filthy still; for then there will be no Priest in the sanctuary to offer their sacrifices, their confessions, and their prayers before the Father's throne." -Early Writings, p.48. "Those who are uniting with the world are receiving the worldly mold and preparing for the mark of the beast. Those who are distrustful of self, who are humbling themselves before God and purifying their souls by obeying the truth-these are receiving the heavenly mold and preparing for the seal of God in their foreheads. When the decree goes forth and the stamp is impressed, their character will remain pure and spotless for eternity. "-5 Testimonies, p.216. "Are we striving with all our power to attain to the stature of men and women in Christ? Are we seeking for His fullness, ever pressing toward the mark set before us-the perfection of His character? When the Lord's people reach this mark, they will be complete in Christ, and the recording angel will declare, 'it is finished.' "-"The Promise of the Spirit, " Review and Herald, June 10, 1902, p.9.

Jesus is soon to step out from between God and man, the sealing will then be accomplished, finished up." Record Book I, 1849, p.72.

The truth is that when the decree closing probation goes forth, then and not till then will the seal of the living God be impressed upon those saints who are to be translated to heaven without having tasted of death. Mr. Houteff's theory that the 144,000 must be sealed long before the close of probation, and before the giving of the loud cry of the third angel's message, is without support and is erroneous.

Will There Be Second Fruits?

As noted already, the Shepherd's Rod teaching is that the gathering of first fruits unto God involves also a gathering of second fruits to Him, an assertion that repeatedly appears in the writings of Mr. Houteff. His theory is succinctly stated in these words from his pen: "As the 144,000 are the 'firstfruits' there must be second fruits, for where there is first, there must also be second. And as the first fruits are the 'servants of God,' they must subsequently be sent to all nations to gather the second fruits (Isaiah 66:19-2O)-the great multitude of Revelation 7:9, whom John saw after viewing the sealing of the 144,000." "Behold the Lion of the Tribe of Judah, the Root of David" (1937), p.16-17.

Again Mr. Houteff says: "Therefore, two distinct separations, at two different times; namely, the first fruits or the 144,000 -the virgins of Revelation 14;4, from the church (Revelation 7:1-8), then follows the separation of the second fruits-the great multitude which no man can number (Revelation 7:9), the just from among the wicked. "-The Dardanelles of the Bible (1933), p.25.

The Shepherd's Rod leader speaks of the 144,000 as bringing the great multitude as "an offering" of second fruits, saying: "Since these escaped ones (the first fruits, the 144,000 servants of God-Revelation 7:3) 'shall bring all your brethren' (the second fruits, the great multitude-Revelation 7:9) 'for an offering. . out of all nations' (Isaiah 66:20, first part), this great ingathering necessarily, therefore, is the closing work of the gospel-the second section of the harvest.' '- The Judgment and the Harvest (1942  p.70.)

Mr. Houteff's assumption that since first fruits were presented to the Lord, there must of necessity be brought also an "offering" of second fruits, is erroneous.

We are told by Mrs. White: "The significance of the Jewish economy is not yet fully comprehended. Truths vast and profound are shadowed forth in its rites and symbols. The gospel is the key that unlocks its mysteries. Through a knowledge of the plan of redemption, its truths are opened to the understanding. Far more than we do, it is our privilege to understand these wonderful themes."-Christ's Object Lessons, p.133.

Now let us consider the three great annual feasts of the Jews, when the first fruits of the produce of the field were presented to God.

Passover and Its First Fruits

On one of the days of the Passover Feast. a wave sheaf of the new crop of grain was presented to God as first fruits, this marking the beginning of the barley harvest. (See Leviticus 23:10-12; Exodus 34:25-26; Patriarchs and Prophets, p.539; Desire of Ages, p.77). "Ye shalt bring a sheaf of the first fruits of your harvest unto the priest" (Leviticus 23:10).

Concerning the antitype of the first fruits of the barley harvest, as presented at the time of the paschal festivities, we read:

"Christ arose from the dead as the first fruits of those that slept. He was the antitype of the wave sheaf, and His resurrection took place on the very day when the wave sheaf was to be presented before the Lord. For more than a thousand years this symbolic ceremony had been performed. From the harvest fields the first heads of ripened grain were gathered, and when the people went up to Jerusalem to the Passover the sheaf of first fruits was waved as a thank offering before the Lord. Not until this was presented could the sickle be put to the grain, and it be gathered into sheaves. The sheaf dedicated to God represented the harvest. So Christ the first fruits represented the great spiritual harvest to be gathered for the kingdom of God. His resurrection is the type and pledge of the resurrection of all the righteous dead. 'For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him.' 1 Thessalonians 4:14. "As Christ arose, He brought from the . grave a multitude of captives. The earthquake at His death had rent open their graves, and when He arose, they came forth with Him. They were those who had been co-laborers with God, and who at the cost of their lives had borne testimony to the truth. Now they were to be witnesses for Him who had raised them from the dead.

"During His ministry, Jesus had raised the dead to life. He had raised the son of the widow of Nain, and the ruler's daughter and Lazarus. But these were not clothed with immortality. After they were raised, they were still subject to death. But those who came forth from the grave at Christ's resurrection, were raised to everlasting life. They ascended with Him as trophies of his victory over death and the grave. These, said Christ, are no longer the captives of Satan; I have redeemed them. I have brought them from the grave as the first fruits of My power, to be with Me where I am, never more to see death or experience sorrow."-Desire of Ages, p. 785-786.

We read of Christ's ascension to heaven: "But He waves them (the angels] back. Not yet; He cannot now receive the coronet of glory and the royal robe. He enters into the presence of His Father. He points to His wounded head, the pierced side, the marred feet; He lifts His hands, bearing the print of nails: He points to the tokens of His triumph; He presents to God the wave sheaf, those raised with Him as representatives of that great multitude who shall come forth from the grave at His second coming."-Desire of Ages, p.834.

 "Christ was the first-fruits of them that slept. It was to the glory of God that the Prince of life should be the first-fruits, the antitype of the wave-sheaf. 'For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.' This very scene, the resurrection of Christ from the dead, had been celebrated In type by the Jews. When the first heads of grain ripened in the field, they were carefully gathered; and when the people went up to Jerusalem; these were presented to the Lord as a thank offering. The people waved the ripened sheaf before God, acknowledging Him as the lord of the harvest. After this ceremony the sickle could be put to the wheat, and the harvest gathered.

"So those who had been raised were to be presented to the universe as a pledge of the resurrection of all who believe in Christ as their personal Saviour . .

"As Christ ascends while in the act of blessing His disciples, an army of angels encircle Him as a cloud. Christ takes with Him the multitude of captives. He will Himself bring to the Father the first fruits of them that slept, as an evidence that He is conqueror of death and the grave. .

"There is the throne, and around it the rainbow of promise. There are seraphim and cherubim. The angels circle round Him, but Christ waves them back. He enters into the presence of His Father. He points to His triumph in this antitype of Himself-the wave-sheaf those raised with Him, the representatives of the captive dead who shall come forth from their graves when the trump shall sound."-Ellen White, "The Risen Saviour", The Youth's Instructor, August 11, 1898, p.624.

The wave sheaf of first fruits of barley on the occasion of the Pashal festivities was presented before the harvest was reaped. No mention is made in either the Bible or the writings of the Spirit of Prophecy that a presentation of "second fruits" was made unto the Lord.

2. Pentecost and its First Fruits

On the day of Pentecost, observed fifty days later, two loaves of bread made of newly reaped grain were presented to God as first fruits, this marking the end of the wheat harvest. Hence this offering was called "the first fruits of the wheat harvest" (Exodus 34:22). "Ye shall bring out of your habitations two wave loaves. . they are the first fruits unto the Lord'" (Leviticus 23:11). (See also Patriarchs and Prophets, p.540). The antitypical significance of the first fruits offered at Pentecost is revealed in the following statement by Mrs. White:

"The Pentecost was a feast celebrated seven weeks after the Passover. Upon these occasions the Jews were required to repair to the temple and to present the firstborn of all the harvest, thus acknowledging their dependence on the great Giver of all good, and their obligation to render back to God, in gifts and offerings to sustain His cause, that which He had entrusted to them. On this day of divine appointment, the lord graciously poured out His Spirit on the little company of believers, who were the first-fruits of the Christian church."-3 Spirit of Prophecy, p. 265.

In the case of the first fruits presented at Pentecost, we find no mention whatever in either the Bible or the writings of the Spirit of Prophecy that an offering of "second fruits" was presented to the Lord.

3. Tabernacles and Its First Fruits

The Feast of Tabernacles was observed late in the year, in the autumn, and marked the close of the harvest season. (See Exodus 34:22; Leviticus 23:34; Deuteronomy 16:13-16). Mrs. White describes the ancient celebration of this festivity in these words:

"The Feast of Tabernacles was the closing gathering of the year. It was God's design that at this time the people should reflect on His goodness and mercy. The whole land had been under His guidance, receiving His blessing. Day and night His watch care had continued. The sun and rain had caused the earth to produce her fruits. From the valleys and plains of Palestine the harvest had been gathered. The olive berries had been picked, and the precious oil stored in bottles. The palm had yielded her store. The purple clusters of the vine had been trodden in the wine press.

"The feast continued for seven days, and for its celebration the inhabitants of Palestine, with many from other lands, left their homes, and came to Jerusalem. From far and near the people came, bringing in their hands a token of rejoicing. Old and young, rich and poor, all brought some gift as a tribute of thanksgiving to Him who had crowned the year with His goodness and made His paths drop fatness." Desire of Ages, p.447-448.

"The time chosen for the dedication was a most favorable one-the seventh month, when the people from every part of the kingdom were accustomed to assemble at Jerusalem to celebrate the Feast of Tabernacles. This feast was pre-eminently an occasion of rejoicing. The labors of the harvest being ended and the toils of the new year not yet begun, the people were free from care, and could give themselves up to the sacred, joyous influences of the hour." Prophets and Prophets, 37.

"In the seventh month came the Feast of Tabernacles, or of ingathering. This feast acknowledged God's bounty in the products of the orchard, the olive grove, and the vineyard. It was the crowning festal gathering of the year. The land had yielded its increase, the harvest had been gathered into granaries, the fruits, the oil, and the wine had been stored, the first fruits had been reserved, and now the people came with their tributes of thanksgiving to God, who had thus richly blessed them.

"This feast was to be pre-eminently an occasion of rejoicing. It occurred just after the great day of atonement, when the assurance had been given that their iniquity should be remembered no more. At peace with God, they now came before Him to acknowledge His goodness, and to praise Him for His mercy. The labors of the harvest being ended, and the toils of the new year not yet begun, the people were free from care and could give themselves up to the sacred, joyous influence of the hour. "-Patriarchs and Prophets, p.540. Note particularly that when the Feast of Tabernacles was celebrated, the harvest had been completed or ended already, and the first fruits had been reserved by the people till they could come up to Jerusalem to attend the feast and there present their tributes of thanksgiving to the Giver of all good things.

In view of this, we would expect the antitypical Feast of Tabernacles to be observed by God's people after the gospel harvest shall have ended and they shall have been assembled together at the second advent of Christ. Mrs. White points out the antitypical significance of the feast in these words:

"The Feast of Tabernacles was not only commemorative, but typical. It not only pointed back to the wilderness sojourn, but, as the feast of harvest, it celebrated the ingathering of the fruits of the earth, and pointed forward to the great day of final ingathering, when the Lord of the harvest shall send forth His reapers to gather the tares together in bundles for the fire, and to gather the wheat into his garner. At that time the wicked will all be destroyed. .

"The people of Israel praised God at the Feast of Tabernacles, as they called to mind His mercy in their deliverance from the bondage of Egypt and his tender care for them during their pilgrim life in the wilderness. They rejoiced also in the consciousness of pardon and acceptance, through the service of the day of atonement, just ended. But when the ransomed of the Lord shall have been safely gathered into the heavenly Canaan-forever delivered from the bondage of the curse, under which 'the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now' (Romans 8:22)-they will rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory. Christ's great work of atonement for men will then have been completed, and their sins will have been forever blotted out."-Patriarchs and Prophets, 541542.

Observations

In this review of the celebration of the three great annual feasts of the Jews we have noted that whereas the Feast of Passover was observed before the harvest season began, and marked its beginning, the Feast of Tabernacles was not observed until after the harvest season had ended, and marked its close. In no case is mention made, in either the Bible or in the Spirit of Prophecy, of the presentation of an offering of "second fruits" to the Lord as a part of the celebration of these festivities. Whatever remained of the harvests, after the tithes and first fruits had been separated as God had required, was for the people to use as they should deem best. And especially worthy of note is the fact that there was no ingathering of harvest either during or subsequent to the celebration of the Feast of Tabernacles, for the harvest season had ended already, and the gathering in of the last of the crops had already been completed, when this festivity was observed. In a similar manner, when the antitypical Feast of Tabernacles shall be celebrated by the people of God, there will be no gospel harvesting to gather in souls for Christ either during or subsequent to the celebration of the festivity, fO( then the work of the gospel will have been ended, probation will have closed for all, and His saints will have been gathered unto Himself in the better world.

The 144,000

Nowhere in the writings of Mrs. White do we find it said or implied that before the close of probation the identity of the 144,000 spoken of in Revelation 7 will be revealed to us, or that as such they will assume control of the church militant and from headquarters in Palestine officially direct its activities for the finishing of the work of the gospel on earth. Nowhere do we find it said that the 144,000 are to be presented to God as first fruits before the close of probation.

The following statement by Mrs. White speaks of the 144,000 and their peculiar position among those who shall constitute the church triumphant, after the redeemed have been taken to heaven at the second coming of Christ: II As the ransomed ones are welcomed to the city of God, there rings out upon the air an exultant cry of adoration. The two Adams are about to meet.

"This reunion is witnessed by the angels who wept at the fall of Adam and rejoiced when Jesus, after His resurrection, ascended to heaven, having opened the grave for all who should believe on His name. Now they behold the work of redemption accomplished, and they unite their voices in the song of praise.

"Upon the crystal sea before the throne, that sea of glass as it were mingled with fire-so resplendent is it with the glory of God-are gathered the company that have 'gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name.' With the Lamb upon Mount Zion, 'having the harps of God,' they stand, the hundred and forty and four thousand that were redeemed from among men; and there is heard, as the sound of many waters, and as the sound of a great thunder, 'the voice of harpers harping with their harps.' And they sing 'a new song' before the throne, a song which no man can learn save the hundred and forty and four thousand. It is the song of Moses and the Lamb-a song of deliverance. None but the hundred and forty-four thousand can learn that song; for it is the song of their experience,-an experience such as no other company have ever had. 'These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He goeth.' These, having been translated from the earth, from among the living, are counted as 'the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. ' Revelation 15:2-3; 14:1-5. 'These are they which came out of great tribulation'; they have passed through the time of trouble such as never was since there was a nation; they have endured the anguish of the time of Jacob's trouble; they have stood without an intercessor through the final outpouring of God's judgments. But they have been delivered, for they have 'washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.' 'In their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault' before God. 'Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple: and He that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.' They have seen the earth wasted with famine and pestilence, the sun having power to scorch men with great heat, and they themselves have endured suffering, hunger, and thirst. But 'they shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.' Revelation 7: 1417,"-Great Controversy, p.647-649.

Summation

1. Note particularly concerning the 144,000: "These, having been translated from the earth, from among the living, are counted as 'the firstfruits unto God and to the Iamb.' " That is, they will acquire their status as first fruits when they shall have been translated from the earth, from among the living.

The 144,000 shall have had an experience such as no other company have ever had. And it is this experience that shall have qualified them as individuals for membership in that select group. That experience will consist of (1) having gotten the victory over the beast, his image, his mark, and his number; (2) having been translated from earth, from among the living; (3) having passed through the time of trouble such as never was before, and having endured the anguish of the time of Jacob's trouble; (4) having stood without an intercessor through the outpouring of the plagues; (5) having seen the earth wasted by the plagues; and (6) having themselves endured suffering, hunger, and thirst. This experience is not one that precedes, but one that follows, the work of the loud cry.

The mission of the 144,000 will be to serve God in His temple, located on Mount Zion and outside the Holy City, the New Jerusalem. None but the 144,000 will be able to enter there. (See Early Writings, p.19.) Their ministry, as a select group, will be in the church triumphant, in the better world to come. 2, This precludes the possibility that the 144,000, as a special select group, will be sealed and made immortal before the loud cry of the third angel's message is given, or that they will assume control of the church militant before the close of probation, or that they will direct its activities from headquarters in Palestine for the finishing of the work of the gospel on earth, before the close of probation and the second advent of Christ.

- SECTION SIX -OTHER TEACHINGS

In the introductory chapter of this treatise attention was called to the claim of Mr., Houteff that "both the Bible and Sister White's writing support the Rod one hundred percent. "- The Symbolic Code, Volume 7, Nos, 7.12 (July-December, 1941), p.5. In the following paragraphs we shall further test the validity of that allegation.

1. Concerning Enoch and the Flood The Shepherd's Rod leader says that God did not show Enoch the truth concerning the Flood: "Jude proves that Enoch was a messenger of God, and yet that he warned his generation of the destruction of the world by the second advent of Christ when, in fact, the flood was the event which was to and subsequently did destroy the world of Enoch's time! Enoch simply was not shown the truth of the flood. Therefore, he preached the destruction then in terms of the coming of the Lord." - The Symbolic Code, Volume 1, No.10 (April 15, 1935), p.9.

Mrs. White declares: "God communed with Enoch through His angels and gave him divine instruction. He made known to him that He would not always bear with man in his rebellion that His purpose was to destroy the sinful race by bringing a flood of waters upon the earth. "-3 Spiritual Gifts, p.54; 1 Spirit of Prophecy, p.61.

"The Lord opened more fully to Enoch the plan of salvation, and by the Spirit of prophecy carried him down through the generations which should live after the flood, and showed him the great events connected with the second coming of Christ and the end of the world."-3 Spiritual Gifts, p.55; 1 Spirit of Prophecy, p.61.

Again Mrs. White says: "Through holy angels, God revealed to Enoch His purpose to destroy the world by a flood, and He also opened more fully to him the plan of redemption. By the Spirit of prophecy He carried him down through the generations that should live after the flood, and showed him the great events connected with the second coming of Christ and the end of the world." Patriarchs and Prophets, p.85.

The allegation of the Shepherd's Rod that Enoch was not shown the truth concerning the Rood, but only that concerning the second coming of Christ, contradicts Mrs. White's declaration that the prophet was shown the truth concerning both the Flood and the Lord's second advent.

2. Concerning the Leopard like Beast and the Papacy

The Shepherd's Rod doctrine denies that the leopard like beast of Revelation represents the Papacy: "The idea concerning the symbolical application of the false prophet of Revelation 19:20, the woman on the scarlet colored beast of Revelation 17, the leopard-like beast of Revelation 13, the scarlet colored best of Revelation 17, and the non-descript beast of Daniel 7, as being symbols of the papacy, is unbiblical and also illogical. "-The Shepherd's Rod, Volume 2 (1932), p.148.

Also: "The idea that the papacy is called the beast is altogether wrong." The Shepherd's Rod, Volume 2 (1932), p. 151.

But Mrs. White declares: "In chapter 13 (verses 1-10) (of Revelation) is described another beast, 'like unto a leopard: to which the dragon gave 'his power, and his seat, and great authority.' This symbol, as most Protestants have believed, represents the papacy, which succeeded to the power and seat and authority once held by the ancient Roman empire. Of the leopard like beast it is declared: 'There was given unto him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies . . And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name, and His tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.' This prophecy, which is nearly identical with the description of the little horn of Daniel 7, unquestionably points to the papacy. "Great Controversy, p. 439.

Again, in speaking of the image to the beast, Mrs. White says: "The image is made by the two-horned beast, and is an image to the beast. It is also called an image of the beast. Then to learn what the image is like and how it is to be formed we must study the characteristics of the beast itself-the papacy. "Great Controversy, p.443.

And in speaking of the third angel's message, she says: " 'The beast' mentioned in this message, whose worship is enforced by the two-horned beast, is the first, or leopard like beast of Revelation 13-the papacy. "-Great Controversy, p.445. (Italics added).

Speaking of the two beasts of Revelation 13, Mrs. White is very explicit in saying: "by this first beast is represented the Roman Church, an ecclesiastical body clothed with civil power, having authority to punish all dissenters."-The Story of Redemption, p.381.

And speaking of the mark of the beast, she adds: "It is the mark of the first beast, or the Papacy, and is therefore to be sought among the distinguishing characteristics of that power."-Great Controversy, p. 382. The Shepherd's Rod doctrine, that the leopardlike beast does not represent the Papacy, contradicts Mrs. White's teaching that this beast "unquestionably points to the papacy."

3. Concerning the Deadly Wound of the Leopard like Beast

The Shepherd's Rod denial that the first beast of Revelation 13 represents the Papacy, as taught in Mrs. White's writings, carries the contradiction further by denying also that the deadly wound received by the beast was what occurred to the Papacy in 1798. For example, the Shepherd's Rod leader has declared:

"The exile of pope Pius VI, in 1798, and his death at Valence, France, August 19,1799, is not the receiving of the wound, no more than the death of any other pope before or after:'-The Shepherd's Rod, Volume 1 (1930), p.215.

This cannot be harmonized with the following clear declaration by the Spirit of Prophecy: "And says the prophet, 'I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death.' And again: 'He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword: The forty and two months are the same as the 'time and times and the dividing of time,' three years and a half, or 1260 days, of Daniel 7-the time during which the papal power was to oppress God's people. This period, as stated in preceding chapters, began with the supremacy of the papacy, AD. 538, and terminated in 1798. At that time the pope was made captive by the French army, the papal power received its deadly wound, and the prediction was fulfilled, 'He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity.' "-Great Controversy, p.439.

Again Mrs. White says of the Roman Church: "And prophecy foretells a restoration of her power. 'I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed; and all the world wondered after the beast.' Revelation 13:3. The infliction of the deadly wound points to the downfall of the papacy in 1798."-Great Controversy, p.579.

When The Shepherd's Rod, Volume 1, was issued in pamphlet form and greatly abbreviated in 1945, that statement which so glaringly contradicts the teaching of the Spirit of Prophecy was omitted.

4. Concerning Nebuchadnezzar 

The Shepherd's Rod leader, in discussing the prophetic symbols of the book of Daniel, alleges that Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, did not fully surrender his heart to God as a result of the experience recorded in Daniel 4. Says Mr. Houteff:

"Though he [Nebuchadnezzar] acknowledged that power of the Eternal One, worshiped Him, and uttered words of praise with a most sublime expression, the king failed to surrender his heathen heart and renounce the pagan system of worship."-The Shepherd's Rod, Volume 2 (1932), p 47.

This statement is modified somewhat in the same chapter (on page 49) as follows:

"Nebuchadnezzar professed conversion after his wonderful experience with the God of heaven."

"Though the sublime words spoken by the Chaldean king seem to reveal a change of heart, his works showed failure in what his lips proclaimed." "Though Nebuchadnezzar failed in these sacred things, God, in His great mercy saved the king:' Then the Shepherd's Rod leader quotes Mrs. White's statement in Prophets and Kings, p. 251, as follows: .. 'The once proud monarch had become a humble child of God; the tyrannical, over-bearing ruler, a wise and compassionate king. He who had defied and blasphemed the God of heaven, now acknowledges the power of the Most High, and earnestly sought to promote the fear of Jehovah and the happiness of his subjects.'

While the inclusion of that paragraph from Mrs. White is a tacit admission of the king's conversion, yet it is difficult to reconcile her statement with Mr. Houteff's assertion that "the king failed to surrender his heathen heart." The author of The Shepherd's Rod does not seem to be very well acquainted with the following excerpts from Mrs. White's pen in comment on Daniel 4:

"King Nebuchadnezzar, before whom Daniel so often honored the name of God, was finally thoroughly converted, and learned to 'praise and extol and honor the King of Heaven' [Daniel 4:37]:'-"Lessons From the Life of Solomon-No. 17," The Review and Herald, January 11, 1906, p.8.

One might ask, How could a person be "thoroughly converted" if he had failed to surrender his heart to God?

Note in the following statement what Mrs. White said took place in the heart, character, and nature of King Nebuchadnezzar:

"The chastening that came upon the king of Babylon wrought reformation in his heart and transformed him in character. He now understands God's purpose in humiliating him. In this chastisement he recognizes the divine hand. Before his humiliation he was tyrannical in his dealings with others, but now the fierce, over-bearing monarch is changed into a wise and compassionate ruler. Before his humiliation he defied and blasphemed the God of heaven, but now he humbly acknowledges the power of the Most High, and earnestly seeks to promote the happiness of his subjects. .

"Thus the king upon the Babylonian throne became a witness for God, giving his testimony, warm and eloquent, from a grateful heart that was partaking of the mercy and grace, the righteousness and peace, of the divine nature. God's design that the greatest kingdom of the world should show forth His praise, was now fulfilled."-"Nebuchadnezzar's Restoration," The Youth's Instructor, December 13, 1904, p.7.

Mr. Houteff's blunder appears to lie in the fact that he did not regard the experience of Nebuchadnezzar, as recorded in Daniel 4, as the last incident that Holy Writ records of that monarch's life. However, Mrs. White says:

"God's purpose that the greatest kingdom in the world should show forth His praise, was now fulfilled. This public proclamation, in which Nebuchadnezzar acknowledged the mercy and goodness and authority of God, was the last act of his life recorded in sacred history."-Prophets and Kings, p.521. Therefore, Mr. Houteff's claim regarding the conduct of Nebuchadnezzar subsequent to the experience recorded in Daniel 4 is not based either on Holy Scriptures or on the writings of Mrs. White.

5. Concerning the Spirit and the Two Rains

In comment on Joel 2:23-29, the Shepherd's Rod leader says: "Note that the 'rain' comes first and the pouring out of His spirit afterwards. Therefore, the rain is one thing, and the pouring out of the spirit is another."-The Shepherd's Rod, Volume 2 (1932), p. 256.

The Shepherd's Rod leader declares that "the former rain is none other than the writings of the 'spirit of prophecy.' "-The Shepherd's Rod, Volume 2, Edition of 1932, p.257. Hence he speaks of "the former rain being the writings of Sister White, and the [Shepherd's] Rod. ' "-The Answerer, No.1 (1944), p.87-88. Such teaching does not harmonize with that of Mrs. White.

In the following statements by Mrs. White the outpouring of the Spirit and the falling of the rain refer to one and the same thing. Note that she does not intimate in the slightest degree that the early and the latter rains consist of the writings of anybody. She says:

"The outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost was the former rain, but the latter rain will be more abundant."-Christ's Object Lessons, p.121.

"The outpouring of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was 'the former rain' and glorious was the result. But the latter rain will be more abundant. "-8 Testimonies, p.21.

"The outpouring of the Spirit in apostolic days was the 'former rain, ' and glorious was the result. But the 'latter rain' will be more abundant. Joel 2:23. "- The Desire of Ages, p. 827.

"As the 'former rain' was given, in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at the opening of the gospel, to cause the upspringing of the precious seed, so the 'latter rain' will be given at its close for the ripening of the harvest. "-Great Controversy, p.611.

And after quoting Hosea 6:3; Joel 2:23; and Acts 2:17-21, Mrs. White adds: "The great work of the gospel is not to close with less manifestation of the power of God than marked its opening. The prophecies which were fulfilled in the outpouring of the former rain at the opening of the gospel are again to be fulfilled in the latter rain at its close."-Great Controversy, p.611-612. "The outpouring of the Spirit in the days of the apostles was the beginning of the early, or former, rain, and glorious was the result. To the end of time, the presence of the Spirit is to abide with the true church.

"But near the close of earth's harvest, a special bestowal of spiritual grace is promised to prepare the church for the coming of the Son of Man. This outpouring of the Spirit is likened to the falling of the latter rain; and it is for this added power that Christians are to send their petitions to the Lord of the harvest 'in the time of the latter rain.' In response, 'the Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain.' 'He will cause to come down. . the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain' (Zechariah 10:1; Joel 2:23),"- The Acts of the Apostles, p.54-55.

6. Concerning Malachi 3: 1

In comment on Malachi 3:1, the Shepherd's Rod leader says: "The messenger is not the Lord Himself, but note that he is the one who shall prepare the way for the Lord. He is called the 'messenger of the covenant' (agreement or promise).- The Shepherd's Rod, Volume 2 (1932), p. 240..

Mrs. White not only speaks of the prophecy of Malachi 3:1 as a promise concerning the Messiah, but she specifically identifies the' 'Messenger of the covenant" as Christ Himself. She says:

"Lessons must be given to humanity in the language of humanity. The Messenger of the covenant must speak. His voice must be heard in His own temple. Christ must come to utter words which should be clearly and definitely understood."-Desire of Ages, p.34.

"In cleansing the temple from the world's buyers and sellers, Jesus announced His mission to cleanse the heart from the defilement of sin-from earthly desires, the selfish lusts, the evil habits, that corrupt the soul. 'The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, He shall come, saith the Lord of hosts. But who may abide the day of His coming? And who shall stand when He appeareth? for He is like a refiner's fire, and like fuller's soap: and He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver.' Malachi 3:13."-Desire of Ages, p.161.

"To all people, rich and poor, free and bond, Christ, the Messenger of the covenant, brought the tidings of salvation."-The Ministry of Healing, p.22; Gospel Workers, p.44.

7. Concerning Jude 14-15

In Jude 14 and 15 we read that "Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of His saints. to execute judgment upon all . . " The Shepherd's Rod spokesman affirms: "This prophecy by Enoch is not the second coming of Christ in the clouds. . "-The Shepherd's Rod, Volume 2 (1932), p.240.

Also: "Enoch prophesied of the coming of the lord to His temple in the most holy place in the heavenly sanctuary with His saints in figure (not bodily) for the investigative judgment to blot out their sins. . "-The Shepherd's Rod, Volume 2 (1932), p.240.

Mrs. White declares that Enoch's prophecy, as recorded by Jude, applies to Christ's second advent, His coming to execute judgment upon all the ungodly: "Besides the coming of the Lord to His temple, Malachi also foretells His second advent, His coming for the execution of the judgment, in these words: 'And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not Me, saith the Lord of hosts.' Malachi 3:5. Jude refers to the same scene when he says, 'Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds.' Jude 14-15. This coming, and the coming of the Lord to His temple, are distinct and separate events."-The Great Controversy, p. 425-426.

"Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him. To him was committed the message of the second coming of Christ. 'And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment upon all.' Jude 1415."-Testimonies, Volume 6, p. 392.

"Holy men of old looked forward to the advent of the Messiah in glory as the consummation of their hope. Enoch, 15 only the seventh in descent from them that dwelt in Eden. he who for three centuries on earth walked with his God, was permitted to behold from afar the coming of the Deliverer. 'Behold,' he declared, 'the Lord cometh with ten thousands of His saints, to execute judgment upon all.' Jude 14-15."-The Great Controversy, p. 299.

8. Fanciful Views

The Shepherd's Rod leader, V.T. Houteff, says: "The seven years of plenty and the seven years of famine in the days of Joseph in ancient Egypt represent the world's history in two sections of time as previously explained, namely, B.C. and A.D."-The Shepherd's Rod, Volume 1 (1930), p.19.

But where is the proof for such an interpretation of the scripture in Genesis 41: None whatever is offered, but the claim rests solely on the fancy of the author of The Shepherd's Rod.

In the same work Mr. Houteff says, in comment on Ezekiel 4:9, that the wheat is the doctrine of justification by faith as taught by Martin Luther; the barley is the doctrine concerning the Holy Spirit as taught by John Knox; the beans are the doctrine of grace as preached by John Wesley; the lentils are the doctrine of baptism by immersion as taught by Alexander Campbell; the millet is the doctrine of the 2300 days as taught by William Miller, and the spelt is the doctrine of the Sabbath in connection with the sanctuary as revealed through Ellen G. White. (See V.T. Houteff, The Shepherd's Rod, Volume 1 (1930), p. 117-120). Many other such fanciful plays on figures and symbols found in the Scriptures appear in Mr. Houteff's writings.

And where is any proof presented for any of this fancy? The author of The Shepherd's Rod gives none, but merely presents his fanciful and private interpretation of the Scriptures, against which we are warned in 2 Peter 1 :20. The following timely counsel from the pen of Mrs. White should be heeded by all who would not be led into error:

"In order to sustain erroneous doctrines or unchristian practices, some will seize upon passages of Scripture separated from the context, perhaps quoting half of a single verse as proving their point, when the remaining portion would show the meaning to be quite the opposite. With the cunning of the serpent they entrench themselves behind disconnected utterances construed to suit their carnal desires. Thus do many willfully pervert the word of God. Others, whole have an active imagination, seize upon the figures and symbols of Holy Writ, interpret them to suit their fancy, with little regard to the testimony of Scripture as its own interpreter, and then they present their vagaries at the teachings of the Bible. "-Great Controversy, p.521.

9. CONCLUSION

In the course of this examination of representative teachings of the Shepherd's Rod literature issued by V.T. Houteff, we have noted that he has made three bold claims: (1) that "the message in the 'Rod' is free from error in so far as the idea put forth is concerned," (2) that "both the Bible and Sister White's writings support the' Rod' one hundred percent," (3) that of "the 'latter rain' being the 'Rod.' "

Those claims have been tested and proved false. We emphatically declare that the Shepherd's Rod teachings contain error, that they contradict both the Scriptures and the writings of the Spirit of Prophecy on many points, and that they certainly are not the latter rain.

We reiterate, in conclusion, what was said by the special committee of twelve experienced and well-qualified ministers who carefully investigated Mr. Houteff's teachings in 1934. On page 55 of their report, entitled A Reply to the Shepherd's Rod, we read:

"Since error is found in the Shepherd's Rod, and it is in open disagreement with the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy, the only safe course it to reject its teaching and to discontinue its study. "

"Men fall into error by starting with false premises and then bringing everything to bear to prove the error true. In some cases the first principles have a measure of truth interwoven with the error; but it leads to no just action; and this is why men are misled. They desire to reign and become a power, and, in the effort to justify their principles, the adopt the methods of Satan.-7 Testimonies, 181.

Those who start up to proclaim a message on their own individual responsibility, who, while claiming to be taught and led of God, still make it their special work to tear down that which God has been for years building up, are not doing the will of God. Be it known that these men are on the side of the great deceiver. Believe them not. They are allying themselves with the enemies of God and the truth. They will deride the order of the ministry as priest craft. From such turn away, have no fellowship with their message, however much they may quote the Testimonies and seek to entrench themselves behind them. Receive them not, for God has not given them this work to do. "-Testimonies to Ministers, 51.

" False teachers may appear to be very zealous for the work of God, and may expend means to bring their theories before the world and the church; but as they mingle error with truth, their message is one of deception, and will lead souls into false paths. They are to be met and opposed, not because they are bad men, but because they are teachers of falsehood and are endeavoring to put upon falsehood the stamp of truth." Testimonies to Ministers, 55.

"This time, which the angel declares with a solemn oath, is not the end of this world's history, neither of probationary time, but of prophetic time, which should precede the advent of our Lord. That is, the people will not have another message upon definite time. After this period of time, reaching from 1842 to 1844, there can be no definite tracing of the prophetic time. The longest reckoning reaches to the autumn of 1844. 7 Bible Commentary, 971.

"Time has not been a test since 1844, and it will never again be a test. The Lord has shown me that the message of the third angel must go, and be proclaimed to the scattered children of the Lord, but it must not be hung on time. I saw that some were getting a false excitement, arising from preaching time; but the third angel's message is stronger than time can be. I saw that this message can stand on its own foundation and needs not time to strengthen it; and that it will go in mighty power, and do its work and will be cut short in righteousness,"-Early Writings, 75.

"Let all our brethren and sisters beware of anyone who would set a time for the Lord to fulfill His word in regard to His coming, or in regard to any other promise He has made of special significance."-Testimonies to Ministers, 55.

"Let none seek to tear away the foundations of our faith-the foundations that were laid at the beginning of our work by prayerful study of the word and by revelation." -8 Testimonies, 297; Gospel Workers, 307.

"The very last deception of Satan will be to make of none effect the testimony of the Spirit of God. 'Where there is no vision, the people perish.' (Proverbs 29:18). Satan will work ingeniously, in different ways and through different agencies, to unsettle the confidence of God's remnant people in the true testimony. .

"There will be a hatred kindled against the testimonies which is satanic. The workings of Satan will be to unsettle the faith of the churches in them, for this reason: Satan cannot have so clear a track to bring in his deceptions and bind up souls in his delusions if the warning and reproofs and counsels of the Spirit of God are heeded." -1 Selected Messages, 48.  

CONTINUE- NEW ROD PROPHETS