BLOW YE THE TRUMPET IN ZION

SEP. 10, 1961

The Scriptures say Christ’s followers are branches. Some bear fruit and some do not. Those who do not, His Father will destroy. The branches who bring forth fruit, He will purge that they bring forth more fruit. (John 15) Brother and Sister, what kind of branches are you? Are you bearing fruits unto holiness and winning souls for His everlasting Kingdom?

George, my eldest son, and I recently returned from a trip visiting camp meetings in Laodicea. In the five weeks we were gone we covered over 10,000 miles with an average of 2,000 miles and sometimes better a week. We went as far east as Mt. Vernon, Ohio, as far north as Portage, Wisconsin, then south to Arkansas, west to Colorado, and other states.

We contacted many S.D.A. brethren and gave out several thousand of our truth-filled literature which is short, to the point, and easy to be understood; and God’s dear sheep will have no trouble understanding it. We wish to announce also that we found many of the Lord’s sheep hungry for the truth, and they gladly took the literature and eagerly read it. However, there were a few who weren’t courteous. We found two or three in all our rounds that were discourteous, but even some of these came around later and apologized for their wrong actions.

One Sabbath morning while on this trip we heard a brother from General Conference, who had spent several years in the foreign mission fields, preach on the Judgment of the Living. He showed conclusively from the Scriptures that Christ’s coming as a thief in the night (and also when He asked if He would find faith on the earth) had reference to His coming in judgment for the living and not His coming at the beginning of the one thousand years. He showed that the judgment of the living would begin with the S.D.A. church, and stated that for all he knew, we could be in that time now, but that none would know just when their name would come up in the judgment. Therefore, all should get ready now by confessing and putting away their sins. Since this is in harmony with what we are teaching, this brother’s sermon was an encouragement to us. He spoke the next morning after we had put out the Branch leaflets which point out the judgment of the living. We feel that this sermon by this brother was providential, since he stressed the message the leaflets teach.

We wish to thank all of you for your faithfulness in supporting the work with the means the Lord has given you in order to make this work possible. There were others also covering camp meetings in various parts of the United States and other countries, and we are very grateful to all who had a part in this literature ministry. However, as we continue to labor, doing all possible at the present for the Master, and since time is so short, let all take a greater part in an effort to get the message of present Truth to the honest Laodiceans.

The Lord is angry with the conditions in the Laodicean church because of their refusal to hear the Shepherd’s Rod of Micah 6:9, and now the command to the Branch is “go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, (the church) and bring in hither….” Luke 14:21. This will be done (Id. verse 22). Then we will “Go out to the highways and hedges” (the world), and with the power of the Holy Spirit, “compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.”

We have many new truths to publish for this work. All who would cover their area with literature or more and also those who wish to help otherwise, please notify us here at headquarters at your first opportunity that we may quickly organize the work and move rapidly. Helpful suggestions are appreciated. “Every energy of the soul should be awake, for what is done must be done quickly.” E.W. 118:0.

While praying over the possibility of making this trip to the camp meetings, I was given a vision (E.W. 78:1) and saw in a northeasterly direction a very large field of corn which was in the fresh ear stage. The angel said that the Harvest of the first fruits was ripe, but the laborers are few.

A year ago while in prayer in regard to taking a trip to California in behalf of the message, the Lord showed me in vision what I should do which was contrary to my former plans. I seemed to be somewhere in the mid-northwestern states of the U.S. and in the east end of a field of sparsely growing clover, which seemed to be nearly three feet tall. The atmosphere around me and over this whole vast area was hazy, similar to the time after sunset and just before dark, but yet the sun was shining through the haze. As I continued to gaze out upon the large field of which I could not see to the far end nor beyond either side, I wondered what this field was good for. Then I began to examine the field more closely, and to my amazement, I saw many sheep as they raised their heads from grazing in the field. There was also a ram at the head of the flock leading them as they traveled toward the east.

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From this I understood that we had a work to do in the northwest before going to California. We have never regretted our trip to this area, for on this trip we made many friends and passed out many Branch leaflets. Even though we encountered some pretty stiff trials, the Lord gloriously blessed on each event. Before starting out on this endeavor, we had just returned from an extensive trip in the eastern, northern, and central states. As a result of sleeping in the car and traveling days and nights, contacting people in behalf of the message and giving studies on the Bible, all without a balanced diet, our resistance was lowered to a point that we were practically exhausted and nearly sick. After a short period of rest at home, although we were not sufficiently recovered from the previous trip, we started on our mission to the northwest. Another week or two of exhausting labor and trying circumstances left us in a worse condition than before. We had considered returning home but decided to continue on, and after calling on a good brother and his family, not Branch believers, we were invited to visit with them for a few days and rest. This experience proved to be a blessing to us, for after a few days of wholesome food, rest, fresh air, and sunshine we were sufficiently able to continue our missionary journey. We appreciate the hospitality of these friends who have shown a true Christian spirit of benevolence. We are praying to the end that soon these good folk will be one with us in getting the message of the Branch to God’s sheep.

To say the least we are glad we did not give up when difficulties arose but continued to press forward, for we had several studies with a minister as well as others who are continuing to study the Lord’s message for this time. As a result of our labors on this tour of the middle northwestern states one brother was convinced by reading our literature that we have the present truth for this time, and wrote in saying that he was now working for the message also sending us many names and addresses for our files. Many other fine experiences we could relate as a result of this trip but will refrain from doing so because of the limited time and space. Let us say, though, that when our strength and resources are exhausted for His sake the Lord will step in and take the occasion to bless our efforts.

This is the first letter we have written to the field telling of our activities. However, since several have asked us to write out some of our experiences we consented to give you some idea of our activities and the activities of our people. When there are others who can go, then we can remain at home and therefore have more time to carry on our neglected correspondence and put out a little more information on the progress of the work. At one time we had a former Davidian minister and also an S.D.A. minister to help us, but for one reason or another, they both left the Branch. Now these two have joined forces along with a third, another Davidian minister. These three shepherds have gotten together and have now formed a new council and from what I can gather of what I read, they are hoping to force the Davidian council, the S.D.A.s, and others to accept their theories, which are only ideas of men. Just what these three ministers will do and how far they will go in their deception remains to be seen. And this brings us back to our recent trip to the camp meetings. While on our travels we contacted several Davidians who had two main questions which they asked us; (1) Is the “Pro- Tem” council and reorganization of a new council that is propagated at Carmelite Drive, Los Angeles, California, leadings of the Holy Spirit or is it just the works of zealous individuals who wish to control the work of God? (2) Did Sr. Houteff have the God given right to call a meeting of the Executive Council at Mt. Carmel after the death of Bro. V.T. Houteff?

In the first place, the Spirit of Prophecy told us in 1902 that the work must be reorganized. (C.O.R. 154, 1926 ed) If this attempt of reorganization in Los Angeles by the “100% rods only”, is under the direction of the Holy Spirit, then by all means and whatever the cost, as Christ’s followers we should go all out for it. But, if it be the works of man, then, as true Christians we must shun it as one would the leprosy. To be plain, though, this council in Los Angeles of those who claim to be 100% Rods, does not meet the requirements of the organizational “By-Laws” of the Leviticus of the Davidian Seventh- day Adventists by V.T. Houteff or the Spirit of Prophecy by Mrs. E.G. White since they have elected a vice-president by majority vote of the congregation. In neither of their writings is provision made for the election of the president of the Remnant Church (Rev. 12:17) by commission; in fact, both allow the vice-president and all the council members to be appointed by Inspiration and none are to be elected by popular vote of the people. The Leviticus by V.T.H. does not allow for a second phase of the Davidian Association without Inspiration, and to elect a vice-president by acclamation and say that V.T. Houteff is president since he was appointed by Inspiration as I understand they claim, is the height of ignorance and deception, what nonsense. What can a dead man do as the president of anything, especially of God’s organization? Who is there to commune with one deceased in order to receive instructions of Inspiration.

There is only one example that we know of in the Bible where such a communication was carried on and that was when Saul went to the witch of Endor so that he might commune with the prophet Samuel. Where is there such a witch today? Inspiration says, “a living dog

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is better than a dead lion…the dead know not anything.” Eccl. 9:4, 5. The Leviticus provides that when the first phase of the Davidian Association draws to a close, its name will be changed. (L.D. preface) In other words the messenger and president of the first phase of the association is laid away and another is raised up by Inspiration through whom Inspiration changes the name. Here we see that in the changing of the names from the Davidian Association and the 7th-day Adventist Church to Christ’s own name, Branch, is the fulfillment of Prophecy. (1T.G.r. 8:24, G.C. 415) “In the Scriptures the figure of the erection of a temple is frequently used to illustrate the building of the church. Zechariah refers to Christ as

the Branch that should build the temple of the Lord.” A.A. 595:2. “Then it’s Constitution and By-Laws as herein codified will become fully operative.” L.D. preface.

In Zechariah, chapter two, there are illustrated three movements, (1) The young man; (2) The angel that talked with Zechariah in chapter one; (3) The angel with the message of the multitude. To identify the young man and these two angels is to identify the movements they represent. We read in 1T.G.r. 12:18 that the young man represents the Laodicean angel who attempts to measure or limit the translated church to only 144,000, – identity of #1 S.D.A. In 6Tr. 61, the chart shows that the angel that talked to Zechariah in chapter one, has a shepherd’s rod in his hand, hence the Davidian S.D.A. message, which went forth before number three comes out to speak to him, – identity of #2 D.S.D.A. Bro. Houteff’s chart of the family tree, “The Kingdom Illustrated” shows that the Gentiles or multitude of men are grafted into the Branch; Tr. 8:45 therefore gives us the identity of movement #3 B.D.S.D.A. Read 2S.R. 160:1; 12S.C. 1:8. Also for additional proof, let us read the Spirit of Prophecy by Mrs. E.G. White.

“There will be those among us who will always want to control the work of God, to dictate even what movements shall be made when the work goes forward under the direction of the angel who joins the third angel in the message to be given to the world.” T.M. 300. Testimonies, Vol. 6 p. 60 shows that the angel which joins the third angel is Rev. 18:1, 2. The Bible says that the angel of Rev. 18:1 lightens the earth with his glory (see E.W. 277), and 6T. 19:1 shows that the message of Christ’s Righteousness, is the glory of God which closes the work of the third angel. Jer. 23:5, 6 shows that the Branch “He” is the Lord our Righteousness for the church before the Loud Cry to the world. When the 144,000 get their name changed to Branch in the atonement of the living to the church (1 Pet. 4:17), they will be the Branch “SHE” (Jer. 33:15, 16) the Lord our righteousness for the loud cry to gather in a multitude that no man can number. This is the message which will fill the whole earth with His glory.

Therefore, the truth stands out boldly that there are two harvests, one for the 144,000 first fruits of Rev. 7:1-8; 14:1, 16, 17 and the harvest (atonement) of second fruits, Zech 2:4; 14:16-20; Isa. 62:2; Rev. 7:9; Rev. 14:18, 19, when the great multitude will get their names changed to Branch. Teaching the two fruit harvests is the only way one can harmonize the New Testament with the Old. For instance, in the Old Testament there are three harvest rites; with the harvest of two fruits consummated: the two wave-loaves of first fruits on the day of Pentecost (Lev. 23:16, 17); and a feast of second fruits on the Feast of Tabernacles. (Lev. 23:34; see P.P. 540:1) The wave sheaf is offered at the beginning of the first fruit harvest (Lev. 23; P.P. 539). Therefore, #1 S.D.A. church, Sabbath and Sanctuary truth, judgment of the dead; #2 D.S.D.A., pre-judgment of the living, and the message of New Jerusalem (the Kingdom) sealing of the 144,000 (Rev. 7:1-8); #3 The Branch D.S.D.A., the Judgment of the Living, marking of the 144,000 (Eze. 9:3, 4) or changing the name of the church in the atonement for the living. When a young lady gets married, she does not keep her old name, but rather takes the name of her husband. Therefore in this case the church will receive a new name, Branch. In the loud cry to the world, the children, the Gentiles, will get the name, Branch (Isa. 62:2).

Our work is to teach a thus saith the Lord from the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy in order that the honest may know what is truth and what is error that they may follow it and be sanctified. Let it also be remembered that the tares will not follow the Truth. Therefore, let our Lord’s words be true, “Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.” Matt. 13:30. Hence the rejecters of Truth will be bound in bundles subject to Heaven’s fires and the Truth will put the wheat into God’s everlasting Kingdom. Since we are in the investigative phase of the judgment, the tares are being put into bundles to be burned.

Consequently, let everyone be fully persuaded in his own mind as to what is truth and what is error, and learn how to distinguish between God’s organization and the institutions of man. The Bible standard for testing all organizations is “to the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isa. 8:20. “And the man that will do presumptuously, and will not hearken unto the priest

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that standeth to minister there before the Lord thy God, or unto the judge, even that man shall die: and thou shalt put away the evil from Israel.” Deut. 17:12. “Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1:7. “Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments. Behold I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.” Mal. 4:4, 5, see T.M. 475. “Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not fail nor be scouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law. I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles.” Isa. 42:1, 4, 6.

Therefore let us put any movement to the test by Inspiration’s own standard, to the law and the testimony; to the law: the seventh-day Sabbath. To the testimony: does the one who is promoting a movement have a prophetic message like that of Enoch, Noah, Moses, Daniel, John, Christ and the Apostles, Miller, White, and Houteff, or are they just working up something of their own and calling it Inspiration?

Beginning with Christ, the name of a movement has a very definite meaning; as you can see, “And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.” Acts 11:26. The Apostles were prophets and their name (Christian) taught a prophetic truth. The Millerite movement, First-day Adventists. The name teaches a prophetic truth; the second coming of Christ which they believed to be at the end of the 2300 days. Although God held His hand over parts of the prophecy, nevertheless, Miller was a true prophet, and his message came on time, even though the name of his movement shows he was a first day keeper. The Sabbath truth that had been lost sight of in the dark ages was to be restored after 1844. The Lord’s Servant, Sr. E.G. White, saw in vision the Ark of the Testament in the Most Holy in Heaven (E.W. 252) and by this they understood that they should keep holy the seventh day of the week instead of the first day. This was all designed to teach the inhabitants of the earth that the investigative judgment had started which began with the dead, (G.C. 490) and that all are judged by the ten commandment law. Hence, the Seventh-day Adventist church is a prophetic movement with its name teaching the prophetic truth of the investigative judgment, the seventh day Sabbath, and the second coming of Christ. This is proof positive that S.D.A. is ordained of God, which was established by the prophetess, Mrs. E.G. White and her helpers, under God’s special directions. Too bad the whole world did not accept the message God was so gracious to send. Nevertheless, the church has accomplished its purpose in the world in its first phase by gathering the 144,000 first fruits of the twelve tribes of Israel in its midst, although there are tares commingled, with the wheat (Matt. 13:25), bad fish with the good (verse 47). The Loud cry church (Rev. 14:18), will be free of tares (P.K. 725; 8T. 250). God’s people are cleansed in the judgment for the living (G.C. 425, 483; T.M. 234:2). The judgment begins with the church (1 Pet. 4:17; Matt. 25:1-30; Eze.9:1-11; 3T. 267), and ends with the world (Matt. 25:31-33; Rev. 14:18, 19; 18:4; Zech. 14:16-21). Since the message the church has borne to the world since 1844 is the judgment of the dead, and since the living are to be judged, and the church is the first to be judged, there must be a message of present truth of the judgment of the living calling her to repentance, and admonishing all to forsake their sin, and lay hold of the Lamb of God, Christ. “Behold the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.” “….and yet as a people we are asleep. God wills that a voice shall be heard arousing His people to action.” G.W. 300. The Shepherd’s Rod came in 1929 in fulfillment of the 430 year prophecy of Eze. 4, and was later called Davidian Seventh-day Adventist. The name shows they believe all the tenants of faith of the two former movements by Miller and White plus the Davidic kingdom truth of Ezekiel, chapters 36 and 37. The author was a Seventh- day Adventist Sabbath School teacher and the “Shepherd’s Rod”, a symbol of correction, was prophesied by the Lord’s servant; hear ye the Testimony of the Spirit of Prophecy.

“Is it necessary for the Lord to come to you with a rod to show you that you need a higher experience before you can be fitted for connection with the family above?” 8T. 69. “His church is to be a temple built after the divine similitude, and the angelic architect has brought his golden measuring rod from heaven, that every stone may be hewed and squared by the divine measurement, and polished to shine as an emblem of heaven, radiating in all directions the bright, clear beams of the Sun of Righteousness.” T.M. 17 “A Warning and an Appeal” “The Lord’s voice crieth unto the city (church)” …’The Lord’s voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see Thy name: hear ye the rod and who hath appointed it.’ ” Special Testimonies Series B, #7, pp 17,18. If the church would follow the instructions

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the Lord has given in the Shepherd’s Rod message it would do for the church just what the Spirit of Prophecy says the rod should do, and just as the message of 1888 would have done should they have taken hold of the message of righteousness by faith then. While Moses held up the rod of God when he held up his hands toward heaven, Israel prevailed over Amalek, and when he let it down Amalek prevailed. (Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 4, p 258). Like Moses of old, if God’s people, Israel today would stretch forth their hands unto Heaven with the Rod of God in them we can prevail over Amalek, for the Word says Israel must fight against Amalek from generation to generation. “These are no idle tales, but truth. Again I ask, On which side are you standing?” 8T. 68.

However, Israel of today has done just like all of God’s people have done in the past. The majority in the church have rejected his mercy by rejecting His messengers and messages of mercy and correction He sends. Today the leaders and the majority in His church have rejected the message of righteousness by Grace in the third angel’s message, and the same as the General Conference leaders and majority of members did the message of righteousness by faith in 1888. Nevertheless, there is hope for the 144,000 and those with them. There is another prophetic message now being proclaimed to the church, the Israel of today, which you can readily see and it will triumph gloriously.

Just because the church has failed twice by rejecting the message of righteousness by faith, once in 1888 and again in 1930 isn’t sufficient proof that this last message of the righteousness by Faith and the Righteousness of Christ (Jer. 23:5, 6; 33:15, 16) will fail. For says the Spirit of Prophecy, “He will prove them where they have formerly failed; he will try them, and if they fail under the trial the second time, he will bring them around to the same test again.” 5T. 623. Here we see the third time the test is brought it will succeed because the Lord’s servant shows no more tests for the church after

the third. This is also what the prophecies of the Bible show: Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, Zechariah, Matthew, Luke, John, and the Revelations, just to mention a few. In fact, all books of the Bible teach this same truth, including the Spirit of Prophecy by Mrs. E.G. White and the message of Righteousness by Faith of the Shepherd’s Rod by V.T. Houteff. (2T.G. 39). Now let us prove what we are saying here by the messages of righteousness. There are three periods, steps, messages of righteousness; the two by White and Houteff and the third one which is the Righteousness of Christ by the Branch. The last one is our final test. We need the Lord’s righteousness when our names come up in the atonement because our righteousness is as filthy rags. The Bible tells us the name of the message for the atonement of the living is the Branch. This we found out reading Jer. 23:5, 6 which says that the Branch is “The Lord our Righteousness.” His people receive His name in the investigative judgment of the living, which is the special work of purification for the church. Read G.C. 425. This is the message of “Behold the Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him.” Matt. 25. Read G.C. 427. “In the balances of the sanctuary the Seventh-day Adventist church is to be weighed.” 8T. 247. “In this balance of the sanctuary, the individual members of the Christian church will be weighed.” T.M. 450 “Satan will sorely harass the faithful, but in the name of Jesus (the Branch), they will come off more than conquerors.” 5T. 81:2; 82:0. “God will work a work in our day that but few anticipate” 5T. 82:4. “Then will the church of Christ (the Branch SHE Jer. 33;15, 16), appear ‘fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners.’ ” 5T. 82:0. “And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory and thou shalt be called by a new name which the mouth of the Lord shall name.” Isa. 62:2.

You may talk of the atmospheric nuclear tests by Russia and mention the under ground tests of the United States, but where will the sinners in Zion find refuge when God’s timed Atom explodes in the church? “Read the ninth chapter of Ezekiel.” 3T. 267. Yea, where will the sinners among the nation find shelter when His second Atomic Warhead explodes to the world? You know the answer, then why not do something about it, since salvation and redemption or eternal destruction are at hand? Can the church save you in that day any more than the rocks and the mountains save the heathen in the day of their destruction? Branches that do not bring forth fruit God will destroy, but the branches that bring forth fruit God will purge so that they may bring forth more fruit. (John 15)

The four angels bound in the river Euphrates (Rev. 9:13-15) in the time of the 6th seal and before the 7th seal opens are the four prophetic movements with the five angels, (prophetic) messages mentioned above which are bound, or that have found their origin in the United States, antitypical Babylon (Euphrates). Please tell me then how can one be bound outside of the U.S. or more than four in the U.S. when the Bible says there are but four bound inside and makes no mention of any being bound outside of the U.S.?

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“All classes of second advent believers agree, that the angel brought to view in the 6th and 7th verses of this chapter (Rev. 14), represent the advent message to the church and world. If this is true, then all five of the angels brought to view in this chapter represent five distinct messages, prior to the advent, or we are left without a rule to interpret this chapter.” A Word to the Little Flock, pp 10, 11. You say, how can one make five angels out? Let us think, the four angels bound in the Euphrates represent the four prophetic movements beginning with the Millerite movement, and reaching down to the opening of the seventh seal which should open at or shortly after the 120 years (Matt. 24:37; John 4:35), beginning in 1844, and the five angels’ messages of Rev. 14 represent the five messages of the four prophetic movements. As all Seventh-day Adventists know, two of these angels’ messages came before Oct. 22, 1844 in the Millerite movement, and as all the honest S.D.A.s well know, three of these angels’ messages have come since 1844. The third angel’s message began to unfold with Ellen Harmon White and was followed by the Shepherd’s Rod and the Branch messages making a total of five angels’ messages but only four movements. Problems that are complicated for the human mind, you see, are made simple by Inspiration.

Therefore beginning with the prophet William Miller and reaching down to the opening of the seventh seal there are four prophetic movements and only four prophetic messages. When the seventh seal opens and the loud cry begins for the world there will be 144,000 prophets (Joel 3:28). Hence no room is left for the many S.D.A. and D.S.D.A. reformers being prophets or having a prophetic message all of their own until the seventh seal opens and thereby making it impossible for them to go to the “two olive trees.” Rev. 11:4; Zech. 4:11 “the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament” G.C. 267, to get the oil of present truth to lighten the candlestick, the Church. Being ministers, not prophets, they must necessarily get their oil of truth from the golden bowl (Spirit of Prophecy), in order to lighten the church (candlestick, Rev. 2:1-5). As long as the reform ministers bring admonitions for the church from the Bible as it is revealed by the Spirit of Prophecy, they have God’s sealing approval. However, those reformers who go to the two Olive Trees, without the Spirit of Inspiration, but rather through the halls of higher learning or some other means other than Inspiration, and attempt to bring out things new and old which is the spurious and not the true oil, and dispense it to the candlestick are claiming by their actions to be prophets, but are termed by the Bible as false prophets.

There is a dangerous trend among the reformers, by claiming that all are prophets. This is the devil’s deal, and if this urge to prophesy is not repressed by them, it will surely lead into fanaticism, and hence bring about the fulfillment of the latter day prophecy by Jer. 23:20. “I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran: I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied.” Jer. 23:21.

Beginning with the third angel’s message after 1844, and before the seventh seal opens, there are three prophetic steps of the message of righteousness; which are: (1) Righteousness by Grace in the third angel’s message of the atonement for the dead by Mrs. E.G. White – S.D.A. By keeping the Sabbath since 1844 God’s people have received the assurance of His righteousness through His grace. (2) Righteousness by Faith came in 1888, but it was rejected by the General Conference and the people, and produced no movement. See C.O.R. 87:2; 70:2. Sr. White wrote “thus the Lord did for the children of Israel; thus he has done with his people in all ages. He will prove them where they have formerly failed.” 5T. 623:1. The people rejected the message in 1888 and the ministers, Waggoner and Jones did not persevere and consequently no prophetic movement resulted from the message; therefore, the message of 1888 completely failed. We may be sure, though, that the Lord’s truth is not to fail but on the other hand is to triumph, and since this is true, then the message of righteousness by faith would necessarily have to he sent back to the church again. This is just what happened; in 1929, the Lord sent the message of righteousness by faith through the Sabbath School Quarterly which developed into the Shepherd’s Rod message, and which has tried the faith of every Seventh-day Adventist since it came into existence.

Yes, it is true that the denomination claims the Shepherd’s Rod false. “The Jews refused to receive Christ, because He did not come in accordance with their expectations. The ideas of finite men were held as infallible, because hoary with age.” T.M. 64:2. We are not to go by what the church says, for the church has rejected the messages He sends through His delegated messenger in all ages. If God’s people would ever learn to stay with the Spirit of Prophecy, rather than listen to fallible men, they would be safe. Actually, the message of 1888 was in a sense sent to announce the Shepherd’s Rod, and although the Shepherd’s Rod did not bring that great reformation in the church anticipated by its believers, yet it taught a great prophetic truth.

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The movement that follows the Davidian movement, the Branch, is the message of the Lord our Righteousness of Zech. 6:12, 13; Jer. 23:5, 6 which is the investigative judgement of the living for the church (1 Pet. 4:17), and is the message and revival that brings the reformation (reorganization) in the church before the loud cry for the world. Do you not want to be one of, or one with, the 144,000 first fruits? We need the righteousness of the Branch in the Atonement. Hear Inspiration, “The work of Christ as man’s intercessor is presented in that beautiful prophecy of Zechariah concerning Him ‘whose name is the Branch’ ” G.C. 415 “Hear ye the Rod” “Who is to bring this revival and reformation, this great change? The BRANCH. And according to Isaiah 11:1-5, the Branch is the Lord.” 1T.G.r. 8-24:3. The Lord is bringing the revival and reformation in His own name, and when this revival and reformation is completed, which is the marriage of the Lamb (Matt. 25:10), the Lamb’s wife (Rev. 14:1), will have His name (Jer. 33:15, 16). Therefore there are three steps of righteousness, S.D.A. (Grace), D.S.D.A. (Faith), B.D.S.D.A. (Righteousness of Christ). O! for the height, and depths of the wisdom of God and His ways past finding out until at the right time when He reveals His secrets to His servants the prophets. You can see the Lord through Inspiration makes His truth so plain and simple that none can gainsay. However, men turn to their own righteousness in order that they may have a following who will bow to them instead of the Lord. These false teachers may as well know now that God will surprise them at their unholy feast.

So you see, friends, there is no possible way to brush the Lord’s message aside, for “he will try them, and if they fail under the trial the second time, he will bring them around to the same test again.” 5T. 623:1. Since the Lord’s people failed the second time to receive the message of righteousness by faith through the Shepherd’s Rod, He is now bringing them around to the same test again through the Branch, and this time it will triumph to the glory of the Lord. Do you not want to triumph in His glory?

Any movement that meets this Divine blue print in these last days, you may be sure is ordained of Heaven, and you can be safe in putting your all into it, even to all you have, all you are, and all you hope to be. This is Heaven’s chart and compass and you certainly will not go wrong following it. Compare any movement by the above blue print and if the organization does not meet the specifications and requirements laid down here you will know to leave it alone, for it is the spurious, not the true, and will surely bring you to a bad end. The only profitable thing to do is to put your time, energy and means into the genuine, which will bring you joy, happiness and everlasting peace. Do not get contaminated by the false which will only bring everlasting destruction. There is no time to lose, why dabble with that which is not bread, why not be overcomers and partake of the true Bread which cometh down from Heaven, the hidden Manna? (Rev. 2:17).

SUMMARY
I. The five angels’ messages:

a. Rev. 14:6-8 prior to Oct. 22, 1844 – Millerite, originating in eastern New York.
b. Rev. 14:9 after 1844 – The Testimonies, Portland, Maine
c. Rev.14:15after1844–TheShepherd’sRod,LosAngeles,California
d. Rev. 14:16, 17 after 1844 –The Branch “He” The Lord Our Righteousness for the 144,000, Odessa, Texas
1. Rev. 14:18 is the out-pouring of the Holy Spirit
2. Rev. 14:18, 19 is the Loud Cry – the Branch “SHE”, the Lord Our Righteousness for the great multitude

II. Four Angels Bound in Euphrates (Babylon) G.C. 389-90; at an hour, day, month, and year.

* First day Adventists – the hour of His judgment, Rev. 14:6, 7
* Seventh-day Adventists; Day – great judgment day beginning Oct. 22, 1844
* Davidian Seventh-day Adventists; Month – the latter rain of truth in first month. Joel 2:23
* Branch Davidian Seventh-day Adventists; Year – year of the redeemed. These four are summed up in the Branch. See 5Tr. 87. The four angels find their origin in Euphrates (United States).

III. Three steps of Righteousness during the time of the Atonement

a. Righteousness by Grace – judgment of the dead (G.C. 483, 490). S.D.A.
b. Righteousness by Faith – pre-judgment of living (2T.G.r. 39) Davidian S.D.A.
c. Righteousness of Christ–judgment of the living (1T.G.39:5;6T.19) Branch D.S.D.A.

Finally Brethren, “Through faith in His name, He imputes unto us His righteousness and it becomes a living principle in our life.” R & H, July 12, 1892. The Atonement this year is Sept. 20 (Sept. 19 at even). Lev. 23:27, 8. The Feast of Tabernacles is Sept. 25 – Oct. 2. First and eighth days are holy convocations.

BENJAMIN RODEN

The BRANCH of Davidian and Seventh-day Adventists