One of the few proofs used by the movement in the United States to support its changed view (from the “two views” it initially brought forth) of the beginning of the Youthful Worthies as individuals and as a class is an interpreted/translated three-part discourse on the Book of Ruth given by Bro. Johnson, August 8, 1933 in Monceau-sur-Sambre near Charleroi, Belgium. Specifically, they point to a small section within the first part of the document. Translated back to English and published in the Spring 2007 PT, it best reads: "… We can divide the Youthful Worthies in 3 groups: 1st : from 1878 to 1881; 2nd : from 1881 to 1914 when there were many more consecrated than crowns and 3rd : finally those who consecrated after 1914."
A closer look at the document and the use of the work itself as a proof bring up some important issues:
The author of the French-language document is UNKNOWN…though believed to be a Truth sister. And she interpreted/translated a discourse—something difficult to do accurately even without considering Bro. Johnson’s grasp of the English language. During this process, subtle use of words and meaning can be lost, changed, or infused with error. For instance, at the very beginning of the entire work, translated in English it reads, “The book of Ruth covers the period from 1844 to 1921. The 1st chapter relates to antitypical events which took place from 1844 to 1874, and the 2nd chapter refers to events that took place from 1874 to 1881.” These sentences incorrectly indicate the antitypical time periods for the 1st and 2nd chapters of Ruth as given by Bro. Johnson in the original article on Ruth (published three months earlier) and later included in E4, The Epiphany’s Elect. We know these to be 1844 to 1881 and 1881 to 1916 respectively. Additional mistakes appear in other parts of the document, but this example, which is from the very first paragraph, should suffice.
With regards to the initial quote, the French word “groupe” correctly translated “group” in English is never used by Bro. Johnson in any of his writings to describe the condition of the Youthful Worthies at different times. This usage is unique to the French document. Like Bro. Johnson in E4 and the June, 1933 PT, the document does use the French word “classe” to describe the classes which Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah represent. Why is this important? Because the French word “groupe” actually helps to emphasize status and one must therefore determine which three of the possible four are shown: pre-individual (those on their journey to full consecration in the Truth), individual (those who consecrated as strangers in the land), class (all who consecrated after 1914 when it was the only choice), and post class (after 1954 when no more were admitted). Clearly, the status of those after 1954 is not represented thus allowing us to recognize the other three.
What this shows is that only Brother Johnson’s actual, published work should be used to support his Epiphany truth. Certainly no fault can be attributed to the native French-speaking brethren, since few have sufficient command of the English language to appreciate the nuances of Bro. Johnson’s writings. Nor do they have every Truth resource available in French. E4, where this new truth was "discovered", is one such example. The lack of this Epiphany volume in their language makes it difficult for them to understand the changed view made by the movement in the United States, since they cannot easily see that Bro. Johnson would be contradicting himself within his own book.
