PT May, 1942: THE SIGNIFICANCE OF JESUS' ASCENSION

"His ascension finally means for Himself that He was introduced into the exercise of His office as God's Vicegerent. At His resurrection He gained the right to this office and to its exercise (Matt. 28: 18). Immediately after the celebration of His return to Heaven He began to exercise this office; both creatively and providentially over the universes, and then at Pentecost on behalf of the Church, redemptorily as sharing with Him in the Sin-offering, enlighteningly, justifyingly, sanctifyingly and deliveringly. He has expanded the exercise of that power lately in developing the Great Company and the Youthful Worthies as classes."

Does it say 1878 or 1881?

PT November-December, 1957: "However, despite the fact that the Youthful Worthies are not generally recognized as a class by the Great Company groups (except by the Good Levites), and despite the fact that they have so far been kept from their Millennial fold and station, in which they will assist in the joyful work of blessing all the families of the earth, let us not lose hope or turn away from the teaching, clearly set forth by Bro. Russell, that since 1881 there have been many consecrators for whom no crowns have been available, but who have the joyful prospect of being counted in with the Ancient Worthies in nature and reward. Let us remember that hope deferred is not hope lost. We should maintain the assurance of faith that though the fulfilment of this feature of the vision seems to tarry, it also will surely come; it will not really tarry."

If Youthful Worthies began consecrating as individuals in 1878, as is now taught by the Executive Trustee, then Bro. Jolly was wrong.

It cannot be a "later call" if they believe the new date of 1878.

If 1878 is the date of the beginning of the Youthful Worthy call, as the current Executive Trustee says, then Bro. Russell was incorrect in what he wrote in 1889 and Bro. Jolly was incorrect to reference it in May, 1955:

We note here some of Bro. Russell’s words (R 1113), written in 1889, in answer to a question as to the propriety of baptizing those who were consecrating after the general call ceased in 1881 and for whom consequently there might be no places in the Body of Christ: "It is proper that all who come to a knowledge of the Lord should consecrate themselves fully to Him. This will always be the only proper course to pursue, whether they come in under the ‘high calling’ or under another later call [italics ours], not so highly honorable and distinguished. Nothing short of full consecration will ever be proper, though by and by when our Lord’s kingdom is ruling, and when the reward will be less, the keeping of that consecration will cost no self-denial except of things actually sinful. There will no longer be any suffering Present Truth Question Book—(1918-2000) for righteousness’ sake, as now. Since, therefore, it is proper to consecrate—and thus perform the real baptism—it must still be in order, also, to perform the symbol of it in water.”

Z 1046 (June, 1888): Bro. Russell responds to a letter. We apply bold text for some remarks.

[For our encouragement we should remember, that the only "call" yet made is to membership in the little flock. We are all called in one hope of our calling. (Eph. 4:4.) God has not during the Gospel age called some to the human plane and others to the "little flock of crown wearers," and others to the second class or "great company of palm bearers."

Only to the one class were any of us called, and all who have seen the prize, and accepted the invitation can, if they will, make their calling and election sure, by obedience to the conditions--full, complete self-sacrifice in the service of the Lord and under his direction. Those who shall compose the "great company" of palm bearers are those who have not done what they could--who after having consecrated all, even while they love righteousness and desire to see the truth prosper, are unwilling to sacrifice present comforts and interests by an open warfare on behalf of the truth and against error. These, while they love the Lord and the truth, do not love ardently enough to be acknowledged and crowned as overcoming soldiers of the cross. Surely our actions speak as loudly as our words, and it is in vain that any profess great love, if when the Master and the truth are assailed and misrepresented, they specially recognized agents and ambassadors shall keep quiet and fail to protest against the error for fear of  some earthly disadvantage resulting.

Whoever then is begotten of the Spirit, and therefore able to appreciate and run for the prize of the "high calling" of the Gospel age, may know that he is called by the only call yet issued: and if willingly he shall sacrifice his all, he may be as sure of the prize as any other one running the same race. Such a disposition is an evidence of a timely consecration and acceptance and therefore of a begetting of the Spirit. Press nobly on, then, dear fellow-laborers, whether you have entered the harvest field recently or earlier: we serve the one Lord, in the one Faith, and by the one Baptism into his death; and for all such he has the crown of life reserved. "Hold fast that which thou hast, let no man take thy crown." Be strong in the Lord; be valiant; yea, be also of good courage.--EDITOR.]