November 8

Have You Ever Said, “Just Who Do You Think You Are?”

MANY Britons were shocked not so long ago when the diaries of the late Lord Reith, founder of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), were published. “I have brilliance, intellect and all sorts of things like that,” he wrote, “. . . Loathing the common people, I will rarely admit greatness in others.”

Do you too find yourself ‘rarely admitting greatness in others’? It is an easy omission. In Lord Reith’s extreme case, his jaded view of others often led to bitterness and frustration for him. For example, he wrote of his chagrin at being brought to the level of the “common people” when Churchill removed him from the British Cabinet. He complained that his successor took his former government car, leaving him to queue up for the bus like anyone else. “I had a great struggle with myself,” he said. “Tears flooded my eyes several times.”

Fortunately, most people do not carry their view of others to such extremes. But, even so, is not pompousness and self-importance common among people you know or deal with? Many persons consider aggressiveness and assertiveness to be the only way to “get ahead.” A popular current book titled “Winning Through Intimidation” promotes the idea that the way to advance in business is to intimidate others​—bully, bluff, maneuver and manipulate them to one’s own advantage—​in short, to consider them inferior to you.

Often such superior airs translate into words or actions that imply: “Why should I have to put up with your ignorance?” or “Just who do you think you are?” You may be thinking now of the times that you have faced this spirit in dealing with a pompous bureaucrat, an arrogant clerk or an overbearing husband​—or wife.

The fact is that this frame of mind has prevailed among humans for ages. When the ancient Greek language was called upon to express new Christian thinking​—“with lowliness of mind considering that the others are superior to you”—​it was so foreign to most Greek expressions that the Bible writer had to coin a new word for “lowliness of mind.” (Phil. 2:3) One commentary notes that “the idea he wished to express was one which had hitherto found no place in Greek thought or language. It had been taken for granted that everyone ought to assert himself, and that no one but a fool or a coward would yield of his own accord to any rival.”​—The Interpreter’s Bible.

But is it foolish or cowardly to ‘consider others superior to you’? Not at all. “It is easy to look down on others,” wrote the English Lord Peterborough; “to look down on ourselves is the difficulty.” Yes, feelings of self-importance come easily to most of us, but humility requires much more of a person, especially if he is gifted.

How easy it is to think, “I’ve worked hard to get where I am,” and to consider as inferior others who are not so successful. But if you had been born with limitations or handicaps, would you be where you are now? Where did you get the talent and initiative, or the training and knowledge that you have? The Bible asks some piercing questions on this: “Who makes you, my friend, so important? What do you possess that was not given you? If then you really received it all as a gift, why take the credit to yourself?”​—1 Cor. 4:7, New English Bible (NE).

A person who considers others superior to himself is not necessarily a mere retiring follower. He may have the capacity to show much ability to direct. Of all the qualities a person in a position of responsibility may have, it is humility that will most endear him to those whom he guides or directs.

When some of Christ’s apostles were disputing over which one was the greatest, he quickly punctured their grand illusions by telling them what makes for true greatness. He noted that it is customary for those in authority to “lord it over” others. But “this must not happen with you,” he countered. “The greatest among you must behave as if he were the youngest, the leader as if he were the one who serves.”​—Luke 22:25, 26, Jerusalem Bible (JB).

The wisdom of this principle becomes clear when you think back to the last time someone dealt with you as though you were inferior. Did you feel like cooperating with that person? Or did it cause resentment and irritation to well up​—perhaps the reaction: “Just who do you think you are?” Remember this the next time you are tempted to follow that first impulse to put on airs before another who may not be as qualified as you are in your field. True, you may be superior in those matters, but are you superior in other things? He may excel you in matters of life that are far more important. So the Bible urges that a person not “exaggerate his real importance. Each of you must judge himself soberly.”​—Rom. 12:3, JB.

With these principles in mind, why not take another look at others around you​—this time ‘considering others to be superior’? Would relations with your family, friends, work associates or the public improve if you were to do so? Remember the sage advice of the apostle Paul: “Care as much about each other as about yourselves. Do not be haughty, but go about with humble folk. Do not keep thinking how wise you are.”​—Rom. 12:16, NE.

A husband, for example, may supply the money to provide for a home. But his wife may be better at doing the purchasing of foodstuffs or other home needs. She may also excel in arranging the home and providing a larger portion of the warmth and tenderness children need. Certainly a husband should not feel that his authority is threatened if he acknowledges that his wife may be superior in these and perhaps other ways. It will no doubt help to increase her respect for him and solidify the love between them.

Even children can make a superior contribution. Their spontaneous and uninhibited way of expressing joy and affection, their little honest, unhypocritical observations about things may even teach “sophisticated” adults something.

Especially should Christians recognize that fellow believers all have certain qualities superior to their own. Some have more knowledge and discernment, others more zeal and enthusiasm, still others more warmth and sympathy. Who is to say that if God were to select the most favored from his own standpoint, it would not be someone we tend to look right over because of that person’s humble manner? That is why the Bible says: “All of you should wrap yourselves in the garment of humility towards each other, because God sets his face against the arrogant but favours the humble.”​—1 Pet. 5:5, NE.

When the Teton Dam Burst

CAN you imagine yourself fishing on a quiet stream one minute, and the next scrambling up a canyonside to escape a 300-foot-high (91-meter-high) wall of water? That actually happened on the Teton River, on June 5 last. Eyewitness accounts of what took place when the Teton Dam burst form a story of ‘truth stranger than fiction.’ Take, for example, what befell this fishing party:

Bright-blue skies made it the perfect Saturday to fish on the Teton River, considered by many to be “the finest trout stream in the state of Idaho.” And so at about 11 a.m. the party of five put their rubber raft on the river just below the Teton Dam. From there, they floated downstream a short way and anchored.

They had already noticed that “the water had changed to a milky color” when suddenly a man called down to them from atop the deep canyon. He warned about the possibility of some high waters as there was “a little leak in the dam.” The fishing party floated farther down and were shocked to see a relative at the canyon’s upper edge shooting his pistol in the air and waving frantically.

This, coupled with rapidly rising water, made them realize something drastic must have happened. As one woman in the group relates: ‘We started paddling madly to shore and frantically began climbing the canyon wall. Looking back, I told the others to let the boat go. I climbed to a high point and stopped to catch my breath when I saw a large metal container about 50 feet [15 meters] in diameter come crashing downstream. The waves were tossing it like a cork. I really climbed!’

Just as the party reached the top, a huge wall of water completely filled the canyon​—a chasm 300 feet deep!

This body of water, which would be named the Teton Flood, continued to move swiftly. One young fisherman was drowned, and another was violently battered but somehow managed to ride with the water for about five miles (8 kilometers) and then to grab onto a tree. He was rescued from the tree several hours later.

Many clocks stopped simultaneously at 11:57 a.m. as the power failed. And to the majority of the one hundred thousand residents of this Idaho region, time seemed to stop. Before the flood was over, eleven would perish and thousands would be homeless. Estimates of property damage would be from $400 million up to $1 billion! Why so extensive? Because of the flood’s five-pronged “attack.”

When the water hit a sharp bend in the river, the watery wall did not turn but part of it “jumped” the riverbank and kept going west. The water also poured through the small valleys or “hollows” in this hilly area, dividing into five fronts or “arms.” Of course, a large “arm” would rush southward following the river basin of the Snake River (into which the Teton River flows).

But what was it like as the waters came rushing out of the canyon into the broader valleys? Darrell Singleton, a congregational elder of Jehovah’s Witnesses, owns a farm four miles (6 kilometers) below the dam. He was on his property and so relates:

“It Engulfed Everything”

“We were loading some gear in the pickup camper when our daughter in Rexberg telephoned. She said that the Teton Dam was washing out and everyone was being told to evacuate. I told her that probably someone was overly excited due to minor flooding caused by spill over the full reservoir. She said that it was more serious than that. So I said that we would hang up and evacuate and let her do the same.

“I wasn’t too concerned but we decided to drive to the dam and see for ourselves. When we arrived, frantic people were racing away from it. One look confirmed what was happening. Down from the canyon, a huge mass of chocolate-brown water was spreading out into the valley. A dust cloud was at the edge of the water. As the flood would reach objects in its path, they would appear to explode.

“We started back to our place, warning the people we passed. At one home they were reluctant to leave but were persuaded when the electric power lines began to fall. We were within two miles of home when we saw a wall of water over 30 feet [9 meters] high hit our place. It engulfed everything. A helpless feeling overtook us​—devastation was everywhere.

“Later, about 5 p.m., we walked back to our farm. The flood had moved our house about 150 yards [137 meters], where it then collapsed. All our other buildings and farm equipment were demolished. My boat and pickup truck, still hitched together, were up in the trees.”

Most of the people in this initially flooded Wilford area had only about a ten-minute warning. Some looked up to see the water coming at them. The eerie sound of trees snapping off warned others. One woman saw “a brick home tossed in the air like a plastic dollhouse.”

Evacuate Now!

Directly in the flood’s path lay a string of small cities. Sugar City was the first. Happily, everyone was evacuated before the watery front, now six miles (10 kilometers) wide, destroyed the city. Uprooted trees, lumber, barrels, even cars and farm implements smashed into the buildings.

Sad to say, many dead animals were also floating. Thousands of cattle had been in the path of the flood. In many cases their owners had time only to open their pens and give them a “running chance.” Some succeeded, but most failed.

City and state policemen were able to spread the warning ahead of the floodwater: ‘Evacuate now!’ The next city, Rexberg, did so just in time, for soon many of its buildings were immersed up to the roof.

As the torrent swept south, each small community, in turn, did what it could to evacuate. Many people were confused. As it was impossible for officials to estimate the speed of the floodwaters, announcements of expected crests were often inaccurate. With electric power knocked out and several bridges washed away, travel and communication were hampered.

Several Cities Fight Back

Idaho Falls was the largest city in the path of the torrent. Hundreds of volunteers responded to calls for emergency work. It was a strange sight to see them busy sandbagging the banks of the Snake River in bright sunshine. On Sunday when the flood crest hit, it measured nineteen feet (6 meters). However, all bridges held​—the flooding had been controlled. The volunteers who worked through the previous day and night had won!

But downriver things would not turn out the same way. Despite valiant volunteer efforts, the persistent tide poured into several communities. Almost 75 miles (120 kilometers) from the dam, it was still a raging torrent!

Finally by Monday night the waters were receding; the Teton Flood had run its course. Shocked communities literally were picking up the pieces. Many were grateful that it had occurred at midday and not at night when more persons would have been caught off guard. Nonetheless, people everywhere had the same question: How could such a thing have happened?

The Small Beginning

Have you ever heard the story about the little Dutch boy who, upon discovering a leak in a dike, pressed his finger in the hole for hours until help arrived? He was called a “hero” and credited with saving a nearby town! In the same way, it was a leak that gave rise to the Teton Dam tragedy. But help came too late.

Construction cost of the dam was said to be 55 million dollars as the project neared completion. At about 8 a.m., on June 5, 1976, workers were called to the site. For several days a persistent leak had occupied the attention of the work crews. Now this leak was running muddy water and another leak was noticed. Since the reservoir behind the dam was full for the first time, the presence of these leaks was disturbing.

It was decided to use two bulldozers and push boulders into the big leak on the face of the dam. However, by this time an ominous whirlpool (indicating the force of the flow) had formed on the reservoir side of the dam. In addition, the larger bulldozer sank into the earthen dam and so the two operators chained the vehicles together and tried to move both back up the slope. Soon the supervisor interrupted them and motioned both operators to leave their machines and get to safety. The leak was running much more water and eroding a gaping hole back into the dam.

Large bulldozers now moved on the top of the dam to push boulders down into the whirlpool on the reservoir side. Despite this, the leak increased and the two previously abandoned bulldozers, chained together, fell into the roaring torrent. Shortly all men and equipment were removed from the dam. The battle to stop the flow was lost.

An eyewitness describes what next happened: “I knew it was going to flood but I had no idea it would be like that; it looked like the ocean pouring in. Everything filled so fast. Every time a piece [large earthen portion of the dam] fell in, it was like a bomb exploding. An explosion of mud.”

But with all the technical advances in construction, how could the leaks have developed? Five weeks later, reports Engineering News-Record of July 15, 1976, a panel of experts “named five possible causes for the 305-ft-high [93-meter-high] earthfill’s failure.” The favored theories involve malfunction of what is called the “grout curtain.” What does that mean?

When the type of rock beneath or at the ends of a dam (as canyon walls) is suspected of being porous, rows of large holes are drilled into the rock and concrete is injected. This concrete wall or “curtain” should prevent water from seeping under or around the dam. Apparently at the Teton Dam, the curtain failed and on one end where the dam joined the canyon wall, water started seeping through. Once this water had eroded away the face of the dam on that end, it was only a short time before the weight of the “lake” behind the dam would cause the weakened portion of the dam to burst open.

Response and Reflection

During this disaster thousands of people responded to aid the flood victims. The response of Jehovah’s Witnesses throughout the western United States was termed “overwhelming.” One victim tells the heartwarming story of how “at daylight Sunday when I got up, there was a truckload of food, clothing and bedding, sitting out in front of the house with two brothers [fellow Witnesses] sitting in the cab asleep. They had driven most of the night.”

In fact, a forty-five-foot van of supplies was sent up from Utah and another large trailer load came in from California. One of the recipients notes: “So much help came that we didn’t know what to do with it all. We knew that the brothers were sending it for anyone who had need, and so we shared with neighbors and other people who were in the same circumstances as we were.” Soon those directing the relief work of the Witnesses had to say: “It’s enough!”

Reflecting back on the three-day ordeal, one sees startling contrasts. The majority of people had worked together and shown kindness to one another. Some even risked their lives to save others. On the other hand, law-enforcement officials soon had a serious problem with looting. Since state police were controlling access to the disaster area, apparently this calloused stealing was done by ‘neighbors’ of the victims.

Further contrast was shown in the attitudes taken toward the loss of possessions. Naturally, many expressed fear and anxiety about the future. Yet one woman mused: “It was a terrible experience, but I’m sure glad the people I love most are safe. From this, I think people have realized it’s people who are important and not material possessions.”

But whatever lessons the Teton Flood conveyed, it left its mark​—on the land and on the survivors.​—Contributed.

[Picture on page 7]

Courtesy of U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Reclamation

The gigantic gap left in the dam after its rupture

A Bitter Pill to Swallow

By “Awake!” correspondent in Zaïre

“I THINK you have malaria,” remarked the doctor. My severe stomach pains and a headache told me not to argue with him. He promptly gave me an injection of quinine in liquid form, along with instructions on how much quinine to take during the next few days. Happily, the treatment worked and before long I was back to normal.

That experience, and the fact that I was living in a major quinine-producing area, heightened my interest in this substance. Millions of people living in tropical lands where malaria is prevalent swallow bitter quinine pills daily. But just what is quinine? Where is the substance obtained? And what are its uses? I was determined to find out.

Getting to the Source

Quinine is a substance derived from the bark of cinchona trees. These were growing on the eastern slopes of the Andes when the Spanish came to South America in the sixteenth century. The explorers found that the Indians were using the bark of the tree for medicinal purposes. Soon these Europeans were chewing cinchona bark. Was it a delicious treat? Certainly not! The bark had an unpleasant, bitter taste. But chewing it was effective as a remedy for fever.

Soon the search was on for other ways to get the medicinal substance out of the bark and make it easier to take. A few years after the initial discovery by Europeans, it was found that if cinchona bark was soaked for a time in wine the medicine was drawn out by the wine. This was drained from the bark and consumed. Obviously, that was a much easier way to take the medicine, since the bitter taste was either neutralized or disguised by the wine. But because of the difficulty of extraction and the fact that all the bark had to be brought from South America, quinine remained available only to the wealthy and privileged.

By the mid-nineteenth century the cinchona tree had started dying out in South America. But it was being planted in Java, and for many years Indonesia was the main supplier of quinine. Other tropical countries also have produced quinine in an effort to control malaria. During 1938 the cinchona tree was introduced in the Kivu region of the Republic of Zaïre. In recent years this area has become a large supplier of quinine.

Visiting a Cinchona Plantation

In Zaïre we certainly are in a good place to learn more about quinine. Why, many large cinchona plantations are laid out neatly in the rolling, green countryside on the shores of Lake Kivu, in the eastern part of Zaïre! Come along as we visit one of these establishments.

Our guide, the plantation manager, explains that it is best to start our visit by seeing the beginning of the cinchona plant. So, our first stop is the nursery. To get there, we wind our way through the woods and plantings of cinchona to the bottom of a valley. It is an ideal place for a nursery. The soil is very rich, having been washed down from the hills. There is a flowing stream for a steady supply of water. The area also is warm and well protected.

Right in the center is an enclosure with grass walls. Inside there is row upon row of long low sheds also made of grass. All the sheds are open on one side. But sacking hangs down the front so that just the right amount of light can enter. As we look into one of these sheds, we see neatly arranged beds covered with thousands of very fragile plants. After the soil of the bed is prepared, the seeds are simply scattered on the top, where they germinate. Each bed, which is about a meter (39 inches) wide and several meters long, is seeded with only 2 grams (.07 ounce) of seed, approximately 4,000 to 5,000 grains. Our mouths drop open in amazement as the guide explains that one kilo (2.2 pounds) can cost up to $700. But our astonishment is allayed somewhat when we are told that a kilo can contain as many as one million individual seeds.

The new seedlings are watered with a fine mist so as to avoid harming the tender plants. When they reach a height of 10 centimeters (4 inches) they are transplanted for the first time, but are still protected from the sun and hard rain. Not until the plants are a year and a half old are they finally put out into the open fields.

Leaving the nursery, we climb the hills into the plantation itself. We wonder why all the plantations we have seen are on the slopes of hills, and very steep ones at times. Our guide informs us that while the cinchona tree likes lots of water, it does not like waterlogged soil. The climate here in Kivu supplies the rain​—about 80 inches (2 meters) a year—​and the slope of the hill provides the drainage. The plantation we are visiting reaches an altitude of about 6,600 feet (2,011 meters) above sea level.

The young plants are placed in very well-defined rows at a distance of one meter (3.3 feet) from each other. Whether you look straight ahead, to the side, or diagonally across the field, you observe that the plants are in perfect rows.

It is the bark that is harvested, not fruitage of any sort. Harvesting the bark starts during the third or fourth year of the tree’s life. At this point, the purpose is as much to thin out the plants as it is to obtain the quinine. Harvesting goes on until about the twelfth year, with branches and trees being cut down every year. Incidentally, if a tree is cut down, that does not mean that its replacement has to start with a seedling. The stump that is left will quickly sprout again and three or four shoots are left to mature. So, in this way the plant just goes on producing.

As we move along one of the plantation roads, cheerful bird songs gradually give way to a clattering noise. Farther along we come to its source. By the edge of the road, on their knees, we see a long line of young women and girls from surrounding villages. All are busy taking the bark off the trees and branches. Each has a rock in front of her and a stick about a foot and a half (46 centimeters) long. The trees are brought to the women by men and are cut into convenient lengths. Putting the tree or branch on a rock, the woman pounds it with the stick until the bark is loosened. She then peels it all off, carefully piling the bark on a big sheet. At the end of the day this will be weighed and tallied. Later, on the basis of this, she will be paid.

Next the bark is spread on large concrete drying areas where young boys sort out sticks and leaves that have no value and would only get in the way. After the bark is dry, it is put into large bags and is shipped to the processing plant.

Extraction of Quinine

Next we arrange to visit the local processing plant to see the actual extraction of the quinine from the bark. Since this is mostly a chemical process, I will not try to mention all the details. First, we see an entire truckload of bags being unloaded and weighed. Shipments from different plantations are kept separate until an analysis can be made of a sample. The quinine content can vary from 5 to 10 percent.

Once the quinine content has been established, the bark is sent through a mill and is ground as fine as flour. After this, the bark is put through the chemical process. It is mixed with various chemicals, such as sodium carbonate, sulphuric acid and caustic soda as it passes through different stages. Finally the quinine begins to manifest itself as a paste, which is then spin dried in a drier similar to those you find in a modern laundry.

Quinine’s Varied Uses

In this basic form much of the quinine is exported to different parts of the world. There it undergoes further processing, according to the particular needs of the country or pharmaceutical firm. In a single year the chemical plant we toured will process as much as 2,500 tons of bark, yielding between 120 and 150 tons of quinine. All the quinine needed in Zaïre is processed at this plant, and large quantifies are exported.

Combating malaria and some other diseases is not the only use of quinine. Since it is sensitive to light, quinine also is used in making film for your camera. Beer, especially Pilsner, may be prepared with the help of quinine. For that matter, some persons use tonic water as a mixer in alcoholic beverages in order to obtain quinine without having to swallow bitter pills. Various plastics also contain quinine.

Quinine in its pure state is being used less and less these days. On the other hand, the use of its derivatives is increasing. A person who is under treatment with basic quinine might find that his eyes, ears and stomach are adversely affected. This is not the case with the quinine derivatives.

Nevertheless, regarding quinine and a similar substance, The World Book Encyclopedia states: “Doctors today still use the drug quinidine to treat and correct certain disorders of heart rhythm. Quinidine has the same chemical formula as quinine, and differs from it only in the way the atoms are arranged in the molecule. Doctors believe quinine and quinidine may cause abnormalities in unborn children. For this reason, pregnant women should not take these drugs without first consulting a doctor.”

It is estimated that one third of the earth’s population is affected by malaria, especially in the tropical regions of the Americas, Asia and Africa, and that perhaps as many as two million people die from its effects each year. In 1975 the World Health Organization announced that its program to eradicate malaria has failed. Undoubtedly, therefore, the reddish-brown bark of the cinchona tree still has a large role to play in alleviating the debilitating effects of malaria. At any rate, I hope our inspection tour makes it a little easier for malaria sufferers to swallow this bitter pill.

What Is Behind Those Dazzling Autumn Colors?

THE North American Indians tried to explain the mysterious beauty of autumn leaves. Their legend claimed that every autumn hunters in the sky killed the Great Bear. His spilling blood, they said, splashed many leaves with red, while fat spattering from the hunter’s kettle tinted others yellow.

This explanation probably does little to satisfy your curiosity about autumn’s color extravaganza. What really goes on in those colorful leaves? Why do some turn red, others yellow or orange or purple, and still others just brown? What makes the same tree turn several different colors? And why do just a few areas of the earth enjoy spectacular autumn displays?

You may be surprised to know that much of the color is right there in the leaves all summer long! You just cannot see it. The superabundant supply of green chlorophyll in the leaves during summer masks over the other colors. But during autumn, something happens to the chlorophyll in broad-leafed trees. Understanding this is vital to knowing why the leaves change color as they do.

These deciduous trees, in contrast with the evergreens, lose their leaves every year. The annual blazing forth of autumn colors is merely a reflection of physical and chemical changes that occur during this process. The colors signal to observers that a marvelous sealing off of the leaves is taking place. How so?

Well, in a still little-understood chemical reaction, the chlorophyll in leaves uses sunlight all summer to make food (sugars) from water and carbon dioxide in the air. To do this, the leaves have been drawing up water from the soil, and much of it evaporates into the atmosphere.

But during winter very little water is available. Often it is frozen in the soil. Hence, loss of vital water through the leaves must be stopped. Trunks and branches also need sealing off from winter’s chill. For the tree’s own good, its leaves must go. So, as the sunlight wanes in the period before winter, most broad-leafed trees begin to shut down their food-production shop.

A Sealing That Reveals

As the days grow shorter, a layer of specialized cells begins to form between the leaf stem and the twig from which it grows. This corky abscission layer gradually cuts off the supply of water from below, as well as stopping the flow of sugars from the leaves into the tree. When the sealing is finally completed, the weight of the leaf and its twisting in the breeze are enough to send it floating to the ground. But, in the meantime, remarkable. things are happening.

Losing its abundant supply of water and summer sunlight, the busy chemical laboratory is deprived of raw materials. So the unstable chlorophyll in the leaves begins to break down and fade away, revealing the colorful pigments already there. These are mainly the carotenoids, pigments responsible for colors from pale yellow (xanthophylls) to carrot color (carotenes). Carotenoids are far more stable than chlorophyll, and so remain in the leaves of poplars, birches, aspens and others to brighten the landscape with shades of gold.

But what about the vivid reds, purples and even blues that make the autumn display so spectacular in certain parts of the world? These are the anthocyanins. They also give apples their red color, cabbages their purple, violets their blue, and so on. Anthocyanins are so dominant in some trees, such as the Japanese maple (red) and the purple-leafed plum, that they are seen all summer. But in most plants this pigment is formed only during autumn.

Anthocyanins are much more sensitive to outside influences than are the other leaf pigments. If leaf fluids are acidic, they appear red; if the fluids are neutral, violet; and if alkaline, blue. So any fluctuation in the chemical composition of the anthocyanins or of leaf acidity can make for a great range of colors.

Since these pigments are made from sugars, and bright, sunny days make for good sugar production, variations in weather during autumn can also affect the brilliance of the leaf display. If bright days are followed by cool, crisp nights, the chill slows the movement of sugars from the leaves into the trees during the night. Sugar concentrations build up, making for greater color production. But if during autumn the weather is cloudy or the nights warm, the colors are much more subdued.

Anthocyanin production in some plants is so sensitive to light that if one leaf shades another, an image of the upper leaf will appear in green or yellow on the lower one, outlined in red where the sun strikes! This also explains why parts of a tree with more exposure to the sun may be brightly colored, while other parts of the same tree have little red coloration.

Finally, there are the browns that often combine with yellows to make the beautiful yellow-golds and gold-browns that further enhance the autumn display. The browns generally appear in aging cells, in a process similar to what happens when a cut apple turns brown when exposed to the air. In the case of the beech tree and some oaks, this is a vibrant brown because the leaf cells are still very much alive, though aging, when the brown is formed.

On the other hand, some leaves turn brown only when they are almost dead or are already on the ground. This brown and some yellows are the only autumn colors seen in most parts of the world where there are some few deciduous trees. Why is it that so few places have brilliant autumn displays, with their wide range of colors?

A Show for a Few

Only limited regions of the earth are blessed with the conditions that can produce these dazzling displays. First, there must be large numbers as well as a variety of deciduous trees. They must have the genetic ability to produce the pigments that make the leaves so colorful. Many varieties simply do not produce anthocyanins. Another important factor is the bright, crisp autumn weather. Few parts of the world meet these requirements, and they are mostly in the northern hemisphere.

The British Isles and west central Europe have large deciduous forests, as do eastern China, Korea and parts of Japan. And these put on some very beautiful autumn coloration. But many believe that it is in the eastern United States and southeastern Canada that the most spectacular displays of color occur. The greater diversity of tree varieties with red-coloration potential and ideal fall-weather conditions seem to work together for truly breathtaking results.

The autumn leaf displays in some states draw people from distant places as a yearly tourist attraction. Bulletins are even issued describing the stage of coloration in different areas. Traffic clogs the back roads of the normally sleepy countryside with those the local people often call “leaf freaks.”

But these beauty lovers are rightly in awe of what they see. It is a Chemist without equal, the Creator himself, who can make such magnificence a part of what is otherwise a routine exercise in survival for trees.

‘No Mixture of Wool and Linen’

● God’s law to Israel stated: “You must not wear mixed stuff of wool and linen together.” (Deut. 22:11) This probably was a prohibition against garments made from two kinds of yarn spun together. This may have been to emphasize in an illustrative way the importance of purity. It would serve to keep the Israelites distinct from surrounding peoples and nations, where such combination of yarns was allowable. Practical aspects were also involved. Since clothes were allowed to be made from only one type of yarn, merchants would be deterred from representing a garment as being made of one material when, in fact, other yarn had also been used. Clothes made of just one kind of yarn, rather than two, could be more easily cared for, since varying kinds of fabrics​—like wool and linen—​react differently when washed.

A Message with Real Appeal

HOW encouraging it would be to hear that crime and violence have at last been stopped world wide! Could anyone expect such a thing to happen soon? Yes, for it is promised by the One who is powerful enough to bring it about, man’s Maker, Jehovah God.

Convinced of the Bible’s promise, Jehovah’s Christian witnesses made a special effort in the month of May to reach millions of people with this upbuilding message. Their leaflet “How Crime and Violence Will Be Stopped” had a fine effect on many who accepted it.

An educator from Ontario, Canada, was moved to write: “Last Sunday as my family and I were just finishing our meal and were discussing the sorry state of the world, we were visited by two members of your persuasion. They expressed a desire to speak to us about how crime and violence could be stopped. Our minds were filled with doubt, but we thought that we could at least talk to these people. My wife and I discussed the problem with them for about an hour. They appeared to possess a clear and well-thought-out understanding of the difficulties with which we are faced in our troubled society.

“They left us somewhat unconvinced; however, that evening, the seeds which they had planted came to full blossom. My wife and I retrieved our copy of the Bible (a wedding gift), unopened for many years, and began examining the references recommended to us. In what was contained within these passages of prophecy, we began discovering the amazing relevance to today’s realities. Together, my wife and I realized that something fundamental had been missing from our lives​—the knowledge of our Savior.”

Interestingly, in at least one case, the tract was instrumental in stopping a crime. A Witness from Virginia reports:

“While working some apartments with the tracts, I approached a man who was heading for his car. I asked if he lived in that apartment and he replied, ‘Yes.’ I proceeded to draw attention to the subject ‘How Crime and Violence Will Be Stopped.’ He countered with the words, ‘How it will be stopped! Man, I’m on my way right now to commit some crime!’

“I paused for a few moments because he wouldn’t accept the tract. Then he showed me a pistol and told me someone had run off with his wife. I was hoping he didn’t think I was the one, because he was really upset. I finally got up enough courage to try to reason with him.

I pointed out to him that, if his wife had run off with someone else, she wasn’t about to come back. Anything he would do now could only get him into trouble with the law. I encouraged him to think the matter through, for it wasn’t worth shooting anybody over. I recommended letting the law handle it.

“He thought it over for a few minutes and then said he would take my advice. He reached out and took the tract.”

It may well be that you, too, received the leaflet “How Crime and Violence Will Be Stopped.” Have you availed yourself of the opportunity to learn more about how you and your family can be among those to enjoy a crime-free world? Jehovah’s Witnesses in your locality would be delighted to discuss with you what the Bible has to say about this.

I Had Open-Heart Surgery

THE place: St. Vincents Hospital, Melbourne, Australia. The time: twenty-four hours before I was scheduled for open-heart surgery. As I read the loving message from one of my children, I recall thinking: “Without God’s help I will never make it out of this mess alive.”

On several occasions over the years I had felt that my general health was not as it should be, even though no one was able to pinpoint the trouble. In March 1973 the company with which I was employed arranged for all executives to have an extensive medical examination.

Although the examination failed to show up any defects, I was far from satisfied, mainly because I didn’t feel right. I would run short of breath without a great deal of physical exertion. But as the weeks passed I accepted this as normal for a person of my age. I was forty-eight.

Real Trouble Becomes Obvious

In December 1973 I left with my family for an assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses that was held at Randwick Race Course in Sydney on the east coast of Australia. There was ample parking for everyone. However, it was quite a walk to the seating, and I noticed that each day after parking my car I was out of breath and lagging behind the others.

The assembly ended, and my wife and I drove down to a place called Jervis Bay to visit my wife’s parents who have holiday units right on the beach. One morning after walking along the beach for several miles, as was my habit, I plunged into the surf. But after a short swim I realized I was about to pass out. I just managed to get out of the water and stagger onto the beach before collapsing.

When I came around, I was being carried on a stretcher shoulder high by my son and several others. It flashed through my mind: The dead are conscious of nothing, and yet why can I actually see all these pallbearers of mine? I suppose every situation has a humorous side.

By ambulance I was taken to the nearest hospital, where I was examined. I was found to be in good shape, and allowed to leave. The next day I was not sick, so I decided to skip the beach walk and just have a quiet, relaxed swim. The result: A repeat of the previous day. The ambulance driver and I were now “old buddies.”

This time at the hospital they realized that obviously there was something wrong. But until extensive tests could be made, the trouble couldn’t be identified. It was suggested that I undergo these tests as soon as I arrived back home in Western Australia.

The Trouble Identified

We made the journey back uneventfully, my wife doing most of the driving. I decided to see a specialist; not being sure of my problem, I settled for a heart specialist.

On my very first visit this skilled surgeon, by listening with his stethoscope, noted a faulty heart valve. But to confirm his diagnosis and to make sure that there were no other abnormalities, I underwent minor surgery known as a cardiac catheterization procedure. This involves an overnight stay in the hospital.

A hollow tube was inserted into a vein at my elbow and forced up the arm and down into the heart area. Here a fluid or dye was released into the bloodstream. As a result, photos could be taken on a videotape of my coronary arteries and the heart area. These photos could be viewed by myself and the staff on TV screens mounted on the wall. This has become a standard procedure, I understand.

It was determined that I indeed had a faulty aortic valve. Also, the two coronary arteries that feed blood to the heart were blocked​—one almost completely, the other partially. So it was decided that I undergo corrective open-heart surgery immediately.

This would involve, first, replacing the defective aortic valve with a plastic one. It is through this valve that blood is pumped from the left ventricle of the heart into the huge aorta and on to the entire body.

The second procedure would involve taking a section of vein from my leg and using it to make two coronary bypass grafts. These grafts in the coronary arteries would provide new channels for the flow of blood, bypassing the areas in the coronary arteries where blockage was occurring due to a buildup of fatty deposits. Thus the blood could then flow freely to feed the heart with vital, freshly oxygenated blood.

Incidentally, for the coronary arteries to be partially blocked with fatty deposits is not an unusual condition among people today. It is responsible for a very high percentage of the heart trouble, including the many heart attacks.a However, I was fortunate, for my warnings of trouble came in the form of blackouts, apparently without any actual heart damage being done.

Operation Without Blood?

I requested that the necessary arrangements be made for the operation. However, I explained that I would not accept any blood transfusions, since the taking of blood is against my Bible-based beliefs. My doctor thought that perhaps I didn’t realize the seriousness of the situation, so as an alternative he suggested that blood be taken from my body over the next week or so, stored, and then used during the operation.

I explained God’s viewpoint on the use of blood, reading to him Deuteronomy 12:23, 24: “Simply be firmly resolved not to eat the blood, because the blood is the soul and you must not eat the soul with the flesh. You must not eat it. You should pour it out upon the ground as water.” Thus, I said, storing blood for use in blood transfusions is Scripturally objectionable to me.

Following a conference that the doctor had with three medical colleagues on the matter, it was decided that, under the circumstances, they were not prepared to operate in Western Australia. They suggested that I see a highly qualified doctor in the city of Melbourne in eastern Australia. This man had performed open-heart operations on Jehovah’s Witnesses without the use of blood. However, so as not to raise my hopes, it was explained that details of my case were to be submitted to the doctor in Melbourne before any decision would be made. Apparently a plastic valve replacement, a double bypass, plus the removal of a vein from my leg​—all without using blood transfusions—​was considered a little out of the ordinary.

The news was all bad for the moment. Initially the shock was twofold. First, because for the first time in my life this was happening to me personally, and not to someone else. Secondly, the possibility of sudden death is a frightening experience and takes a little getting used to. However, having my God Jehovah to call upon for courage and strength was a great comfort.

The findings, including the video tapes of my heart X rays, were forwarded to the doctor in Melbourne. A few days later I was advised that he was prepared to perform the operation. I was to be in Melbourne within forty-eight hours. Within hours of my arrival I was admitted into the hospital.

Open-heart surgery equipment is so costly that only one hospital in every state capital here in Australia is set up to perform operations of this nature. In the case of Melbourne, it is St. Vincents Hospital. My doctor visited the ward on the first night and did everything in his power to persuade me to forget my beliefs regarding blood, telling me my chances of survival were very slim. In fact, he did his very best to scare me, and he succeeded too!

I could feel my knees knocking under the bed covers. After he left I was under the impression that he was having second thoughts about the operation, and so was I. I didn’t know whether to grab my clothes and leave, or stay and see the thing through. Being a Christian really meant something that night; I realized how much we really do need God.

The doctor later told my wife that he had carefully weighed the situation. Apparently, 30 percent of patients hemorrhage internally following such an operation, and if blood is not replaced, the results can be disastrous. However, I was encouraged when I read in the local paper that in this same hospital a patient died that very day, having received the wrong type of blood. The man in the bed next to me said: “I am concerned now about having blood; it seems a calculated risk.”

Preparation for the Operation

It was decided that I spend one week in the ward prior to the operation so as to settle in, undergo further tests and learn breathing exercises. Following open-heart surgery the patient experiences initial difficulty in breathing. So it is important to learn in advance what to expect and how to cope with it. This can later contribute toward one’s peace of mind and personal welfare.

During this week prior to the operation I was visited by numerous medical persons who would be involved in the procedure. The operation was to be a team effort by a number of highly qualified doctors. It was explained to me that access to the chest cavity is necessary, and this is achieved by cutting vertically right through the breastbone, or sternum. This is done with some kind of portable circular saw. As it turned out, I was asleep at the time, thankfully, and didn’t have opportunity to inspect the “tools of trade.”

The doctor in charge of the heart-lung machine advised me that this machine would have to take over the function of my heart and lungs for approximately two hours during the operation. Normally the machine is primed with blood. However, in my case a saline solution was to be substituted. As my blood would flow from my body through the machine, it would be oxygenated and chilled to approximately 84 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius). Then it would be pumped back into my circulatory system. This would afford the surgeon valuable time to work on my heart, which would have ceased to pump due to the low temperature.

Eventually, the crucial time would come when the work is completed and the heart temperature is brought back to normal. Then the pumping of the heart would be restarted with an electric charge, and I would be ‘back in business’ again. Finally, my chest cavity would be closed up.

Several days before surgery, the bypass technician visited to make himself known. He mentioned that his own brother is one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Knowing that we are not superstitious, he commented that I was to be the thirteenth Jehovah’s Witness to use this machine. Doing his utmost to reassure me, he said it was a long while since they had lost a patient. I appreciated his visit.

By the end of the week the doctors and nurses had adjusted to the situation and were more than kind to me. In fact, I had a number of discussions about the Bible with various ones. It occurred to me how well received the Bible’s message is in a place like this where the full impact of human misery, sickness and imperfection is so evident.

Finally, on the last night, after my family had left the ward, I experienced great comfort in prayer. I must have gone to sleep with my Bible in hand, for the next morning it was still in bed with me when I was given an injection to put me to sleep. That was the last I remember of the twenty-second of February, 1974.

Recovery

I awoke several days later in the intensive-care ward, heavily sedated. My first recollection was of seeing my wife walking toward my bed, her garb complete with mask, cloak and cap. She was allowed to stay only a few minutes due to the high risk of infection. But I recall that she commented, “I hope you have been behaving yourself.” I assured her that I had little choice in the matter, having tubes and pipes sticking out all over.

The doctor had requested that my wife stay away from the hospital on the day of the operation, promising that he would telephone immediately after it was over, which he did. He assured her that I was all right. The whole operation had taken five hours and had been performed successfully without blood, which, as the doctor said, “was a forward step in their experience.”

The actual work was classified as, not “major” surgery, but “massive” surgery. The operating team having taken special care, I had lost only one pint of blood during the operation. Another pint later drained from the tubes coming out of my lower chest, which were obviously left in for this purpose.

On the second day after the operation I apparently was mentally confused. However, this was only temporary. After being taken back to the postoperative ward on the fourth day, I soon afterward began to sit up and take notice, even though I was very weak physically.

Two weeks after the operation I was discharged. Then a week later, before boarding the jet aircraft to return home, I paid my final visit to the surgeon who was in charge of the operating team. This was for the usual examination and checkup. The doctor expressed interest in following my progress, and said that he would keep in touch with my local doctor in Perth, Western Australia. I left with him a Bible and the book The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life, which he assured me he would read.

Although still on a sickness pension, I hope to work again in the near future. My health has improved considerably. I swim daily, play golf and estimate that I have walked somewhere in the vicinity of 2,000 miles (3,200 kilometers) since being discharged from the hospital.

Reflecting, I can sincerely say that the past two years have been the most rewarding of my life. True, the company with which I had worked for twenty years terminated my services, considering that I was a bad risk for the future. I felt too sick at the time to be upset. But I have since enjoyed an abundance of spiritually rewarding experiences and have come to have a better appreciation of many things.

For instance, I have gained greater understanding and compassion for the sick, ailing and aged. But most of all, life now has more real purpose and meaning than it ever had before. I am unable to express in words the love that I feel for my God Jehovah.

Six months after the operation, I was able to commence my house-to-house witnessing again, accompanied by my wife. Almost invariably a householder would invite us in, and we would have the opportunity to sit down and discuss the purpose of our visit from an armchair. Talking to others about our wonderful Bible-based hope has indeed been upbuilding and rewarding to me.

Although, under present circumstances, I may have a reduced life expectancy and businesswise I am a bad risk, what continues to strengthen me is the certain knowledge that God purposes for humans to enjoy everlasting life in perfect health under the reign of his Kingdom. The Bible promise to those who will eventually live under God’s rule is that “he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” (Rev. 21:4) ​—Contributed.

[Picture on page 20]

I swim daily, and my health has improved considerably

[Footnotes]

The Earthworm​—A Most Beneficial Servant

THE earthworm would surely have a hard time in winning a popularity contest. For thousands of years the designation “worm” has been a term of contempt. An ancient songwriter once said: “I am a worm, and not a man, a reproach to men and despicable to the people.” (Ps. 22:6) However, despite the low esteem in which it may be held, the earthworm fills a highly beneficial role in the maintenance of life on this planet.

There are more than 1,800 different earthworm varieties. Some are at home in the Andes at a height of some 15,000 feet (4,572 meters) or more. Others go about their daily routine in the mud lying as much as 180 feet (55 meters) below the surface of a lake. These creatures may also be found in compost heaps.

Earthworms vary considerably in size. One kind, when contracted, measures about one inch (2.5 centimeters) in length. But then there is an Australian variety that in its fully contracted state may have a length of three to four feet (.9 to 1.2 meters). And, when extended, one of these huge earthworms may measure between ten and twelve feet (3 to 3.7 meters) in length.

What about color? You may well be familiar with the common reddish-brown earthworm. But there are also green, purple and grayish-white varieties.

A Closer Look at a Common Variety

The common earthworm measures about ten inches (25 centimeters) in length. It consists of about 120 (or up to 150) cylindrical segments. If a few of these segments are lost, perhaps because of being picked off by a bird, they will regenerate. However, such regeneration has limitations. Therefore, cutting an earthworm in half will not result in two separate worms. Each segment, with the exception of the first and the last, is equipped with eight bristles known as “setae.” By means of these bristles the earthworm can get a good hold on the soil through which it crawls. This creature’s longitudinal muscles enable it to contract or to stretch itself. With the circular muscles, it can make its tubelike body shrink or expand. Five pairs of hearts form part of the earthworm’s circulatory system.

Unlike many other creatures, earthworms have no eyes, no ears, and no lungs or gills. How do they manage without such valuable equipment? The skin is supplied with light-sensitive cells. So when exposed to bright light, the earthworm will quickly withdraw into the darkness of its underground realm. Endowed with a keen sense of feeling, it can detect the slightest vibrations, including the movement of a mouse or a bird. The creature does all its breathing through the skin.

Reproduction in earthworms differs from that of many other animals. Each earthworm is both male and female. Still, another earthworm is needed for fertilization to take place. The mating process takes between three and four hours, during which time sperm is exchanged. Describing what happens thereafter, the Encyclopædia Britannica says: “The worms separate and form cocoons; the cocoon moves forward, picking up eggs at the 14th segment; at the 9th and 10th segments it picks up the sperm deposited by the other earthworm. The cocoon slides over the head, and fertilization takes place. Within 24 hours after the worms mate, the cocoon is deposited in the soil.”

The main food of the earthworm is dead plant matter. Much of this comes from what is found near the opening of its burrow. Other food is obtained from soil ingested during the tunneling process. The mouth serves as a suction pump, taking in everything that comes into the creature’s path. Soil and sand pass through the gullet to a crop lined with tough skin. Grit in the crop, along with the digestive juices, transforms what is ingested into a paste. Organic substances are digested and the remainder passes through the earthworm and is either dropped underground or cast on the surface.

Of what benefit is the earthworm’s activity? Its burrows improve aeration of the soil and make it easier for water to pass through the earth. Its castings readily combine with organic debris to form humus and make the soil more fertile. Regarding the makeup of earthworm castings, Organic Gardening and Farming reports: “When earthworm castings are compared to the top six-inch layer of soil (such as your topsoil), we find that they are: Five times as rich in nitrate nitrogen, twice as rich in exchangeable calcium, two and one-half times as rich in exchangeable magnesium, seven times as rich in available phosphorus, and 11 times as rich in exchangeable potassium.”

Experiments with earthworms have shown that their presence definitely increases crop production. Daily an earthworm passes the equivalent of its own weight through its digestive tube. When we consider that many thousands of earthworms are doing this in just one acre of cultivated soil, a tremendous job of soil building is being accomplished. Says The Encyclopedia Americana: “It has been estimated that as much as 10 or 15, and often more, tons of soil per acre per year are brought to the surface in rich meadowlands through worm castings.”

Demonstration projects have revealed that earthworms can work marvels with areas or materials that would otherwise remain useless. Earthworms have converted city refuse into valuable fertilizer and have made depleted cornfields productive. The New York Times of July 30, 1976, quotes one worm entrepreneur as saying: “We can take a few tons of shredded garbage, plow it into wornout ground, turn worms loose on it, at five or 10 worms per square foot, and in three or four months have several inches of the richest, blackest topsoil you’ve ever seen.”

Truly the earthworm is a most beneficial servant. How grateful we should be to its Maker, God, for providing such an efficient soil-builder!

Happiness Featured at Gilead Graduation

AMONG the graduates were​—a couple who had come all the way from the “outback” of Australia where they had served among aborigines; two couples from Germany; one couple from Denmark and another from Canada; also a young man from Morocco. The rest were from the United States.

In addition to being from various lands, they had also come from varied backgrounds. One had been in the public relations business. Another had been an internationally known concert guitarist. One had once been a rock recording artist. Yes, and they were even a varied group as to race​—black, white and yellow.

What did they all have in common? They were among the happy graduates of the 61st class of the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead. The exercises were held on September 5, 1976, at the Jehovah’s Witnesses Assembly Hall in Queens, New York city. And what a joyous occasion it was! In fact, it was the climax of almost a week of happy activities.

The students spent Tuesday and Wednesday taking their final exams. What a pleasure and relief it was when these were over! Happily, each of the students merited a diploma. The highlight on Wednesday was a special graduation dinner enjoyed with some eighteen hundred others of the Bethel family, members of the Brooklyn headquarters staff of Jehovah’s Witnesses. On that occasion four of the students spoke on behalf of the class. One told how much they enjoyed and profited from the School and how they learned that happiness comes from helping people to know Jehovah God. Another appreciated learning that there is great satisfaction in doing what you know you are supposed to do. Still another told how they enjoyed the brotherly kindness extended to them by members of the Bethel family.

All of Thursday was taken up with dress rehearsals of their graduation program, which rehearsals were greatly enjoyed by quite a number who would be unable to attend the graduation program itself, as well as by the some sixty musicians who recorded the music for the Bible dramas they would be presenting. Friday all the students were driven to Watchtower Farms, where a special program took place. It began at 8:30 in the morning, with three members of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Leo Greenlees, Lyman Swingle and Ewart Chitty, giving fine admonition to the students as well as to the Farm family.

The students were reminded how much they had in common with Abraham, Ruth and Paul, who left families and friends to serve God in foreign lands. There was also forceful admonition on continuing their assignment, sticking to their posts of duty. Attention was called to many Bible characters who continued faithful in their assignments for many years and were greatly blessed therefor. Also very upbuilding was the development of the theme that if they draw close to God, God will draw close to them.​—Jas. 4:8.

Then the students presented a fine musical program featuring chiefly guitar music and singing, after which they staged two Bible dramas: The first stressed the importance of personal prayer as seen from the experiences of King Hezekiah. The second drove home the importance of being whole-souled in serving Jehovah God, as admonished by Governor Nehemiah and the prophet Malachi. (Mal. 1: 12-14; 3:10) Thus the students enjoyed a full four-hour program of both receiving and giving.

Then they, together with their audience, which included over 600 members of the Watchtower Farms family and 400 guests, enjoyed a fine dinner and association with many friends. After this the students had the pleasure of touring Watchtower Farms.

At ten o’clock Sunday morning at the Assembly Hall, after opening song and prayer, the chairman set the theme of happiness for their graduation by noting that this was indeed a happy day for the graduating missionaries, and all the rest present were happy with them. A number of speakers, eight to be exact, were heard from. All of them gave most practical Scriptural counsel, and a recurrent theme was happiness. Thus the graduates were told that, with the help of wisdom gained from God’s Word, they could be happy even when meeting up with trials. Letting God direct their lives rather than wanting to do their own will would bring them satisfaction, contentment and happiness.​—Jas. 1:2-4.

It was also a happy thought that, of the two million praisers of Jehovah God throughout the world, these twenty-six graduates were specially privileged at this time in having missionary training and the prospect of missionary service. Also grounds for happiness was the fact that nothing can separate God from his true servants. (Rom. 8:35-39) Further contributing to the joyousness of the occasion was the reading of congratulatory messages from widely scattered places.

A happy note in a lighter vein was struck by still another speaker, who drew a lesson from the letter of an eight-year-old girl sent to the Watch Tower Society in which she included a dollar to help print more Bible magazines: “I like the pretty pictures in The Watchtower . . . Keep up the good work, brothers. . . We have to be good because Jehovah and Dad don’t want us to be fooling around. Love. M. W.” Also, in a lighter vein were the remarks of another speaker who told from experience how a sense of humor helps when it comes to primitive sanitation and water supplies abounding in mosquito wigglers in one’s missionary assignment.

Still another speaker stressed the role that happiness must play in the life of a missionary: ‘Whether you remain in your assignment will largely depend upon whether you are happy or not. Happiness is one of the greatest paradoxes. It can grow in any soil, live under any conditions; it comes from within. Happiness is the warm glow of a heart at peace with itself because it knows that the person is leading the right kind of life. Seek happiness by limiting your desires, by making the best of situations; not so much by doing what you like, but liking what you do. To be happy, cultivate a close relationship with Jehovah God; associate with his happy people; give of yourself to others.’​—Acts 20:35.

It was also a cause for happiness to hear another speaker tell of missionaries who continued faithful in their assignments until death, regardless of surrounding conditions or their health. Among these was one whose pallbearers at his funeral were six young men with whom he had conducted Bible studies and who not only took their stand for Jehovah and his kingdom, but entered the full-time service at the Japanese headquarters of the Witnesses.

All that was in the morning. Sunday afternoon upward of two thousand were delighted as the students presented the same program that they had put on at Watchtower Farms. Then a song of praise and a prayer of thanksgiving to Jehovah God closed the program on a fine, upbuilding spiritual note. It had been a most happy day for all attending the graduation of the 61st Gilead class and the end of a happy week for all the students.

[Picture on page 24]

Sixty-first Graduating Class of the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead

In the list below, rows are numbered from front to back and names are listed from left to right in each row.

(1) Liverance, J.; Casado, E.; McSharry, G.; Rosado, M.; Miller, D. (2) Tanaka, G.; Miller, J.; Paulisch, I.; Blankenburg, H.; Mouat, B. (3) Kalimeris, M.; Hanley, D.; Casado, H.; Wilhjelm, A.; Wilhjelm, P.; (4) McSharry, T.; Rosado, C.; Liverance, W.; Bensmihen, M.; Paulisch, P. (5) Hanley, R.; Strauch, R.; Mouat, S.; Blankenburg, M.; Kalimeris, A.; Block, K.

What Is the Bible’s View?

Transcendental Meditation​—for Christians?

“I’M HAPPIER. I think more clearly and work more efficiently, I find myself more involved in helping other people. I’ve learned to deal with stress, and at the end of the day I have more energy left for my family life.”

This is typical of comments by persons who claim that their lives have taken a turn for the better through the practice of “transcendental meditation,” also known as “TM.” Claims concerning the value of TM have aroused the interest of many. For example, back in 1972, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, founder of the TM movement, announced a “World Plan,” one of the goals of which would be “to solve the problems of crime and all behavior that brings unhappiness to the family of man.”

Likely the idea of overcoming stress and finding a solution to world problems appeals to you. Should you therefore take up transcendental meditation?

Some persons might approach this question by trying to analyze scientific claims regarding the state of deep relaxation that transcendental meditation is said to produce. But to a person interested in pleasing the Creator, a wiser approach is to investigate whether the practice harmonizes with the Holy Bible, which is “inspired of God.”​—2 Tim. 3:16.

What is transcendental meditation? It involves sitting upright with eyes closed and letting the mind drift effortlessly toward a word or phrase known as a “mantra.” Advocates of TM say that it is neither a religion nor a philosophy nor a way of life. They advertise TM as simply “a natural and effortless technique for improving all aspects of life.”

Is this so or is TM actually a religious practice that conflicts with Bible teaching? What do the facts reveal?

Did you notice that Maharishi himself is called a “yogi”? That term refers to one supposed to have achieved “union” with God, or “God-consciousness” through the Hindu practice of yoga (Sanskrit for “union”). Interesting, too, is how the Encyclopædia Britannica (1976) defines “mantra”: “in Hinduism and Buddhism, a sacred utterance (syllable, word or verse) considered to possess mystical or spiritual efficacy. . . . Mantras continue to be an important feature of Hindu religious rites and domestic ceremonies. Initiation into many sects involves the whispering of a secret mantra into the ear of the initiate by the guru (spiritual teacher).”

The Hindu connections of TM are especially evident in the initiation ceremony. For that occasion, a candidate must bring along pieces of fruit, a white handkerchief and some flowers. The TM teacher, or “initiator,” places these upon an “altar” containing a candle, incense and a picture of Swami Brahmananda Sarasvati Maharaj, also known as “Guru Dev.”

After lighting the candle and incense, the initiator chants in the Sanskrit language a “puja” (worship). In a lengthy “invocation” to Hindu divinities and holy men, the puja includes the following: “To LORD NARAYANA, to lotus-born BRAHMA the Creator . . . I bow down. . . . To the glory of the Lord I bow down again and again, at whose door the whole galaxy of gods pray for perfection day and night.”

This chant continues with numerous praises of “Shri Guru Dev.” One of these praises mentions the Hindu trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Siva, as follows: “GURU in the glory of BRAHMA, GURU in the glory of VISHNU, GURU in the glory of the great LORD SHIVA.”

In view of this, why do many claim that TM is not a religious practice? To make it more palatable to the public. In The Science of Being and Art of Living (page 299), Maharishi (called “His Holiness” on the title page) explains:

“Whenever and wherever religion dominates the mass consciousness, transcendental deep meditation should be taught in terms of religion. Whenever and wherever metaphysical thinking dominates the consciousness of society, transcendental deep meditation should be taught in metaphysical terms, openly aiming at the fulfillment of the current metaphysical thought. Whenever and wherever politics dominates the mass consciousness, transcendental deep meditation should be taught in terms of and from the platform of politics, aiming at bringing fulfillment to the political aspirations of the generation. Whenever and wherever economics dominates the mass consciousness, transcendental deep meditation should be taught from the level of economics, with the aim of bringing fulfillment to the economic aspirations and goals of the time.”

“So,” someone may object, “what difference does it make whether transcendental meditation is related to Hindu worship?” According to the Scriptures, it makes an important difference. How so?

The Bible plainly declares that the majority of the world’s religious beliefs and practices do not meet God’s approval. For instance, the apostle Paul wrote: “The things which the nations sacrifice they sacrifice to demons, and not to God; and I do not want you to become sharers with the demons.” (1 Cor. 10:20) On the other hand, Jesus taught that “true worshipers will worship the Father with spirit and truth.” (John 4:23) As to the only source of truth, Jesus said in prayer to God: “Your word is truth.” (John 17:17) Let us compare some features of transcendental meditation with the revealed “word” of God, as found in the inspired Scriptures.

As to who should be the object of all worship, Jesus stated: “It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.” (Matt. 4:10) We have already seen that, especially in its initiation ceremony, TM involves praise to Hindu gods and holy men. Can a person worship ‘Jehovah alone’ and participate in something like that?

And for Bible believers there is another serious objection. It is known that persons who delve into advanced states of yoga-type meditation often claim to develop powers of divination, which may include ability to predict future events. According to the Bible, non-worshipers of Jehovah who have such occult powers get them from wicked spirit forces, or demons. (Acts 16:16) Might not transcendental meditation open one up to such spiritistic influence?

Noteworthy is a comment of Maharishi concerning the purpose of mantras: “We do something here according to Vedic rites, particular specific chanting to produce an effect in some other world, draw the attention of those higher beings or gods living there. The entire knowledge of the mantras or hymns of the Vedas is devoted to man’s connection, to man’s communications with the higher beings in different strata of creation.”

Since the Scriptures portray non-Biblical worship as going “to demons, and not to God,” any “higher beings” contacted through mantra chanting would be among those whom the Scriptures call “wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places.” (1 Cor. 10:20; Eph. 6:12) Does it make sense to become involved in any way with a practice that in advanced states can lead to demonic influence?

What of the goal to make TM a significant means “to solve the problems of crime and all behavior that brings unhappiness to the family of man”? Scripturally speaking, that is impossible, for transcendental meditation does not come to grips with the real causes of world woes. Why not?

For one thing, the Bible attributes much of the failure, frustration and futility of human endeavors to inherited sin. (Ps. 51:5; Eccl. 7:20; Rom. 8:20) Even sickness, aging and death result from man’s imperfect condition due to sin. (Matt. 9:1-8; Rom. 5:12; 6:23) Moreover, the Bible reveals the principal cause of world woes to be “the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited earth.” (Rev. 12:9) Along with the Devil, the Bible shows that a host of demons function as “world rulers.”​—Eph. 6:12.

The real solution to world problems centers around God’s Son, Jesus Christ. According to the Bible, removal of human sin and death can come about only through Jesus’ ransom sacrifice. (Matt. 20:28; Acts 4:12; 1 Tim. 2:5, 6) And it is a heavenly Kingdom government made up of Jesus Christ and associated “holy ones” that will replace all earthly kingdoms with divine rule extended earth wide.​—Dan. 7:13, 14, 21, 22, 27; 2:34, 44, 45.

What, though, of playing down the religious aspects and fantastic claims regarding transcendental meditation, and viewing it as merely a means of relaxing and getting rid of excess tension? Surely there is nothing wrong with relaxing. Jesus himself drew away from the crowds to rest up. (Mark 6:31, 32) But he did not do so in ways that would violate Scriptural guidelines.

With regard to the religiously linked practice of transcendental meditation, however, it is good to consider that, with reference to false religious practices, the apostle Paul warned that even “a little leaven ferments the whole lump.” (Gal. 5: 9; compare Matthew 13:33; 16:6, 11, 12.) Indicating the correct view for Christians regarding any practice related to false religion, the Scriptures admonish: “Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers. For what fellowship do righteousness and lawlessness have? Or what sharing does light have with darkness? . . .’ “Therefore get out from among them, and separate yourselves,” says Jehovah, “and quit touching the unclean thing”’; ‘“and I will take you in.”’”​—2 Cor. 6:14-17.

Watching the World

Argentina Bans Witnesses

◆ A United Press International dispatch of September 8 from Buenos Aires stated: “The Government tonight barred members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses from practicing their religion in Argentina. The order, signed by President Jorge Rafael Videla, also prohibits Jehovah’s Witnesses from publishing literature and holding meetings.” According to the report, a number of Witnesses were arrested during August in the province of Misiones “for instructing their children not to sing the national anthem or recite the pledge of allegiance to the flag in school.” Witness children, of their own volition, heed Biblical counsel to avoid idolatry and maintain Christian neutrality.​—Ex. 20:4, 5; John 15:19; 1 John 5:21.

Safest for Children

◆ Following a two-year study, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has determined the safest place for children to be in an automobile while traveling. It is in the rear seat, and the youngster should be protected by some approved restraining system such as a seat belt.

Exercise if over 60?

◆ If a person is about 60 years of age or older and is cautious, regular moderate exercise may prolong his life, according to the American College of Sports Medicine. It suggests consulting one’s physician first, then offers this advice, as reported in the journal Industry Week: “No food for 3 hours before vigorous activities and no drinking for at least 1 hour beforehand; a 10-minute warmup; a 15-minute break every half-hour for fast-paced activities such as tennis; and a tepid shower afterward.”

Eye Cosmetics a Danger?

◆ Dr. Louis Wilson, who has been doing research on eye makeup at Emory University Clinic in Atlanta, Georgia, says that such cosmetics usually are pure when purchased, but contamination results as they are used. Skin bacteria find their way into the container, as when a woman puts her finger to eye shadow or when a mascara brush touches the margin of her eyelid. A random sampling of almost 16,000 eye cosmetics acquired from office workers revealed that half were contaminated. Wilson has noted four women who inadvertently scratched the cornea when applying mascara and thus infected an eye. Three of them lost vision in the injured eye. In substance, Dr. Wilson suggests these safeguards: Do not keep eye makeup too long; when new mascara is bought, discard your old brush; do not share cosmetics; cleanse your hands before applying makeup; if the cosmetic requires water, use that, not saliva; do not leave your purse containing makeup in the sun, as the heat contributes to the breaking down of preservatives; should an eye ailment develop, or should you scratch an eye when applying makeup, consult a doctor, taking along your mascara so that it may be cultured for bacteria; use eye makeup containing a preservative that inhibits the growth of fungi and bacteria. It might be noted, of course, that some women choose not to use eye makeup at all and, hence, do not have reason for concern about possible dangers from using such cosmetics.

World Woes

◆ “There are more starving, impoverished, illiterate and unemployed people in the world than ever before,” states Parade magazine. It points out that a third of the residents of “Third World” nations are unemployed and two thirds “barely exist.” Moreover, a fourth of the earth’s populace are hungry and also one fourth of the world’s adults are illiterate.

Paint Remover Peril

◆ A short time ago, a retired man who had taken up furniture refinishing work reportedly had a heart attack after using paint remover. He recovered, but took up paint stripping again and had another heart attack. Upon recovery, he again engaged in paint removal, only to experience a heart attack that was fatal. Thereafter, the link between his heart attacks and paint remover was discovered. Researchers studying healthy persons at the Medical College of Wisconsin found that inhaled paint remover is metabolized by the body to carbon monoxide. This reduces the blood’s capacity to carry oxygen to the heart’s muscles. Therefore, Consumer Reports urges that paint removers be used outdoors, or, if used indoors, at least several windows be open and an exhaust fan be operating.

Dialysis Treatment Costs

◆ Individuals with chronic kidney disease pay nearly four times as much for dialysis treatments in U.S. hospitals as do those receiving them at home. In reporting on a government-backed study involving five principal dialysis centers, American Medical News reports that the average cost per treatment at home is about $43, whereas the average charge at a hospital is approximately $159. At three treatments a week, in a year dialysis costs would be well over $24,000 at a hospital, compared with less than $7,000 at home.

The Senior Citizen

◆ Recently, Dr. Robert N. Butler, director of the National Institution on Aging, reported on the circumstances of the 22 million elderly persons in the United States. As noted in Parade magazine, a third of them “are below or hover above the poverty line.” About $75 is all that the average single elderly citizen has to live on each week. Also, a fourth of all the suicides in the nation are committed by persons over 65 years of age.

Deadly Diet

◆ A report from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, cites a warning against eating rhubarb leaves while dieting. Doing so may result in serious sickness and may even be death-dealing. According to the director-general of the food directorate, Dr. W. P. McKinley, if oxalic acid in crystal form is present in the leaves, kidney blockage may result.

Rich Lands

◆ Using the Swiss Banking Society as its source and citing per capita gross national product in United States dollars, Parade magazine lists the world’s 38 richest countries. The top ten are Kuwait ($11,365), Switzerland ($8,740), Sweden ($8,420), Norway ($7,425), Denmark ($7,195), U.S.A. ($7,020), West Germany ($6,855), France ($6,665), Canada ($6,660) and Belgium ($6,540).

Pet Fox

◆ According to the Associated Press, the Tass news agency reports that a domestic fox acting like a dog has been bred by Russian scientists. For years they are said to have chosen foxes in each generation “that did not experience stress in the presence of good-natured humans,” stated Tass. This selective breeding reportedly has resulted in an affectionate blunt-nosed animal with spotted fur.

Baptismal Downtrend

◆ The rate of Roman Catholic baptisms in the United States is said to have dropped 49 percent in twenty years. This decline was reported by David Monahan of the Oklahoma City archdiocesan newspaper the Sooner Catholic. He pointed out that from 1955 to 1975 the rate of infant baptisms had declined from 35.9 to 18.3 per 1,000 in the U.S.

Costly Quakes

◆ Steel mills and the coal mines that provide their fuel sustained heavy damage during the earthquakes that recently struck northeastern China. Temporarily, at least, the effects will be costly. It is likely to be months before the mines are back in operation. Experts of the West have concluded that because of steel-plant damage the Chinese will suffer a production loss of an estimated 800,000 tons of this metal yearly.

Endangered Animals

◆ Conservation officials say that certain South African animals are endangered species. According to D. S. du Plessis, who is director of nature conservation in Transvaal Province, the imperiled creatures include such animals as the leopard, the cheetah, the sable antelope, the oribi and the pangolin. Among the endangered birds are the wattled crane and the crowned crane.

Vital Statistics

◆ The 1975 edition of the United Nations Statistical Yearbook, published recently, reveals that Norfolk Island in the South Pacific has the lowest birth rate on earth, with 9.5 births for 1,000 people. On the other hand, Europe’s Republic of San Marino was shown to have the lowest infant mortality rate in the world, 9.2 per 1,000 live births.

Unheard Prayer

$ Just before the last preseason football game between the Miami Dolphins and the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome, Catholic Archbishop Philip Hannan of New Orleans prayed, in part: “Oh God, who has promised that the Saints will one day reign in glory, we beseech you to hasten that day. Now is the acceptable time. Prepare a welcome for Mr. Mecom [Saints’ owner John Mecom] and a proper mansion for Mr. Stram (Saints’ coach Hank Stram). May the Saints in our line remember that the biblical turning of the cheek has already occurred during the past season at an unbiblical rate of 2-12. . . . Grant that we may enjoy such a winning season that at the Superbowl we may see the Saints go marching in.” (National Catholic Reporter) Nevertheless, the Saints lost to the Dolphins 20 to 7.

Enzyme Patterns in Blood

◆ Collaborating with the United States Department of Justice, the University of California at Riverside has undertaken a new type of research, enzyme analysis involving blood. Presumably, it will be of advantage in forensic medicine (the applying of medical facts to questions of law). Interestingly, the journal Industry Week states: “Just as in fingerprints, apparently no two people’s blood samples have exactly the same enzyme patterns​—and each of us has more than 100 enzymes.”

Cosmetic Surgery

◆ The Daily Yomiuri reports that approximately 1 in 20 Japanese girls, desiring to look like Westerners, have plastic surgery “to elevate their flattish noses, to have their chins made more angular or​—most common of all—​to remove the fat from the upper eyelid, which provides the Oriental effect.” Recently, however, an American girl had just the opposite cosmetic surgery done to give her a Japanese appearance, especially to please her Japanese boyfriend. In three sessions, silicone was injected into her upper eyelid and it was narrowed, her nose was straightened and its tip flattened, and finally silicone was injected into the 20-year-old girl’s cheeks to give them the rounder appearance common to a Japanese girl’s face.

Gambling’s Effects

◆ The Institute for Social Research of the University of Michigan recently found that nearly two thirds of the people in the U.S. placed a bet of some sort during 1974. “When the social effects of gambling were examined,” reported Science News, “the survey found that gambling was related to marital problems, job dissatisfaction and alcohol consumption, but the researchers were careful to point out that gambling may be the effect of these problems and not the cause.” In either event, of course, gambling was not beneficial.

Honesty Ridiculed

◆ A Detroit bus driver found “a beat-up old wallet” in his bus at the end of the line. It contained $763, which he turned over to his supervisor. But the $100 reward and mayor’s merit award differed sharply from the reaction of fellow bus drivers to his honesty. “I was the object of some ridicule and some people said I was crazy to turn the money in.” A transportation department official noted that “they called him a dummy” for “doing the right thing.”

Counterfeit Inflation

◆ American counterfeiters “have found a new way to beat inflation,” says U.S. News & World Report magazine. Instead of printing mostly $10 and $20 bills, as in the past, “they are now turning out more and more $50 and $100 bills.”

A Bible Mystery Solved

The Bible at Genesis 3:15 promises the crushing of the “serpent” by the “seed” of God’s “woman.” Who are God’s woman, her seed, and the serpent that is crushed? How does the fulfillment of this Bible mystery affect us?

Read the intriguing answers in the book God’s “Eternal Purpose” Now Triumphing for Man’s Good. Send only 25 cents and receive this 192-page, hard-covered book, postpaid.

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God Does Not Torment Souls

Religions have long taught that the souls of the wicked are tormented in a fiery hell. But the Bible does not teach that.

Learn what hell is and what the Bible says about the condition of the dead. Read the chapters “What Happens to Us When We Die” and “God Does Not Torment Souls” in the new book Good News​—to Make You Happy. Hardbound, 192 pages, only 25 cents.

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[Picture on page 32]

Buddhist scroll shows torments of bad souls in “hell”

Roman Catholic “Inferno” as depicted by Dante