The Watchtower — March 15, 1950

Announcements

“ANNOUNCING MESSIAH’S PRESENCE” TESTIMONY PERIOD

April closes the 1950 campaign of taking subscriptions for the Watchtower magazine. This final month has been set aside as “Announcing Messiah’s Presence” Testimony Period and will be a month of special effort and activity world-wide in this behalf. When first published in July, 1879, our magazine was called “Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence”. It is still a herald of the invisible presence of Christ or Messiah, with more proof of this now than ever before since 1914. Very fittingly, then, subscriptions for The Watchtower are to be taken during the Testimony Period thus designated. For each subscription for a year at the regular rate of $1.00 a set of 8 booklets is to be given as a premium. Where people are already subscribers for The Watchtower, they may be offered, instead, our companion magazine Awake! but without the booklet premium. We should like this twelfth Watchtower campaign to realize a peak of subscriptions. If you are in favor of that, join us in the campaign. Write us, should you need any assistance to that end. Each one’s report will enhance the world-wide total. So submit your report on our form for such.

“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES

Week of April 30: “Fearless at the World’s End,” ¶1-13 inclusive, also “The Way to Remain Fearless to the Final End”, ¶1-9 inclusive, The Watchtower March 15, 1950.

Week of May 7: “The Way to Remain Fearless to the Final End,” ¶10-30 inclusive, The Watchtower March 15, 1950.

MEMORIAL FOR 1950

The new moon nearest the spring equinox in the north temperate zone determines the first month of the year according to Jehovah’s decree. (Ex. 12:1, 2) This year the month Nisan begins at sunset of March 19, and hence the fourteenth day of Nisan would begin at sundown of Saturday, April 1, 1950. This agrees with the date nineteen years previous according to the metonic cycle. That day, after 6 p.m., Standard Time, would be the correct time for the annual observance of Christ’s death according to his command. At an appointed hour that night companies, units, and groups of the consecrated people of God should assemble. After an opening song and prayer, some appointed consecrated person, preferably one of Jehovah’s anointed ones, should present extemporaneously or read a discussion upon the meaning of the Memorial emblems. Then prayer should be offered over the emblems and they should be served, for any of the remnant of the anointed members of Christ’s body to partake of. The emblems should be unleavened bread and red wine, to copy our Lord’s example. All persons of good-will, whether consecrated or not, are cordially invited to attend this significant and blessed celebration, even though they are not authorized to partake of the emblems as members of Christ’s body. After the memorial appropriate service announcements for the group may be made, a closing song sung, and the meeting dismissed with prayer. A report should be made to the Society of the entire number attending at each gathering, and the number of those partaking of the emblems.

Fearless at the World’s End

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear.”—Ps. 46:1, 2.

1. Who are today in fear, and who are not so, and why?

JEHOVAH caused the record to be made that in the closing days of this old world there would be many tribulations, great evils committed, increased oppressions, sorrows multiplied, and an all-pervading sense of uncertainty and insecurity would rest on the people. Trouble upon trouble has come upon this generation, until many wonder just what will come next. Great fear has overtaken the earth’s inhabitants. They know some great catastrophe is impending and that they are powerless to stop it. Terrible disasters have already taken place and more are yet to follow. Amid all this the faithful Christians are the objects of intense universal hatred, and yet they are counseled not to be discouraged or frightened. Concerning the “time of the end” of this world, in which we have been since A.D. 1914, their Master said: “And when you hear of wars and disturbances, do not be scared; these have to come first, but the end is not at once.” (Luke 21:9, Moffatt) And previous to that prophecy he had said to them: “Fear not, you little flock, for your Father’s delight is to give you the Realm,” that is, the Kingdom.—Luke 12:32, Moff.

2. Who now bear the light? Why is it attempted to frighten them?

² This present evil world is in opposition to Almighty Jehovah, and always has been, and there is no hope of its ever coming into harmony with God’s perfect will. Ignorance of the Most High God is everywhere; a dense, mental darkness blankets humankind, obscuring the knowledge of Jehovah. Only the faithful footstep followers of Jesus Christ know Jehovah. Truly “darkness covereth the earth, and deep gloom the peoples, but on thee beameth [Jehovah], and his glory on thee is seen”. (Isa. 60:2, Rotherham) Into the darkness of this world the light must penetrate to open the blind eyes, revealing the knowledge of the glory of God and of his beloved King-Son to earth’s millions, showing the pathway to life and offering comfort and peace. Darkness is the antithesis of light. It is no wonder, then, that all manner of evil things are said about the light-bearers for their discouragement. Threats are made by the workers of darkness against the children of light to try to intimidate and if possible bring fear so that they will desist from spreading light. Such conduct by those of this world often causes much surprise to the peaceful servants of the only light. They find it hard to understand until they call to mind what Jesus said concerning such experiences: “Happy are ye, whensoever they may reproach you and persecute you and say every evil thing against you falsely for my sake: rejoice and exult, because your reward is great in the heavens; for so persecuted they the prophets who were before you.”—Matt. 5:11, Roth.

3, 4. However, what is this a time for? and why that with confidence?

³ The thousands of good-will persons now receiving the light have not been accustomed to ill-treatment. Sometimes they question the advisability of continuing if such treatment is to be meted out to them, for it is one thing to learn the good things of Jehovah’s holy Word and the marvelous blessings in the future through the new world, but an entirely different thing to meet up with the world’s disapproval, scorn, ridicule and persecution. Nevertheless, the displeasure of the Most High God will be made manifest if we shirk responsibilities because of fear. “The fear of man bringeth a snare; but whoso putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be safe. Many seek the ruler’s favor; but a man’s judgment cometh from Jehovah.” (Prov. 29:25, 26, Am. Stan. Ver.) A mighty work has to be performed before this old world is destroyed. No time is this for hesitation, timidity or fearfulness, but a time for going forward. This is a time for courageous action and marvelous expansion on the part of all true servants of God. The whole world and the invisible evil powers are exerting every effort to prevent this prosperity. Every expression of hatred is being and will be raised to create barriers, but such obstacles will not succeed. “No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn.” (Isa. 54:17, Am. Stan. Ver.) Such promises are for the heritage of diligent, fearless servants of Jehovah God.

⁴ Today his mouthpieces have to speak God’s Word to rebellious Christendom, a stiff-necked generation, a hardhearted people, and no words must be diminished from the divine commands. No; but the whole counsel of God must be declared, even though Satan, the god of this evil world, will try to make us forget the truth and God’s instructions. Those who are overcome by the evil one or by his agents will incur the displeasure of Jehovah.

5. With what are we at enmity? Whose strength do we need? Why?

⁵ The fearless servants of God are at enmity with this world: “The friendship of the world is enmity to God. Whosoever, therefore, is minded to be a friend of the world an enemy of God doth constitute himself.” (Jas. 4:4, Roth.) This enmity is not for different political opinions, ideologies, religious views, or racial animosity. No, our enmity is far more embracing, for it is opposition to the whole world, visible and invisible. No individual, group or world organization could continue in such a state of alienation from this present evil world in its own strength. Human endurance can go only so far. No person of flesh and blood can stand against the whole world and serve with an unpopular, despised organization for very long, unless he obtains strength from the highest source, the Almighty Jehovah. In such service there are no praises from men, no plaudits, no thanks nor honors from the world, no monetary nor commercial gain. Indeed the more service rendered, the more zeal, energy and devotion put into the work, the greater the hatred and disesteem from those of this world. Therefore, is it not of vital importance to know how this much-needed strength and support may be obtained?

6. How may such needed strength and support be obtained?

⁶ His Word abounds with assurances: “Come now! Do you not understand, have you not heard, that the Eternal is an everlasting God, the maker of the world from end to end? He never faints, never is weary, his insight is unsearchable; into the weary he puts power, and adds new strength to the weak. Young men may faint and weary, the strong youths may give way, but those who wait for the Eternal shall renew their strength, they put out wings like eagles, they run and never weary, they walk and never faint.” (Isa. 40:28-31, Moff.) The apostle Paul comforted us with these words: “In conclusion, strengthen yourselves in the Lord and in the power which His supreme might imparts.” (Eph. 6:10, Weymouth) An American Translation expresses it, “You must grow strong through union with the Lord.” Stress is laid on the words “must grow strong”. Quite evidently, then, the power of God will not just fall on us like a coat, equipping us to do mighty works, but rather something has to be done by each individual to strengthen himself in the Lord. Much time in study has to be spent that one may learn the source of strength, who has already obtained it, and how he did so. Every Christian surely wants to be a valiant warrior of the Lord, do his holy work without fear and withstand the fiery darts of the wicked one, having complete confidence in Jehovah and in his glorious King-Son Christ Jesus.

CAUSES FOR FEAR; HOW TO BE MET

7. What are some of the causes of fear?

⁷ What are some of the causes for fear? Probably all will concede that fear is the expression of selfishness. Where there is complete unselfishness there is love. “There is no fear in love: but perfect love casteth out fear, because fear hath punishment; and he that feareth is not made perfect in love.” (1 John 4:18, Am. Stan. Ver.) This slavish fear certainly would be absent if all selfishness were eliminated. However, is it not true that when we are requested to perform some special service for Jehovah, which may be in direct opposition to this world, may in fact even be a message against it, thoughts like these enter the mind: Can I do this work? Will I fail? What will be the result? What will the people think and say? Is there possibility of hurt or danger to me or to my family? Will it be mental or physical? Can the pain be endured? Many doubts come upon the fearful. Hesitation sets in and the fear of man takes hold. Immediately excuses come to mind; perhaps there is something more important to do, something demanding attention has been forgotten, or maybe one’s health is not so good. Timid and fearful ones are satisfied they have good reasons for not going forward with the work in hand. “The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.”

8, 9. What assurances have we to fortify us against such fears?

⁸ Is it really possible for a creature to build up his courage so there would not be all these fears? Can he be fortified against all these fleshly limitations and weaknesses? The answer in the affirmative is supplied from Jehovah’s Word. “And my God shall supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 4:19, Am. Stan. Ver.) The Most High assures us: “Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God; I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” And again, “Jehovah of hosts, him shall ye sanctify; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.” (Isa. 41:10 and Isa 8:13, Am. Stan. Ver.) He who knows so well the weakness of human flesh commands us not to fear.

⁹ Then how can we depend on him? Is it possible to stake one’s life on the promise of Jehovah? The Scriptures supply the answer: “All such words were written of old for our instruction, that by remaining stedfast and drawing encouragement from the scriptures we may cherish hope.” (Rom. 15:4, Moff.) There is no need to fear that our hope will be in vain or that we shall be disappointed, for the apostle says: “Tribulation worketh stedfastness; and stedfastness, approvedness; and approvedness, hope: and hope putteth not to shame; because the love of God hath been shed abroad in our hearts.” Rom. 5:3-5, Am. Stan. Ver.

10. Therefore from what study must we draw strength, and why?

¹⁰ Our strength must therefore be drawn from a study of the Scriptures, for here we learn who is the source of strength. Did not the Almighty make strength? He created it. The more we learn of Jehovah, and how he supplies his power, the better enabled we shall be to become recipients of it. To know Jehovah is to trust him. Our Lord Jesus is the perfect example of complete confidence, knowing no fear of man, of the world, or of the Devil. The truth gives freedom of mind, of speech and of self. “Jesus therefore said to those Jews that had believed him, If ye abide in my word, then are ye truly my disciples; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”—John 8:31, 32, Am. Stan. Ver.

11. How must truth be received, and why?

¹¹ Truth must be received in meekness. “Wherefore putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” (Jas. 1:21, Am. Stan. Ver.) The Lord Jesus was meek. Likewise “the man Moses was very meek, above all the men that were upon the face of the earth”. (Num. 12:3, Am. Stan. Ver.) Meekness and fear of the Lord are essential qualities of the Christian, and Jehovah has graciously provided for our private and collective study so that we may attain growth in these qualifications. By meekness will instruction come, and the faithful disciple will always be found waiting on the Lord and seeking His will. Then at all times the conscience will be void of offense toward the Lord when supplicating him for help and strength to do his work. Lack of meekness will often result in one’s going ahead and trying to accomplish something in his own strength.

12, 13. How can we encourage and aid one another in the faith?

¹² By our associating for fellowship, study and service, we are able to encourage and aid each other in the faith. “Then they that feared the Lord spoke every one with his neighbour: and the Lord gave ear, and heard it: and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that fear the Lord, and think on his name. And they shall be my special possession, saith the Lord of hosts, in the day that I do judgment: and I will spare them, as a man spareth his son that serveth him.” (Mal. 3:16, 17, Douay) Speaking every one with his neighbor cannot be accomplished by remaining at home or by only reading the Scriptures. To accomplish this it must of necessity mean meeting one with another and discussing the Lord’s Word and those works which pertain to the honor of his holy name. It means talking to one’s neighbors, and telling them the truth. With such actions the Lord is so well pleased that he commanded a record to be made: “But meanwhile those who worshipped the Eternal talked to each other, and the Eternal heeded them and heard them; before him lies a record of his worshippers who adhere to him. ‘And I will claim them,’ the Lord of hosts declares, ‘as my own prized possession, on the day when I take action; I will spare them, as a man spares the son who works in his service.’”—Mal. 3:16, 17, Moff.

¹³ Then the apostle Paul declared: “By observing one another, let us arouse ourselves to rival one another’s love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together as some do, but let us encourage one another, all the more as you can see that the great Day is coming nearer.” Jesus said, “For wherever two or three are gathered as my followers, I am there among them.” (Heb. 10:24, 25; Matt. 18:20, An Amer. Trans.) It is so that we can understand the good purposes of the great Jehovah, and grasp for ourselves an understanding of the righteous new world and its King, for there must be a personal acceptance and conviction of these truths. To have complete trust and implicit confidence we must make these truths our own, a part of ourselves, so to speak, and then we shall be able to obey the injunction, “Stand your ground, then, with the belt of truth around your waist.” The truth is truly our armor from God to enable us to withstand the onslaughts of the evil one and his demons in these last days.—Eph. 6:11-14, An Amer. Trans.

The Way to Remain Fearless to the Final End

1. What does talking together to know the truth mean or require?

OBVIOUSLY talking together to know the truth will embrace attending Bible studies regularly, being present and sharing to the extent possible in the service meetings and ministry school meetings, making sure we are present at the circuit assemblies and other assemblies arranged by the Lord’s organization. All these provisions are made to learn the truth and so grow “strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might”. As each servant increases in knowledge he will desire to make it available to others. So then, there is the publishing of the good news, talking to those outside the companies, the people in general, yes, going from house to house, then making further visits until the interest is kindled into a desire for study. The oftener Jehovah’s children converse together and carry this news to others, the more pleasing it is in his sight.

2. What effect does such faithful talking together have on one?

² Is it not a fact that those servants who attend meetings regularly, take an interest in the ministry programs and in the actual preaching service, who are present at every session of their circuit assemblies, are the ones who are most lively, always discussing the truth, eager for any opportunities and privileges of service? Are they not always talking about their back-calls, their studies, or how someone has been aided in the service? These dear ones have no time to spend doing anything else, but keep themselves free from old world pursuits in order that they may willingly be slaves of the Lord Jesus Christ.

3, 4. What assurances give us contentment, peace, happiness, freedom?

³ Nothing escapes the eye of the Lord. “Thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly.” (Matt. 6:4) He takes note of faithful, loyal service. Never does an act escape him. “The LORD hath his throne in the heavens, his eyes behold, his eyelids prove, the children of men.” (Ps. 11:4, Leeser) We know his eye never sleeps and he is ever watchful for the best interests of his children. “For he puts you under his angels’ charge, to guard you wherever you go, to lift you in their hands lest you trip over a stone.” (Ps. 91:11, 12, Moff.) Remember the precious promises: “For the eyes of the Lord behold all the earth, and give strength to those who with a perfect heart trust in him.” (2 Chron. 16:9, Douay) “He never faints, never is weary, his insight is unsearchable; into the weary he puts power, and adds new strength to the weak. . . . Those who wait for the Eternal shall renew their strength.” (Isa. 40:28, 29, 31, Moff.) Contentment and peace are the lot of those who live in the conscious condition that Jehovah’s power is always available for their need, and he is watchful for their best interests, believing that “we know also that those who love God, those who have been called in terms of his purpose, have his aid and interest in everything”.—Rom. 8:28, Moff.

⁴ Why should the Christian then fear? Surely with such assurances he may follow through with the service of the truth and grow in love, and so grow “strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might”. Jehovah’s witnesses are the only ones who are in such a happy condition, for they know the truth and it has made them free. They study the Bible, talk about it, and obey it, because they know it is God’s Word. Their studies include reviews of the acts of faith and fearlessness of the servants of God in ages past, and they believe that the same God who did wondrous works then is the same one we know and serve today. “For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death.”—Ps. 48:14, Am. Stan. Ver.

5. What, then is the way to remain fearless to the end?

⁵ The way, then, to remain fearless to the end is to study the truth which is God’s Word; learn of his works toward men in times past; get to know who God is and understand his purposes. Appreciate the fact that he is the Eternal God, the Almighty, the Most High, who always was, is and is to be; without beginning, without end, who knows the end from the beginning, the source of goodness and life. Learn of his beloved Son, the beginning of all creation, for without him was not anything made that has been made; how he has always been his Father’s delight, and, when sent to earth, he took the form of human flesh wherein he suffered, and by complete obedience, fearlessness, loyalty and love was highly exalted and given a name above every name, for he is King of kings and Lord of lords, the Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace. Study God’s Holy Record and be taught of the new world of righteousness and its blessings, in which you may now learn to rejoice. Keep firm your hope to share in these blessings. “Happy the people who know thy festal songs, who live within the sunshine of thy favour!” (Ps. 89:15, Moff.) It is good to know about these promises; yes, go beyond merely knowing, memorize them if you will, so that they are always in mind for your comfort and consolation. Only those who have learned to actually trust in Jehovah know the value of being able to recall at will some of the precious statements God has made for those who love him.

6. To value God’s promises, what issue must we be taught? Why?

⁶ All good-will persons must learn of these things, be taught what is involved and who first raised the issue of universal supremacy. Unless properly informed of Satan’s works they will not value the promises of the Almighty’s protection. For is it not a fact that those who seek righteousness and the Lord’s honor become targets of the Devil? David, speaking prophetically for Jesus, said: “For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.” (Ps. 69:9) Jesus did not choose for himself, but pleased first his heavenly Father: “For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, the reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.”—Rom. 15:3.

EFFECTS OF ACCEPTING TRUTH

7, 8. (a) What change does accepting truth effect in us, leading to what fears? (b) In whom must we build up trust, and how?

⁷ The acceptance of these truths by sincere persons has an immediate effect on the disposition and the pathway along which they walk. A disinclination to continue seeking the company of former associates and relatives shows itself and a leaning more to be with those who have the truth. This is as it should be. The more they seek the truth and companionship of the brethren, the more it becomes apparent to their former friends and business associates that something has happened in their lives to change the course of conduct, the conversation and forms of relaxation. It may be some will scoff, ridicule and bring various kinds of opposition to bear, or perhaps our secular occupation is in question, and then, if there are Scriptural family responsibilities on us, what will happen? Who will look after them? Former friends may be lost and disesteem be manifested. Also suppose these prophecies are not going to work out as expected? What will then be done? It may be Armageddon will not come as soon as expected! Then what? And, to say the least, one would become the laughingstock of others. All these fears and many more may crowd into the mind. It is now time to take comfort and obtain strength.

⁸ Listen to Jehovah’s word: “Trust in Jehovah with all thy heart, and lean not upon thine own understanding: in all thy ways acknowledge him, and he will direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear Jehovah, and depart from evil.” (Prov. 3:5-7, Am. Stan. Ver.) Perhaps at first it is not easy to trust in the Lord, for we certainly have to know anyone before he can be trusted. However, by prayer in earnestness and sincerity, with study and fellowship in service, you will learn how to trust in Jehovah with all your heart.

9. What further is needed to build up fearlessness? In what way?

⁹ Honest seekers for righteousness must learn to go much farther, if they would become champions of truth, real soldiers in the war against the Devil’s world, fighters for the new world of righteousness, and fearless at this world’s end. Activity in the work of Jehovah becomes those who want to make progress and really obtain from the Lord his full approval, a place in the new world, and a share in the joy and blessings with others in the future purposes of Jehovah. Fear prevents progress. It brings stagnation, perhaps providing obstacles to being received into the new world. Those who are fearful are in a continual condition of anxiety and worry about many things that never happen. The Lord Jesus instructed: “So do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries of its own. Let each day be content with its own ills.” “But which of you with all his worry can add a single hour to his life?” (Matt. 6:34, 27, An Amer. Trans.) Needless to say, many do not take the Lord at his word and cast all their cares upon him. So they are unhappy because always fearful about something that might happen, described by Paul as “those who through fear of death had been subject to lifelong slavery”. (Heb. 2:15, Weymouth) There is a Deliverer, and that one is Christ Jesus, who can set every captive free from self-bondage, bondage to the Devil, yes, and to present evil conditions. The truth of God as given by Christ Jesus will set free from such fears. “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”—John 8:32, Am. Stan. Ver.

10. How must the strong not act toward the weak? Why not?

¹⁰ Those who are strong cannot please themselves as to their course of conduct, for they must help the weaker ones. How easy for the strong ones to say to the timid and fearful ones, Stand aside and let me go on! Or to lose patience with the Lord’s “other sheep” and, because they themselves can boldly go forward, think that every one else should and it is just too bad if they cannot! No, it cannot be this way for the devoted ones of the Lord; for the command of Jehovah is: “Proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.” (Isa. 61:1, Am. Stan. Ver.) Again: “Shake thyself from the dust; arise, sit on thy throne, O Jerusalem: loose thyself from the bonds of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion.” Furthermore: “Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God; he will come and save you.”—Isa. 52:2 and Isa 35:3, 4, Am. Stan. Ver.

11, 12. How must the strong act toward the weak, and why?

¹¹ The responsibility falls squarely on the shoulders of the anointed remnant and their companions to strengthen the weaker ones, and not push them to one side. The timid ones should not be bruised or hurt or loaded with further handicaps. It must not be that way. Rather obey God’s command, “Say to them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not”! Then instruct and explain, showing reason for not being afraid. Strengthen them in the sure knowledge of the truth; give them the assurance they need. Certainly point them to the true Deliverer and Avenger. “Lo! your God with avenging doth come, with the recompense of God, he doth come to save you.” (Isa. 35:4, Roth.) How precious and assuring these words are to the true lovers of Jehovah! He comes “with avenging”. All the evildoers, scoffers, blasphemers, persecutors, haters, slanderers and other agents of Satan will be punished, and harm will come to those who hurt God’s children.

¹² Let the fearful ones know and take courage in the knowledge that Jehovah reigns. “Cry aloud and shout, thou inhabitant of Zion; for great in the midst of thee is the Holy One of Israel.” (Isa. 12:6, Am. Stan. Ver.) The King is here. He now sits on the throne of authority, and shortly will again attack the enemy organization and break it to pieces. Cause the fearful ones to be strong in the certain knowledge of these important and vital facts, so that they will realize that the things to which they are holding in this life are not really worth consideration. However, all should deal kindly and not dogmatically, or with a domineering attitude. A little reasoning on some of these matters, with time taken out to explain, will be time well spent and reap its own rewards. Do not hastily brush aside their problems and seemingly great barriers, but try to understand their attitude, and help them. Remember that the timid ones want the assurance that everything will be all right if they go on, not a blunt word that they should not fear; for very often they know that themselves. Sometimes those who have been the fearful ones become firm, loyal soldiers of Christ Jesus, having learned in a difficult way that their own lack of strength to go forward in the holy service of God has necessitated a complete dependence upon Jehovah, the Strength-giver.

13. What joy and opportunities result to the strong so acting?

¹³ Surely this is a most joyful occupation, to help the Lord’s little ones in this way, to see the knees of those who are weak get strong so they can carry the servant on in the service, to note the hands and arms which did hang down limp get stronger until they commence to use them in the employ of others. Yes, to really see an inactive person become active is a joy. Those who are found handling their brethren with kindness and consideration, therefore obtaining results, will surely be granted further gracious opportunities of service. Does not the Lord know they will be careful, diligent and dependable, always trying to build and strengthen the brethren? Let us take to heart the dealings of Jehovah with each one of us and so deal with the fearful and timid ones in like manner. Resulting from these ministrations is the greater expansion of Jehovah’s service. All the faithful servants will so help each other to remain fearless to the end.

FEAR OF GOD PROPER

14. By what attitude do we draw strength from Jehovah? How so?

¹⁴ The apostle Paul warned, “So the man who thinks he can stand must be on his guard against a fall.” (1 Cor. 10:12, An Amer. Trans.) Jehovah has recorded that “not to the swift was the race, nor to the strong the battle”. (Eccl. 9:11, Roth.) No one is so strong that he needs no added strength. Paul’s experience was certainly an outstanding example, for he exclaimed, “That is why I am pleased with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and difficulties, when they are endured for Christ’s sake, for it is when I am weak that I am strong.” (2 Cor. 12:10, An Amer. Trans.) Then how is it possible to always be able to draw strength from Jehovah? you may ask. The answer is that we must all live in the fear of the Lord. Strange though it may appear, yet it is a fact, true to experience, that the more we fear Jehovah, then the less we shall fear creatures, conditions and the world with its wicked demons and overlord. It is not for us to fear Jehovah as a great monster. Jehovah is just, true, wise and loving. These attributes are part of the Almighty. We fear him, so we love him. Some may wonder how this is possible. If you do, then take for example the human father, and remember that the child’s love for parents is not one whit diminished by knowledge that disobedience and wrongdoing will bring some form of punishment. Good parents must discipline their children. “When our earthly fathers disciplined us we treated them with respect; should we not far more submit to the Father of our spirits, and so have life? For they disciplined us for a short time and as they thought proper, but he does it for our good, to make us share his holiness.”—Heb. 12:9, 10, An Amer. Trans.

15. Why is it important to fear Jehovah rather than creatures?

¹⁵ With Jehovah it is a question of obedience or disobedience. He shows the way leading to life by obedience, and those who walk therein are happy; those who refuse to walk according to the light they have are stubborn or negligent ones and are disciplined, and if they turn rebellious then they are cut off from the way leading to life. Should we, therefore, not fear the Life-giver? The man is foolish who refuses to do so. It may not appear a vital matter whether one is fearful or fearless, but there should be no misapprehension as to how Jehovah’s Word deals with the two classes. “The fear of man bringeth a snare; but whoso putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be safe. Many seek the ruler’s favor; but a man’s judgment cometh from Jehovah.” (Prov. 29:25, 26, Am. Stan. Ver.) “Have no fear of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul: rather fear Him who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.” (Matt. 10:28, Moff.) “The fear of Jehovah is a fountain of life, that one may depart from the snares of death.” (Prov. 14:27, Am. Stan. Ver.) When judgment is rendered we know the righteous Judge will be true and impartial, and still he expresses his decision that the destiny of those judged fearful is destruction: “But for the fearful . . . their part shall be in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone; which is the second death.” (Rev. 21:8, Am. Stan. Ver.) None can afford to ignore these plain statements from the Scriptures.

16. Why should we see that we are not just pretending to obey God?

¹⁶ Often an examination of oneself is beneficial to see if the commandments of Jehovah and Christ Jesus are being obeyed. Are we really sharing in the ministry committed to the chosen ones? Is our heart really behind our service effort? Are we truly devoting all? “And to love him with one’s whole heart, one’s whole understanding, and one’s whole strength, and to love one’s neighbor as one’s self is far more than all these burnt-offerings and sacrifices.” (Mark 12:33, An Amer. Trans.) If this is true in our case, then we may depend upon it that we shall not be fearful. If, of course, a pretense is being carried out, if we are just going along with the crowd, and not making sure of our steps, and coming to a personal decision, then we may expect to be fearful. To be fearless must mean entering into the truth, the commands, the service, the experiences, with all we have, wholly, completely devoted to Jehovah’s holy will. We may be satisfied if our examination reveals honesty and sincerity and not hypocrisy. “Happy the pure in heart; for they will behold God!”—Matt. 5:8, Diag.

17. Does fearing him make us enemies, or how does it affect us?

¹⁷ Certainly it must be clear that if there was a real fear of the Almighty then no creature of sound mind would ever dare displease him. For our own well-being it is imperative that we learn to fear the Most High. Those fearing him are his friends. “The friendship of Jehovah is with them that fear him; and he will show them his covenant.” (Ps. 25:14, Am. Stan. Ver.) Correct information is of utmost importance. For that right instruction we are bound to rely on God’s Word. He is the source of knowledge, and those desiring understanding must first learn that “the fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom”. (Ps. 111:10, Am. Stan. Ver.) Our worship to him must be rendered with fear. “Therefore let us render thanks that we receive a realm unshaken; and in this way let us worship God acceptably—though with godly fear and awe, for our God is indeed a consuming fire.”—Heb. 12:28, 29, Moff.

18, 19. Where was it said God is a devouring fire? How is he such?

¹⁸ Pause and consider the words, “Our God is indeed a consuming fire.” What is the significance? The apostle Paul in all probability is quoting from Deuteronomy 4:24 where Moses was referring to the occasion when Jehovah had been displeased with him. It happened at Kadesh, the burial place of Miriam, and the children of Israel had murmured, rebelling at God’s dealings with them, for there was no water to drink. Jehovah instructed Moses to gather the assembly together and speak to the rock before their eyes, and water would spring forth. Quite evidently Israel was to witness a marvelous demonstration of God’s power. Moses gathered Israel together and took his rod and then said: “Hear now, ye rebels; shall we bring you forth water out of this rock? And Moses lifted up his hand, and smote the rock with his rod twice: and water came forth abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their cattle. And Jehovah said unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed not in me, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.”—Num. 20:10-12, Am. Stan. Ver.

¹⁹ Moses knew well that proper worship is acceptable only with fear of Jehovah. Because he failed to give Jehovah credit, and did not hallow the Creator’s name, God denied him the honor and great responsibility of taking Israel actually into the land. Little wonder, then, that he drove these truths home to Israel: “Furthermore Jehovah was angry with me for your sakes, and sware that I should not go over the Jordan, and that I should not go in unto that good land, which Jehovah thy God giveth thee for an inheritance.” He further said: “Take heed unto yourselves, lest ye forget the covenant of Jehovah your God, which he made with you, and make you a graven image in the form of anything which Jehovah the God hath forbidden thee. For Jehovah thy God is a devouring fire, a jealous God.” (Deut. 4:21, 23, 24, Am. Stan. Ver.) Israel should have known this, for at Mount Sinai God had revealed his glory by fire. “And the appearance of the glory of Jehovah was like devouring fire on the top of the mouth in the eyes of the children of Israel.” (Ex. 24:17, Am. Stan. Ver.) So, now forty years later, Moses commanded: “Know therefore this day, that Jehovah thy God is he who goeth over before thee as a devouring fire; he will destroy them.” “If thou wilt not observe to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that thou mayest fear this glorious and fearful name, JEHOVAH THY GOD.” (Deut. 9:3 and De 28:58, Am. Stan. Ver.) Moses truly feared the Lord as indicated by his words: “For Jehovah your God, he is God of gods, and Lord of lords, the great God, the mighty, and the terrible, who regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward.”—Deut. 10:17, Am. Stan. Ver.

20. How will he yet manifest this fact?

²⁰ Where is the man, where the ruler, yes, and where is there any government that should not bow the knee in fear of this most mighty One, who inhabits eternity, who can melt the mountains, and rain fire from heaven? He can burn with fire this old evil world and consume every evildoer on the face of the earth. Indeed it is his purpose to do so. Every one not having a place in the new world of righteousness will be destroyed forevermore. Truly “our God is a consuming fire”! Once we grasp this truth and fact, and make it our own, then and only then shall we live in the fear of Jehovah, a fear to go contrary to the ways he has marked out, a fear to go against his instructions, a fear to hurt in any way those who are his own children. The whole world will try to hurt God’s anointed and their companions, and will meet with well deserved disaster. Jehovah says: “Say ye not, A conspiracy, concerning all whereof this people shall say, A conspiracy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be in dread thereof. Jehovah of hosts, him shall ye sanctify; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.”—Isa. 8:12, 13, Am. Stan. Ver.

21. Who is exempt from fearing Jehovah? Why is this?

²¹ Just try to imagine the fear you might have toward these evil worldly powers. Go to the limit in your imagining, and then realize with all the force possible that the fear of Jehovah must be far greater than all that. Does not ordinary sense convey to us that Jehovah the Life-giver can just as easily take away our life as he can give it? Faithful Job gave expression thus: “Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: Jehovah gave, and Jehovah hath taken away; blessed be the name of Jehovah.” (Job 1:21, Am. Stan. Ver.) Knowledge of the great Creator is so essential, and those knowing him best trust him most, and fear is with all. No one is exempt from fearing Jehovah, not even the beloved and precious Son of God, for it is written: “Who in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and having been heard for his godly fear, though he was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered.” (Heb. 5:7, 8, Am. Stan. Ver.) Yes, he was heard for his godly fear, his reverent fear.

22. What is the full force of “fear”, that is, fear of Jehovah?

²² Sometimes there is an inclination to water down this expression “fear” and say it means just “reverence” of Jehovah. True, reverence must be included in our fear of him, but fear also means dread, awe. Take, for example, the scripture at Isaiah 8:13: “Let him be your fear.” The word “fear” here is a translation of the Hebrew word mo·rawʹ and means also “dread, terribleness, terror”. At Psalm 2:11 the word “fear”, translated from yi·rawʹ, is derived from the same Hebrew verb yi·rehʹ meaning “to fear, reverence, honor”.

23. Is fear of him opposed to love? Why is that?

²³ The many recorded works of Jehovah clearly teach that creatures should have proper, intelligent fear toward God. They should stand in awe before him and bow down before his great and terrible name Jehovah, for no one should willfully cause his displeasure. Disobedience is punishable by death. Has he not the right and power to destroy? While fearing to incur his anger for rebellion, stubbornness, idolatry and all forms of disobedience, yet God’s children must love him. Perfect or complete love will cast out all slavish fear and give the creature a proper appreciation of his relationship to his Creator. No one who really has an awe, a dread, a reverence, yes, fear of Jehovah, has fear of man or conditions in the world. Those who are the loyal and faithful children of the Most High God know from scriptures and experience that fear and love of Jehovah go hand in hand, and are not, in His case, in opposition. They fear to do anything contrary to his will, for he can destroy; yet they love him with all they have. If we maintain fear of God we shall be kept fearless of men; and at this world’s end this is most important.

A MODERN EXAMPLE OF FEARLESSNESS

24. Since when has our fearlessness specially been shown? How?

²⁴ In these years since the close of World War I in 1918 true lovers and fearers of Jehovah have many times demonstrated their fearlessness toward men. They have been taught to know him and to make him their strong tower. His purposes in his people are clearly seen. Evidences of his guiding hand in their affairs pile up. They wait on him and are nourished for future service, even as the apostle Paul declared: “For God has not given us a timid spirit but a spirit of power and love and discipline. So do not be ashamed to testify to our Lord, and do not be ashamed of a prisoner of the Lord like myself; join me in bearing suffering for the gospel, by the power of the God who has saved us.” (2 Tim. 1:7-9, Moff.) But how little they realized the need they would have for all these favors and assurances. Great opposition was being organized in 1933 against the Lord’s anointed, and it broke out in fury a few years later. Furious demonized mobs attacked these peaceful Christians until the persecution became a national issue in America. Bitterness, hatred and all forms of slander and evilspeaking were heaped on these faithful witnesses, both young and old, male and female. It required fearlessness to withstand such brutal oppression; those who had no strength were granted it by the Almighty in whom they had trusted. Their trust and confidence were rewarded and the abuse and hurt turned out to be a testimony against their enemies.

25. Under what developments and how did God become very real to them?

²⁵ On came World War II, but no one had grasped how far-reaching it would be when the peace was broken. Totalitarian hordes overran Europe. Jehovah’s witnesses were arrested in large numbers, and overnight cast into prisons or concentration camps. The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society’s work was interfered with and some Branch offices occupied by the gunmen. But God’s work could not stop. His commandments were final. Bitter and terrible persecution came on Jehovah’s witnesses in most countries, yet what happened to God’s faithful servants? Did they discontinue doing Jehovah’s service? Certainly not! The whole world was against them, yet they trusted in the Most High God. In themselves they were subject to human frailties, fear and doubts, but looking to the Lord and relying on his might and strength, they went on confident that he was their support and was truly backing them up. It is a fact that in all countries where Jehovah’s servants carried on the gospel-preaching work to the best of their ability Jehovah God became, as it were, very real. Assurance was supplied, so that no one could doubt that God was with us. We knew.

26. How were faith in him and love toward him strengthened in us?

²⁶ Over and over again, as the loyal brethren all know, the Lord comforted and gave such marvelous demonstrations of his working with us, of his power manifested on our behalf, that we were strengthened to go on. How many times it could be recalled that a seemingly impossible situation would arise, yes, often involving the service of Jehovah and the interests and well-being of the brethren; yet a way out was provided! And at knowing it was no one but Jehovah who had so acted gratitude would fill the heart; our love for him would grow deeper and stronger and true fear of the Lord brought forward its own rich reward. “Oh love Jehovah, all ye his saints: Jehovah preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth him that dealeth proudly. Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all ye that hope in Jehovah.” (Ps. 31:23, 24, Am. Stan. Ver.) The anointed knew their calling and promised reward in the kingdom of heaven, and the Lord’s “other sheep” had been strengthened in their hope of the new world blessings and Jehovah’s favors. “I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of Jehovah in the land of the living. Wait for Jehovah: Be strong, and let thy heart take courage; yea, wait thou for Jehovah.”—Ps. 27:13, 14, Am. Stan. Ver.

27. So what attitude has been rewarded, and in whom?

²⁷ So today all the children of the Most High rejoice in the faithful, fearless action of those who were honored and privileged to have assigned to them such opportunities of service, which have all been for the advancing and expansion of the Lord’s service. The ministry was performed. They were used and others have benefited. Fearlessness brings reward.

REWARDS OF BEING FEARLESS AT THE WORLD’S END

28. What are the rewards to those having the clean fear of Jehovah?

²⁸ No good thing will be withheld from those who fear the Lord and walk uprightly, whereas the ones who are without fear of God and do wickedly shall lose life and have no good things added to them. “The fear of Jehovah prolongeth days; but the years of the wicked shall be shortened.” (Prov. 10:27, Am. Stan. Ver.) “No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. O Jehovah of hosts, blessed is the man that trusteth in thee.” (Ps. 84:11, 12, Am. Stan. Ver.) “The fear of Jehovah is a fountain of life, that one may depart from the snares of death.” (Prov. 14:27, Am. Stan. Ver.) Not only will the Lord preserve and add many years to the ones fearing him, but will give to them wisdom, that most precious gift. “The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom.” (Ps. 111:10, Am. Stan. Ver.) Then more blessings follow, for he has promised: “The reward of humility and the fear of Jehovah is riches, and honor, and life.” (Prov. 22:4, Am. Stan. Ver.) Those who fear Jehovah are clean and hate evil, for it is impossible to be filthy in mind, heart and body, or to love the unrighteous evil thing and truly fear God at the same time. “The fear of Jehovah is clean, enduring for ever.” (Ps. 19:9, Am. Stan. Ver.) “The fear of Jehovah is to hate evil.”—Prov. 8:13, Am. Stan. Ver.

29. Despite world trouble why is the lot of His fearers blessed?

²⁹ The last days of this wicked, abominable world are upon us, and we shall see the final end during this generation. Terrible calamities will befall those living on earth today, for it is the time for Jehovah’s anger to be poured out. It is a time of darkness, desolation and gloom. Famine, disease and death will overtake those on earth today. Every form of oppression and corrupt, sadistic practice will be used. Violence will be everywhere, for all the world will be shaken to its very foundation. Hatred upon God’s children will be viciously expressed by the wicked. But blessed is the lot of those who fear Jehovah, those who trust in him. Study the 91st Psalm and know that Jehovah is the lot of those who can apply its precious promises to themselves: “Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night . . . it shall not come nigh thee . . . For thou, O Jehovah, art my refuge! Thou hast made the Most High thy habitation.” (Ps. 91:5, 7, 9, Am. Stan. Ver.) Protection is guaranteed to those fearing Jehovah, for even the angels will guard them. “The angel of Jehovah encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them.” (Ps. 34:7, Am. Stan. Ver.) “As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so Jehovah is round about his people from this time forth and for evermore.” (Ps. 125:2, Am. Stan. Ver.) “God is a shelter and stronghold for us, we shall find him very near; therefore we never fear, though earth be overset . . . The Lord of Hosts is at our side, the God of Jacob is our fortress.”—Ps. 46:1, 2, 11, Moff.

30. What joy is set before us, and what final exhortation given?

³⁰ Oh the joy of that time when every human heart praises Jehovah and fears him with a clean and enduring fear! No more evildoers in the land, for in God’s new world only his friends will be there. Not alone in the future, but now in this very day the rich blessing and favors of Jehovah are granted to those who are fearless. Let all learn to know Jehovah. Study his precious Word. Grow strong in him and in the power of his might. Keep the eye single and the heart steadfast, wholly trusting in Jehovah and being fearless at the world’s end.

Know therefore that Jehovah thy God, he is God, the faithful God, who keepeth covenant and loving-kindness with them that love him and keep his commandments . . . , and repayeth them that hate him to their face, to destroy them.—Deut. 7:9, 10, A.S.V.

El Salvador and the Honduran Countries

AT THE new, beautiful airport of San Salvador, which bespeaks the increasing role being played by international air travel, a group of Jehovah’s witnesses were awaiting the arrival of R. E. Morgan on December 12, and ten days later for N. H. Knorr, president of the Watchtower Society. The first visitor saw new terrain and a city new to him in Central America.

In all of El Salvador there are 207 publishers, but not more than 100 of these are in the capital city. Nevertheless, the brethren had arranged for a public meeting on Tuesday evening, December 13. The declaration of the truth deserved the best, and so the Branch leased the Teatro Nacional, the finest and most reputable theater in El Salvador. The meeting was widely advertised with handbills and posters, and several hundred letters of invitation had been prepared and delivered. The occasion was a bit unusual because of the fact that this night marked the eve of the national celebration of the first anniversary of the revolution. The government had made elaborate arrangements for the celebration and the festival spirit was everywhere in evidence. Bands, drum corps, troops, police—all were ready for the big day marking one year of freedom from dictator rule in El Salvador. How would “Liberty to the Captives” be received in such an atmosphere? What would the reaction be to a strong declaration against Catholic oppression? Would many people come to such a meeting on this evening?

These questions were soon answered as 803 persons found their way into the National Theater. Nothing this big had ever happened to Jehovah’s witnesses in El Salvador before. The talk, with interpretation, progressed well. About halfway through the talk it was noted that some national police had entered the building, one coming up front near the stage. However, they made no effort to interfere with the meeting and were apparently there to see that order was maintained. The spirit of the audience was good, all listening attentively as religious-political-economic oppression and captivity were contrasted with the great freedoms which the new world will bring to the people. Spontaneous applause answered the declaration in this supposedly strong Catholic country that people who wanted to know the truth should not depend on the priests, for they would never teach the truth from the Bible. The meeting was a huge success, and it is estimated that at least 600 of the public were there.

Arrangements had been made for the Branch servant and Brother Morgan to travel by station wagon to Santa Ana the next morning, some 45 miles from the capital. Here are located another missionary home and a company of Jehovah’s witnesses, and a meeting was scheduled for Wednesday night. All passengers but two were aboard and it appeared that we were to enjoy a pleasant trip with our Spanish-speaking chauffeur. But, alas, the shiny new Chevrolet soon coughed, sputtered and quit cold. The chauffeur manifested disgust as he muttered in English, “Ugh, no gas!” He seemed dumfounded and aghast that such a thing could happen to him; but the fuel gauge registered “Empty” when he called at the Branch home for two of his passengers. And so we waited patiently for a half hour while he trotted off in search of more combustible fluid. When gas had been put in the tank, the battery would not turn the engine over. So we lent some assistance to our distressed chauffeur by helping him push the machine. It got to Santa Ana.

That afternoon several hours were spent distributing invitations. During the course of the work the publishers saw two funeral processions en route from church to cemetery which well demonstrated the attitude of the Catholic Church toward the people here. The first was the funeral of a poor man, whose body was being carried in a plain box by relatives. Those who followed wore tattered clothes and some had no shoes. It was indeed a pitiful sight to behold. But the second funeral was for a wealthy man. Well-dressed pallbearers carried an ornate casket. They were preceded by two priests in flowing robes. A long line of black-clad mourners followed, and many automobiles and flowers were in evidence. Brother Morgan inquired of a shopkeeper as to why the priests did not also lead the first funeral procession. The answer shows where the love of the clergy is, for the poor people did not have sufficient money to pay the priests to lead their funeral. How wonderful that God loves the poor and gives the water of truth to them freely! Certainly these people need the Kingdom and its blessings to release them from their poverty and captivity.

That evening an enthusiastic group of 136 persons assembled in the patio of the missionary home in Santa Ana to hear a service talk and to listen to a report of the wonderful expansion of the Kingdom work in many countries of the world. Surely these dear brethren in Santa Ana were not alone in praising their God, for everywhere and in every language Jehovah’s people were holding high the Signal. Just as thrilled as all their brethren were three totally blind publishers who sat in the first row. They sell newspapers and know every inch of the city, and at least one supports a family. They are among the best publishers in the Santa Ana company. They have their own territories and work them; they attend every meeting and answer from the Informant and Watchtower better than most brethren who can read these publications for themselves; they are enrolled in Theocratic ministry and give student talks, and they give good ones, too. What an example they set for Kingdom publishers everywhere who have eyes with which to see! It was a pleasure to meet them and see their joy for the Lord and for the privilege they have of helping open the eyes of those who are blinded by religious tradition.

A few days after Brother Morgan left El Salvador Brother Knorr arrived and again had a good visit with many faithful missionaries. Extra chairs were obtained for the meeting in the Kingdom Hall, which is situated in the missionary home. At the evening meeting 128 persons packed out the assembly place, the largest meeting of brethren ever held in San Salvador. The less than two-day visit was much too short to go into all the details, but the big problems were handled. Arrangements were made to open a new missionary home in San Miguel on February 1. Four of the missionaries from Santa Ana will be transferred to this home. Arrangements were made, too, for the visiting of companies and isolated publishers more often during the year; and efforts will be made now to open up new territories for witnessing. Since the last visit of Brother Knorr, when there were 22 publishers there three and a half years ago, a magnificent increase has taken place. There was an average of 177 publishers for 1949, with a peak of 207. There are twelve missionaries in the country, and it is hoped that before 1950 is over more will be able to enter to help in the expansion program. It was a pleasure to answer the Gilead graduates’ many questions about the new Bethel home, the changes at Gilead, and tell them about the increases made in other lands. To learn of the faithfulness of their fellow students in sticking to their work always brings joy to those who are working hard to stay in the field.

HONDURAS

Saturday morning, December 17, Brother Morgan bid adios to the brethren in San Salvador and boarded a DC-3 for the 55-minute flight to Tegucigalpa, Honduras. This proved to be a rough trip, no doubt due to air currents created by the extremely mountainous terrain below. The captain ordered seat belts fastened all the way, for the ship was tossed around like a feather. As it heaved to and fro, some of the passengers did likewise. It was good to settle down on the rock-strewn airfield at Tegucigalpa and feel the solidness of terra firma again. Brother Burt and seven of the eleven Gilead graduates presently in Honduras were there at the airport to meet the visitor from New York, and so were many of the local publishers. Soon the entire group was headed back toward the city in the bus that had been rented for the occasion. The remaining hours before noon were spent in necessary formalities with three different departments of the government so that Brother Morgan’s passport and papers would be in order for his departure from the country a few days later.

This was a big week-end for the brethren in Honduras. Friday had marked the beginning of the first general convention ever held in that country. Brethren from all seven companies in the land were in Tegucigalpa, and many isolated publishers were here too. This represented a big effort for many of the brethren, but they had planned for this occasion. Twenty-eight publishers came from one company by air to the capital, and some of them had never flown before. One brother sold the family cow in order to get sufficient funds for the trip. Others walked.

The inhabitants of Tegucigalpa were startled to see Jehovah’s witnesses advertising with placards for the first time, and the brethren had several interesting experiences as they walked about the streets. One “padre” followed a sister along the street, discouraging passers-by and bystanders from accepting handbills advertising the public lecture, though he had a handbill in his own hand. One gentleman reminded the “padre” that if he, the “padre”, could take a handbill then there seemed to be no reason why others could not take them. With that the clergyman ripped up the invitation. Such interference did not stop people from attending the public meeting. On Sunday morning at 10 o’clock there were 511 persons in the theater to hear “Liberty to the Captives”. This was the largest public meeting ever held in Honduras by Jehovah’s witnesses. That afternoon eleven new witnesses were baptized in the Rio Grande river about a mile out of town, to which place all the brethren walked. One person, a transient who had talked to one of Jehovah’s witnesses just a few days before and who had then attended all sessions of the convention, was among those baptized. He is anxious to learn everything he can now so that he too can join in the preaching, and so he asked if he might have a Bible study in his home.

There were other places to be visited in Honduras, where graduates of Gilead are working, along with others of the Lord’s people who were unable to come to the general convention at the capital. So on Monday afternoon the Branch servant and Brother Morgan boarded a TACA plane for San Pedro Sula, a city lying northwest of the capital. Monday evening witnessed the gathering of 92 brethren and persons of good-will at the Kingdom Hall located in the missionary home where two graduates of Gilead live. The local brethren were happy with the turnout. Right next door to the missionary home is a radio station which grants free time to Jehovah’s witnesses each week. The missionaries put on some very interesting programs. San Pedro Sula is hot, and it rains a great deal, but the Lord is blessing the efforts of the brethren in preaching the gospel there.

Tuesday afternoon the two brethren traveled to La Ceiba, a city on the coast directly north of Tegucigalpa. En route the plane stopped at Puerto Cortez and Tela. As we approached La Ceiba we saw thatched roofs of the homes below and great fields of banana trees. The north coast of Honduras is fine banana country, and the fruit companies provide about the only means of employment for the population. That evening the three Gilead graduates who have worked in La Ceiba for about six months were pleased to see 41 persons at the meeting. Ten of these persons are now publishers, and a company of Jehovah’s witnesses is being organized. Many of the people of good-will learning of the truth here are active in the local churches, and some were troubled by the warning of the clergy that Jehovah’s witnesses would just sell as many books as possible and then leave for another town. But they were assured that Jehovah’s witnesses were in La Ceiba to stay and that they were forming a permanent company organization for true worship in that city. These new people were interested in hearing about the Society’s work throughout the world, as well as considering the responsibilities of Jehovah’s witnesses in La Ceiba to proclaim the truth. Working here is not easy, but the brethren are enthused with the prospects for expansion.

The paths of Brother Morgan and Brother Knorr crossed on Saturday the 24th of December. The plane that the president of the Society came in on at Tegucigalpa was the same plane Brother Morgan was to leave on for Nicaragua, he having already visited British Honduras and Honduras. For ten minutes they discussed matters pertaining to the countries visited, and then Brother Morgan was on the way to Nicaragua. Brother Knorr was to stay and decide on matters relative to the Branch and missionary home. He recalled being there in 1946 when the work was really just beginning, when seven graduates of Gilead had been sent in there to organize things for preaching the gospel. Brother Burt had been transferred from Costa Rica to Tegucigalpa, and other inexperienced missionaries were sent to the capital city to assist in the organization work. During the year 1946 there was an average of only 19 publishers in the field, twelve of these being company publishers. 1947 saw the work more than double, reaching 45 publishers for the year. Then 1948 saw a large increase, the publishers jumping to 119. Again in this last service year they more than doubled in number of publishers, bringing the total up to 246. This means they have had an increase of more than 100 percent in each of the last four years. So Honduras has proved to be an excellent field for the advancement of Kingdom interests.

On Saturday evening at the Kingdom Hall, which is situated in the missionary home, 66 brethren attended the talk delivered by Brother Knorr. The brethren here, as in other countries, must be preachers of the Word, every individual being on his own as a minister of the gospel. Jehovah’s witnesses are not in this work because someone else is doing it; they are in it because they have accepted the responsibility of preaching the Word in the presence of Jehovah God and in the presence of his Son, and at the time of Christ’s second appearing and the setting up of his kingdom. While most of these brethren have been in the truth for only a year or so, they are beginning to appreciate the responsibility the Lord has placed upon them and how they must always remain faithful in order to gain eternal life.

Uppermost in the missionaries’ minds was how they might expand during 1950. After considering the conditions in the country and the prospects of the future, it was believed best to add more missionaries to the present homes and open a new home as soon as possible in another city. There are a lot of small villages of from two to five thousand persons that will also have to be reached by aggressive, young missionaries who will be able to “rough it”. It is hoped that by the time the year is over penetration will have been made into other parts of the country with the Kingdom message.

While the missionary home in Tegucigalpa is a beautiful place and very comfortable, it is believed to be in the wrong part of the city to bring about much more advancement in that territory. Instructions were given to the Branch servant to move the missionary home into the heart of Tegucigalpa. It is now on the outskirts of the city. A small Kingdom Hall situated in that district will take care of whatever good interest has been developed around the home. The public meeting of a week previous demonstrated that there is a lot of interest in the city, and better attention can be given this interest if the home and Kingdom Hall are more convenient to the people.

After attending the English Watchtower study and the Spanish La Atalaya study on Sunday, and talking over problems with the missionaries, Brother Knorr’s very pleasant stay with this group came to a close. Monday morning he was on his way to San Pedro Sula to visit four other graduates of Gilead and discuss their work with them. Getting away at 8:30 in the morning of the 26th, the plane landed at Progreso, a few miles away from San Pedro Sula. In a few minutes it was taking off again, skimming the treetops of the banana plantations and the clean little city of La Lima on the way to San Pedro Sula, where it landed five minutes later. The day was spent with the missionaries in their home, and at 3:30 in the afternoon many of the company publishers of San Pedro Sula and La Lima came to the airport to see Brother Knorr off to British Honduras. More than thirty brethren had come to say hello, regretting very much that he had been unable to be at their convention in Tegucigalpa.

BELIZE, BRITISH HONDURAS

The same reception was given Brother Knorr as Brother Morgan received when he arrived in Belize, British Honduras. Two truckloads of brethren had come out to greet the visitors from the Society’s headquarters. In Brother Morgan’s case his plane arrived two hours late and his landing was in the dark; while Brother Knorr’s plane was on time and, in fact, arrived there before one truckload of brethren got to the airport. It was indeed a pleasure for both to see these 65 zealous brethren of Belize welcoming the visitors to their seaside city.

Brother Morgan, after clearing Customs, climbed into one of the trucks with the rest of the brethren and headed back into the city of Belize. That evening he gave them a report on what had occurred on his trip up to that time. Thursday morning was devoted to checking the Branch records and missionary home reports. In the afternoon the brethren were addressed on the subject of “Love”, and at 7 o’clock that evening 100 persons came to hear the public lecture. The majority of them remained to hear an hour’s talk following the public lecture, on the responsibility of Jehovah’s witnesses in praising Jehovah’s name.

His schedule called for him to leave early Friday morning, and the missionaries saw him off at the airport. The weather was bad and visibility poor. Flying away over the Gulf of Honduras the plane struck some very rough weather and heavy rains. It was necessary to keep the seat belts fastened all the time, and it seemed as though the plane were bouncing and sliding around in the air and could not do much to overcome the force of the elements now raging. The destination was San Pedro Sula in Honduras, but the storm and fog were too intense for a landing there, although a try was made. After circling the field for some time, trying to get in, the pilot changed his course and eventually landed at a small field in Puerto Cortez. This meant that Brother Morgan missed seeing the missionaries again at San Pedro Sula, who were waiting at that field. After the plane had refueled it got away to Tegucigalpa. It was indeed good to get out of that drenching rain and off the muddy field and see the sunshine when arriving in Tegucigalpa. It was here that Brother Morgan stayed overnight and then met Brother Knorr the next morning at the airport on his way to Nicaragua.

The elapsed time between Brother Morgan’s visits and Brother Knorr’s was growing shorter. It was only a matter of days, and it seemed to the brethren as though it were a continuous convention with a little rest period in between. At Belize Brother Knorr was driven into the city by truck, enjoying the company of the brethren and the beautiful scenery along the Belize river, which is really jungle country. Some of the missionaries have gone away back into the country of British Honduras where the mahogany trees are cut and lumber floated down the river. Six small companies have been organized in various parts of British Honduras and there has been a steady growth in the number of publishers in this country. In 1946 when the first graduates of Gilead arrived there were only thirteen publishers and the one company at Belize. Now there are fifty-five publishers and six companies in different parts of the country. When the two truckloads of brethren arrived in Belize they drove right to the Kingdom Hall. Brother Knorr did not have opportunity to speak to them at the airport, so they assembled in the Kingdom Hall for a few minutes and Brother Knorr talked to them in the late afternoon. It was a great pleasure to greet some who had been there on his former visits, and also to see many new faces, and wish them well.

The evening was spent in the missionary home talking over the problems, of which there were many. One of the great problems is that of impressing on the minds of the publishers their responsibilities. Many new publishers want to serve the Lord but they do not appreciate consecration and the necessity of symbolizing it. It takes great patience on the part of missionaries to keep after the new interest. But then the Lord is patient with all of his people in these last days of this old world. And we must be patient, too. In some lands individuals appreciate their privilege of service more quickly than in other places. Then, too, many people are steeped in the habits of this old world and its religious ideas and it is hard for them to change in so short a time. The brethren are not discouraged but they needed counsel and were wondering how missionaries handled the same situation in other lands. Patience and love for the people of the land in which you work is the answer to the problem. We must always recognize that people have their own way of life and have formed habits over centuries of time, and some of the things they do and the way they think are inbred in them. British Hondurans are slow to take on new ideas, and it takes real patience to convince them. However, the brethren have had good results and there are now more people proclaiming the message of the Kingdom than ever before in British Honduras.

In addition to the missionary problems there are other things to contend with. Belize has no running water furnished to the homes by a city water supply. Every home must have its own wooden or concrete tank, and during the rainy season drain water off the roof and store it for later use. But these problems are met, along with the marketing problem and the mode of travel, which are different from what the missionaries were used to in the United States. Accustoming oneself to conditions, as all missionaries must do in their country, is important to successful service and enjoyable living. It was indeed good to see the splendid attendance at the evening meeting. The missionaries invited their people of good-will and, to their surprise, 111 persons came to hear Brother Knorr talk on “Preach the Word”. The responsibility of being a minister here was put squarely up to the congregation assembled. God’s laws apply to all people regardless of land, education or customs. God’s laws never change. All individuals must accommodate themselves to these laws and adjust their lives to be in harmony with Jehovah’s purposes.

It is believed that the visit of the brothers to Belize has helped the publishers and the new interest, as did the visits to other countries. It was a pleasure to be associated with these brethren and it was too bad the visit could not have been longer, but the plane schedule called for leaving early the next morning. By taxi all the missionaries and Brother Knorr went to the airport. He anticipated seeing the Gilead graduates again at San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa on the way to Managua. After saying good-bye to the little group the president of the Society did not experience the same kind of trip as his secretary in the way of rough weather on his way to San Pedro Sula, but like his secretary he missed landing at San Pedro Sula because there were no passengers to get off and none to get on. He was told this by the stewardess on the plane about fifteen minutes after leaving Belize. He was sorry he did not get to see these missionaries again, but he consoled himself in the fact that the group in Tegucigalpa would be at the airport to greet him. But thirty minutes later the stewardess said the plane would not land in Tegucigalpa either because no one would be getting on or off, and that instead it would go on to San Salvador.

The brethren in San Salvador had been told that Brother Knorr would not land there on his way to Managua, but would land at Tegucigalpa; so both the San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa groups and Brother Knorr were disappointed in not seeing each other. Now he was landing at San Salvador at 10 a.m., and so he talked to the El Salvadorean Customs officers, requesting permission to go into town during the three-hour stay. However, he was informed that transit passengers were not allowed to leave the airport. With the aid of a kind Pan American employee, he phoned a taxi company in San Salvador and told them to go to the address of the missionary home and tell the people living there that Mr. Knorr was at the airport and that they should take the selfsame taxi and come out immediately. Six brethren happened to be at home, doing their washing and cleaning. So they hurriedly changed, and a very enjoyable visit was had for two hours, including a dinner together at the airport. The time was well spent. Air travel is a little uncertain. You are not always sure where you are going to land. But you eventually get where you are going.

Shortly before 1 p.m. the plane came in and, after saying good-bye, Brother Knorr was on his way to Tegucigalpa, where all the missionaries were coming out to meet him, believing he would be on that plane. And so the president of the Society had the pleasure of talking to them for fifteen minutes before going on to Managua.

Letters

ABSENCE OF PRAYER AT PUBLIC MEETINGS!

November 17, 1949

Dear Brother:

Answering your query of the 9th instant regarding the absence of prayer in opening and closing our public meetings:

It is certain that the public does not come to our public lectures in our Kingdom Hall or elsewhere to hear us pray, but do come to hear the advertised subject spoken upon by the speaker announced as competent to handle it. Our Exemplar Jesus held many public lectures, but there is no record that he opened or closed any of them with prayer. There is no Bible record that he opened up the sermon on the mount with prayer, or those open-air lectures after which he fed the multitude, first the 5,000 and then the 4,000. But there is a record that when he thus fed the multitudes he did offer prayer of thanksgiving to God before breaking the bread and fish and distributing the pieces to the hungry crowds. And these lectures, mind you, were public gatherings of practically all Jews who already believed in Jehovah God. But in our case today we advertise our public lectures as open to all peoples, whether nominally Catholic, Protestant, Jew, skeptic, atheist, or of the many pagan religions. Surely those of the public who are not of the Christian faith do not turn out to our meetings in order to join with us in prayer to our God, but solely to hear the speech which is the drawing feature. So we give them that and do not think to impose upon them by attaching something else to the lecture which might offend or stumble them before they hear the speech they came for. The apostle Paul, at 1 Corinthians, chapter 14, says Christians should offer prayer at their own meetings in a language to be understood in order that the hearers might be able to say Amen! at its close. But we should not expect any non-Christian public to join in any prayer if offered at a public meeting and then say Amen! with us at the close. Our brethren are offering public lectures in many pagan lands, and if it would be imposing upon the pagan public to offer our prayers before we let them hear our public message, then the same rule ought to apply even in Christendom. Because the message is for the public to tune in on, prayer is likewise not offered over the Society’s radio station WBBR. But this does not mean prayer is never offered in behalf of all such public meetings. It is, privately, by those promoting and supporting the public lecture campaign. That suffices.

Yours faithfully in serving The Theocracy,

WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY

ATTENDING FUNERALS AND MARRIAGES—WHERE?

November 17, 1949

Dear Brother:

Your card of the 10th instant refers to our letter in the November 15 issue of The Watchtower on “Weddings and Funerals” and asks whether you are to understand thereby that we “advocate the friends’ attending weddings and funerals when officiated by religious clergy or in their buildings”.

Why, certainly we do not “advocate” it, and the letter in the above Watchtower that answered the inquirer was not commenting on attending weddings and funerals at religious buildings where the clergy hold forth. Our letter mentioned sending out our own representatives to serve at such functions.

However, whether a brother or sister is free to attend such a function under clergy management and in their establishment is another question. Certainly a marriage performed by a religious clergyman is just as valid with the law of the land as one performed by any of our brothers who applies for and gets a license. And when any of our brethren do not have any of our own brothers to perform but go to a municipal building and have the ceremony performed by a justice of the peace or some other duly constituted public official, they do not ask first whether that official is a Catholic, Protestant, Jew, or other kind of religionist. The main thing is, Does he represent the law of the land and is he empowered to give legal authority and recognition to the marriage? All other matters are incidental and unimportant and without bearing.

A father or mother, who for reasons beyond their control feel obliged to go to a religious building to see their child married or buried, goes there to see the marriage or the funeral and for no religious reason, if they are in the truth. It is the same as in the apostle’s day in the case of a man who went into an idol’s temple for something to eat. He goes in there to get a meal, but not to worship. (1 Corinthians 8:7-10, American Standard Version) Some other brother’s conscience would not be strong enough to permit him to do this, and his weak conscience would take offense if he saw his Christian brother in such a place for just a meal. So while we do not “advocate” it, we are not within our province to criticize or condemn, but will let God judge our brother who according to his conscience may feel obligated to attend functions under clergy officiation.

Faithfully yours in Theocratic service,

WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY

Field Experience

WBBR ENLIGHTENS A NUN

“Many years ago a young woman who was born in Germany and who was a devout Protestant and a student of the Bible believed she could serve the poor and needy better if she were to embrace the Roman Catholic belief and become a nun. This she did. She took the veil in the order of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, of which ‘Mother’ Cabrini was the mother general. This sister became the traveling companion of Cabrini and was later elevated to the position of a mother superior. Her duties took her to Rome and Vatican City, and one day while in the Vatican with Cabrini she noted some magnificent paintings upon the wall, one of which was a picture of Dante’s Inferno. She saw the poor victims portrayed as in frightful torments. Shortly she met a cardinal with whom she spoke in German, saying: ‘If I believed Almighty God was doing that (pointing to the picture) to the poor unfortunates just because they were not Catholics, I’d lose all my faith in God.’ The cardinal smiled and said: ‘My child, don’t take it too seriously. We have to frighten the people to make them good.’ The sister never forgot that. She came to America and she and her secretary, another nun, opened a home for orphans just outside of New York city. She was crying for God to show her the truth. She bought a small radio and began to tune in various religious programs. One day she tuned in WBBR, listened, and a great flood of light came into her heart and mind. She had found the truth! She sent for literature and began to witness to her neighbors in her nun’s garb. Her secretary also got the truth and began to witness. It was not long before off came the garments of ritualistic religion and on went the garments of praise to the great Jehovah!”—Watchtower radio station WBBR.