The Watchtower — June 15, 1955

Italian Communists and the Catholic Church

By Watch Tower missionary in Italy

THE tug of war between the East and the West is being keenly felt in Italy, the land that has the strongest Communist party outside the Soviet bloc. The theory of Marx is capturing the Italian mind as well as its vote, despite the priestly denunciations and papal excommunications. In this propaganda war a losing side cowardly seeks to “save face” by blaming others for her plight. This the Italian episcopacy did on February 1, 1954, when it told the world that “Protestant propaganda . . . goes to the evident advantage . . . of atheistic communism.”

But is that not begging the question? Anticlericalism existed in Italy long before the communistic ideology was ever heard of, and long before non-Catholic religions began to spread their teachings in Italy following World War II. And as to who takes the course that aids communism, La voce repubblicana of Rome says that it is the religious persecutors, not the persecuted, who really give the Communists material for their propaganda. It pointed out that by expelling people of minority religions (in this particular instance, Jehovah’s witnesses), “freedom of religion is put away in the attic, to the deep satisfaction of the communists and the Fascists.”

Religious officials have argued that the Communist exponents and press “do not hide their sympathy and support for this disuniting Protestant propaganda.” But is this the case? Great strides toward freedom of worship have been made in Italy, but this has not been without difficulty. And when procommunist newspapers report in their columns the abuses and unfair treatment of religious minorities, their concern is not with right doctrine, nor with sympathizing with or supporting other religions, but with making political capital out of the fact that undemocratic and unconstitutional actions have been taken against these minority groups. The facts show that the Communists are not seriously interested in spiritual matters, either Catholic or non-Catholic. Their main interest lies in the material things of this earth. The Communists ridicule those who believe in the promises of God’s kingdom under Christ, calling them cowards and parasites.

The Communist press ridicules the Bible and smears the Christian ministers who are teaching God’s Word. As an example, note the following report from the Communist newspaper La Verità of Brescia, Italy. Calling Jehovah’s witnesses “American spies disguised as ‘missionaries,’” it said: “They go from house to house and with the ‘Holy Scriptures’ preach submission to war prepared by the Americans,” and it further falsely charged that these missionaries were paid agents of New York and Chicago bankers and were endeavoring to “gather information of every kind regarding the men and the activities of the [Communist] organizations.” The writer concluded that “the duty of the workers, who know how to defend their country well . . . is therefore to slam the door in the faces of these vulgar spies disguised as pastors.”

Many Italian Communists do not object to having their wives and children attend the Catholic church. They feel that since some kind of religion is desired by the women and children it might as well be the same old religion that their fathers taught them. Their argument is that there is no harm in the religious teachings of the Catholic Church, but it is the wealth of the church that irritates them and the church’s siding with the capitalistic countries. Yet the Catholic religion is Italy’s largest—a fact that the vote-seeking Communists well recognize. As their repeated public statements prove, the Communists would much prefer the Catholic Church as a partner rather than some other religion in Italy.

The Communists are determined to get control of Italy, and this they can do only by winning over to their side a greater number of Catholics, not non-Catholics. Above all, this means convincing such nominal Catholics that communism certainly is not favoring any other religious faith. The Communists are very much interested in the votes of the Catholic peasants, the class that has been tied to Catholic tradition for centuries, and in the words of Italy’s Communist leader they “do not ask the Catholic world to cease to be a Catholic world,” but “tend towards a mutual understanding.”

The Catholic Hierarchy may say what she wishes about the “damaging” effects of non-Catholic propaganda within the borders of Catholic Italy, but when she accuses religious minorities of aiding Italy’s communism, and of being favored, sympathized with and supported by the Communists, then she is leaving herself wide open for criticism and her charge boomerangs. The religion that for more than fifteen centuries did not provide the people the strength of sound knowledge is now reaping her harvest of materialism, anticlericalism and godless communism. She cannot pass the blame on to others, or try to save face by endeavoring to pull into her warfare those true Christians who pointedly remain separate from it and who now are really providing many earnest Italians with the knowledge of God’s Word, the strength of the apostles, and the power to resist the false claims that communism makes.

Discharging Their Responsibility

The printed program of the Calvary (Episcopal) Church in Memphis, Tennessee, said last December 12 that, while statistics are supposed to be dull, these might be of interest: “With a membership of 520,000, Jehovah’s witnesses had adult baptisms at their district assemblies alone amounting to 14,509 in the summer of 1954. This does not include weekly baptisms in Kingdom Halls. Our Church, with a membership of 1,777,631 (confirmed) had 14,952 adult baptisms in 1953. Why the difference, do you suppose? Could it be that we are not taking seriously our responsibility to witness for God and his Church?” It could be. There are less than a third as many of Jehovah’s witnesses as there are members in the religion that made the comparison, but this smaller group performed nearly four times as many baptisms (a total of 57,369 during the year).

Identifying the Antichrist

Who or what is the antichrist—a person, an organization or merely an evil principle? When did the antichrist first appear, what are the characteristics of antichrist, and what will mark the end of antichrist?

THE term antichrist has been applied to various persons, organizations and teachings. Some called the dissolute and murderous Roman emperor Nero, who so cruelly persecuted Christians and is believed to have caused the death of the apostle Paul, antichrist. Others applied the term to Domitian, who banished the apostle John to the isle of Patmos. Some termed Mohammed the antichrist, while many of the reformers, such as the Waldenses, the Hussites and the Lollards, applied the term to the papacy.

Higher criticism today discredits the reality God’s Word gives to the antichrist. Thus Harper’s Bible Dictionary (1952), under the heading “Antichrist,” states: “The concept of a conflict between the forces of good and evil appeared in a very early Babylonian myth, became a dominant part of Persian thought, and made its way into Jewish beliefs and Christian doctrine concerning the Second Advent.” However, those having faith in the Bible as God’s Word do not trace the antichrist to a Babylonian myth but to the garden of Eden where God said that he would put enmity between the seed of his organization, “the woman,” and that of the serpent, Satan the Devil.—Gen. 3:15.

The term “antichrist(s)” is found but five times in the Bible and only in the writings of the apostle John. Identifying the antichrist of his day, John wrote: “Many deceivers have gone forth into the world, persons not confessing Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist.” And also further identifying the antichrist: “Who is the liar if it is not the one that denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist.”—2 John 7; 1 John 2:22, 18, NW.

Jesus foretold the coming of antichrist: “For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will give great signs and wonders so as to mislead, if possible, even the chosen ones.” And so did the apostle Paul: “Let no one seduce you in any manner, because [the day of Jehovah] will not come unless the falling away comes first and the man of lawlessness gets revealed, the son of destruction.” Like John, Paul showed that “the mystery of this lawlessness is already at work,” in his day, and that it was “according to the operation of Satan.”—Matt. 24:24; 2 Thess. 2:3, 7, 9, NW.

ANTICHRIST IN A TWOFOLD SENSE

Before we can properly identify the antichrist, however, it is necessary that we first properly identify Christ. Just who was Christ? Christ, like its Hebrew equivalent, Messiah, means “anointed one.” It calls to mind the high priests and kings of the nation of Israel who were anointed with a specially prepared oil to serve in their official capacities as representatives of Jehovah God. The prophet Daniel had foretold the coming of the Anointed One, and the apostle Peter identified him as Jesus, saying to him: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”—Matt. 16:16, NW; Dan. 9:25.

It appears that “antichrist” has a twofold meaning. As its name indicates, it is anti or opposed to Christ. And it also has the thought of false or pseudo Christ, in the place or stead of Christ. While, as we have seen, some have attempted to apply the term to a certain individual, or organization, the foregoing scriptures, together with the physical facts, indicate that all persons, organizations or groups that falsely claim to represent Christ, that arrogate to themselves the Messianic role or that oppose Christ and his followers can properly be termed antichrists, even as Jesus said: “He that is not on my side is against me, and he that does not gather with me scatters.” (Matt. 12:30, NW) Interesting in this connection is the observation made by McClintock & Strong’s Cyclopædia that “the just conclusion seems to be that Antichrist is not to be confined to any single person or power, but is essentially a great principle or system of falsehood having various manifestations, forms of working and degrees.”

Incidentally, let it be noted that the truth regarding the antichrist is not mere milk but is solid spiritual food; strong meat that can be assimilated fully only by those who have advanced to maturity, only by “those who through use have their perceptive powers trained to distinguish both right and wrong.”—Heb. 5:13, 14, NW.

RELIGIOUS ANTICHRISTS

Christ Jesus claimed to be the Son of God in a unique way, distinctive from all other humans. Said he: “Before Abraham came into existence, I have been.” “No man has ascended into heaven but he that descended from heaven, the Son of man.” “I am God’s Son.” And God himself repeatedly bore testimony to the same, as at the Jordan when Jesus was baptized, and when Jesus and three of his apostles were on the mount of transfiguration.—John 8:58; 3:13; 10:36, NW; Matt. 3:17; 17:5.

It follows that all who deny this claim of Christ Jesus, be they devotees of Oriental religions, atheists, deists or agnostics, are antichrists. Regarding all such, Christians are warned that they “cannot be drinking the cup of Jehovah and the cup of demons,” and that there is no harmony between Christ and Belial. (1 Cor. 10:21; 2 Cor. 6:15, NW) Included also would be all professed Christian clergymen who say, as did one Boston, Massachusetts, Congregational minister: “I make bold to say that Jesus claims nothing for himself that is not universally true of the ideal or divine nature inherent in all of us,” and that Jesus was no more a son of God than were such pagan philosophers as Epictetus and Marcus Aurelius.

Further, since all those who deny that Jesus came in the flesh are antichrists, it follows that all who claim that Jesus was incarnated, merely clothed with flesh, are antichrists, for such deny that Jesus actually came in the flesh. Plainly we are told that “the Word became flesh,” and that he was “produced out of a woman.” Had he been merely incarnated he could have dispensed with a human mother. And had he been both human and divine upon the earth he would not have hungered after fasting, nor would he have needed rest after a journey or after a strenuous day; neither could he have died as man’s ransomer, for what is divine is immortal.—John 1:14; Gal. 4:4, NW.

Others identify themselves as antichrists by their denying Jesus’ office as Ransomer and High Priest. John the Baptist termed Jesus “the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world!” Jesus himself said that he came “to give his soul a ransom in exchange for many.” John tells us that “the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” Peter states that Christians were ransomed “with precious blood,” “even Christ’s.” And Paul’s letters are replete with references to Christ’s sacrificial merit, such as, “God recommends his own love to us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more, therefore, since we have been declared righteous now by his blood, shall we be saved.” Yes, even the Hebrew prophets foretold that Jesus would bear the sins of many.—John 1:29; Matt. 20:28; 1 John 1:7; 1 Pet. 1:19; Rom. 5:8, 9, NW; Isa. 53:12.

Yet in spite of the fact that God’s Word so magnifies the atoning work of Christ, many professed clergymen of Christendom deny that the blood of Christ has any saving power. Thus one Denver, Colorado, Baptist clergyman said, at the turn of the century, that the teaching of the atonement is “repugnant to the moral sense,” that “strictly speaking, the death of Christ was not necessary to human salvation,” and that “the Bible nowhere says that Christ’s righteousness is imputed to the believers.” Certainly all who subscribe to such theories are antichrists, even though they may claim to be Christian ministers.

Further, all professed Christians who have apostatized, who exalt themselves, who manifest the spirit of rebellion or who show hatred to their Christian brothers are properly termed antichrists. Regarding such Paul said: “Oppressive wolves will enter in among you . . . and from among you yourselves men will rise and speak twisted things to draw away the disciples after themselves.” He also referred to such as “the man of lawlessness,” “the son of destruction,” who “is set in opposition and lifts himself up over everyone who is called ‘god’ or an object of reverence, so that he sits down in the temple of The God, publicly showing himself to be a god.” Jesus foretold that in our day some of his professed followers would beat their fellow slaves and eat and drink with the drunken, and called such the “evil slave.” The facts show that all such antichrists have manifested themselves, for much false doctrine is being taught in the name of Christianity, there is much self-exaltation and creature worship and there is much ill will manifested toward sincere followers of Christ by some who profess to be their brothers.—Acts 20:29, 30; 2 Thess. 2:3, 4; Matt. 24:48-51, NW.

POLITICAL ANTICHRISTS

Just as there are religious antichrists there also are political antichrists. Among such is godless communism. It also is one of the “false Christs” that Jesus foretold would come and deceive many. How so?

Communism is an antichrist in that it seeks to supplant Christ and his kingdom as earth’s rightful Ruler and mankind’s only Hope. Thus we are told that “it is the Messianic character of Communism that gives it dynamic power to command allegiance.” Its leaders such as Lenin and Stalin have been not only idolized but deified, termed saviors and the ones chosen by God to lead their people.

Then, too, Jesus, in his illustration of the sheep and the goats stated that whatever had been done to his followers had been done to him, which fact he also called to the attention of Saul of Tarsus when that one was on his way to Damascus to persecute Christians. Since all Communist lands bitterly persecute Christ’s true followers, they are in fact persecuting Christ and therefore are antichrists.—Matt. 25:40; Acts 9:5.

Not that the spirit of antichrist is limited to Communist lands, for, even as Jesus foretold, his followers today are being hated by all nations. In fact, what is true of communism’s being the antichrist is also true of the United Nations. It also, even as was its predecessor, the League of Nations, is being given a Messianic role to play by the clergy of Christendom, as the world’s savior, its only hope and the only light, whereas the Bible plainly shows that in Christ shall the nations hope and that he is mankind’s Savior and the Light of the world. The United Nations therefore also is an antichrist.

Jesus referred to this scheme of modern man in his great prophecy as “the disgusting thing that causes desolation, as spoken of through Daniel the prophet, standing in a holy place.” It is disgusting in God’s sight because all that is “lofty among men is a disgusting thing in God’s sight.” In that it presumes to stand in the place that should be occupied by God’s kingdom it stands in a holy place where it ought not to stand. Truly it also is an antichrist.—Matt. 24:15, 16, NW.

The apostle John had a prophetic vision of the final form of this antichrist: “And I caught sight of a woman sitting upon a scarlet-colored wild beast that was full of blasphemous names and that had seven heads and ten horns. The wild beast that you saw was, but is not, and yet is destined to ascend out of the abyss, and it is to go off into destruction.”—Rev. 17:3, 8, NW.

In this vision we see Babylonish religion pictured as a wicked woman, even as the true Christian congregation is represented in the Scriptures as a chaste virgin. The numbers seven and ten, denoting completeness, indicate that this beast represents all the nations of the world that are united for the purpose of accomplishing what only God’s kingdom can accomplish. As the League of Nations, this beast “was” from 1920 to 1939; it was not during World War II, from 1939 to 1945; after which time it ascended out of the abyss as the United Nations organization. At Armageddon, “the war of the great day of God the Almighty,” it is destined to go off to destruction.

And in that religious leaders in the United States hail their land as one with a Messianic mission, it also becomes a manifestation of the antichrist. And concerning the end of all modern-day manifestations of the antichrist the apostle John wrote: “And the wild beast was caught, and along with it the false prophet that performed in front of it the signs with which he misled those who received the mark of the wild beast and those who render worship to its image. While still alive, they both were hurled into the fiery lake that burns with sulphur.”—Rev. 19:20, NW.

Thus we see, in summing up, that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of Jehovah God, God’s High Priest and earth’s rightful Ruler, and that all who set themselves in opposition to him or who presume to take his place as the ruler of the world and the one to bring lasting peace, are antichrists. Since the destiny of all who comprise the antichrist is destruction at Armageddon, it follows that all who would escape that end must separate themselves from antichrist. The way to do that is to heed the prophetic command: “Seek ye Jehovah, all ye meek of the earth, that have kept his ordinances; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye will be hid in the day of Jehovah’s anger.”—Zeph. 2:3, AS.

The wise men are put to shame, they are dismayed and taken: lo, they have rejected the word of Jehovah; and what manner of wisdom is in them?—Jer. 8:9, AS.

Report on “The New World Society in Action” in Europe and the Americas

ON April 3, 1954, the first copy of the Watch Tower’s moving-picture film “The New World Society in Action” was shown to 1,110 persons at a New York city circuit assembly. More than forty times during that first showing the excited audience interrupted with applause—a foretaste of the enthusiasm with which this film has been received.

It conveys a true picture of the theocratic organization, showing that the New World society is not a small, insignificant denomination, but rather a world-embracing preaching organization proclaiming the good news of God’s kingdom earth-wide. Thus far 177 copies of this film have been produced. These have been shown to audiences in more than 75 lands, totaling over 1,290,745 persons.

From France the Watch Tower’s branch servant writes: “Even many of the brothers did not realize the magnitude of Jehovah’s visible organization, nor how it operates with brothers assigned to care for the very smallest detail—caring for the various machines in the printery, the radio station WBBR, the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead, etc. As for the persons of good will, they are astounded at the vision of Jehovah’s organization and of its purposes, and all this works for the building up of their faith and to draw them closer to the New World society.”

The Netherlands branch reports: “The showing of the film has enriched the understanding of the organization on the part of the brothers, and has spurred many of our brothers who had faded away into inactivity to action, and has helped many interested ones to take a firmer stand for the truth. Many strangers who have seen this film returned home with an entirely different view of the New World society.”

From Italy comes the report: “This medium being used by Jehovah’s organization world-wide is causing the Shepherd’s voice to be heard by many more of his ‘other sheep.’ Its good effect is already telling. Those who have seen the film recognize that the people and organization shown therein are guided by the commandments and principles of Jehovah.”

FRENCH EXPERIENCES

Yes, the film has a good effect upon those who see it. In France one brother whose family and friends had ridiculed the truth succeeded in bringing his wife and brother-in-law to see it. They did not come because they were interested, but out of curiosity. After seeing the picture, however, they observed: “It is more serious and far more powerful than we thought. We must reconsider our position.”

Even those long within the theocratic organization have been powerfully strengthened by actually seeing the scope of its activity. A 75-year-old French brother who had been in the truth for fifty years expressed his joy this way: “My ears have heard people talk of Jehovah’s power, of the splendor of his organization and of the fruitfulness of Zion, and my soul has desired to see all these things. Feeling that I am approaching the end of my course, I doubted whether I should see my wish fulfilled. But now my eyes have seen more than I ever hoped to see. Now I can go with the heart glad and with peace of mind. Nothing can stop the victorious march of the New World society toward the new life the other side of Armageddon.”

Seeing the theocratic order of things also helps Christians to develop a more mature appreciation of their position in the organization. Thus a young French publisher confessed: “I used to think I was useful to the organization because of my studies, and I was somewhat proud of the fact, but now I can see that the organization can do without me. But I cannot do without the organization, and that has humbled me.”

It is good, too, for everyone actually to see that the work of the Christian organization is carried on by dedicated persons. After seeing pictures of the Watch Tower’s Brooklyn publishing plant where Jehovah’s witnesses’ literature is produced, an interested technician commented: “You certainly are the only organization to have all workers who have the same ideology. I work in a printery that puts out a newspaper of Catholic tendency, but among the employees you will find good Catholics and also Protestants and even Communists. It is the same in other printeries, but your organization is different.”

ITALY AND THE NETHERLANDS

“But you should show this movie in the largest theater in Turin,” one Italian woman said. “I’ll be glad to contribute toward the expenses. Everyone should see this picture, then they will certainly appreciate how Christians should live and comport themselves.” A well-educated elderly man had been reading the Society’s publications, but would never take a firm hold of the truth. After seeing the film he said: “I’ve been looking for an organization all my life that lifts the people morally and spiritually and at last I’ve found it. I’ve found something good and I’m certainly going to hang onto it.”

Even opposers have seen the importance of New World society activity. A Watch Tower missionary had been conducting a Bible study with an Italian woman for about eight months. Her husband was definitely opposed to her studying and preaching. However, to the missionary’s surprise he accepted the invitation to come to see the film. He was so impressed by what he saw and by the way the organization functions that he has been attending the congregational meetings ever since. He even offered his home for an area Bible study.

Another man came up to the district servant to say that from now on when the witnesses study with his wife he certainly wants to study too, for he now realizes that he has a lot to learn. His previous course of action? He had so scoffed at the message and at the hope of the New World that his wife was becoming discouraged and was thinking of dropping the study.

The impression such a Christian film makes upon its viewers might well be illustrated by the view of a little three-year-old Italian who had seen “The New World Society in Action.” When later invited to go to the movies he replied: “No, mommy, let’s go to the Kingdom Hall where you see those nice people, and not those who kill all the time.”

In just over seven months the copy of “The New World Society in Action” that was sent to the Watch Tower’s branch in the Netherlands was shown 106 times to 24,306 persons, and it continues to be in regular use there. One unusual showing was to the personnel and inmates of that country’s camp for conscientious objectors. Usually about 45 of the 75 persons in the camp show up for a film or cultural program, but this time all but three of them were present. The camp boss and others spoke very well of the film, and much opportunity for witnessing was provided.

In the town of Doorn the congregation servant brought his next-door neighbor to see the film. After seeing it, this 75-year-old lady, who several times had had Bible studies but had never seen the importance of joining in the work, said: “One can see that this is the true church of God; there is so much love and unity that it must be God’s organization.” She resumed her study, attended the circuit assembly, has participated in service and plans to be baptized this summer.

Another woman had been contacted ten years ago but had not seen the importance of becoming active in Kingdom service. After seeing the film she took the initiative in asking a mature publisher to take her out in the service. With great joy she told the people at the doors that she had known for ten years that this was the truth, but never before was she so determined to live up to it as since she had seen the film. She told them how people from all parts of the earth, colored and white, work together in harmony in the interests of pure worship. And she said: “I am firmly determined never again to give up the truth.”

CUBA

In Cuba, as elsewhere, this moving picture impresses its viewers with the firm Christian background of the activity of Jehovah’s witnesses. On leaving the hall in Havana one good-will person was heard to say: “This picture is proof that this is the true organization of God.” A young man, after seeing the film, said: “I want to be a part of that New World society.” New ones have been strengthened to go out in the door-to-door service for the first time. One woman told the district servant: “I know now that I am going to be a genuine witness for Jehovah.” And many of Jehovah’s witnesses have expressed themselves as desiring to do much more in Kingdom service since they have seen how their brothers serve so diligently in the factory and at Gilead.

At one circuit assembly in Cuba there was a Friday night attendance of 400. But on Saturday night, in this town of no more than 5,000 people (Cumanayagua, Las Villas), a total of 1,600 came to see the picture—indeed a considerable percentage of the population! The townspeople enjoyed it so much that all in the community knew what had happened, and the film was a popular subject of discussion. Some of the people even came back the next day hoping that they would see it. The public talk attendance on Sunday was 769.

From Cuba the film was taken over to the nearby Isle of Pines where a new congregation of just five publishers was recently organized. A theater was rented for $5, and with not too much advertising 420 people filled this assembly place—412 more persons than the number of Jehovah’s witnesses who were present! From mid-May to mid-December there were 79 showings of the film in Cuba with a total of 25,233 different persons present.

CHILE, URUGUAY AND BRAZIL

In Chile the Watch Tower’s branch servant took the film to La Serena for the benefit of the four missionaries who are assigned there. This has been considered difficult witnessing territory, yet the film was shown on five different nights. The total attendance? It amounted to 762 persons! For one showing, a half-day’s house-to-house advertising by five publishers, plus some handbills put up in local stores and a sign on the building where the picture was to be shown, brought 300 people out to see the picture and to learn of the activity of the New World society!

In Uruguay excellent results have been obtained when the film was shown outside. It has been shown in patios, parks, and even on the sidewalks and in the streets. When the Kingdom Hall is too small for the crowd, the equipment is set up on the sidewalk out front and the neighborhood moves in to see what is happening—and to see the film. On one Saturday the picture was shown in the Central Town Square in San José to more than 300 people. When the baptism of 4,640 persons at the Yankee Stadium assembly was shown, one man in the crowd shouted out loud: “It is too bad that Padre Fernando [the local priest] wasn’t at that assembly; he would have gotten rich collecting $5 each from those getting baptized.” Everyone laughed, because this “padre” has a reputation in the whole town.

Twenty thousand Brazilians have seen the film, and have made such comments as: “I lived really an hour and a half in God’s new world.” A congregation servant in the interior said enthusiastically: “That film woke up more interest in the work than all the talks given by visiting servants. Now our hall is full.” A soldier in the city of Sorocaba said: “If you folks aren’t God’s people, then there aren’t any in the world.” The Watch Tower’s Brazilian office writes that the thing that has really surprised them is to see how the film produced by the Society has done more for the enthusiasm, zeal and maturity of some publishers than years and years of counsel given by servants and public speakers. “With only an hour and a half of projection,” the report said, “many have decided to take their position and to fortify their forces, and many who reluctantly listened to discourses even resolved to make dedication vows, submitting to baptism.”

In a good-sized congregation in one city in the interior of Brazil there was some disorganization because of internal disunity. It is reported that as a result of seeing the activity of the organization earth-wide the brothers reorganized their activity and show renewed spirit and vigor in Jehovah’s service. The film was shown in one of the capital cities at a congregation where the brothers were having difficulty in moving to another hall. The enthusiasm grew so that they immediately subscribed to providing quite a large sum of money for the purpose. Now they have one of the nicest halls in the country.

“The New World Society in Action” continues to be used throughout the earth to explain the purpose and the scope of the activity of Jehovah’s witnesses. As this short report indicates, it is being used under widely varying circumstances, and with excellent results. This will be even more evident when a later report discusses the use of the film in Asia and Africa. Have you seen this film? If not, by all means take advantage of the first opportunity to do so. And when it is shown again in your area encourage everyone that you know to see it, so that they too may learn of the amazing accomplishments that have been made in preaching earth-wide the glorious message of Jehovah’s new world.

Modern History of Jehovah’s Witnesses

Part 12—An Era of Prophesied Happiness Begins

FROM 1926 forward Jehovah’s witnesses entered an era of great spiritual happiness, blessedness and organizational prosperity. (Dan. 12:12, Ro) Unaware at the time that any of the series of seven international conventions that began in 1922 at Cedar Point, Ohio, had any significance as to the fulfilling of Bible prophecies, the Society made arrangements for the fifth assembly in London, England, May 25 to 31, 1926, at the Alexandra Palace. However, the large Royal Albert Hall was engaged for the Sunday public meeting. This was filled eleven minutes after the doors were opened.a The Society’s president addressed the huge audience on the subject “Why World Powers Are Tottering—The Remedy.” This entire lecture was published the next day in The Daily News of London, which at that time had a regular circulation of 800,000. At its conclusion this lecture carried a resolution entitled “A Testimony,” later published in tract form for world distribution to the number of fifty million copies.b The disintegration and fall of the British Empire was forewarned and the doom of the League of Nations was declared as well. This indictment caused a howl not only in Britain but everywhere. To this day men remind Jehovah’s witnesses that they are the ones who in 1926 said London was the “seat of the beast.” (Rev. 16:10) In that year also a building program to expand the Brooklyn Bethel home and factory quarters was set in motion.c

The sixth great convention in this judgment-proclamation period was held at Toronto, Canada, July 18 to 25, 1927. Eight thousand attended the daily sessions and at the culminating public meeting on the last Sunday 15,000 were in the visible audience. To that audience there was tied in for the first time at a Watch Tower assembly a vast invisible international radio audience, by means of the largest (up to that time) chain of broadcasting stations—fifty-three in number—specially operated for that occasion by the National Broadcasting Company of the United States. The subject of the lecture was “Freedom for the Peoples.”d At the same time the convention adopted a resolution addressed “To the Peoples of ‘Christendom,’” which later was published in a booklet entitled “Freedom for the Peoples” and distributed for five cents during a special campaign conducted the following October.e To serve the peoples of Christendom with this vital notice 1,898,796 booklets were distributed.f For this year of 1927 the number in attendance at the spring Memorial internationally was 88,544, yet of these only some 18,602 were active as house-to-house Kingdom announcers.g

Detroit, Michigan, was the scene for the seventh and final in the series of international conventions, from July 30 to August 6, 1928. Twelve thousand attended this assembly. The high light of the convention was Judge Rutherford’s Sunday public lecture, globally broadcast by a Watchtower telephone hookup of 106 radio stations, on the subject “Ruler for the People.” At the conclusion the audience enthusiastically adopted a resounding resolution, “Declaration Against Satan and for Jehovah.”h This lecture together with the resolution appeared in the booklet The Peoples Friend, distributed subsequently to more than 5,400,000 in the United States and abroad.i At this assembly the book Government was released, which championed Jehovah’s theocratic form of government and exposed the fallacies and doom of the governments of this old world. Phenomenal was the witness in this year of 1928 and great was the reaction on the part of apostate religionists.

Thus Jehovah’s witnesses were vigorous, bold and energetic in their restoration of true worship. Not only did they clean themselves up spiritually and adjust their Biblical thinking to Jehovah’s way of thinking, but also new organization arrangements were in process of development under the leadership of the invisible King Christ Jesus. Early in 1927 they began in America the work of distributing the bound books and booklets on a contribution from house to house on Sundays. (See The Watch Tower, February 15, 1927, page 63, and August 1, 1927, page 233.) While the clergy were somewhat annoyed by energetic activities of Watch Tower Society workers in the period of the early 1900’s, yet now after 1922, with the global distributions of the judgment pronouncements of Jehovah, the clergy were being taken by a storm and a flood that swept on by day and by night in a public and private exposure of their false teachings and gross apostasy. Now Christendom was being adjudged as wanting, cast off by Jehovah and awaiting her destruction. Lovingly Jehovah upheld his little band of loyal witnesses as they passed through the turbulent seas of mankind to fulfill their commission in declaring Jehovah’s written judgments. Valiantly they went on to restore true worship in the earth in the theocratic, apostolic way.

While Jehovah’s people energetically exerted themselves from 1922 to 1928 in performing their God-given commission to declare the “vengeance of our God” and to publish his written judgments against apostate Christendom, in this time Satan and his invisible associates were generating forces that were aimed ultimately to make war on those who ‘keep Jehovah’s commandments’ and, after 1928, if possible, to crush them again. An all-out struggle ensued in which Jehovah’s fighting witnesses emerged as unquestioned champions of freedom of worship. Following the build-up period of the witnesses (during the 1,290 days from 1919 to 1922) Revelation continues to prophesy: “And the serpent [Satan] disgorged water [the Fascists, Nazis and Catholic Action groups such as the American “Christian Front”] like a river from its mouth after the woman [represented by the organized anointed witnesses on earth], to cause her to be carried to her death by the river. But the earth [righteously disposed rulers of the democratic powers] came to the woman’s help [granted protection and legal victories to the witnesses in their way of worship], and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up [in total defeat by the end of World War II at the hand of the democratic powers] the river [Fascism, Nazism and the “Christian Front”] that the dragon disgorged from its mouth.”—Rev. 12:15, 16, NW.

Right on time Satan, accompanied by great propaganda, produced these new forces that rapidly gained power to threaten the democratic world, Christendom. In 1919 Benito Mussolini founded his Fascist party, which grew swiftly to the point where he was able to lead the march on Rome in 1922 to establish his Fascist dictatorship over all Italy. In 1929 the Lateran Treaty was signed between the Roman Catholic Church and Mussolini’s regime, which completed the co-operative program of action for the Vatican and the new totalitarian government.j Also in 1919 Adolf Hitler founded his National Socialist Party in Germany, making an unsuccessful attempt to gain political power in his “Beer-Hall Putsch” of 1923 at Munich. However, by means of German Catholic intrigue and maneuvering, Hitler finally became Germany’s chancellor January 30, 1933. Immediately in that same year a concordat was negotiated by Cardinal Pacelli (who six years later was crowned as Pope Pius XII) and was promptly signed for Hitler’s government and for the Vatican.k

Back in the early 1920’s, too, Catholic Action movements, comprising numerous semireligious groups, were boldly organized and pushed in various countries to influence with Roman Catholic ideas the social and political trends. Several of such movements became active in the United States after 1921. One, a Fascist-like movement known as the “Christian Front,” in the 1930’s was led by a Detroit (Michigan) priest, “Father” Coughlin, developing a following of some 15,000,000.l All those world-scattered Vatican-inspired movements framed mischief by law, mobbing and imprisoning Jehovah’s witnesses because the witnesses, immovable like Daniel of old, refused to compromise on their freedom to worship the living God in obedience to his written commands.—Dan. 6:16-18.

Now by 1928 the congregational service organizations of Jehovah’s people had developed to the point where they accepted Sunday as the most suitable day to participate in the house-to-house preaching of Jehovah’s kingdom.a In years past Sunday volunteer service had been regularly undertaken for free delivery of “Bible Students tracts” Sunday mornings under doors of homes and in front of church entrances. But regular Sunday preaching verbally at the doors of the people had not been a practice. Immediately legal opposition was raised to this enlarged Sunday work when, in 1928, the first arrests were made in South Amboy, New Jersey, of preaching- on-Sunday witnesses of Jehovah. That opened the decade-long ‘battle of New Jersey,’ which soon spread to Connecticut, Pennsylvania and other states where Catholic Action groups tried to frame mischief by every legal means possible to put a stop to the growing public witness work of the Watch Tower Society. Timely was the new light of truth on the subject of the “higher powers” published in The Watch Tower for June 1 and June 15, 1929, showing clearly that Jehovah God and Christ Jesus are the true “superior authorities” that must be obeyed.b (Rom. 13:1, NW) This new understanding put fire into the witnesses to stand their ground against the onslaught of court battles involving their freedom of worship.

In the fight that was brewing for the 1930’s the Society’s extensive use of radio broadcasting figured in prominently. Modern radio communication had appeared in 1920. Like the early Christian witnesses of the first century, who quickly embraced the invention of the codex style of bookmaking to spread Jehovah’s written word, so the modern witnesses soon saw in radio a marvelous means to spread oral proclamation of Jehovah’s written judgments in all the earth. The Society’s first broadcast from a public platform was headline news and was so reported in the Philadelphia (Pennsylvania) Record of April 17, 1922:

Radio Tells the World Millennium Is Coming. Judge Rutherford’s Lecture Broadcasted from Metropolitan Opera House. Talks into Transmitter. Message Is Carried Over Miles of Bell Telephone Wires to Howlett’s Station [WGL].c

Shortly thereafter, toward the end of 1922, the Society purchased a tract of land on New York city’s Staten Island, where construction of its first radio station was begun. It being finally completed and licensed by the government as station WBBR with a power of 500 watts, the first official broadcast was made Sunday evening, February 24, 1924, Judge Rutherford delivering the inaugural address, “Radio and Divine Prophecy.”d For now more than three decades this noncommercial, educational station has continuously kept on broadcasting the Kingdom message, reaching multitudes of appreciative listeners. Its present studios are in the Bethel building at 124 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, New York.e Its modern steel-tower directional antenna and 5,000-watt transmitter are at the station’s original site on Staten Island, at “Watchtower.”

(To be continued)

[Footnotes]

[Picture on page 365]

Radio Station WBBR—1924

Steadfastness Bears Fruit

How steadfastness defeats the purpose of persecution is to be seen from the following experience. In Eastern Germany, in the town of Y—— are to be found many Methodists. One of these, no longer satisfied with Methodist teaching and particularly disgusted with the way those of his congregation compromised with the Communists, came in touch with Jehovah’s witnesses. Soon he took his stand, was baptized and zealously proclaimed the good news of God’s kingdom. Three months after being baptized, one morning on his way to work he was pounced upon by the SSD, the State Security Service, who spirited him away in a waiting truck.

For weeks his family did not know what had happened, as he was not allowed to communicate with them. This caused them to think things over and the next time one of Jehovah’s witnesses came to the door they invited him in and arranged for a home Bible study. Before long the whole family was taking part in the study and another was started in the home of some friends.

Six months later the witness, who had in the meantime been tried and sentenced to several years’ imprisonment, was allowed to receive callers. Imagine his keen delight as his daughter greeted him with, “My dad—and now, my brother also!” Yes, by this time eight members of his family had taken their stand and were immersed as witnesses of Jehovah, the oldest being 84 and the youngest 15. In those six months the local congregation of the witnesses grew from 12 to 22! Truly steadfastness defeats persecution.

Dedication to Jehovah

“I am come . . . to do your will, o God.”—Heb. 10:7, NW.

1. In regard to what The Watchtower upholds, what personal questions here confront approximately two million individuals?

YOU are one of approximately two million readers of The Watchtower and are doubtless aware of the fact that in every issue this publication upholds the worship of Jehovah God. What does his worship mean to you as an individual? To you, is religion a casual matter, or does it occupy an important and perhaps essential place in your life? If you are familiar with Bible truth you have been greatly blessed spiritually, and along with hundreds of thousands of other persons like yourself in all parts of the earth you have the blessed opportunity to progress in knowledge and understanding concerning the great God of the universe. Is this important to you? Has the truth engendered a worshipful attitude in your mind and heart? Perhaps it has. Perhaps it has not. The fact that you are taking the time to read these words, and, we hope, to look up the scriptures and carefully study this and following articles, is commendable, because it indicates that you have the courage to look into the Bible and have the desire to know the truth and that you are not taking the course of laziness, indifference or cowardice respecting God’s Word.

2. Does deliberate lack of interest evade the issue of principle versus expediency?

² It may surprise you to know the reason many people give for not heeding the Kingdom message. Upon having their attention directed to the plain and beautiful doctrines of the Bible, the evidences of prophecies now being fulfilled, the great sign proving the Kingdom presence of Christ Jesus and the thrilling work of the New World society now in action, many say, ‘That’s your interpretation of the Bible, another man has his interpretation, I could have my interpretation; so, I’m not interested.’ Such people are not interested because they do not want to be. But of this we may be certain: from now on, for the rest of their lives, although they do continue in the attitude of deliberate lack of interest toward Jehovah God and his Word, they will be constantly confronted with the issue of determining their course of action based upon principle or based upon expediency in their affairs of life. This is true for the reason that our day is one of judgment.—See The Watchtower of June 1, 1952.

3. As to deliberate unresponsiveness to Bible information, what may be reasons, and how does cowardice figure in?

³ Such a response to Bible information as here set out may be a lazy one, made because the individual lacks enterprise and initiative to use his mind to acquire the thoughts of God, or it may be a reply of merely indifference. In either case such is holding the Word of God in low esteem, saying in effect that because different men have different ideas, the ideas of the Almighty God are considered to be of no consequence. However, this reply may oftentimes be a cowardly one. It is cowardly if made because the individual is afraid of the truth, afraid of the responsibility that knowing the truth brings, afraid of having his own ungodly works revealed to him for what they are, unrighteous, out of harmony with the principles of uprightness and decency contained in the Word of the only true God, who is himself altogether upright and holy. What are your reactions toward Jehovah’s Word?

4. Our gladness and reverence are increased through what point of view?

⁴ We must realize that an understanding and acceptance of Bible truth is not a matter of one man’s interpretation against another man’s interpretation. It is a matter of accepting or rejecting what Jehovah God himself has placed in his Word for the instruction of men in righteousness and in his worship. Many hundreds of thousands of persons have had their lives made joyful, their hearts gladdened and their reverence for God increased by the wonderful truths contained in the Bible, which are constantly upheld and respected by the Watchtower magazine. In your own individual case, what is your response to your study of the Bible?

WORSHIP

5. In praising the Creator, how far can inanimate, plant and animal creation go?

⁵ About us we see things that praise and honor Jehovah, the Creator, in their own way, but which things do not have the abilities of worshiping Jehovah that we have. The inanimate creation referred to pictorially in the 19th Psalm “sings” Jehovah’s praise. “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork.” (Ps. 19:1, AS) The inhabitants of the heavens of God’s dwelling place and the new heavens of his new world sing Jehovah’s praises and worship him, but do the literal stars and sun and rocks worship God? No, of course not. A beautiful gem reflects the glory of the one whose handiwork it is but it cannot carry on pure religion, because it is inanimate. We know the beauties of nature that decorate our earth. The untoiling lilies of the field in beauty honor their Maker, but do they join in worship of him? No, of course not. The interesting and lovely animal creatures live their life spans and serve their purpose, evidence of the admirable attributes of Jehovah. However, can the lioness or the young lions, the young ravens, the wild goats, the ass, wild ox, ostrich, horse, locust, hawk, eagle or any of the other living animal things of the air, land or sea worship God? (Job 38:39 to 39:30) We know that not one of them can worship Jehovah God. Why not? Because they are not intelligent. One purpose of this and related articles is to show from the standpoint of clean worship the difference between man on one hand and animals, plants and inorganic material on the other, and the possibilities that this difference brings to you.

6. To man and those above man, what exclusive qualities are possible?

⁶ The creation of Jehovah God with which we are acquainted and which is lower than man never fails in its purpose, testifying to the power of God. But integrity, love, uprightness, these and other related qualities, do not apply below man. They apply to man and on up in the scale of God’s creation. They are qualities of worship. Worship, pure religion, is exclusively possible for that part of God’s creation that is intelligent.

7. As to a man’s success or failure, what is the proof?

⁷ The worship of Jehovah is the proof of real intelligence. (Prov. 1:7; 9:10, AS) A refusal by a so-called “intelligent” creature to worship Jehovah God is a failure on the creature’s part. Back to the earth such useless human creature will go. That is good, because it is better that there be a beast or flower or rock than a human deficient in intelligence. (Ps. 14:1) “There is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty giveth them understanding.” (Job 32:8, AS) The “understanding” here shown to have been given to man means intelligence, discernment, perception, prudence, wisdom to take the proper course of action.

8. State the good question each person should ask, and give the primary answer to it.

⁸ How does one of Jehovah’s intelligent creatures worship him? One may ask, How can I worship God? One should ask this question. It would be stupid to avoid the question and be unconcerned over it. It is our wish to point to God’s answer found in his own Word, the Bible, and we hope and trust and pray that the vital Scriptural truths respecting this matter will be appreciated and acted upon by many of our readers, because such is essential for their eternal welfare. It is necessary that each one who would worship God first of all make a personal dedication to Jehovah.

DEDICATION TO JEHOVAH

9. What constitutes man’s highest career, and what ignoble things prevent it?

⁹ It is in dedication to Jehovah God that a human creature comes into his own proper estate as distinguished from that of all God’s creation below man. Such is the highest and noblest of human ambitions and aspirations, and such is the course that must be followed by all who will gain life from among mankind. (John 17:2, 3; Ps. 119:1, 2) When a person comes to an understanding of Jehovah as revealed in the Bible, only selfishness will prevent him from making a dedication of himself to Jehovah God. How can this be? Are there not people of many religions who are not dedicated to Jehovah God? Yes, there are many such. In fact, the number of dedicated servants of Jehovah upon earth are in the minority, but among them are persons from all walks and classifications of men. It may be properly said that everyone is dedicated to one thing or another. Wherein do the dedications of people in general fall short? In that they are dedications, not to the Almighty God of the universe whose name alone is Jehovah, but to self-interest or some other cause or some other god, and therefore they do not lead the dedicated ones to lasting life to Jehovah’s praise.

10. Define Christian dedication.

¹⁰ “Dedication” is from an origin meaning to declare, to affirm, to state solemnly, to devote. It refers to the act of setting apart or devoting something to a certain use, or an act by which a person or thing is initiated into some way or course or use. To a Christian, dedication is the exclusive devotion to the service or worship of Jehovah God. It is the act of a person in setting himself apart by an agreement, unreservedly and unconditionally to do the will of Jehovah God through Christ Jesus. How is that will expressed? Through sects and denominations? Through schemes of men or organizations of men? No. The will of God is expressed in the Bible, being made plain by God’s holy spirit, and so dedication means that henceforth one must live a holy life, separate from the corrupt world, and must serve Jehovah God.

11. To the issue of dedication how do most persons react, can the issue be side-stepped, and how may you be a blessed person?

¹¹ “I cannot do that,” many a person will say. “I cannot put God first in my life. I will put my own interests, the interests of those things and persons that are mine first and God second. Oh, I will serve God, giving him some recognition from time to time when convenient, but dedicate myself to Jehovah? How can I do that?” Yes, such is a common reaction. Many of the readers of this publication have not made a dedication of themselves to serve Jehovah. As before stated, that which prevents a person from dedication to Jehovah is self-interest, selfishness. You will never be freed from this issue. It cannot be side-stepped. It must be met. Dedication requires a decision. You must decide whether you are going to worship and serve the God who gave you life or whether you are going to disregard his Word and his will in your personal life. If you will dedicate yourself to serve him in honesty and sincerity and out of love for him in appreciation of his goodness to you, you are a wise and a blessed person indeed.

12. Give reasons for dedication to Jehovah God.

¹² Why should one make a dedication to do Jehovah’s will, a solemn agreement to be guided by God’s Word, to act in accordance with his purposes and endeavor to conform to the high standard that he sets down in the Bible? Why should one do this? Rather it should be asked, Why should not one do so? Devotion and dedication to Jehovah God should be made because he is worthy. His own merit justifies the devotion of those who love him. (1 Pet. 1:15, 16) He is deserving of our praise, service or worship. He is the center of true religion. His worthiness defies expression in our inadequate tongue, and surely, if there is sincere appreciation in the hearts of men, dedication to the Supplier of all that is good will be the result. To appreciate Jehovah means to set a just value upon his worth, to esteem it to the full, to feel a warmth of satisfaction and approval in regard to our God, to be grateful for what he does. Have you appreciation of life, of its blessings, of the truth, of the revealed Word of God, of what he has done in behalf of mankind through his Son, Christ Jesus, of his kingdom now established in the heavens, of his work that is going forward in the earth, and of the New World society now active? Have you a high regard for these things? You will either spurn them or you will accept them with appreciation. If you appreciate them, if you appreciate the God who provided them, you will dedicate yourself to serve that God. Full appreciation leads to dedication. Dedication to Jehovah is dedication to the great Source of life. It is the course of action that must be followed by all who will receive life and so it is a very wise course indeed.—Prov. 14:27.

13. By dedication what is demonstrated, and to what does dedication lead?

¹³ Many people say in effect, “I believe that, if one just does the best he can and tries to get along, everything will come out all right.” But that is not what the Bible teaches; it is a self-deception. (Prov. 14:12) Those for whom “everything will come out all right” are those who receive lasting life, and it is impossible to receive lasting life if one is cut off from the Fountain of life, the great Creator himself, the living God. His living Word leaves no doubt about this. Dedication demonstrates complete trust and confidence in Jehovah. It shows that the individual has assurance that Jehovah is God, that God is right, that his cause will be victorious, that there is no doubt in the heart and mind of the dedicated one and that he is happy and joyful to take his stand on the side of Jehovah God.

14. (a) Read Jesus’ words at John 3:19-21, and then restate in your own words the issue there presented. (b) To where do we now look for encouragement and assurance regarding Christian dedication in this day?

¹⁴ The words of Christ Jesus as recorded in John 3:19-21 (NW) are powerful and revealing. Jesus stated: “Now this is the basis for judgment, that the light has come into the world but men have loved the darkness rather than the light, for their works were wicked. For he that practices vile things hates the light and does not come to the light, in order that his works may not be reproved. But he that does what is true comes to the light, in order that his works may be made manifest as having been worked in harmony with God.” The basis for judgment there referred to is not changed and these words place the issue squarely before us as intelligent persons who have light from God’s word of truth, the Bible. Christ Jesus was dedicated to Jehovah, setting the proper pattern for Christians to follow. Prior to his time the matter of dedication came up in connection with the worship of the true God. So in the next portion we make reference to some history that may be an encouragement and assurance to us in this wonderful day of the establishment of the theocratic kingdom.

The Reassuring History of Dedication

“Fear Jehovah and serve him with integrity and in truth . . . as for me and my household, we shall serve Jehovah.”—Josh. 24:14, 15, NW.

1. Why does worship of Jehovah call for dedication to him, and how is this shown in the case of Israel in Egypt?

WORSHIP means to treat with reverence because of merit or worth due to the quality or sum of the qualities of the object of worship. Therefore worship of Jehovah God calls for dedication to him because of his completely worthy qualities. In Egypt, Moses and fellow Israelites worshiped Jehovah, declining to go contrary to his laws. (Ex. 1:17, 21; Heb. 11:23-29) Jehovah recognized Israel as his people: “Unquestionably I have seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, . . . And I am proceeding to go down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians . . . And now come and let me send you to Pharaoh and you bring my people the sons of Israel out of Egypt.” (Ex. 3:7-10, NW) Mindful of his purposes as expressed in his covenant established with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and looking to the eventual provision of the Seed of deliverance, Jehovah ‘proceeded to remember his covenant.’ (Ex. 6:5, NW) His words to be addressed to the sons of Israel by Moses were: “And I shall certainly take you to me as a people and I shall indeed prove to be God to you and you will certainly know that I am Jehovah your God who is bringing you out from under the burdens of Egypt. And I shall certainly bring you into the land that I raised my hand in oath to give to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and I shall indeed give it to you as something to possess. I am Jehovah.”—Ex. 6:7, 8, NW.

2. How is the purpose of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt shown?

² Repeatedly it was made plain on that occasion of the great deliverance from Egypt that the purpose of taking Israel out of that land was that they might worship or serve Jehovah as his own people. Israel decided to do what Jehovah would have them do, even though they at the time did not know just what would be involved following their deliverance from Egypt. (Ex. 10:26) Concerning that people Jehovah had stated to Moses: “And you must say to Pharaoh, ‘This is what Jehovah has said: “Israel is my son, my first-born. And I say to you: Send my son away that he may serve me. But should you refuse to send him away, here I am killing your son, your first-born.”’”—Ex. 4:22, 23, NW.

3. Give facts showing steps to the dedication of Israel.

³ By his power Jehovah brought this word to pass, destroying the might of Egypt and delivering his people Israel. This delivered people, devoted to him, were Jehovah’s to command, as is emphasized when “Jehovah spoke further to Moses, saying: ‘Sanctify to me every male firstborn that opens each womb among the sons of Israel, among men and beasts. It is mine.’” (Ex. 13:1, 2, NW) At the time of the deliverance from Egypt, and subsequently, details of worship were set before this devoted people. At Mount Sinai through a covenant arrangement Jehovah emphasized to the nation of Israel the special relationship in which they were with him, and there Israel as a nation, all the people, declared their agreement to their dedication. Jehovah said: “And now if you will strictly obey my voice and will indeed keep my covenant, then you will certainly become my special property out of all other peoples, because the whole earth belongs to me. And you yourselves will become to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” “After that all the people answered unanimously and said: ‘All that Jehovah has spoken we are willing to do.’”—Ex. 19:5, 6, 8, NW.

4. Explain the way of life into which Israel was initiated, stating the many facts indicating what Jehovah exacted.

⁴ So it was to a willing nation of delivered individuals, a people whom he owned as a peculiar possession of his, that “God proceeded to speak all these words, saying: ‘I am Jehovah your God, who have brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slaves. You must never have any other gods against my face.’” (Ex. 20:1-3, NW) Read the first seventeen verses of the 20th chapter of Exodus 20:1-17, noting particularly that in Ex 20 verse 5 it is stated, “I Jehovah your God am a God exacting exclusive devotion.” (NW) The chapters following relate detailed terms of the covenant there proposed, and end with the words: “You are not to conclude a covenant with them or their gods. They should not dwell in your land, that they may not cause you to sin against me. In case you should serve their gods, it would become a snare to you.” (Ex. 23:32, 33, NW) Through their deliverance from Egypt and their organization under the law of Jehovah God given to them through Moses, the nation of Israel were initiated into a way of life that was centered around the worship of God, who was their Ruler, Lawgiver, Judge and object of their worship. They recognized this, saying in dedication: “All that Jehovah has spoken we are willing to do and be obedient.” (Ex. 24:7, NW) Subsequently showing again his proper direction of the affairs of his people, Jehovah stated: “Take the Levites in place of all the firstborn among the sons of Israel and the domestic animals of the Levites in place of their domestic animals, and the Levites must become mine. I am Jehovah.” (Num. 3:45, NW) Jehovah caused the nation to be further organized for the proper carrying out of all things in connection with his worship, ceremonial and governmental, as he was their King and Ruler.

5. Relate the historical events herein enumerated and show how they establish dedication to be a serious personal step.

⁵ During the history of God’s people Israel there were many times when individuals dedicated things or persons. In the 20th chapter of Deuteronomy we have the account of the procedure when a man called to war had a house that he had not yet initiated or inaugurated. At 2 Samuel 8:11 David is said to have “dedicated” vessels. The word “dedicated” here appearing has the meaning of making to be a sacred thing. At 1 Kings 7:51 Solomon brings into the temple the items that David had previously dedicated to Jehovah’s use. At 1 Kings 8:63 the king and all the people are revealed inaugurating the house of Jehovah, initiating it into its proper use in Jehovah’s worship. The good woman Hannah vowed to dedicate her babe to Jehovah before it was conceived and her child Samuel served faithfully in the worship of Jehovah God. (1 Sam. 1:11) Samuel took personal action in respect to his dedicated service, as shown at 1 Samuel 3:10: “Then Samuel said, Speak; for thy servant heareth.” (AS) His continued obedience is shown throughout the account of his ministry, including 1 Samuel 3:19, 20 (AS), which states: “And Samuel grew, and Jehovah was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan even to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of Jehovah.” The prophet Isaiah took a volunteer step in God’s service: “And I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then I said, Here am I; send me. And he said, Go, and tell this people.” (Isa. 6:8, 9, AS) The testimony of the account of true worship throughout the ages is uniform in showing that dedication was a serious personal step in the right direction taken by all of those who worshiped Jehovah God and received his approval.

THE DEDICATION OF THE SON OF GOD

6. In the case of Jesus, why was his personal dedication in order, and why important?

⁶ Of all the examples of dedication to Jehovah God, the outstanding one is that of Christ Jesus. Jesus was devoted to his God. He kept the law of the Jews. Under this law Jesus became of age at thirty years and faced the question as to what he was going to do with his life. Would he do God’s will? Was it God’s will that he keep on being a carpenter and simply conform to the Mosaic law? No, the worship of Jehovah was to be advanced and great steps forward were to be taken respecting the carrying out of his purposes including the establishment of a new theocratic organization, the Christian congregation, the gathering of its members, and eventually thereafter the establishment of the antitypical theocratic government, the kingdom of heaven, and the new world of righteousness. Jesus was acquainted with his Father and with his Father’s word in the Hebrew Scriptures. He knew Jehovah’s worthiness and was not content with being a carpenter nor would he selfishly turn aside from a pursuit of his Father’s will. He made a decision. He made up his mind. He charted a course of action for the rest of his life. He fulfilled the prophecy of the 40th Psalm, which states, in part: “Sacrifice and offering thou hast no delight in; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt-offering and sin-offering hast thou not required. Then said I, Lo, I am come; in the roll of the book it is written of me: I delight to do thy will, O my God; yea, thy law is within my heart.” (Ps. 40:6-8, AS) In the tenth chapter of Hebrews the apostle Paul quotes from this prophecy, stating that it applied to Christ Jesus at his dedication. So we see this devoted Son of God made a personal, solemn dedication of himself to his God, to do his will and follow the law of God held in the heart of this dedicated servant. From that course of action into which he was there initiated he never swerved. That decision was important to Jesus. A similar decision is important to you.

7. (a) What leads up to dedication? (b) Are formalities appropriate? Why?

⁷ What led up to Jesus’ dedication? Knowledge that he had concerning God, love for his heavenly Father and earnest desire to forward the cause of pure worship to the advancement of Jehovah’s purposes to the vindication of his name. What leads a man to dedicate himself to Jehovah today? A knowledge of the truth, an understanding of Jehovah’s purposes, the possibilities of life set before men through Christ Jesus, appreciation of God’s provisions through his Son, love developed in the heart of the individual and a decision to follow, not the practices and standards of the ungodly, Devil-ruled old world, but the will of God in vindication of his name. It is a dedication to the Supreme One. Why did not Jesus simply go about his work, putting his hand to it and doing what he could in the furtherance of his ministry? Why should he dedicate himself? For the reason that the doing of God’s will, carrying on his worship, is no casual affair. It is not something that is all right if you do it and all right if you do not. Dedication to Jehovah calls for special solemnities, the making of a contract, a formal agreement which, when evidenced, gives notice to all concerned and all observing as to what to expect from the individual henceforth. It calls for punctiliousness, orderliness.

8. (a) To Jehovah what, in effect, is said at dedication? (b) Why is it not better to refrain from dedication to avoid responsibility?

⁸ It is not a matter of having only an outward appearance of formality with a subsurface of selfish pursuit. It is just the opposite. It is a calm, considered determination to do God’s will, saying in honesty to Jehovah: “I come to do your will. I devoted myself to you. I dedicated myself to you. Here I am. Send me. Whatever you say I will do. Teach me from your word, out of your law. Use me to your praise.” Someone might say, “But dedication brings with it a great responsibility!” True, it does. If there is no dedication, then is there a responsibility? If there is no contract, there is no responsibility or obligation to perform the terms of a contract. So, if there is no dedication, the undedicated person is not expected to live up to the terms of the dedication never made. Then would it not be better for a person to abstain from dedicating himself to God and thus avoid the responsibility? No, that would be a fatal mistake in this day of judgment. Why? Because lack of knowledge and appreciation, or else selfishness, is what prevents a person from making a dedication. Jehovah God does not give life to unappreciative, selfish or unfaithful persons. If we have faith in God that is sound and real, we will dedicate ourselves to him. If we do not dedicate ourselves to him, either we do not believe what he says or we do not care about him, and in neither event will we receive life from him. Jehovah God is not obligated to grant life to men and women who, like blood-sucking leeches, are determined to draw and drain all of the provisions that Jehovah has made, taking everything for themselves and giving nothing in return in the way of heart devotion, appreciation, love, gratitude, integrity, uprightness and contention for those things that are godly.

9. Point out the proper attitude and basis respecting dedication.

⁹ So then, do not be fearful of dedication. Rather be anxious for it. Get information. Learn the truth. Become acquainted with Jehovah’s provisions expressed in his Word and then out of the love that truth engenders in your heart dedicate yourself to do Jehovah’s will. Dedicate yourself to Jehovah God. Jesus did not say: ‘I hate to do your will, but I must. I am forced to.’ The prophecy shows him as saying: “I delight to do thy will, O my God.” In this the individual exercises his own free will. It is not a matter of being spineless, weak-willed. It is a matter of being determined, strong-willed, of subjecting that strong will to the will of Jehovah God, being determined to obey his commands, not the commandments of men or apparent self-interest when such conflict with the will of God as expressed in his Word. One making a dedication to Jehovah is in a personal relationship to him through the step of dedication, through the agreement to do his will. This is based upon love for God and faith in his provisions through Christ Jesus as the means whereby we can possibly have a standing with Jehovah due to the merit of his ransom to be eventually applied in our behalf.

10. Recount results of dedication that prove it to be practical, advisable, commendable and essential.

¹⁰ So, dedication, instead of being an impractical, visionary, useless thing, a thing of false religion and an expression with no meaning, we find to be practical, advisable, commendable, essential. Because of their being God’s chosen people, the nation of Israel gained freedom from the world of Egypt. Dedication to Jehovah can bring us freedom too because it gives us a change in our point of view and we see things through the eyes of his Word, the eyes of our understanding of his purposes. With confidence and assurance in him we are no longer enslaved by the old world, its organization, its standards and practices or its devilish religion. Does not dedication bring with it servitude to Jehovah? Certainly it does. That is one of its objectives. We are here upon God’s earth through no volition of our own, through no provisions of our own. We must be slaves or servants of one thing or the other, either of righteousness or of unrighteousness. If we dedicate ourselves to Jehovah God and choose to be his slaves, we make the proper choice. Jesus did this. His dedication is shown in the very fact that he acted out of his own love and zeal for his heavenly Father.

11. In Joshua’s experience, at Joshua chapter 24, what good decisions were made?

¹¹ The issue reminds us of that faced in Joshua’s day when he said: “And now fear Jehovah and serve him with integrity and in truth and remove the gods that your forefathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt, and serve Jehovah. Now if it is bad in your eyes to serve Jehovah, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve, whether the gods that your forefathers who were on the other side of the River served or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are dwelling. But as for me and my household, we shall serve Jehovah.” (Josh. 24:14, 15, NW) The answer that the people gave to Joshua on that occasion showed a very wise decision on their part. “At this the people answered and said: ‘It is unthinkable on our part to abandon Jehovah so as to serve other gods. For it is Jehovah our God who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt, . . . As for us, too, we shall serve Jehovah, because he is our God.’” (Josh. 24:16-18, NW) Were those individuals there dedicating themselves to Jehovah? No, they were confirming their dedication to him or were re-emphasizing it. Note how the account continues. “Then Joshua said to the people: ‘You are not able to serve Jehovah, for he is a holy God; he is a God exacting exclusive devotion to him. He will not pardon your transgression and your sins. In case you should abandon Jehovah and you do serve foreign gods, then he will certainly turn back and do you injury and exterminate you after he has done you good.’ In turn the people said to Joshua: ‘No, but Jehovah we shall serve!’ At this Joshua said to the people: ‘You are witnesses against yourselves that you of your own accord have chosen Jehovah for yourselves, to serve him.’ To this they said: ‘We are witnesses.’ ‘And now remove the foreign gods that are among you, and incline your hearts to Jehovah the God of Israel.’ In turn the people said to Joshua: ‘Jehovah our God we shall serve and to his voice we shall listen!’ And Joshua proceeded to conclude a covenant with the people on that day and to constitute for them a regulation and judicial decision in Shechem.”—Josh. 24:19-25, NW.

12. The blessing of life is an object of what course?

¹² The course of dedication is a very blessed one and it is required of all those who will serve Jehovah God. It leads to everlasting life. The words of Jesus at Luke 14:27 (NW) show its necessity, stating: “Whoever is not carrying his torture stake and coming after me cannot be my disciple.” Salvation to life through devotion to the Supreme Ruler Jehovah through his representative Christ Jesus is shown in the words of those facing starvation in Egypt when righteous Joseph was in charge of the affairs of that nation: “Buy us and our land for bread and we together with our land will become slaves to Pharaoh, and give us seed that we may live and not die and our land not be laid desolate.” “So Joseph bought all the land of the Egyptians for Pharaoh, . . . Consequently they said: ‘You have preserved our lives.’”—Gen. 47:19, 20, 25, NW.

THE DECISION

13. Faith has what part in the decision leading to dedication? Humility? Repentance?

¹³ Previously herein the importance of faith in connection with dedication has been mentioned. One must be drawn to God by faith that is based on knowledge of him and his purposes, which knowledge is obtained from his word of truth, the Bible. Appropriate, therefore, are Jesus’ words: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6, NW) The same fact is shown in the statement of Jesus, at John 6:44 (NW): “No man can come to me unless the Father, who sent me, draws him, and I will resurrect him in the last day.” To the same effect the apostle Paul wrote the Hebrews: “Moreover, without faith it is impossible to win his good pleasure, for he that approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him.” (Heb. 11:6, NW) Humility is required. It takes a humble person, conscious of his spiritual needs, to come to Jehovah in dedication. It requires a humble recognition of inherited sin and weaknesses and a repentance that is sincere. These good essentials were evident in a course of early converts to Christianity. “Now when they heard this they were stabbed to the heart, and they said to Peter and the rest of the apostles: ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’ Therefore those who embraced his word heartily were baptized, and on that day about three thousand souls were added.” (Acts 2:37, 41, NW) Further advice on repentance was counseled by Peter in the succeeding chapter of Acts: “Repent, therefore, and turn around so as to get your sins blotted out, that seasons of refreshing may come from the person of Jehovah and that he may send forth the Christ appointed for you, Jesus.”—Acts 3:19, 20, NW.

14, 15. As respects dedication, what do Jesus’ words at Luke 14:28-33 show?

¹⁴ The wise decision of dedication is made with full understanding of the responsibility before each one, that is, the responsibility that remains with the undedicated one and the responsibility that falls upon the person who does make a dedication to Jehovah God. Dedication is a calculated step with appreciation as to what is involved. This is well shown by what Jesus stated concerning figuring out the expense before a project is undertaken: “For example, who of you that wants to build a tower does not first sit down and figure out the expense, to see if he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, he might lay its foundation but not have the funds to finish it, and all the onlookers might start to ridicule him, saying: ‘This man started to build but had not the funds to finish.’ Or what king, marching to meet another king in war does not first sit down and take counsel whether he is able with ten thousand troops to cope with the one that comes against him with twenty thousand? If, in fact, he cannot do so, then while that one is yet far away he sends out a body of ambassadors and sues for peace. Thus, you may be sure, none of you that does not say good-bye to all his belongings can be my disciple.”—Luke 14:28-33, NW.

¹⁵ Jesus was not here stating that, as far as dedication is concerned, there is a choice of courses open to the individual either of which courses is fully as proper and wise as the other. What he is pointing out is the fact that none of us that does not say “good-bye” to all his belongings can be Jesus’ disciple and can successfully come to Jehovah God through Christ Jesus in dedication, following the course of Jesus. This does not mean that we must be paupers. It does mean that the dedication is a real and all-inclusive matter involving ourselves, our lives, our resources, devoted to the praise of Jehovah through the doing of his will and the keeping of his commandments to the best of our ability. Do we want to do this? When we calculate it, are we so inclined? We should be. Dedication, therefore, is not a matter of the emotions, “conversion,” under stress and excitement of a revival, “hitting the sawdust trail,” as it were. It is a calmly considered matter in the light of facts, including these:

16. One who makes a dedication to Jehovah calmly considers what facts?

¹⁶ One who makes a dedication to Jehovah must recognize him as the Supreme Sovereign, the great Life-giver, and must recognize Christ Jesus as his Savior, as King, and also must see and understand the fact that the holy spirit of God is God’s active force and has its place in the lives of dedicated Christians. These things are elements of our faith, and that they are related directly to our dedication is shown in what Jesus stated: “Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit.” (Matt. 28:19, NW) Long before, the psalmist prayed “that they may know that thou alone, whose name is Jehovah, art the Most High over all the earth.” (Ps. 83:18, AS) And again, “For with thee is the fountain of life.” (Ps. 36:9, AS) To the congregation in Philippi, which it was his privilege to organize, the apostle Paul wrote: “For this very reason also God exalted him [Christ Jesus] to a superior position and kindly gave him the name that is above every other name, so that in the name of Jesus every knee should bend . . . and every tongue should openly confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” (Phil 2:9-11, NW) Dedication is a choice, a calculated, calm decision. “Because he who is sowing with a view to his flesh will reap corruption from his flesh, but he who is sowing with a view to the spirit will reap everlasting life from the spirit.” (Gal. 6:8, NW) “Keep getting filled with spirit.”—Eph. 5:18, NW.

17. How may one know if his dedication is acceptable to Jehovah, and what encouragement is given in this regard?

¹⁷ How may we know if our dedication is accepted by Jehovah God? We know that it is if it is sincere. A sincere, prayerful dedication is accepted by Jehovah and is pleasing to him. This should aid any who are timid and feel inferiority to the extent that they say in effect, “I could never serve God. I could never have his approval. I could never make a dedication to Jehovah. I could never be one of his witnesses.” Encouragement is given to us in the account concerning Cornelius wherein we read: “Just about the ninth hour of the day he saw plainly in a vision an angel of God come in to him and say to him: ‘Cornelius!’ The man gazed at him and, becoming frightened, said: ‘What is it, Lord?’ He said to him: ‘Your prayers and gifts of mercy have ascended as a remembrance before God. So now send men to Joppa and summon a certain Simon who is surnamed Peter.’ Accordingly Cornelius said [to Peter]: ‘Four days ago counting from this hour I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, when, look! a man in bright raiment stood before me and said: ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been favorably heard and your gifts of mercy have been remembered before God.’ While Peter was yet speaking about these matters the holy spirit fell upon all those hearing the word.”—Acts 10:3-5, 30, 31, 44, NW.

18. The privilege of dedication is available to whom?

¹⁸ Of whatever nation, origin, status in life, extent of inherited disability, the way to God’s approval through dedication and faithful service is open to you. That way you may take with confidence, and you should do so. Notice what was stated in this connection at the time of the inauguration of the glorious temple constructed under the direction of Solomon. The prayer of inauguration was, in part: “Moreover concerning the foreigner, that is not of thy people Israel, when he shall come out of a far country for thy name’s sake (for they shall hear of thy great name, and of thy mighty hand, and of thine outstretched arm); when he shall come and pray toward this house; hear thou in heaven thy dwelling-place, and do according to all that the foreigner calleth to thee for; that all the peoples of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as doth thy people Israel, and that they may know that this house which I have built is called by thy name.”—1 Ki. 8:41-43, AS.

19. Understanding is necessary on what further points?

¹⁹ As has been discussed in other articles in The Watchtower, Scripturally there is a difference between consecration and dedication. Consecration, as this is used in the Scriptures, refers to God’s act of installing the associate priests with Christ Jesus and applies only to Christ and the anointed spirit-begotten members of his body, and this act, of course, follows or comes after the individual dedication of those Christians who are eventually called to be members of the body of Christ. The hopes of these are heavenly and are not the earthly hopes of Jehovah’s “other sheep.” An individual makes a dedication to Jehovah God; and what follows thereafter? What must a dedicated person do to receive and retain Jehovah’s lasting approval and be successful in his dedicated Christian career? What do the Scriptures lay upon the dedicated Christian? These questions we shall consider in our next issue.

“Nothing Doing!”

In Eastern Germany two witnesses were going from house to house preaching the good news of God’s kingdom. At one place a man was busy working in his back yard and as one of the witnesses tactfully began to explain the purpose of their visit, the man, sensing that they were Jehovah’s witnesses, became so panic-stricken with fear that he shouted, “Nothing doing!” and rushed into his house lest any one see him talking with the witnesses.

He having shouted so loudly that his neighbors, who were also working in their gardens, wondered what was going on, the two witnesses thought it best to follow the panic-stricken householder into his house. There they were able to calm him and tell him about the Kingdom hope. Arrangements were made to call back upon him and now he wishes to get immersed at the very first opportunity, to confess publicly that he is one of Jehovah’s witnesses. Today he recollects with amusement his once fearful cry, “Nothing doing!”

Wheedling Money for Religious Causes

AN OLD adage says, “A fool and his money are soon parted.” While there are ever so many persons that would qualify as fools on this basis it does seem that most persons are less inclined to act the part of the fool when it comes to giving to religious causes. Then, what has been termed their “pocketbook protection instinct” manifests itself. As a result clergymen are often hard-pressed to find ways of getting their flocks to part with some of their money.

For example, in February, 1954, the “15-stone” (210 pound) Vicar of Wymering, Hampshire, England, A. H. Gilroy, stated that he would stand on his head for thirty seconds if the village fete realized more than £50 ($140). The fete did realize more than £50 and so the vicar did stand on his head for the stipulated thirty seconds before an audience of women. At least that was one way of using his head to get financial co-operation from his parishioners.

To gain funds for his church a certain Catholic priest in Ireland organized a pigeon shoot. When some complained about the ruthless wounding and killing of hundreds of pigeons, the priest replied that he had checked and found it to be legal and that the pigeons “were well cared for and had every chance.” Well says the scripture: “A righteous man has regard for the life of his beast, but the mercy of the wicked is cruel.”—Prov. 12:10, RS.

One of the favorite methods of raising funds for religious purposes in the United States is bingo, a childish form of gambling. When the New York city police finally banned it, it being illegal, many outcries were heard, particularly from Roman Catholic prelates. However, one priest consoled himself with the thought, “There still are dances, bazaars, card parties, fashion shows and other traditional church benefit activities to fall back on.”

It calls to mind what is reported regarding the Hindu temples of India. These provide services that usually are not available elsewhere, such as “facilities for bathing and washing clothes, gambling and sleeping quarters, supplying prostitutes, serving meals and providing entertainment by dancing girls.”

To make giving to a religious cause less painful the custom is to refer to contributions as investments. Thus each Christmas the most publicized evangelist in the United States sends out letters begging financial support for his many-sided activities: “This ministry can only be carried on by your financial investments. During this month especially we need your help.” The circular tells that contributions are always lowest in December. Strange that most people should forget about Christ during the very month when they claim to celebrate his birthday!

Many churches employ the services of professional pledge promoters, whose organization guarantees results for a price, from $2,000 to $15,000. One such organization has an elaborate program whereby one of its agents directs an efficient money-raising campaign, in which they stress the church members “need for giving.” Not only have the churches themselves profited handsomely by employing such an organization, often realizing from 50 to 100 per cent more than they bargained for, but the pledge promoters profit still more, one such organization doubling its income for the first few years and trebling it last year.

Not only do religious organizations learn from commercial ones in this matter of collecting money, but according to one national businessman’s magazine, businessmen can learn from the churches. Commenting on the uncertain selling outlook for 1954 it gave a number of examples of how churches were raising money and observed that “businessmen might refurbish their ideas in this field by finding out what their local churches are doing.”

Of course, in other lands, other customs: such as in the town of Pocri, Panama, where in 1953 the archbishop of Panama put the town under interdict, denying the Catholics all religious services, funerals, marriages, etc., because of a dispute of what proportion of money the church should get from the proceeds of a certain festival. Because of a like dispute in the town of Goaso, Ashanti, Gold Coast, Africa, the Catholic priest refused to say mass.

With reference back to the United States, currently its people are contributing some $2,000,000,000 to their churches annually. A rather high price at that when we consider the religious illiteracy of the country. Perhaps the two check forgers who confessed to putting a worthless $7 check in a collection plate thought it a fair and equal exchange.

Questions From Readers

● In accord with the Mosaic law about jealousy, if a husband suspected his wife of unfaithfulness she was to drink bitter water and if she was guilty of adultery her thigh was to fall away and her belly was to swell. Was this result miraculous or can it be explained in a natural way? Also, could this be called a trial by ordeal?—G. B., Lebanon.

This law about jealousy is recorded at Numbers 5:12-31. If a man suspected his wife of unfaithfulness he was to bring her to the priest. The priest made her stand before Jehovah, took some holy water or pure, fresh water, sprinkled into it some dust from the tabernacle floor, and washed or wiped into it the cursings he had written down. What these cursings were is shown in Nu 5 verses 19-22 (NW): “Then the priest must make her swear and he must say to the woman, ‘If no man has cohabited with you and if while under your husband you have not turned aside in any uncleanness, be free of the effect of this bitter water that brings a curse. But you, in case you have turned aside while under your husband and in case you have defiled yourself and some man has put in you his seminal emission, besides your husband,—’ The priest must now make the woman swear with an oath involving cursing, and the priest must say to the woman: ‘May Jehovah set you for a cursing and an oath in the midst of your people by Jehovah’s letting your thigh fall away, and your belly swell. And this water that brings a curse must enter into your bowels to cause your belly to swell and the thigh to fall away.’ To this the woman must say, ‘So be it! So be it!’” The woman drank the water and if guilty her thigh fell away and her belly swelled, but if she was innocent she was unharmed by the water: “She must be free from such punishment and she must be made pregnant with semen.”—Nu 5 Vs. 28, NW.

Just what is meant by the swelling of the belly and the falling away of the thigh is not certain. It is quite evident, however, that thigh as here used is a euphemism or a delicate way of referring to the sexual organs, as is the case at Genesis 46:26, NW. It is logical that if any bodily parts be afflicted it should be the ones committing the wrong, as is the case when Jesus figuratively spoke of ridding yourself of a body member that hindered your entry into the Kingdom. (Mark 9:43-47) The expression “fall away” is understood to mean “waste away” (CB), “shrink” (Da) or “shrivel” (Mo), and hence would suggest that the sex organs atrophied and that there was a loss of fertility and ability to conceive. This view harmonizes with the statement that if the woman was innocent she was to be made pregnant, implying that if she was guilty any future pregnancy would be denied her. Her belly would swell because of the curse, but not due to the blessing of pregnancy.

There was actually nothing in the water that was drunk to bring on such affliction and no innocent woman would be harmed by it, but it was holy water and had in it holy ground or dust and the writing of the cursings washed off in it, and hence it contained potent symbolisms, and it was drunk before Jehovah and with a solemn oath to him. He was involved and acted as judge, and he knew whether the woman was innocent or guilty, and if she was guilty he would cause the drink to have miraculous potency to produce the deserved result. So there was not this power in the drink by itself, and this factor eliminates it as any trial by ordeal as practiced during the Dark Ages. Those torturous trials were not prescribed by the Bible and they had power in themselves to injure seriously or kill. Whereas the law about jealousy required a miracle to bring about the punishment, the trials by ordeal during the Dark Ages required a miracle to deliver from punishment. In effect, you were guilty till proved innocent.

● What is the “fiery flying serpent” mentioned at Isaiah 14:29?—V. Y., United States.

Isaiah 14:28, 29 (Da) reads: “In the year of the death of king Ahaz was this burden: Rejoice not thou, Philistia, all of thee, because the rod that smote thee is broken; for out of the serpent’s root shall come forth a viper, and his fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent.” The “serpent” or the “rod that smote” Philistia was King Uzziah of Judah, for of him it is recorded: “He went out and fought against the Philistines, and broke down the wall of Gath and the wall of Jabneh and the wall of Ashdod and built cities among the Philistines; for God helped him against the Philistines.” When Uzziah died the rod that smote Philistia was broken. During the reign of his grandson Ahaz troubles with Syria and Ephraim enfeebled Judah and the Philistines took advantage of this, waging successful warfare: “The Philistines also had raided the cities of the lowland and the South of Judah and had captured Bethshemesh, Aijalon, Gederoth, Soco with its towns, Timnah with its towns, and Gimzo with its towns, and were living there.” When Ahaz died Philistia may have thought that with the coming of a new and inexperienced king to the throne of Judah even more inroads might be made.—2 Chron. 26:6, 7; 28:18, AT.

But Isaiah’s prophecy told Philistia not to rejoice in such thinking, for from the root of Uzziah would come a “viper,” the fruit of Uzziah would be like a “fiery flying serpent.” Uzziah was likened to a serpent that had bitten Philistia, but now there was to come, not relief, but even more serious injury, for a viper or fiery flying serpent was more dangerous, was highly poisonous and its bite inflicted a burning inflammation. This figurative viper or fiery flying serpent proved to be Uzziah’s great-grandson Hezekiah, who succeeded Ahaz to the throne of Judah. Hezekiah did prove to be a more devastating enemy than Uzziah was: “He conquered the Philistines as far as Gaza and its territory from the watchtower to the fortified city.” (2 Ki. 18:8, AT) Isaiah’s prophecy continued to declare that the poor and needy in Judah would feed unmolested and lie down in safety, while the power of the Philistines, who had invaded and pillaged Judah, would be broken. So instead of rejoicing Philistia should howl and wail, for from the north would come the smoke of an army, meaning that from Judah would come warriors raising dust clouds that could be seen from afar and would be advance notice of coming disaster.—Isa. 14:30, 31.

Striking Evidence of Tree Worship

Traces of ancient tree worship turn up where most people seldom expect it. Thus John Stewart Collis writes: “If, after having been to a museum and examined the extraordinary and rather frightening Chaldean symbols of tree-worship of 4000 B.C. [?], we then enter the Christian medieval edifice of St. Mark’s at Venice, we will see embedded in the walls a number of sculptured slabs on each of which a conventionalized plant, with foliage rendered in truthful detail, is set between two fabulous monsters, the whole making a design which can be traced back to the signs and symbols of tree-worship as exhibited four to six [?] thousand years ago by the Chaldean Semites.”—The Triumph of the Tree.

Announcements

DAILY PRACTICING TRUE LOVE

There are those who sing of love a great deal but who do not practice it, because they do not know what true love is. They think of it as self-gratification instead of self sacrifice. (1 John 3:18) True love goes out to others with a desire to aid and do good to them. Jesus stressed to his followers the requirement that one deny himself. True love and service of God prompt one to aid others to a real appreciation of God and his purpose. To that end Jehovah’s witnesses during July will present to people a Bible study aid book and booklet on a contribution of 50c. Would you like to share? Contact the local Kingdom Hall or write this office.

BETTER THAN A BEST SELLER

The 320-page book “Let God Be True” now approaches a world-wide circulation of 13,000,000 copies. It is a fundamental Bible study aid that has helped unnumbered truth seekers to gain a better understanding and deeper appreciation of outstanding Bible teachings. Wasting no time on nonessentials, this helpful volume goes direct to the root of matters and shows what the essential things of the Bible really are. This book, together with the booklet, God’s Way Is Love, is available on a contribution of 50c.

“TRIUMPHANT KINGDOM” ASSEMBLIES AT HAND!

You have not let the time slip by, have you? It is just a week until the first “Triumphant Kingdom” assembly of Jehovah’s witnesses starts. On the twenty-second thousands of joyful conventioners will assemble in Chicago’s Comiskey Park for the first of this year’s outstanding assemblies. Then in rapid succession will be the assemblies in Vancouver, Los Angeles, Dallas, New York, London, Paris, Rome. Nuremberg, Stockholm and The Hague. It is high time that your plans were made! Do you have your rooming accommodation? Are all your transportation arrangements made? You say you will be an international traveler? Then do you have your tickets, passport and vaccination certificate? The blessings to come from these assemblies will be tremendous. Do not miss out.

BROOKLYN BETHEL VACATION

The Society’s offices, factory and Bethel home in Brooklyn, New York, will be closed from July 30 to August 14, inclusive. Orders and correspondence sent in during that period will not be handled until some time after the reopening of the offices. Please anticipate your needs and place your orders in ample time for attention before the vacation period.

“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES FOR THE WEEKS

July 24: Dedication to Jehovah, and The Reassuring History of Dedication, ¶1-4. Page 369.

July 31: The Reassuring History of Dedication, ¶5-19. Page 374.

Check Your Memory

After reading this issue of “The Watchtower,” do you remember—

✔ Who really give propaganda material to Italy’s Communists? P. 355, ¶2.

✔ What twofold meaning “antichrist” has? P. 358, ¶1.

✔ How there can be even political antichrists? P. 359, ¶3.

✔ How “The New World Society in Action” film prompts humility? P. 362, ¶2.

✔ How the Watch Tower’s moving picture has given congregations new vigor? P. 364, ¶4.

✔ When Jehovah’s witnesses began regular Sunday preaching at the doors? P. 367, ¶3.

✔ What is wrong with the statement: “That’s your interpretation of the Bible? P. 370, ¶4.

✔ Why Christian dedication is so important for you? P. 372, ¶12.

✔ Whether dedication of persons and things was a common Scriptural practice? P. 374, ¶5.

✔ What attitude to take toward your dedication? P. 376, ¶9.

✔ How one can know whether his dedication is accepted by God? P. 379, ¶17.

✔ What commercial service has greatly increased the churchs’ income? P. 381, ¶7.

✔ Whether the Bible supports trial by ordeal as practiced during the Dark Ages? P. 383, ¶1.