p. 3
$if1ie watcht0wer published semi-monthly by its mission his journal is published for the purpose of enabling the people to know jehovah god and his purposes as expressed in the bible it publishes bible instruction specifically designed to aid jehovah s witnesses it provides systematic bible study for all its renders and supplies teachers to aid any person or company of persons engaged in sincere bible study it publishes suitable material tor radio broad· casting and for other means of public instruction in tho scriptures it adheres strictly to the bible as authority for its utter· ances it is entirely free and separate from all parties sects or other worldly orgaulzations it is wholly and without reservation for the kmgdom of jehovah god under christ his beloved king it is not dogmatic but invites careful and critical examination of its contents in the hght of the scriptures it docs not indul~e in controversy and its columns are not open to personahties watch tower bible b tract society 117 adams street brooklyn n y u s a officers t j f rutherford president w e van amburgh secretary ~reatshall be and all thy children shall be tau~ht of jehovah and the peace of thy children .lsaiah 54:ij the scriptures clearly teach that jehovah is the only true god is from ever1:l.sting to everlasting the maker of heaven and earth and the glver of life to his creatures that the logos was the begmning of his creation and his active agent in the creation of all things that the logos is now the lord jesus christ in glory clothed with all power in heaven and earth and the chief executive officer of jehovah that god created the earth for man created perfect man for the earth and placed him upon it that man wllfully disobeyed god s law and was sentenced to death that by reason of adam s wrong act all men are born sinners and without the right to hfe that jesus was made human and the man jesus suffered death in order to produce the ransom or redemptive price for all mankind that god raised up jesus divine and exalted him to heaven above every creature and above every name and clothed him with all power and authority yearly subscription united price american remittances should be made by express or postal money order or by bank draft canadian british south african and australasian remittances should be made direct to the respective branch offices remittances from countries other than those mentioned may be made to the brooklyn office but by international postal money order only foreign offices $1 50 states $1.00 canada and gm t britain australasia miscellalleous foreign and south africa 7s that jehovah s organization is called zion and that christ jesus is the chief officer thereof and is the rightful king of the world that the anointed and faithful followers of christ jesus are children of zion members of jehovah s organization and are his witnesses whose duty and privilege it is to testify to the supremacy of jehovah declare his purposes toward mankind as expressed in the bible and to bear the fruits of the kingdom before all who will hear that the world has ended and the lord jesus christ has been placed by jehovah upon his throne of authority has ousted satan from heaven and is proceeding to the establishment of god s kingdom on earth that the relief and blessing s of the peoples of earth can come only by and through jehovah s kingdom under christ which has now bej un that the lord s next gteat act is the destruction of satan s organization and the establishment of righteousness in the earth and that under the kingdom all those who will obey its righteous laws shall be restored and live on earth forever service conventions british ·········· 34 craven terrace london w 2 england canadian · · · · · · · 40 irwin avenue toronto ontario canada allstralaslan ·· 7 beresford road strathfield n s w a lstralia south african ····· 6 lelle street cape town south africa please address the society in every case translatlom of this journal appear in several language8 all sincere students of the bible who by reason of lnflnnity poverty or ad ersity are unable to pay the sub.criptlon price may have the lyatchtolrer free upon written application to the publishers made once each year stating the reagon for so requesting it we are glad to thus aid the needy but the written application once each year is required by the postal re~ulations notice to subscriber8 aclmowledlmlent of a new or a renewal subscription will be sent only when requested change of ad,lre when requested may be e pected to appear on address label within one month a renewal blank carrying not ire of expiration will be sent with the journal one month before the subscription expire· entered lui second cla8s mail matter at brooklyn n y postoffice a.ct of march 3 1879 1 1 each instance addre8s of company sert1ice director 8 given chicago til a l seeley 6944 eberhart av pittsfield mass jacob keller weston st dalton mass spokane wash isaac hagen e-1728 10th av bellingham wash george martinich 1210 aplc st stottville n y frank powell seattle wash h g babcock 938 16th north utica n y p j earl 133 dryden av auburn n y f r thompson 231 mattie st portland oreg a s wells 585 leo av buffalo n y joseph sciandra 555 7th st sacramento calif c e butler 1615 14th st jan 1·3 jan 1-3 jan 1-3 jan 8-10 jan 8-10 jan 15-17 jan 15·17 jan 22-24 jan 22-24 jan 29-31 jan 29·31 kingdom booklet for the blind the booklet the kingdom the hope of the world for the blind may be had now m braille in one volume of 88 pages cost $1.00 to any who are unable to purchase the book will be sent on loan please address the society s branch for the blind 1210 spear st logansport ind berean bible study by aid of the watchtower ·· delivering the testimony issue of december 1 1931 week beginning february 7 week begmning february 14 · · · · the decisive test issue of december 15 1931 week beginning fehruary 21 week beginning february 28 1-14 15-29 · 1-16 17·31
[close]
p. 4
~ewatcihit0wer and herald of c1hi1r~§ts presence january vol lui 1 1932 no.1 know jehovah it they shall know that i am jehovah ezek 6 10 a r.v know jehovah god for it is the will of god that all men shall be brought to an accurate knowledge of the truth 1 tim 2 4-6 the sea is confined between the dry land and all persons have knowledge that the waters cover the sea the time must come when the peoples of the earth shall have a general knowledge of jehovah god s glory even as they now have a general knowledge of the deep for the earth shall be fillcd with the knowledge of the glory of jehovah as the waters cover the sea hab 2 14 a.r v the context here shows that this prophecy has its primary fulfilment during the execution of jehovah s judgment against satan s organization a knowledge of the glory of jehovah means a manifestation of himself particularly as expressed by his power all the peoples of the earth shall see a manifestation of jehovah s majesty and power in the great battle of the day of god almighty the text does not say that they shall all know jehovah but it does say that a knowledge of his glory shall be as apparent as that the waters cover the sea not everyone who receives such knowledge will profit thereby by his course of action the fool will reject all knowledge concerning jehovah i the fool hath said in his heart there is no god ps 14 1 the fool is self-important and self-sufficient in his own eyes in his estimation he is always right but the fact is ht is always wrong prov 12 15 the fool despises god s instruction prav 15 5 he cannot and will not have an understanding because he rejects knowledge ps 92 6 it is the man who learns wisdom that will profit by receiving knowledge wisdom is too high for a fool prov 24 7 the scriptures clearly teach that there are some who will learn wisdom and these are they who are glad to receive knowledge when the wise is instructed he receiveth knowledge prov 21 11 a wise man will hear and will increase learning i and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels prov 1 5 when wisdom entereth into thine heart and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul discretion shall preserve thee understanding shall keep thee to deliver thee from the way of the evil man from the man that speaketh froward things prov 2 10-12 therefore the lord god announces to those who desire to hear 3 j ehovah causes his purposes to be accomplished in his due time his word makes it quite clear that his time has come when the people must be given an opportunity to know that jehovah is god such knowledge is of paramount importance to all the human race the above text from ezekiel 6 10 is the text selected for the year 1932 the text and the context involve christendom the millions now living that will never die and god s people now on earth which constitute his remnant the text and the context disclose god s purpose to destroy christendom to preserve alive on earth a certain class of people of good will and that the obligation is laid upon the remnant to make these facts known to the people now jehovah is now giving his anointed ones an understanding of his prophecy by ezekiel more than sixty times in that prophecy the phrase appears ye [or they shall know that i am jehovah in this manner he emphasizes and magnifies the importance of knowledge of and concerning the most high since the scriptures were written for the special aid and benefit of the remnant now on the earth the remnant should receive this as meat in due season from the lord in times past it was thought that the chief duty of the consecrated one is to make himself ready for the heavenly kingdom such is important but there are other things of even greater importance the remnant must now be faithful in the performance of the obligation jehovah has laid upon them the remnant must inform themselves of and concerning such obligation jehovah has laid upon them the remnant must inform themselves of and concerning such obligation because knowledge must precede faith and faithfulness meaning 2 the root word from which the word know is derived as used in the year text has a variety of meanings it means to receive knowledge of and concerning jehovah to recognize jehovah as he is to perceive and to understand him it also means to have respect for jehovah to be sure and to be assured by reason of the knowledge received the language of the text is mandatory they shall know that i am jehovah finally no one will be able to truthfully say that he never had an opportunity to
[close]
p. 5
4 fif1ie watcht0wer brookly n y bow down thine ear and hear the words of the wise and apply thine heart unto my knowledge provo 22 17 a the scriptures abundantly support the conclusion that just preceding the execution of god s judgment against satan s organization on earth there must be a proclamation of the truth concerning jehovah that many will then prove themselves to be fools will not hear and will die while others will be wise accept a knowledge of the truth of and concerning jehovah god and will live and that the remnant on earth who are jehovah s witnesses must bear this message of truth and give testimony before the people the year text therefore will have the careful consideration by the remnant because these desire to know the will of god and then to joyfully do his will jehovah s witnesses will tell the people that jehovah is god isa 43 10-12 who is jehovah god that question was propounded by the ruler of egypt to l ioses l iany rulers of the world propound the same question now because they are just as ignorant as pharaoh was concerning jehovah god doubt· less many of these do not know that they are the servo ants of satan most of them are wise in their own conceits trust in themselves and their organized power and are therefore fools prov 28 26 now darkness is upon the rulers of the earth and gross darkness upon the people and it is the time when the remnant must shine by declaring the name and the works of jehovah god isa 60 1,2 it is quite manifest that the lord has caused his angels to gather out from his kingdom the offenders and the workers of iniquity he has separated his truly faithful ones from the others the lord god has brought those who love him into his secret place he has given to them a new name whieh his own mouth has named he has branded them so that their identity can be easily discovered these are not righteous within themselves but they are counted righteous by reason of being in christ and wholly devoted to j ehovah god s cause therefore these must now fulfil the announcement of the lord that the righteous shall shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their father matt 13 43 their shining is by reason of being jehovah sons and his witnrsses and proclaiming his works and his name and king-dom a it is certain that god will now have information brought to the peoples of earth concerning himself and that those who are wise will receive that information and live it is the duty and great privilege of the remnant to give answer to the people to the question who is jehovah god t let this be done in kind and simple speech the peoples of earth are in great perplexity and in much distress it is the time to comfort with the truth those who will hear ask such to bear with you while you briefly relate the cause of the world distress and the sure remedy god has provided therefor in substance say all the beautiful things you sec in nature were created by the eternal one whose name is god he is also the only true and almighty god and his power knows no limitation he also bears the name of jehovah which specifically signifips his purposes toward his creatures one of his names is the most high because he is above all and over all and all creation must willingly make themselves subject to him his time has come to have the people informed of his purposes and i am just one of jehovah s vitnesses to bring to you this message of truth by this means we are now preaching the gospel of the kingdom according to his commandment we are not attpmpting to get any person into an earthly organization our responsibility is to tell the people the truth the greatest crisis of the ages is now here but even greater distress for the world is just ahead those who will hear and heed the truth will have jehovah s favor the details of this important message now due for the people are set forth in these certain books which give all the scriptural citations and enable you to study and to prove that these things are true and corl ect the times are hard and money is very scarce with the poor especially but you will be well repaid by denying yourself something even some necessary food for a time that you might have an understanding of god s purposes such will enable you to see what is in the immediate future and what course you should take for your own well-being this is not man s message but it is the message from j e· hovah god s word set forth especially for the benefit of those now at the end of the world who will hear and obey purpose 6 what is the primary purpose of informing the people concerning jehovah 1 the purpose of first importance is that jehovah s name may be vindicated before all ereation and second that all men by giving heed and obedience to jehovah s will may receive everlasting life in happiness mankind must now be informed of and concerning the great issue or question that is to be s~ttled right and for ever and that issue specifically involves the word and name of jehovah god god created man a perfect creature deut 32 4 the imperfection of man is due to his alienation from god his perfection and happiness can be regained only by man s giving his full allegiance to jehovah god and following the way god has provided through jesus christ for redf mption and deliverance of mankind the first man was made in the image and likeness of god and was given the opportunity to choose to obey god and live or to disobey him and die it was that original disobedience that brought all mrn into the present unhappy condition if man is returned to god he must have
[close]
p. 6
j suary 1 1932 g-fie watcht0wer 5 knowledge of and concerning god and the divine oust him from heaven and rule ps 110 1 2 cast means employed for man s recovery out of heaven and down to the earth satan now must 1 when satan rebelled and men followed him in confine his operations to the earth rev 12 12 this disobedience of god s law satan hurled defiance into he is doing and is piling upon the people all manner the face of the great creator he challenged the word of burdens causing them great distress perplexity and the name of jehovah god satan declared that and suffering and using the clergy of his wicked regod could not put men on earth who would remain ligious organization to induce the people to believe true and faithful to him and therefore maintain their that jehovah god is the cause of their suffering and integrity toward god jehovah god had previously distress there is but one way to for ever settle the declared his purpose to have man inherit the earth great issue of supremacy and that way is the destrucwhich he had made for man s benefit in defiance of tion of satan and his organization such will vindi jehovah and in contradiction of his word satan put cate jehovah s name and will lift the burden from at issue the name jehovah that satan did by deny the backs of the people and remove blindness from ing that the creator could carry out his purpose their eyes that all mankind may have a full and clear satan also put at issue jehovah s word by challeng opportunity to choose the way of righteousness that ing the truthfulness of that word and declaring god leads to everlasting life l ian must have knowledge to be a liar gen 1 26-28 2 17 3 4 5 isa before he can choose if there will be some carried 45 12 18 the question then raised was who is through the great battle of the day of god almighty supreme who is the almighty and true god to then they must have some knowledge prior thrreto be sure jehovah god is was and ever shall be su in order that they may take their place on the side preme yet satan has arrogantly denied this eternal of jehovah and receive his protection truth and has induced the major portion of man· how obtained kind to turn away from god instead of destroying satan immediately god gave satan the opportunity 10 how may the people obtain knowledge of and to prove his challenge in keeping with his almighty concerning jehovah they must learn that the bipower his justice wisdom and unselfishness jehovah ble is jehovah god s word of truth and then rely god in substance said to the enemy take plenty of upon it for information and guidance l ian can be time and put forth your greatest efforts and prove established on the side of the lord god only by the if you can that my name and my word are unworthy truth and the scriptures as it is written constitute of full confidence and that i am not supreme the truth thy word is truth john 17 17 l iun s 8 during the sixty centuries that have elapsed since opinion is not a safe guide unless fully supported by the rebellion in eden satan has builded a mighty the word of god the scriptures furnish the true and powerful organization he has assembled a mul guide for man thy word is a lamp unto my feet titude of spirit creatures that have done his bidding and a light unto my path ps 119 105 every he has erected great world powers and caused the scripture inspired of god is also profitable for teach· people to support a cruel and oppressive military ing for reproof for correction for instruction which system that has kept them under the oppressor s is in righteousness that the man of god may be comstrong hand he has seduced and debauched the peo plete furnished completely unto every good work ple by the religious worship of creatures and in mock 2 tim 3 16 17 r.v while these scriptural texts ery has taken over the religious organization that apply primarily to the church they also furnish a bears the name of jehovah s beloved son he has guide for every man who will be reronciled to god used all manner of fraud deceit lying and force to and live the people must be informed that the promblind the people and turn them away from god their ise of jehovah is that he will give greater light and true friend and benefactor the result is that the a clearer understanding of his word to those people whole world lies under the wicked one 1 john 5 19 upon earth at the end of the world where we now in that period of time jehovah god has from time to are l cor 10 11 clearly it is the will of god that time brought his name before the people that those books be published setting forth where in the bible of faith and who love righteousness might be permit these truths may be found and that the facts shall ted to choose the right way in the exercise of their be set out alongside the scripture texts which facts free moral agency almost all men have chosen to fol have come to pass in recent years and which are of low in the way of unrighteousness only a few have general knowledge to all the people this must be chosen the way of righteousness and truth and sa· done that the people may determine not only that tan has desperately attempted to destroy these sa divine prophecy is true but that it is now in course tan has gone the limit of his power he has done all of fulfilment faith in jehovah as the only true god possible in him to sustain his defiance and his chal is absolutely essential and no one can have faith lenge of the most high without lnlowledge faith is obtained by hearing and tin 1914 jehovah god in substance said to his be· relying upon the word of god but someone must teii loved son satan has reached his limit go now and the people the truth in order that they may call upon
[close]
p. 7
6 ~e watcht0wer brooklyn n y pieces the organization of satan the people that survive will then know that jehovah is god and that his power is supreme and absolute when that judgment of righteous indignation is past then the survivors will need and will desire much more knowledge jer 50 5 the destruction of satan s organization and his complete overthrow will be a vindication of jehovah s name the bringing of men through the day of jehovah s wrath and which men then walk in the way of righteousness will also be in vindication of jehovah s name jehovah declares that it is his purpose that before the great destruction takes necessity of knowledge place the rulers of christendom shall be notified thereof the serving of such notice will bring knowl11 why is knowledge of and concerning jehovah god necessary 1 for many centuries the church or ed~e to those who will heed that jehovah is god and ganizations have taught it was necessary only to know will enable those who will ehoose so to do to take their about jesus and little or nothing has been said about stand on the side of jehovah god and live the peojehovah the time has come for jehovah to exalt his ple must therefore be made acquainted with the name name and therefore the people must know about him of jehovah the name of jehovah is a strong tower a knowledge of and concerning jehovah is necessary the righteous runneth into it and is safe prov because he is the life-giver of all creatures since 18 10 a.r v those who hear heed and obey the man has the privilege of choosing he could not choose lord jehovah will become righteous to make without having some lmowledge of what to choose [his name known to [his adversaries jehovah will jehovah s way that leads men to life is by and cause his fires of destruction to burn up satan s orthrough christ jesus there is no other way and it ganization and then those who have learned of his is jehovah god s way acts 4 12 jehovah has name and who have taken their stand on the side of given christ jesus power over all human creation jehovah will be saved isa 64 2 it will be those and jesus said this is life eternal that they might who walk in the name of jehovah our god that shall know thee the only true god and jesus christ whom receive his blessings of everlasting life lic 4 5 13 now the people are greatly oppressed distress thou hast sent john 17 3 primarily thcse words applied to the disciples of jesus later they applied marks the faces of all aside from the people who trust to all who become the followers of christ jesus and in the lord god in gcneral the people arc in great now they apply to those who shall be carried through perplexity and know not what to do the time of the great battle of armageddon and be the first re trouble is on the world even though the worst part cipients of restitution blessings clearly it is now thereof has not been reached the words of the lord necessary for the remnant to have a knowledge of the therefore are now appropriate as are written and fulfilment of prophecy and for this reason jehovah he will judge the world in righteousness he will is giving to them that love him such knowledge this minister judgment to the peoples in uprightness jefavor is granted to the faithful in order that they hovah also will be a high tower for the oppressed a may with patience push on with the work that the high tower in times of trouble and they that know lord has given them to do even though amidst great thy name will put their trust in thee for thou jeopposition and that in so doing they may be com hovah hast not forsaken them that seck thee ps forted with the assurance that they are doing right 9 8-10 a,r v the context shows that this prophand therefore doing god s will rom 15 4 hence ecy applies at the present time when christ is at the temple of jehovah for judgment therefore the presthe increase of knowledge at the end of the world ent is the time when jehovah will make it possible 12 knowledge of and concerning god is necessary for those in christendom who shall be spared and for the peoples of good will to receive some knowledge carried through the great battle of the day of god of him and of his word and of his name who will almighty to the teachable ones on earth jehovah be the privileged ones to bear such message of consonow says seck ye jehovah all ye meek [teachable lation to the people 1 jehovah s witnesses are the ones of the earth it may be ye will be hid in ones to whom the testimony is committed the day of jehovah s anger zeph 2 3 a.r.v responsibility the very language of this text proves that the people must first have some knowledge before they can h knowledge received increases the responsibility seek meekness and righteousness they must learn of those who receive it since the coming of christ that jehovah is god the supreme and eternal one to the temple of jehovah and the gathering unto they will require some knowledge now and when himself of the approved ones these have been favored jehovah by his mighty one christ jesus dashes to with greater knowledge the time specifically rethe name of the lord this work of bearing testimony to the people of and concerning god he has delegated to those whom he has named his witnesses and who are the feet members of christ and about whom it is written how beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things rom 10 13-17 by and through the word of god and his manner of dealing with the people is the lord s means provided for the people to obtain a knowledge that they now so much need.
[close]
p. 8
january 1 1932 g e watchtgvver 7 lates to the completion or finishing of the mystery of god since then the anointed have learned the meaning of jehovah s name have understood much about his great organization and have clearly discerned the great issue that must now be settled they have learned that satan has a powerful organization which god will soon destroy to the vindication of his own great name john who was privileged to write down the revelation pictured or represented the faithful anointed ones of god now on the earth in that picture the mighty messenger of jehovah appears with a little book in his hand the anointed shvant class is commanded to go and take the little book and eat it up and i took the little book out of the angel s hand and ate it up and it was in my mouth sweet as honey and as soon as i had eaten it my belly was bitter and he said unto me thou must prophesy again before many peoples and nations and tongues and kings rev 10 10 11 the lc little book is that which pertains to the purposes of jehovah concerning his people and their work and which purposes are now due to be understood by those who love him the eating of the little book means the acquiring of a knowledge by the anointed ones of and concerning jehovah and his purposes it is the revelation of his mystery divine wisdom resulted to the anointed ones by eatin that little book prov 24 13 14 such lmowledge properly received has a purifying effect and purification resulted such has made known to the anointed that henceforth they must have and pursue a singleness of purpose and that to be wholly devoted to god and his kingdom and to do the will of the most high as soon as this little book was eaten it became bitter in the belly of the ones eating the same otherwise stated the divine knowledge and wisdom received therefrom was sweet to the taste of the anointed and quickly gave bitterness to them by arousing a bitter indignation against satan and his organization these faithful ones resolved by the grace of the lord to do whatsoever he would have them to do against satan and his organization 15 is it proper for the anointed to pray for the destruction of satan s organization y it is certain that when the lord god causes a prayer to be recorded by his prophet which prophet represents the anointed servant class it is the will of god that such anointed ones shall pray the prayer thus recorded therefore when the righteous indignation and bitterness of jehovah s anointed servant arosc against satan and his organization because of the great defamation heaped upon god s namc then it was due time and it was the will of god that the anointed ones pray and they have prayed for the destruction of satan s organization in these words 0 god keep not thou silence hold not thy peace and be not still 0 god for 10 thine enemies make a tumult and they that hate thee have lifted up the head they take crafty counsel against thy people and consult together against thy hidden ones 0 my god make them like the whirling dust as stubble before the wind as the fire that burneth the forest and as the flame that setteth the mountains on fire so pursue them with thy tempest and terrify them with thy storm fill their faces with confusion that they may seek thy name 0 jehovah let them be put to shame and dismayed for ever yea let them be confounded and perish that they may know that thou alone whose name is jehovah art the :1 1ost high over all the earth ps 83 1-3 13-18 a.r.v 16 ezekiel and john represented the same class to wit god s anointed servant class on earth the little book mentioned in the tenth chapter of revelation is the same as the roll mentioned by ezekiel and which he did eat ezek 2 8-10 3 2 the praying of the prayer as set forth in the eightythird psalm and a like prayer which appears in isaiah 64 1 would not bring the expression of god s wrath any earlier but it puts the servant of jehovah in the proper attitude of heart to joyfully obey god s commandments in cooperating and in carrying out his will therefore jehovah speaks to the anointed servant whom ezekiel represented and expresses his will concerning such in these words son of man i have made thee a watchman unto the house of israel therefore hear the word at my mouth and give them warning from me when i say unto the wicked thou shalt surely die and thou givest him not warning nor speakest to warn the wicked from his wicked way to save his life the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity but his blood will i require at thine hand yet if thou warn the wicked and he turn not from his wickedness nor from his wicked way he shall die in his iniquity but thou hast delivered thy soul nevertheless if thou warn the righteous man that the righteous sin not and he doth not sin he shall surely live because he is warned also thou hast delivered thy soul ezek 3 17-19,21 thus jehovah god lays the responsibility upon the servant class these are made jehovah s witnesses to deliver a warning and a testimony as jehovah said to ezekiel so now he sa.ys to his witnesses of and concerning christendom and thou son of man be not afraid of them neither be afraid of their words though briers and thorns be with thee and thou dost dwell among scorpions be not afraid of their words nor be dismayed at their looks though they be a rebellious house and thou shalt speak my words unto them whether they will hear or whether they will forbear for they are most rebellious ezek 2 6 7 17 jehovah has announced his judgment against christendom which decree declares that christendom shall be destroyed it is the most spectacular hypocritical and wicked part of satan s visible organization it has brought the greatest amount of shame
[close]
p. 9
8 mle watcht0wer brooklyn n y and ignominy upon the name of jehovah and to christendom therefore jehovah says in all your dwelling-places the cities shall be laid waste and the high places shall be desolate that your altars may be laid waste and made desolate and your idols may be broken and cease and your images may be cut down and your works may be abolished and the slain shall fall in the midst of you and ye shall know that i am the lord so will i stretch out my hand upon them and make the land desolate yea more desolate than the wilderness toward diblath in all their habitations and they shall know that i am the lord ezek 6 6,7,14 18 in christendom there are many who sigh and cry for the abominations that arc practiced therein and because of the oppressions that are heaped upon them these desire to know what is right that they may go in the right way their cries have reached unto the god of battle and true to his promise he will send them a message of consolation that they may escape for the guidance of his anointed servant class jehovah now says yet will i leave a remnant that ye may have some that shall escape the sword among the nations when ye shall be scattered through the countries and they that escape of you shall remember me ezek 6 8 9 these must now have an opportunity to learn of and concerning jehovah and his kingdom jehovah s witnesses for ever and his faithfulness unto all generations -ps 100 a.r.v 20 jehovah has stretehed forth his mighty arm to make righteousness known in the earth those who now gladly hear the words of truth and who turn to jehovah and learn to know him shall receive his blessings as promised blessed is the people that know the joyful sound they walk 0 jehovah in the light of thy countenance in thy name do they rejoice all the day and in thy righteousness are they exalted -ps 89 15 16 a.r.v 21 the little band whom god has gathered out from amongst the nations as a people for his name are greatly blessed with an opportunity to be his witnesses of and concerning them it is written this people have i formed for myself they shall shew forth my praise isa 43 21 the name of jehovah god shall now be exalted and forever praised let the faithful ones now ever keep before them the declaration they shall know that jehovah is god questions for berean study 1 in relation to jehovah s purposes what is the great importance of the present time our year text and 1ts context involve whom what are the divine purposes disclosed therein 1 to whom is jehovah now glvmg a knowledge of his propheciesi for what purposei vhy is such understandmg necessary 2 hen does habakkuk 2 14 have fulfilmenu what is meant by knowlejge of the glory of jehovah i explain whether finally anyone can truthfully jeny having had opportunity to know jehovah with scnptures contrast the foolish with the wise a in regard to their attitude toward acquinng knowledge and wlsl1om ant b as to the result of the course of action taken 3 identify the remnant what is the nature and the purpose of the message they are authorizell to bearl 4 who are the nghteous i explain their shinmg forth as the sun to show that the name jehovah s witnesses appropriately identifies god s faithful people describe the present situation a as to the rulers and the people b in relation to the house of god 5 as to our manner aull presentahon how m substance may we lead the people of i ood will to see the importance of their obtaining and studymg the message of truth provided for them 1 6 make clear the purpose of informing the people concerning jehovah 7 8 descnbe how both the name and the word of jehoval1 were put at issue why has the supremacy of jehovah so long stood iii question among both a multitude of spirit creatures and nearly all of mankind f since the rebellion in eden what has the enemy accomplished in his effol t to sustain his defiance and ills challen~e of the most high f in the meantime jehovah has taken what action and for what purposef 9 the year 1914 marked what change in the situation f account for the sorrows m the earth since then of ,vhat important matter must the people now be informed and whyi 1f 10 why is an understandmg of the scnptures necessary why particubrly at this timet explam how the people will be enabled to exercise faith in jehovah and his purposes 11 just hy is it necessary for man to know jehovah and jesus christ iii onler to have lifef apply john 17 3 to whom has jehovah given such knowledgef for what purpose 1f 12 13 point out the importance and the timeliness of the testimony which jehovah has committed to the remnant f h explain and apply hevelation 10 10,11 jehovah god has gathered out from the nations a people for his name to these thus gathered he has given a new name and the faithful must and will prove that the name properly belongs to them no longer are these concerned about ascertaining what is the will of god as to what they shall do his will he has plainly expressed and they know that they must do the work that the lord has laid out for them to do those who are jehovah s witnesses are the sheep of his pasture and especially under his protection and care by his grace they have entered upon the high road and have their faces and their hearts turned wholly to the kingdom they delight to take the lead in turning the people to jehovah god by telling them of his name and his word their slogan now is they shall know that jehovah is god they now are determined that by his grace this information they will carry to the people marching in the van of those now on earth who love rightrousness these faithful witnesses of jehovah are singing make a joyful noise unto jehovah all yo lands serve jehovah with gladness come before his presence with singing know ye that jehovah he is god it is he that hath made us and we are his we are his people and the sherp of his pasture enter into his gates with thanksgiving and into his courts with praise give thanks unto him and hless his namr for jehovah is good his loving-kindness endui eth 10
[close]
p. 10
january 1 1932 a:li watcht0wer 9 f 15 16 show whether it is proper for the anointed to pray for the destruction of satan s organization what is the purpose of such prayert what three important purposes are served by jehovah s witnesses in their delivenng the warning and testimony committed to them t f 17 18 what is the judgment which jehovah has announced against christendom t account for such decree desenbe the desolation winch is to be wrought upon christendom apply ezekiel 6 8 9 f 19 how will jehovah s true people prove themselves properly identified by the new name which he has given them t what is their slogan t what is the song they sing and the purpose of that songt f 20 apply psalm 89 15,16 f 21 they shall know that jehovah is god who shall knowt how shall they come to such knowledget what then is the great opportuntty with which jehovah s witnesses are now blessed t jehovah s witnesses· how long ehovah god s prophet isaiah speaking under inspiration once said behold i and the children whom the lord hath given me are for signs and for wonders in israel from the lord of hosts which dwelleth in mount zion isa 8 18 zion is the name of god s organization the words lord of hosts always refer to jehovah preparing for or going into battle none dwell in zion until zioi is built up ps 102 16 the prophecy therefore shows that isaiah and his children stood as types or sign men foretelling the class of faithful witnesses in the world at the time that jehovah is preparing to battle against the enemy and after zion is built up this prophecy therefore locates the time as after the year nineteen hundred and eighteen when the lord came to his temple isaiah tells that he had a vision in which he saw christ the king seated upon his throne in the temple and with him his holy messengers that time is fixed when the lord appears at his temple with his holy angels for judgment mal 3 1-3 matt 25 31 concerning his vision isaiah says and one [of the seraphim cried unto another and said holy holy holy is the lord [jehovah of hosts the whole earth is full of his glory then said i woe is me for i am undone because i am a man of unclean lips and i dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips for mine yes have seen the king the lord of hosts isa 6 3 5 being a type of spiritual israel isaiah by saying that he is a man of unclean lips would clearly mean that there was a negligence on the part of god s people in giving testimony the work of the church foretold by the prophet elijah ceased in the year nineteen hundred and eighteen and the work foreshadowed by the prophet elisha began about nineteen hundred and nineteen during the interval god s people on earth were not active in giving testimony this was due to the fiery trouble of war of the nations after nineteen hundred and nineteen the church began an active campaign of giving testimony which shows a recovery from the conditions of uncleanness concerning which the prophet isaiah spoke and his words foretold how it would come to pass isaiah 6 6 7 said then flew one of the seraphims unto me having a live coal in his hand which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar and he laid it upon my mouth and said lo this hath j touched thy lips and thine iniquity is taken away and thy sin purged the seraph in this text represents the lord s messenger and taking fire from the altar and putting it upon the mouth of the prophet foretells that the lord would cleanse his people by touching their lips and sending them forth to give a testimony to his name fire is a symbol of that which cleanses j and the prophet says the iniquity and sin was taken away by fire in the latter part of nineteen hundred and nineteen the lord s people awakened to the fact that they were inactive and that the lord had something for them to do j and this is foretold in the prophecy as isaiah stated in the vision to wit also i heard the voice of the lord saying whom shall i send and who will go for us [to be witnesses then said i here am i j send me isa 6 8 thus the prophet foretold a willingness on the part of god s people to grasp the opportunity of giving the witness the facts are that in nineteen hundred and nineteen at a convention of christians assembled in cedar point ohio those who were there realized that the time had come to begin an active witness campaign and that was done the prophet shows that the giving of this witness would not convert the world but that it is more particularly for the purpose of serving notice upon the people of and concerning god s purposes therefore the lord said to his people as foretold by the prophet go and tell this people hear ye indeed but understand not and see ye indeed but perceive not make the heart of this people fat and make their ears heavy and shut their eyes lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and convert and be healed isa 6 9 10 then the prophet inquired how long shall the witness be given 1 thus he foretold that after the lord s coming to his temple the anointed people of jehovah would begin the witness work and would inquire how long the giving of this testimony must continue the lord himself then gives the answer to the question and causes the prophet to write until the cities be wasted without inhabitant and the hous s withoht man and the land be utterly desolate and the lord have removed men far away and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land -isa 6 11 12.
[close]
p. 11
10 ~e watcht0wer brooklyn n y by the words of the prophet god foretold that he would have the testimony to be given continuously until the cities [that is the organizations of the devil be wasted by himself and until the people be far removed from that evil organization the witness has been in progress since then and there has been a great falling away of the people from socalled organized christianity great numbers thereof recognizing that that organization does not represent jehovah god but is satan s organization god s anointed people built up in zion and brought into the spiritual temple of god realize that jl hovah has been angry with them according to isaiah s prophecy because they were not diligent in keeping his commandments and the lord god brings them comfort and this is proven by the words of the prophet isaiah which reall and in that day thou shalt say 0 lord i will praise thee though thou wast angry with me thine anger is turned away anll thou comfortedst me behold god is my salvation i will trust and not be afraid for the lord jehovah is my strength and my song he also is become my salvation isa 12 1 2 water is a symbol of god s truth the faithful ones anointed of god being obedient to god s commandments drink deep at the fountain of truth anll rejoice he gives to them a clearer vision of his word and says to them therefore with joy shall ye draw water [that is to say truth out of the wells of salvation isa 12 3 those who are actively and joyfully engaged in keeping the lord s commandments by telling others of his great purposes are permittell by him to have a clearer understanding of the truth drawing the water out of the wells means that they seek the truth by studying the prophecies of the lord and watching the facts that come to pass in fulfilment thereof again in this prophecy that day is mentioned that day is now here and concerning this god caused his prophet to record his commanllments to his people which record applies to all those who truly love god and who delight to keep his commandments the commandments of the lord therefore are and in that day shall ye say praise the lord call upon his name declare his doings among the people make mention that his name is exalted sing unto the lord j for he hath done excellent things this is known in all the earth cry out anll shout thou inhabitant of zion for great is the holy one of israel in thc midst of thee isa 12 4-6 the prophecies and the fulfilment thereof prove beyond any question of doubt that christ jesus is the great witness for jehovah god that when he comes to his temple and takes account with his servants to those whom he finds faithful he commits the privilege and obligation of giving the witness on earth from that time until the fall of satan s organization that such witnesses are commanded to declare that jehovah is the only true and almighty god j and that all who are anointed of the lord and have his approval constitute the company upon earth to give that testimony it being the will of god that this testimony must be given at this time it will be given regardless of all opposition blessed are they who have any part in thus testifying to the rulers and the people that jehovah is god and that the time has come for the establishment of his kingdom it is difficult for many people to understand just why such a company of christians persistently go about speaking of the lord and his purposes they can readily see that they are not attempting to convert the people and bring them into some organization they can also see that they are not doing it for money why then is such work being done 1 what is being accomplished by it 1 jehovah god caused his prophet to foretell the reason why his witnesses must now give testimony before the peoples of the world that he is the almighty god the enemy and his agents would have the people believe that requiring the giving of testimony that jehovah is god shows selfishness and weakness on god s part selfishness because say they he desires the honor that the people would confer upon him by giving him praise weakness in this that he fears that all creation will forsake him such conclusions are entirely wrong and are indeed wicked god could not be selfish because god is love which means that he is the perfect expression of unselfishness he never did anything for a selfish reason but always for the good of his creatures his great unselfishness and perfect love were specifically shown when he gave his beloved son to be put to death as a sacrifice that men might live in this great act the apostle truly says jehovah made a gift for mankind that cannot be fully valued he exclaimed thanks be unto god for his unspeakable gift 2 cor 9 15 this for ever disproves that there is selfishness on jehovah s part in having the witness given no power could exist or be exercised except by the permission of jehovah because he is the author and creator of heaven and earth and all power is in his hands it is therefore impossible for god to fear that anything would be taken away from him all the facts show that he acts for the vindication of his name and for the benefit of his creatures for centuries satan has attempted to prove to all others of creation that he is equal to jehovah god and for this reason he has attempted to duplicate and has counterfeited the principal parts of god s purposes l evealed to man satan by reason of his fraud and misrepresentations has succeeded in turning the masses of the people away from god jehovah has not interfered with satan s attempt to exalt him self but unless he did interfere at some time almost all men would be for ever destroyed satan has never been able to give life to man and never coulll do so.
[close]
p. 12
january 1 1932 r:flie watcht0wer 11 jehovah god is the fountain of everlasting life god alone can give everlasting life to his creatures but he will not force life upon them he provides life as a gracious gift and then brings man to a knowledge of his purposes that man may have an opportunity to accept or not life is the gift of god through jesus christ our lord rom 6 23 no man could accept a gift without knowledge of the gift and the giver therefore if man is ever to receive life everlasting he must know god and know that he is the gracious giver the time comes for god to halt satan in his nefarious course in order that man unhindered may have an opportunity to receive the gift of life god announces his purpose to destroy satan and his wicked works to the end that all willingly obedient ones may have life everlasting in a state of happiness before that time of destruction however god causes a campaign of education to be carried on in the world for the purpose of informing the people what he purposes to do for their good he will not take action secretly and without giving notice lie will have the people told of hi purpose and then he will demonstrate to them his supreme power the purpose of the witnessing or the campaign of education may therefore be brirlly stated as this to enlighten the people by opellin their blind eyes and to enable the religious prisoners to see that there is to be a relief for them and that all may know the only one and true way to life everlasting in happiness to do this it is necessary to tell the people what constitutes god s organization and what constitutes satan s organization and why the one is opposed to the oth r and how god s organization will very soon now destroy every particle of satan s organization the son of the highest t he scriptures leave no room for doubt as to who shall be the rightful head of all earthly government which government shall be set up in god s own due time the truths concerning that great government were written expressly for the benefit of those who search out the truth that these might have their faith firmly established and have a sure foundation for the hope of a righteous government rom 15 4 to such god has furnished his word as a lamp or light to guide the course of action taken by those who want to serve him ps 119 105 shortly followil1g the flood noah by god s direction uttered a prophecy foretelling the blessing of his sons shem and japheth particularly the blessmgs concerning shem the record of this is found in genesis 9 26 27 and reads and he [noah said blessed be the lord god of shem and canaan shall be his servant god shall enlarge japheth and he shall dwell in the tents of shem and canaan shall be his servant melchizedek is the first one mentioned in the scriptures as a man who ruled any people by divine right undoubtedly he was of shem s line and it is quite probable that shem and melchizedek were closely related shem was living at the time abraham met lielchizedek and paid tithrs to him gen 11 11 abraham was a descendant of shem gen 11 12-26 to abraham god said i will make nations of thee and kings shall come out of thee gen 17 6 based upon these prophetic parts of the record it is certain that he who should receive the right to rule would descend from the line of shem and through abraham jacob was a grandson of abraham god changed jacob s name to that of israel then god caused this prophecy to be written there shall come a star out of jacob and a sceptre shall rise out of israel out of jacob shall come he that shall have dominion and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city num 24 17 19 jesus said of himself i am the root and the offspring of david and the bright and morning star rev 22 16 judah was a son of jacob concerning whom a special prophecy was written the sceptre shall not depart from judah nor the ruler s staff from between his feet until shiloh come and unto him shall the obedience of the peoples be gen 49 10 r y i he descent of the rightful ruler of earth thercfor must be through the line of judah the name judah means praise gen 29 35 judah thou art he whom thy brethren shall praise gen 49 8 the mighty one whom judah foreshadowed is called the lion of the tribe of juda rev 5 5 this shows that the mighty one foretold would praise jehovah god and he in turn would be praised for his faithfulness and loyalty to god and his praise should arise from all creation in god s due time phil 2 5-11 after the death of joshua leadership was given to judah judg 1 1 2 for judah prevailed above his brethren and of him came the chief ruler but the birthright was .joseph s 1 chron 5 2 in psalm 60 verse 7 it is written judah is my sceptre [symbol of authority caleb was of the tribe of judah and at the division of the land in palestine caleb received as his inheritance the mountain of hebron josh 14 12-14 ountain is a symbol of a government or kingdom in that division of the land the tribe of judah as a whole received a tract of land which bordered on :mount seir the latter being a symbol of the devil s organization of earth josh 15 8-10 this would indicate that the devil s organization would extend up to the beginning of the
[close]
p. 13
12 mie watcht0wer brooklyn n y government of jehovah ruled by him whose right it is to rule which ruler should descend through the line of judah jesse was of the tribe of judah it was jesse s son david whom jehovah anointed as kin over israel 1 sam 16 13 14 to david the lord said and it shall come to pass when thy days be expired that thou must go to be with thy fathers that i will raise up thy seed after thee which shall be of thy sons and i will establish his kingdom but i will settle him in mine house and in my kingdom for ever and his throne shall be established for evermore 1 chron 17 11 14 to solomon the son of david god said and if thou wilt walk before me as david thy father walked in integrity of heart and in uprightness to do according to all that i have commanded thee and wilt keep my statutes and my judgments then i will establish the throne of thy kingdom upon israel for ever as i promised to david thy father saying there shall not fail thee a man upon the throne of israel 1 ki 9 4 5 that both david and solomon foreshadowed the real ruler is made clear by the words of the prophecy recorded in isaiah 9 verse seven of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end upon the throne of david and upon his kingdom to order it and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever the zeal of the lord of hosts will perform this in isaiah 16 verse five we read that in mercy shall the throne be established and he shall sit upon it in truth in the tabernacle of david judging and seeking judgment and hasting righteousness that david foreshadowed the rightful ruler and his coming righteous government is just as certain as day and night jer 33 20 21 25 26 in the year 606 b.c with the overthrow of zedekiah the last king of israel there was a breach made in the line of rulers over israel god s chosen people through his prophet god foretold a day coming when he would close up this breach and bring into power earth s rightful governor and that that ruler would be of the line of david in that day will i raise up the tabernacle of david that is fallen and close up the breaches thereof and i will raise up his ruins and i will build it as in the days of old amos 9 11 mount zion is a symbol of god s organization of which organization earth s rightful governor must be the head in line with the foregoing prophecies it is written moreover he refused the tabernacle of joseph and chose not the tribe of ephraim but chose the tribe of judah the mount zion which he loved and he built his sanctuary like high palaces like the earth which he hath established for ever he ehose david also his servant and took him from the sheepfolds ps 78 67-70 bethlehem was small among the families of judah but god chose it as the place of the birth of the right ful ruler of earth and foretold that through his prophet but thou beth-iehem ephratah though thou be little among the thousands of judah yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in israel whose goings forth have been from of old from everlasting lic 5 2 bethlehem was the home of jesse and the home of david who was anointed by jehovah as the king over israel and bethlehem is often called the city of david mary the virgin of the house of david conceived a son by the power of the holy spirit of god luke 1 27-29 god sent his an~el from heaven to inform mary that she should be the mother of the promised one whom the prophets of god had foretold and the angel said unto her fear not mary for thou hast found favour with god and behold thou shalt eone~ive in thy womb and bring forth a son and shalt call his name jesus he shall be great and shall be called the son of the highest and the lord god shall give unto him the throne of his father david i.uke 1 30-32 the scriptures therefore trace the lineage of jesus in an unbroken line from shem from abraham from jacob and from the tribe of judah and through david god s anointed king over his people in due time the son of mary who god announced throu~h his angel should be culled jesus was born at beth lehem as foretold on that memorable occasion the holy angels of heaven bore testimony to his identity the special messenger whom god delegated to give witness said and 10 the angel of the lord came upon them and the glory of the lord shone round about them and they were sore afraid and the angel said unto them fear not for behold i bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people for unto you is born this day in the city of david a saviour which is christ the lord luke 2 9-11 the apostle peter moved by the power of the holy spirit testified that jesus christ is the one whom god foretold as him whose right it is to be the ruler of earth that interesting record is found in acts 2 verses twenty-nine to thirty-one which reads men and brethren let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch david that he is both dead and buried and his sepulchre is with us unto this day therefore being a prophet and knowing that god had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his loins according to the flesh he would raise up christ to sit on his throne he seeing this before spake of the resurrection of christ that his soul was not left in hell neither his flesh did see corruption
[close]
p. 14
from afield t he people on the west coast of africa have long been kept in darkness the lord has been gracious to them however and sent them the light and even some of the clergy are breaking away from the prisons and taking a firm stand for the lord the following letter from a former clergyman and his letter to the bishopscourt at lagos bear upon this point dear brother rutherford jedovad lavishes his gifts dear brother rutherrord i am sure you will be pleased to know that a leader in the devil s army has received grace and heard the call to get out of babylon where for many years i was a devoted worker the enclosed copy of my letter to the bishop of lagos speaks for itself having consecrated myself unto the lord it is my earnest desire to be a fellow worker with the lord s servants remaining on earth in giving the witness of the incoming kingdom which will be established world-wide soon after he shall have destroyed satan s organization it is not possible for me to express my debt of grabturle to the lord god for the blessings i have received and am shll receiving from the meat m riue season that has been coming out from brooklyn through you and your faithful fellow workers by god s grace i am determined to use the blessings to the glory of the giver that jehovah god will keep you strong and faithful to the end are the closing words of your brother in zion by his grace s a adedy the right rev the bishop of lagos d.d bishopseourt lagos right rev and dear sir in obedience to the lord god and his beloved son jesus christ and in fairness to my conscience i am willmgly gwmg you notice of my resignation of the anglican nunistry and separation from the organized church for reasons herein stated 1 i can no longer subscnbe to the book of common prayer and 39 articles as being scriptural because in them doctnnes of trinity hell-fire torment immortality of soul with their ramifications are taught which do dishonor to jehovah god and hide from men his wlsuom love justice and power 2 the church of england is in confusion or babylon each man may teach anything but the pure word of gou as the bishop of birmingham and others who holu and teach the evolution theory that sets at nought the atoning death of our lord jesus christ and still remain in the communion the anglo-catholics also are alloweu hardly five bishops have the same views yet all belong to the same church i cannot reconcile this state with the word of god which is inuivlsible truth 3 the organized church of england is in spiritual harlotry or whoredom for she has marned herself to the worldly powers that are her protectors and fnenus hence there is no persecution for her as it was for christ jesus anu the early christians john 15 18-20 jas 4 4 1 john 3 l:i as for the rites of the church infant baptism cannot be true and i can no longer perform it adult baptism i do not believe is properly done except by immersion fhe lioly communion as the lord s memonal should not be more than once a year i am therefore willingly surrendenng my license herewith and but fot the three months leave m which i am i have nothing more to do with the church of england and the diocese of lagos i know this will cause you grief but you know it is better to obey god rather than man yours faithfully greetings in jehovah s name and service for many months we have thought to wtlte you to say so many tlungs but f~ared to indulge your time our pioneer party consish~g of brotl,er and sister potter and sister oathout and myself attended the columbus convention it was better than ever we could anticipate there were so many things that we woulu like to tllank you for personally for havmg been used of the lord to provide us with permit me to enumerate only a few first the place the ohio state fall grounds it seems that jehovah lavishes his gifts on his people everything neeoed and more was there then the ever delightful program that moved forward with a majestic step that fall ly msplred evil fiuence m .jehovah and all ius other arrangements then the culmmahon of many weeks of surprise features dol s jehovah mdulge his children words can t express the ecstatic thrills of joy in the lord that we expenen ed as one after another we received our new name jehovah s witnesses the announcement and gifts of v,ndlcatlon the k,ngdom booklet also with opportunity and privlle~e to take it out to the people it has all passed so quickly that we nearly regret its passmg 80 rapidly but we are mmdful that our father has not yet assembled his loved ones together to partake of pleasures for evermore so we are back ag-am to our mterests tellmg the people of establishment on the earth of goi s kmgdom some hear and some don t hut whether they do or do not we know the pioneer service is the greatest grandest and most mportant work ther j is on the earth today we do not wonder you esteem it so highly and regard it with so much care only with jehovah s blessmg could you arry on thus against the pressure of satan s agents both seen and unseen and it is our prayer dally that you may be used of the lord as you seek al.vaye to do his will keep up the fight i y e are with you till the last demon drops dead in the dust we nearly omitted stating that our eleven-year-old daughter charlotte symbolized her consecration at columbus auu es out with us in the pioneer service many people have expressed themselves so pleased with the child s presentation of the truth that they have themselves become interested in the truth whnt is it that is said that a little child shall lead thelli your brethren by .jehovah s gral e oathout potter pioneer party s dai conventions glow with joy dear brother rutherford s a adedy 13 greetings and love i am herewith making a sort of general report of conditi01ll existing in companies as i have observed them dunng the last year or more dullng which i have sened at about fitty eekend three-day conventions my observations are that thes can ventions are a great blessing and help to the triends in nearly every instance the attendance was greater than was expected by the local company more persons participated m the serv ice than was expected and the number of piel es of literature plnceri was much greater than expected in every case the fnends were surpnsed and happy and were unammous iii there desire for the conventions to be eontmued these com-entions benefit the friends by encoulaglllg and stimulatmg them to engage in the servh e work of late we have asked for a show of hands as to how many eng-aged in the sen ice for the first time lind were surprised to find that tron ono to a dozen hands went up it seems that some wlw ure timid find it easier to hl gin the servll e work in other than their own towns the enthusmsm and numbers who go our in the work scem to stimulate them to desire to have n part once the ice is broken they find it easy to contmue another very noticeable condition is the in reasmg fearless ness of the friends it has bl en inspirmg to nete the dl 51re of all to have a part in witnessmg to the rulers one company proposed to select a particular brother to visit the pohtirmm an other to call on the prearhers ana another to call on the finan ciers attempting to make the selection accordmg to some seemingly particular qualification for approaching these classes
[close]
p. 15
14 ~e watcht0wer fy beloved brother brooklyn n y this resulted in a protest by others each one desiring to have a part the results showed that even the weakest and feeblest have the lord s blessing in this work equally with the others it is a delightful privilege to lead a i declarations meeting on sunday afternoon after the witnessing is completed and bee the happy faces and hear the joyful declarations no more do we hear about the great battle with i the man under our own hat nor the old long·faced tearful testimony about the great trials in the home with relatives not in the truth the declarations are along the line of gratitude to the lord for the privileges of knowing of the work which jehovah is doing and of serving him and vindicating his name and also expressions of determination to continue on till the work is finished the dissatisfied fault-finding grumbling element is gone and the conventions glow with joy and the spirit of willing cooperation in some half dozen instances the regional director tried out this experiment and it seems to work successfully perhaps you may have some comment to make on this work after the saturday afternoon lecture which ended at five 0 clock all the workers previously supplied with books an d territory went out on the street corners four standing at each intersection one on each corner and displayed the k,ngdom booklet calling attention to the same they were instructed not to obstruct the sidewalk and not to stop people who were busily engaged in conversation or hurriedly passing but to approach those who were standing or lelsurely walking at atlanta ga over 1.000 k,ngdom booklets were placed and in the half dozen instances mentioned the placements have averaged about ten for each individual for the one hour between five and six 0 clock saturday afternoon is particularly adapted to this work especially in the smaller cities as most of the farmers are in town at that time this method of service is recommended for anyone who can spare only an hour or even half an hour or any odd times during the noon hour or during the long summer evenings after the day s work is over moreover this service places the books in the hands of men who are more apt to read them than are the women i would like to know your opinion of this kmd of service work these service conventions serve another good purpose also and that is that the friends are kept so busy that they do not have time for gossip or tattling and their minds are kept so completely on the work of the convention that the friends are happier more contented and more enthusiastic while their minds are free from the depressing influence of gloomy and morbid suggestions incident to a discussion of troubles during the year i have visited only about four oompanies where trouble exlsted these troubles are not doctrinal but frictions between mdlviduals and both factions in harmony with the work of the society i mention this fact only to show that the i opposers are practically all separated from the various companies there ls little or no opposition now another noticeable fact is that the friends are gradually learning to be more tactful in giving theu witness in the past many have thought it necessary to be somewhat harsh and unkind especially where a person was opposed or discourteous the friends are learning how to give a helpful witness many quite laughable incidents have occurred which i will not relate here i think it fair to call your attention to one criticism of these service conventions some of the companies think it unwise to leave their own territory and attend a convention and witness in other territory where their service is not needed so much as in their home territory in one case this kept a few com· panies from attending a nearby convention and quite material· ly lessened the report of placements and testimonies as well as the report of attendance personally i believe the influence of the convention spirit will offset this seeming disadvantage and it might be completely offset by locating the next convention at one of the other cities thus properly distributing the witnessing with respect to myself i can say that it has been a great joy to serve at these conventions and to participate in the field service thus having a part in the work of vindicating jehovah s glorious name i daily thank jehovah god for this privilege with much christian love i remain your brother by his grace r h barber wonderfully blessed in service love and greetings to you and all that be in 0 in the real up-to-date present truth and faith i am lald up at my home as above on account of an accident fall seven weeks ago tomorrow a.m at 6 30 myself and partner in the ploneer work in this ease brother ruelberg were working rural here at the time and jehovah permitted that old dragon serpent devil and satan to throw me down and injure me real badly it may be for weeks yet i am glad to say however that i had a good accidental policy in force at the time whlch pays me a real good salary payable one·half due me cash each sixty days and shall not be in need of any necessities i have been in the pioneer work almost two years and have just been able to make ends meet with my own expenses and only able to do very little for my good old episcopahan blmded wife and was away from home the last time nearly one year i didn t have the price to go in and would send everything in home that i could possibly get and spent nothing on trips there and forth it looked as if i would just have to abandon the work but i stuck to it i knew that if i would remain faithful he would not forsake me for about ten days after my accident i did not get out of bed and as yet i have never had on a pair of pants or been out of the house but dear brother i did not forget i was one of the anointed and for the love of lt beanng the fruits of the kingdom to all who would partake so i soon saw what jehovah s will for me was to wnte letters to all my neighbors and friends both great and small anll all the clergy of all denominations asking them to call at my house as i had matters to consider in mutual interest wlth them and i could not call on them now as i would do they took the guardian angel s bait finely i have been visited by twelve clergy and religious workers to date including a captain of the salvation army and the secretary of the y.m.c.a here all my neighbors of both sldes of the two streets we hve on a corner as far as i can see the four ways have called some of these i have never been in their homes or they in mine before i have had them callmg from one to ten daily only one yesterday and two today to this hour 4 15 p.m but look for them from 8 30 a.m to 8 30 p.m the good news is that my placements have been just 100 percent have not failed to deliver to every caller the kingdom booklet and only five to date but had the cash and willingly parted wlth it many others took books and other booklets last week i reported 17 testlmomes 17 placements being 35 booklets and 11 bound books i loaned an old church-goer friend about ten days ago light one he read it and appreciated it came agam today did not bnng it back but said he wanted to keep it and bought no.2 to go with it and said he was gomg to get from two to four until he owned the full set i have two full sets orllered for this week s delivery and i am almost sure i will be able to dehver them i have been so wonderfully blessed m his service since my affliction and i cannot express to you my great happmess i have about forty names yet to write to i write from four to six daily i am getting out with the letters today four letters to the clergy the good part is dear friends i have not had a single argument with a clergyman or anyone in this work at my home yet now is not this a good record f i want you all to remember me in your prayers that i may ever seek jehovah s will and do it in a way pleasmg to him your brother and fellow coworker chas r pitner jehovah s witness privilege to cooperate dear brethren at a recent meeting of our company it was decided by unanimous vote to accept the new name i jehovah s wl t· nesses and to notify you of our action let us also thank you for your untiring servlee on our behalf and for the great privilege of cooperatmg with you m the work of vindicating jehovah s name yours in kingdom service tonawanda n.y company of jehovah s witnesses.
[close]