The Watchtower, July 1, 1951
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WATCHTOWER
JULY 1, 1951 Semimonthly RELEASE TO THE CAPTIVES
VISION OF THE "TIME OF THE END"
'TIME, TIMES AND HALF A TIME'
SHUN THE SNARE OF CREATURE WORSHIP!
MEMORIAL AND NATIONAL ASSEMBLY IN AUSTRALIA
© WTB&TS
Announcing JEHOVAH'S KINGDOM
"YOU ARE MY WITNESSES," SAYS JEHOVAH.—Isa. 43:12 THE PURPOSE OF "THE WATCHTOWER"
Literal towers in Bible times were elevated vantage points from which watchmen could observe happenings, warn of danger, or announce good news. Our magazine figuratively occupies such a vantage point, for it is founded on the very pinnacle of wisdom, God's Word. That elevates it above racial, national and political propagandas and prejudices, frees it from selfish bias. It is not bound by any traditional creed, but its message advances as the light on God's purposes and works increases.—Habakkuk 2:1-3.
It sees things Scripturally. When it observes this generation afflicted with greed, delinquency, hypocrisy, atheism, war, famine, pestilence, perplexity and fear, and persecution of unpopular minorities, it does not parrot the old fable about history repeating itself. Informed by Bible prophecy, it sees in these things the sign of the world's time of the end. But with bright hope it also sees opening up for us just beyond these woes the portals of a new world.
Thus viewed, "The Watchtower" stands as a watchman atop a tower, alert to what is going on, awake to note signs of danger, faithful to point out the way of escape. It announces Jehovah's kingdom established by Christ's enthronement in heaven, feeds his kingdom joint-heirs with spiritual food, cheers men of good will with glorious prospects of eternal life in a paradise earth, comforts us with the resurrection promise for the dead.
It is not dogmatic, but has a confident ring in its voice, because it is based on God's Word. It does not privately interpret prophecy, but calls attention to physical facts, sets them alongside prophecy, and you see for yourself how well the two match, how accurately Jehovah interprets his own prophecy. In the interests of our salvation, it keeps sharp and faithful focus on Bible truth, and views religious news generally.
'Be watchful in these perilous times,' God admonishes. So keep on the watch by regularly reading "The Watchtower".
PUBLISHED BY THE WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY
117 Adams Street
Brooklyn 1, N. Y., U. S. A.
N. H. KNORR, President
GRANT SUITER, Secretary
"They will all be taught by Jehovah."—John 6:45, NW; Isaiah 54:13
CONTENTS
Quebec's Campaign of Persecution Suffers Another Stunning Blow 387
Shun the Snare of Creature Worship! 389
Memorial and National Assembly in Australia 393
Release to the Captives 398
Vision of the "Time of the End" 400
'Time, Times and Half a Time' 408
"Continue in the Things You Learned" 413
Questions from Readers 414
Announcements 416
Abbreviations used in "The Watchtower" for the following Bible versions
AS - American Standard Version LXX- The Septuagint Version
AT - An American Translation Mo - James Moffatt's version
Da - J. N. Darby's version NW - New World Translation
Dy - Catholic Douay version Ro - J. B. Rotherham's version
ED - The Emphatic Diaglott RS - Revised Standard Version
Le - Isaac Leeser's version Yg - Robert Young's version
Unless otherwise indicated, the Bible used is the King James Version
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QUEBEC'S CAMPAIGN OF PERSECUTION SUFFERS ANOTHER STUNNING BLOW
THE history-making judgment of the supreme court of Canada which held that Jehovah's witnesses were not guilty of seditious libel in the Province of Quebec (Awake! March 8, 1951), and the scathing denunciation of Quebec mob violence and legal proceedings, which went with the judgment, were a terrific blow to the arrogant pretensions of the Roman Hierarchy in that country. The veil had been torn aside from the medieval conditions that exist where she is in control. This up-to-date protecting of liberty did not set well with the philosophy of oppression and the totalitarian stultifying of thought which are part of the Roman Catholic system.
In a gesture of defiance, Catholic spokesmen and officials stated they simply were not going to follow the judgment of the supreme court but, secure in their Quebec majority, would feel entitled to continue prosecuting Jehovah's witnesses, law or no law. The French-language newspaper L'Action Catholique, which customarily speaks with the voice of the church, urged that the judgment be ignored, saying: "Since the majority in favour of the acquittal was only one [the judges of the supreme court divided five to four] it appears to us that the provincial and municipal authorities need not feel obliged to free the hundred other witnesses detained under the same charge. . . . French Catholic Quebec hasn't the same concept of
liberty as the other ethnic element [How true!] . . . For the Protestants, it is freedom of choice that makes the law; for the Catholics it is quite different. The Protestants are not offended by insults to their religion, but the Catholics, thank God! are much more sensitive on this point."
In line with the advice of L'Action Catholique, Mr. Antoine Rivard, solicitor general of the Province of Quebec, issued a statement that in spite of a decision by the supreme court of Canada holding Jehovah's witnesses to be not seditious he would nonetheless continue to prosecute them on this charge. The Montreal Gazette, January 6, 1951, said: "Court proceedings against some 100 members of the Jehovah's witnesses in the province charged with seditious libel will be carried out despite a recent ruling of the supreme court of Canada granting an acquittal to one convicted, Antoine Rivard, K.C., solicitor-general, declared last night . . . 'The decision', said Mr. Rivard, 'is to carry on with the cases' . . . In view of Mr. Rivard's statement it is expected that cases on court rolls will be dealt with as soon as possible."
The Department of the Attorney General had treated the Boucher case in the supreme court as a test case—till it went against them. But now they wanted to test all the others too.
The Catholic Church is always eager to accuse Jehovah's witnesses of showing disrespect for duly constituted authority.
Apparently it is only wrong to disagree with Roman Catholic authorities, because the solicitor general and L'Action Catholique certainly did not hesitate to demonstrate their open disregard for the decision of the duly constituted supreme court of Canada. The judgment of the highest court is binding, no matter how many judges decide it, as L'Action was later to discover.
Some of the other arguments of this organ of the Roman Church are also of interest. It says that freedom of choice makes law for the Protestants only. Complaint is also made about insults to the Catholic religion. The supreme court simply said that Jehovah's witnesses could not be prevented from condemning mob violence (as sponsored by Quebec Catholics) and priest interference with administration of justice. Surely L'Action does not feel its religion is insulted by denunciation of mob violence. Or does it pretend that rioting is a sacred part of its faith? At least it is an interesting argument!
The Montreal Gazette "expected the cases on court rolls will be dealt with as soon as possible". Nothing could have been farther from the facts. After more than six months, the attorney general has not proceeded with a single one of the hundredodd cases pending, despite the fact that counsel for Jehovah's witnesses have pleaded with judges and prosecutors to proceed to trial.
THE CROWNING BLOW
All the grandiose but meaningless declarations on the part of the prosecutors received a further stunning setback through a decision of the Quebec court of appeal which acquitted another of Jehovah's witnesses, Renée Ouellette, on another seditious libel charge. The provincial court accepted and followed the Supreme Court decision in the Boucher case
(Awake! March 8, 1951). This conviction had been entered January 20, 1948, and the appeal had been argued in February, 1949, but the provincial court of appeal had awaited the ruling of the supreme court before giving judgment.
Many eyes were on this pending appeal. Would the provincial court accept the ruling of the supreme court, or the arguments of L'Action Catholique? Would its judgment leave the door open for Mr. Rivard to make good his threats to continue the prosecutions?
The hopes of Quebec's persecutors and prosecutors were extinguished on March 30, 1951, when their own Quebec court of appeal held one of Jehovah's witnesses not guilty of sedition. The decision was given reluctantly, under protest and with very bad grace, as the Quebec court could not resist saying that it did not agree with the decision of the supreme court freeing Jehovah's witnesses, but felt they had to follow it anyhow. The strong arm of the Most High had through this decision established a barrier for the protection of His people. The opposition can beat against this barrier but they cannot get around it. The Catholic authorities can no longer persecute God's witnesses under this outmoded charge of sedition.
The braggadocio and swelling declarations of L'Action Catholique and Solicitor General Rivard are now sadly deflated. Duplessis, the dictatorial, freedom-hating premier of Quebec, has said he would run Jehovah's witnesses out of the province. It was he who instituted more than one hundred seditious libel charges against Jehovah's witnesses, for the terrible crime of trying to make the Bible known to the Catholic people. His inglorious campaign of persecution has received another setback. Of the multitude of charges NOT ONE SINGLE CONVICTION HAS BEEN MAINTAINED!
Shun the Snare of Creature Worship!
BY INSTINCT and by nature, human creatures desire to worship and reverence someone they consider higher
or mightier than themselves. "There be gods many, and lords many." Hero worship is a common practice throughout the world, among all races and people. The Chinese worship their ancestors; the Communists their dictators; the "bobby-soxers" their crooners. The idolizing and worshiping of creatures take on other forms too, for, instead of exalting someone else, certain individuals place themselves on a pedestal to be looked up to and admired. With others "their god is their belly".—1 Cor. 8:5; Phil. 3:19, NW.
Satan the Devil was at one time a heavenly cherub exceedingly glorious and beautiful in perfection. But, becoming conceived and puffed up in his own estimation, and desiring that men and angels worship him rather than Jehovah God, he rebelled against God and misled Eve into sin and induced Adam to fall. (Ezek. 28:17) Since that rebellion millenniums ago, this presumptuous and wicked one has used every device to turn men from their Creator. If the Devil cannot have creatures laud him directly, he tries to turn their praise toward other creatures, that they may forget the only Source of life.
Thus it was that Satan raised up Nimrod as a glorified killer of animals, a sportsman and hero extraordinary, whom the people deified and worshiped as "a mighty hunter before [against or ahead
of] Jehovah". (Gen. 10:8,9,AS;Ro) That was the beginning of not only hero worship but also the doctrine of the "divine right of
kings", and many other forms of idolatry which are still in vogue both in heathendom and in Christendom. It is therefore understandable why Jehovah God, upon separating the Israelites from the creatureworshiping nations to be a holy nation exclusively devoted to His pure worship, gave them these laws, the first two of a set of ten: "I am Jehovah thy God, . . . Thou shalt have no other gods before [like Nimrod, who was placed "before"] me. Thou shalt not make unto thee a graven image, nor any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them, nor serve them; for I Jehovah thy God am a jealous God."-Ex. 20:2-5, AS.
The sad history of the nation of Israel, however, shows that time and time again that stiff-necked people violated these divine laws and fashioned themselves images of various beastly creatures which they idolized and worshiped. It was not long after leaving the bull-worshiping land of Egypt that the Israelites made for themselves a molten calf out of gold and offered sacrifices to it as if it were God. (Ex. 32:1-35) Such type of creature worship was also the "sin of Samaria", instituted by Jeroboam, the son of Solomon, when he split off and formed the ten-tribe kingdom. In order to prevent these Israelites from going up to Jerusalem to worship at the temple of Jehovah, Jeroboam set up two golden calves to which the people were to offer sacrifices and prayers.—1 Ki.
12:25- 33; Hos. 8:4-7; Amos 8:11-14.
DIRE CONSEQUENCE OF EXALTING SELF
Satan the Devil also caused ambitious, self-important and high-minded individuals among the Israelites to forget God's fundamental laws prohibiting creature worship, and as a result frightful consequences fell upon them. Miriam and Aaron sought to exalt themselves, but suffered abasement. (Num. 12:1-15, AS) Some time later Korah, together with Dathan and Abiram, gathered two hundred and fifty princes and men of renown together in open rebellion against Moses. Thinking their assigned privileges of tabernacle service in the theocratic arrangement were too menial, and craving more honor and praise and glory, they conspired to seize the authority delegated to Moses and Aaron. In one great engulfing catastrophe the ground beneath them simply opened "and swallowed them up, and their households, and all the men that appertained unto Korah, and all their goods". "And fire came forth from Jehovah, and devoured the two hundred and fifty men that offered the incense."—Num. 16:1-35, AS.
Israel's first king, Saul, was another who fell into the devilish snare of worshiping self. Setting up one's own will above and in rebellion against the will of God, and stubbornly going one's own way and following one's own pleasures and desires, is nothing more than making an idol of self. It is putting the creature above the Creator. Now Saul was such a person, and for that reason Jehovah God rejected him. "Samuel said, Hath Jehovah as great delight in burnt-offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Jehovah? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to
hearken than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as idolatry."—1 Sam. 15:22-24, AS.
Greed and covetousness are manifestations of selfishness, a form of making an idol of self, and hence are condemned in the Scriptures as idolatry. "Deaden, therefore, your body members which are upon the earth as respects fornication, uncleanness, sexual appetite, hurtful desire, and COVETOUSNESS, WHICH IS IDOLATRY." "Let fornication and uncleanness of every kind or greediness ['covetousness,' margin] not even be mentioned among you, just as it befits holy people. For you know this, recognizing it for yourselves, that no fornicator or unclean person or GREEDY PERSON—WHICH MEANS BEING AN IDOLATER—has any inheritance in the kingdom of the Christ and of God." (Col. 3:5; Eph. 5:3, 5, NW) Heed this warning: "Flee from idolatry," every form of it, for "those who practice such things will not inherit God's kingdom".—1 Cor. 10:14; Gal. 5:19-21; 1 John 5:21, NW.
The record of wicked Haman the Agagite also serves as good counsel. This veritable impersonator of the Devil, and a most vain and conceited self-made idol, rose and fell from his perch in the fifth century before Christ. All the servants of the Persian king Ahasuerus "bowed down, and did reverence to Haman"—all the servants except one, Mordecai, a true Jew who faithfully worshiped only Jehovah the Most High. Now Haman was an overweening braggart of the worst sort, boasting before his wife and friends of "the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him". But such availed Haman nothing as long as Mordecai refused to grovel in the dirt when he passed by. In the end, Haman was hanged on the gallows he had built for Mordecai, but faithful Mordecai was exalted to a position next to the king himself.—Esther, chapters 3 to 10, AS.
EXAMPLES SET BY CHRIST AND APOSTLES
The example to follow is Christ Jesus. At the outset of his ministry the "Devil took him along to an unusually high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory, and he said to him: 'All these things I will give you if you fall down and do an act of worship to me.' Then Jesus said to him: 'Go away, Satan! For it is written, "It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service."'""—Matt. 4:8-10, NW.
Jesus was not covetous during his prehuman existence as the Logos, for "although he was existing in God's form, [he] gave no consideration to a seizure, namely, that he should be equal to God. No, but he emptied himself and took a slave's form and came to be in the likeness of men. More than that, when he found himself in fashion as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient as far as death, yes, death on a torture stake". (Phil. 2:6-8, NW) "Obedient" at all times! Unlike the Devil, Korah, Saul and other rebels, Jesus was not self-willed; to Jehovah he said, "not as I will, but as you will." (Ps. 40:7,8; Matt. 26:39,42,44; John 4:34; 5:30; 6:38) Jesus was not greedy for power, position or prestige. He refused to become a manmade king, and when it was his Father's due time for him to present himself as Jehovah's king, he did so with the greatest meekness and humility. (John 6:15; Zech. 9:9, LXX; Matt. 21:4,5) When the people attempted to show reverence and honor to Jesus by calling him "good", he rebuked them, saying such titles belong to God.—Luke 18:18, 19.
Jesus also instructed his disciples that they too should avoid exalting self or other
creatures. "Do not you be called 'Rabbi' ["My great one; My excellent one"] , for one is your teacher, whereas all you are brothers. Moreover, do not call anyone your father on earth, for One is your Father, the heavenly One. Neither be called 'leaders', for your Leader is one, the Christ. But the greatest one among you must be your minister [servant]. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." (Matt. 23:8-12,NW) Thus we see Jesus echoed the truthful words of Elihu, who declared: "Let me not, I pray you, respect any man's person; neither will I give flattering titles unto any man. For I know not to give flattering titles; else would my Maker soon take me away."—Job 32:21,22,AS.
Some time later the apostle Peter was privileged to be the first to take the Kingdom message to the Gentiles, but he did not take credit to himself because of that or allow them to worship him. "As Peter entered, Cornelius met him, fell down at his feet and did obeisance to him. But Peter lifted him up, saying: 'Rise; I myself am also a man.'"—Acts 10:25, 26, NW.
Again, we read how Paul and Barnabas cured a lame man among the pagans of Lystra, and immediately the crowd shouted: "The gods have become like men and have come down to us!" They called Paul "Hermes" and Barnabas "Zeus", and they would have offered bulls in sacrifice to Paul and Barnabas, had these not vehemently protested: "Men, why are you doing these things? We also are human creatures having the same infirmities as you do, and are declaring the good news to you, for you to turn from these vain things to the living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all the things in them." (Acts 14:8-15, NW) Paul and Barnabas were well aware of what had just happened to wicked old Herod; for, when that boaster was delivering a public address, "the assembled people began shouting: 'A god's voice, and not a man's!"
Instantly the angel of Jehovah struck him, because he did not give the glory to God; and he became eaten up with worms and expired."—Acts 12:21-23, NW.
THEOCRACY KEEPS CLEAN OF IDOLATRY
Christendom is full of every form of creature worship. Like the ancient Pharisees that craved the most prominent places in the public eye, so also have the modernday clergy by their dress and conduct. Ambitious for a following, with ears itching for the plaudits of men, they have brought in hundreds of sects and cults, and by replacing the Bible with the commandments of men they cause the credulous people to worship multitudes of idols. They have canonized a host of dead men as "saints", declared a human creature to be the "mother of God", and to these the people pray. Leaders like Luther, Wesley, Calvin, etc., are hallowed and their names are engraved on monuments, plaques and shrines as a memorial. "Empty-headed," they have "exchanged the truth of God for the lie and venerated and rendered sacred service to the creation rather than the One who created."—Ps. 96:5; Matt. 23:27; 2 Pet. 2:1; Rom. 1:21-25, NW.
But all such demonic practices are entirely foreign to the clean theocratic organization. Among true Christians there cannot be divisive sects, one saying he belongs to Apollos, another to Cephas, another to Paul, another to this or that man. Christ is not divided, and neither is God's organization. "Let no one be boasting in men." (1 Cor. 1:10-13; 3:3,4,21-23,NW) It is not even lawful to worship angels, and when holy men of God tried to do so in times past they were told: "Be careful! Do not do that! All I am is a fellow slave . . . Worship God." The angels that appeared to Jacob and the parents of Samson would not allow those people to worship them either.—Rev. 19:10; 22:8,9 NW; Gen. 32:29; Judg. 13:15-18.
A mild yet subtle form of idolatry that must be guarded against is the practice some make of applauding excessively when their favorite speaker or some prominent individual among the Lord's people addresses an assembly. The mere stepping of this individual upon the platform sometimes brings a round of applause. If this person gives a poor talk and receives a maximum ovation, yet a little-known speaker gives an excellent talk and receives a minimum applause, is this not a step toward creature worship? If the applause is given for what is said and not for who says it, then it is given to the Author of the message, Jehovah God; and that is the way it should be.
Yes, human creatures are made with a desire to worship something, so why should they not worship 'him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea', Jehovah God? The fear and reverence of creatures leads into a snare, but "the fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom". (Rev. 14:7; Prov. 29:25; Ps. 111:10, AS) Hence creatures should not be wise in their own eyes. They should not be "measuring themselves by themselves" or "comparing themselves with themselves". For "if anyone imagines he is somebody, he is deceiving himself, for he is nobody". If anyone must boast, therefore, "let him boast in Jehovah," for, of a truth, "not the one who recommends himself is approved, but the man whom Jehovah recommends." (Prov. 3:7; Rom. 12:16; Gal. 6:3, Mo; 2 Cor. 10:12, 17, 18, NW) Consequently, wise men, mighty men, or rich men should not glory in their wisdom, might or riches. Rather, "let him that glorieth glory in this, that he hath understanding, and knoweth me, that I am Jehovah."—Jer. 9:23, 24, AS.
This article continues the account of the recent Far Eastern trip by the Society's president, N. H. Knorr, and his secretary, M. G. Henschel. The last installment concluded with their departure from New Zealand. This article catches up with them as they arrive in Australia.
MILTON HENSCHEL and I were relaxed, sitting in our seats on the second deck of the big Tasman Empire Airways Solent flying boat and talking over our scheduled arrival at Sydney. In just a few hours we would be there and then we would go to the branch office in Strathfield. We would eat something there, and then, I said, "Let's go to bed early." This was Friday afternoon, March 16, 1951. We were due to get up the next day at 5 a.m. and be on our way to Perth, the principal city on the western coast of Australia. We would reach there late Saturday night, there would be three sessions at the Perth assembly and then we would leave by plane at 11:15 p.m. Sunday and fly all night back to Sydney.
There it was! Sydney, Australia, and the big steel bridge and beautiful harbor. Splash! The big boat hit the water. A flying boat is not like a land plane. It slows down in a hurry. The bay was calm when the plane touched the blue waters. There was a sudden slowing down and then the sensation of sinking. But you sink only to the right depth.
At the landing what a crowd there was to greet us! We saw some people we knew and many faces we remembered from our previous visit. And there were many new faces too. There was Roy Moyle, the acting branch servant for Australia, accompanied by a new arrival from America, Ted Jaracz. It was 5:30 p.m. when we landed and after 7 p.m. by the time we motored out to Strathfield after clearing customs. The Bethel home looked nice and the garden around it was well kept. It was truly like coming home to enter the portals and see many members of the family who were there at the time of our previous visit. We were sorry we did not have much time with them, but we felt the need of rest.
At 7 a.m. on March 17 we were at Mascot airport and by 7:30 we were flying on a Trans-Australia Airlines Skymaster toward Melbourne. Brother Moyle was with us. An unscheduled stop was made at the capital, Canberra, but no additional passengers boarded the plane. Rumor had it that the prime minister was supposed to be en route to Melbourne. So on we went and when we reached Melbourne's Essendon airport we spied a large crowd and a banner saying "Welcome, Brothers". The passengers wondered what was going on; we knew. Well over a hundred of the publishers had come out to see us. A number of newspapermen were there and interviewed me, taking photos. It was an unusual event for Essendon airport for such a crowd to assemble when the passengers were not disembarking.
On to Adelaide we flew and there again we found a lot of brothers awaiting us. There were perhaps eighty at Parafield, and it was good to see them. They too were talking about the coming convention. They wished us a good visit to Perth, and then we took off once again. We flew along the south coast of Australia and then out over the desert. At dusk we flew over the famous Australian gold-mining center of Kalgoorlie and then landed at Perth at 8 p.m. We had flown almost 2,300 miles that day and we were travel-tired. We went to the home of the brothers where we were to sleep and had a visit with them and some refreshments. Then to bed.
"I'm glad I could come over and save you that long trip to Sydney," I told 870 of Jehovah's witnesses and their friends in the Town Hall, Perth, capital of Western Australia. Everyone seemed to appreciate that expression and I learned afterward why it brought forth a warm burst of applause barely a hundred of the audience would have been able to get to the national assembly in Sydney.
Prior to our arrival the assembly had been going on for two days. Most of the daylight hours had been spent advertising the public address. Friday night's service meeting had been bright and helpful, they said, and the points were driven home with good demonstrations. The ministry school had followed, taking in the first lesson in the analytical study of the New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures. It had aroused the interest of all and whetted the appetite for the coming regular study of its features. Comments were made to me that the attendance at the theocratic school was sure to pick up. No one would want to miss any of this special study of the Greek Scriptures. Early Saturday morning there had been a baptism service. Sixty-one had been immersed.
Then, as the brothers put it, came the big day. Sunday was to be a day of sessions from nine in the morning till nine at night. Brother Moyle from the Strathfield Bethel started it off, followed up by Brother Henschel. Then I spoke on the subject of morals and conduct within God's organization. Brother Rees, the circuit servant, said afterward: "This hard-hitting, unrelenting, yet kindly talk had the audience on the edge of the seats, intent on every word. One lady, attending her first meeting, said she had never heard that kind of talking before, and she was delighted. The hall really buzzed with discussion after that talk."
Next was the public meeting at the Capitol Theatre. The thermometer was getting uncomfortably near 100 and the call of the beaches was very strong. How many would come to hear a Bible lecture? Three o'clock saw 1,291 present to hear the conversational address, "Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land." At least half of that number was made up of the general public and people newly interested in the good news. When the hall cleared afterward I talked with the pioneers about Gilead and future prospects. Of the twenty-nine pioneers present, fourteen filled out preliminary applications for Gilead training and foreign missionary service. It is hoped all will prove worthy of being called.
Then back to the Perth Town Hall for tea and the evening meeting. It began with an experience session that had a unique setting, to say the least. The company servant at Pingelly, W.A., explained that in his company there were "New Australians", as recent immigrants and displaced persons from Europe are called; also there were old Australians, or the aborigines, and ordinary Australians. He had representatives from each category on the platform and called on them in turn for their experiences. For half an hour the hall resounded with applause as now a native, only just learning to read and write, then a European who is struggling with the language, related their experiences. It was moving indeed to hear those new Australians tell that the first witnesses they saw after arriving in the country were the aborigines, the original Australians. Experiences like these certainly gladdened the hearts of the conventioners with new vigor and warmth.
Next Brother Henschel spoke on Jehovah's judgments, drawing heavily on the Bible record for proof of his points. Then I spoke on matters concerning divine healing. Eyes opened wider and wider, heads nodded approvingly, pens raced along the lines of notebooks, as old ideas were replaced with Scriptural truths.
They did enjoy the true-to-life illustrations!
At the airport at 11 o'clock that night a crowd gathered to say farewell. A last wave, and they were out of sight in the dark, but still in our memories. What a blessed gift God has given us—memory! We had not seen much of the city, but we saw the publishers of the Kingdom and those we wanted to think about.
We were due in Adelaide in about five and one-half hours. We landed at daybreak and found eight of the publishers at the airfield. They had risen two hours earlier Some would not be able to go to Sydney and we were sorry about it with them. They would await reports of returning conventioners.
At 7 o'clock we were in a Convair liner heading toward Sydney, 847 miles away. When we reached the proximity of the Blue mountains the weather looked very bad. There were heavy black clouds ahead and the hostess said we might be unable to land at Mascot airport. It was raining hard at Sydney. While we awaited definite word on whether or not we would land at Mascot the clouds appeared to break apart and soon we could see the red roofs of the outskirts of Sydney. It was 10:40 when we landed on the wet runways, but wet or not it was good to see them, and soon we were at the Bethel home once more. It had been raining a great deal and we hoped the downpour would cease, because the convention was soon to open.
SYDNEY, N. S. W.
On March 22 the scene which greeted the spectator's eye at the Moorefield Racecourse, Kogarah, Sydney, was indeed unusual. Yes, there were thousands of people present but not one horse! People were milling around the bookie stands but no
one was betting, or even interested in horse racing, Australia's national sport. For this was the occasion of the National Assembly of Jehovah's witnesses, "Jehovah's Praise Theocratic Assembly," scheduled for March 22-25. And what a delightful setting it was! For days prior to the assembly the weather had been anything but kind, with downpours of rain which transformed the firm soil into soft, sticky mud. One day before the assembly was to begin the weather cleared, with beautiful blue, clear skies which lasted throughout the entire program. The nights were balmy and beautifully lighted by the full moon rising over the bay.
The Australian brothers were truly delighted with the many provisions made for their comfort and convenience during their stay. In all, 28 separate departments catered to the delegates, outstanding of which were the cafeteria and the caravan camp. The entire arrangement was similar to the International Assembly in New York and one was struck with the efficiency of the organization, as a peak crowd for Australian conventions was reached. From the grandstands the audience enjoyed a feast for the eyes. The platform was patterned along the lines of the New York platform, but much smaller. Large white letters spelled out the words "Jehovah's Praise Assembly". Flowers banked each side of the speaker's platform. In the background the jade-green lawns of a golf course and the well-clipped race track provided a beautiful setting for the stage. In the far distance could be seen the blue waters of Botany bay, where Captain Cook first landed in Australia, and the white sands of the beach. The speakers themselves had a commanding view of the three grandstands and the tent. During the sessions hundreds would sit comfortably on the lawns around the main grandstand and listen. In all, everyone appreciated the open-air setting with plenty of room to move about, lovely shady trees, ample facilities and ideal weather.
When upward of four thousand people come together, one would expect to find a great variety among them, particularly when they come from places as far as three thousand miles apart. There were visitors from Western Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria, the island of Tasmania, and some even made the voyage from New Zealand. In Australia, however, there is no accent change as one journeys from one state to another, so, apart from a few widebrimmed hats and country drawls, it was not possible to detect a Western Australian from a northern Queenslander. Company servants, pioneers and circuit servants from all these states made interesting reports during the convention, showing how progress is being made in large cities and in country places.
Without a doubt the high light of the meetings was the Memorial celebration on Friday night. This was a "first" in many ways. Never before in Australia had a Memorial celebration been conducted in the open air. The significance of the occasion was emphasized by the huge full moon shining out from behind scattered velvet clouds. The emblems of bread and wine were served separately. An audience of 4,206 sat quietly in the stands and on the grass in observation as the emblems were served and 263 partook, while I gave Scriptural explanation and admonition. It was so peaceful and serene. Truly it is an event permanently on the memories of the Australians who attended.
On Saturday morning the discourse on "Baptism" was given; and what a joy it was to behold 160 rise from the audience to signify their desire to be immersed! They were thereafter transported to the beach
and baptized. The press took note of this event. Then in the afternoon, after I concluded my discourse, more than three hundred of the pioneers and circuit servants assembled in the tent to consider Gilead training and working in the islands assigned to the Australian branch, such as New Guinea, New Caledonia and Norfolk Island. Eighty pioneers filed preliminary applications for Gilead, while thirty others volunteered to be sent to the tropical islands for pioneer service. They showed clearly that their desire is to expand the knowledge of the good news everywhere.
With a clear blue sky above, 5,805 persons filled the stands and lawns on Sunday afternoon when I delivered the public lecture on "Proclaim Liberty Throughout All the Land". The listeners took in every word and warmly applauded the comforting words of the talk. It was a good witness for Sydney. The Jubilee celebration of Australia's Federation was on, being well announced and noted by special festivities. But how different from Jehovah's jubilee of liberty!
One thing that was to be contended with in Sydney was the power black-outs which might come at any time, due to the shortage of generating equipment in the area. Strikes and coal shortages also afflict the country. The first day there were blackouts during the daylight hours, but the brothers had foreseen this problem and had arranged for an auxiliary supply of power to keep the public-address system functioning. Because the grounds had no lighting arrangements, much work was done to install the lighting system. Jehovah's witnesses are the first people to light this racecourse. In all, 12,000 feet of wiring was used. Loud-speakers were installed throughout all the grounds so you could sit either in the stands or under some shady Moreton Bay fig tree, or remain in a tent or house-car in the caravan camp.
A great convenience to the convention departments too was the installation of their own telephone system, saving many steps when messages had to be sent or when emergencies arose.
Items specially appreciated by the conventioners were the invitation to visit the branch home and printery following the assembly and the introduction of Brother T. Jaracz, a graduate of Gilead and an American, as the new branch servant for Australia.
On Sunday night the assembly came to an end. The expressions of the publishers showed it was one never to be forgotten. They had been refreshed as they drank in the new truths, encouraged and strengthened as they found themselves better equipped and 'armored' for the Devil's final onslaughts, cheered and encouraged by the sweet companionship of old and many new faces.
The spirit of the publishers in Australia is very good. It was a delight to us to see the improvement over the conditions existing during the previous visit to Australia in 1947. There is absolute unity in the work in Australia now and they have enjoyed many rich blessings from Jehovah in the field service during recent times. When we were there in 1947 they had 3,284 publishers reporting, but now the peak is up to 5,163, which shows that there is Theocracy's expansion in Australia as in the rest of the world.
It was a pleasure to see hundreds of the publishers inspecting the home, printery
and garden on Monday. We were busy about the place taking care of the remaining business to be done at the office. Our visit with the Bethel family had been too short, but there were others expecting to
see us up north. That night, the 26th, we were to leave for Djakarta, Indonesia, on the BOAC Constellation. The Bethel family and about a hundred of the Sydney company publishers gathered at the Mascot airport by 9:30 p.m., when we were told to board the plane. They were a jolly lot and wonderful company. They insisted that they would like to have another big convention like the last one very soon and so we should come back to Australia and visit them again before long. We bade them farewell and took our places in the aircraft. There was a vigorous waving of hands as the huge plane slowly moved away from its position beside the terminal building. Down to the end of the field we went and there paused while the captain tested the engines. It is usually done, but when fifteen minutes passed and we were still in the identical position we began to wonder what was wrong. Finally the steward informed everyone that there was a defect in one engine and it would be necessary to return to the terminal.
At the terminal we found not one of the publishers had departed for home, so we were reunited with them and we told them they now had their second visit of the year from us. Other passengers impatiently stood or sat there while the engines were being repaired, but a theocratic traveler has so many good friends and brothers and sisters that he has the advantage over the ordinary voyager. The extra hour with the publishers was a quick one, with much joy and pleasure. Then we proceeded to the
plane once more and this time it was different. At 10:55 we were off the ground on the way to our first refueling point, Darwin, an outpost on the north coast of Australia. We went to sleep.
RELEASE to the CAPTIVES
EHOVAH God is the Great Deliverer and sets free whom and
"Jehovah bringeth back the captivity of his people."—Ps. 14:7, AS.
what he will at the appointed time according to his declared purposes. His word is never broken. His promises, though thousands of years old, are and will be carried into effect. In pre-Christian times Jehovah caused his prophets to have holy dreams and visions which were recorded by these servants, to the end that his faithful people at the appointed times should read and understand them, so providing them with knowledge, guidance and comfort. Often the servant who was given the vision did not perceive its meaning, the simple reason being that it was not for him but for others. Jehovah gives the vision and hides its meaning, and he it is who reveals the meaning thereof and to whomsoever he chooses. (Ps. 25:14) And now, in the articles to follow, we shall learn that the Almighty Deliverer will set free all lovers of truth and righteousness, and rebuild his holy city (Zion, God's organization) and make it "beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth". (Ps. 48:2, AS) This time it will not be the literal city of Palestine, but a spiritual organization with Christ Jesus the King seated upon its throne.
2 Daniel was a faithful worshiper of God, and one greatly beloved. (Dan. 9:23) His name means "God is judge" or "God's judge", hence one who vindicates or punishes, pronounces sentence—one strong enough to accomplish these things. The day has now come for judgment, which means condemnation to the oppressors, deliverance to the oppressed, for the complete vindication of God's faithful people
and for the praising of his holy name. Therefore, of special importance are the visions and wonders seen by Daniel and recorded for these last days. They were not given for this faithful prophet's guidance, but for a time when the saints of the Most High God would be living amidst terrible corruption and violence in the world; when they would be preserving unshaken attachment to the truth, though in a situation encompassed with difficulties and surrounded by temptations; at a time when they would be publicly confessing their faith, their worship and the prophecies in Jehovah's holy service amid grave dangers, expressing God's judgments in defiance of intemperate, powerful, and ruthless tyrants. During this time they would experience miraculous proofs of his undeserved kindness and protecting care.
The visions and wonders recorded in the book of Daniel are for the comfort, encouragement and strength of the people of Jehovah, this despite the generally accepted view expressed by Bible commentators that all of them are to be understood as having a fulfillment over an extended period of thousands of years, furnishing a historical description of successive kingdoms and world empires, all of which are to be fulfilled before Messiah's reign. It is now clearly revealed that a number of these visions were to enter upon their complete fulfillment when Christ's kingdom began. Hence they are not pre-Kingdom prophecies, but apply when the Kingdom is set up. Once this fact is grasped and appreciated we shall get the force and application of these marvelous visions, and even learn of events taking place in heaven itself, which events have their effect upon God's people and the nations of earth.
Only Jehovah God and Christ Jesus could disclose such wonderful secrets, and this they do so that the glad tidings may be declared that the day of deliverance is here.
Such visions find their application and fulfillment in the time of judgment of the Gentile system of things. God judges them while their term of power runs out, and he will punish them for their treatment of his people. These wonders also deal with the rise and fall of the shameful abomination that makes desolate, the setting free of the captives from mystic "Babylon the Great", and the complete end of all powers opposed to God's kingdom, yes, their inglorious end, by the impact of the powerful, invisible forces of heaven operating against satanic wickedness. Such revelations in the days when the actual events are taking place truly comfort and strengthen those who are devoted to God, and it could not be so if these many prophecies had received fulfillment centuries ago, unless, of course, for confirming such prophecies by miniature fulfillment. Now is the time when there is great distress in all the earth, when perilous times are upon us, and when dreadful happenings are yet to come to pass. Now is when earnest inquiry is being made into the reason for these troubles and perplexities, so that the hope for deliverance and survival may be determined.
There cannot be any doubt concerning these Daniel-recorded prophecies' coming to pass in these "last days", because it is so stated. It is further established that prophecy may be understood only after it has been fulfilled or during the course of its fulfillment. No matter who tried to grasp the meaning of these visions they
could never know until Jehovah the "revealer of secrets" (Dan. 2:47) disclosed them by bringing the actual events to pass. To Daniel it was said, "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." (Dan. 12:4, AS) Not general worldly knowledge, such as the terrific speeds now attained through modern-day inventions, but something far different. The Greek Septuagint Version gives the correct thought: "Daniel, close the words, and seal the book to the time of the end; until many are taught and knowledge is increased." The verb "to run" is used at Jeremiah 5:1 with regard to searching after knowledge. In the same sense it is used at Zechariah 4:10 (AS): "The eyes of Jehovah, which run to and fro through the whole earth." Also compare Amos 8:12, AS: "They shall run to and fro to seek the word of Jehovah, and shall not find it." The phrase in Daniel 12:4 means to read earnestly and thoroughly, to the end that they might be taught.
6 Jehovah purposed that the prophecies given to Daniel should be fulfilled and clearly revealed in the "last days" of the Gentile nations, and thereby knowledge would be increased. The Rotherham translation renders the phrase, "knowledge shall abound." The proper conclusion to reach, therefore, is that until Jehovah's set time comes to fulfill the prophecy and to give his spirit to his people, impelling them to diligently search his Word through and through, as it were, page by page, prophecy by prophecy, no one could possibly have an accurate interpretation. At the best it would be a guess. Understanding has been reserved for the "consummation of the system of things", where we are now living and have been since 1914.—Matt. 24:3, NW. VISION of the TIME OF THE END"
FOR the vision belongeth to the time of the end." (Dan. 8:17, AS) This "time of the end" covers a period of many years, those of a generation, and it can come into effect only when the Gentile times expire and when the kingdom of the Messiah is ready to take over the rulership of the earth. A time certain was decreed in which to bring about the complete end of the great nations now ruling on earth, and this time began A.D. 1914 and will terminate with the mighty battle of Armageddon. "Seal the record until the fixed period." (F. Fenton) Yes, the time for this period is fixed but as yet Jehovah has not revealed the actual day or year of its end to his faithful people, but he knows. During this fixed period, the length of a generation, tremendous wonders will happen. Indeed the whole course of human events will change, insofar as the system of things, rulerships over the nations, and modes of living, are concerned. New systems of things will be introduced, leading eventually to peace, joy, health and everlasting life. Jehovah shall be known to his people and his 'praises sung from the rising of the sun to the going down thereof'. Deliverance in the fullest sense will be the blessed lot of those who worship and bless the God of Daniel. Jehovah the Judge of all the earth and heaven will bring to pass his good pleasure.
would be taken from the present ruling powers, invisible and visible, and be given to the Messiah Prince, who is the Lord Jesus Christ, and to the saints of the Most High God. The time for this transfer of authority has really come and
2 Daniel's prophecy reveals how during the "time of the end" the sovereignty
the name of Jehovah must now be exalted. There could not be a more eventful time in the history of the world. It is truly thrilling to be alive and witness the passing away with great noise of the old system of things and the inauguration of new and better systems of things. Yes, it is earth's greatest event, for the time has come at last for the kingdom of Jehovah God to be ruled over by Christ the King of all kings. The pinnacle of the ages is here, the grandest, the most glorious day has dawned. Heaven rejoices, the earth is glad, and multitudes of people are singing aloud for sheer joy, praising Jehovah the Creator, who is worthy. "And they are singing the song of Moses the slave of God and the song of the Lamb, saying: 'Great and wonderful are your works, Jehovah God, the Almighty. Righteous and true are your ways, King of eternity. Who will not really fear you, Jehovah, and glorify your name, because you alone are one of loving-kindness?' "—Rev. 15:3,4,NW.
TIME FOR RELEASE TO BEGIN
The time for the release of the children of God's organization Zion from Babylonish captivity is when Jehovah God commences to rule as King. And we must connect the Kingdom rule with this great deliverance to really appreciate Daniel's prophecy which clearly marks the time for us. It is a time of great jubilation, the prisoners freed, the dispersed of spiritual children returning to spiritual Zion, their real home-coming.
And why should it not be a time for much rejoicing! Do not even worldly nations sing aloud and clap their hands and almost cause the very atmosphere to shout happiness when their armies return from war, and when the prisoners of war return to their land, cities, homes and loved ones? Then how much more should Zion rejoice when her conquering Commander marches forth victoriously, and when the captives are freed and the Signal raised on high leading them back to God's city, to their "home". The day of all days is here. The psalmist directed by God's holy spirit voiced many expressions of exultation concerning the time when Jehovah would rule as King. "In that day" all things living would rejoice. In this connection it is worth our time to read many of these psalms, particularly Psalms 93 to 100. A few expressions are here quoted: "Jehovah reigneth; he is clothed with majesty; Jehovah is clothed with strength; he hath girded himself therewith: The world also is established, that it cannot be moved." "Oh come, let us sing unto Jehovah; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving; . . . Jehovah is a great God, and a great King above all gods." "Yahweh hath become king. Let the peoples tremble, he is enthroned on the cherubim, let the earth shake. Yahweh in Zion is great, and high is he over all the peoples. Let them thank his Name—great and reverend."—Ps. 93:1 and 95:1-3, AS; Ps. 99:1-3, Ro.
4 The whole universe displays Jehovah's majesty, but this is particularly so in the sanctuary of Zion. The English language seems to exhaust itself in joyous expressions of jubilation. It is as though the psalmist were saying, 'Break forth into song and music!' To get the sense, the import, the joy, the purpose behind those inspired prophetic utterances, they cannot be read in monotone, or as one would read a newspaper. No, for they vibrate with life, intensity, gratitude and warmth in the realization that the long-promised day of deliverance from all wickedness and wicked persons has come, for 'Jehovah has become King'.
During the prophetic career of Daniel God's people were in the 70-year period of Jerusalem's desolation, and the visions, wonders and prophecies were received by him in the land of exile. He yearned and longed for the return to Jerusalem where Jehovah would be King and the children of Zion could worship him in purity and without the defiling Babylonish influences and bondage. When would it come? and how? were the great questions. Daniel sought Jehovah in prayer and supplication to find out the answers, and for this reason he was greatly beloved. "Now therefore, O our God, hearken unto the prayer of thy servant, and to his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate, for the Lord's sake. O my God, incline thine ear, and hear; open thine eyes, and behold our desolations, and the city which is called by thy name: for we do not present our supplications before thee for our righteousness, but for thy great mercies' sake. O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive; O Lord, hearken and do; defer not, for thine own sake, O my God, because thy city and thy people are called by thy name."—Dan. 9:17-19, AS.
6 In a miniature way many prophecies received partial fulfillment when Israel returned after the 70-year desolation. Thousands made their long journey back over the rough roads from Babylon to Jerusa-
To God's people in Daniel's day what were the pressing questions of the hour as indicated by Daniel's prayer?
What marvelous means of communication between heaven and earth are to be noted in the miniature fulfillment of the deliverance?
lem, and amidst very troublous times they rebuilt the city and temple and repaired the walls which had fallen down. Jehovah directed and blessed that return. He even disclosed information for the comfort of Daniel by one of his angels. "At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment went forth, and I am come to tell thee; for thou art greatly beloved: therefore consider the matter, and understand the vision." (Dan. 9:23, AS) It is thrilling to learn how Jehovah uses some of his angels. "And I heard a man's voice between the banks of the Ulai, which called, and said, Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision." (Dan. 8:16, AS) This same Gabriel was appointed to express Jehovah's purpose concerning the birth of the Son of God to Mary. "In her sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent forth from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin promised in marriage to a man named Joseph of David's house; and the name of the virgin was Mary." (Luke 1:26, 27, NW) Truly this use of angelic messengers to connect earth and heaven constituted a marvelous means of communication.
7 It is also a fact that in these last days the angels are used invisibly to care for the same sacred service. "For he will give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways." (Ps. 91:11, AS) How beautifully this is portrayed for us in the dream given to Jacob the chosen servant of God! "And he dreamed; and, behold, a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven; and, behold, the angels of God ascending and descending on it. And, behold, Jehovah stood above it, and said, I am Jehovah, the God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed." (Gen. 28:12, 13, AS)
And the Lord Jesus promised Nathaniel he would see a like thing. "He further said to him: 'Most truly I say to you men, You will see heaven opened up and the angels of God ascending and descending to the Son of man.'" (John 1:51, NW) Yes, Jehovah commissioned angels to attend to the King's commands in those days, and so, too, now: "But when he again brings his Firstborn into the inhabited earth, he says: 'And let all God's angels worship him.' Also with reference to the angels he says: 'And he makes his angels spirits, and his public servants a flame of fire.'" Heb. 1:6, 7, NW.
GENTILE TIMES ENDED
The great deliverance promised for thousands of years begins when the 'times of the Gentiles' run out, which is A.D. 1914. Powerful Gentile kingdoms have ruled on earth and over God's people since 607 B.C., as was indicated to Israel's king: "And thou, O deadly wounded wicked one, the prince of Israel, whose day is come, in the time of the iniquity of the end, thus saith the Lord Jehovah: Remove the mitre, and take off the crown; this shall be no more the same; exalt that which is low, and abase that which is high. I will overturn, overturn, overturn it: this also shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him." (Ezek. 21:25-27, AS) This period of time stretches for 2,520 years, from 607 B.C. to A.D. 1914. Throughout those many centuries God's nation never had a king of David's line ruling on the throne, for the crown was reserved for him whose right it is, namely, God's anointed King, Christ Jesus. "Yet I have set my king upon my holy hill of Zion. I will tell of the decree: Jehovah said unto me, Thou art my son; this day have I begotten thee. Ask of me, and I will give thee the nations for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession."—Ps. 2:6-8 and Psalm 110, AS.
The coronation was not to take place at the first advent of Christ Jesus, but at the second. He was not to be King over just one small part of this earth, but King of all. He is "King of kings". "For this very reason also God exalted him 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 of those in heaven and those on earth and those under the ground, and every tongue should openly confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father." (Phil. 2:9-11, NW) "Next, the accomplished end, when he hands over the kingdom to his God and Father, when he has destroyed all government and all authority and power. For he must rule as king until God has put all enemies under his feet." (1 Cor. 15:24, 25, NW) When the Gentile times expire then every power will be broken to pieces. (Ps. 110:5, 6) "Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel." (Ps. 2:9, AS) No, a literal city will not be the seat of this majestic, glorious, mighty King, but heaven itself. It is with these sacred truths that we get the setting for the proper understanding of the 12th chapter of Daniel, and see Jehovah's faithful ones in these last days earnestly inquiring of God the meaning of the present-day events and seeking for an understanding of the vision of Jehovah's promises to comfort his people.—Isa. 40:1, 2; 44:2, 8; 45:1-4, AS.
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