The Watchtower, October 1, 1951

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The WATCHTOWER

Announcing

JEHOVAH'S

KINGDOM

OCTOBER 1, 1951

Semimonthly

THE CORNERSTONE OF ZION

LAYING THE STONE IN COMPLETION

"HAPPY ARE THE EYES THAT BEHOLD"

FROM THE PHILIPPINES

TO TAIWAN AND JAPAN

GILEAD'S LARGEST

HOME-GRADUATING CLASS

©WTB&TS

"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. KNORE, President

GRANT SUITER, Secretary

"They will all be taught by Jehovah."—John 6:45, NW; Isaiah 54:13

CONTENTS

What to Love and What to Hate 579

"Happy Are the Eyes That Behold" 581

From the Philippines to Taiwan and Japan 584

Gilead's Largest Home-graduating Class 589

Way of Success 592

The Cornerstone of Zion 593

Laying the Stone in Completion 599

Questions from Readers 607

Announcements 608

Abbreviations used in "The Watchtower" for the following Bible versions

AB - 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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WHAT TO LOVE AND WHAT TO HATE

FROM the religious pulpit you have doubtless heard over and over again the old refrain of "love". But sectarian use of the term often proves weak and meaningless. At times they apparently cannot find enough things to love. They love God, man, their neighbor, the world, everyone and everything—so they say!

But seldom does this affection run very deeply. It usually covers a 'multitude of sins' such as gossiping, backbiting, envy or cheating in business. Let a war come and the pulpit from which the "love song" echoed becomes a recruiting platform. With little consideration of the interests of love, sectarians are rushed off to kill foreign members of their own and other sects. A politician makes famous the words "I hate war!" The clergy parrot them repetitiously the world over. Yet their love of peace is not strong enough to prevent what they claim to hate.

On an occasion Christ Jesus three times asked his apostle Peter if he had affection for him, and to Peter's affirmative reply Jesus answered, "Feed my little sheep." (John 21:15-17,NW) One look at the scattered, spiritually neglected flocks of religious Christendom assures that their "spiritual shepherds" have not been feeding them, hence must not love them.

The worldly sentimentalist thinks he knows what love is. He selects another human creature for whom he professes much adoration. Before long his "love" for this

creature of the opposite sex has become a subtle form of creature worship and, according to the careless habits of a reckless world, is likely accompanied with immorality. Rather than love, God's Word calls such a course "earthly, animal, demonic".—Jas. 3:15,NW.

In striking contrast, true Christian love is unselfish and is free of all of the boastful, indecent, grudge-bearing tendencies of the old world. (1 Cor. 13) Such love was exemplified in the highest sense when Jehovah God offered his Son, "that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life." Jesus, in turn, lovingly did his part, willingly offering his life in accord with God's purpose. With such examples as these to go by, no true Christian could allow himself to love what God hates or establish a greater love for any created thing than for God.—John 3:16; Rom. 1:22, 23, NW.

Very well, then, where does God's love stop and his hate begin? Sectarian interpretation that God gave his Son for this old system of things is totally without foundation. Therefore, no Christian is obligated to love the selfish political enterprises or degrading social practices found so prevalent in this world. The same book of John records Jesus' words to politician Pilate: "My kingdom is no part of this world. . my kingdom is not from this source." The same writer clearly states: "Do not be loving either the world or the things in the world.

If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him; because everything in the world—the desire of the flesh and the desire of the eyes and the showy display of one's means of life—does not originate with the Father, but originates with the world. Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that does the will of God remains forever."—John 18:36; 1 John 2:15-17,NW.

Simply for upholding these Scriptural principles, Christians are frequently charged with carrying on a "hate campaign" and being "against everything". (John 15:19) By contrast, worldlings, in display of their own righteousness, will point to their institutions for the care of the blind, of the aged, of children and of animals. Yet, what do these things really prove? Are they not only blank admissions of the imperfect, selfish conditions abroad that prompt their need? For example, during its toll-taking wars, this system of things reaps a great harvest of widows. It is not unselfish love so much as natural duty that the ones responsible should later care for these widows.

While not denying the contributions of science and medicine to more comfortable living, Christians at all times remember that there is a place for everything, and the "place" for science, medicine and their allies is definitely not in the field of worship. That they must reserve for God and Christ Jesus alone. Remember, science may reduce your chances of contracting certain diseases, or improve treatment or opportunities for recovery; but it cannot regenerate the physical organism itself. Yet such regeneration, even to the point of everlasting life, God guarantees to bring about for those seeking it.John 17:3.

The whole idea of embracing this world, loving it, trying to "convert it" and make it usable for Christ's kingdom is a false

notion for long injected into people's minds by Christendom's clergy. Jesus was offered kingship in this world by the people of his time, and he would have none of it. Moreover, he was offered powers as a great world dictator, authority which would have dwarfed the mighty Caesars to mere satellites beneath him. This temptation was held out to him by one with authority to give it, "the god of this system of things," Satan the Devil. But the price was the same as now: such ruler must recognize Satan as supreme and almighty. Jesus' answer needs no explaining: "It is written, 'It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.'" (John 6:15; Luke 4:5-8, NW) Jesus knew that God had decreed destruction for the old satanic "system of things". His love and hope lay in the 'new heavens and new earth where righteousness is to dwell'. 2 Pet. 3:10, 13, NW.

Harmoniously, Christians who love God must respect his Word. They cannot love something that God has assigned for destruction. Abominations that claim world rulership instead of God's kingdom, false doctrines corrupting the proper understanding of God and misrepresenting his purposes and sinful practices that mock God's Word, they must detest. But while awaiting the new world for themselves, they will not selfishly hole up in some monastery, shutting out their hope from others.

Like Jesus, Christians today prominently display their light as from a lampstand. God's glorious new world, its program for true world betterment, the visible organization now given them for the work of praising God, God's Word the Bible, their fellow workers, the people of good will flocking into the ever-expanding theocratic organization—all these things true Christians love with their whole souls or lives. Their lives are given that others may learn this and have life.—Matt. 5:14-16, NW.

THE eyes are one of our choicest possessions, so indispensable to our complete happiness. They enable us to enjoy the vision of the starry heavens above, the beauties and marvels of our mundane sphere, and the very sunlight itself. By use of our eyes and our reasoning faculties we can appreciate that God indeed exists and that he made all things beautiful in their time.—Eccl. 3:11; Rom. 1:20.

Jehovah God not only made natural light and provided man with eyes with which to see natural things, but he has also made provision whereby man can see spiritual light and discern spiritual things by means of the 'eyes of the heart'. (Eph. 1:18) His Word is a light to our path, and today it is shining with ever-increasing brilliancy. (Ps. 119:105; Prov. 4:23) By means of that light one gains an understanding of Jehovah God, who he is and what his purposes are; learns that God's kingdom is at hand and that soon this wicked old system of things will be replaced with a new world wherein righteousness dwells.—Ex. 6:3; Rev. 11:15-18; 2 Pet. 3:1-13.

Great as is the affliction of being without the use of one's eyes, to be without mental or spiritual sight is to suffer a far greater loss; in fact, it means to suffer destruction. (Matt. 15:14) And how widespread is this spiritual blindness! Whereas

only one or, at most, two persons in a thousand in the United States are physically blind, the ratio is just reversed as regards spiritual sight: only one in a thousand can see! In India only one in about a million has this spiritual sight, while in China only about one in four million understands about Jehovah and his purposes.

WHY SO MUCH SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS?

Why are so many people spiritually blind? First of all, because Satan, the god of this system of things, has blinded their minds to the truth. (2 Cor. 4:4) He is the prince of darkness and the archenemy of light, and he and his demons do all they can to keep the people in darkness.—Isa. 60:2; Eph. 6:11, 12.

Because of his blinding influence millions of people in China, India and behind the iron curtains have never had the opportunity to see the light. All such people are blind simply because they never have had an opportunity to use their eyes, to learn the truth. Today a great work is being done of beaming forth this light to all parts of the world. Hundreds of thousands of light bearers are letting their light shine from house to house and on the street corners; the radio is being used and missionaries are being trained and sent to those lands where the darkness is the greatest, so that as many as possible may come in contact with the light and see, provided they want to see.

Provided they want to see? Does not everyone want to see the light? you ask. From a natural standpoint, yes, most people do want to see, but not so from a spiritual standpoint. Just as there are certain wild beasts that prefer the darkness to the light because of their predatory habits, poor eyesight, etc., so the facts show that some human creatures, for one reason or another, prefer darkness to the light. They are the counterpart of the religious leaders of Jesus' day. These were blind, not because of lack of light, for the Light had come into the world, but because they refused to see that Light, refused to recognize Jesus as the promised Messiah.—Matt. 4:15, 16; John 3:19-21.

Why did they shut their eyes to the light? Because of pride, prejudice and greed. Trying to justify their position they asked for more signs and for Jesus to tell them point-blank whether or not he was the Messiah. But Jesus did not comply with their captious demands for more proof. To their demand, "If you are the Christ, tell us," he replied: "Even if I told you, you would not believe it at all." Matt. 16:1; 21:23; Luke 22:67, NW.

Jesus warned against a 'wicked eye'. (Mark 7:22; Matt. 20:15, NW) Malice, envy and greed made his opponents blind to the truth, to the beauty, to the reasonableness and the Scripturalness of what he was telling them. More concerned with the praise of men than with God's approval, how could they see? (John 5:44) And the same is true of the leaders of organized religion today: pride, prejudice, and greed blind them to the simple and reasonable explanations of Jehovah's Word and purposes as brought to them by his servants and witnesses.

Another reason why some cannot see is that they do not have a "single eye". It

is as when the eyes are unable to focus properly, and so the mind is filled with a lot of conflicting rays, with no clear vision of what the eyes are looking at. The trouble with those who do not have a "single eye" is that they are trying to serve God and riches, or Mammon or self-gain, at the same time. Such is a double vision or viewpoint, unable to see that partial devotion and partial service is pleasing to neither of the two great masters, Jehovah God and Satan the Devil. Each demands the whole or nothing.

One with such a blurred, compromising vision is in the dark concerning God's kingdom and life in the new world just at hand, and, groping about, now on this side and now on that, he gets nowhere on the path of light, but stumbles down the broad road that leads to destruction. He may think he is in the light, but what he thinks is light is actually darkness, and because of his wrong, selfish opinion, "how great that darkness is!"—Matt. 6:23, NW.

LEARNING TO SEE

An infant at birth, though looking with its eyes open, recognizes nothing. But gradually, as the days and months go by, the same shapes and patches of color keep on reappearing. The child becomes familiar with them; he remembers them and can identify them on sight. Thus he learns to use his eyes and becomes familiar with the world about him.

So with one who comes in contact with the light of truth. At first it is all unfamiliar ground and we can see but little of what is revealed to us. But if we have honest hearts that seek to know and to retain what we learn, we will keep on peering into the pages of God's Word and into the workings of the organization which he is using on earth. Thus we grow familiar therewith. With good remembrance and familiarity we increase in perceptive powers, that is, in powers to select or pick out various things and distinguish them from other things and to detect details and peculiar features.

The Lord answers our prayer: "Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law."—Ps. 119:18.

Of course, such learning to see takes time and practice, but the reward in the way of results is blessed. No more following of blind guides, no more groping in darkness, no more confusion because of the many religious creeds, no more being baffled by perplexing questions. The beauty of God's truth causes us to exclaim: "This is Jehovah's doing; it is marvellous in our eyes."—Ps. 118:23, AS.

We must now treasure the 'eyes of our hearts' most jealously and exercise the greatest care for them. We must never let them deteriorate in visual power and sharpness, nor to relapse back into worldly blindness. They must continually be strengthened so as not to be strained or offended at the increasing brilliancy of the present-day light from God's Word. We must not let them grow dull but must continually exercise them in harmony with the fine rules of the art of spiritual seeing.

Jesus, speaking to his disciples who had just come in from a campaign of field service, preaching the kingdom of God, said: "Happy are the eyes that behold the things you are beholding. For I say to you, Many prophets and kings desired to see the things you are beholding but did not see them, and to hear the things you are hearing but did not hear them." (Luke 10:23, 24, NW) Our eyes are far more blessed than even theirs, because we can see by the fulfillment of Bible prophecy that Jehovah's royal government by his Christ is now fully established in the heavens forevermore. That being so we can with the

greatest confidence proclaim to all nations the presence and active operation of God's kingdom.—Matt. 24:14.

Jehovah God is our great Teacher, and concerning him the prophet says: "Your Teacher will no more hide himself, but your eyes will behold your Teacher." (Isa. 30:20, AT) We must keep our eyes on him by watching for his instructions as revealed through his unfolding Word and his organization, even as the eyes of a servant watch the hand of his master. (Ps. 123:1, 2) We must also keep our eyes fixed "intently at the leader and perfecter of our faith", Christ Jesus.-Heb. 12:2, NW.

And as we press along the only right way with our eyes fixed on Jehovah God, Christ Jesus and the Kingdom, let us also look with generosity upon the poor people in darkness and who hunger for the light of Kingdom truth. As we move about them let us remember: "He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor." (Prov. 22:9) Not material bread, but that which is of far more importance, spiritual bread, which results in good vision, like the honey Jonathan ate while pursuing the Philistines. (1 Sam. 14:27-29; Matt. 4:4) Of the same import is the proverb: "He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse."—Prov. 28:27.

Christ Jesus looked upon the poor, blind sheep in his day with compassion. Let us today do the same, thereby having a share in the fulfillment of the scripture: "Those to whom no announcement has been made about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand." (Rom. 15:21, NW) Our eyes have been blessed by the light of truth; let others have the light, that they also may see!

Philippines to Taiwan and Japan

Continuing the report of the service tour of the Society's president, N. H. Knorr, and his secretary, M. G. Henschel

BACK in 1947 when I had the privilege of serving in the Philippines they had reached a peak of 2,902 publishers. Now, in 1951, while I was at the branch office I received the March report that had just been gathered together and it revealed a new peak of 13,954. There are now 371 companies scattered throughout this republic of more than 7,000 islands, of which 70 are populated. The brothers appreciate the full-time service too, because 476 publishers are now pioneers. The greater portion of these were at the assembly and received the invitation to attend Gilead if they met the qualifications. About 40 filled out preliminary applications.

After the convention one of the company servants told about his experiences in working the New Bilibid Prison. He was given permission and the privilege of preaching and teaching in the prison, and at present 45 study regularly each week. The warden gave permission to use a pool inside the prison for a baptism, and many were baptized. Quite a number have gained release from prison upon expiration of their terms and are now working with the companies as faithful publishers. Knowledge of and hope in Jehovah's purposes helped these people to change their course of life and live properly and in praise to Jehovah's name. The brother is confident that the 45 now studying, many of whom are consecrated now, will join in the witness work when they can gain release.

Monday was devoted to talking to the circuit servants. Nine Filipino brothers have already graduated from Gilead and returned to work in the islands, and some are in the circuit work. It was interesting to talk to them about their problems, especially the one concerning the circuit servant's taking out publishers in the work when visiting a company to show them how to do the work of going from house to house. In the Philippines the circuit servant usually has no trouble in getting someone to go with him, because the whole company often wants the instruction. There are so many coming into the truth and at such a rapid pace that they all want to learn in a hurry how the circuit servant witnesses. So it is not unusual for a circuit servant to be going from door to door with 25 or more company publishers accompanying him and listening to him and what he has to say. This does not frighten the householders, because they like people and they listen, and so do the other people in the house listen. Sometimes neighbors will come and listen and maybe 75 persons will be in the audience. So the circuit servants say that often their witnessing from door to door changes into a series of public meetings during the day and much literature is placed in this manner and private studies are arranged. Of course, this is not the best manner to give individual training, and as the new publishers in the Philippines learn how to do the house-to-house work they will stop going in such large groups. It is believed that on their next trips around the circuits the servants will be able to take one or two with them at a time while the others will go from house to house themselves.

The brothers in the Philippine Republic are working under very adverse conditions due to the revolutionary situation that exists in their country, especially in the island of Luzon. This has not dampened their zeal, but they appreciate better than ever how much the kingdom of God is needed. They know that all people are to have an opportunity to hear of the Kingdom; so they press on preaching the good news and comforting the worried people. How many thousands of persons will ultimately associate themselves with Jehovah's witnesses in the Philippines is hard to determine, but all of those in the branch office and the circuit servants feel confident that before the end of this year they will have reached 15,000 publishers. They are well above the 34 per cent increase over last year's peak already. Even though many tongues are spoken in this republic, as far as Jehovah's witnesses are concerned they speak one pure language among themselves and by taking the truth of God's Word to the people in all the islands. They are expansion-minded. If it is the Lord's will they want to get the message preached to all the people before the great day of God Almighty begins to crush all of the Devil's organization.

TAIWAN

Our schedule called for our leaving the Philippines on Tuesday morning, April 27. We were at the airport at 6 a.m., and so were 30 others of our brothers who came down to say good-by. And it was not long until we were flying to the north toward Taiwan. We landed near the capital city, Taipeh, about 11 a.m. There were 13 of the brothers there to meet us. It had been previously arranged that Brother Henschel

stop there for a day and go out on a flight that was to leave the following day at noon. I had to keep on going to Japan because the convention was opening there in another day. But when we talked to our brothers we learned there was no flight the next day. It had been advanced one day. So I immediately inquired at the airport as to any other flights, and there was one leaving on Friday; so it was arranged for Brother Henschel to leave on Friday for Japan. Brother Shinichi Tohara, a graduate of Gilead, had been sent to Taiwan four weeks earlier from Tokyo, to visit with the brothers and see what was going on in Taiwan, and he arranged to remain with Brother Henschel and would accompany him to Tokyo in a few days. This would give Brother Henschel more time to check on things in Taiwan and try to help the publishers who were carrying on under adversity. Less than a year before, two missionary graduates of Gilead had been refused permission to remain longer in the territory remaining under control of Nationalist China. The brothers at the airport did not seem dismayed, and during the hour's stay at the airport I was able to talk to them through interpretation; and this was a real pleasure. The visit was too short.

The flight from Taiwan to Japan was quite uneventful. Most of the way all I could see was clouds. When leaving Taipeh, however, I did get a good look at the city and the thousands of beautifully terraced rice paddies, all flooded because the rains had come. The countryside was beautifully kept by skilled farmers. As we passed the coastline I wondered what Brother Henschel would be able to learn about Taiwan's attitude toward the work of Jehovah's witnesses. Here I insert part of the report I received from Brother Henschel when he reached Tokyo a few days after I did.

"Conditions in Taiwan are difficult for most of the people. The Chinese Nationalist armies are camped in great numbers in the island, which cannot itself produce sufficient food and other materials to support all the people. Help must be received from outside, and much has come from America. The Chinese are determined that they must go back and take the mainland from the communists and they are working toward that end. Every resource, they say, must be devoted to attaining that goal, including food and people.

"The city of Taipeh is a busy one. Uniformed men are present in great numbers. Officially the people use Chinese, but by far the major portion of the people do not know that language. They know considerable Japanese, as well as Taiwanese or a tribal tongue. The streets of the city suffered as a result of lack of upkeep during the World War II period, and now money seems to be used for other things; so there are many rough and bumpy stretches. The population is considerable, perhaps a million, but no one would risk a guess. None of Jehovah's witnesses reside in Taipeh; they are all in other cities and in the country places.

"The brothers who were at the airport were mostly from the east coast; in the Tai Tung and Hua Lien districts they say there are about 1,500 brothers and sisters. They are of the Ami tribe, which is third-largest in Taiwan. They live in small villages and towns and most of them are employed in agriculture. But they do love the truth and in most of the villages they meet together for Bible study and instruction from five to seven nights a week. Their language is not written, but since many know the Japanese tongue they use the Japanese Bible as the basis for their activities. They started to build a Kingdom Hall in which to hold meetings, but the police interfered and said they could not have a

church without being registered. On the other hand they had been told they could not be registered without having a church in which to meet. So they had filed a petition with the district government asking to be allowed to have a place and to worship God. But it always seemed to turn out that there would be a delay or some other thing would be required. Up to the time I arrived they had not succeeded in solving the problem.

"Brother Tohara had made an attempt to speak to the governor of Taiwan, but when the governor found out it concerned the work of Jehovah's witnesses he would not give any of his time. There appears to be great animosity against us in official circles. So it was thought best to approach the American Embassy. They had no information on the deportation of the missionaries and they suggested making a call at the foreign affairs section of the police. That meant waiting for a time until the chief of the section could complete a conference; and then it was time for tiffin (lunch). An immediate response came from the colonel, who knew all about the matter, and he suggested that an appointment be made for the next day, because he was ready for tiffin.

"It developed that the police had received some fantastic reports concerning Jehovah's witnesses. They did not care to say from whom the reports came, but they said there were things like having great numbers of men and women strip off all their clothing and stand in a river while someone sprinkled water on their heads in baptism, teaching people not to pay taxes, and suspicion that this was a secret or subversive organization. Of course, all these things were ridiculous. The two principal company servants, Cheng Ah Pang and Lin Yee Yia, and Brother Tohara were present with me at the police headquarters. These servants were questioned in the presence of the colonel and other officers through Brother Tohara, because they could not speak English or Chinese, but only Japanese and Ami, and they categorically denied each charge.

They had had a baptism at the home of Brother Cheng Ah Pang, but not at the river, and the people wore kimonos at the time. And it was pointed out that Jehovah's witnesses would not tolerate such a "baptism" because it was not morally proper and because Christ Jesus was the example and he was not sprinkled with water but completely submerged under the water. There had never been a case either, Brother Cheng Ah Pang said, where the missionaries or the Ami servants had taught people not to pay taxes and there had not been one instance where any of Jehovah's witnesses had failed to pay taxes. Also it was shown that Jehovah's witnesses are not a secret organization and not subversive, but that in all totalitarian countries, especially the communistic ones now, Jehovah's witnesses are persecuted and banned. There was something wrong with the reports the police had received, and the colonel said that he was going to investigate them. He proposed that there be an investigation into the entire affair, the police to send a representative at their expense and the Society to send a representative at its expense. There was no alternative, so this offer was immediately accepted on the basis that someone could be sent from Japan to represent the Society. Officials in Taiwan are usually extremely polite to Americans, but only passing time tells whether they mean all they say.

too. They have seven who want to enter the pioneer work. It was interesting to hear how Brothers Cheng Ah Pang and Lin Yee Yia found it possible to devote so much time to their work. They had come from large families, and, though they had children and land of their own, their brothers and families had said that these brothers should be dedicated to the Kingdom work and helping the others learn the truth and so their farms and families would be taken care of and these two brothers would push the spreading of the truth. They have the appearance of being fearless and confident in Jehovah, and there is no doubt that they meant it when they said that no matter what would come, whether the investigation would materialize and clear away the interference or not, they and the others would stick to Jehovah's service and help people learn of God's purposes. They had been in prison camps under the Japanese during World War II and also last year under the Chinese, but they felt that Jehovah had allowed them to live to carry on the ministry and they want to perform it well. Even under present circumstances the work is growing in Taiwan and surely it will continue to do so. As more publications become available to them in the Japanese language they will be able to push the teaching work throughout the districts beyond the 21 villages where companies now exist.

"The brothers were all well pleased that action might be taken to clear away their problems, because they are confident that if they can have a free hand at the preaching work they will be able to gain thousands more brothers and sisters from the Ami tribe and then from other territory

"It was a privilege to be associated with such zealous, fearless fighters for Jehovah's new world, and I thoroughly enjoyed talking to them on the Bible and answering some of their questions. They are thorough students and go deeply into the meaning of the Scriptures. They appreciate the theocratic organization and showed a genuine desire to organize the Kingdom work thoroughly in their companies. If it is ever possible to send more graduates of Gilead to Taiwan and keep them there, I feel sure there will be much fruit of increase in Taiwan."

So Brother Henschel concluded his report.

JAPAN

As I was writing before I injected this report on Taiwan, I was en route to Tokyo on the afternoon of April 24. We flew over Okinawa and through the broken clouds a small island could occasionally be seen. Then came darkness, followed shortly by a view of the lights of the city of Yokohama. We were flying low, making ready to land at Haneda Air Base. We circled over the sprawling city of Tokyo and thirty minutes later I heard a loud cheer from an excited crowd behind the big wire fence as I stepped out of the plane. It was good to see that enthusiastic crowd; it made me feel right at home. Customs gone through and official questions disposed of, I was surrounded by dozens of smiling faces and no one seemed to know what to say. We were all happy. It was easy to imagine being at Gilead School. There were 45 missionaries there in the crowd. I did not know where to begin to say hello and we were blocking all traffic in the air terminal. Better keep moving, I thought!

Brother Haslett, the branch servant, suggested that I speak to all the brothers at the Kingdom Hall in Tokyo, and although I was tired from fifteen hours of travel this group of Japanese publishers and missionaries was enough to keep anyone up. So let's go! The seventy-odd brothers packed into the buses and soon traveled the short distance through the dimly lit streets back to Tokyo. On the way there was lots of talking to do and love and greetings were delivered to those in the bus in which I was riding. I had seen friends and relatives of many along the way through many countries. Then at the hall I related some of the many experiences of the past two months. It grew quite late;

no one wanted to go to bed, but there was tomorrow for more.

The next day, Wednesday, April 25, I found out the Kingdom Hall, which is the front room of the branch and missionary home, is already too small to accommodate the increasing numbers that attend the meetings in Tokyo. The hall itself attracts people, because it faces the street and the front is made almost entirely of glass, which enables passers-by to get a good view of what goes on inside. The hall, dining room, hallways and office have wooden floors, but the other rooms, as in all other Japanese houses, have straw floors, called tatami, and are used by the Japanese to sleep on. They sleep between two soft mats: the bottom one is called a shiki buton and the top a futon. In the morning they roll up the mats and the floor is cleared for the day's activity. The floor is also used for sitting when one wishes to read, write, eat, or just relax. Under these circumstances it is obvious that one does not walk about the floor with his shoes on, but rather leaves these on the hard floor just inside the main entrance. You may use soft slippers to walk on the wooden floor in hallways, but you take these off too when you step on a tatami. Would you like some one to walk over your bed or chair with his shoes on? As for the walls inside the home, most of them are made of paper which is stuck onto a lightly made wooden frame, made into sections which will slide to one side, making a doorway. The houses are cool in the summer, not too heavy in an earthquake, and make a well-ventilated refrigerator in the winter. The doors are very low and, judging by the number of bumps on the branch servant's head, he (being a six-footer) seems to have found this out the hard way. I did too, and from then on I walked about Japanese houses with stooped shoulders.

Gilead's Largest Home-Graduating Class

THE big day had arrived. Yes, it was a big and joyful day for the 119 graduating students of the seventeenth class of the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead. For five and a half months they had diligently studied and prepared themselves for this day, Sunday, July 22. Now it was here. It did look as though rain might mar the graduation exercises, but despite the overcast sky, the pleasant, cool breezes kept the rain away, making it even more enjoyable than if it had been a hot, blazing sunshiny day.

Zero hour approached and the 119 students took their places in the three rows of chairs directly in front of the podium front of Shiloah, the school library. Behind them, fan-shaped, spread in orderly array was an all-time peak audience of 8,432. Friends and relatives from far and wide were expectantly waiting to feast on the good things prepared for the graduation exercises. They were not to be disappointed!

Promptly at 9 a.m., Mr. N. H. Knorr, president of the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead, located near South Lansing New York, opened the graduation with an appropriate song, followed by prayer from

Grant Suiter. The Kingdom Farm servant and each of the four instructors were then called upon to address the student body, recalling the pleasant association in work and in school had by all. The audience greatly enjoyed these short, to-the-point talks. Other expressions of love and unity were heard then, in the many messages and cablegrams read by Milton Henschel, the president's secretary. Messages poured in from Newfoundland, Ethiopia, Germany, Puerto Rico, Denmark, Sweden, Ireland, India, Japan, Central and South America, greatly swelling the audience in numbers as hearts and thoughts all over the world turned toward Gilead. The main discussion for the graduation was then directed to the thousands in attendance by Mr. Knorr, on the subject "Say to the Prisoners, Go Forth".

Referring to the Scripture text at Isaiah 49:9, the speaker forcefully outlined the will of Jehovah God in sending out his witnesses as ambassadors and missionaries in every land to say to the prisoners to go forth from their bondage in this doomed world and likewise serve the great liberator Jehovah. The graduating class carefully noted that the assignment that each

had received, in one of the 29 countries assigned out, was now open as never before for setting free the prisoners. It was stressed that, while the responsibility was theirs for opening the way, the big work was aiding the local people in seeing their own privilege of actively serving Jehovah God and Christ Jesus out of love for the Higher Powers and that the biggest work of "going forth" would be done by the very ones set free in each country.

Immediately following the address, the large, white envelopes containing the diplomas, class pictures, and other gifts were handed out to the graduates as they were called up individually. Mr. Knorr pointed out the various foreign fields that would be covered by the class. Names once strange, such as Surinam, Hashemite Kingdom, Thailand and others, were now commonplace and all were anxious to get to their new assignments. To show the gratitude and appreciation felt by the student body to all who made it possible for the special training they received, one of their number presented a letter to the Society's president which was unanimously adopted by the class. In part the letter said:

"We resolve to use our training faithfully in our assignments, to remain close to God's organization, and to be willing servants anxious to be obedient to his will. We will endeavor to set a good example in faith and right works and good conduct for our brothers and persons of good will, and will serve Jehovah God unwaveringly as a 'theatrical spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men'.—1 Cor. 4:9, NW."

ADVANCE PREPARATION AND SATURDAY'S PROGRAM

Graduation exercises for Gilead have become a highly interesting event now. Down through the various classes attendance has been creeping up, until at present these gatherings are comparable to a good-sized district assembly. For weeks prior to graduation, diligent efforts were put forth by the students and members of the farm family along with the local congregation of Jehovah's witnesses of Ithaca to obtain rooming accommodations for the expected multitude of attenders. Private homes, hotels and tourist homes alike opened their doors to welcome the visitors. Many of these have become close friends with witnesses who have come regularly to their homes during past graduations. The publicity department, too, was busy visiting the neighboring newspapers in Ithaca, Auburn and Syracuse. Pictures of the students from foreign countries along with interesting write-ups appeared announcing the coming graduation date and place, all of which added to the interest and general knowledge of people of good will in and around Ithaca. As Saturday, July 21, rolled around 2,783 accommodations were available, with many more being telephoned in by the hour. Arrangements had also been made for a tent and trailer camp nearby, and several outside toilets had to be set up for the comfort of the visitors.

Saturday evening found the weather cool and delightful for the program that was to come. The 3,000 chairs neatly arranged around the library building Shiloah were soon filled. Coats came off and blankets were spread and hundreds of others were comfortably seated on the surrounding grassy, green slopes. An audience of 5,133 attentively listened as loud-speakers carried the Watchtower discussion "The Place of God's Word in Our Lives" within the hearing of all. Following this a musical program was put on by the students, adding to the enjoyment of all present. After the evening session was over latecomers who found the grand total of 3,078 accommodations all taken began looking for space to sleep for the night. In addition 225 members of the Brooklyn and Toronto Bethel homes were accommodated at Gilead itself. Soon the hay barn was filled, other buildings filled rapidly, and the more hardy ones spread out their beds under the big, friendly trees on the campus grounds. In short time all was quiet and only the croaking of the frogs could be heard.

SUNDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING

After Sunday morning's graduation exercises were over, the many thousands of a mixed multitude scattered out to take in the sights of the spacious grounds of Gilead School. An orderly rush was made for the cafeteria, where the lines were increased from four to eight to cater to hungry mouths. Huge stocks of sandwiches, salads, soft drinks and ice-cream bars were depleted in short time with everyone satisfied and ready for the afternoon of relaxing recreation. The many buildings of Gilead were open to inspection by the visitors. Constant streams toured the grounds visiting the big dairy barn with its prize Holstein cows, the nearby cheese factory, the greenhouse, the mill where the machine for making puffed wheat and puffed rice is found. From there one could go over to the excellent library "Shiloah", which contains well over 8,000 Bible references and volumes. Here the many questions concerning special books, the photostatic copy of the famous "Dead-Sea" Hebrew manuscript scroll, the "Writer's Inkhorn" of the type used in Ezekiel's day, and various doctrinal points were discussed and answered. But most enjoyable of all for many was the chance to meet with the brothers and students and just talk about the field service work and new assignments.

Evening came around all too soon, but for the four thousand who remained it was a unique one. The graduates were invited up to the grassy podium to tell of their experiences and impressions of Gilead school days. They talked of their new assignments in Japan, Siam, Fiji Islands, Turkey and Jerusalem. One of the graduates was a little worried about finding a cookbook in Japanese and learning how to eat with "chopsticks". Another was wondering which language of five or six spoken in her assignment she should start on first. A number in the audience were trying to picture one of the sisters speaking Japanese with her southern drawl. This last meeting of graduates and visitors was brought to a close with some words of admonition from the school's president. While they had thoroughly enjoyed their stay at Gilead and the pleasant association together, now they were to be ever mindful of the seriousness of the times. Serious, too, as to their responsibilities of service and the moral responsibility all have in conducting themselves aright in these last days. In foreign fields a right example will further aid the people of good will to see the truth and be brought out from their prison houses of darkness to join in saying "Go forth".

Mr. Knorr announced he would soon see many of the graduates in their various assignments on his trip to London, Paris, Germany and other European assemblies yet this year. Then to the joy of all present he announced that he hoped to see all who could attend in Washington, D.C., October 12-14, 1951, at an assembly there. The many conventioners from England would be invited to tell of the manifold blessings due from the European assemblies. Another blessed event to look forward to, Praise Jah!

This terminated another Gilead graduation. With happy hearts the 12 buses filled with passengers and the 1,587 carloads of witnesses were soon on their way home. Visitors from all over the states had attended, some of whom were to continue on to London, England, for the big convention there. Most of the provinces of Canada were represented too, license plates of cars showing from Nova Scotia, Quebec, Manitoba, British Columbia and others. All felt greatly refreshed and better equipped to "say to the prisoners, Go forth".

Way of Success

WHAT greater success could anyone attain than to gain endless life in peace and happiness? None, of course. And next to that, what sweeter privilege could anyone enjoy than to help other persons obtain the same success? The big question, therefore, is how we as individuals may obtain this good success.*

Jehovah God is conducting a school of success, and anyone that desires may enroll in it. What is required of all who do enter this course of training is willingness to apply themselves to the course of study as outlined by the Teachers. The pupils must choose to serve God, agree to do his will, and permit him to make out of them what he wishes. Enrollment will outlast this present world, for none will graduate from this school until they have proved worthy of the new world.

Persons obtaining what is called success according to old world standards pride themselves on having attended a certain school or having had a certain famed instructor as their teacher. But no one could attend a school of higher learning, nor have a Teacher more competent and wonderful than Jehovah God. Lovingly he cares for the particular needs of each student, giving both general and individual guidance, instruction, counsel, reproof and correction. "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go," he says, "I will counsel thee with mine eye upon thee."—Ps. 32:8, AS.

The greatest man that ever walked this earth, Jesus of Nazareth, attended this same school, and had this same Instructor. As he says: "I do nothing of my own initiative, but just as the Father taught me I speak these things." (John 8:28,NW)

We do well, therefore, to follow Jesus' example, for he finished his schooling and graduated with the highest degrees inscribed on a never-fading diploma.

This is a practical school, and not one where mere theory is taught. Jesus was taught by his Father, that he might teach others. So we, too, after learning ourselves, must teach others. When closing our divinely inspired textbook, the Bible, after a session of personal study, or upon leaving an assembly of fellow Christians, we must not forget what we have learned. We must meditate on the instruction given, apply the lessons to our daily lives, and tell others about what we have learned. We must "become doers of the word, and not hearers only". A great part of our schooling comes through teaching others what we have learned.Jas. 1:22,NW.

So what is the way of success? Faithful obedience to Jehovah, the Great Teacher, and his commandments set forth in his Lawbook the Bible. "This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."—Josh. 1:8.

Never quit or play hooky from this divine school of success. Apply your mind to the instruction given. Be meek, be teachable. Draw good out of correction. As the scholar Paul told young Timothy: "Ponder over these things, be absorbed in them, that your advancement may be manifest to all persons. Pay constant attention to yourself and to your teaching. Stay by these things, for by doing this you will save both yourself and those who listen to you."—1 Tim. 4:15, 16, NW.

lievers, but judgment and destruction to the unbelievers.

2 The words used by the apostle Peter in the above text were quoted from the prophecy at Isaiah 28:16. In order to get an appreciation of the fulfillment we should have some knowledge of the speaker, of those addressed, and of the time and the cir-

ZION

"For it is contained in Scripture:

'Look! I am laying in Zion a stone, chosen, a foundation cornerstone, precious; and he that rests his faith on it will by no means come to disappointment.'"

—1 Pet. 2:6,NW.

EHOVAH'S purpose is to build a heavenly organization which is to be a sanctuary. It is called Zion. It is his own habicumstances as revealed in the local context. The setting of this scripture is important, for it helps us to know the reason for Jehovah's laying the foundation stone in Zion, the kind of people to whom he was speaking, his promise of protection and salvation to his own, and why he destroys others. So a brief comment is now made concerning the local conditions.

PROPHECY AND ITS CONTENTS 3 The prophecy recorded at Isaiah 28

tation and he will dwell in it forever. All its "stones" are of his own selection, preparing, testing; and he will be responsible for laying them in place. The most important of these is the foundation cornerstone. The whole structure must be built according to the chief cornerstone, it being of fundamental importance in setting the whole building in line. Then, too, every stone in the building must be in full conformity to the principal stone. Such "stones" are in fact faithful slaves of God who are approved after the chief "stone" Christ Jesus was fashioned to the Master Buildwas against the "drunkards of Ephraim". It is a message of denunciation. "The head of Ephraim is Samaria," and Samaria had not at this time been destroyed. (Isa. 7:9) Many of the Israelites wanted to shake off the Assyrian yoke, but by reliance on the help of Egypt and not in the strength of Jehovah. Samaria was besieged and taken in the sixth year of Hezekiah. (2 Ki. 18:9,10) These "drunkards of Ephraim", who had conspired against the king of Judah, were swept away. She had been a beautiful sight as she lay on a delightful

er's requirements. Nearly 2,000 years have passed since the first "stone" was prepared, but at last the time has arrived to build up this sanctuary of God. At the completion of the building, great joy and salvation are brought to the faithful becircular hill, situated at the head of the valleys, boasting wonderful fertility. Moreover, she lived in luxury and splendor. Amos 6:4-6.

4 Jehovah is angry with these boastful, bombastic, arrogant Ephraimites and is about to bring punishment upon them and therefore gives the warning. He will cast Samaria to the ground so the proud crown may be trampled underfoot. He will be like a terrible storm and devastating hail to these despisers and drunkards. Yes, they shall be like an early fig appearing before the August harvest, such a special delicacy that scarcely sooner does one touch it with the hand than it is swallowed. This is a picture of the beauty and pride of Samaria doomed to inevitable destruction. Though God is angry with these evil men, yet to his people he is a glorious crown and a diadem of beauty.

5 Condemnation comes to priest and prophet. They are drunken topers. The injustices of their corrupt ones were the crying evil, and their place was to be taken by others. These disgraceful servants were actually reeling to their service, and uttering prophecies which were not genuine. The most loathsome features of drunkenness are their portion—everything swimming with vomit, every table filled with it, and no place left clean. They scorn and ridicule the Lord's prophet and, as drunken men, bellow out loudly in foolish ditties. The scornful never learn, though the rule is given to them over and over again; but they jeer and mock at the constant iteration of the same fundamentals, the same message. However, regardless of their scorn, scoffing and ignorance, Jehovah speaks most severely and answers saying it shall be rule on rule to them, command on command, precept upon precept. Will they never hear and take notice? All it results in is a little here and a little there. These drunkards have a false sense

of security, for lies and deceit were in the Egyptian alliance they were courting. Jehovah would now flush them and their filth completely away. With these facts in mind the following prophetic expression betokens impending judgment: "Therefore thus saith the Lord Jehovah, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner-stone of sure foundation: he that believeth shall not be in haste. And I will make justice the line, and righteousness the plummet; and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hidingplace." (Isa. 28:16,17,AS) The laying of the stone in Zion is for the purpose of judgment upon those drunkards of Ephraim. His favor was not with such scoffers and wicked ones, but with Zion, the capital city of the beloved king, David. There is one thing sure, Jehovah had his promises bound up in the "sure mercies of David" and therefore with the promised occupant of David's throne. He will bring to pass his strange work and strange act, accomplishing exactly what is purposed.

MINIATURE FULFILLMENT

The recording of the many happenings to Israel was for the benefit of those who would be living when the end of the system of things should come, both in the days when Christ Jesus was on earth and also at the time of Kingdom rule now. The prophecies were to have a double fulfillment, one which would be the miniature and the other the major and complete one. The miniature will here be dealt with first, and therefore we commence considering those scriptures relating to the 'stone of Zion' at Christ's first advent.

7 Israel's condition at this time was deplorable, disgraceful and truly merited

Jehovah purposed to do what to Samaria?

(a) How does the prophet describe these Ephraimites, and how does Jehovah deal with them? (b) When the "stone" is laid in Zion, what happens to the "drunkards"?

Do prophecies have more than one fulfillment? Explain.

Describe the condition of those in the days of Jesus who were foreshadowed by the "drunkards of Ephraim".

Jehovah's anger and disfavor. Of those religious rulers who filled the part prefigured by the "drunkards of Ephraim" it is recorded: "When [John] caught sight of many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to the baptism he said to them: 'You offspring of vipers, who has shown you how to flee from the coming wrath? So then produce fruit that befits repentance.'" "Then Herod [the religio-political ruler], seeing he had been outwitted by the astrologers, fell into a great rage, and he sent out and had all the boys in Bethlehem and in all its districts killed, from two years of age and under, according to the time that he had carefully ascertained from the astrologers." Said Jesus: "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because you resemble whitewashed graves, which outwardly indeed appear beautiful but inside are full of dead men's bones and of every kind of uncleanness. In that way you also, outwardly indeed, appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness." (Matt. 3:7,8; 2:16; 23:27,28; see also Matt. 3:11,12; 12:33,34; 23:3,13,25; John 12:9-11,NW) The foregoing shows these rulers to be just as reprehensible as the typical "drunkards" of old time. They are about to receive judgment. Being his professed people and standing before the nations as such, God deals with them accordingly. Simeon had also prophesied, "Look! this one [Christ] is laid for the fall . . . of many in Israel and for a sign to be talked against."—Luke 2:34,35,NW.

8 Christ Jesus preached the Kingdom and taught that he was the Kingdom. "But on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming he answered them and said: 'The kingdom of God is not coming with striking observableness, neither will people be saying, "See here!"

or, "There!" For, look! the kingdom of God is in your midst.'" "But if it is by means of God's spirit that I expel the demons, the kingdom of God has really overtaken you." "From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of the heavens is the goal toward which men press, and those pressing forward are seizing it." (Luke 17:20, 21; Matt. 12:28; 11:12, NW) These scriptures clearly show that many in Israel had the opportunity of having a share in this kingdom. He presented himself to Israel as their king, but they refused to accept him, so rejecting him as their king. Judgment was then pronounced upon Israel, and he cleansed the temple. —Matt. 21:5; Luke 19:37-40, 42-46, NW.

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