The Watchtower, January 15, 1952
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WATCHTOWER
JANUARY 15,1952 Semimonthly
TRAINING CHILDREN FOR LIFE IN THE NEW WORLD
COUNTERACTING OLD WORLD INFLUENCES ON CHILDREN
GOD'S WORD A SURE GUIDE
Announcing JEHOVAH'S KINGDOM
CHRISTIANS SHUN POLITICAL AMBASSADORS
ASSEMBLIES IN FRANKFURT BERLIN, ST. JOHN'S
©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. KNORR, President GRANT SUITER, Secretary
"They will all be taught by Jehovah."—John 6:45, NW; Isaiah 54:13
CONTENTS
Papal Unity versus Communism 35
Training Children for Life in the New World 36
Counteracting Old World Influences on Children 44
Paganism Routed 48
God's Word a Sure Guide 49
Christians Shun Political Ambassadors 53
Assemblies in Frankfurt, Berlin, St. John's 56
Gilead Class Appreciates What Has Religion Done for Mankind? 61
Questions from Readers 62
Announcements 64
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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PAPAL UNITY VERSUS COMMUNISM
ON September 12, 1951, the pope again appealed for the unity of sects in the fight against communism. In an encyclical, he indicated his own as the sect to do the unifying, re-echoing the 1950 "Holy Year" theme of the "great return". He had assured that all "separated for long from the Apostolic See" would be welcomed back.
Rome boasts of her own unity, but in fact she has been ripped by divisions since her very inception, to which fact the Greek Orthodox break and the Protestant Reformation can bear witness. Her history brims with political and religious compromises concluded in her frantic effort to survive. Is she then different today against communism, termed by the pope as "the tempestuous assaults of the infernal enemy"?
No, for even as the papal encyclical was coming forth, godless communism's "tempestuous assaults" were breaking to bits the backbone of Catholic opposition behind Eastern Europe's Iron Curtain. The Saturday Evening Post, in its issue of September 22,1951, carried details of the Catholic collapse in one country after another, in Poland, Hungary, Czechoslovakia, Romania, Albania, and Yugoslavia. Repeatedly, Catholic prelates have sworn loyalty oaths to godless regimes, withholding only a flimsy mental reservation that meant little and accomplished less. In some lands active organizations of "renegade priests" now openly and bitterly denounce Romanism.
Communist tactics have carefully weeded
out all dissenters within the official Catholic hierarchies of the various countries, leaving only those willing to co-operate fully with the Red "new order". The case of Poland is typical, as detailed in the Post article. In April, 1950, the Polish Catholic hierarchy displayed its idea of firm unity under fire. Completely surrendering to pressure, she officially condemned all "antigovernment" attitudes and promised to inculcate loyalty in her flocks and punish any wayward priests who did not fall in line. At first hearing this, Rome is said to have been stunned. Then she retreated behind a series of hazy delaying actions. She countered that she could endure any concessions as long as neither dogma nor moral principle surrendered. But if prostration of one's free worship beneath the heel of a Red dictator is not conceding a "moral principle", may we ask what is?
In unity there is strength. But unity to oppose a godless aggressor must be built upon God's Word and godly fortitude. Did Jesus resist the Devil by swearing loyalty to him with only a "mental reservation"? No! Said he plainly and without use of diplomatic hedging or deceit: "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. 4:10, NW) Likewise today, only by similar godly fortitude can true Christians resist devilish oppression, uphold truth and righteousness, and secure God's approval.
Training Children for Life in the New World
"Let the young children come to me and do not try to stop them."—Luke 18:16, NW.
A PROBLEM of great concern to
all devoted parents in this pre-Armageddon period is that of properly rearing children in divine favor. In proportion as the state encroaches upon the field of parental rights the problem becomes more difficult. By assuming increased control over the field of training and educating the young the present decadent old world society seeks to reduce to its inferior unchristian level the high standards of Biblical training offered by God-fearing parents. Those who have a vision of the incoming new world society take a serious view of this matter. They note that true worshipers of Jehovah in previous ages were confronted with the same problem and solved it by applying the well-tried, sound principles of training and education rooted in the Scriptures. That these early Godfearing parents were successful is attested to by the Bible record of many faithful servants of God who from early youth were trained in godly devotion. These met Jehovah's favor and received an assured hope of life in the new world.—Heb. 11:8-40, NW.
2 The training that brings divine favor is not American, British, French, Germanic, nor according to any other culture of the old world society. Rather the training that counts is theocratic, Christian. This means
that all prospective members of the new
world society old and young must be reeducated to learn new ways embracing higher standards. That is exactly what has been happening during the past many years to the world-wide community of Jehovah's witnesses who have been undergoing a matchless course of divine training. Their teachers have been Jehovah God and his Son Christ Jesus. (Isa. 30:20) From their uniform textbook, the Bible, they have learned the pure language of Bible truth. (Zeph. 3:9) So while scattered over the globe, Jehovah's faithful people of many national origins have been forged into a unified social group. They stand as a distinct new world people with a brilliant vision of an enduring theocratic civilization for the future. Even now they persist in training themselves and their children according to the high Christian standards set out in the Bible for prospective new world subjects.
3 Jesus Christ during his earthly ministry of three and a half years was the perfect model that Christians imitate today in their training to become subjects of the new world. While Jesus was an extremely busy man preaching and teaching, he was not so busy that he ignored the children of his time. Jesus had affection for the young of others and put his loving arms about them. (Mark 9:36,NW) He warmly put his hands upon young children and offered
What problem faces parents today, and what are the prospects for successfully solving it?
What training brings divine favor, and what has this meant for Jehovah's people?
What interest did Jesus manifest in children?
prayer for them. (Matt. 19:13, NW) To his disciples he commended the spirit of childlike meekness. (Matt. 18:3, NW) He sanctioned the giving of good gifts to children and used them as examples in his lectures. (Matt. 7:11; Luke 9:48, NW) Children attended his meetings along with their parents and he performed three of his great miracles involving them. (Matt. 14:21, NW) One was the resurrection of the little girl, Jairus' daughter, and another was the healing of a demon-possessed boy whom Jesus lovingly delivered back into the anxious hands of his astonished father. A third case was where Jesus cured by remote control the young child of an attendant of the king. Jesus even affectionately called his own disciples "little children".—Luke 8:42,54; 9:42 and John 4:49-51; 13:33, NW.
4 The disciples imitated their Master by also showing great love and consideration for children. Peter used properly trained children as an example of obedience. He showed how the precious promises of the new world come also to the children of Christians. (1 Pet. 1:14; Acts 2:39, NW) Paul counsels to cherish children and that parents should love their children dearly. (1 Thess. 2:7; Titus 2:4, NW) The apostle John in writing one of his letters included children in his address. (2 John 1, NW) Both Paul and John refer to Christians as a whole as "little children".(Gal. 4:19; 1 John 2:1, NW) So we see that children and their innocent ways came in for considerable attention in the days of Jesus and the early
congregation. Who are we, then, as Godfearing people in this twentieth century not to give careful heed to the training of children and their association in our congregational midst?
5 Contrary to the Caesars of this world who exclude Biblical training from their schools, Jesus definitely said, "Let the young children come to me and do not try to stop them." (Luke 18:16, NW) Here Jesus is unequivocally advocating a Christian training for the young of God-fearing parents. Christian parents will heed this injunction 'to let young children come to Jesus'. They will not bring upon themselves condemnation as does the world which tries to stop children from following after Christ, the King of the new world. We need only to mention the shameful practice in many countries where Caesar's educational authorities expel well-behaved children of Jehovah's witnesses because they cannot conscientiously salute national flags, this being rank idolatry and contrary to Biblical commands. (Ex.20:4,5) In spite of misunderstandings and opposition Jehovah's faithful people and their children will continue to obey God's law first. (Acts 5:29) As part of their true worship to Jehovah God Jehovah's witnesses will render this
duty toward God by paying back what belongs to him and resist the Caesars who have no authority to interfere with Christian rights of parental education in Biblical ways and commands. (Luke 20:25, NW) What, then, are the Christian ways and principles for
What attention did the disciples of Jesus pay to children?
What of interest does Luke 18:16 have for us today?
the training of the young which run counter to educational methods of this present evil system of things?
When a child Jesus himself received a proper sound Biblical education. His Judean mother Mary and his foster father Joseph of the house of David gave him the customary Jewish upbringing of the day. As a youth in his early teens Jesus continued to render honor and obedience to his earthly parents in complete godly subjection. In these formative years he grew wholesomely in wisdom and physical stature. At the same time he studied the Hebrew Scriptures and apprenticed as a carpenter. (Luke 2:47; Matt.13:55) Of this early period of his human existence it is written: "And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and he continued subject to them. . . . And Jesus went on progressing in wisdom and in physical growth and in favor with God and men." (Luke 2:51,52,NW) Nowhere in Jesus' later life does he speak disapprovingly of the principles and customs used for his rearing in divine favor.
7 On one occasion in his ministry a certain young ruler questioned Jesus. "Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit everlasting life?' Jesus said to him: . . . 'You know the commandments: "Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother."' The man said to him: 'Teacher, all these things I have kept from my youth on.' Jesus looked upon him and felt love for him and said to him: 'One thing is missing about you: Go, sell what things you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven, and come be my follower.'" (Mark 10:17-21, NW) From this we see that, while Jesus advocated the new and more important requirement for the youth to become a ministerial disciple of Christ, he did not set aside the basic righteous principles found behind the law covenant of Jehovah God with the nation of Israel. For example, Jesus mentioned in the above list the continued necessity of the obedient subjection of children to their parents. Years later Paul also employed this same principle of the fifth commandment, enjoining it upon the Gentile Christians of Ephesus. (Eph. 6:1-3) So while the sanctioned laws of Moses came to an end as laws for Israel when Jesus was impaled on the torture stake A.D. 33, yet the eternal principles underlying the law still stood as applicable. (Col. 2:14,NW) So let us examine some of the early basic principles and customs which governed the typical theocratic society of the days of ancient Israel.
TYPICAL CHILD TRAINING
8 In the social structure of theocratic society the family is the basic unit. Just as Jehovah God teaches, trains and disciplines with the rod of theocratic authority his entire universal family of sons and daughters, so the natural parents have the primary responsibility for the teaching and training of their young ones. When God organized the theocratic nation of Israel in 1513 B.C. this parental responsibility was incorporated as part of the law of the land. It enjoined upon the parents to train their children in early childhood as to their duty toward God the great Life-giver. This was important for that nation, for it guaranteed that the nation's future citizens would be lovers of God and the nation would thus continue to walk in his wholesome way. The Mosaic law says: "Hear, O Israel: . . these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
(Deut. 6:4-7) How did the Israelites apply the above divine injunction, and what was their understanding of what training of the young comprised?
By training the Israelites understood more to be involved than just the giving of knowledge to their children. Training meant to them to discipline the child according to strict theocratic authority. It meant to subject the child to fixed paths of righteousness. The intellectual instruction must be put into practice and an indelible impression made upon the tender mind of the young as to its value. It would be like planting and raising a young tree or vine. First the tree or vine must be set in good soil that is well watered. (Jer. 17:7,8) The child must have a good heart condition likened to "good soil" and then be subjected to a constant supply of the waters of Bible knowledge. (Luke 8:8, NW) But this was not all: the tree or vine must then be directed as to its path of growth, either vertically as in the case of a tree or horizontally as in the case of some vines. Likewise in the case of a child the father and mother must carefully direct its course of growth in a set channel. "My son, do your father's bidding, and reject not your mother's directions; fix them ever in your mind, tie them fast round your neck; for their bidding will throw light upon your life, their directions will enlighten you, and to be trained thus is the way to live."—Prov. 6:20-23, Mo.
10 This constant direction over the young impressionable mind was seen to be necessary in view of the truth stated in the Proverbs: "Folly clings to the mind of a child; the rod will drive it away." (Prov. 22:15, Mo) Unless properly trained by the
parent, the heart or mind of a child was bound to go in the way of worldly foolishness or deadly folly. "Leave not your child unpunished; if you whip him, you save him from death. You must whip him with the rod, and so preserve his life." (Prov. 23:13,14,Mo) The use of the rod here was not necessarily that of a literal stick but that of the assertion of the rod of parental authority. Mere words without the support of parental authority were found to accomplish little. "Mere words will never train a slave; he understands, but he will not obey. A spoiled boy sinks to be a slave, and comes to grief at last." (Prov. 29:19, 21, Mo) Manoah, the father of Samson, actually prayed to Jehovah for guidance in the training of his boy: "O Lord, . . . pray let the man of God whom thou didst send come back to tell us how we are to train the boy that is to be born." (Judg. 13:8,Mo) So training sons and daughters was no light matter. Not all children profited by the wise training of their parents, and thus later some fell away from true worship.
11 Two sons might receive the identical training and theocratic education. Yet if the heart condition of the one was evil, no matter how excellent and strict the training, the latter end of such a one might not be firmly established in the ways of righteousness. "Even a child is known by what he does, as he behaves well or ill." (Prov. 20:11, Mo) Take the examples of Ishmael and Isaac. Surely Abraham gave both boys the best of theocratic home training. Yet in later life Ishmael lost faith and departed wholly from true worship, but Isaac held fast to the precious promises of the new world. Yet again, the examples of the twins Esau and Jacob. The parents Isaac and Rebecca certainly must have given the twins the same careful and diligent train-
What did the Israelites understand by the term training? Illustrate.
What was meant by the "rod", and why was its use necessary?
Why is it that not all children profit by the same wholesome training? Give examples.
ing in harmony with God's revealed will of that time. Esau turned out bad, but Jacob came to be a God-fearing servant. Parents then as now were not responsible for the evil hearts found in some of their offspring. Yet as long as the parents had jurisdiction over such ones an effort was made to keep stirring the "soil" of their hearts with Bible knowledge, as it might be that the weak hearts of these evilly inclined ones might be transformed. Of the children that had good hearts and were wise in their theocratic growth it is written: "Better is a poor and wise youth than an old and foolish king, who knoweth not how to receive admonition any more." (Eccl. 4:13, AS) For cases like that of faithful Isaac and Jacob, who had good hearts, the Scriptural proverb is true, "Train up a child in the way he should go; and even when he is old, he will not depart from it."-Prov. 22:6, AT.
12 It appears there were four distinct places where training of the young was administered in pre-Christian times. First, at home; second, on the work; third, congregationally; and fourth, nationally in Jerusalem. We will consider each in turn.
AT HOME
13 At home the faithful Jewish father took the lead in educating his children. The father spent some part of each day in giving specific instruction. (Deut. 6:7) The chief device used was that of oral instruction together with repetition and drill. Important Bible passages of the Law, the Psalms and the Proverbs were memorized by both the boys and the girls. From an early age it seems the youngsters were taught to read and write. Correct manners and behavior before older ones were also inculcated. At all times the father maintained order in the household and used the rod of authority to discipline his children
and to keep respect. The children were taught the art of singing and some few learned to play musical instruments. The songs learned by heart were those of the psalms which had been beautifully set to music. Singing these psalms enabled the children to learn to emotionally express themselves fully from their hearts in their love and devotion to Jehovah. In this way the many Bible truths contained in the psalms were made their own. This is illustrated in the case of the chorus of boys who repeated from memory part of Psalm 118 when they greeted Jesus on his entry into the temple on Nisan 10 A.D.33. (Matt. 21:15, NW) Apparently the children found it easier to recognize Jesus as the Messiah in fulfillment of Psalm 118 than the religious leaders of the Jews.
14 The evening meal was the great occasion of the day and generally one of much delight for the youngsters. Very often father entertained guests. (Luke 14:12) Thrilling experiences of the day or news of happenings far and near were recounted by all the older ones present. Then, too, always wise sayings and Biblical discussions fell upon the ears of the young ones. (Deut. 6:7) The children were there only to listen and to learn. At times perhaps an older son would be asked to read a certain portion of the Scriptures or recite some Biblical passage under discussion by the mature ones. Once each year on Nisan 14 at the Passover meal a custom existed for one of the boys to ask his father the following question, "Why is this night distinguished from all other nights?" Thereupon his father had the duty to tell the entire passover story to his family. (Ex. 12:3-27) The theocratic home in every respect continued to be the basic center of training. Wise and loving mothers and fathers became the bosom companions of their sons
12, 13. (a) From where was juvenile training administered in pre-Christian times? (b) Describe the training that was given in the Jewish homes.
What opportunities were offered for education at the evening mealtime?
and daughters. They were drawn close together in their daily associations and interests. Lasting sound impressions were constantly being made upon the very receptive minds of their young.
ON THE WORK
15 The children learned mostly not only by what they heard at home but also by actual demonstrations as to what their parents did in their daily work. (Deut. 6:7) So the second place of instruction was to be with their parents while on the work. During the day the boys would accompany their father into the fields or into the workshops to watch their father perform his chosen occupation. While the boys were still youngsters they played around near their father and enjoyed themselves. But as the boys grew older they became apprentices to their father, who gave them small jobs to do and personally supervised their doing the work well. In time the sons became as skillful as their fathers in whatever activity he was engaged in. This reminds us how David learned the art of shepherding and practiced the same when he was only ten years old. (1 Sam. 16:11) Then also the youth Jesus (or Joshua) must have learned the trade of carpentering from his foster father Joseph, whom he had watched expertly perform all the techniques of his craft. (Mark 6:3) In this way the little Davids and the little Joshuas received their practical training for their life's work.
16 The little Sarahs and the little Rachels also learned by being with their mother on the work. While very young the girls played about the house in sight of their mother. When they became older they were soon put to helping their mother with various little jobs.In this way they learned the arts of domestic science in all its forms,
such as cooking, housekeeping, weaving and sewing. They got to be as expert as their mother in these necessary duties.The girls found pleasure and delight in assisting their mothers, too. It must be mentioned further that Israel's daughters were accomplished at singing, playing of musical instruments and in the dance.-Judg.11:34.
CONGREGATIONALLY
17 The local congregation or community played its part in educating the young. In later Biblical times each community maintained a synagogue where the congregation of older ones and younger ones would gather each Sabbath to hear the Levites and other mature ones read and expound the Scriptures. (Acts 15:21, NW) These weekly meetings proved to be a great source of Biblical education for the Jewish lads and maidens. In the course of the years the entire Hebrew Scriptures would be read and discussed by these congregational leaders. The young men and women as well as children sat quietly giving full ear to every word that was read or spoken. Then occasionally traveling prophets or other national spokesmen visited the local community to address the synagogue assembly or to speak in the market place. (Matt. 4:23) Their messages provoked much thought, and for days following discussions would be heard at the home evening meals by the parents and their guests. Thus communal education made its contribution to mold the hearts and minds of the young in the ways of the Lord.
NATIONALLY
18 Jehovah the master educator arranged for yet a fourth place for the theocratic training of Israel's youth. That was the periodic assemblage of all the peoples, rich or poor, at the center of worship desig-
How were the boys trained for their life's work?
How were the girls trained for their life's work?
Describe the contribution made by the local congregation in educating the young.
What provision was made nationally for education?
nated by Jehovah, namely, the temple at Jerusalem. (Deut. 12:5) Three times a year parents took their young ones for an exciting trip to the great city of Jerusalem to attend the theocratic festivals there. As the happy parties journeyed toward Jerusalem geography lessons were taught at firsthand range by the parents to their children. We know that Joseph and Mary took the child Jesus with them annually to Jerusalem. No doubt in this way Jesus came to know personally all the historic spots in the Promised Land. Jesus at 12 years of age also took the occasion to question the learned leaders at the temple to satisfy his keen inquiring mind as to the prophecies.—Luke 2:41-47.
19 Not only did travel broaden the minds of the young as they saw Palestine in all its paradisaic beauty, but at Jerusalem they learned to become part of a vast family of Jehovah comprising hundreds of thousands. They met relatives and made new friends from every part of the country. But it was at the temple services themselves that further education was administered. The children having memorized important Bible passages and having been trained in the art of singing they could follow closely all the significant ceremonies performed by the priests. They understood the stirring singing responses sung by the thousands of trained Levite singers. (1 Chron. 25:7, Mo) All this impressed upon the children the majesty of Jehovah their God, whom they served. They were also strongly reminded that as sinners they required an atonement. In this way they realized the seriousness of their spiritual relationship as Jehovah's called-out people.
young people in theocratic Israel was colorful, rich, wholesome and stimulating. No other peoples of ancient times took such an interest in their children as did the Godfearing Israelites. What other ancient peoples took their young on expensive long trips three times a year to worship their God in one central place? None.
20 Definitely, attending the vast assemblies of Jehovah's people annually climaxed the training program for the Jewish young folks. We can be sure that life for the
IS IT POSSIBLE TODAY?
21 The question now poses itself, Is it possible today to rear children in divine favor, and to what extent can the methods used by the Israelites be employed today? Modern theocratic training of the young presents many problems, but none of them are insurmountable. Today, as long ago foretold, political regimes both totalitarian and so-called "democratic" have arisen, which deprive children of instruction by parents who fear Jehovah God. (Rev. 13:16,17) But the careful theocratic parents will resist the encroachment of the state in this field of family rights. They will obey the superior authority of God by continuing to teach their offspring that obeying God's laws and learning of God are matters of highest importance. (Mark 12:17) Furthermore, modern theocratic parents have to combat a rising tide of old world propaganda calculated to capture and twist the minds of the young. The radio, the television, the cinema, the comics and the press in general are all full of untheocratic, unwholesome instruction. The prudent parent must minimize these sources of demon-inspired utterances and shield the minds of their young from their evil influence. (1 John 4:1, NW) If and when the radio, television and the cinema are resorted to the wise parent should be selective.
22 At this point we must consider the
19,20. How did the children benefit by their visiting Jerusalem?
What conditions existing today make the giving of theocratic training difficult?
What is "family responsibility"? How important is it today to develop "family merit"?
matter of "family responsibility" as legally presented in the Scriptures. Under the Biblical principle of "family responsibility" where the father or the mother or both become iniquitous, adverse judgment comes upon the entire household of minor children. Take the example of Achan, who committed a fatal trespass against Jehovah. By so doing Achan brought condemnation upon his whole family of children and they were all stoned to death with him. (Josh. 7:1,24,25) Paul speaks of this principle in the reverse, which might be referred to as "family merit". If the father or the mother of a family is a believing and practicing Christian he or she brings merit to the entire family of children. Paul writes: "For the unbelieving husband is sanctified in relation to his wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified in relation to the brother; otherwise, your children would really be unclean, but now they are holy." (1 Cor. 7:14,NW) Therefore this proves that minor children of Christian parents are indirectly sanctified or counted worthy of protection in God's sight until they reach the age of individual responsibility. Hence in this day of final judgment since 1918 parents are responsible for the final destiny of their minor children. When Armageddon strikes all minor children who are not under such "family merit" arrangement will meet annihilation with no hope of a resurrection. This is stongly indicated at Ezekiel 9:6 (AS), where it is written: "Slay utterly the old man, the young man and the virgin, and little children and women; but come not near any man upon whom is the mark."
Theocratic parents are familiar with what the Christian Greek Scriptures say as to rearing children. Paul shows that a wise father should 'preside over his own household in a right manner, having children in subjection with all seriousness'. (1 Tim. 3:4, NW) Further Paul writes: "Fathers, do not be irritating your children." (Eph. 6:4, NW) That is, do not unmercifully tease a child or discourage it in any way. On this point the Bible also says: "Fathers, do not be exasperating your children, so that they do not become downhearted." (Col. 3:21, NW) Additionally it is written: 'Go on bringing your children up in the discipline and authoritative advice of Jehovah.' (Eph. 6:4, NW) To properly discipline a child the "rod of correction" must be used. (Prov. 22:15, AT) If parents unwisely fail to correct the foolishly inclining heart or mind of children while young and manageable, then in the certain outworkings of God's purposes a correction will catch up with those children. The "rod of correction" that is used to turn the children from the way of death in disobedience to God does not need to be a literal stick. The rod symbolizes parental authority and power, and applying the "rod of correction" means for parents to exercise that power and authority entrusted to them in whatever way may seem Scripturally wise to correct the child. The parent's grip on the rod of power, authority and responsibility should never be relaxed. Respect for it should be impressed upon the young mind and heart. This leads to eternal life for them in the new world.
Give some points of counsel found in the Christian Greek Scriptures as to rearing children.
Counteracting Old World Influence on Children
SOME modern educators teach that children should be allowed to develop according to their own inclinations and inhibitions. This course is wrong and contrary to Scripture. The child during its impressionable years requires strong parental guidance and direction. To expose the fallacy of modern educators Paul said that when he was a babe his reasoning was unsound and incomplete. He wrote: "When I was a babe, I used to speak as a babe, to think as a babe, to reason as a babe; but now that I have become a man, I have done away with the traits of a babe." (1 Cor. 13:11, NW) Thus for this reason children are not to be left to their foolish reasonings and mischief-making. Here is where the "rod of correction" is necessary to give that proper bent to the child.
2 The above incorrect theory of the moderns leads to a further trouble in households. That is, children want to become bosses and do begin to exercise rulership They actually come to the point where they tell their parents what to do. This also means that children are allowed to have their own selfish way, are provided with everything they ask for and finally get spoiled and become unmanageable. This situation is extremely dangerous, as the heart of the child has been trained to lean on its own immature, unexperienced understanding. As a novice he falls easy victim to every glittering snare of the great adversary Satan. (1 Tim. 3:6, NW) Wise
King Solomon warned against rulership of mature people by a child, a mere boy, when he wrote: "Woe to you, O land, when your king is a boy, and your princes feast in the morning!" (Eccl. 10:16, AT) Paul shows that though a child is an heir to become a ruler, yet while he is in his minority he is under men in charge and not allowed to rule. "Now I say that as long as the heir is a babe he does not differ at all from a slave, lord of all things though he is, but he is under men in charge and under stewards until the day his father appointed beforehand." (Gal. 4:1,2,NW) This was the position of Jesus. Though he was destined to be the king of the new world, yet during his minority as a man child he subjected himself to his lowly earthly parents, Mary and Joseph. Juvenile domination in Christian households is highly improper and should be terminated promptly by means of the "rod of correction".
3 To the children the Bible clearly says: "Honor your father and mother." Paul also instructs, "Children, be obedient to your parents in union with the Lord." (Eph. 6:1,2,NW) Do not be like the children in Satan's old world society where they insist on their own selfish ways and expect a little bribe to be good and to obey. This reminds one of a little story on this point. A mother not governed by Biblical prin-
Why should not children be allowed to develop according to their own inclinations?
How does juvenile domination develop, and what should be done about it?
What wise course is followed by minors in custody of theocratic parents?
ciples says to her little child, "Child, why do I always have to pay you money to be good. Why don't you be good for nothing like your father?" While such are the ways under the old world society, youngsters in custody of theocratic parents are most fortunate and are rich in the favors of the Lord. Theocratically trained children delight to obey their father and mother. They like to be good because this is the right thing to do. In this way they learn to be obedient to their great Father in heaven, Jehovah.
FIELDS OF EDUCATION
4 In surveying the vast amount of education good and bad available today, what practical course can be suggested to equip the young for a most profitable future in the new world society? At the outset it seems we must recognize there are two fields to consider: first, the untheocratic field, and, second, the theocratic field of education. Of these two the theocratic field is superior and must receive the greater attention.
The field of untheocratic education covers the use of our modern public and private schools. Many of these schools are operated by the government and the law requires the attendance at some approved school up to certain ages, such as 15 or 16; some states, up to 18. With these education laws Jehovah's witnesses can safely comply. However, these schools are resorted
to by Jehovah's witnesses only for basic secular studies in reading, writing, mathematics and some of the arts. Where a choice is offered, other studies, as music, typewriting, shorthand, and
foreign languages, will be found very useful. In the high schools it would be well for the teen-age girls to take additional courses in home economics or domestic sciences For the teen-age boys in high schools they might find it well to specialize in some field of technical work. Learning a trade or becoming proficient in some constructive line of business will always be a definite asset for them. Remember the apostle Paul as a youth learned to be a tentmaker. (Acts 18:3) When Paul's missionary funds were low he could always resort to tentmaking to obtain needed funds.
6 Not only will this help the youths to be self-supporting and to make a success of the pioneer service later, but such specialized training in the arts and crafts of our day will enable them to make a practical contribution toward the building of Paradise in the earth after Armageddon. It staggers the imagination when one contemplates the post-Armageddon needs for skills. Why, the engineering works and agricultural projects at that time will be tremendous. Not only will there be almost an endless building program for the civilization of the survivors, but think of the multitudes who will come back in the resurrection who will have to be provided with homes, food and clothing. It seems reasonable that all of these necessities would have to be
5. (a) What fields of education are available today? (b) To what extent do Jehovah's witnesses use the nontheocratic schools of the land?
produced ahead of time to give the resurrected ones a decent reception in a land of plenty. So to every young man and young woman the counsel is given to train himself now intellectually and practically not only for the remaining years before the disappearance of this old world, but prepare for a full share in building the enduring Paradise civilization that will stand forever as a tribute to Jehovah's goodness.
A brief word about sports. Sports in modern schools are greatly overemphasized. Much time is wasted that could be better spent in learning profitable matters or in preaching activity. Sports as organized today are conducive to hero worship, which is dangerous and unchristian. Once in a while a game of ball or other sport can be innocently indulged in as genuine recreation and such is profitable. But to have one's mind as a youth constantly filled with sports seven days a week is unwise and unwholesome. Paul's advice 1900 years ago to young Timothy, who lived in the midst of the sports-maddened Greek world, is timely counsel for us today. "For bodily training is beneficial for a little, but godly devotion is beneficial for all things, as it holds promise of the life now and that which is to come."—1 Tim. 4:8, NW.
FOUR SCRIPTURAL CATEGORIES
So much for the untheocratic field of education. But now for the theocratic field of training, which is most vital and which truly prepares children for life everlasting in divine favor. Modern theocratic education falls into four categories similar to those briefly described of Biblical times. The four divisions are, namely, first, at home; second, on the work; third, congregationally; and fourth, at assemblies.
9 Just as Jehovah is the great Teacher of his household, so the father as head of the house should take the lead in home theocratic education. (1 Thess. 2:11) Likewise God's wifely organization as a mother teaches her spiritual offspring; so, too, the human mother is to serve as a co-educator. Daily the theocratic father and mother should give oral instruction to their children. How better can this be done than at mealtimes? Especially at the morning and evening meals. At the morning meal the oral instruction should center around the daily text and comment provided by the Society in its annual yearbooks. There is always ample material in the comments which the father and the mother can enlarge upon from their own theocratic experiences. These can be related with great practical profit to the children.
10 Inasmuch as children in Biblical times memorized Scripture texts it is suggested as a good idea for the children to memorize each day's text from the Yearbook. A short drill could be conducted mornings before the text is discussed by the family to see that the children have properly committed the text to memory. Then when father returns home for the evening meal a check-up could be made that the text is still remembered. By way of example, Timothy from infancy doubtless learned by heart much of the holy writings. (2 Tim. 3:15) At the evening meals further helpful training can be offered by both father and mother in recounting profitable theocratic experiences of the day by their having preached the Kingdom message "in favorable season" or "in troublesome season". (2 Tim. 4:2,NW) As the children become older they can share in these mealtime Biblical discussions and reports. It cannot be overemphasized, the vital need there is for a daily program of theocratic instruc-
What advice is given as to sports?
8, 9. (a) What four categories of theocratic education are available? (b) Who should take the lead in home training of children?
What suggestions are given for effective home training?
tion in the home. Additionally, proper manners, discipline and respect for older ones should be daily inculcated. Mothers and fathers should be companionable with their children. Be their best pals. Gain and retain their confidence at all times.
11 The greatest heritage one can leave his children is the desire to become an active minister of Jehovah. The primary occupation of all Jehovah's witnesses is that of the ministry. Therefore they should employ the second method of instruction used in Biblical times, namely, that of instructing children while on the witness work. This means that it is well for the parents to take their youngsters with them in the various features of the field service. When Timothy was still very young, Paul took this spiritual "son" of his with him in the missionary service that he might learn by firsthand experience. (Acts 16:1-3) Let your son and your daughter become an apprentice to the ministry. As your children hear you defend the name of Jehovah and expound the good news of the incoming new world, they too will have well up in their hearts the desire to be zealous witnesses for Jehovah. From time to time in the house-to-house preaching activity allow them to add words to your testimony before the householder. This might be done by interrupting your witness by saying to your child something to this effect: "Tell the lady who Jehovah is," or ask some other basic question on which the child can express itself. Take your child along with you to your home Bible studies and perhaps it can share in looking up some of the proof scriptures. In apprenticing the child in the ministry the secret is to give it some little part in the actual work of preaching.
to leave them idle. Gradually encourage them to give their own testimonies at the doors or on the streets or to have their own home Bible studies. Suggest that they become vacation pioneers during their summer holidays. Perhaps the desire to become a foreign missionary can be instilled in their hearts in the course of the years. This would mean that after their two years of full-time pioneer service they would qualify to attend the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead to prepare for the foreign missionary service. The highest career you can plan for your children is that of the full-time service as a minister. Work and plan to help them toward that most joyful and successful of careers.
12 As the children get older it is well not
13 In addition to training children while on the witness work, there is still a third force in the rearing of children. That third force is that of the local congregation of Jehovah's witnesses. Children right from the start should be expected to accompany their parents to all meetings. Those who came to hear Jesus brought their children with them. (Matt. 15:38) They should learn to sit quietly and listen to all that goes on. Just like the little Davids and the little Sarahs in the days of ancient Israel who attended synagogue meetings, so too the modern little Davids and little Sarahs should be eager to attend every meeting. The other members of the congregation can contribute their part by befriending and speaking to all the youths in their midst. This has a beneficial effect on the children and makes them feel that they are part of a large family of God. When the boys get old enough they should be encouraged to enroll in the theocratic ministry school. There is no better training today in the Christian ministry than that offered by the Society at its congregational
What heritage may be left children? How may this be done?
What theocratic career may be planned for children, and how?
What contribution can the congregation of Jehovah's witnesses make toward Christian training of children?
meetings of Bible study and its course in the theocratic ministry school. Let every son and daughter of Jehovah's witnesses delight to take full part in such congregational meetings.
14 There is still a fourth force of education that theocratic parents should take advantage of. That is to take your whole family to every circuit, district and national assembly arranged for by the Society. Save up your money to this end. Do you know that the Israelites were enjoined by law to set aside their second tithe or ten per cent of their income to finance their three journeys to Jerusalem each year? (Deut. 14:22-26, AS) Weeks before the event build up a keen interest and desire to attend the assembly. Instruct your children while en route to the assembly city. Show them the scenic, geographic and other points of interest. Here is your opportunity to use the "book of nature" to broaden the minds of the young with travel. The theocratic child should be accustomed to mix with and meet people from distant communities. At the assembly see that the children meet your many friends from far and near. See that they attend the baptismal services to learn how this is done and what it signifies. Then when they are old enough to symbolize
their dedication to Jehovah's service, encourage them to take that proper step. While at the assembly discuss in company and in hearing of the young important points brought out at the sessions.In fact, for weeks following the assembly there should be much food for discussions at your evening mealtimes at home.
15 "Let the young children come to me and do not try to stop them." (Luke 18:16, NW) Truly there is a wealth of theocratic training and education available to assist the Christian parent in leading his children to Christ Jesus as King of the new world. May every theocratic parent take heart and commence with a renewed interest the training of his children. Many will be your joys and great will be your satisfaction as you rear your children in the way of divine favor. Be God-fearing parents raising your children in godly devotion. Do all in your power to give them that glorious hope of everlasting life in the new world. Shield and protect them from the dangers and snares of the old world. Plant in their hearts the seed of truth and ever be busy in watering and nourishing the spiritual growth of your dear ones. Train your beloved ones now with that new world outlook which is sound, practical and, above all, brings them Jehovah's blessing of endless life.
Finally, what are theocratic parents urged to do?
How should a fourth force of theocratic education be taken advantage of?
PAGANISM ROUTED
Every year in Ivorogbo town there are "Easter" celebrations, including dancing, singing and the various denominations' "holy communion" services.
Last year the local company of Jehovah's witnesses invited the townsfolk to their Memorial service on the evening of March 23 in order to witness the proper Scriptural celebrating of the Lord's evening meal.
After the Memorial service discussion arose and spread all over the town, with the result that no processions or "Easter" celebrations were held, except for a feeble attempt by a few of the older religionists to carry on as before. In the service effort that followed some of the townspeople expressed their desire to participate and, all together, 59 persons went out into the field, including the regular publishers, numbering about 30, who took the new ones along for training.-Nigeria Branch.
God's Word a Sure Guide
THE sun that warms our earth is just one of one hundred
thousand million suns in our Milky Way. Our Milky Way is just one of a million million milky ways or galaxies in the known universe. All of these millions and billions and trillions of stars are hurtling through space, each keeping in its assigned orbit, each running on a schedule of split-second timing so flawless that we set our most accurate timepieces by their movements. Can men guide them? No. And this Jehovah called to Job's notice saying: "Can you send forth Mazzaroth in its season, and lead forth the Bear with its satellites? Do you know the laws of the heavens?"—Job 38:32, 33, AT.
Birds migrate for hundreds and thousands of miles, without map or compass, without ever having made the trip before. Can man guide the birds on their southward flight? God queried Job: "Is it by your understanding that the hawk soars, and spreads his wings toward the south?" (Job 39:26, AT) To the backsliding, rebellious Israelites Jehovah said: "Even the stork knows her time for assembly and migration, and the crane and swallow keep the season of their coming, but my people know not the decrees of the Everliving [Jehovah]."—Jer. 8:7, Fenton.
God guides the stars by his laws of motion and gravitation. Man cannot guide them. God guides the migrating birds by his laws of instinct. Man cannot guide
them. Man cannot even guide himself. Jeremiah 10:23 (AS) states:
"O Jehovah, I know that the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps." The stars heed God's laws, the birds obey the migration laws, but men balk at God's laws for them. But if God is capable of guiding the stars by natural law, of guiding the birds by instinct, then is he not capable of guiding man by the Bible? "Thy word is a lamp to my feet, and a light on my path."—Ps. 119:105, AT.
Consider a few of the fields in which God's Word gives sure guidance. It is a guide in matters of marriage. When Israel entered Canaan they were told concerning the heathen: "You must not intermarry with them, neither giving your daughters in marriage to their sons, nor receiving their daughters for your sons; for they would turn your sons from following me to serving alien gods." (Deut. 7:3,4,AT) To Christians the same prohibition was carried over when they were told to marry "only in the Lord". (1 Cor. 7:39,NW) Of course, there are always some headstrong ones who resent any interference in their personal affairs, even from God's Word. Solomon was one of such. He married women not in the truth, probably reasoning that they were nice girls, and that he could get them into the truth after marriage. Instead, they got him out of the truth. God's guiding Word was right, and Solomon's rejection of it was so wrong it cost him eternal life.
(1 Ki. 11:1-11) It still happens today.
After marriage and children come, God's Word guides in rearing them. Deuteronomy 6:6, 7 (AT) states: "These instructions that I am giving you today are to be fixed in your mind; you must impress them on your children, and talk about them when you are sitting at home, and when you go off on a journey, when you lie down and when you get up." Christian parents are instructed to raise their children "in the discipline and authoritative advice of Jehovah". (Eph. 6:4, NW) This does not say to wait until the child is old enough to decide for itself, to democratically cast its vote on whether it wishes to be brought up "in the discipline and authoritative advice of Jehovah", by attendance at Kingdom Hall, etc. This would not be theocratic order in the family circle. God instructs the parent on how to rear the child, and the child does not carry any veto power over the divine command. The theocratic order is for the parent to raise the child, not the child the parent.—Prov. 22:6.
Rulers over men and nations could find good guidance in the Bible, just as the kings of Israel were commanded to find it: "As soon as he has taken his seat on his royal throne, he must write for himself in a book a copy of this code as approved by the Levitical priests; he must keep it with him, and peruse it all the days of his life, that he may learn to stand in awe of the LORD his God, by being careful to observe all the provisions of this code and these statutes, that he may not consider himself more exempt than his fellow-countrymen."—Deut. 17:18-20, AT.
No special privilege for ruler or party members of a political machine. No bribes either, for Psalm 26:10 condemns those whose "right hand is filled with bribes". (Margin) This word "bribe", it is a nasty word and its use makes certain politicians
nervous and fidgety. To escape this uncomfortable feeling and soothe nerves and calm fidgetings, today bribes are often called gifts. But that is out too, for Deuteronomy 16:19 says to officials: "Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous." In these days when the accepting of gifts for political favors is so common that the president of the United States suggests that public officials list all gifts received from their business connections, this Bible rule could be applied with profit to the people.
There are many other fields in which the Bible sets forth good guidance. It guides in eating, not so much in what we eat as in how much, forbidding gluttony. It guides in drinking, not so much in what we drink as in how much, forbidding drunkenness. It would steer us out of the present moral collapse, forbidding lying and fornication and adultery. It would reduce bickering and quarreling, advising that soft answers turn away wrath. It forbids that great troublemaker in human relations, the gossiper and the talebearer. It would halt much evil at its inception, telling us to render evil for evil to no man. It would silence the guns and bombs of war, forbidding killing. It would eliminate racial prejudice, reminding us that all men came from one man, Adam, and that all can be made one in or under Christ. All class distinctions and false standards set up by vain humans would vanish under the Bible's guidance. This old world would be changed beyond recognition if it but followed a few of the Bible's guiding principles.
Most important of all, the Bible guides in true worship of the Creator. It explains his purposes toward the earth and us, instructs us about Christ's kingdom, commands us to preach this kingdom. (Matt. 24:14; 2 Tim. 4:2) Its prophecies show us the sign that announces the nearness of Armageddon, the divine battle that sweeps wickedness from the earth to make room for a clean new world of righteousness.
In symbol this battle is spoken of as winter, and we should see the sign of this symbolical winter's approach. (Matt. 24:20; Rev. 16:14,16) God-given instinct guides the animals and birds to react to the sign of literal winter's approach and make the necessary preparations to pass through alive; God-given intelligence should make mankind react to God's Word and the sign it gives of Armageddon's approach and make us prepare for surviving it.
FALSE GUIDES
Those who are fashioned after this system of things cast God's Word into the discard. They have new guides, new gods. Many take themselves as their guides, thinking if they do as they think best all will be well. The Bible disagrees: "What man thinks a right course, may end upon the road to death." "Man's ways are always right in his own eyes, but the Eternal has the verdict on his life."—Prov. 14:12; 21:2, Mo.
Some cling to orthodox religions as a sure guide. Yet Jesus said the clergy were blind guides and those who followed them would land in the ditch with them. (Matt. 15:14) Why were their religions false? Jesus told them why. Listen: "Why is it you also overstep the commandment of God because of your tradition? . . . you have made the word of God invalid because of your tradition. You hypocrites, Isaiah aptly prophesied about you, when he said: 'This people honors me with their lips, yet their hearts are far removed from me. It is in vain that they keep paying respect to me, because they teach commands of men as doctrines.'" (Matt. 15:3-9, NW) It is the same today. Tradition and creed crowd
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