The Watchtower, June 1, 1953
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"YOU ARE MY WITNESSES," SAYS JEHOVAH.—Isa. 43:12
The WATCHTOWER
Announcing
JEHOVAH'S
KINGDOM
JUNE 1, 1953
Semimonthly
PREDESTINATION AND
JEHOVAH'S FOREKNOWLEDGE
FOREKNOWLEDGE COMPATIBLE
WITH FREE WILL
NEW WORLD SOCIETY ASSEMBLY
OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES
BE CLOTHED WITH HUMILITY
CHRISTIANITY ADVANCES IN
NORTHERN RHODESIA AND ETHIOPIA
©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".
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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
New World Society Assembly of
Jehovah's Witnesses 323
The U.N. a Modern Noah's Ark? 326
Sharing in the Prosperity of God's People 327
Christianity Advances in Northern
Rhodesia and Ethiopia 328
Be Clothed with Humility 333
Predestination and Jehovah's
Foreknowledge 336
Foreknowledge Compatible with
Free Will 341
Questions from Readers 351
Announcements 352
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 Trans. (2nd Ed.)
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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NEW WORLD SOCIETY ASSEMBLY OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES
THE Watchtower magazine has had much to say about the New World society and how it is now forming and manifesting itself throughout the world. People have come into this society from all walks of life and they are looking forward to the wonderful and blessed time when the new earth will be in full operation with lovers of righteousness as its inhabitants. How wonderful it will be living together in peace and happiness!
Students of God's Word want to be of that New World society.
What time are you going to arrive at the New World Society Assembly? In time, we hope, for the start of the first session. You will want to be there all the first day from the time the program begins Sunday morning, July 19, and especially for the afternoon session when you will see the graduation of the twenty-first class of Gilead. This will be a heartgladdening scene to witness.
If you are one praying for God's kingdom to come and asking to be blessed by it, why not plan to be at the New World Society Assembly of Jehovah's Witnesses July 19 to 26? They will be coming from almost all the nations of the world and will gather together at Yankee Stadium in New York city to worship Jehovah in holy array.
In order to be in New York for the initial meetings, it is good for you to plan to arrive in the convention city Saturday, July 18. The first thing you will want to do is to get located in your room so you will be all set to enjoy the very beginning of the convention. You will be looking forward to every day, because the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society has planned a full program. Take it all in; do not miss a thing. While you will not be able to get into the stadium itself on Saturday, the 18th, you may be interested in looking around the stadium, meeting friends and getting acquainted with the grounds, particularly to know how to get into the cafeteria lines and to know where refreshment stands are located. Every conventioner should get settled in his room Saturday.
If by the time convention period comes along you have not received your room assignment through the mail, you can go directly to the rooming department, where you can get a room to your liking.
If you arrive before Saturday, you will find the rooming department operating at the rooming headquarters' address at 557 W. 157th Street through Friday, July 17. However, starting the first thing, early Saturday morning, July 18, the rooming department will be in full swing under the bleacher portion of Yankee Stadium. You may gain entrance to this department at the corner of 161st street and River avenue.
If until this time you have thought it impossible to attend the convention, you might take inventory of your circumstances again. Maybe you can attend. Think of the convention in terms of eight days, not just the two week ends or the days that you think will be high points. Why not be there every session? Make out a room request form now showing the accommodations desired. You can get them from the congregation servant of any congregation of Jehovah's witnesses or through the branch organization of countries other than the United States. We are sure there will be accommodations for all, as the New York brothers are diligently working to obtain rooms in the homes of the people as well as lining up rooms in the numerous hotels. When you ask for a room keep in mind that Jehovah's witnesses of New York have worked hard to get these accommodations, and they hope an excellent impression will be left with the householders while you make your stay with them, as was done by those who stayed in the homes of New Yorkers in 1950. We hope that all will take the assignment that is given them by the rooming committee.
Maybe you are just an interested reader of The Watchtower and not one of Jehovah's witnesses, and it may be that you
think that the New World Society Assembly of Jehovah's Witnesses is just for them. No, all the meetings will be open to persons interested in the work carried on by the witnesses. We invite everybody to come. Maybe some of the readers of this magazine go to New York once a year on business or for a pleasure trip. Why not make it during this summer from July 19 to 26 and drop in at Yankee Stadium? You will see something and hear something that the imagination cannot comprehend. You will read about it later in The Watchtower, and you may hear friends of yours tell you about it, but still you will not feel the full force of the New World Society Assembly of Jehovah's Witnesses unless you are there in person. So be sure to come. You are welcome. Drop in and say hello if you are in the city for even a few days.
Now getting back to living in New York. We are going to have a New World Society trailer city. If you wish to stay in the trailer city, which will be equipped with loudspeakers tied in by direct wire with Yankee Stadium, space will be available for you. Many brothers are working diligently, laying the foundation work for this trailer city. We expect to have more facilities at the New World Society trailer city than we had in 1950, such as additional showers, washrooms, refreshment stands and larger stores for the convenience of those residing there. Many of those staying in the New World Society trailer city will decide to come to Yankee Stadium at certain times during the week if not for every session. Anyway, it is expected that enough automobiles will be coming to New York daily to bring in those who want to come. That will all be worked out at the trailer city.
We expect that all attendance records will be shattered again at this assembly of Jehovah's witnesses and that things will be really crowded around Yankee Stadium, but we hope that we will be able to take care of your needs through all the departments that will be set up for your accommodation.
Most of the departments, such as the bookroom, administration, etc., will be located where they were in 1950, but you may familiarize yourself with the general layout of the stadium by studying the diagram in the program. Those who come to the stadium on Saturday, the 18th, will be able to get copies of the program, and they will also be distributed at the trailer camp on the 18th.
Very likely the bleacher section of the stadium will always be filled this time. You may recall that this part of the stadium has no covering; therefore we suggest
that in order to keep from bleaching in the sun everyone bring along a sun hat or a shade of some kind that you can wear if you have to sit in this section of the stadium. Those who will not want to sit in the bleachers will
the cafeteria, so please be patient and just keep in line. If everyone keeps moving in the cafeteria lines and does not use the cafeteria tents for conversing, we think we can feed all the people who want to eat there between the sessions. There will be no need for brothers to rush out of the stadium after the meetings in order to get in line. Take your time. Talk to your friends. Stay in your seats a little while if you wish, because not everyone can be served at once. If you do this it will certainly be a co-operative gesture, and your patience will help the organization.
Since parking facilities around the neighborhood of the stadium are extremely limited, we suggest that the brothers travel to and from the convention grounds
have to come early to get their seats well before the sessions begin, but please follow the instructions of the attendants when they direct you to places where seats are available. Always be prepared with a shade for the sunny days.
The cafeteria and refreshment stands on the lots outside the stadium will be opened on Saturday afternoon, July 18, for the convenience of brothers coming for rooms and to use the day for fellowship and visiting. No one except assigned workers will be allowed in the stadium, because big preparations must be made to get things running Sunday morning. During the convention we know you appreciate that we cannot serve everybody at once in
by subway or bus. If your room happens to be a little distance beyond the last station of the subway train, you may find it best to drive to a suitable subway stop and park your car there and then take the train on to the
stadium. A word of caution is appropriate here. When you park your car in New York city or anywhere else be sure you do not leave anything inside the car, even though you lock it well. The New York police department advises us to tell you to take this precaution. It is very easy to lose valuable things in New York when they are kept in cars. You will find the New York policemen very courteous and they will be pleased to help you with directional information.
Arrangements have been made with the police department so the private buses arriving at the stadium may unload their passengers on 161st street near Rupert Place. After the passengers are discharged the buses will be directed to a streetparking location about five miles away, where they can be left for eight days.
Of course, it is up to the driver to decide where he wants to keep his bus.
All who attend the New World Society Assembly of Jehovah's Witnesses will want to bear witness to Jehovah's kingdom sometime during the assembly. This
will be done largely in the door-to-door work, witnessing to the people in their homes where you stay, talking to people you meet around New York and in the street work advertising the public meeting and distributing magazines. We want to give New Yorkers a warm welcome to attend our assembly, and we sincerely hope that you will plan to be there.
THE U.N. A MODERN NOAH'S ARK?
OCTOBER 1952 saw the completion of the United Nations capital in New York city. The project took five years to build and cost some 67 million dollars. In describing the General Assembly building, the last to be completed, Life, November 5, 1952, likened it to "a kind of Noah's ark for all species of men from all parts of the earth". Is this comparison fitting?
Noah's ark served to bring together those persons who at that time were sincerely interested in a better world and they worked together harmoniously. The ark they built served Jehovah's purpose of preserving all that took refuge in it, bringing them safely through the flood to begin life anew in a cleansed earth.
Can the same be said of the United Nations organization and its capital? Not by any means! The worst enemies of a righteous new world, faithless, powerhungry hypocrites, both totalitarian and democratic, have made it their refuge, and far from being united, not only is it divided into Eastern and Western blocs, but there is division within each bloc.
And instead of the United Nations organization's serving as a place of refuge from Jehovah's fury at Armageddon, it is, to use Jesus' prophetic words, a "disgusting thing that causes desolation". (Matt. 24:15, 16, NW) It is a disgusting thing in
God's sight because it is considered lofty and is idolized by men. (2 Chron. 15:8; Luke 16:15, NW) And it causes twofold desolation: first, it desolates the people's hope and faith in God's kingdom, posing as a substitute for it; and, secondly, all who accept the substitute of the United Nations in the place of God's kingdom will have their lives desolated at Armageddon, the expression of Jehovah's vengeance foreshadowed by the flood of Noah's day. Matt. 24:37-39; Rev. 16:14, 16, NW.
Instead of the United Nations organization's being a modern Noah's ark, it would be more fitting to term it a modern tower of Babel; for, like that ancient structure, the U.N. is a symbol of man's lack of faith in Jehovah God, his vain ambition, his futile efforts to unite, his confusion.
Not the United Nations organization, but a new system of things being created by Jehovah God, is the modern counterpart of Noah's ark. Today men are taking refuge in it by seeking Jehovah, meekness and righteousness, and by associating themselves with the servants of Jehovah who are already functioning as a new-world society, under the new system of things. Those who take refuge in it will be preserved just as surely as were those who took refuge in the ark Noah built. Zeph. 2:1-3, AS.
Sharing in the Prosperity of God's People
EXCEPT Jehovah build the house, they labor in vain that build it." (Ps. 127:1, AS) While giving lip service to that truth politicians have ignored Jehovah and, together with the religious leaders, have looked to the schemes of men for prosperity. No wonder they are chagrined and dismayed.-Jer. 14:19, AS.*
That Jehovah is indeed the source of prosperity is proved by the prosperity existing among his people today, as a result of which they are the happiest people in all the earth. Not that they were always so happy. In 1918, due to the fear of man and lack of understanding, they were in a poor condition, some in literal prisons, all in the spiritual prison of the Devil's world system, and their voice of public preaching was quite muffled.
Then they prayed to God: "Oh visit me with thy salvation, that I may see the prosperity of thy chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of thy nation." (Ps. 106:4, 5, AS) That prayer, offered with the right motive and in harmony with God's will and his prophecies, Jehovah answered. Though angry with them, yet for his name's sake he was not willing that they should be destroyed. So he opened their eyes and showed them that deliverance was promised in his Word and that there was yet much work to be done.
Today, Christendom has no evidence of divine favor; it is perplexed and in extreme fear; it has no timely message for the people, and prays and crusades vainly for peace. But Jehovah's people are enjoying prosperity; God's sacred secrets are being unraveled to them; they have no uncertainty as to their purpose on earth; they have evidence of Jehovah's spirit and approval; they have courage; their number of ministers is constantly increasing and their table is filled with rich spiritual food.
Jehovah's organization is assured prosperity, but our personal sharing in it depends upon our holding fast to it, living up to its principles and being worthy to be retained in it. We may not, like Israel, show lack of faith, forgetting Jehovah's wonderful works; show lack of submissiveness by rebelling against Jehovah's duly appointed representatives; we may not turn back to the filthy practices of the old world.—Ps. 106:6-46; 1 Cor. 10:1-12.
If we would share in the prosperity God has given to his people we must "believe his prophets". (2 Chron. 20:20) That means to study God's Word privately and in company with others. Nor may we neglect our responsibilities, for only if we are diligent to advance Jehovah's Word and Kingdom interests shall we prosper, for he has promised that these would prosper. (Isa. 9:7; 55:11) At the same time we must exercise care that we do not become over-conscious of our prosperity, letting it go to our heads, for then there is danger of disobeying.
And while we are now enjoying prosperity, our prayer is not fully answered, for it says: "Save us, O Jehovah our God, and gather us from among the nations." (Ps. 106:47, AS) Yes, not just ME but others also, us. There are other sheep yet to be gathered.
So let others see and hear us as Jehovah's witnesses; let them see our spiritual prosperity; let them feel an overwhelming desire to share it. There is plenty of prosperity for all—we can afford to be generous! Doing so our own happiness will increase as we see God's visible organization prosper more and more.
Continuing the report on the African trip of the president of the Watch Tower Society, N. H. Knorr, and his secretary
SINCE November 17, when we left New York, we had visited Sierra Leone, Liberia, South Africa, Nyasaland, Southern Rhodesia, and now, on December 24, we were arriving at Lusaka, the capital of Northern Rhodesia. A meeting had been scheduled for the European brothers and seventeen attended that evening. Quite an increase over our last visit, five years ago, when just one European manifested interest. On the morning of the 26th we flew from Lusaka to Ndola, and then drove forty miles to Kitwe, in Northern Rhodesia's Copper Belt, where the national assembly was to be held, December 26 to 28.
A large area on the outskirts of one of the mining camps, Nkana, had been put at the disposal of the Society free of charge by the mining company. Since it would be impossible to accommodate in private homes the thousands expected, the brothers built seventeen shelters, some of which were 700 feet in length. As the assembly drew nearer it became apparent that these would not be sufficient. No further supplies for making grass-thatched roofs being available, a second "layer" consisting of bamboo tables was made for three of the shelters and which extended their full length. In this way the shelters were able to accommodate 8,004; a like number being taken care of in the homes of the brothers and the public. The seven sleeping shelters were like giant spokes of
a wheel with the seating arena as the hub.
In the seating arena bamboo benches were erected to seat over 18,000, set out with dividing aisles in a semicircular style. A beautiful platform was constructed by leveling a large abandoned anthill and erecting a grass-covered shelter. At the back of the platform the 1953 yeartext of Jehovah's witnesses, "Worship Jehovah in Holy Array," was displayed in the Cibemba language. Buildings were also erected to house the various assembly departments.
Such a vast construction project involved the hauling of some 30,000 bundles of grass, 3,500 large poles and 16 truck loads of bamboo poles. Additionally 60 truck loads of fork-shaped poles were brought in for the construction of the seating. Much material was also carried in by the brothers on bicycles and by sisters on their heads. Cut by the brothers in nearby forests, the cost of the material was negligible. All this work was well rewarded, for the assembly proved to be the happiest ever held by Jehovah's people in Northern Rhodesia. Indeed, it was the largest ever held anywhere in Southern Africa.
Brothers came by foot, bicycle, trucks buses and trains. Some traveled two weeks on bicycles from the northern part of the territory more than 500 miles away; brothers carrying their wives and children on their bicycles, over dirt roads and through the "bush".
From the southeast some walked four days through an area full of wild beasts, and then traveled two more days by primitive bus to reach the assembly. From the southwest they came part of the way by boat on the Zambezi river and then by rail: a five-day trip. Brothers from the Machusa tribe in Tanganyika sold their cows to find the £7.0.0 for the round trip, which took one week each way. Yes, knowing that the assembly was an arrangement of Jehovah's organization, the brothers were determined to get to it. Nothing could stop them. All roads led to the theocratic assembly.
THE ASSEMBLIES AT KITWE
And what a blessing was in store for these brothers when they got to the assembly! Driving through the trees, one came upon the assembly suddenly, and there laid out before him was an unforgettable sight. Sitting under the open sky was this huge crowd of African witnesses, the multicolored hats of the sisters giving the effect of a garden of flowers of every hue. They were orderly and gave close attention to what was being said, trying not to miss a word. Had they not come many miles for just this?
However, there was something that made an even greater impression upon a visitor to this assembly—the singing! Led by a choir of 1,010, the singing at this assembly was something that sent thrills up the spine, and brought tears to the eyes, it was so beautiful. No musical instruments were needed. Indeed, they would have been out of place. At the signal from the conductor they began; and what seemed to be complicated part-singing was handled with wonderful ease. The harmony was exquisite, with the sound first coming through like the rustle of the trees
in the wind and building up to a grand climax, like that of a thousand reeds. Although they composed much of the music by themselves, and some of the words are original with them also (based on Scripture texts), their songs all center around the true worship of Jehovah God, just as do the songs Jehovah's witnesses sing in other parts of the earth.
The assembly opened with almost 14,000 in attendance, Friday, December 26. On this day 1,195 symbolized their dedication to do Jehovah's will by being immersed. By Saturday morning 16,000 were present, and when the time came for the public meeting 20,000 had packed out the arena and overflowed into the surrounding area. Due to the kind assistance of a local European, the sound system was well nigh perfect, and the huge crowd easily heard every word of the public lecture, "It Is Time to Consider God's Way."
The brothers who came to the assembly came to learn pure worship and the way to live together as members of a new-world society. They had left behind the many superstitious ways of the old world. For instance: In some districts when a man dies his brothers are not allowed to wash for three months. In other places at death the whole community sits up all night beating drums and moaning in order to drive away the evil spirits. In yet another locality, if the headman of a village dies, all the villagers move away to another place, leaving their homes and gardens, lest the spirit of the dead headman come back to trouble them. Another superstition calls for the putting of a certain medicine on the upper lip of a newborn child so that the top teeth come through first; otherwise there is danger of the baby's turning into a crocodile! Well, Jehovah's witnesses quit these practices, for they see that such are foolish and demonic.
An assembly for the European brothers was also held at Kitwe. This furnished a pleasant surprise, for when we visited the country previously, five years ago, no European assembly could be held, for the simple reason that there were no European congregations of Jehovah's witnesses in Northern Rhodesia. This time at the public talk 145 were in attendance, with a peak of 92 at the other assembly sessions. Seven Europeans were baptized.
At both assemblies the second edition of "Let God Be True" was released, much to the joy of the brothers. They had not had the first edition, due to there being a ban upon it, so that it could not be imported.
Outstanding in connection with the assemblies was the co-operation of the various officials that had to be contacted quite a change from five years ago, when the mere mention of the name "Jehovah's witnesses" aroused antagonism on the part of most of them.
There are thousands of people in Northern Rhodesia that want to become Jehovah's witnesses, but we will not allow them to call themselves such until we first examine them and are sure that they know the teachings of Christ and the purposes of Jehovah God. Then, after they symbolize their dedication to do Jehovah's will by water immersion, we allow them to say they are Jehovah's witnesses.
Jehovah's witnesses, now about the largest unified body in Northern Rhodesia, are of one mind and what they want and what they are preaching is God's kingdom, the only hope for the world. Various political factions and other groups would like to have Jehovah's witnesses swing into their movements and support them. Some influential men of such large organizations attended the African assembly to hear what was said and see how we managed our
affairs. They were absolutely amazed to see such orderliness and peacefulness even though the people were from every part of Northern Rhodesia and represented all the tribes. God's spirit has worked marvels, but the world will not accept this answer. They think there is something else behind it that causes this oneness of action. Jehovah's witnesses have Jehovah's spirit because they study his Word, they believe it and preach it.
THROUGH KENYA TO ETHIOPIA
On Monday, December 29, we left for Ndola, there to catch our plane for Ethiopia. En route we stopped overnight at Nairobi, where we had to make connections for the Ethiopian airlines. We were entertained at the home of one of Jehovah's witnesses, and from 6:45 in the evening until 12:30 a.m. we had a meeting with eight brothers and sisters, two of whom had traveled hundreds of miles over dusty roads to be with the brothers at Nairobi for this meeting. We answered their many questions and gave them interesting information about Jehovah's work and organization and what we felt should be done in Kenya and Uganda.
Early the next morning we left Nairobi and soon passed over Mount Kenya, about 17,000 feet in altitude. Far below were the plains and jungles of Kenya. We also saw many lakes between Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, and Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. Africa does indeed offer many sights of beauty from the air.
At Addis Ababa we were met by brothers at the airport and had a nice trip to the heart of the city. It has a population of about 300,000 and lies at an elevation of 8,000 feet. In it we found a modern civilization being built up alongside an old one, also many buildings started by the Italians when they took over the land, and which were not completed because of their sudden departure.
Ethiopia lies in the eastern part of Africa, the southern part being just 250 miles north of the equator. Most of the cities and villages are perched on high plateaus, providing perpetual springtime for the inhabitants. The first Watch Tower missionary arrived in Ethiopia in September 1950. Now there are eleven in the country and three congregations have been established. Because the government requires missionaries to aid in the education of its citizens the Society at present operates two elementary schools, at Harar and Dire Dawa, and a night school at Addis Ababa.
The native tongue, Amharic, presents a great problem. It is a very ancient language and in some respects resembles Hebrew and Arabic. Its alphabet has 276 characters, each with its individual sound. Some are strange explosive expressions and others are clucking sounds.
An assembly was arranged for four days and the students were invited to attend, school being dismissed while it lasted. When the assembly opened, the missionaries that had been in the country, one five and a half months, were happy to see one of their number act as chairman and give an enthusiastic address of welcome. And the Amharic brothers were especially well pleased.
That evening Brother Henschel addressed the sixty-one in attendance by means of an interpreter, on the subject "Integrity". He left on Saturday, January 3, to take care of speaking appointments in Cairo while I remained until Monday and spoke to the brothers several times on Saturday and Sunday. A high spot of the assembly was the immersion, held in a small stream dammed up a bit to make the water deep enough for immersion. Six symbolized their dedication by baptism.
ETHIOPIANS MANIFEST GREAT INTEREST
The missionaries told some very interesting experiences. Shortly after the ones assigned to Dire Dawa arrived, day after day persons of good will would come to their home in groups of as many as fifteen and ask them to study the Bible with them. In the beginning this grew to such a point that it was impossible to study with all of them. So the missionaries turned their studies into lectures, giving a different public lecture each night for a month.
At first it was thought that this interest was due to its being a new mission and that the interest would subside when the novelty of it had worn off. But not so, the interest has been maintained. Many Bible studies have been started and a number of those who heard that series of talks have taken a firm stand for the principles of the truth and are now preaching to others. A group of five Arabs are coming regularly for Bible study, which is being carried on in Arabic and English.
Hyenas are so numerous in this neighborhood that many people are afraid to go out at night. Consequently few studies are held in the evening. Those who do venture forth carry a big club with them for protection.
The peak in visitors for study for one afternoon was fifty. They were inquiring students from the Swedish Mission who came to the home to ask questions. Critical at first, they were so taken aback by the ready answers they received that they soon let the missionaries keep right on talking about the new world. By the time the talk was concluded sarcasm had been replaced by meekness and humility. The man who took the lead asked if he could have a regular Bible study.
At his second call he arrived early and overheard the summary of a previous lesson showing there was no trinity. In amazement he exclaimed, "You mean Jesus isn't God?"
Further explanation was given to him and after that he went back to his mission and told them that the Bible did not teach the trinity. The only answer he got was that Jehovah's witnesses were false prophets and that he should not listen to them. Not satisfied by that answer, he has continued his studies and now feels he wants to be the right kind of minister, one of Jehovah's witnesses.
Another example in another territory was that of a young man who was a student priest. He could not speak a word of English. The missionary at the time could not speak a word of Amharic, and so their first discussion was through an interpreter. When controversial points arose the student priest would resort to the ancient-language Bible in Geez. It is a dead language not used by the people, but only by those who are studying to be priests. This version of the Bible is looked upon as authoritative. This translation proved to be very good, not having that favorite text of the trinitarians, 1 John 5:7: "There are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one," which is found in the King James Version in English. So the student priest was shown very quickly that the entire doctrine of the trinity was wrong. Many other points of the discussion were proved by the Geez Bible and it was not long before the student priest changed his attitude. He came for studies three or four times a week, bringing others with him. He left the seminary where he was being trained and moved in with an Ethiopian brother. They talked the truth for hours.
The next morning the school clerk of the seminary came to the mission with a policeman and took the student priest away. It was a hectic day, going from one
office to another, to the headmaster's secretary, to school officials, the police, and it seemed that no one knew what to do with this man now. The missionaries were involved because here was a man who was changing his beliefs, no longer believing like the state church. The missionaries were asked to tell their story, and they pointed out simply and clearly that this priest had come to their mission voluntarily, wanting to study. He had had full permission of the headmaster to find out what Jehovah's witnesses believe. The brothers stood by this young man and defended him before his accusers.
Later he was locked up in a seminary for four days. But he finally sent a note out to the missionaries, telling them not to feel sorry for him. He was rejoicing that he was a prisoner for the sake of Jehovah. "Do not think I will go with them," he said. 'No man that has put his hand to the plow looks at things behind.'
On the fifth day of imprisonment he managed to have his private guards take him to the mission and he told the brothers that he would be sent to Addis Ababa. This occurred, but soon after he arrived in Addis Ababa he was allowed to go free. He attended the meetings of the brothers in Addis Ababa. He came to the assembly and there was immersed with the other brothers. He is very zealous and anxious to preach the gospel.
Many more experiences could be related showing the eagerness on the part of the people to learn the truth. Arranging for Bible studies is a simple matter. All missionaries have far more Bible studies than they can handle. We look for big increases in this country, even though the brothers must teach school in addition to taking care of the teaching of the truth regarding God's kingdom. It was a joy to be with them.
Be Clothed with Humility
NO GARMENT is better styled or more becoming to the servant of God than the gracious garment of humility. None is better designed to please Jehovah. Humility will help us to become unassuming, natural, simple, sweet. It is styled to make us gracious, gentle, forgiving, kind. It is not attracted or distracted by outward appearances, the height of stature, personal abilities or personalities. It helps us to see ourselves as God sees us: "For Jehovah seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but Jehovah looketh on the heart."—1 Sam. 16:7, AS.
Humility means submissiveness; submissiveness means obedience; obedience means to do God's will. God's will as expressed in his Word teaches us humility. "Unless you turn around and become as young children you will by no means enter into the kingdom of the heavens. Therefore, whoever will humble himself like this young child is the one that is the greatest in the kingdom of the heavens." (Matt. 18:3,4,NW) "All of you gird yourselves with humility of mind toward one another, because God opposes the haughty ones, but he gives undeserved kindness to the humble ones. Humble yourself, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time." (1 Pet. 5:5, 6,NW) "For though Jehovah is high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly; but the haughty he knoweth from afar." (Ps. 138:6,AS) "He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth Jehovah require of thee, but to do justly, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with thy God?"—Mic. 6:8, AS.
Humility will help us to walk humbly before our God. It will safeguard us from
becoming haughty, assertive, boastful proud. It will save us from our own self-importance in personal bearing, in our manner of dress, and in our style of living. It will keep us from the vanity of our abilities and attractions and protect us against the damaging, ego-inflating effects of higher learning, a collegiate education, a diploma or an honorary degree. It will check us from exalting ourselves in the presence of the lowly, it will not be abashed in the courts of the mighty of the earth. It will help us guard against seeking the favor of men, the praises of others, or searching for flattery when our work is done. It will guide us to do our best and leave it with Jehovah, and not look for the praise and plaudits of men.
Humility will help us in our prayers to God. It will make us keenly aware of our need of Him, of our inability and imperfection. It will save us from trying to justify ourselves; from becoming like the Pharisee mentioned in Jesus' illustration, who began to pray these things to himself: "O God, I thank you I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unrighteous, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give the tenth of all things I acquire." Rather, humility will help us to maintain a lowliness of mind, a meekness and modesty about ourselves, which says: "O God, be gracious to me a sinner."—Luke 18:11-13, NW; Acts 20:19.
Humility teaches us to incline our ear toward Jehovah, and not away from him. "Unto thee, O Jehovah, do I lift up my soul. Show me thy ways, O Jehovah; teach me thy paths. Guide me in thy truth, and teach me; for thou art the God of my salvation; for thee do I wait all the day." (Ps. 25:1, 4, 5, AS) It moves the heart to say: "Oh magnify Jehovah with me, and let us exalt his name together."
(Ps. 34:3, AS) It directs the humble to a life of dedication, praise and honor to God. But it also teaches, "before honour is humility." Prov. 15:33; 16:18; 18:12.
HUMILITY IN THE ORGANIZATION
Humility will help the dedicated servant of God to appreciate Jehovah's organization, his arrangement for doing things in the earth, and it will aid him to see that only by staying in the organization, maintaining integrity, remaining faithful to Jehovah, will he be safe from all harm. It will help him keep his proper place in the organization and work in harmony with it. It will help him to think soberly, according to the facts of God's Word, the Bible, which tells us honestly what we are. A humble man will not think he ought to be in this or that job or position. He knows that "the reward of humility and the fear of Jehovah is riches, and honor, and life"; and that Jehovah exalts the humble and abases the proud.—Prov. 22:4, AS; Luke 14:11.
Humility will help the servant when dealing with his brothers in the congregation. It will save him from self-consciousness. It will take away the constant sense of his own importance, and the desire of wanting to be the center of attraction, the thought of being the object of observation and attention; also from wanting to steal the whole show. When dealing with the brothers, it will help him treat the flock of God with affection, courtesy and kindness, even as Christ did. It will caution him not to be more exacting of others than God is of him. It will help him not to become easily offended if his kindnesses are not
appreciated, knowing that God is kind to the thankful and the unthankful alike.
Humility will keep us subdued when we seem to be overflowing, allowing for love but not envy, for consideration but not prejudice. It will not allow the servant of God to say, "I am all right and you are all wrong." Rather, as Jehovah says: "Come now, and let us reason together." (Isa. 1:18) It will restrain the self-confident and tone down the arrogant in spirit from saying: "Today or tomorrow we will travel to this city and will spend a year there, and we will engage in business and make profits,' whereas you do not know what your life will be tomorrow. . . . Instead, you ought to say: 'If Jehovah wills, we shall live and also do this or that.'"—Jas. 4:13- 15, NW.
Humility will shield us from bragging and prating about ourselves in a vainglorious way before our family, in the presence of strangers, or in the Christian congregation. It will keep us from assuming that others are as much interested as we are in our personal achievements. It will save us from taking offense because people may seem to ignore us, because perhaps our congregation servant did not recognize us or did not call upon us to make a comment or take a part on the service meeting program.
Humility will not allow us to have a high opinion of ourselves, nor will it grant a display of self before others, nor will it permit us to belittle others of whom we may be envious or for whom we may have contempt. No matter how elated or enthusiastic we may become over our accomplishments or merits, humility will keep self out of sight and under control. It will suppress the tendency to swagger and boast. It leaves no room for feigned piety or poses of sanctimoniousness and mock humility, which is commonly seen among the clergymen.—Col. 2:18, 23, NW.
Humility teaches us respect for our fathers and mothers, for the brothers and sisters in the truth, and for the whole Christian organization. It keeps out pride of nationality, race or color. It leaves no room for division. It teaches man that God "made out of one man every nation of men, to dwell upon the entire surface of the earth, and he decreed the appointed seasons and the set limits of the dwelling of men, for them to seek God, if they might grope for him and really find him". Acts 17:26, 27, NW.
Humility teaches the humble Christian that these truths belong to Jehovah God, that the servant merely bears fruit of Jehovah's production. It counsels us that God's will is reasonable, practical, right. The humble are conscious of their devotion and zeal toward God, and they earnestly strive to measure up to their Godgiven responsibilities. They are slow to err, quick to forgive. It teaches man that the most ignorant can be proud and haughty, but only a wise man can be humble. The proud are stubborn, brittle, and break easily. The humble are meek but not weak; wiry and unbreakable in integrity.
Humility is knowing one's own insignificance in relationship to everything else. It clothes man with a lowliness of mind. It esteems others as better than he. It heeds the apostle's counsel "to walk worthily of the calling with which you were called, with complete lowliness of mind and mildness, with longsuffering, putting up with one another in love, earnestly endeavoring to observe the oneness of the spirit in the uniting bond of peace". (Eph. 4:1-3, NW) It allows no room for fornication, uncleanness of any kind or greediness, nor room for "shameful conduct nor foolish talking
nor obscene jesting, things which are not becoming, but rather the giving of thanks".—Eph. 5:3,4,NW.
Humility keeps us from trusting in ourselves or men, but it teaches us that it is wisdom to 'trust in Jehovah with all our heart; and to lean not unto our own understanding. In all our ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct our paths'. (Prov. 3:5, 6) It teaches us that Satan the Devil is the father of pride and the god of confusion. It was he who thought of himself more highly than he ought, and he has been debased and will be still further debased by Almighty God. He will be squeezed out of existence. Humility teaches us we must remain humble if we are to receive God's approval. "God opposes the haughty ones, but he gives undeserved kindness to the humble ones. Humble yourselves in the eyes of Jehovah, and he will exalt you."—Jas. 4:6, 10, NW.
Humility will help you see that "evil shall slay the wicked: and they that hate the righteous shall be desolate". (Ps. 34:21) It will help you walk obediently before Jehovah, not demanding justice from others but always rendering justice and mercy as far as possible. It will help you to stand on the streets and pass out handbills and offer magazines to passers-by; it will help you to go from house to house with literature and to make return visits and start home Bible studies. It will aid you to get on a platform and deliver a public address and serve faithfully in a congregation.
It requires humility, increased humility, to do these and other parts of the organizational work in delivering a world-wide witness to God's name and kingdom. It is the garment styled by Jehovah himself. Wear it. "Walk humbly with your God." Mic. 6:8, AT.
Predestination and Jehovah's Foreknowledge
"Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world."—Acts 15:18.
EHOVAH has the power of predestination and the faculty of foreknowledge. What he predestinates takes place because he has foreordained that it shall, regardless of what any creature in the universe may do to hinder or halt it. What he foreknows takes place because of the infallibility of his power of perception into the future, the exercise of which in no way does violence to the free will of any creature. Generally, predestination has to do with classes or groups and with events, without foreordaining the specific individuals that will be involved in these classes or events. On the other hand, divine foreknowledge does not limit itself to groups or events but frequently indicates specific individuals that will be involved in them.
2 Our preceding issue laid a solid basis for the position that when the Greek Scriptures speak of predestination or foreordination relative to those who will reign with Christ in heaven, they are referring to such ones as a class and not as individuals. The same is true when Jehovah expresses his purpose to have a holy nation. In ancient time Israel became the typical holy nation, for to it Jehovah said: "Ye
shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation." Again, "Thou art a holy people unto Jehovah thy God: Jehovah thy God hath chosen thee to be a people for his own possession, above all peoples that are upon the face of the earth." (Ex. 19:6; Deut. 7:6, AS) It was an elect or chosen nation, spoken of as "Israel mine elect". Isa.45:4.
But the mere fact that it was an elect nation did not automatically include every individual Israelite as a finally chosen one. Jehovah himself destroyed many of them in the wilderness journeyings and thereafter, as well as allowing enemies to reduce their ranks because of unfaithfulness. When Christ came only a remnant of the Jews accepted him, and non-Israelites were brought in to complete the foreordained number of the "Israel of God". (Gal. 6:15, 16; Eph. 2:11-22, NW) It was not enough to be a Jew outwardly, in a fleshly way. Members of the "Israel of God" must be Jews inwardly, in a spiritual way. (Rom. 2:28, 29; 9:6, NW) When too few natural Israelites accepted the Messiah, "God for the first time turned his attention to the nations to take out of them a people for his name." When natural Israelite branches refused to bear godly fruitage they were broken off and heretofore wild Gentile branches were grafted in to take their place. Thus did God, when the sensibilities of many in natural Israel were dull to their duty, bring in Gentiles to complete the foreordained number of spiritual Israel, or the "Israel of God": "A dulling of sensibilities has happened in part to Israel until the full number of people of the nations has come in, and in this manner all Israel will be saved."—John 15:1-8; Acts 15:14; Rom. 11:17-21, 25, 26, NW. 4 That God's typical holy nation, natural Israel, foreshadowed spiritual Israel, and that the latter would be made up in part by Gentiles, is shown by Peter's application of Exodus 19:6 and Deuteronomy 7:6 to Christ's body-members composed of both Jew and Gentile: "You are 'a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for special possession, that you should declare abroad the excellencies' of the one that called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
For you were once not a people, but are now God's people." (1 Pet. 2:9, 10, NW) The complete number of those who reign with Christ is fixed at 144,000. (Rev. 14:1-4) At Revelation 7:4-8 this same number is apportioned among the twelve tribes of Israel, and since this is the complete number and includes Gentiles, the Israel referred to here must be spiritual Israel. The "great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues" next seen could not be of the heavenly class, for that would swell the number far beyond the foreordained 144,000. (Rev. 7:9, NW) Actually, it makes the parallel complete. Just as when typical natural Israel left Egypt they were accompanied by a "mixed multitude" of non-Israelites, so in the antitype when spiritual Israel separates from this old world under Satan a great multitude, a Gentile crowd when compared with spiritual Israel, associates with them. Salvation they gain through Christ's redeeming blood.—Rev. 7:10, 14.
What does all this disclose relative to predestination? It shows that though natural Israel was elect as a nation, many of that nation fell away and only a remnant remained faithful. Being typical of spiritual Israel, it shows that spiritual Israel is elect as a class or holy nation, but not as
to individuals comprising its numbers, for many individuals fell away and only a remnant of the total numbers once called, sanctified, justified, redeemed and of the election remains faithful. Moreover, the foregoing shows that not just the elect or chosen spiritual Israel that reigns with Christ in heaven are redeemed by Christ's blood, but a great crowd with no fixed or predestinated number also come under the ransom's saving benefits. Presbyterians, chief champions of predestination, deny this, saying: "Neither are any other redeemed by Christ . . . but the elect only." In contending that only the elect ones who reign with Christ are saved, the predestinarians pose another dilemma for themselves: Since the elect or chosen ones become a part of the Abrahamic seed, along with Christ Jesus, who are the families and nations of the earth blessed by this seed? (Gen. 12:3; 22:18; Gal. 3:16, 29) Actually, it is an earthly class whose numbers are drawn from all nations, and the present-day part of which becomes the "great crowd" of Revelation 7:9.
FOREKNOWLEDGE CONCERNING INDIVIDUALS
6 In trying to prove their point that individuals generally are predestinated, devotees of that doctrine will cite as cases in proof such individuals as Samson, Jeremiah, Cyrus, Esau and Jacob, John the Baptist, Judas, and also Jesus. It is true that before their birth Jehovah foreknew that Samson would begin to deliver Israel, that Jeremiah would be a prophet to the nations, and that John the Baptist would perform a work like Elijah's in preparing the people for Messiah's coming. (Judg. 13:3-5; Jer. 1:5; Luke 1:13-17) However, these cases do not match the doctrine of predestination.
That doctrine requires that the final destiny of individuals be inflexibly ordained from before the time of Adam and Eve; but there is no evidence of that in these cases. There is nothing to indicate that God's foreknowledge as to these specific individuals existed much before the time of conception. Moreover, that foreknowledge seemed to concern their activities rather than final destinies; whereas predestination concerns final destinies, and that "without any foresight of faith or good works, or perseverance in either of them, or any other thing in the creature".* The divine foreknowledge shown in these cases is something quite different from predestination.
The pronouncement concerning the twins Esau and Jacob was not made before Adam and Eve's creation, but while the babes were in their mother's womb; neither was it concerning final destiny, but was, "the elder shall serve the younger." It meant the younger, in contrast with the usual procedure, was to get the birthright that ordinarily went to the first-born son and which made him, upon the death of his father, head of his father's household and made his other brothers subservient to him. And all this was "when they had not yet been born nor had practiced anything good or vile, in order that the purpose of God respecting the choosing might continue dependent, not upon works, but upon the One who calls". One of these twin boys would get the birthright, which in this case carried with it the Abrahamic promise. While making the selection before birth, before either had done good or bad, Jehovah showed that the choosing of those sharing in the Abrahamic promise was not dependent upon works. This was a
contrast with the Law covenant, which caused the Jews to stress works. It highlighted undeserved kindness or grace, and the spirit. It left the selection entirely up to the one who calls candidates for these blessings, namely, Jehovah God. His free choice in this matter, completely unbound by customs or usual procedures according to men's expectations, such as giving the birthright to first-born sons, is further emphasized by his selection of the younger son instead of the older one. So Jehovah was clarifying his purpose concerning his covenant, not indulging in a whim, by acting as he did in the case of Esau and Jacob. Gen. 25:23-26; 27:29, 37; 28:13, 14; Rom. 9:11, NW.
Jehovah's decision to give the birthright to Jacob or his allowing the older Esau to be a temporary slave to the younger one did not predestinate Esau to eternal condemnation, as predestinarians must contend. Being in a subservient position did not prohibit Esau from gaining God's approval. Did not some of the Canaanites, even though under an inspired curse to serve the descendants of Shem, attach themselves to Israel and gain Jehovah's blessing? (Gen. 9:25-27; Josh. 9:27) And as for the birthright, receiving it is not a requirement for salvation. If so, then only first-born sons would be saved and all others automatically condemned. And what about Jehovah's statement: "I loved Jacob, but I hated Esau"? (Mal. 1:2, 3; Rom. 9:13, NW) The record does not specifically state that this judgment was entered while the babes were in Rebekah's womb, that it did not await their subsequent conduct as a basis for it. But regardless of that possibility, Jehovah's power of foreknowledge could disclose to him the course each twin would take and provide all the needed basis for loving one and hating the other. His power to read the inherent dispositions of unborn babes cannot be doubted.
Certainly Esau had such a disposition, and it persisted despite the good religious training he received from his parents. In contrast with Jacob's faithfulness, Esau was an irresponsible hunter, sought out the accursed heathen women as wives, showed contempt for the Abrahamic promise by selling his birthright to Jacob, and yet later tried to cheat Jacob out of the birthright that was Jacob's by both purchase and God's gift. Of his own free will Esau did all this and earned Jehovah's hatred.—Gen. 25:27-34; 26:34, 35; 27:34-36, 46; 1 Sam. 16:7; Job 31:15; Eccl. 11:5.
9 Jehovah God prophesied that one of the apostles of Jesus would betray Jesus, but the specific one is not named. (Ps. 41:9; 109:8) There is no evidence for saying that Jesus knew when he chose Judas Iscariot that this was to be the betrayer. However, Jesus' power from Jehovah enabled him to perceive the thoughts and intents of the human mind and heart, and as soon as Judas began drifting in that direction Jesus was aware of it. To demonstrate that he was the Messiah he spoke of this coming betrayal in advance: "From this moment on I am telling you before it occurs, in order that when it does occur you may believe that I am he." (John 2:24, 25; 6:64, 70, 71; 13:11, 18-30; Rev. 2:23, NW) The predictions made that identified Judas personally as the betrayer came after he was grown, after he was an apostle. The same may be said for those involving Peter personally, as to his denial of Christ, his recovery afterward, and the way he would die. (Mark 14:30; Luke 22:31, 32, 34; John 21:17-19) None of this could be called predestination, the fixing of individuals' destinies before the original world's foundation. As for Cyrus, it was by Jehovah's
prophetic power of foreknowledge that he was named as the one to overthrow Babylon and release Israelite captives, and this some two hundred years before the event occurred. But Presbyterian or Calvinist predestination is not involved. It did not fix Cyrus' final destiny. He did not become a true worshiper of Jehovah, but served many false gods, and never became of Jehovah's elect class.—Isa. 45:1-4.
10 As for Jesus, his earthly course and final destiny as the Seed of God's woman and King of the new world were not predestinated before the foundation of the original world. It was after the fall of the first pair that prophecies began to be given concerning Christ Jesus. (Gen. 3:15) The Hebrew Scriptures do identify him as Jehovah's elect or chosen One. (Isa. 42:1) He was foreknown before the new world's foundation at the time of his death, and was "one delivered up by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God". (Acts 2:23; 1 Pet. 1:20; Rev. 13:8, NW) Without predestinating the specific individuals to act against him when on earth, the prophecies did predict many of the events that occurred: "Even so, both Herod and Pontius Pilate with men of nations and with peoples of Israel were in actuality gathered together in this city against your holy servant Jesus, whom you made Christ, in order to do what things your hand and counsel had determined beforehand to occur." (Acts 4:27, 28, NW) But whether Jesus' case be called predestination or foreknowledge, it was highly exceptional and does not prove individual predestination for all persons from before the time of Adam and Eve.
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