Doom of Religion (Part 4) № 15

“DIVINE MANDATE” TESTIMONY PERIOD

The entire month of August has been designated “Divine Mandate” Testimony Period. This midsummer witnessing Period is specially favored by the release, for distribution to the general public at the popular contribution of 25c a copy, of the new book Salvation. Circulation of no other book could be more appropriate for this Period than that of Salvation, with its beautiful treatment of the recently revealed truth on the' “Divine Mandate”. What anointed witness, or what person of good will in line for this divine mandate, can hold back from a prompt and large part in this Testimony Period? The Informant gives details to guide you. The regular report should follow up your activities at the close of the month.

“SALVATION”

We take special pleasure in announcing this new book, written by the president of the Society. It was the feature release at the recent world-wide convention of Jehovah’s witnesses with its hub at New York City. The author of this book for the times describes it as “A text-book for the Jonadabs”. But a study of its 384 pages of contents will prove to you it is meat in due season and a joy to all anointed Christians as well. The author’s edition is still available, containing a facsimile of a letter to the reader in the author’s own hand and which you will much appreciate. This edition being limited, and the initial costs of manufacture being heavy, a contribution of 50c is asked per copy. Early translation of Salvation in more than twenty other languages is assured, and due announcement will be made on publication.

“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES

Week of September 3: “Doom of Religion” (Part 4), 1-19 inclusive, The Watchtower August 1, 1939.

Week of September 10: “Doom of Religion” (Part 4), 20-40 inclusive, The Watchtower August 1, 1939.

VACATION

Notice! The Brooklyn factory and office continues closed for the two weeks beginning on July 22, and concluding Sunday, August 6. This enables the Bethel family, after a year of consistent strenuous activity here, to get away for a temporary change and to enjoy opportunities of field service in common with the other Kingdom publishers. No orders are being filled and shipped, nor mail opened and answered, during this vacation period.

…

17 Is the campaign now carried on for the glory of Jehovah’s witnesses ? Not by any means. It is the message of God, and he only should and does receive the honor and glory. “And the Lord shall utter his voice before his army [before his host (Roth.)]; for his camp is very great; for he is strong that executeth his word; for the day of the Lord is great and very terrible; and who can abide it?” - Joel 2:11.

18 By Christ Jesus his King and through his theocratic organization Jehovah roars forth his message proclaiming to all creation that the day of final reckoning is at hand. This is not for the purpose of exalting or praising the “locusts”, his witnesses, but for the express purpose of informing the people that the Almighty God is Jehovah. The “locusts” have no earthly king, but they are under their heavenly King, Christ Jesus, who commands them. He is invisible to human eyes, and he commands and leads the host of the Most High. It is the “voice” of Jehovah uttered by his duly authorized and commissioned Executive Officer, Christ Jesus. (1 Thess. 4:16, 17) “His camp is very great”; that is, very numerous as respects the volume of the message that the Lord sends forth and that his camp puts out. It is the utterance of Jehovah, and it is his “strange work”, and he is very strong and he uses his campers to carry on his work regardless of opposition. Soon he will finish that work and will prove that he has found men on earth who will maintain their integrity toward him under pressure from the enemy. This is Jehovah’s day, and “the day of the Lord is great and very terrible”. The first part of the day of Jehovah is occupied with his “strange work” of proclaiming the message of his vengeance against religion and hypocrisy and announcing that his kingdom is the only hope of mankind. The judgment of the world has begun and is progressing, and the nations are now being separated, and all this must be done prior to Armageddon, and with Armageddon Satan’s organization shall cease. - Matt. 25:31-46.

19 The question is then propounded by the prophet: “And who can abide it?” that is, Who can maintain his integrity and abide as a member of God’s organization, whether said to be of the remnant or of the “other sheep”? It is a time of great test upon each and every one who has undertaken to do the will of God. Those who do abide in this day and prove their integrity are the ones who have full faith and confidence in God and in his King and who march forward in obedience to his commandments, regardless of the opposition on the part of the foe. These faithful ones now fully appreciate the fact that their fight is not against human creatures, not against men because such men are Catholics or Protestants or Jews, or non-believers in anything (they are not fighting against human power or human governments), but that they are being assaulted and opposed by the Devil and his host of wicked angels, and that such invisible ones are using men to carry out their wicked works, and that men thus used are the ones who have yielded to religion and thereby have been seduced by Satan. The work of Jehovah’s witnesses and “his camp” is to obey God and magnify his name that the people may learn their only means of salvation.

WARNING HIS PEOPLE

20 Many centuries ago, and in the days of his typical people, Jehovah caused the prophecy of Joel to be uttered. Up to this point in the prophecy God tells of hypocritical religion, and of his purpose to destroy religion. He knew the end from the beginning, and in due time God informs his covenant people as to the meaning of the prophecy and what their duty is at this time. By his prophet Jehovah now addresses those who have made a covenant to do his will and to follow in the footsteps of Christ Jesus. Religion is Satan’s chief means of turning men away from God, and the warning from Jehovah to his covenant people is that they must put away now everything pertaining to religion and give themselves wholly and without reservation to his service. “Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning.”—Joel 2:12.

21 This part of the prophecy appears to have the beginning of its fulfillment in completeness shortly before the beginning of God’s “strange work”, that is, between the years A.D. 1918 and 1922. Long before that time God had caused his prophets to utter his judgment against religion and to foretell his “strange work” and what would be the effect on religion. His covenant people during the “Elijah period” of the church, and prior thereto, were walking with the religionists and had imbibed many religious formalisms and practices. It was difficult for them to get away from something that they did not understand was against God. The time came for them, however, to separate themselves completely from the religious institutions. While walking with religionists the condition of God’s covenant people was such that, figuratively speaking, they were clothed with filthy garments, which filth they had gathered upon them by association with the Babylonish religious systems and giving honor to high dignitaries in such organizations. The time came when they must be cleansed, and the Lord said to them: “And he answered and spake unto those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him he said, Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment.” - Zech. 3:4.

22 The “Refiner’s fire” and “Fuller’s soap” did the cleansing work when the Lord came to his temple and began judgment. (Mal. 3:1-3) All those who stood before the Lord at the temple judgment are of necessity included in the foregoing admonition to forsake everything pertaining to the world and turn wholly to the Lord. Therefore Jehovah through his prophet says: “Turn ye even to me with all your heart.”

23 Prior to that God’s covenant people were trying to develop character, and that in such perfect form that Jehovah could approve them; that is to say, they were trying to grow up to perfection by their own efforts. They had been taught and believed that a Christian must so deport himself that he would have the approval of worldly people who looked upon him; that he must recognize the state as the “higher powers”; and that he must be careful to cause no offense to religionists, and particularly to the high dignitaries in the religious organization. The vindication of Jehovah’s name was unknown to those of the Elijah period, and the kingdom was a secondary matter to be looked forward to. Most of those of the Elijah period were looking forward to their resurrection change, when they would be taken to heaven to 'help rule mankind and restore them’. In due time God revealed to his covenant people that such a course of action is not the proper one; that they must not bestow honor upon men; that it is impossible for these to bring themselves to perfection, but that their sufficiency before him is in Christ Jesus, their Head and perfect guide; and that each and every one must wholly turn himself to and obey the Lord’s commandments in support of the kingdom. (Isa. 6:1-9) These truths began to be revealed to his people after the coming of Christ Jesus to the temple. His witnesses must be equipped, and therefore they must forsake religion. They must recognize God and Christ Jesus as the only “Higher Powers”. They must put away the fear of men and really fear God. The filth upon their garments, received while in Babylon, must be put away, and this they would do by separating themselves entirely from the Babylonish systems and devoting themselves exclusively to God’s kingdom; and, thus cleansing their garments, they would be identified as for God and for his kingdom. Because of Babylonish practices the covenant people of Jehovah had been brought into a snare and, in a measure, made captives and prisoners by the enemy. God’s word addressed to typical Israel now became appropriately applied to spiritual Israel, to wit: “O Israel, return unto the Lord thy God; for thou hast fallen by thine iniquity. Take with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously; so will we render the calves of our lips.” - Hos. 14:1,2.

24 Those gathered at the temple and who receive the Lord’s approval must show their love exclusively for God and for his kingdom. (Deut. 6: 5, 6; 1 John 5:3) They must turn to God “with all your heart [devotion], and with fasting, and with weeping”, because of the iniquity received in Babylon, and henceforth they must abstain from indulging the flesh according to religion, in order that proper service and worship might be rendered unto Jehovah God. “Fasting and weeping” would mean refraining from everything religious, because religion dishonors God’s holy name and is a reproach to his people. Mourning because of their past iniquity shows that his servants are in a right attitude toward Jehovah God and in a position to receive his blessings and approval. “Blessed are they that mourn; for they shall be comforted.” (Matt. 5: 4) The Lord does comfort and has comforted all of Zion who have turned entirely, wholly and completely to him, who have turned away from religion, and who have unhestitatingly exposed religion and declared themselves unequivocally and without compromise for Jehovah and his kingdom.

25 Such turning to the Lord must not be a formal matter, but must be done sincerely and truly, and in order to receive God’s approval his servants must see and appreciate that the issue that is now to be settled is the vindication of Jehovah’s name and that it is the most important thing; that therefore the kingdom is the most important doctrine because the means by which Jehovah vindicates his name.

26 The Lord does not command that his people shall go about in grief and sorrow before the world, nor even before one another. Note he says through his prophet: “And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God; for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.”—Joel 2:13.

27 Outward signs of grief would count for nothing and could not be pleasing to God when indulged in that others might look upon such action. True sorrow of heart because of failure to do God’s will is manifested by the creature towards Jehovah, and not for the purpose of being seen by men. There must be a truly contrite spirit, that is, a genuine heart-sorrow because of failure in the past to show complete devotion to God and his kingdom. (Ps. 51:17,18) There must be a true inward sorrow, which the Lord alone sees; for he is the one whose approval must be had and enjoyed. The snare into which God’s sincere people had fallen was due to the religious influence about them and because of their own negligence and fear of creatures. When God revealed to them the plight in which they were, the sincere ones were truly sorrowful and ashamed. They turned to the Lord, and his mercy was shown unto them. “For he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness.” The Lord must have a cleansed people, who would offer unto him an offering in righteousness, and those who were truly devoted to God when being judged at the temple received his mercy: “Therefore thus saith the Lord, I am returned to Jerusalem with mercies; my house shall be built in it, saith the Lord of hosts, and a line [of constructive work] shall be stretched forth upon Jerusalem [Jehovah’s visible organization, which had been desolated in 1918 by the efforts of the enemy].”—Zech. 1:16.

28 It is not the will of God that his sincere servants shall perish, but that they should turn to him when they see the right way, and, doing so readily, receive his blessings: “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is long-suffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.”— 2 Pet. 3:9.

29 God was angry with the erring ones during 1918, but when the faithful ones saw their condition they speedily sought the face of Jehovah, and that with true and sincere sorrow of heart. Then the Lord showed his mercy to such and filled their mouth with praise for him, and this he foretold by his prophet Isaiah (12:1,2): “And in that day thou shalt say, O Lord, I will praise thee; though thou wast angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfortedst me. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid; for the Lord JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.” Instead of destroying the sincere yet erring ones when the Lord came to his temple, he cleansed them, and then Jehovah “shortened” the day of tribulation for their sake, affording them an opportunity to prove their love for him. (Matt. 24:21,22) The destruction of “Christendom” was postponed or delayed that the “elect” might have full opportunity to bear testimony to the name of Jehovah before “Christendom” and might therefore have a part in doing God’s “strange work”.

30 God could not approve these sincere hearing ones unless such hearing ones, when informed of their mistake, would be diligent to repent and seek his face with prayer and fasting and sincere heart-sorrow: “Who knoweth if he will return [(ILL.) whether he will not turn] and repent, and leave a blessing behind him; even a meat offering, and a drink offering, unto the Lord your God?”—Joel 2:14.

31 The faithful remnant did obey God’s admonition to turn to him wholly and to avoid religion and shun it, and now they have the proof from the Lord that their course was right and they know that God did turn away from them destruction and hence did change his course of action and cleanse and purify the remnant and reinstated them in his service and did make them his witnesses. Those who held to religion and religious practice could not have God’s blessing, and such fell into the “evil servant” class. Jehovah’s “strange work”, as pictured by the locust plague, could not be stopped and set aside, but its coming did not do evil to the faithful remnant, but afforded great blessings to them by giving them a part in Jehovah’s “strange work”. “Christendom” did not repent, and therefore God sends upon “Christendom” his army of “locusts” that engage in his “strange work”, which results in destroying the food and the pasture of the religionists. God having given his witnesses, the “locusts”, a part in his “strange work” as stated in the prophecy, he has ‘left behind him blessings’ since 1922, and such blessings as had not been enjoyed by his people before. “A meat [meal] offering, and a drink offering, unto the Lord your God,” has been graciously provided by Jehovah for his faithful servants that they might serve him in verity and offer to him an offering in righteousness. (Mal. 3:3) No one else has received such blessings from the Lord. As Jehovah’s witnesses go forward in the strength of the Lord, having a part in his “strange work”, their blessings continue to increase and their joy is greatly enlarged.

CALL TO ACTION

32 The “Elijah work” came to an end in 1918, and the consecrated throughout the earth reached a state of inactivity for some time. In the year 1919, and shortly after the removal of their restraint and their release from captivity, God’s consecrated people began to awaken to the necessity of busying themselves, and this without doubt was due to the fact that the Lord was directing them; and this is shown by the words of his prophet: “Blow the trumpet in Zion, sanctify a fast, call a solemn assembly.” (Joel 2:15) Zion (referring to God’s organization, and including the visible part thereof on earth) awakened. That blowing of the trumpet in Zion was for the good of God’s released and restored spiritual Israelites, his “remnant” on the earth, and did not call at that time for the activity concerning the “great multitude”. The time had arrived for God’s people to become active, and the call went forth for immediate action. The Society sounded the alarm from the columns of The Watchtower, and a solemn assembly was called. That call was to renewed activity in Jehovah’s service with that fearlessness that had been pictured long ago by the prophet Elisha. In the face of great opposition and much reproach the faithful witnesses of Jehovah responded with joy and zeal to that call, and in 1922 the witness work began in a really organized, systematic and increased manner.

MINUTE INSTRUCTION

33 Among the strongest proofs that Jehovah is guiding his people in the way they should go is that shown when Jehovah uses them to fulfill his prophecy and then afterwards gives them an understanding of the prophecy, and reveals to his people that they have been so used. During the World War God’s servants on the earth were broken up and scattered by the enemy, particularly the religious element thereof. They must be regathered and enter the service of Jehovah, and the prophecy of Joel shows God’s guiding hand in this matter. (Joel 2:16) In the year 1919 the servant class began to be gathered together and to prepare to devote themselves with renewed zeal to the service of the Lord, and therefore to be a sanctified company, set aside for the exclusive service of Jehovah. “Assemble the old men.” (R.V.) That instruction could not refer to the “elective elders”, but manifestly refers to those more mature ones amongst the Lord’s people, and which elsewhere are pictured by Mordecai and Naomi and who remained faithful under the test imposed upon them during the World War. “Gather the children,” says the prophecy; and that seems to apply to the younger ones coming into the servant class and who were pictured by Esther and Ruth, and who were added to the “faithful servant” class from and after 1922. Incidentally this instruction shows the will of God concerning minor children, that they should be brought along to the meeting or assembly place with the older ones and there hear and learn about God’s kingdom.

34 The admonition or instruction of the Lord applies to every one of the consecrated, regardless of position in the organization. Note that the prophecy says “the bridegroom” and “the bride” must go forth. Symbolically this means all those who have entered into the marriage relationship then must not permit that to be any excuse for inactivity in the service. The fact that one is the husband and the other is the wife is no justification or excuse to remain out of the service. When a person makes a covenant to do the will of God, that covenant takes precedence over all other covenants, whether made before or after consecration. The marital relationship will not excuse one from fulfilling his or her covenant to serve Jehovah, because the covenant with Jehovah is of paramount importance. The kingdom has come; and to announce the King, who will vindicate Jehovah’s name, is the privilege and duty of everyone who has taken the vow of consecration. To those who have agreed to follow Jesus he says: “If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.”—Luke 14:26.

35 With stronger force those words apply today to those who are in a covenant to do God’s will. To beseech the brethren, who have made a consecration, to make good that covenant by entering into the service and to zealously engage in the work of the Lord, is the privilege of each one of the remnant. The apostle Paul did that very thing: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” —Rom. 12:1.

36 Some amongst the consecrated were inclined to think that because of their position and standing in the congregation they should not engage in the house-to-house witness work, but that their part was chiefly to make speeches and to serve at meetings. But note the instruction of the Lord through his prophet concerning such: “Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over them: wherefore should they say among the people, Where is their God?”—Joel 2:17.

37 The priests and ministers here mentioned picture all in line for the royal priesthood; and all of these, having been brought into the temple, must now offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness, to wit, “the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to his name.” (Heb. 13:15) Regardless of the position occupied, no consecrated one could be excused from the guilt and fault of God’s people, nor from sorrow from reproach upon His name, nor from praying for the vindication of His name. All were guilty who had been thus negligent, and all were admonished to weep and to show real sorrow and a contrite heart for the neglect or lack of zeal in making known the name of the Most High. Not that they should magnify themselves, but that they should show a real and genuine desire to magnify the name of Jehovah and make known that his kingdom is here. Then says the prophet : “Spare thy people, O Lord.” They were instructed to cry thus openly and admitting guilt, negligence, or failure to perform service under adverse conditions. The keenest interest of the consecrated must be in the kingdom and for the vindication of Jehovah’s name. God had taken out from the nations a “people for his name”, which consecrated people constituted the heritage of the Lord; and so these were instructed to pray to God: “Give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen [religionists who do not serve God] should [use a by-word against (margin)'] them [should mock them (Rotherham)].” If God should send a plague upon his people the religionists would mock. They mock God by denying his existence and by saying: “God is not all-powerful; hence his people suffer.” It was necessary for the “faithful servant” class to be shown mercy and to be recovered from the erring way, and particularly from religion and religious practice, that they might avoid the plague that was coming, which has now come upon “Christendom”, and that they might be servants to the honor and praise of Jehovah. In harmony with this God put in the mouth of his consecrated people this prayer, which they pray: “Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of thy name; and deliver us, and purge away our sins, for thy name’s sake. Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is their God? let him be known among the heathen in our sight, by the revenging of the blood of thy servants which is shed. Let the sighing of the prisoner come before thee; according to the greatness of thy power preserve thou those that are appointed to die: and render unto our neighbours sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, wherewith they have reproached thee, O Lord.”—Ps. 79: 9-12.

38 The admonition and instruction from the Lord, set out in the prophecy, is not for any selfish reason, but for the well-being of God’s covenant people, that they may be in a proper condition of mind and heart to serve Jehovah as they have agreed to do. If the servant class would follow the course marked out for them and would repent and reform and get busy to carry out their covenant, Jehovah would safeguard the interests of his people and prosper them; and such was the promise of the Lord: “Then will the Lord be jealous for his land, and pity his people.” —Joel 2:18.

39 Those who were approved at the temple judgment and taken into God’s organization, forming the remnant of his anointed, did repent and reform, and then Jehovah did show, and continues to show, his loving-kindness for them, and these are represented in the last-quoted prophecy as “his land”. God delivered them from being prisoners of Satan’s crowd and took away from them the fear of man. He opened the way for the remnant to enter fully into his service and to thereafter perform fearlessly his kingdom message.

40 Since 1922 the Lord has clearly revealed to his people that their fight is not against the weaknesses of the flesh, nor against flesh-and-blood creatures, but that their fight is against Satan and the host of wicked ones, invisible to human eyes, that have overreached men and used men to set up and operate religious institutions, by and through which they have made war against God’s covenant people. His faithful ones have learned that, in order to withstand the enemy, they cannot rely upon their own ability, but that each one must be fully equipped with the armor of the Lord and rely upon him. The covenant people of God have learned that the time is here for a complete showdown with the Devil’s crowd and that therefore this is “the evil day”. The time arrived, therefore, for specific instruction as to what course the anointed should take, and the Lord, through his Word, says to them: “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and, having done all, to stand.” (Eph. 6:13) No time now to ask yourself, What will the people think about me if I go out in the service ? No reason now to say, Shall I be able to demonstrate that I have developed a beautiful character and can always be sweet under all conditions? What creatures think of the remnant is not material. How God regards them is of all-importance. Mark well the equipment which the Lord has provided and which he instructs the remnant now to put on: “Having your loins girt about with [the] truth”; that is to say, show that you are a real servant of the truth who is not abashed or ashamed, but who boldly serves God and his King at all times. Put on the “breastplate of righteousness”; that is to say, demonstrate that your heart motive is wholly, entirely and without compromise for Jehovah and his kingdom and that you are pursuing a singleness of purpose to serve God and his kingdom. Have “your feet shod with . . . the gospel of peace”; that is to say, fully equipped to enter upon and go over rough and rocky roads, made so by the enemy, and at all times and under all circumstances of adversity proclaim the good news of ‘peace to those of good will toward God’. Note the fight is not against your fellow creatures. You are not fighting against some earthly institution or men of earth, but contending at all times for the kingdom under Christ, and your only hope is in God and in Christ, and you are warring against the enemies of God and the enemies of his kingdom. Then the admonition is given: “Above all, [take] the shield of faith,” against which the darts of the enemy avail nothing. Faith consists of a knowledge of Jehovah’s expressed purpose and a full and complete reliance upon his Word; and, having that shield, the darts of the enemy cannot deter the faithful servant in performance of duty. The Devil and all his angels cannot convince the remnant that their cause is hopeless. Their confidence and trust is implicitly in God and Christ his King. Furthermore, “Take the helmet of salvation”; that is to say, have an intellectual appreciation of the proper relationship between the remnant and Jehovah God and his kingdom and rely upon God’s Word, knowing that salvation belongeth to Jehovah and that there is no other means of salvation and victory. ‘Take the sword of the spirit, the word of God,’ and use it as the Lord has directed it shall be used. (Vss. 14-17) That means to completely expose the religion of the Devil and his angels, and to do so by pointing out to the people from the Word of God that religion is a snare and a racket, and against God and against his kingdom. Thus equipped with the armor which the Lord has provided for his covenant people, they could not be dismayed by Satan and his agents. Some of the consecrated, when brought before the temple for judgment, failed to obey and to meet the test, but leaned to their own understanding; while some were fully obedient. And now mark what has been the result upon each class. (To be continued)

THE FIRST WOE

WHEN the “bright and morning Star”, Christ Jesus the King, received the key of the bottomless pit and opened the abyss, smoke arose. The record at Revelation 9:1-3 says: “And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.” Verse eleven says that their king was God’s messenger or angel that had the key of the bottomless pit, and that here in this capacity his name in the Hebrew language is Abaddon, which means “destroyer”; in the Greek the name is Apollyon.

The Greek word Apollyon means “destroying one”, and is applied many times in the Scriptures to Jehovah, who is called the destroying One, as at Matthew 10:28; 21:41; Jude 5. If there could be any doubt about this, James settles it when he writes (4:12) : “There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy [Greek: apollymi]: who art thou that judgest another?” The overwhelming Scriptural authority, in both the Hebrew and the Greek books of the Bible, applies these titles to Jehovah. Christ Jesus being the chief executive officer of Jehovah, to whom is committed all power in heaven and earth, and being authorized to act

as Jehovah’s officer to destroy, the titles “Abaddon” and “Apollyon” therefore properly apply to him. (Num. 24:17-19; Mark 1:24; Luke 4:34) The only reasonable conclusion, therefore, is that Jesus, the glorified King armed for war and having the key to the bottomless pit, is the “king” over the “locusts”. This definitely identifies the “locusts” as members of God’s organization, to wit, the remnant of his faithful witnesses on earth. The day of God’s vengeance against the enemy organization having come, it is appropriate that Jehovah assume the role of Destroyer, that is, Abaddon, or Apollyon (“for our God is a consuming fire”—Hebrews 12:29), which title particularly applies at the time the kingdom of God is being announced. His beloved Son, then, the King, bears the same title, and the title has a special application in the “day of the Lord”, which day began in 1914 A.D. and continues thereafter.

The description of the “locusts” shows that they form a part of God’s army, the fighting organization, and therefore proves that the same symbolism refers to the remnant on earth, who “keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ”. (Rev. 12:17) These are the willing volunteers in the day of the Lord’s power. (Ps. 110:3) John says: “And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle.” (Rev. 9:7) This further identifies them as the same ones who form the Lord’s army as described by the prophet Joel.—Joel 2.

The horse is symbolically used in the Scriptures to represent warfare. Jeremiah 8:6: “The horse rusheth into the battle.” God’s remnant now on the earth have taken the offensive. Fearlessly they volunteer and move forward to battle under their Leader and Commander. (Ps. 110:3) Jehovah’s description of the horse, at Job 39:19-22, follows: “Hast thou given the horse strength? hast thou clothed his neck with thunder? Canst thou make him afraid as a grasshopper? the glory of his nostrils is terrible. He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in his strength; he goeth on to meet the armed men. He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted; neither turneth he back from the sword.” Such is a good description of those who fearlessly follow the Lord Jesus whithersoever he leads.

Verse 7 further says of the locusts: “On their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men”. This shows that God’s militant remnant is clothed with divine authority to do kingdom work, which is the crowning work of all work now to be done, and their faces as of men symbolize that they are benevolent, loving and kind, and the motive is pure. They reflect God’s image because they represent him. They are not “bald” locusts, such as the Israelites were permitted to eat. (Lev. 11:22) They have not 'cut off their hair’ for mourning, but are joyful in the Lord and are in the likeness of the Lord Jesus, in this, that, as Revelation 1:14 pictures Him, they have hair. The difference is that they have “hair as the hair of women” (Rev. 9:8), which symbolizes that they are in subjection to their Head Christ Jesus.—1 Cor. 11:15.

“And their teeth were as the teeth of lions” (vs. 8) ; showing that they are prepared to eat “strong meat” and are not babes. They are wholly devoted to the Lord God. (1 Cor. 3:1-3; Heb. 5:14; Joel 1: 6) “And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron,” therefore unbreakable ones, because they have on “the breastplate of faith and love”, “the breastplate of righteousness,” and are “strong in the Lord and in the power of his might”. (1 Thess. 5:8; Eph. 6:12-17) Isaiah 59:17 says: “For he put on righteousness as a breastplate.” They know that they are right and on Jehovah’s side and they fear neither man nor devil. They are the fighting contingent of the Lord’s people, joyfully following their Head and Leader.

Verse 9 continues: “And the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle.” When the Lord’s remnant are in action they make a sounding noise which frightens the enemy. Their chief business is to make a joyful noise to the glory of the Lord. This is another proof that they are of God’s organization. By the use of the radio and especially recorded speeches played on portable phonographs, transcription machines and soundcars, and the millions of books they distribute, they make a great noise; so it is thought by those who are frightened. One real Christian can put to flight a thousand ecclesiastical frauds: “One thousand shall flee at the rebuke of one.” (Isa. 30:17) Joel 2: 5 says: “Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.”

When God’s children learned that there is a remnant of spirit-begotten ones on earth to whom the Lord has committed the testimony of Jesus Christ (Rev. 12:17), and that they are the witnesses of Jehovah sent forth to declare his vengeance, it was easy for them to see that the description concerning the “locusts” exactly fits the remnant. It shows that this symbolically represents that division of the Lord’s army which is on earth and which delights to keep the commandments of God. About this there cannot be the slightest doubt.

Further describing this militant army of “locusts”, Revelation 9:10 (Diaglott version) says: “And they have tails like scorpions, and stings; and in their tails was their power to injure men five months.” God is his own interpreter. He says: “The prophet ... be is the tail.” (Isa. 9:15) If the prophet teaches lies, then he is a lying prophet; and if he teaches the truth he is a true prophet. God’s people under Christ Jesus are thus teachers of the truth. (Isa. 55:4) The prophecy or message which they deliver is from the Lord. This exposes Satan and his organization and his agents who teach lies; therefore the message which the locusts leave behind stings, and has power to hurt. It is the message of God’s vengeance. It is the prophecy, “the tail,” that does the hurting. No physical force is to be used, but the “locusts” (God’s remnant) use their mouths to preach and leave behind the prophecy in printed form, and the message does the hurting.

The “Testimony” or resolution adopted at the international convention of Jehovah’s witnesses in London, England, in May, 1926, and the accompanying argument in support thereof, set forth that Satan is the god of this world; that the British empire is the seat of his beastly organization ; that the League of Nations is the child of Satan, and its mother is the beastly governments of earth; that God had set his beloved Son upon his throne as earthly rightful King and soon Satan’s organization must go down, and therefore the tottering and impending fall of the world powers. These statements were clearly proved from the Scriptures, or prophecy of God’s Word. The wide publication of this message stung the British imperialists advocating the League of Nations, and all the big men in Satan’s organization were stung and hurt by the prophecy. When more than fifty million copies were put in the hands of the people the stinging continued, and their torment increased “as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man”. Those stung cried out in woe and in bitter indignation. The British press and the clergymen in bitter terms denounced those who had to do with the declaration of this stinging prophecy. The American clergy and public press joined in denouncing the message and the messengers.

This was the first “woe”, and the fact that it is called, a “woe” shows that it must be inflicted by God’s organization upon Satan’s organization; and this is further proof that the locusts represent the Lord’s army. Of this Revelation 8:13 foretold, saying: “Woe to the inhabiters [ruling factors] of the earth, by reason of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!”

The angels of the Lord were instruments used by him directing his people on earth to give out the message above mentioned at London, and this was the first “woe”; and two more “woes” must follow, as Revelation 9:12 states. This proves that the two remaining trumpets must be woes upon the same organization, which is the enemy of God, and that these woes must he inflicted by God’s organization. God keeps an accurate account of the tormenting message and he shows no quarter to the enemy. His message is a torment to the enemy because they cannot get away from it.

The command given to the locusts (army of the Lord) was that they should not hurt the grass, nor any green thing, nor any tree, but hurt “only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads”; and they were not to kill, but to torment. (Rev. 9:4, 5) Exodus 10:13-15 says that the locusts God sent upon ancient Egypt ate up every green thing. The army of the Lord is differently pictured in The Revelation. Pictured by the “locusts”, they do not come to feed themselves upon the fruits of the labors of others. If these locusts represented the Devil’s agents they would devour everything they could lay hold upon, and particularly those who are sealed by the Lord in their foreheads. (Rev. 12:17) It is only God’s organization that can hurt the feelings of and torment the Devil’s servants. God makes it clear in this prophecy that none of his sealed servants shall be hurt by the locusts, and this is another proof that the locusts represent the army of the Lord.

A poisonous wound by a scorpion often proves fatal, but these locusts with the power of scorpions were not sent to kill, but they were sent to torment the Devil’s agents for a fixed period of time. The torment began in 1926, the year of the aforesaid London Resolution, and is still going on. Concerning the Devil’s visible organization that take counsel against God and his anointed he says: “Then will he speak unto them in his anger, and in his wrath confound them.” (Ps. 2: 5, Rotherham) Many instances of the crying out of their torment might be here given if space permitted, but a few are given to prove the fact.

The British and American clergy, through the public press and from their pulpits, set up a dreadful howl following the expose of the League of Nations and other parts of Satan’s organization. Big Business, working under cover with politicians and the clergy, proceeded to monopolize the radio in the lands of Britain, and did practically the same thing in America, although the radio belongs to the Lord. At a hearing before the Federal Radio Commission at Washington, D.C., Big Business was there with all of its power, flanked and supported by politicians and the clergy. The Federal Council of Churches of America put one of its clergymen on the witness stand to support the claim of Big Business. That clergyman was subjected to a cross-examination under which he suffered terrible torment and doubtless wished he might escape by sinking through the floor. He made himself and the organization for which he stands appear ridiculous in the eyes of all present.

Another agent of Big Business took the witness stand in an effort to show the importance of a monopoly. With great boasting words he told of the attainments of Satan’s organization in the radio business. On cross-examination he was not only made very uncomfortable, but was taunted and tormented to the point that his own action at the time led to a further torment at the hands of his fellow servants of Satan that lasted many months. By his indiscretion he opened the way for the next “woe” to be broadcast by radio and to be forcibly inflicted upon Satan’s organization, and this brought torment to himself and many others of Satan’s organization. They fought among themselves and cursed one another and many others because of their torment. The public press and the clergy especially howled because of what took place. The “five months” of torment mentioned in The Revelation (9:5) evidently means the entire period of time until the other woes have ended, because five is a divine number and here marks a fixed period of time without designating how long in the fulfillment of the prophecy.

The public press of London devoted much space to an arraignment of those who had had to do with the passing of the resolution and its distribution. It is stated, at Revelation 9: 6, that in the period of torment men “shall desire to die”, or “seek death, and shall not find it”. The Lord’s army is commanded not to kill, therefore the torment must continue; and while the agents of Satan have tried to escape the 'pest’ of the continuous proclamation of the truth of God’s prophecy, they have been unable to do so. “Death” symbolizes a way of escape; but they were unable to find it. They must take their medicine as God has decreed, because, so Jeremiah 25:28 decrees, “it shall be, if they refuse to take the cup at thine hand to drink, then shalt thou [the locusts, God’s representatives] say unto them, Thus saith the Lord of hosts, Ye shall certainly drink.” They tried for a time to be dead (indifferent) to the strong truths brought by the army of locusts; but that would not work, and then they began to howl because of their torment.

The British press and the New York Times and other like papers vented their spleen by repeated assaults upon the people of God. On September 12, 1926, and within five months after the passing of the “Resolution” at London, the London Sunday Express devoted two columns to a denunciation of the “Testimony” to the world powers and the address supporting it. By so doing it gave a further wide advertisement to the truth. Shortly thereafter the New York Times, the New York Sun, and the New York Herald supported the British press in an attack upon God’s people. These papers had entered into a contract to advertise a public assembly of Jehovah’s witnesses to be held at Madison Square Garden, New York city, and then at the last moment repudiated their contract and said unkind things about the Lord’s people. (Sec The Watchtower, December 1, 1926.) The torment of these members of Satan’s organization is due wholly to the message of truth, which stings. Although knowing it is the truth, they repent not, but continue to blaspheme God. The army of the Lord, under its King Christ Jesus, continues to sing out the message of truth to the glory of God.

Praise ye Jehovah. Oh give thanks unto Jehovah; for he is good; for his lovingkindness endureth for ever. Who can utter the mighty acts of Jehovah, or show forth all his praise? Blessed are they that keep justice, and he that doeth righteousness at all times. - Psalm 106:1-3, A.R.V.

"BACK TO PALESTINE”? OR TO ZION?

PROPHESY concerning the land of Israel, . . . Thus hath said the Lord Eternal, Behold, in my zealousness and in my fury have I spoken, because ye have borne the reproach of the nations: ... O mountains of Israel, ye shall send forth your boughs, and your fruit shall ye bear for my people Israel; for they are near at hand to come. And I will multiply upon you men, all the house of Israel.”—Ezekiel 36: 6, 8,10, Leeser’s translation.

There was a partial fulfillment of this prophecy upon Palestine in the days of Ezekiel and Governor Nehemiah, or from 536 B.C. on. (Nehemiah chapters 2-5) The complete, final fulfillment thereof does not apply to the literal land of Palestine, nor to natural Jews according to birth. The natural Jews were evicted from Palestine, in A.D. 70 and thereafter, and, as the Messiah said to them, ‘Their house [of religion] was left unto them desolate,’ because they rejected the beloved and anointed King of Jehovah, to wit, Christ Jesus, “which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh.” (Matt. 23:38; Rom. 1:3) To this day the Jews have not as a people repented of this wrongful act committed by their forefathers. For this, however, they may not and should not be persecuted. Many Jews have now been returned to the literal land of Palestine, but have been induced to go there because of selfishness, whether of selfpreservation or otherwise, and for sentimental reasons.

During the long period elapsing from A.D. 70 to the present day the Jews, although suffering, have not fulfilled Ezekiel’s prophecy and “borne the reproach of the nations”, that is, not for Jehovah’s sake, nor for the name of Christ. The once Jewish religionist, Paul, writing later as an apostle, sets forth the rule that “he is a Jew which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit”. (Rom. 2:29) So during all the period of exile of natural Jews from Palestine, and particularly during the persecutions of the World War, of 1914-1918, it has been the true Jews, inwardly, to wit, the true followers of Christ Jesus who are devoted to God and to his theocratic government under Christ, that have been bearing the reproach of the nations. As Christ Jesus foretold: “Ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake,” and for the sake of Jehovah’s name. (Matt. 24:9; Mark 13:13) In contrast with this, during the World War the natural Jews received recognition of the heathen or nations, Great Britain, the United States, etc. In 1917 the Balfour Declaration, sponsored by the “heathen” governments of this world (Satan’s organization), came forth, recognized the Jews as a people, and bestowed upon them great favors. In this Great Britain took the lead. Now Big Business and other wings of Satan’s organization place the natural Jews alongside of and in the same classification as the Gentiles or “heathen”, as Catholics, Protestants and Jews work together to defend religion. Furthermore, the fact should not be overlooked that the affairs of God’s kingdom with reference to the things of earth are of far greater importance than the rehabilitation of that little strip of land on the eastern side of the Mediterranean sea. Therefore Ezekiel’s prophecy must have its chief fulfillment upon spiritual Israel, the true people of Jehovah’s kingdom who arc now on the earth and who are of and for Zion, which is Jehovah’s capital organization.

During the World War spiritual Israel was trodden down by the enemy, the Roman Catholic Hierarchy in particular, and the Kingdom interests committed to Jehovah’s servants were scattered and desolated. (Dan. 8:11-13) Ezekiel’s prophecy constitutes a promise of Jehovah to revive and reorganize this spiritual people and set them in their native condition, symbolized by the land of Palestine.

Their “native condition” is the condition of being occupied in the service of the interests of the theocratic kingdom, in order that the Kingdom interests might flourish and prosper on the earth. The facts since 1919 show fulfillment of Ezekiel’s prophecy upon spiritual Israel, that is, the people of Jehovah now on the earth anointed with his spirit to be his witnesses. Since the World War God has caused his King, Christ Jesus at his temple, to revive his witness work and also his consecrated people in behalf of the interests of his kingdom. In many lands companies of faithful witnesses have been formed and organized for active service amongst the people and are serving the Kingdom interests. New “plantations” in the form of branch offices, factories for printing Kingdom literature, and organizations for witness work have been established in many parts of the earth and are carrying forward the Kingdom work, in the face of great opposition and persecution by totalitarian forces. Jehovah’s people have pushed forward, and each year he has blessed their efforts by a wider publication of his name and of his kingdom by means of the printed page, by portable phonographs and sound-cars and boats, and by radio. The work in behalf of those symbolized by the “desolate places”, to wit, the “great multitude” of people of good will, whether Jew or Gentile, Catholic, Protestant, or nonsectarian, is progressing and the name of Jehovah and his purpose are being made known to those who have been held as “prisoners” by the religious organizations and the totalitarian powers. This work of laying the foundation of the New Earth (Isa. 51:16) is a more important work than the bringing of some natural Jews back to the land of Palestine. Why should Jehovah God give any favorable attention to such Jews as continue to defame his name and to reject his Messiah, Christ Jesus, the Head of Zion?

“Not for your sake do I this, O house of Israel, but for the sake of my holy name, which ye have profaned among the nations, whither ye are gone. And I will take you from among the nations, and I will gather you out of all the countries, and I will bring you unto your own land.” (Ezekiel 36:22,24, Leeser) So the paramount issue is, Who is God? Does the name of Jehovah stand for a supreme and intelligent power? Who shall rule the universe? The issue must now be settled and the name of God made known to all creation. Therefore he says: “I do . . . for mine holy name’s sake.” Do what? Does returning of the natural descendants of Israel to Palestine vindicate the name of Jehovah God? It certainly docs not; especially since they have returned there in unbelief. On the other hand, the restoring of his faithful remnant of spiritual Israel to their proper position as his true and bold witnesses after the World War, and his causing them to declare his name and his kingdom fearlessly and boldly, is for his own holy name’s sake and is for the vindication of his name. It is not for the benefit of the remnant, but is that the name of Jehovah God may be made known and be put in its proper place in the minds of all persons of good will, that they may know that He is the Supreme One, from whom they must get life by his Messiah.

FIELD EXPERIENCES

AMONG UKRAINIANS IN CANADA

“Most of our back-call work is among Ukrainians (most of whom are or have been Catholics), playing the lecture series ‘Exposed’ and ‘Religion and Christianity’ in Ukrainian, not too many at a time, to give them a better chance to assimilate them. It is interesting to see how prejudice is breaking down. The Drebit family would not let the publisher play in their home. Later Mr. D. was present when a publisher played at another home. Mrs. D. was present at still another home when a publisher was playing. Result: The publisher is now playing the series in the Drebit home. Another Ukrainian refused to let the publisher come into his home. Later she played at his neighbor’s and he heard the records there. When the publisher next called at the neighbor’s to play further records, the neighbor hurried over to tell the Ukrainian and he and his wife came to hear. Another family near by, on whom the publisher had not yet called, sent word asking how much she would charge to play for them. A lady for whom the publisher played reads Russian as well as Ukrainian, but when offered the Russian literature, she said: ‘No, no! I want Ukrainian, so I can lend it to my neighbors.’ ”

A 69-YEAR-OLD INDIAN SQUAW ACTIVE

“I placed nearly all the booklet Face the Facts; just four yet I have not placed, but I am going to try and place them this week. All the neighbors at Parmelee (S. Dak.) contributed for one, except two persons. One lady told me she has a Bible in the house and that was enough. Of course, I placed them with passers-by too. A Roman Catholic priest that comes around to visit the Indians, called ‘Father' Bugol, when I try to place one with him, said: ‘No, I got more books, that I can’t get to read them.’ One lady that took one told me afterwards: ‘Them little books you sold were good little books. I read mine.’ . . . Thank the Lord for his great goodness, as I study my Bible every day and the books by Judge Rutherford, that the great mercy and love of our Lord helps me to understand what I am studying. I try to make my people understand as much as I can, when I get the chance.”—Iron Deer.

ZONE SERVANT DEMONSTRATES D.S. METHOD

“He would go to the door, set the phonograph on the doorstep, ready for use, and ring the doorbell. When the occupant came he said: ‘This record contains very important information. Would you like to hear it?’ If he said No, he was taken at his word, and the zone servant immediately showed Face the Facts and Fascism or Freedom. If he said Yes, he was asked if he would like to hear it on the doorstep or would prefer having it played inside. In one home the lady showed interest, but was definitely broke. In explaining she said she got her food supplies on credit at the corner store. It was suggested she go and get 25c worth of canned goods on credit, which she did. The result was that she got the bound book and the booklets. We arranged for a back-call to play the lecture series. To me, the outstanding feature was that the zone servant did very little talking. My trouble had been that I was talking too much. Upon following this method I visited six homes, making setups at three of them, and placed booklets at one home and a Watchtower subscription at another.”

AT GOLDEN KOPJE MINE, SINOIA, SO. RHODESIA

“We went to the compound and started work as usual. Just a few minutes later one publisher was detained by compound police boy and the books taken from him. They sent for me. I spoke to the policeman that it was not necessary for us to obtain his permission to do our work: for preaching God’s kingdom message one need not report to the authorities, because he is a peace messenger. Our friend was released, and we went on with the work. In less than twenty minutes two publishers were arrested by Lieut. Petros of ‘Salvation Army’ with assistance of this same head police boy. They were taken to the owner of the mine. All our bicycles were seized and detained by the mine manager. Another police was sent to arrest me and others. I was taken to the mine office. A very stout, ugly-looking and fierce giant shouted at me: ‘Where is your license to sell these books here ?’ I said we are not selling books. ‘Don’t you know the Government has prohibited importation of this type of literature?’ he continued. I said: ‘I received these books from Cape Town in Salisbury last week. They were examined by customs before handing them to me. That Sedition Act of 1936 does not apply to our literature any longer. The Society appealed against it in 1937 and the High Court of Southern Rhodesia decided that Watchtower books are not seditious.’ ‘Do the police know you are out here ?’ he said. I said: ‘It is not necessary for them to know wherever I go, since I am not a criminal.’ He said: ‘I will phone the police to come and arrest you.’ We were kept for about fifteen minutes, during which Salvation Army Lieut. Petros (a native) was standing by scolding us and saying we will get it for interfering with his work in the compound. I told the publishers to keep quiet and not answer him. Sitting outside the office we saw books and booklets, taken from the friends, flying in the air, being thrown out of the office, with a 'Tell them to pick up their books and let them go.’ This man did not like to see me, as he was very ashamed. Of course, the answer from the police was: ‘We have nothing to do with those people.’ We went to our lodgings. Next morning we came back and placed a good amount of literature in this compound. We had the enemies to shame.”

IN ZONE NO. 6, JAMAICA, B.W.I.

“I saw two ladies looking very sad. I briefly introduced the testimony and asked for permission to run the record ‘Instruction’. I was invited into the house to have the phonograph put on a convenient table. While the lecture was on I noticed signs of a better and more joyful facial expression. At the conclusion the mistress of the house remarked: ‘Well, you have been specially sent here today with this very recorded speech to comfort me in this hour of grief. . . . Now hearing that the Watchtower publications offer consolation to the oppressed, and instruction in the way of righteousness to parents and children, I think I shall resort to same. What book would you recommend for home study ?’ Riches was recommended, which she contributed for, together with the booklets Fascism and Face the Facts. Her friend took Preparation with two booklets also, and wanted to know about Armageddon. They gave me their names and asked me to return quickly.”