The WATCHTOWER

“INTEGRITY” TESTIMONY PERIOD

Midwinter field maneuvers test the integrity, and the united testimony period during February is appropriately thus named. This “Integrity” Testimony Period will be the opening month of the 1942 three-month Watchtower campaign, hence the people of integrity toward God will specialize on taking subscriptions for the magazine The Watchtower, announcing Jehovah’s kingdom or Theocratic Government by Christ Jesus Additional to the intrinsic value of the magazine itself, the latest book, Children, will be given as a premium with all new subscriptions for a year, and that at the regular subscription rate of $1.00. God’s people of integrity will be steadfast therein and will prove their blamelessness of devotion by taking part in this Testimony regardless of the cost to self. Many newly interested readers of The Watchtower, deeply appreciating it, will be desirous of joining in this special testimony privilege, and we invite such to write this office for references needed to put them in touch with the nearest local company organized for this campaign. A record should be kept of all work done and the result, and the same reported in the appointed manner at the close of February.

RE THE 1942 YEARBOOK

Due to the uncertain and disrupted conditions on earth over which we have no control the information for the compilation of report of the work world-wide for the service year 1940-1941 is belated. Hence the production of the 1942 Yearbook of Jehovah’s witnesses has been unavoidably held up Announcement of its publication will be made shortly, and which report, we believe, will be well worth waiting for.

1942 CALENDAR

The text chosen for the year 1942, to wit, “Blameless in the day of our Lord” (1 Cor. 1:8), provides the theme for a calendar picture which is most befitting these days of decision. Highly artistic and novel, the picture clearly and eloquently sets out the choice God’s covenant people must make concerning the great issue of world domination. Beneath is a neat calendar pad, indicating the line of activity of Jehovah’s blameless ones for each month of 1942, naming the special Testimony Periods and also the special endeavors to be made during the intervening months. The contribution for this service calendar is 25c each, or $1.00 for 5 copies mailed together to one address. Companies should send in combination orders, with remittance to cover, through their local company servant.

“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES

Week of February 1: “Micah” (Part 1), 1-17 inclusive, The Watchtower January 1, 1942.

Week of February 8: “Micah” (Part 1), 18-38 inclusive. The Watchtower January 1, 1942.

No. LXIII   January 1, 1942   No 1

MICAH

PART 1

"Hear, ye peoples, all of you; hearken, O earth, and all that therein is: and let the Lord Jehovah be witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple.” — Mic. 1:2, A.R.V.

JEHOVAH’S judgment day is here. He appears in his high court representatively by his commissioned High Judge, Christ Jesus, to whom he has committed full power and authority to render judicial decisions and to execute the judgments rendered. (John 5: 22, 27) Jehovah is no respecter of persons and shows no partiality toward anyone in judgment. Knowing the end from the beginning, Jehovah in the centuries past caused his judgments to be written, and which judgments apply to those who come within the scope or terms thereof. When the time comes to take account with his creatures he causes his law to be proclaimed, and this becomes a witness for or against those who hear. The creatures themselves have much to do in putting themselves in position to receive the judgment of condemnation or the judgment of approval. This is especially true at the present time, for the reason that Christ Jesus, the great Judge, now sits upon his judgment seat and before him all nations and peoples are gathered. The nations are now being judged and separated, and this is done just preceding the execution of the final judgments.

2 Judgment, as the Scriptures declare, begins “at the house of God”. (1 Pet. 4:17) That means that the judgment of the Lord first takes account with those covenanting to do the will of God, including both those in the expressed covenant and those in an implied covenant with Jehovah. It means the taking into account the true and faithful followers of Christ Jesus, and the “evil servant” class, and all those who hold themselves out as the people of God and the followers of Christ Jesus. The judgments of the Lord must of necessity be announced and executed after the great Judge comes to his temple, because there is the place of judgment. It was in 1914, as shown by the Scriptures and the physical facts, that Jehovah placed his beloved Son, Christ Jesus, upon his throne and directed him to rule while the enemy was still carrying on his wicked work. (Ps. 110: 2) It was in 1918, as shown by both the Scriptures and the physical facts, that Christ Jesus came to the temple of Jehovah for judgment. (Mal. 3:1) There are those even at the present time who claim to have made a covenant with Jehovah to do his will but who do not see and appreciate the evidence showing the presence of Christ Jesus. Such are described by the apostle as “ever learning [making a pretense of learning], and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth”. — 2 Tim. 3: 7.

3 During the past few years the Lord has furnished such an abundance of proof showing the presence of Christ Jesus at his temple that it would appear to be a waste of time to discuss in detail at this time the evidence concerning his presence, and especially when there is so much that we must now get in mind. Those who truly love the Lord’s appearing, as mentioned by the apostle (2 Tim. 4:8), are of the temple company and appreciate the light that shines in their hearts; but all others are in the dark, some in greater darkness than others.

4 The Lord’s Word says: “Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.” (Ps. 97:11) The righteous here mentioned are not those who merely express their faith in Christ Jesus as the Savior, but the righteous are those whom the Lord ‘hath clothed with the garments of salvation and covered with the robe of righteousness’. (Isa. 61:10) Such are the ones who are in the temple and are righteous by reason of having received the favorable judgment of approval by the Lord, and are made a part of his organization. Such approved ones by reason of being covered with the robe of righteousness now “greatly rejoice in the Lord”, and continue to serve with joy. It is for such that the light shines in the temple, and for such the light was sown. It is the light of Jehovah’s glory shining in the face of Christ Jesus, his great High Priest, and which light is reflected or mirrored to those in the temple, and who are therefore in the covenant for the Kingdom. (2 Cor. 4:4-6, Roth.) The light is veiled from the eyes of those who are moved by selfishness, envy, covetousness or ambition. Such persons do not see and appreciate the unfolding of prophecy which the Lord God is unfolding in these days of judgment. To those who have a pure heart the light shines upon their countenance, illuminating their minds and filling the heart with joy. The pure in heart is one who is wholly devoted to God and his kingdom, and who is free from selfish exaltation or a desire to receive the plaudits of men. Those who possess an upright and pure heart are the ones to whom God’s light at the temple now brings great gladness.

5 As The Watchtower has heretofore said, there is now a war on, in which the forces of Satan attempt to accomplish the destruction of Jehovah’s witnesses and all others who worship and serve Jehovah in spirit and in truth and who associate with Jehovah’s witnesses. (Rev. 12:17) One who has made a covenant to do the will of God, and who then is envious, covetous and ambitious, shows that he has yielded to the seductive influence of Satan. He does not appreciate the real issue that is now to be finally determined. It is the name of Jehovah that is involved; and the holy name of Almighty God will be vindicated, and that within a short time. It is the will of God that his name shall now be proclaimed throughout the earth as a witness to the people. After this is done, God declares, he will demonstrate his supreme power to all creation. (Ex. 9:16, Leeser) To be faithful to God, and to continue to have a part in the proclamation of his truth, the creature must put self entirely in the background and must delight to do whatsoever is the will of God, even though in the doing of the same he is placed in a position of less honor amongst men than that occupied by others. In order to see and appreciate the issue, and in order to be strong in the Lord and in the power of his might, those in the covenant for the Kingdom must continue to obey the injunction written by the apostle to "study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth”. (2 Tim. 2:15) In order to divide and properly apply the truth one must see and appreciate that Jehovah is God and that his name is above all others; that it has been defamed and must now be vindicated; that Christ Jesus is the great Vindicator; and that he is now at the temple conducting judgment for the vindication of Jehovah’s name; that those of the temple class constitute his “faithful and wise servant”, to whom the Lord has committed the work of delivering his message of the Kingdom, and hence to them is committed all of his Kingdom interests on earth; that the preaching of this gospel is (1) to notify the people that Jehovah is God and that his kingdom is here, and (2) to give warning and information to those who desire to be on the side of Jehovah; and that by this means Jehovah through Christ Jesus is gathering unto himself his “other sheep”, and that this work must be done before the wrath of God breaks upon the enemy organization.

6 If one becomes imbued with the thought that he is singled out to do a certain and a great work, and he proceeds upon that theory, he thus shows himself to be a fool, within the meaning of the Scriptures: “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.” (Ps. 53:1) He does not say this in words uttered by his mouth, but by his course of action he shows that his motive is to ignore God. He does not have in mind that God has put in his organization his creatures as it pleases him (1 Cor. 12:18), and that those who are of that organization are taught, not by men, but by Jehovah and by Christ Jesus. (Isa. 30:20; 54:13) Such selfish persons disregard the instructions of Jehovah and Christ Jesus, and pursue a course of lawlessness or iniquity. “A fool despiseth his father's instruction; but he that regardeth reproof is prudent.” (Prov. 15:5) Such person disregards what God gives his people through Christ Jesus at the temple, and in the place thereof he sets forth his own wisdom, speaking of a great work that he as a man is delegated to do in behalf of those who shall be saved, and he further says that he is not doing such work because his hands are tied. Those who are wise hear the words of the Lord and follow his Word. Such study the prophecies and watch carefully the events that come to pass showing the fulfillment of prophecy. The prophecies were written for the very purpose that the man of God might be fully furnished and prepared for the work that is now being done at the end of the world and which must be completed before Armageddon.

7 Complainers say of The Watchtower that it contains nothing new and of interest but continues to harp on the same thing, and that such shows that The Watchtower contains only the opinion of man. Let God’s people be reminded that Jehovah caused a number of his prophets to write about the same thing, each one disclosing a picture of what shall come to pass in the future. To be sure, the Lord knows how difficult it is for imperfect men to keep in mind the things which God caused to be recorded, and he continues to give instructions, causing the light to shine upon his prophecy and exhibiting it to the view of his people that they may learn and keep in mind what the issue now is and what they must do. For this reason a number of the prophets wrote or prophesied about the same thing, and the facts come to pass in fulfillment of such prophecies in order that the man of God may have proof upon proof that is corroborative evidence of the fulfillment of the prophecy, and this in order that the man of God may be kept strong in faith and in hope. To this end we must be diligent in the study of God’s Word, that our hope may be strong: “And we desire that every one of you do shew the same diligence to the full assurance of hope unto the end.” – Heb. 6:11, 12

8 With this issue of The Watchtower a study of the prophecy of Micah is undertaken. Those who possess a pure heart and mind will pursue this study and find much corroborative proof of what has heretofore been learned, and therefore will have more evidence to make strong their hope of accomplishing that which the Lord has committed to his people who love him and who serve him. The record of the prophecy written aforetime by Micah, and for the benefit of the remnant, opens with the statement: “The word of the Lord that came to Micah the Morasthite in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem.” (Mic. 1:1) Not the word of man, but the Word of Jehovah God, hence as from the oracle or most holy of the temple, and therefore the sure and safe guide to the one who has undertaken to serve Jehovah. It is the authoritative word of God, therefore, that came to Micah and comes to the people whom Micah foreshadows and represents. That Word of God is always a safe guide. “The word of the Lord is right.” (Ps. 33: 4) “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments. Thy word is true from the beginning; and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.” – Ps. 119:105, 106, 160.

9 It clearly appears that Jehovah by Christ Jesus is doing his work on earth among his people and hence is guiding his people in the right way according to his promise. (Prov. 3:5,6) Jehovah always performs his promises faithfully. To his covenant people Jehovah says: “I have put my words in thy mouth, and I have covered thee in the shadow of mine hand.” (Isa. 51:16; Jer. 1:9) Thus the Lord declares he has entrusted his people with the privilege and obligation of telling his message: "We are my witnesses . . . that I am God.” (Isa. 43:10,12) Jehovah having thus favored his people, they must be true to him and speak his word to others: “He that bath my word, let him speak my word faithfully.” (Jer. 23:28) The Lord does not say to speak the words of wisdom of man, nor to be influenced or guided by the word of man. Those who are convinced that The Watchtower is publishing the opinion or expression of a man should not waste time in looking at it at all, because a man’s opinion proves nothing except when that opinion is based wholly upon the Word of God. Those who believe that God uses The Watchtower as a means of communicating to his people, or of calling their attention to his prophecies, should study The Watchtower with thankfulness of heart and give Jehovah God and Christ Jesus all the honor and credit and give neither honor nor credit to any man. The prophecy of Obadiah shows clearly that the identity of the persons or individuals engaged in God’s service is not now material. To highly esteem men or for one himself to seek high esteem from men cannot be pleasing to the Lord, and such persons could not receive the Lord’s blessings. Likewise the man who seeks to justify himself in the eyes of men that they might approve and honor him could not have the Lord's favor in so doing. “And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men, is abomination in the sight of God.”—Luke 16:15.

10 The time when the word of God came to Micah, together with the surrounding conditions, fixes or locates the time when the prophecy is in course of fulfillment. It is there written that it was “in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah”, that Jehovah sent his word to Micah. The facts relating thereto and immediately following show the time of the fulfillment is after the coming of the Lord Jesus to the temple, which occurred in 1918. The names by which Jehovah’s prophets are identified are always significant. The name “Micah” is an abbreviation of the name “Micaiah”, and which means "Who [is] like Jah?” (See Revised Version, margin, and Rotherham, margin, at Jeremiah 26: 18)

11 A prophecy usually has at least a partial fulfillment before God's people discern the same. Prior to the coming of the Lord Jesus to the temple in 1918 the faithful servants of God on earth looked for the establishment of the Kingdom and for their own going to heaven, and the “restitution” of mankind in general. It was after 1918 that God’s people on earth began to realize that the name of Jehovah is the all-important issue, and then they began to ask, as Micah asked, “Who is like Jah?” The word “Jah”, or Hebrew Yah, is an abbreviation or contraction of the word “Jehovah” and means the same thing. (Ps. 68: 4, R.V.) The remnant now see that there is none like Jehovah; and therefore they have set this question before all the world, and particularly by bringing this question before “Christendom”, as being the main or chief issue now to be settled for ever. None of the remnant saw that this is the great issue until after Satan was cast out of heaven and Christ Jesus came to the temple for judgment. The proof increases, as progress is made in the study of prophecy, and shows beyond all doubt that the prophecy began to have fulfillment after the coming of Christ Jesus to the temple.

12 The prophet Micah was “the Morasthite” (“Morashtite,” R.V.) ; hence he was from the town of Moresheth-gath. (Vs. 14) That town was near the Philistine city of Gath. Micah, who was God’s witness, pictures Jehovah’s witnesses now in close contact with the modern-day Philistines, the Roman Catholic Hierarchy and allied clergy, otherwise called “organized Christianity’. Moresheth means “possession”. Gath means “vat”, as a place for the pressing of grapes, that is, a winepress. The Philistine giant Goliath came from the city of Gath. (1 Sam. 17:4) King Uzziah of Judah “warred against the Philistines, and brake down the wall of Gath” and other cities of the Philistines. (2 Chron. 26:6, 7) That was just before Micah became a prophet. Micah appears to have been a Judean, of the tribe of Judah. Micah began to prophesy in the reign of Jotham, the son of Uzziah. The name “Jotham” means “Jehovah [is] perfect”. He succeeded his father Uzziah, who was stricken with leprosy from the Lord and died of that malady. This suggests the period of time after “Christendom” was similarly smitten spiritually in the year 1918. (2 Ki. 15: 7, 3638; 2 Chron. 26:23; 27:1-9) Because of his faithfulness to Jehovah Jotham became mighty. “So Jotham became mighty, because he prepared his ways before the Lord his God. He was five and twenty years old when he began to reign, and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. And Jotham slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David; and Ahaz his son reigned in his stead.” (2 Chron. 27:6, 8, 9) This was long after King David defeated the Philistines at Mount Perazim and at Gibeon. The fact that the Philistines still manifested themselves against the Israelites after David defeated them does not at all alter the fact that those two battles were typical of what would come to pass at the end of the world. Each prophetic picture or drama is separate and distinct from the others and manifestly is recorded for a specific reason, and the chronological happening thereof has nothing to do with the real meaning of the picture.

13 Uzziah made war with the Philistines and broke down their wall (2 Chron. 26:6,7); and after that his grandson, Ahaz, the son of Jotham, reigned, and during his reign the Philistines came and made war upon the Israelites. The Edomites made war against Judah. "The Philistines also had invaded the cities of the low country, and of the south of Judah, and had taken Beth-shemesh, and Ajalon, and Gederoth, and Shocho with the villages thereof, and Timnah with the villages thereof, Gimzo also and the villages thereof; and they dwelt there.” (2 Chron. 28:18) This strongly supports the conclusion that in the day of Jehovah’s witnesses, the remnant, whom Micah pictured, the Roman Catholic Hierarchy and allies would make war against the people of God, which war we now see in progress.

14 The name “Ahaz” means "he hath grasped”. He was a wicked ruler. “For the Lord brought Judah low, because of Ahaz king of Israel; for he made Judah naked, and transgressed sore against the Lord.” (2 Chron. 28:19) He wrongfully grasped that which belonged to the Lord and gave it to a heathen king: “For Ahaz took away a portion out of the house of the Lord, and out of the house of the king, and of the princes, and gave it unto the king of Assyria ; but he helped him not. And in the time of his distress did he trespass yet more against the Lord; this is that king Ahaz. For he sacrificed unto the gods of Damascus, which smote him; and he said. Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, therefore will I sacrifice to them, that they may help me. But they were the ruin of him, and of all Israel." —2 Chron. 28: 21-23.

15 Isaiah prophesied during the reign of Ahaz and pronounced doom upon the confederacy that Israel made with Assyria, saying, “Associate yourselves, 0 ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces.” The World War came suddenly to an end in 1918, and at once the League of Nations began to be formed. It was in 1919 that the clergy issued a manifesto declaring that “the League of Nations is the political expression of God’s kingdom on earth”. In other words, the clergy, representing “Christendom”, so called, and which is unfaithful Israel, entered into a confederacy with the Devil’s organization, substituting the Devil’s makeshift for and in the place and stead of the kingdom of heaven under Christ Jesus. The prophet Isaiah continued the warning to Israel, declaring that the confederacy with the heathen king would be disastrous under the rule of Ahaz. The prophet Isaiah, in prophesying concerning the confederacy, said: “Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand; for God is with us [that is to say, Isaiah and all who stood faithful to Jehovah God], For the Lord spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people.” — Isa. 8:10, 11

16 Ahaz ignored the warning given by Isaiah, just as “Christendom” ignored the warning given by God's people at the end of the World War, and turned away from Christ Jesus the King and made an alliance with the Devil or otherwise openly declared for the Devil. It was the fear of man that drove “Christendom’s” leaders fully into the Devil’s camp. Continuing then his prophecy, Isaiah addressed his words to the faithful servant of Jehovah: “Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling, and for a rock of offence, to both the houses of Israel [both houses, that is, natural Israel and unfaithful spiritual Israel, which is ‘Christendom’ and which entered into the confederacy of the nations under the Devil’s control]; for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And many among them [including Ahaz; the modern clergy leaders or religionists in particular] shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken. Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples.” (Isa. 8:9-16) All this strongly supports the conclusion that the prophecy of Micah is fulfilled and applies after the coming of the Lord Jesus to the temple and after the setting up of “the abomination of desolation”, which occurred early in the year 1919 according to the world calendar. — Dan. 12:11.

17 It was about that time (A.D. 1919) that the so- called “Protestantism”, represented by the “Protestant” clergy, died completely out. The “young lion”, mentioned in the Scriptures, that roared against God’s antitypical Samson, ceased to exist at that time and the “Protestant” clergy went over, body and breeches, to the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, the modern Philistines. (Judg. 14:5,6) Since then the Roman Catholic Hierarchy has considered that they have a clean field to shortly conquer and rule the whole world, and in this they are making particular progress in America at the present time. Ahaz, who also pictured the so-called “Protestant” clergy, who had grasped that which had belonged to the Lord and turned it over to the Devil, died; and that also pictured the end of “Protestantism”. Prophetically concerning this it is written: “In the year that king Ahaz died was this burden. Rejoice not, O Philistia, all of thee, because the rod that smote thee is broken; for out of the serpent’s root shall come forth an adder, and his fruit shall be a fiery flying serpent. And the first-born of the poor shall feed, and the needy shall lie down in safety; and I will kill thy root with famine, and thy remnant shall be slain. Howl. O gate; cry, O city; thou art melted away, 0 Philistia, all of thee; for there cometh a smoke out of the north, and there is no straggler in his ranks.” (Isa. 14:28-31, Am. Rev. Ver.) If the Roman Catholic Hierarchy had any vision whatsoever of Jehovah’s purposes that crowd would not now be boasting and felicitating each other, because their days are numbered and the end thereof is near, and this is shown by the prophecies.

18 Hezekiah, the son of Ahaz, then came to the throne of Israel, and Micah continued to prophesy during his reign. (2 Chron. 28: 27) The name Hezekiah means “Strength of Jah”, and, true to his name, Jehovah did strengthen him. “Hezekiah began to reign when he was five and twenty years old, and he reigned nine and twenty years in Jerusalem; and his mother’s name was Abijah, the daughter of Zechariah. And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that David his father had done.” (2 Chron. 29:1,2) This Hezekiah also fought against the enemy of God, including the Philistines: “And the Lord was with him; and he prospered whithersoever he went forth; and he rebelled against the king of Assyria, and served him not. He smote the Philistines, even unto Gaza, and the borders thereof, from the tower of the watchmen to the fenced city.” (2 Ki. 18:7, 8) Hezekiah followed in the steps of David: “He, in the first year of his reign, in the first month, opened the doors of the house of the Lord, and repaired them”; this because Hezekiah told the priests that they must cleanse the house of the Lord. “For our fathers have trespassed, and done that which was evil in the eyes of the Lord our God, and have forsaken him, and have turned away their faces from the habitation of the Lord, and turned their backs. Also they have shut up the doors of the porch, and put out the lamps, and have not burned incense nor offered burnt offerings in the holy place, unto the God of Israel. Now it is in mine heart to make a covenant with the Lord God of Israel, that his fierce wrath may turn away from us. My sons, be not now negligent: for the Lord hath chosen you to stand before him, to serve him, and that ye should minister unto him, and burn incense.” “And they gathered their brethren, and sanctified themselves, and came, according to the commandment of the king by the words of the Lord, to cleanse the house of the Lord.” — 2 Chron. 29:3, 6, 7, 10, 11, 15.

19 Micah was prophesying during that time, and this apparently supports the conclusion that the prophecy of Micah began to have fulfillment with the coming of Christ Jesus, and after the coming of the Lord to the temple, and while the remnant is being taken into the Kingdom covenant and the sanctuary is cleansed. Now the Micah class, that is, the remnant, see and appreciate that there is a war in progress against the modern Philistines, and they greatly rejoice as they contemplate the Lord’s complete victory over that wicked crovd in God's own due time.

ARMAGEDDON FORESHADOWED

20 It was during the reign of King Hezekiah that Jerusalem was assaulted by the enemies of the Lord. Sennacherib, the king of Assyria, took the fenced cities in the land of Palestine, and then sent Rabshakeh, his messenger, to Jerusalem and there tried to induce the Jews to forsake Hezekiah and willingly surrender to Sennacherib. Likewise Satan's emissaries have employed many devices in an attempt to seduce God's people and cause them to forsake the kingdom of God and go over to the Devil's organization. At the present time the Devil’s representative, the Roman Catholic Hierarchy and allied clergy, working behind the scenes, are trying to induce God's people to bow to men and images and to salute them and to salute flags, and to thereby attribute salvation to things rather than to God, the purpose of the enemy being to cause men to be unfaithful to the Lord and to thereby bring about their own destruction. The boastful threats of Rabshakeh and his principal, Sennacherib, being told to Hezekiah, that king sent a messenger to the prophet Isaiah, asking him to inquire of the Lord what he must do: “And Isaiah said unto them, Thus shall ye say unto your master, Thus saith the Lord, Be not afraid of the words that thou hast heard, wherewith the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed me. Behold, I will send a blast upon him; and he shall hear a rumour, and return to his own land; and I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land.” (Isa. 37: 6, 7) In this prophetic picture it is clearly seen that Jehovah will fight the battle of Armageddon and destroy the enemy and preserve alive those who faithfully stand with him.

21 It was “in the days of . . . [the] kings of Judah” that the word of Jehovah came to Micah. Antitypically this means that in the day of the coming of Christ Jesus the King, and of the gathering unto himself of all others who praise and serve Jehovah, the prophecy has fulfillment. At the same time the unfaithful rulers in “Christendom” (like Ahaz the unfaithful) are in power, ruling the nations of the earth. Jehovah’s witnesses are now in the land of “praise”, for which “Judah” stood, and they are seen actively engaging in praising and serving Jehovah God. The word of Jehovah came to Micah at a time in which “he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem”. Micah prophesied within twenty-one years, up until the destruction of Samaria and the carrying away of the ten tribes of Israel. “And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Hezekiah, which was the seventh year of Hoshea son of Elah king of Israel, that Shalmaneser king of Assyria came up against Samaria, and besieged it. And at the end of three years they took it, even in the sixth year of Hezekiah (that is the ninth year of Hoshea king of Israel) Samaria was taken. And the king of Assyria did carry away Israel unto Assyria, and put them in Halah and in Habor by the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes.” — 2 Ki. 18:9-11

22 Samaria means “watch station”. It was the capital city of the ten tribes, which composed one of the two houses of Israel, and concerning whom Isaiah prophesied that Christ would be a stone of stumbling. (Isa. 8:14) Therefore Samaria well pictures the “Catholic population”, which is under the domination of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, and also the laity or common people of the so-called “Protestant” religious organization; and also includes all those who are guilty of the “sin of Samaria”, that is, the worshipers of religious leaders or so-called “heroes”. Micah prophesied up to within 110 years of the destruction of Jerusalem, the name of which city means “possession of peace”. Unfaithful Jerusalem pictures the ruling class of “organized religion” (otherwise called “Christendom”, in which the clergy are the chief actors) and also pictures the “man of sin”, “the son of perdition,” or the Judas class.—2 Thess. 2:3-12; John 13:26,27; 17:12.

23 Jehovah by his prophet now addresses his command to all the religionists, as well as to all other peoples of the earth, and says to them: “Hear, all ye people [Hear, ye peoples, all of you (Rev. Ver.)] ; hearken, O earth, and all that therein is: and let the Lord God be witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple.” (Micah 1: 2) That means Catholics and “Protestants”, so called, and all other religious systems, including laymen and clergymen or shepherds, and the “principal of the flock”, the “elective elder” class, and the “man of sin” class, and all who follow after or associate with them. Otherwise stated, the command is addressed to all of Satan’s organization, including the leading men or the rulers thereof, and all supporters thereof, that is, all to whom the Devil has come down in wrath and for all of whom it is now a time of woe. (Rev. 12:12) To all of such Jehovah says: “Let the Lord God [sovereign Jehovah] be witness against you”; “and let my Lord Jehovah be among you for a witness.” (Rotherham) Christ Jesus had then been enthroned by Jehovah, had cast Satan out of heaven, and now began to give his attention particularly to the things of the earth, when this part of the prophecy specifically began to apply. The World War was stopped by Jehovah in order that the peoples of earth might have an opportunity to hear Jehovah’s testimony, which he would deliver by and through his witnesses, before he executed Satan’s organization at Armageddon. The time had come to hear, and they must “hear” and “hearken”, though they forbear, that is, desist or refuse to give heed to the commandment. This gospel of God’s kingdom must now 'be preached as a witness to all the nations before the end comes, as the Lord Jesus subsequently stated.—Matt. 24:14,21.

24 Mark this, that the command comes “from his holy temple”. That exactly corresponds with the time when the “Messenger of the covenant” has suddenly or straightway come to the temple, having finished the work of preparing the way before Jehovah. (Mal. 3:1) It is the time when Jehovah has ‘brought forth his servant The Branch’ at the temple. (Zech. 3: 8) Jehovah’s great Vindicator, the High Priest after the order of Melchizedek, has come to the temple and hence ‘the desire of all nations has come’. (Hag. 2:7) The great High Priest is now “a priest upon his throne”, ministering to the things of Jehovah God according to His sovereign will. (Zech. 6:12,13) Therefore in the representative capacity of his Christ, and clearly in line with the prophecy uttered by Micah, “Jehovah is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him” and hear the testimony which the Lord has commanded his witnesses to deliver: “But Jehovah is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.” (Hab. 2:20, Am. Rev. Ver.) It is the time of judgment: “The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord's throne is in heaven; his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men. The Lord trieth the righteous; but the wicked, and him that loveth violence, his soul hateth. Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest; this shall be the portion of their cup. For the righteous Lord loveth righteousness ; his countenance doth behold the upright.” —Ps. 11: 4-7.

25 The judgment begins at the house of God. (1 Pet. 4:17) Then the judgment proceeds to the separating of the nations and identifying and marking each class. (Matt. 25: 31-46) It is the time when the temple of God is opened in heaven and the ark of the covenant is seen therein, which denotes the presence of Jehovah. (Rev. 11:19, A.R.V.) These scriptures are all in exact harmony, to be sure; all bear testimony not only that the Lord Jesus is present as King and that the end of Satan’s rule is at hand, but that the Lord Jesus, as the great and duly commissioned Judge of Jehovah, now carries forward his work of judgment.

26 Heretofore students of the Scriptures have relied upon chronology to prove the presence of the Lord, but the strongest evidence, and the most conclusive proof of his presence, is the fulfillment of prophecy, which has taken place and which could take place only after the coming of the Lord to the temple. Some persons who think themselves in Christ Jesus will now quibble over the word “sign” as that word is found in Matthew 24: 3, and will say that ‘the word is in the singular, showing that there is but one sign, and therefore there is no evidence of Christ’s presence’. Such a conclusion is entirely without reason and is exactly contrary to the Scriptures. The apostles propounded the question to Jesus, “What shall be the sign of thy coming?” (Matt. 24: 3) The word “sign” used therein,' while in the singular, does not denote merely one thing. The word means, and is so defined by lexicographers: “An indication, token or proof of a fact.” Many witnesses may be called to testify to establish a certain thing or fact, and their testimony as a whole is referred to as the proof, indication, token or sign in support of the question at issue. It is not the purpose here to discuss the proofs of the Lord’s presence at any length, because that question is now fully and completely settled to the entire satisfaction of those who love and serve Jehovah and requires no discussion by those who are thus fully consecrated and devoted to doing the will of God.

27 The Lord God now gives the warning and commands the attention of all, saying, “For, behold,” thus drawing the clear and undivided attention to what is about to be said. The Lord is at his temple, and now the people must receive notice of warning because the ‘day of the vengeance of our God’ is here, and those commissioned by the Lord God must now bear testimony of and concerning Jehovah’s vengeance against Satan’s organization and give warning thereof to the people. (Isa. 61: 2) It is a time to be most serious, attentive, and obedient to the Lord God.

28 The prophecy then announces why the Lord is commanding attention: “For, behold, the Lord cometh forth out of his place, and will come down, and tread upon the high places of the earth.” (Mic. 1:3) “The Lord cometh forth out of his place,” says the prophecy, which place is Zion, his official habitation, and in which he has been since 1918 and where he is located permanently: “For the Lord hath chosen Zion; he hath desired it for his habitation. This is my rest for ever; here will I dwell; for I have desired it.”—Ps. 132:13,14.

29 At this point of the prophecy Satan has boon cast out of heaven and down to the earth and Jehovah now gives his attention to the things of the earth, acting, as he always does, through his great High Priest, to whom he has committed all power in heaven and earth. This is the time to which Jehovah’s prophet referred when he wrote these words: “0 that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence, as when the melting fire burneth, the fire causeth the waters to boil, to make thy name known to thine adversaries, that the nations may tremble at thy presence!”—Isa. 64:1, 2.

30 It is the time for the giving of testimony of warning and for the vindication of Jehovah’s name. The earth, as the Scriptures clearly declare, is the footstool of Jehovah, and now the time has come for the enemies of God to be trodden under foot by Christ Jesus, his Executor. (Ps. 110:1-5) Therefore Jehovah has come down to “tread upon the high places of the earth”. No religionists, rulers, organizations or persons may now act proudly before Jehovah and get away with it, because the time has come to bring the high and mighty, the haughty and scornful, down to the dust. Regardless of how lofty and high anything in the earth may be, still it is beneath the heel of Jehovah and that of his Christ. No rulers of the wicked world constitute the “higher powers” (Rom. 13:1), regardless of all the fuss that has been made about this, because Jehovah God and Christ Jesus are the Higher Powers, and Jehovah alone is supreme, and he makes all the earth to be the footstool of his Christ: “The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down; and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. For the day of the Lord of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up, and he shall be brought low.”— Isa. 2:11,12.

31 The kingdoms and the rulers of the earth have long been the backbone of Satan's earthly organization, but now the time has come when those scornful and haughty men, who have hardened their hearts like stone against Jehovah, must be and will be broken and brought down to the dust: “And the mountains shall be molten under him, and the valleys shall be cleft, as wax before the fire, and as the waters that are poured down a steep place.” - Mic. 1:4

32 The backbone of Satan’s organization is represented by the “mountains”, which stand out above the other parts of the ground. Jehovah is as “a consuming fire” to his enemies, which fire will quickly melt down the powers that now rule the nations. “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat; the earth also, and the works that are therein, shall be burned up.” “Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens, being on fire, shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat.” — 2 Pet. 3:10,12.

33 The great governments and rulers of the earth, likened unto the mountains, shall be split and valleys shall be cleft in them, destroying their adhesiveness, dividing and breaking their unity, and leaving them in ruin. Their leagues and treaties and alliances and confederacies will not hold. Jehovah caused his prophet to utter a prayer which shows his purpose to destroy all these wicked earthly powers: “As smoke is driven away, so drive them away; as wax melteth before the fire, so let the wicked perish at the presence of God.”—Ps. 68:2.

34 The Lord also uses a flood of waters as a figure of speech, saying: “As the waters that are poured down a descent.” (Margin) This shows that when Jehovah God begins the execution of his judgments the earthly organizations will be dissolved quickly and shall melt away like a mountain torrent, which rushes down and sweeps everything that is in its path.

35 This prophecy is also a statement of Jehovah’s judgment and determination to destroy all of Satan’s organization at Armageddon and is another positive and conclusive statement that the witness work to be done by Jehovah’s witnesses must be completed before Armageddon, which is great tribulation falling upon Satan’s organization. This is an urgent reason why Jehovah’s witnesses must be diligent in the performance of their commission now and continuously until Armageddon. If the battle of the great day of God Almighty is merely to accomplish the destruction of the wicked, then why should the Lord command all to hear and to give heed to what he is about to do! To be sure, Jehovah could have destroyed the Devil and his organization long ago; but it clearly is his will that something else must be done. Here again appears the supreme issue, which is strongly emphasized, that is, the vindication of Jehovah’s name. Satan has builded a mighty organization in defiance of Jehovah God. He and his agents have brought great reproach upon the name of Jehovah, and this he has accomplished chiefly by employing religionists to carry on a racket in the name of the Lord God and in the name of Christ. The effect upon the common or ordinary people has been and is that they have been deceived, being given entirely the wrong impression of Jehovah and his purpose, and this has caused them to disregard God’s Word and to curse his name. Now Jehovah brings about the end of all the wicked rulers and the ruled. His purpose is to destroy the enemy, not merely to get the enemy out of the way, but that his name may be vindicated, and that all creation that lives may know and understand that he is God, whose name alone is Jehovah, and those that live can receive life only from Jehovah through Christ Jesus our Lord and Redeemer.

36 The Devil and his crowd, particularly the Roman Catholic Hierarchy and allied clergy, fight from behind, because they are the cowards working in the darkness under the forces of darkness. They take advantage of their adversary and stab him in the back. Jehovah proceeds exactly in a contrary manner, because Jehovah is righteous, always right. When the time comes for him to fight he gives the enemy full and fair warning and then tells him to get ready and to do his worst, because the enemy is going to be destroyed. At the same time he gives fair warning to the people, including all those of good-will who desire righteousness, warning them of the day of the expression of his wrath upon Satan and his organization; and this he does in order that those of good-will who hear and give heed may flee “into the mountains” (Matt. 24:15, 16), to the “cities of refuge” (Num. 35:11-15), the only place of safety, that is, to God’s kingdom under Christ. This favor and blessing the people can have only by placing themselves with God’s organization and rendering themselves in obedience to his commandments.

37 This is a most solemn time and requires the most serious consideration to be given to God’s Word, not only by the people of good-will who are thus warned, but also by those who are commissioned by Jehovah to give the warning. God commands his witnesses to go throughout the land and give the warning by informing the people of his vengeance that will shortly be expressed. Christian people formerly thought that God’s purpose is chiefly to save them and give them life; but now it appears that there is much more involved. Those who do get life with Christ Jesus must fully obey the commandments given by the Lord. He tells his witnesses in plain phrase that if they fail to give the warning, as commanded, they shall suffer destruction. “So thou, O son of man, I have set thee a watchman unto the house of Israel; therefore thou shalt hear the word at my mouth, and warn them from me. When I say unto the wicked, 0 wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.”—Ezek. 33: 7, 8.

38 There are those who claim to be followers of Christ Jesus and in line for the Kingdom who seem to have no appreciation of these and like texts in the Scriptures. They go to a convention of God’s people and apparently listen to some speaker whom they fancy deliver his speech, and when it comes to serious consideration of what God commands them to do they are wholly indifferent. They seldom take part in the witness work, saying that someone else may do that. Whether such indifferent ones are in the temple or not, they have been informed of God’s purpose and commanded to make that purpose known unto others. (Rev. 22:17) Therefore there rests upon such a very grave responsibility of participating actively in the witness work. The Watchtower calls attention to these things because it seems clearly to be necessary to repeatedly warn some of the consecrated that there now rests upon them a very great obligation and duty, and their failure to give heed to the Scriptures, which Jehovah has caused to be written by his prophets, will bring all such negligent ones clearly to the point of adverse judgment, which they will receive. God is no respecter of persons, and each one who hears his commandments is responsible to the Lord. Further consideration of this prophecy that follows discloses that Jehovah assigns a reason why he gives the warning, and why he will execute his vengeance upon the various ones who do not heed his Word and show their complete willingness to obey and then obey the commandments of the Most High.

(To be continued)

DUAL POWER FORESEEN

AND I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast [that rose up out of the sea] before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, and deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.”—Rev. 13:11-14.

Here the apostle John, representing God’s anointed witnesses on earth today, beheld “another beast” having “two horns like a lamb” and “coming up out of the earth”, and its speech was like a “dragon”, which is a symbol of Satan. Within the meaning of the prophetic Scriptures, “beast,” briefly defined, means a rule by violence; that is, (1) a violent coercion of the conscience of the governed, the people ; and (2) a rule over or control of the person by the exercise of force in a violent manner. Gradually the Lord God has made known to his people on earth the identity of this two-horned beast, as well as the wild sea beast. In God’s organization the symbol of “the wheels” is found. (See Ezekiel 1:16.) In an assembled and operating machine there are wheels within wheels. Every great organization has parts, and the wheels represent important parts. Satan, the mimic god, we might expect to try to follow in his organization a course similar to that of Jehovah God. Satan brought “out of the sea” his “wild beast” organization, and this dates from ancient Egypt forward and continues down to the seventh world power today. Satan built up a powerful organization with many parts thereto. That visible earthly organization is otherwise symbolized by “the earth”, and which, according to 2 Peter 3:10, is marked for destruction. The two-horned beast comes up out of the earth, that is to say, grows up out of the organization that already existed. The two-horned beast then directs the making of the “image of the beast”.

That “wild beast” that came up “out of the sea” is Satan’s entire visible organization on earth. It had one of its seven heads wounded in the World War of 1914-1918. and the wound was healed. The two-horned beast is the Anglo- American imperialism, that is to say, the combined power of Britain and America, and which is a part of the organization of “the god of this world”. (2 Cor. 4:4; Luke 4 : 5-7) The British Empire is the seventh of the world powers listed in the Bible (Rev. 17: 9, 10), and it is the most powerful of all. That world poiver grew up out of the nations and peoples that had already been organized into Satan's visible organization, symbolized by “the earth”. Hence the Scriptures say that ‘the two-horned beast came up out of the earth’. This does not at all militate against the fact that it was and is a part (the seventh head) of the wild beast that came up out of the sea. Growing up out of this Devil organization (the ‘sea beast’) came the two-horned beast.

The “two horns” would symbolize a dual power. It is to be noted that these horns are like a lamb’s. A lamb’s horns are just beginning to sprout; they are not very much in evidence. This would seem to suggest that the power exercised by the Anglo-American imperialism would be exercised in an apparently innocent way. A lamb is an apparently innocent beastie. It is well known that the British are past masters at diplomacy. They are suave and exercise their power in a diplomatic manner. In other words, this symbolic beast has tremendous forces at work, silently exercising influence where few suspect it is active. The apostle John says that this “beast” spoke “as a dragon”.

The British Empire really started as an empire when its ruling sovereign chartered the English East India Company in A.D. 1600. Centuries before that England was a part of the Roman Empire; therefore, as an empire she grew up “out of the earth”, that is to say, out of Satan’s visible organization already in existence. Within seven years after the beginning of the empire, to wit, May 13, 1607, the first permanent settlement in America was founded at Jamestown, Virginia. That marked the beginning of the thirteen colonies of the British Empire in America; and for 169 years thereafter these colonies were an integral part of the British Empire. Even today in America Great Britain is referred to as “the mother country”. The revolution of 1776, and the subsequent establishing of the independent government of the United States, does not at all militate against the fact that the symbol of ‘the two-horned beast’ refers to Britain and the United States.

The two nations or countries have had too many contacts and important and related interests, to separate them English is the common language of the two nations, and is today the dominant language of the earth. Some British imperialists view the United States as one of the integral parts of the British Empire, now the British Commonwealth of Nations since 1931. By act of the British Parliament the various countries forming the empire, or commonwealth, have each a recognized measure of independence and autonomy, and each has had a separate seat in the League of Nations. To be sure, the United States stands out in a class all by herself amongst the English-speaking people, and that makes of her distinctly one of the “horns” of the twohorned beast and also a part of the seventh world power.

It is true that there was war between Britain and the United States in 1812, but it is also true that there have been many rebellions in Ireland. At the time of the World War the United States and Britain were so interconnected in their financial relationships that they were practically one. The commercial interests of the two countries are vitally tied together. The sinking of a British vessel was the real pretext for America to enter the World War, and during the war most of the American troops and supplies were carried in British ships. It was the British-owned American newspapers that took the lead in the propaganda campaign carried on to put America in the World War, and she went in as an ally of Britain.

There is today a reciprocity agreement between the United States and Canada, a part of the dominion of the British Commonwealth of Nations. The Latin countries of South America have feared the imperialistic aims of the United States. In the Pan-American Union the United States is the dominant figure, of course. The imperialism of America dates from December 2, 1823, with the “Monroe Doctrine”, which doctrine does not declare against the United States’ enlarging her territory on the Western Continent at the expense of minor American republics.

A religious tie binds the British and American nations as one. Although the Catholics are strong in Britain and America, these two countries are the bulwark of Protestantism. No Catholic has ever been able to be elected president of the United States. Nominally, England has a king; yet in fact it is a democratic representative government in form and is ruled by the commercial and political interests in which the clergy unite; the Protestant clergy constitute an important part. There are in the official government lords temporal and lords ecclesiastical. There is also a financial or commercial relationship between the two countries of Britain and America that binds them together. They are in fact one great country, acting separately and distinctly and yet together, and fitly represented by the “two horns”.

Concerning American imperialism as dating from the “Monroe Doctrine” of 1823, that doctrine is, in substance, that European monarchies or governments must not by conquest acquire territory and rulership over the countries of North and South America and make them colonies and thereby enlarge the territory of the European nations. The doctrine does not declare, however, against enlargement of United States territory on the Western Continent at the expense of smaller American republics, and history records that America did make war with Mexico and took over Texas; she made war with Spain and established a protectorate over Cuba and Puerto Rico. For a time she established a protectorate over Santo Domingo, Haiti, and put in operation a military policy in Nicaragua. In co-operation with Brazil and the Netherlands government in exile the American army troops took up positions in Dutch Guiana (Surinam) on November 23, 1941, allegedly to guard the aluminum ore deposits there, for the duration of the present war or of the emergency. America acquired the Canal Zone and Alaska. She also acquired title to the Philippine Islands, to the Hawaiian Islands, and to Samoa and Guam, and thereby enlarged her territory.

True to the traditional policy (to wit, diplomatic hypocrisy) of the two-horned beast, the ostensible reason for the Monroe Doctrine was to protect the infant republics of the American continent. The real reason was in the interest of Britain and America. In support of this conclusion the following historical fact is related, as quoted from The Encyclopedia Americana, Volume 19, pages 373, 374: “This feeling of confidence in the continuance of the new governments [Colombia, Chile, Mexico, Brazil, and LaPlata] received a severe shock when the combination of central European powers, commonly called the Holy Alliance [the chief amongst which was Germany], after crushing several attempts at liberal government in Europe, turned its attention to Spain and to the Spanish colonies . . . The United States feared that France would undertake this commission also and would claim Cuba as the price of service to Spain, thereby securing a broader foothold in America.” To show that Great Britain was deeply interested in the policy of the Monroe Doctrine, and that Britain and America were working in conjunction with each other, the following historical fact is quoted:

“The time seemed to have come in 1823 for some sort of action that would head off the threatened invasion of Latin America by third parties in behalf of Spain. Something was also needed to check the Russian advance into North America, and the opportunity was convenient for expressing the undying love of Americans for the popular government that they had chosen. At this moment George Canning, Foreign Minister of Great Britain, stepped into the controversy. England was interested in unrestricted trade with the Spanish-American countries and was extremely opposed to the constricting policy of the Holy Alliance, both in Europe and America. Hence, in August and September 1823, Canning four times proposed to Richard Rush, our Minister in London, that the United States join England in a declaration against intervention, and [President] Monroe was inclined to accept the proposal. After long Cabinet discussions John Quincy^ Adams, Secretary of State, convinced the President that it would be better to make an independent declaration. Adams’ papers show that he not only suggested but formulated most of the important presidential message of 2 Dec. 1823, several passages in which, construed together, constitute the original and genuine Monroe Doctrine.”

As with the League of Nations compact of 1919, an American president got the credit for writing the Monroe Doctrine, but it really emanated from a fertile British mind. In support of this conclusion the following historical fact is important:

“The original Monroe Doctrine was at once effective. Canning [the Foreign Minister of Great Britain] was so much interested in the result that he claimed it for himself and said (21 Dec. 1826): ‘I looked another way ... I sought for compensation in another hemisphere. ... I called the new world into existence to redress the balance of the old.’ ” (Page 374) The same authority further says: "During the Spanish War of 1898 Great Britain made it clear that other European powers must not interfere with the American policy of the United States.” (Page 375) —The Encyclopedia Americana, Volume 19.

This shows that both of the horns of the “beast” were working together, and the physical facts of 1941 show they continue to do so.

There never before was a land monster like the ‘two-horned beast’. Says The Encyclopedia Americana, Vol. 4, page 558, under the title “British Empire”: “It is the largest body of land and of people under any one jurisdiction on the globe, comprising about one-fourth of the earth’s surface, and one-fourth of its inhabitants. Extensive portions of it lie in each of the five grand divisions of the globe. Its organization is entirely different from that of any other 'empire’ in history.”

If to the above are added the vast domains of the United States and its territories it is seen that this two-horned “beast” governs and casts a shadow over a large part of the earth’s surface. This imperialism dating from A.D. 1600 is unparalleled and is the greatest empire of all time.

The vision shows this beast with “two horns like a lamb”. A lamb is an inoffensive creature and acts only on the defensive. It is the boast of the British that England has always waged a defensive warfare. The Americans claim that America is always on the defensive. Both Britain and America claim to be always on the defensive and as harmless as a lamb. Revelation 13:11 proceeds with the description: “And he spake as a dragon.” Concerning the Dragon, Revelation 12: 3, 4 says: “And the dragon stood before the woman [God’s organization] which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child [The Theocratic Government by Christ Jesus] as soon as it was born.” Thus it makes a vicious attempt to destroy God's kingdom.

One of the names of the Dragon is that of Serpent, which means deceiver; and while this two-horned "beast" has had a lamb-like appearance, its words have been deceptive. 'Thy speech betrayeth thee.’ Its speech shows it to be the offspring of the great Dragon, the Devil, because history shows it is poisonous, deceptive and devouring, and making a vicious attempt to destroy Jehovah’s kingdom and the witnesses thereof, in order to gain world domination.

Jehovah’s kingdom under Christ shall gain the world domination and exercise it forever.

DAILY TEXTS AND COMMENTS

JANUARY 1

They that understand among the people shall instruct many. — Dan. 11:33.

Jehovah’s faithful witnesses have become instructors of many by visiting them at their homes and by holding study meetings and aiding them in studying God's Word. Such has been and is a tremendous witness work, carried on in divers ways, to wit, by use of books, booklets, magazines, radio, phonographs, and by traveling from place to place and from house to house, speaking to those willing to hear. They have met with many who have had a hearing ear, and these the witnesses have instructed in the way of the Scriptures. Their journey and work as Jehovah’s servants are along the rough and rugged way, viewed from the human viewpoint, but always the way of joy of heart to those who willingly engage in the field witness work. It is not expected it would be easy on the human organism; it has not been. It has been too hard for some. Therefore says the prophecy: “Yet they shall fall.” W 10/15/41

JANUARY 2

In all this did not Job sin with his lips.—Job 2: 10.

It is the Theocratic Government that is of paramount importance. Therefore the prophetic drama of Job includes the Head and body members of that government, also the faithful men of old who will be the earthly representatives of that government and rule amongst men, filling the places of visible governors; and also those who receive the divine commission from Jehovah and who act under that government to carry out that divine mandate to fill the earth. The severe test to which Job was subjected foretold the test to which the members of The Theocracy are put; and a like test is put upon every one who holds an official position under that righteous government. Each and every one under the test must hold fast his integrity in order to receive the approval of the Lord Jesus Christ the King and of Jehovah. W 8/15/41

JANUARY 3

But thou, Lord, art most high for evermore. For, lo, thine enemies, O Lord, ... shall perish. — Ps. 92: 8, 9.

Jehovah will vindicate his name by destroying all those who work against his government under Christ Jesus. It is Satan, that wicked one, operating his religious-totalitarian conspiracy against The Theocracy that is now desperately fighting against Jehovah’s kingdom. There is no compromise and no possibility of peace between God and the wicked. Today the Vatican officials, together with the dictators, are moving with all their power to destroy everything in the earth that will not submit to the devilish rule. All this is in defiance of Almighty God and a reproach upon his name. Jehovah’s name must be vindicated It shall be vindicated! The only possible way to bring about the vindication of Jehovah’s name is the complete destruction of the wicked, every part of Satan’s organization. At the battle of that great day of God Almighty all the wicked shall be destroyed. W 1/15/41

JANUARY 4

My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments. — Prov. 3:1.

The true followers of Christ Jesus are begotten or accepted by Jehovah and acknowledged by him as his children or sons, and these must be obedient to Jehovah God their Father if they would receive life everlasting. These become new creatures in Christ Jesus, who is the Head of the new creation or spiritual Israelites: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.’’ (2 Cor. 5:17) Having received the spirit of God, these are led by his spirit and are his sons. (Rom. 8:14-16) As children they must be obedient to his commandments; they could not live otherwise. Such are and must be witnesses to Jehovah and bear testimony to his name and to his kingdom, and hence they are called by the Lord Jehovah “My witnesses’’. - Isa. 43:10-12. W 2/15/41

JANUARY 5

The Lord hath sworn in truth unto David, he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne. — Ps. 132: 11

Jehovah's Word makes it impossible for the faithful servant to doubt the establishment and complete domination of The Theocracy. Not only has Jehovah given his unchangeable word, but he has confirmed his word by his oath that he will build up his capital organization Zion with his beloved One, Christ Jesus, as the Head thereof, upon the throne of the organization, and that his good and righteous government shall rule the world in righteousness and that rule shall never end. King David stood as the representative of Christ Jesus, and the words above are the response of Jehovah to David’s prayer; which words He binds with his oath, thus making doubly sure that He will bring forth his government, The Theocracy, to complete victory and glory. W 3/15/41

JANUARY 6

Then Jael, Heber’s wife, took a nail of the tent, and took an hammer in her hand, and went softly unto him, and smote the nail into his temples.—Judg. 4:21

It is not sufficient for one to say, “I am a Christian; I love the Lord’’; but in judging himself one must ask himself : "Am I proving my faith and devotion by joyfully and enthusiastically obeying the commandments of Jehovah and his King Am I giving my entire and undivided devotion to The Theocracy! If I am not wholly and entirely for The Theocracy I am against The Theocracy.” One cannot be negligent or indifferent to God’s commandments concerning The Theocratic Government and expect to receive God’s approval. Jael was put to the test, and she without hesitation put herself entirely on the side of Jehovah and his typical covenant people, who there remained faithful to God. Jael pictured a faithful, obedient class who shall receive the everlasting blessings of Jehovah and his King. W 5/1/41

JANUARY 7

God spared not . . . the old world, but saved Noah, the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world. — 2 Pet. 2: 4, 5.

Jehovah set Noah before men as an example for those to follow who have faith in God and in his kingdom and who would be faithful. When God puts his approval upon a man, others who come afterwards do well to give consideration as to why God marks that man with approval. God never changes, and when he approves one man we may be sure that his approval will be placed upon other men who likewise do well before him. God is no respecter of persons. What is required of one to merit God’s approval he likewise requires of all others who receive his approval. The Scriptures disclose the reason why God approved Noah He was just, was blameless in his conduct, maintained his integrity, was a man of faith, and was faithful under the test, being obedient to God. W 5/15/41

JANUARY 8

The Lord thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy. — Deut. 7: 9.

Jehovah, the Almighty God, has announced his purpose concerning man and has caused that announced purpose to be recorded in the Bible, which is His Word Jehovah’s expressed purpose concerning man constitutes or is God’s covenant concerning man. A “covenant” is a binding promise, or a declaration of purpose, to do or not to do a certain thing. When God makes a covenant he binds himself to keep it faithfully. Nothing any creature can do would hinder God in carrying out his announced purpose Every expressed purpose of Jehovah concerning man is a covenant which Almighty God performs in his own due time If God takes a man into covenant with him, that is called a two-sided or bilateral covenant. The obligation rests upon both parties to the covenant to carry that covenant into complete operation according to its terms W 6/15/41

JANUARY 9

I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live. — Deut. 30:19

Such is the statement of the divine rule, from which Jehovah never deviates, and everyone who believes God can rely upon that rule. Jehovah does not arbitrarily compel any man to take a specific course. God made man a fiee creature with the privilege of choosing to obey the great Creator or to take an opposite course. That rule applied to Adam, the first man. It is the fixed rule of Jehovah, and he never changes. Jehovah’s purpose is to give men a full and fair opportunity to gain life by choosing the same or to choose the very opposite of life, which is extinction. Knowledge is required to make the choice, and God affords every opportunity for man to gain such knowledge Jehovah furnishes the opportunity to man to know which is the right way. W 2/1/41

JANUARY 10

Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. — Isa. 60:1

Jehovah gives this command to his covenant people when his time arrives for them to go into action. The commandments of the Most High cannot be ignored or sidestepped. To receive his approval every creature who has made a solemn covenant to do His will must act, not with sullenness or stubbornness, but with a burning zeal and genuine joy. Such a one has a heart full of gratitude which leads to unselfish devotion and zeal for the Lord. With Jehovah there is a fixed time for everything. When that time arrives it is the duty and privilege of his covenant people to quickly respond to his commandments. In the hour of gross darkness upon Satan’s organization and all people under it the great Vindicator of Jehovah appears and makes himself manifest to his faithful servants, and his glory and power are seen to be on those who faithfully follow his lead. W 1/1/41

JANUARY 11

Lo! Jehovah emptying the earth and laying it waste; and he will overturn the face thereof, and scatter them who dwell therein . . . for Jehovah hath spoken this word. — Isa. 24:1,3, Rotherham.

Jehovah inspired his prophet to tell of a vision of Armageddon which he had, and which prophetic utterance is about due for fulfillment. The prophecy discloses what will be the result of Jehovah’s ‘'strange act” upon the earth. There can be no doubt that Jehovah will do exactly as his words announce by the prophet, because “Jehovah hath spoken this word”. His word cannot return to him void, but shall accomplish his announced purpose. (Isa. 55:11; 46:11) But who on earth now believes what He has announced? Only those who have taken their stand firmly on the side of The Theocracy and who joyfully support that kingdom. To them Jehovah has given full assurance, for their comfort and hope. W 4/15/11

JANUARY 12

Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedcth out of the mouth of God. — Matt. 4:4

Now in these last days the demons are seducing and debauching the entire human creation, and the only exceptions thereto are those who devote themselves to and faithfully obey the Lord God. If the people now on earth who are of good-will toward God would find the way to life everlasting they must be led by the true guide, which is God’s Word. The will of Almighty God expressed to his creatures is his Word and constitutes the true guide, which directs mankind into the way of life everlasting. Jehovah sent Jesus to the earth to proclaim His expressed will, and this he did for the purpose of guiding men in the right way. The message which Jesus declared was and is not his own, but is that which proceeds from the mouth of Almighty God. Jesus said: “The Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say.”—John 12: 49. W 6/1/41

JANUARY 13

The way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath. — Prov. 15: 24.

Jehovah has made plain his purpose to permit men to choose the way of life or choose the way of death. God placed before Adam the way of life and the way of death. God informed man that he must obey if he would live, but if he should choose to disobey he must die. Had Adam always looked to God and obeyed his law ho would not have died Adam chose the opposite course, with the result that he died and all others of humankind came under condemnation by inheritance. In due time all the race must die All do die and remain dead except those who choose the way of life and conform to the rules God has laid down, pointing out the course they must take. To escape death, described as “hell”, which is the grave, they must look above. That means they must look to Jehovah for guidance in the way of life if they would become wise in God's way. W 7/15/41

JANUARY 14

Study to shew thyself approved unto God a workman that needeth not to be ashamed. — 2 Tim. 2:15.

The Scriptures are provided by the Lord for his covenant people that they may be fully equipped for every good work. One who neglects to study the Scriptures and to be guided by the advice and admonition there given cannot have the Lord's approval. We must study his Word and do his works, that we may receive his approval. Study classes and service meetings are regularly held amongst God’s people for the purpose of enabling them to keep in mind the proper things and their mind fixed upon the righteous things of the Lord. Every one of God’s covenant people should attend such meetings when it is reasonably possible and take an active part in them. One who is negligent and not attending such study classes is failing to seek righteousness and meekness, which the Lord requires of all he approves. W 5/15/41

JANUARY 15

These words, which I command thee this day, shall be upon thy heart; and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children — Deut. 6: 6, 7, A.R.V.

Jehovah’s words are not altered and are heard with compelling force now by every one who has given his devotion to The Theocratic Government. Today the obligation is laid upon every parent who is in a covenant to do Jehovah’s will to bring his children into the congregation, that they may learn the Lord’s words and see their privilege of serving The Theocratic Government. The parents that serve Jehovah and love their children will be diligent to instruct them in the way of righteousness, that they may serve the Lord and live. Parents who neglect this divine obligation, disclose thereby that they have not a proper appreciation of their relationship to God nor of their obligation to the children they brought into the world. W 9/1/41

JANUARY 16

My covenant will I not break, nor alter the thing that is gone out of my lips. — Ps 89: 31.

Jehovah’s covenant cannot be altered or hindered His covenant here named is his unbreakable word that his Theocratic Government by Christ Jesus, his Beloved One, shall be established and rule the world in righteousness. The Theocratic Government is of greatest importance, because by it Jehovah’s name shall be vindicated, the completion and operation of that Theocracy is about to be revealed to all creation, and now the demons have mustered all their force and power to resist The Theocracy that they might continue to rule the world in wickedness. The controversy is that all the demons are against The Theocracy, and this controversy will be settled finally at Armageddon Individual salvation, while important to creatures, is of small importance when compared with The Theocratic Government. W 10/1/41

FIELD EXPERIENCES

JUVENILE ENTHUSIASTS, SALT LAKE CITY

“Saturday mornings, 9 a.m., I have been meeting with a group of school children (average attendance 14) and studying the book Children for one hour before going into field service. These children are enthusiastic; some have started into service for the first time in such features of the work as back-calls, street work, and delivering Children Study Courses to homes. They are so eager to write bookstudy questions that we have questions for two weeks ahead and are now taking turns on handing in questions. The children willingly worked the very block they live on, and yesterday I saw two little girls playing the phonograph for another little girl on a porch. When they returned to my car I asked about their experience, and one said: ‘Oh, she is a school chum of mine Her father doesn’t believe there is a God, so we played the record for her and gave her a booklet to read and then give to her father.’

“I took a little boy, age eight, on the street with me. Timid at first, he held my hand tightly. Pretty soon he was calling out ‘Consolation!’ himself; so I placed him by a post a few feet from me. He continuing offering the magazine even though one ‘goat’ rebuffed him. Soon I saw a well- dressed man talking to him and a small crowd of boys around him. I first thought I should go over and help him; then I recalled ‘Wisdom uttereth her voice in the streets’ (Proverbs 1:20) and how the Informant urged the young people to place themselves in the Lord’s hands in street work. So I watched the scene until the man walked off carrying a magazine. The boys remained; so I walked over to see if they were bothering the little publisher. On the contrary, they were asking questions and gladly accepted a sample copy. Then the little publisher repeated this conversation with the well-dressed man: Man asked, ‘Who are you serving? Hitler?’ Boy replied: ‘No, God.’ Man: ‘Who is God?’ Boy: ‘Jehovah.’ Man: ‘Who is Jehovah ?’ The boy, in an exasperated manner, said: ‘So I just pointed up into the sky, and finally he caught on.’ The gentleman contributed five cents for the magazine, insisting the boy take one penny for himself.”

DELIVERING “THEOCRACY” TO BRITISH CLERGY

“I called upon one rector of a near-by village [near Thornhill, Dewsbury, England], with whom I have previously held conversations regarding the truth. On this occasion I was invited into his study to discuss the present- day problems and their relation to Bible prophecy. The rector agreed to read the booklets Theocracy and Satisfied. I noticed a set of Vindication on his bookshelves. I referred him to Christ’s words at Matthew chapter twenty-three, pointing to its present-day application. I invited him to study the command at Revelation 18:4: ‘And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.’ On leaving he accompanied me to the car, where he carried on conversation with my wife and daughter, with the result that he asked us to spend an evening by appointment with him. A week later we were all three working from door to door in this village, and these remarks were passed to us: ‘Are you the Bible people that the rector mentioned in his sermon on Sunday last?’ On questioning we found the rector had told his congregation that that afternoon he had had a visit from Jehovah’s witnesses who were going around with books explaining the Scriptures. He said what these books contained was true and that Jehovah’s witnesses were doing a fine work. The result was that in one hour’s calling, at no more than thirty houses, seven bound books were placed. Rest of village is still to do.”

INTERESTED INQUIRY FOR STUDY CLASS (ENGLAND)

“Dear Sir: I have read your pamphlet Theocracy, and I understand that your Association sponsors groups to study the Bible; will you therefore please give me the address of a group in or near Sanderstead or Croydon (Surrey) so that I may get in touch with them. Will you please send me another 6 copies of your pamphlet, for which I enclose 1/-; if this is not sufficient I will send the balance when I know how much is due. I enclose a stamped and addressed label.”

IN THE RURALS OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

“The first house I stopped at in the morning was a small farm house. There was a group of people on the porch, so I played them the recording ‘Message of Hope’, and then presented the books Religion and Theocracy. One of two men in the group, whom I had thought were politicians or preachers and who turned out to be preachers, took the books to examine them. Then both began to ask me questions and to answer them their way, refusing to take my answers. They belittled me and my work and the ‘damnable doctrine’ I was distributing, one of them saying: ‘I wouldn’t carry old Judge Rutherford around in a box; if I was going to preach I would not use a second-hand sermon.’ The one who had the books handed me a quarter and said to the other: ‘I want this book; it is a new one.’ They had evidently read the other books too. They then advised me, very seriously, to stop this work. The one who had taken the books said: ‘I wouldn’t carry that around for a thousand dollars a day.’ I told him I would not stop for a thousand a day. Their parting words were: ‘I am going to fight this damnable doctrine in this community while we are holding this revival here.’ He did. The next day, and the second house we stopped at, we were met with these words: ‘I heard you preached about last night, but I have been reading these books for four years, and I know he was lying.’ This was from a lady of seventy years. It developed that she was visiting her daughter and lived six miles up the way we were working, and she asked to ride with us. After leaving her daughter’s home, who had believed the preacher, our friend said: ‘My son was coming by for me, but I wanted to get off and talk with you folks and to be with someone who is trying to do right.’ She stayed with us the balance of the day, and most of the ones we called on were her relatives and opposed the truth. She has never been associated with Jehovah’s witnesses, but she will be hereafter.”

WHO INTERESTED THE NEW PUBLISHER?

“One new one reports for the first time this month. (Mt. Pleasant, Utah) This new publisher is the party where our 10-year-old publisher started a model study about two months ago. The little children are now doing things that many experienced publishers have thought difficult.’’

MEMORIAL

Tuesday, March 31, after six p.m., is the date Scriptually arrived at for 1942 for the memorial celebration to both Jehovah’s name and the sacrifice of the Lamb of God, Christ Jesus, his Theocratic King. Each Christian company, therefore, should assemble after six p.m. of March 31, and the anointed ones thereof celebrate the Memorial, their companions the “other sheep” being present as observers. If there is no competent person present to deliver a brief discourse immediately before the partaking of the emblems, that short article appearing in the March 15, 1939, issue of The Watchtower should be read before those assembled prior to partaking. Since the breaking of the bread and drinking of the wine both picture the death of Jesus, it follows that both emblems should be served together at partaking, and not separately. The emblems should be unleavened bread and real red wine. Jesus and his apostles used real red wine in symbol of his blood, and the anointed remnant should follow their lead. A report of the celebration should be made to the Society as instructed in the Informant. In preparation therefor the article “Memorial” suggested above will be studied with profit.

“INTEGRITY" TESTIMONY PERIOD

Midwinter field maneuvers test the integrity, and the united testimony period during February is appropriately thus named.

This “Integrity” Testimony Period will be the opening month of the 1942 three-month Watchtower campaign, hence the people of integrity toward God will specialize on taking subscriptions for the magazine The Watchtower, announcing Jehovah’s kingdom or Theocratic Government by Christ Jesus. Additional to the intrinsic value of the magazine itself, the latest book, Children, will be given as a premium with all new subscriptions for a year, and that at the regular subscription rate of $1.00. God's people of integrity will be steadfast therein and will prove their blamelessness of devotion by taking part in this Testimony regardless of the cost to self. Many newly interested readers of The Watchtower, deeply appreciating it, will be desirous of joining in this special testimony privilege, and we invite such to write this office for references needed to put them in touch with the nearest local company organized for this campaign. A record should be kept of all work done and the result, and the same reported in the appointed manner at the close of February.

“THE WATCHTOWER”

The Watchtower is a magazine without equal in the earth, and is conceded this rank by all that have been faithful readers thereof during its more than sixty years of publication. The Watchtower has increased in importance with the progress of the years, and (Continued on page 31)

No. LXIII January 15, 1942 No 2

MICAH

PART 2

“Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain”. – Ex. 20:7.

JEHOVAH'S name confers great honor upon the creature or organization that takes or receives that name. God chose the city of Jerusalem as a place of habitation for his covenant people, and he put his name there and thereby made it a most famous city. God caused his temple to be built at Jerusalem and made that the place to worship him. It was Jehovah’s city, symbolic of his organization on earth. The city of Jerusalem and almost all of the people there received the favor and name of Jehovah in vain, and this, of course, in violation of God’s commandment. Likewise “Christendom”, which was foreshadowed by Jerusalem, has received the name and favor of God in vain. To ‘take the name of God in vain does not mean the man in the street who uses vile language, as the clergymen are in the habit of applying this text. The one who consecrated himself to do the will of God, exercising faith in Christ Jesus as his Savior, and who starts to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and then draws back, has taken the name of God in vain. Or if he takes a course contrary to what the Scriptures point out, becoming heady, haughty and highminded and smiting his brethren, he has received the name of God in vain. Those who take God’s name in vain bring great reproach upon his name, and their end is destruction. Some may ignorantly get off on the wrong path after they have taken the Lord’s name, but, when receiving the warning and the knowledge directing them in the right way, if they would live they must quickly change their course and walk in the right way.

2 The wicked are those who have received enlightenment from God concerning his purpose and who then turn away from and put themselves in opposition to God. Lucifer was great in the organization of Jehovah, was enlightened, occupied a place of great responsibility, became covetous and ambitious, and turned himself in full opposition to Jehovah. He is therefore designated in the Scriptures as “that wicked one”. (1 John 3:12) All who have known God and Christ Jesus and who have then repudiated Jehovah’s Word and turned away from him have reproached his name and taken God’s name in vain, and are placed by the Lord in the class of the wicked. Jehovah has been long-suffering with the wicked, and concerning this the apostle says: “When once the long-suffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing.” (1 Pet. 3:20) The English word “suffer”, as used, is given various meanings, among which is: To permit, or tolerate; to hold up, or delay; such as holding up or delaying the execution of a judgment. The Scriptural meaning of the word is often the same. It means being slow to express anger, forbearing, to defer, that is, to permit the wicked one to take his own course until God’s due time to act.

3 This forbearance or long-suffering of God does not mean that he ever looks with favor upon the wrongdoer. On the contrary, it is written: "God judgeth the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day [God . . . hath indignation every day (A.R.V.)].” (Ps. 7:11) Again it is written: “All the wicked will [God] destroy”. (Ps. 145:20) However, Jehovah waits his own due time to execute his judgment against the wicked. The followers of Christ Jesus also must learn to be long-suffering and forbearing. To such these words of the Scriptures are addressed, to wit: "Walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love.” (Eph. 4:1,2) “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” – Col. 3:13.

4 These scriptures cannot be properly construed to mean that one who has received the name of the Lord should never be angry. Righteous indignation against wrongdoing is proper and right, because the man who follows the Lord Jesus Christ cannot look with approval upon wrongdoing. The following words are addressed to those who have consecrated themselves to do the Lord’s will, and to follow in the footsteps of Jesus, to wit: “Be ye angry, and sin not.” (Eph. 4:26) How can one be angry and not commit sin? How can one sin by becoming angry or because of anger? Sin is the transgression of God’s law. (1 John 3:4) When one becomes angry he may desire to give expression to that anger by administering bodily punishment to the one against whom he is angry. Such is a violation of God’s law, and therefore sin. The law of God says: “To me belongeth vengeance, ... I will render vengeance to mine enemies.” (Deut. 32:35, 41, 43; Rom. 12:19; Heb. 10: 30) As the Lord is long-suffering toward his enemies, biding his own due time to punish them, so those who have received the name of Jehovah must be long-suffering and forgiving and leave it to God in his own due time to execute his judgment against the wrongdoers. The followers of Christ Jesus in the day of Jehovah’s vengeance have a work to do in connection with the expression of Jehovah’s vengeance, and that work is, as their commission states, ‘to declare the day of the vengeance of our God.’ (Isa. 61: 2) However, Jehovah declares in his Word his vengeance against all defamers of his name, but that he will do the executing. The scripture also says that all the saints shall have part in the execution of judgment, in this: that they have part in binding the wicked ones by declaring the judgments of Jehovah already written. – Ps. 149:8,9.

5 The remnant must do the part assigned to them, which part is to boldly proclaim God’s purpose as expressed in his Word. Jehovah caused his prophets of old to declare and to write down the judgments, and it is these judgments of the Lord God heretofore written that his faithful witnesses now must make known, declaring to those who will hear God’s purpose of executing such judgments.

THE REASON

6 Taking up here now the further consideration of the prophecy of Micah, note that Jehovah’s word came to Micah, and Micah was commanded to declare that word; and now Jehovah’s witnesses, whom Micah pictured, must likewise declare the Word of God. “Christendom” has taken the name of Jehovah God; and by “Christendom” is meant the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, the other clergy, “elective elders,” the “man of sin”, “the son of perdition,” the Judas company, and all others who profess to be servants of God, regardless of denomination or name, and who are associated together as a part of Satan’s organization. As there was only a remnant of Israel that remained true to Jehovah, even so now there is only a remnant of those who profess to be servants of God that remain true to their covenant. Jehovah by his prophet Micah now here states the reason why God will execute his vengeance upon those who have taken his name in vain. “For the transgression of Jacob is all this, and for the sins of the house of Israel. What is the transgression of Jacob? is it not Samaria? and what are the high places of Judah? are they not Jerusalem?”. – Mic. 1:5

7 As used in this text the name “Jacob” (meaning “supplanter”) stands primarily for the northern house, that is, the ten tribes of Israel having their capital at Samaria. The remaining tribes of Israel had their capital at Jerusalem. Thus, antitypically, all “Christendom” is wrapped up in the disobedience of and in opposition to Jehovah God.

8 They are his enemies and shall suffer his vengeance. The prophet then propounds the question concerning the “transgression of Jacob”, and by another question answers the first, to wit: “Is it not Samaria?” King Omri, the father of Ahab, made Samaria the capital of the ten tribes of the house of Jacob. (1 Ki. 16:23,24) The prophet Micah later in his prophecy (6:16) says of the transgression: “For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of the house of Ahab [the Baal or Devil worshipers], and ye walk in their counsels.” Besides Baal worship, the “sin of Samaria” included the worship of the golden calves at Dan and Bethel which confounded the worship of Jehovah God with idols and turned the people away from the true worship of Jehovah at his temple. (1 Ki. 12: 26-33; Amos 8:14) It was also the kingdom of Samaria that formed the conspiracy or confederacy with Damascus in Syria to fight against Judah, and concerning which confederacy Isaiah prophesied that it should be broken in pieces for the reason, as the prophet stated, “God is with us,” his faithful people. (Isa. 7:1-9; 8: 9, 10) Therefore “the transgression of Jacob” applies to “the friendship of the world”, that is, Baalism, the Devil worship; also the giving of great honor to and worshiping creatures (especially religious leaders, who claim to represent or stand for God), and particularly honor and worship such as to the Roman Catholic Hierarchy and other clergymen who demand and receive such honor and worship from their subjects. It also includes the great honor and worship to men who are religious leaders in any organization of religionists that has taken the name of God and Christ Jesus; also those participating in the “confederacy”, or League of Nations, which is set up in the place of and in opposition to Christ Jesus the King, “The Lion of the Tribe of Judah.” All these things are included in that transgression or sin of Samaria. When the Greater Jehu, Christ Jesus, comes down to modern-day Samaria, he puts an end to such transgressions and to the transgressors by executing Jehovah’s judgment against them, as foreshadowed in the prophecies.—2 Ki. 10:1-27; Isa. 28: 1-4.

PLACE OF WORSHIP

9 Jehovah put his name upon Jerusalem and caused his temple to be builded there, and at Jerusalem was the place to worship Jehovah God. The “high places”, as that phrase is used in connection with Israel, were forbidden places for going through a form of worship. Jerusalem was the only lofty place for the worship of Jehovah and where it was done according to his law; therefore the question propounded in this prophecy: “And what are the high places of Judah?” meaning, Where is the responsibility for the high places throughout Judah?

10 From the earliest times, as stated by historical authority, it was the custom among the heathen nations to erect a place of worship on a high or conspicuous spot. The Roman Catholics have ever followed this course. Call to mind now that the Roman Catholic Hierarchy have erected their buildings in the most conspicuous spots in every country. They seek the high or lofty places to make great show of themselves. When God made the covenant with Israel in Moab, he there in the law stated to the Israelites: “Ye shall utterly destroy all the places wherein the nations which ye shall possess served their gods, upon the high mountains, and upon the hills, and under every green tree; and ye shall overthrow their altars, and break their pillars, and burn their groves with fire; and ye shall hew down the graven images of their gods, and destroy the names of them out of that place. Ye shall not do so unto the Lord your God. But unto the place which the Lord your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there [that is, Jerusalem], even unto his habitation [his temple] shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come: and thither ye shall bring your burnt offerings, and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and heave offerings of your hand, and your vows, and your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and of your flocks: and there ye shall eat before the Lord your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the Lord thy God hath blessed thee.” (Deut. 12:2-7) At the beginning of Solomon's reign there was no temple for worship at Jerusalem: “Only the people sacrificed in high places, because there was no house built unto the name of the Lord, until those days. And Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father: only he sacrificed and burnt incense in high places. And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there; for that was the great high place: a thousand burnt offerings did Solomon offer upon that altar. In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night: and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.” —1 Ki. 3:2-5.

11 Concerning the high places that were forbidden the Lord said: “Are they not Jerusalem?” The Jews, from the royal family down to the common people, because of unfaithfulness, did not confine their worship to the temple at Jerusalem, as commanded, but they sought other places to carry on a form of worship, both inside and outside of Jerusalem. Thus doing, Jerusalem, by reason of being the capital city, became responsible for the improper use of the high places throughout the nation. Their course of action shows that they had taken and received the name of God in vain. The king failed to cut off those high places, and that brought still greater responsibility upon the city and the king. Then Solomon the king became unfaithful in his old age and turned to Devil worship. – 1 Ki. 11: 7-13.

12 The prophet Micah began to prophesy in King Jotham’s reign, and concerning such king it is written : “And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord; he did according to all that his father Uzziah had done. Howbeit, the high places were not removed; the people sacrificed and burned incense still in the high places. He built the higher gate of the house of the Lord.” (2 Ki. 15: 34, 35) As for Jotham's son, Ahaz, he grossly violated God's law: “And he sacrificed and burnt incense in the high places, and on the hills, and under every green tree.” (2 Ki. 16: 4) The ten tribes of the northern kingdom of Israel also violated God’s law by using such high places for their forms of worship. When the ten tribes made a league with the king of Syria against Judah, Ahaz, the king, brought the kingdom of Judah into a league with Assyria: “And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the Lord, and in the treasures of the king’s house, and sent it for a present to the king of Assyria. And the king of Assyria hearkened unto him; for the king of Assyria went up against Damascus, and took it, and carried the people of it captive to Kir, and slew Rezin.” – 2 Ki. 16:5-9.

13 Modern-day worshipers, who make a pretense of worshiping God by indulging in forms of godliness and speaking meaningless words, do this while their hearts are far removed from Jehovah, and they insist upon what they call their “rights and liberties”, and set up their own organization of worship and adopt these forms of service to suit their own fancies. They have no interest in the kingdom of God, and the Kingdom interests are removed far from them, and for that reason the Lord gives these Kingdom interests ‘to a people bringing forth the fruits thereof’. (Matt. 21:43) These modern-day religionists make a league or confederacy with the iniquitous nations of this world which oppose Jehovah and his kingdom. King Hezekiah destroyed the high places of ungodly worship; as it is written: “He removed the high places, and brake the images, and cut down the groves, and brake in pieces the brazen serpent that Moses had made; for unto those days the children of Israel did burn incense to it; and he called it Nehushtan [(margin) a piece of brass]. He trusted in the Lord God of Israel; so that after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any that were before him."—2 Ki. 18:4, 5.

14 Today one greater than Hezekiah is needed to clean out the unholy practice of the religionists, and Jesus Christ proceeds to do that very thing. The son of King Hezekiah went contrary to what his father had done and built high places contrary to God’s law: “For he built again the high places which Hezekiah his father had destroyed; and he reared up altars for Baal, and made a grove, as did Ahab king of Israel; and worshipped all the host of heaven, and served them. And he built altars in the house of the Lord, of which the Lord said, In Jerusalem will I put my name." – 2 Ki. 21: 3, 4.

15 The Roman Catholic Hierarchy and allies follow the same course of the wicked king Manasseh. The word of the prophet Ezekiel applying to the unfaithful “Christendom” says: “Thou hast also built unto thee an eminent place, and hast made thee an high place in every street. Thou hast built thy high place at every head of the way, and hast made thy beauty to be abhorred, and hast opened thy feet to every one that passed by, and multiplied thy whoredoms. In that thou buildest thine eminent place in the head of every way, and makest thine high place in every street; and hast not been as an harlot, in that thou scornest hire; but as a wife that committeth adultery, which taketh strangers instead of her husband! They give gifts to all whores; but thou givest thy gifts to all thy lovers, and hirest them, that they may come unto thee on every side for thy whoredom. And I will also give thee into their hand, and they shall throw down thine eminent place, and shall break down thy high places; they shall strip thee also of thy clothes, and shall take thy fair jewels, and leave thee naked and bare.” (Ezek. 16: 24, 23, 31-33, 39; see Vindication, Book One, page 191 and following) Thus Jehovah foretells his purpose to destroy the religionists that have assumed his name and have wickedly reproached his name, and that have therefore taken his name in vain. These truths are now revealed and given to God’s people that they may carry the same to the people of good-will, who may now hear the command of the Lord coming from his temple and seek the Lord’s favor as he has directed.

16 Jehovah then declares his purpose to ruin Samaria: “Therefore I will make Samaria as an heap of the field, and as plantings of a vineyard; and I will pour down the stones thereof into the valley, and I will discover the foundations thereof.” (Mic. 1:6) Even though Samaria was a strong and defended city able to withstand a siege for three years, which it did, in due time it fell. Likewise boastful “Christendom”, which claims to be so strong that it is unbreakable; it shall be brought down to ruin and become like a field of desolation. Describing the ruin that should come upon Samaria, and likewise upon “Christendom”, or organized religionists and their organizations, the prophet said: “I will make [it] . . . as plantings of a vineyard”; “vineyard plantations” (Leeser).

17 Isaiah, who prophesied also in the days of Micah, said of unfaithful “Christendom”: “And now, go to; I will tell you what I will do to my vineyard; I will take away the hedge thereof, and it shall be eaten up; and break down the wall thereof, and it shall be trodden down; and I will lay it waste; it shall not be pruned nor digged; but there shall come up briers and thorns; I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain upon it. For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah his pleasant plant; and he looked for judgment, but behold oppression; for righteousness, but behold a cry.”—Isa. 5: 5-7.

18 As Jehovah said concerning Samaria that he would “pour down the stones thereof”, so he thus foretells how he will completely wreck and ruin exalted “Christendom”, and especially the Roman Catholic Hierarchy and allied clergy. Jehovah foretold the same thing by his prophet Obadiah. In this manner Jehovah emphasizes his purpose to destroy the hypocritical religionists, that no one will have any excuse to be ignorant of what is coming upon that great hypocritical and devilish organization.

19 The prophecy of Micah discloses Jehovah’s purpose to destroy “Christendom’s” superstructure and also that he will wreck it and tear it down to its very foundations and sweep away its great heap of lies, and expose it to shame and disgrace. The Roman Catholic Hierarchy and allied clergy and their “principal of the flock" have rejected Christ Jesus, the sure Foundation Stone, and now within a short time Jehovah shall completely destroy all of that wicked organization. – Isa. 28:16-21.

20 For many years “Christendom” has practiced the Devil religion and has committed the sin of Samaria by extolling creatures, pretending to canonize and make saints of them and to exalt them as objects of worship, and has taught the people to pray to and worship such so-called “saints”, which “saints” never did in fact exist, but are wholly a fraud and a subterfuge. This wicked thing has been done in open violation of Jehovah’s commandment at Exodus 20:1-5. Graven images are everywhere used by “Christendom”, and particularly by the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, to impress the people and to hoodwink them and to cause them to give honor and worship to creatures and things. Therefore Jehovah foretold by his prophet what shall come upon “Christendom”: “And all the graven images thereof shall be beaten to pieces, and all the hires thereof shall be burned with the fire, and all the idols thereof will I lay desolate; for she gathered it of the hire of an harlot, and they shall return to the hire of an harlot.” – Mic. 1: 7.

21 The people of good-will who are of the “Catholic population”, and others of honest heart, must now learn of these truths, and the obligation is laid upon Jehovah’s remnant to see to it that they do have the opportunity to hear and to learn these great truths. The beating to pieces of Samaria’s graven images foreshadows the destruction that shall come upon the religious systems of “Christendom” that have used these inanimate things to deceive and rob the people. In Moab Jehovah commanded his people, saying: "There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel. Thou shalt not bring the hire of a whore, or the price of a dog, into the house of the Lord thy God for any vow; for even both these are abomination unto the Lord thy God.” – Deut. 23:17,18.

22 Here Israel foreshadowed “Christendom”, which for a long while has practiced whoredom and continues to indulge therein. “Christendom” has brought “the hire of a whore” and “the price of a dog” into the religious organizations that have assumed the name of God and Christ; and all of such is a direct violation of God’s law. The religionists have sought after and committed whoredom or illicit relationship with all other parts of the Devil’s earthly organization. Crooked commercial traffickers and corrupt politicians have been invited and taken into the organizations of these religionists, and they have all worked together to extract filthy lucre from the people whom they have seduced and debauched by their devilish doctrines. By means of such whoredom the hire, or money derived therefrom, has been brought into the organization that claims to represent God on earth. A sodomite was likened unto the “price of a dog’’, and such have also been brought into the organization that sails under the name of Christ. Roman Catholic priests claim to be moral and stand as guardians of the people to safeguard and preserve their morals, but in truth and in fact they are the most lecherous crowd amongst men. They have used and continue to use the cloak of their so-called "Christian religion”, by which to hide and carry on at will their immoral practices to satisfy their sensual desires.

23 Jehovah gives full assurance that “Christendom” shall be destroyed and “all of the idols thereof will I lay desolate”. (See Ezekiel 23:2-10; Vindication, Book One, page 303.) For what reason will the Lord thus do? “For she [‘Christendom’] gathered it of the hire of an harlot, and they shall return to the hire of an harlot.” All the images, beads, gold lace, holy water, dead women’s toes, crucifixes, and all manner of images for idol worship and practices by the Roman Catholic Hierarchy and allies, stand for nothing other than harlotry toward Jehovah, and that at the purchase price of some selfish inducement or "hire". The clergy, and particularly the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, have built up a fraudulent system into which they have drawn the worst kind of criminals, and have used the name of Jehovah and of Christ Jesus to induce the poor and ignorant to support them and to bring into the coffers of the old “harlot” their hard-earned money to satisfy the selfish desires of a crowd of dissolute men. It is cruel enough to practice fraud upon the people and to thereby fleece them out of their hard earnings, but it is far more wicked to use the name of the Lord as a shield for their practice of cruelty, in order to carry out their fraudulent schemes.

24 By their practices of idolatry those religion mongers have defrauded the people, enriched themselves with material things, and have defamed the reputation and name of Almighty God. Hence, says the Lord of them, they shall find their proper place, that is, in destruction. “For out of the reward of unchastity she gathered them, and unto the reward of unchastity shall they return.” (Rotherham) Jehovah inspired his faithful servant James to address his words to the Roman Catholic Hierarchy and allies, including the “principal of the flock” who have assumed the name of the Lord and have at the same time formed a part of Satan’s world, and therefore it is written: “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world, is the enemy of God.” – Jas. 4:4.

25 For a long while those men have lived wantonly, using their ill-gotten gains for their own sensual pleasure. God announces his purpose to destroy their institutions and those who have budded them up. But, say the opponents of the Kingdom, why say anything about these things now? The answer is, Because Jehovah has commanded his witnesses to declare the day of his vengeance upon those who have defamed his name and have taken his name in vain, to the end that the people may be warned of their approaching doom, and that those of good-will who have been held in subjection to those practicers of fraud may have opportunity to flee to God and to Christ. The work of Jehovah’s witnesses in thus proclaiming the truth at the present time is done that the “great multitude” may find the way to Zion before the battle of the great day of God Almighty begins. The Watchtower publishes these things for the benefit of all those who love and serve Jehovah God.

26 The prophecy of Micah at this point makes a picture of what the religionists will do when they come to realize that sudden destruction is just before them: “Therefore I will wail and howl, I will go stripped and naked; I will make a wailing like the dragons, and mourning as the owls.” (Mic. 1: 8) That picture is not one expressing sympathy with the religionists, but is for a sign unto them, indicating prophetically to “Christendom” what awaits that unholy organization. It is not the will of Jehovah that his faithful people should howl and lament for anyone that becomes unfaithful to God and his kingdom, and who has for that reason lost all. Anyone who howls and laments because the wicked suffer destruction shows that he is not faithful to and does not love the Lord God. This is made certain by the words of the prophet Jeremiah: “For thus saith the Lord, Enter not into the house of mourning, neither go to lament nor bemoan them [symbolically] ; for I have taken away my peace from this people, saith the Lord, even lovingkindness and mercies. Both the great and the small shall die in this land; they shall not be buried, neither shall men [the Jonadabs or ‘other sheep’; the ‘great multitude’] lament for them, nor cut themselves, nor make themselves bald for them.” – Jer. 16: 5, 6.

27 Concerning this Jehovah instructed Ezekiel that he should not weep when his unfaithful wife was taken away suddenly in death, thus picturing those who are unfaithful to and defame God’s name. “Son of man, behold, I take away from thee the desire of thine eyes with a stroke; yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down. Forbear to cry, make no mourning for the dead [who have been guilty of the sin of Samaria], bind the tire of thine head upon thee, and put on thy shoes upon thy feet, and cover not thy lips, and eat not the bread of men.” – Ezek. 24:16, 17; see Vindication, Book One, page 332.

28 When one who has been in God's organization and in his service proves unfaithful and destruction awaits him, those who are faithful to God will not lament or weep for such. The greatest favor that ever came to man is to know and serve Jehovah and bear the name of Jehovah, and anyone who is unfaithful to that blessing and privilege is unworthy of sympathy. Further supporting this conclusion the prophet of Jehovah wrote: “And the slain of the Lord shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth; they shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried; they shall be dung upon the ground”. – Jer. 25: 33

29 The prophet Micah says: "I will go stripped and naked”; and by doing so a picture is made of the captives taken when the Lord ‘leads captivity captive’. (Ps. 68:18; Eph. 4:8) Concerning Assyrian treatment of the captives of Samaria the prophet of God wrote: “So shall the king of Assyria lead away the Egyptians prisoners, and the Ethiopians captives, young and old, naked and barefoot, even with their buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt”. – Isa. 20:4

30 Further depicting the miserable condition of the religionists when their calamity befalls them the prophet wails “like the dragons [crocodiles, (Leeser)].” The crocodile, when angry, produces a snorting sound; and according to Rotherham, this text says the noise is like wild dogs. Likewise the clergy (“dumb dogs”), when fully realizing that their end has come, will howl. Furthermore the prophet says: “Mourning as the owls”; that is, with a loud and woeful mourning. Concerning those same religion mongers it is foretold by another prophet of Jehovah that these shall howl; as it is written: “Howl, ye shepherds, and cry; and wallow yourselves in the ashes, ye principal of the flock.” (Jer. 25: 34) James tells of the same crowd that will indulge in extreme howling in that day. (Jas. 5:1-6) The prophet Micah, therefore, by thus howling and going naked and wailing, foretells what shall befall the unfaithful “Christendom”, and particularly the leaders thereof.

31 “Christendom” has already received a stroke from the Lord, and now she begins to give evidence thereof; but soon her howl will be much more distinct and distressing: “For her wound is incurable; for it is come unto Judah; he is come unto the gate of my people, even to Jerusalem.” (Mic. 1: 9) Jehovah has given his word that “Christendom” shall receive the destructive blow with his “glittering Sword”. (Deut. 32:41) That stroke by Jehovah's Executioner will not be like the World War bump that was given the “beast” on the head that was afterwards “healed” (Rev. 13:3, 12); but it will be a deadly blow from which there will be no recovery. It will be a devastating slaughter, “according to the slaughter of Midian at the rock of Oreb.” (Isa. 10:26) The deadly wound received there cannot be healed. Armageddon will destroy the religionists and also the others that are against God, including the “man of sin”, the Judas class, and every part of “Christendom”, and all of Satan’s organization.

32 The Philistines hated the Israelites; and likewise the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, the modern Philistines, hate God’s people now on earth. The Roman Catholic Hierarchy pretends to be friendly to all professing Christians who are called “Protestant” or by other names, and even friendly to the Jews, who completely reject Christ Jesus, but all this apparent friendliness on the part of the Hierarchy is hypocritical and dishonest. That cold-blooded organization has no kind feeling for anyone, but is entirely selfish. The news to the modern Philistines concerning the calamity that will come upon the other religionists would be good news to them. The prophet of Jehovah says: “Declare ye it not at Gath [In Gath do not tell (Rotherham)], weep ye not at all; in the house of Aphrah roll thyself in the dust.” (Mic. 1:10) The giant and champion of Gath, Goliath, was slain by David when David was a mere shepherd lad, and from that time on the Philistines had a bitter hatred against the Israelites and thereafter sought to “destroy it for the old hatred”. (Ezek. 25:15-17) In the prophecy of Micah the Lord says ‘it is not to be told in Gath’; and this appears to mean that the message is not to be told for the benefit of the modern Goliath, the giants of the modern Philistines, but Jehovah’s witnesses are to declare the vengeance of Jehovah for the benefit of those that are held in restraint by the Philistines, that is to say, the honest-hearted Catholics, to the end that these might learn the truth and flee from the doomed organization. While the message must tell of the wickedness of the modern Philistines, the real purpose is to benefit the honest people. The witnesses of Jehovah are not to weep at all because of the calamity that shall befall the modern Philistines or any part of Satan’s organization. The adverse judgment of Jehovah is against all Philistines and all others who are against God and his kingdom, and there shall be no weeping because of the exposure of that crowd and the proclamation of the adverse judgment against them. Jehovah brings punishment upon that city or organization that has assumed his name, and it shall come upon every part of Satan’s organization. (Jer. 25: 28, 29) Says the prophet: “In the house of Aphrah roll thyself in the dust.” The name “Aphrah”, as here used, means “dust”. (Margin) When Jehovah performs “his act, his strange act”, and Satan’s crowd see it about to fall upon them, they will wallow in the dust. This is expressly stated concerning the shepherds and the “principal of the flock”: "Wail, ye shepherds, and cry; and roll yourselves about (in the dust), ye leaders of the flocks; for full are your days for you to be slaughtered, and I will scatter you; and ye shall fall like a costly vessel”. – Jer. 25: 34, Leeser.

33 Jehovah chose Jerusalem and put his name there and made that place “beautiful for situation”. (Ps. 48: 2) Likewise when God, through Christ Jesus and his faithful apostles, began his organization upon the earth and God put his name upon it, that also was beautiful. The Roman Catholic Hierarchy, thereafter organized by Satan, entered in amongst the true followers of Christ Jesus and corrupted the organization on earth, and in time all “Christendom” became corrupt, and the faithful servants of God withdrew therefrom. In relation thereto the prophet says: “Pass ye away, thou inhabitant of Saphir, having thy shame naked: the inhabitant of Zaanan came not forth in the mourning of Bethezel; he shall receive of you his standing.” (Mic. 1:11) The name “Saphir” there used means “beautiful; goodliness”; that which was once beautiful, and which became filthy by reason of the Devil’s planting selfish men therein to corrupt it. The Lord declares his purpose to strip “Christendom” naked, disgrace her. and expose her to shame and contempt. She is now no longer 'garnished by Jehovah’s spirit’. (Job 26:13) God's faithful servant class alone can say, “The Lord is the portion of mine inheritance and of my cup; thou maintainest my lot. The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yea, I have a goodly heritage. I will bless the Lord, who hath given me counsel; my reins also instruct me in the night seasons.” (Ps. 16: 5-7) “His enemies will I clothe with shame; but upon himself shall his crown flourish.” – Ps. 132:18

34 The prophet Micah here, according to the Authorized  Version, says: “The inhabitant of Zaanan came not forth in the mourning of Beth-ezel.” But according to the Rotherham it reads: “The inheritress  [female] of Zaanan hath not gone forth.” The name “Zaanan” means “migrating”, that is, moving habitually from place to place. This description fits well the hooded female division that is sent forth by the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, moving about from place to place to extract hard-earned money from the pockets of the “Catholic population”, which common people are forced by reason of fear to dig up regularly for the support of the unholy organization. Jehovah’s Executioner comes up before the face of this wicked crowd; as it is written: “He that dasheth in pieces is come up before thy face.” (Nah. 2:1) When this takes place, and is about to fall upon the enemy, these cannot migrate from place to place and gather sustenance from the pastures for the benefit of the worldly crowd of bloodsuckers who defame Jehovah’s name; and in this connection says another prophet of Jehovah: “The Lord hath spoiled their pasture.” (Jer. 25:36) The above-described gatherers of funds from the people go about in a mourning attitude, as if they were poor and needy; but the end of their hypocritical work is soon to come.

35 In recent years the organization once known as “Protestant” has become the ally of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy. In this connection note the words of the prophecy, “in the mourning of Beth-ezel.” (Mic. 1:11) According to the other translators it appears that this phrase does not belong to the preceding, but to the words that follow, to wit, “He shall receive of you his standing.” “At the lamentation of Beth-ezel shall he [that is, Jehovah’s Vindicator and Avenger] take from you his station.” (Rotherham) “The wailing of Beth-ezel [(margin) a place near] shall take from you the stay thereof.” (R.V.) The name “Beth-ezel” means “near-by house”, that is, a neighbor, a stand-by or an ally, or organizations allied together. The alliance of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy includes all the neighbor religionists of "Christendom"; and these allies, when it comes to the showdown, will be useless, and their mourning and lamentation will accomplish nothing. It will be no advantage to the allies to be thus associated, because Jehovah’s Executioner will bring down mourning and disaster on the allies, so that the Roman Catholic Hierarchy and every other part of the religious crowd will be unable to stand and none will be able to fall back and receive aid and support their allies. Christ Jesus will execute all the enemies of God. These facts must now be known to those who love the Lord. For this reason he causes them to be made known, so that the man of God may be fully equipped for the war.

36 Immediately following the World War international schemes were brought forward and put into operation in an effort to stabilize the nations and to save the governments from crashing. Such schemes have accomplished nothing, and there have been many of them. Woe after woe has befallen the peoples of earth, and the rulers have refused to hear and learn the reason for such woe and distress. Concerning this it is written in the Scriptures: “Woe to the inhabiters of the earth, and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” – Rev. 12:12.

37 It has been a time of great sorrow upon the rulers and upon the people, and only those who have turned to the Lord and serve him have understood the reason for such woe and distress. The clergy would make the people of their parishes to believe that the many woes and distresses upon the world are because the people are not faithful to their church organization. The Scriptures are emphatic in that all these woes proceed from the Devil for the purpose of turning the people away from and causing them to curse God. The clergy therefore are doing the work of Satan in inducing the people to believe that God is sending these woes at the present time, and thus inducing the people to curse God. Referring to this same time Jehovah’s prophet wrote: “For the inhabitant [inhabitress (Rotherham and Leeser)] of Maroth waited carefully [anxiously] for good; but evil came down from the Lord unto the gate of Jerusalem.” (Mic. 1:12) The name “Maroth” means “bitternesses”, such as bitter waters or springs of water. In the face of repeated woes the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, taking the lead, brought together all religious organizations and the principal ones of their flock, including the most unscrupulous politicians and heartless commercial traffickers; and all these together, and with great blare of trumpets, launched the so-called “holy year” and expressed in their loud-sounding prayers and speeches the hope that the “holy year” would sweep the nations into great prosperity. Dismal failure has been the result, and, instead of great prosperity, the woes increase. Scheme after scheme is brought forth, such as the NRA, which the Roman Catholic Hierarchy claims to have originated, and this falls flat. All such schemes have failed. As the prophet says: “Christendom” waited “anxiously for good” (R.V.), but good did not come. Instead of blessings, such as worldwide prosperity which the worldly-wise prophesied would come, “Christendom” gets exactly what her name here means, that is, bitter things, waters filled with poison, schemes of death and destruction. “Christendom” has turned entirely away from God, and all “Christendom” shall be turned into destruction. “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” — Ps. 9:17.

38 The religionists, and particularly the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, loudly proclaim that they will save the world from disaster, and the rulers who form the principal ones of the flocks join with the religionists in opposing and persecuting all who truly serve God and who declare to the people the real cause of the trouble and what shall be the remedy. Jehovah’s Word makes it clearly to appear that all human schemes for world recovery, reconstruction and stabilization, will end up with bitter realities and the schemes will all fail and disappear. “Organized religion,” the antitype of faithless Jerusalem, cannot possibly save the situation. Particularly since 1918 the organizations of this world have been a real “Maroth”, that is, ever-increasing ‘bitterness’, exactly as the Scriptures have foretold. (Rev. 12:12; 8:10,11) Jehovah will wind up and finish this organization with far greater bitterness at the battle of Armageddon. As the “seven last plagues” have been bitter to “Christendom”, even so with everincreasing bitterness will come the world’s complete destruction. “Behold, their valiant ones shall cry without; the ambassadors of peace shall weep bitterly.” (Isa. 33: 7) “And I [Jehovah] will make it as the mourning of an only son and the end thereof as a bitter day.” (Amos 8:10) “The great day of the Lord is near, it is near, and hasteth greatly, even the voice of the day of the Lord; the mighty man shall cry there bitterly.” (Zeph. 1:14) As that bitter climax comes near God commands his witnesses in thunder tones sounding above the bitter weeping of the world, saying to his people: “Let not thine hands be slack.” (Zeph. 3:16) The Watchtower urgently calls attention to these things, and repeatedly does so, that the witnesses whom Jehovah has commissioned may not become negligent in obeying the commandments of the Lord. The “great multitude” must be warned and helped to see their privileges.

39 Verse twelve of Micah’s prophecy further says:

“Evil came down from the Lord unto the gate of Jerusalem.” Manifestly this refers to Jehovah’s “work”, which stings and brings into disgrace the religionists, and more particularly to Jehovah’s “strange act”, which will completely destroy unfaithful Jerusalem and all other parts of Satan’s organization. “Organized religion” and her allies continue to look to earthly things, human institutions, for good, entirely ignoring God and his provision for the human race. Instead of good resulting to them, their woes continue. The woe that the Devil brings upon the people is that of general suffering, whereas the “evil” that the Lord brings upon the clergy is first to disgrace them by exposing them and then to completely destroy them at Armageddon.

40 Further addressing the headstrong and boastful, who have forsaken God and who are now God-forsaken, the prophet of the Most High says: “0 thou inhabitant [inhabitress (Hebrew)] of Lachish, bind the chariot to the swift beast [the steed (Rotherham) ; horses (Leeser)] : she is the beginning of the sin to the daughter of Zion; for the transgressions of Israel were found in thee.” – Mic. 1:13.

41 The name “Lachish” means “obstinate, height, impregnable”. In ancient times the city of Lachish had. been made a fortified city by the unfaithful king Rehoboam. (2 Chron. 11: 5, 9) In bringing about the destruction of Jerusalem Nebuchadnezzar, the executioner of Jehovah at that time, fought against Lachish. (Jer. 34:7) Now “Christendom”, which is unfaithful to God and which was foreshadowed by unfaithful Jerusalem, is involved and is in for a cleanup. The Roman Catholic Hierarchy has always been against God and his kingdom, although, falsely, claiming to represent God and Christ. In these latter days all the organizations religious have joined hands with the Roman Catholic Hierarchy and all have trusted, and continue to trust, in the governments of the nations of this world, as high and impregnable fortresses, as a place of defense and security; but none of those so-called impregnable forces shall be able to stand when Jehovah’s Executioner moves into action.

42 In this part of the prophecy the beginning of the sin of “organized Christianity”, or “organized religion”, is named. According to another translation the text reads: “Bind the chariot to the swift steed, O inhabitant of Lachish: she was the beginning of sin to the daughter of Zion; for the transgressions of Israel were found in thee.” – Mic. 1:13, A.R.V.

43 The city of Lachish is not the “beginning of the sin”, but the beginning of the sin is “the chariot” to which the swift steed is bound. Steeds or horses are symbolic of military equipment of the world of Satan. When God made a covenant with Israel in Moab, he anticipated that Israel would desire and would set up a king, and concerning the king Jehovah commanded what should be done, in these words: "But he shall not multiply horses to himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt [for military equipment or help], to the end that he should multiply horses [to be bound to chariots]; forasmuch as the Lord hath said unto you, Ye shall henceforth return no more that way.” – Deut. 17:16.

44 But in time the Israelites entirely forgot this commandment of the Lord. It is written that Solomon had forty thousand horses for his chariots. (1 Ki. 4: 26) He had “cities for his chariots, and cities for his horsemen”, and “rulers of his chariots, and his horsemen”. (1 Ki. 9:19-22) He had horses and chariots brought up out of Egypt. (1 Ki. 10:26-29) He forgot to depend on the Lord, but disregarded God's commandment and went according to the ways that “Christendom” now goes. “Organized religion” or “Christendom” has made a like grievous error. Those great religionists claim to represent God, but instead of depending on God they have depended upon the strong military arm of this world, that is, the chariots’ and ‘swift beasts’. In this they have shown a lack of faith in God, and because of fear of man the whole organization of “Christendom” has been brought into the snare of the Devil. The beginning of this sin of the professed daughter of Jerusalem, that is, “organized Christianity” so called, was the putting of faith in and depending upon the military and strong powers of this world for help, and thereby entirely departing from Jehovah God.

45 Referring to this same thing the psalmist says: “Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; but we will remember the name of the Lord our God.” (Ps. 20: 7, 8) But it is certain, as stated by Jehovah, that the power in which “Christendom” has trusted has completely failed her. “And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord, that I will cut off thy horses out of the midst of thee, and I will destroy thy chariots.” (Mic. 5:10) Now "Christendom” faces that foretold destruction. The transgression of God’s law is seen, and says God’s prophet: “For the transgressions of Israel [Jacob the unfaithful, who started to serve God] were found in thee.” Then the question is propounded, “What is the transgression of Jacob [Israel] ?” (Vs. 5) The answer is: “The sin of Samaria.” It was found in unfaithful Jerusalem, and now that similar condition and sin is found in “Christendom”. The “sin of Samaria” was and is creature worship, Devil worship, rebellion against God's commandment, the worship of creatures and things, and all this in plain violation of God’s law. At the present time this sin has reached a climax in an attempt by the Roman Catholic Hierarchy and their allies to compel the people to salute men and flags and other things and thereby attribute protection and salvation to things of this world, whereas all protection and salvation is of God through Christ Jesus. The remnant and the Jonadabs stand out firmly against such sinful practice; and with determination to not yield to the enemy, these faithful ones attribute and boldly make known that all protection and salvation is of God through Christ Jesus.

46 Jerusalem was unfaithful to God, and likewise her antitype, “Christendom,” has proved entirely unfaithful to God. The judgment against the offenders has been written: “Therefore shalt thou give presents [dismissals (Hebrew); a dismission (Roth.); a parting gift (A.R.V.)] to Moresheth-gath: the houses of Achzib shall be a lie to the kings of Israel.” (Mic. 1:14) The name “Moresheth-gath” used in this prophecy means “possession of Gath, or, inheritance of Gath”, and the name appears to be used ironically towards Jerusalem, and her antitype, that is, “Christendom.” Instead of possessing and inheriting, Jerusalem would have to yield it up as a possession of her enemy, and would also be compelled to dismiss or let go her enemy with presents or gifts, thereby losing the city, and be compelled to pay in addition to that loss. This was illustrated when the Israelites were leaving Egypt and when the Egyptians gave to them jewels of silver, and of gold and raiment. The Hebrews spoiled the Egyptians. (Ex. 12:35,36) It foreshadowed what should come to “Christendom”. “Christendom” will be compelled to surrender what she looked upon as her possession and inheritance and to suffer additional ills. “Christendom,” and particularly the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, boastfully says: “We will possess and rule the world, because that is our right.” Instead of realizing that desire, “Christendom” will have to yield possession to her enemy, the Executioner of Jehovah, because Jehovah’s King has received from the hand of the Most High “the nations for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession. Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel”. (Ps. 2:8, 9, A.R.V.) Those who are faithful unto God and unto their covenant shall be with Christ Jesus and, by the grace of Jehovah, shall with him be joint-heirs in all of his possession and inheritance. – Rom. 8:16, 17.

47 According to the American Revised Version the latter part of the verse (Micah 1:14) reads: “The houses of Achzib shall be a deceitful thing unto the kings of Israel.” The name “Achzib” means “deceitful, falsehood, or, a deceitful thing”. True to the name, the houses of Achzib became an unfaithful ally and yielded to Sennacherib, forsaking the alliance with Israel. The Hebrews called Achzib by the name ‘liar’ or ‘deceitful’. It was “as a liar, and as waters that fail” in the summer heat.—Jer. 15:18.

48 The religionists of “Christendom” have made an Brooklyn, N. Y. alliance with the commercial traffickers and professional politicians and all other elements of Satan’s seed, and look to such for help; but her allies or helpers will fail her and “Christendom” will say: “My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, and as the stream of brooks they pass away.” (Job 6:15) The Roman Catholic Hierarchy and her co-religionists constitute ‘the house of lies and deceit’, and that wicked organization hides her crookedness behind such deceit and lies and depends upon the same for protection and strength. That hypocritical organization says, as God’s prophet foretold she would say: “We have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves.” But the Lord declares that such refuge of lies he will completely destroy. The reason is, Jehovah declares that he will sweep away the refuge of lies and expose the wickedness of those religious organizations and completely destroy the same, and the religion mongers also. (Isa. 28:15-21) For a long while now the religionists have tried to make themselves popular with their allies, the commercial traffickers and politicians, by howling long and loud in defense of the present world powers, and declaring themselves as the supporters of these world powers. Thus they have shown themselves, as the Scriptures declare, as the open enemies of God; and being God’s enemies, they shall, together with all other enemies, suffer complete destruction. — Jas. 4: 4

49 Those who love and serve Jehovah are now being permitted to see the light shining upon the prophecies of Jehovah, by means of which they are given an understanding of God’s purposes to completely destroy the religious organizations and the men who use them to carry on their cruel racket, and to also destroy all other elements of Satan’s organization: and that such destruction is near at hand. The revealing of these truths to his witnesses in this day of Jehovah lays upon the consecrated and anointed ones a far greater obligation than they have heretofore had or seen. What is Jehovah’s purpose in now permitting his people to have an understanding of his prophecies? Manifestly his chief purpose is that his people, whom he has taken out of the world for his name, may see and understand their great privilege of bearing his name and exhibiting the same before the people and telling the people of God’s purpose before Jehovah’s great power is executed against the enemy. Never before has there been given to creatures such a privilege, and it clearly appears that there never again will be another such opportunity to bear witness to the name of Jehovah God. Long ago Jehovah appointed Christ Jesus the heir of all things; and the time is at hand for Christ Jesus to take possession of all things, and the time is also at hand for these great truths to be made known to the world, and particularly to those of good-will, that they may seek a place of refuge and safety. As the examination of this prophecy continues it will be seen that by his prophet Micah God foretells the taking possession of all things by the Lord Jesus Christ, and what shall follow. The greatest crisis of all time is here, and it behooves everyone that would live to acquaint himself with the present-day truths and hasten to obey the Lord, the rightful King of the world, who is now present and moving into possession of his inheritance. These truths The Watchtower endeavors to publish in harmony with God’s will, and the privilege and obligation is laid upon all the Jonadabs, as well as upon the remnant, to study the prophecies, that they may be equipped to perform the part assigned to them in Jehovah’s great arrangement. These great truths Jehovah has hidden in his Word until his due time to vindicate his name; and that time is now here. It behooves all, therefore, who would live, to avail themselves of the opportunity of knowing Jehovah God and his purpose, and to sing forth the praises of his King and of his Kingdom,

(To be continued)

DAILY TEXTS AND COMMENTS

JANUARY 17

Wherein God, willing more abundantly to shew unto the heirs of promise the immutability of his counsel, confirmed it by an oath. – Heb. 6:17.

Men who have pledged themselves to serve Jehovah God have divided themselves into two classes: some have departed from that covenant, while others have been faithful. The failure of some, in turning away from their covenant, has in no wise altered His announced purpose. Having purposed it, he will do it. There cannot be the slightest doubt about the result in the mind of one who loves Jehovah, and for the comfort and assurance of his faithful servants Jehovah supports his word by his unbreakable oath. From Abel to the last of God’s holy prophets there were faithful men on the earth who not only believed in The Theocracy but staked their all on it and gladly suffered martyrdom rather than to yield to the enemy’s power, and thus they maintained integrity to God. W 3/15/41

JANUARY 18

Blessed is the nation whose God is Jehovah, the people whom he hath chosen. — Ps. 33:12, Am. Rev. Ver.

Set over in contrast with the wicked are those who have covenanted to do God’s will and who faithfully' and steadfastly abide by that agreement and carry out their covenant. The destiny for such is life everlasting in peace, joy and glory forever in the presence of the Most High. That “blessed nation” is the nation of which Christ Jesus is the Head, and including all who are made members of God's capital organization under Christ. Now God’s time has come when he, by Christ Jesus, is gathering to himself his “other sheep”. These should be enlightened concerning what is required of all who undertake to be servants of God and Christ. What God has caused to be written in his Word of and concerning others that have gone before serves to furnish a guide to those who are now seeking the way of faithful service and everlasting life. W 7/1/41

JANUARY 19

He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. – John 3:16.

Man is given the choice of believing on the Lord Jesus Christ, if he would live and not perish. It follows, therefore, if he does not believe he will perish. Man was already subject to death by reason of inheriting the result of Adam’s violation of God's law, and now Jehovah was giving man an opportunity to choose to extricate himself from death by

taking the side of the Lord Jesus Christ. If a man does not choose to take that step, then what? “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (Vs. 36) This is in harmony with the statement of the divine rule announced by Moses, in which Jehovah set before the Israelites life or death and permitted them to choose their way.—Deut. 30:19. W 2/1/41

JANUARY 20

Then the people of Jehovah went down to the gates Awake, awake, Deborah; awake, awake, utter a song: Arise, Barak. – Judg. 5:11,12, Am. Rev Ver.

Four times the word “awake” is uttered. It was a call from Jehovah to his servants then to awake and stir themselves unto active service and praise of His name It was a fourfold call to awake, hence a full and complete call. The prophecy here foretells the call of Jehovah to his organization on earth (“Deborah”) at the coming of Christ Jesus (“Barak”) to awake and arise to activity and to advertise his name and his kingdom. This he does just preceding the time when he exercises his supreme power against Satan and his entire organization. Those of Jehovah’s organization must obey his commandment to immediately and actively participate in declaring the name of Jehovah in singing his praises, and declaring his judgment already written against those who are opposed to him and to his kingdom. W 4/1/41

JANUARY 21

I delight to do thy will, O my God; yea, thy law is within my heart. – Ps. 40: 8.

Because of his full and complete obedience unto his Father under the most trying conditions Jesus was given life immortal, the highest place in the universe next to Jehovah, and the administration of Jehovah’s will (Phil. 2:8-11) Because of his complete obedience Christ Jesus is made the Author of eternal salvation to all that obey him. (Heb 5: 8, 9) It is of the greatest importance to know these facts, if one would live. All humankind were born in sin because of the sin committed by Adam, and therefore all of his children inherited death. God has provided redemption and salvation of men from death by and through the sacrifice of the man Jesus unto death God therefore provides the gift of life to all men who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ as the Savior and who then covenant to be obedient to the laws of God and hence obedient to Christ Jesus. W 2/15/41

JANUARY 22

The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry. – Ps. 34:15.

Jehovah beholds the righteous in distress, hears their cry for help, and delivers them. He deals exactly in an opposite manner with the wicked, and the memory of them shall perish from the earth. As all are born in sin by reason of the disobedience of the first man, a man becomes righteous only by faith in Jehovah and in Christ Jesus’ shed blood as his redemptive price, and by full consecration and obedience to God and Christ. Before man can be made righteous he must show his faith in God and in Christ Jesus by willingly making a covenant to do the will of the Most High, and then he must maintain his righteousness which he has received through Christ Jesus by faithfully performing the terms of that covenant. He must be entirely for Jehovah and his kingdom and not compromise with the enemy. W 5/1/41

JANUARY 23

Noah was a just man, and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. – Gen. 6: 9.

“Perfect” is defined by the best Biblical authorities as “blameless, sound, sincere, undefiled and upright, one of integrity and a bearer of the truth”. Noah was a man of faith, and he was faithfully obedient to God. He ascertained God’s commandment and rendered himself in obedience thereto. It follows, therefore, that every other who may expect and hope to receive God’s approval must be just, sincere, pure in thought and action, a bearer of the truth, and one who maintains his integrity toward God. He must have faith in God and be faithfully obedient to God’s will or commandment. Noah was a “preacher of righteousness” at a time when the earth was filled with violence. Undoubtedly he maintained his integrity toward God under great adversity and shunned not to declare the truth under all circumstances, which truth he received from God. W 5/15/41

JANUARY 24

His secret is with the righteous. – Prov. 3:32

The purpose of Jehovah is a secret to sinful men. Since each announced purpose of Jehovah is a secret, his covenant is a secret to all against The Theocracy. What, then, is required of man before he can be taken into covenant with Jehovah. He must fear God. He must have knowledge that the Almighty God is Jehovah, the Creator, the Fountain of life, and the only Giver of life everlasting He then recognizes Jehovah as the all-powerful One who is just and righteous and entirely unselfish. Believing that all blessings flow from Almighty God, the creature man fears to take any course that would cause him to miss the blessings God gives. He believes that disobedience to God would cause him to lose God’s favor, and fears lest he might not receive God’s favor. He desires to be taught of God, that he may go in the right way. W 6/15/41

JANUARY 25

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. – Rom. 6:12

Why have so many creatures failed? There has been one chief besetting sin that has caused failure, and that besetting sin is demonism, otherwise called “religion”. It was that close-girdling sin, religion, concerning which the apostle wrote to those who had made a covenant to be faithful servants and witnesses of Jehovah: ‘Let us lay aside every

weight and the sin which so easily besets us ’ God's people today have all the wealth of his revealed Word and the record of faithful men who have gone before and who proved their integrity toward God, together now with an abundance of physical facts which have come to pass in fulfillment of God’s prophecies, to uphold and strengthen them and to fully fortify them against all opposition and violence heaped upon them by the enemies of The Theocracy. W 3/15/41

January 26

The Lord preserveth the faithful.—Ps. 31:23.

There are those who have made a covenant to do God’s will and who later, because of fear of man. and particularly of those who rule, have declined to take any part in His “strange work” and have withdrawn themselves from activity. Such fearful and negligent ones will not receive any protection and blessing from the Lord. The faithful and obedient ones, who do not fear men but who fear God and joyfully obey his commandments, will receive protection and blessings from the Lord Jehovah and his King. The faithful “remnant” and their true “companions”, the Lord’s “other sheep”, now read the prophecies and their explanations which God has provided, and, so doing, they rejoice that the evidence is clear that the day of deliverance from oppression is near at hand and the day of vindication of Jehovah’s name will be the result. They have faith that God will do exactly as he has promised. W 4/15/41

JANUARY 27

For the commandment is a lamp, and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life. – Prov. 6:23.

The person who desires God’s approval must be guided aright. The Bible, which contains God’s Word, is true and is the correct guide: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Ps. 119:105) The Bible guides sincere persons to desire and pray for the most important things that may result to their welfare. God has put such prayers into the mouth of his sincere servants, and one of these prayers is this: “Shew me thy ways, 0 Lord, teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me” (Ps 25:4, 5) The sure and unfailing promises of God to such sincere seekers for truth are certain, and God will fulfill those promises. He who would be wise in things that are right seeks pure knowledge, such as is contained in the Bible: “Wise men lay up knowledge.” – Prov. 10:14 W 6/1/41

JANUARY 28

He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathercth not with me scattereth. – Luke 11:23.

A man may be ignorantly against The Theocracy and the King thereof, but when he is enlightened he must quickly turn about and take the right course, and, doing so, he will be forgiven. When a man learns of Jehovah and his gracious goodness manifested through Christ Jesus and then treats that great truth with indifference or with willfulness, his wrong course is not forgivable. He thus sins against light or against the holy spirit, which is light The blood of Christ Jesus is the price that purchased mankind, and is not a common thing. Therefore when a man sees and understands that his hope of life is by faith and obedience unto Jehovah God and Christ and he then spurns or disregards that favor, the wrath of God remains upon him and his end is with all others of the wicked class. W 5/1/41

JANUARY 29

Noah went in, and his sons, and, his wife, and his sons' wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood. – Gen. 7:7

The people in Noah’s day heard the sound of his voice warning of the coming flood, but they gave no heed to that warning. They knew Noah was building the great boat, which was a testimony of his faith in God, but the people who saw it regarded it as of no importance. Noah’s work and testimony were so important in the carrying out of Jehovah’s purposes that God used him to foretell what must come to pass at the time of setting up the Kingdom. The ark which Noah built at Jehovah’s command pictured the organization built by the Host High through Christ Jesus and which is God's capital organization with Christ Jesus as Head. Carrying the eight persons over the flood pictured the survivors of Armageddon that God will carry over to the new world. W 5/15/41

JANUARY 30

A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels. – Prov. 1:5.

Who will hear, give heed, understand, and choose the way of life? Jehovah's answer is: “The wise shall understand.” God's Word shows that there are two classes now on the earth: (1) those who will be wise and shall find the way to righteousness and life; and (2), the other class, which continues in wickedness, darkness and religion, and remains under condemnation and suffers eternal death. The present is “the time of the end”, that is, the end of Satan’s uninterrupted rule. Such is the due time for those who are wise to understand Jehovah’s purpose and take the course that leads to life everlasting. Now is the due time when those who shall form the "great multitude” must hear and choose wisely, and will understand. For this reason the Lord causes the message of The Theocracy to be sounded. W 7/15/41

JANUARY 31

The government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called . . . The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. – Isa. 9: 6.

Centuries ago Jehovah announced his purpose to create and set up a paternalistic government, to be presided over by his beloved Son. That government is the great Theocracy, by which Christ Jesus exercises a paternal care over the interests of the people that shall live on the earth. He is the King and the Father of them that obey him, and they, as his children, will address Christ Jesus as “Father". Jehovah God is the King of Eternity, and the fountain of life None can get life contrary to his will. Jehovah lias delegated to his beloved Son, the King, full authority to administer life to those who shall receive life everlasting. In these latter days the Most High has made this fact clear to those who have fled to the Lord and found refuge. W 9/1/41

FEBRUARY 1

Still he holdeth fast his integrity.—Job 2:3.

Integrity means “innocence, blamelessness, that is, without fault”. Job stood for Jehovah and his promised Kingdom. Job held fast his integrity, and therefore was blameless before God. Was he blameless because he was perfect in organism and had the right to life? No; he was the offspring of Adam and hence under condemnation. His integrity, or blamelessness, consisted in the fact that he refused to be moved from his steadfast devotion to God and his coming Kingdom by the Messiah. Job would suffer all things rather than be unfaithful to The Theocracy. Job’s integrity foretells that those whom he pictured must be immovably devoted to the Theocratic Government by Christ Jesus, and that regardless of what the enemy is permitted to inflict upon them. They must remain faithful, true and wholly devoted thereto. In no other way could they be blameless before God. W 8/15/41

(Continued from page 18)

never has it been more valuable than today, at this world crisis, when the destiny of each intelligent human creature is being decided. The getting of correct information and instruction, just such as is required for the times, to decide your course wisely to a happy destiny, was never more vital than now, for “where there is no vision, the people perish”. Informed persons well acquainted with the consistent contents of The Watchtower agree that those who want to gain life in peace and happiness without end should read and study it together with the Bible and in company with other readers. This is not giving any credit to the magazine’s publishers, but is due to the great Author of the Bible with its truths and prophecies, and who now interprets its prophecies by events in fulfillment and thereby enlightens the meek ones concerning the establishment of his Theocratic Government and its blessings and requirements for those who shall live He it is that makes possible the material that is pubbshed in the columns of this magazine and who gives promise that it shall continue to publish the advancing truths as long as it continues to exist for the service of the interests of his Theocratic Government. Carefully and prayerfully read this issue of The Watchtower. Then do not delay to mail in your subscription that you may receive it regularly, twice a month, twenty-four copies the year. It is only $1.00 in the United States, or $1.50 in foreign countries.

RE THE 1942 YEARBOOK

Due to the uncertain and disrupted conditions on earth over which we have no control the information for the compilation of a report of the work world-wide for the service year 1940-1941 is belated. Hence the production of the 1942 Tearbook of Jehovah’s witnesses has been unavoidably held up. Announcement of its publication will be made shortly, and which report, we believe, will be well worth waiting for.

1942 CALENDAR

The text chosen for the year 1942, to wit, “Blameless in the day of our Lord” (1 Cor 1:8), provides the theme for a calendar picture which is most befitting these days of decision Highly artistic and novel, the picture clearly and eloquently sets out the choice God’s covenant people must make concerning the great issue of world domination Beneath is a neat calendar pad, indicating the line of activity of Jehovah’s blameless ones for each month of 1942, naming the special Testimony Periods and also the special endeavors to be made during the intervening months. The contribution for this service calendar is 25c each, or $1 00 for 5 copies mailed together to one address. Companies should send in combination orders, with remittance to cover, through their local company servant.

“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES

Week of February 15: “Micah” (Part 2), 1-25 inclusive, The Watchtower January 15, 1942.

Week of February 22: “Micah” (Part 2), fl 26-49 inclusive, The Watchtower January 15, 1942.

FIELD EXPERIENCES

TAKING THEIR STAND IN NEW MEXICO

“Another magazine publisher and I called at each room in an Albuquerque hotel, assisted by the bellboy, who told us when the people in the different rooms would be in. Completing the rooms, we proceeded to the lobby to offer the magazines there. One man refused The Watchtower, saying that it was against the government and we were conscientious objectors and should all be in concentration camps and that’s where we would be soon. The hotel manager, having overheard the conversation, said he was glad to contribute for The Watchtower, as he knew something about us, that he knew our organization was the first that had been stopped in Germany. The man who had refused The Watchtower, overhearing the hotel manager, had nothing more to say. In an apartment house, my knock caused two adjacent doors to be opened at the same time. The clergyman answering one door said: 'Don’t go in there: that woman’s mind is unbalanced.’ The lady at the door where I knocked stepped out and said: ‘Young man, how dare you tell anyone not to come into my house with a phonograph. I will have the law put you out.’ Then to me she said: ‘Come right in and play the record.’ At its conclusion she remarked how well she appreciated it, inviting me to call back again. She expressed shame that her preacher-neighbor had ordered me away, saying she knew he sold dope and that she would make it necessary for him to move away. Around the block, a young lady of about 25 answered the door and invited me to play the record. Inside, the landlord Catholic priest quickly rose from his chair and said: ‘No, you don’t want to hear that—it is against us Catholics’ (waving his arms in rage). The girl said: 'Yes, I want to hear it.’ He said: ‘No, if you listen to that you are not a true Catholic.’ She: ‘You can’t give me life, and I want life.’ The priest then addressed me: ‘You can't play that in my house.’ I then showed her Conspiracy Against Democracy (with one of the conspirators glaring at me, white with anger). Said the lady - ‘Yes, I want that, he can’t keep me from reading it, and you people call again when he is not in.’ ”

IN BOMB-SCARRED LIVERPOOL

"One Saturday morning I called upon a lady. After explaining to her the message on my Testimony card, she decided to take the booklets Government and Peace and Refugees. I called back to see how she enjoyed them, and she told me she started to read them the same night, when she was alone, owing to her husband’s working as a bus conductor until midnight, as it was his turn to work late duty. This lady lives in Kensington, a suburb of Liverpool, and this particular night was the worst they had ever had for air raids. Strange to say, she never heard the air-raid warning, neither did she hear the noise of exploding bombs, and was quite surprised when her husband came and told her what a terrible night it had been. I started a model study of the Bible with her, which she greatly enjoys, and she has subscribed for The Watchtower. She now comes out on the work when she can, and also attends the Watchtower study. She is full of questions when I go. Her husband also reads the publication. She says the truth is marvelous, and she realizes that religion has become political and commercial. What comfort those first two booklets gave!”

UNDER THE SAME CARETAKER

“A publisher (Bergen, N.J.) brings Mrs. H------ The

Watchtower and Consolation every week, and learns that she has a crippled sister in Leicester, England, from whom she has not heard recently. In Consolation she reads of bombing raids on Leicester, and wonders about her sister, and writes, mentioning the article in Consolation and that it is the first she has heard of the raids. A lovely calm letter returns from the sister, assuring Mrs. H that she is all right and not mentioning the bombing raids at all, but rather that two lovely Jehovah witnesses sisters call on her regularly and bring her great comfort—and now hold a study in her home each week. P. S. Mrs. H sees the Lord’s care over her sister all the time she has been anxious about her, and now Mrs. H is a Jehovah’s witness herself

IF YOUR MAGAZINE ACCOUNT IS GOOD

“While engaged in street-witnessing work with the magazines, at Tucson, Arizona, five of us, all pioneers but one, were arrested for ‘peddling without a license’. We were thrown into a filthy jail, full of drunks because this was the week-end, and all night long the place was a madhouse. Fighting and cursing went on till Sunday morning. However, when most of these sobered up, they were of good-will, and resented the injustice done to us, and they gladly received the message of God’s kingdom. One prisoner, being held for burglary in several states, reminded us many times to send him literature when he goes up to serve eight years in prison. Another Mexican, who had been fighting all night, asked questions all the next day, and he promised to come to the Watchtower studies when released. (He came to our house the other day and took the book Children.) We were in jail five days and found many ‘sheep’ who recognized our message as the truth. One army boy, arrested for stealing an auto while drunk, told us when he sobered up that he came from St. Louis, Mo. On being asked if he remembered the Theocratic convention of Jehovah’s witnesses, he immediately answered: ‘Oh, sure, I went to hear Judge Rutherford, “one of the boys.” I’ve been to some Watchtower meetings, and they’re the best I’ve ever been to.’ Many other prisoners eagerly ate up all we had to tell them. When we were finally released on bail, immediately we made preparations for Saturday’s magazine work We printed stickers entitled ‘Free Sample’ to be placed on our magazine bags. Also all the back-date magazines we could get hold of were stamped ‘Free sample copy’ (we had been arrested following the State Supreme Court decision that receiving a contribution for literature was selling). Several hours were set aside that Saturday for street distribution, and by the end of the first hour we had placed, by the Lord’s grace, 300 magazines. By evening we placed the grand total of 787 magazines. These were placed in the hands of many people of good-will for the reason that the ‘goats’ refused to take them, even though they were free. The police could find no excuse to interfere, and a great many people said they saw no reason for arresting us in such a wonderful work. Thus was shown again to the Lord’s people how Satan’s plots backfire and work to the interest of Jehovah’s Theocracy.”

No. LXIII February 1, 1942 No. 3

FINAL GATHERING

"Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the Lord, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks." – Jer. 16:16.

JEHOVAH knows who are his people. He knows where they have been scattered by the forces of demonism. “The foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his.” (2 Tim. 2:19) He declares it to be his irresistible and unalterable purpose to gather together in one all intelligent creatures on earth, whether of the spiritual or of the earthly class, who take their stand for his Theocratic Government by the Messiah. This gathering together to the Lord’s side must take place before the final war of Armageddon, and hence those gathered must flee now from the enemy organization and to The Theocracy. That Government is now in operation in the midst of its enemies. The time has come to the full for the administration or “dispensation” of the great Messiah at God’s right hand, and the gathering has been in progress now since A.D. 1918, first of the spiritual class, and more recently of the other class who shall live on earth forever in unbroken peace and happiness under the righteous dispensation of The Theocracy. “He hath purposed in himself: that in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.” – Eph. 1: 9, 10.

2 The beginning of the righteous administration means that the nations of the world have reached “the time of the end”. That time began with the incoming of the day of Jehovah in 1914, and the final end thereof will come at Armageddon. There the primary issue of universal domination will be settled once and for all time. The Theocracy will settle it right, which is, in favor of the great Theocrat, Jehovah, the Almighty God. That victory will be a vindication of God’s name and will mean deliverance and blessing to all creatures who live and who love righteousness and truth. Jehovah is the Supreme Being and the only source of life, of law and of order, and his Theocratic rule over all the universe, including this earth, is the only rightful rule.

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Because of the important bearing of the prophecy upon Jehovah's "strange work" of the immediate present time, this article takes the place of Part 3 of the series on “Micah", and Part 3 will be published in the next issue.

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3 The nations of the earth, particularly those that make up so-called “Christendom”, have been notified and warned by those whom God has gathered and whom he has made his witnesses, of and concerning his purpose to establish the Theocratic rule over the earth by and through his King, Christ Jesus. The nations have treated God’s faithful witnesses with contempt; they have spurned the message these witnesses have faithfully proclaimed, and they have preferred to ignore God and have chosen the rule of demons in furtherance of their own selfish schemes for world domination. They leave the expressed will and written Word of God out of all their plans; they put not their trust in Jehovah to set up his righteous kingdom over humankind by his own almighty power; they prefer to exercise governmental control themselves and refuse to entertain any thought of the direct rule of God by his King Christ Jesus, or submit thereto. They take the name of God upon their lips in connection with their religious rites, but by their course of action they have forgotten Him. God’s judgment concerning them is: “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” (Ps. 9:17) Shortly they shall suffer the same fate as unfaithful Jerusalem in the days of Jeremiah, and which city became religious and broke her covenant with Jehovah God and was completely destroyed by his executioner. Religious Jerusalem was the prototype of present-day “Christendom”. All who abide in her and support her and trust in her leadership shall go down into the ditch of “hell” with her, suffering a like fate as did the demon religionists of Jerusalem. Then only the prophet Jeremiah and his faithful companions, such as the Jonadabs and Ebedmelech the Ethiopian, escaped with their lives and with God’s approval. Likewise at Armageddon only members of the spiritual remnant faithful to Jehovah God, and also their devoted earthly companions, shall escape destruction of “Christendom” and the other nations of the world.

4 The establishment of The Theocratic Government of Jehovah God in the hands of his beloved King in 1914, and the proclamation of its establishment thereafter, have served as a great judgment test of all on earth, both those claiming to be “Christians’’ or in a covenant with God and those composing the nations of the world. As anointed King, Christ Jesus also exercises judicial functions, and has come to the place of judgment, God's temple. The judgment has been in progress since 1918, with his coming then to the temple. He examines first his own servants to whom he has committed his Kingdom interests, “his goods,” and then those who profess to be his servants but who are evil, slothful and wicked servants and in reality servants of the enemy. “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous [servant] scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?” (1 Pet. 4:17, 18) Thereafter the judgment proceeds to all the nations of the world, particularly "Christendom”, which claims to serve God and to be his kingdom.

5 This order of judgment was shown in Jesus’ prophecy concerning events at the end of the world of Satan, where we now are. The Lord Jesus there foretold that Jehovah’s “faithful and wise servant” would become manifest, and also “that evil servant”. (Matt. 24:45-51) Then the Lord gave the parable of the wise and the foolish virgins, illustrating the same two classes, and their final judgment. (Matt. 25:1-13) Also the parable of the servants to whom their lord entrusted the talents of his kingdom interests, which servants their lord at his coming as ruler or king judged, rewarding the faithful servants and causing the wicked and slothful servant to be cast out of his organization and into the world in darkness. (Matt. 25: 14-30) Then the Lord Jesus concluded his prophecy by giving the parable concerning the judgment of the nations at his return as King and Judge, in which judgment the people of goodwill who do good to his brethren who are Jehovah’s witnesses are symbolized by sheep and gathered to his right side of favor and protective power; and those who mistreat his brethren because they are Jehovah’s witnesses are likened unto goats and separated to his left side of disfavor and condemnation. The “goat” class are turned into fiery destruction, to which the Devil and all his angels are reserved. The “sheep” class are blessed and after Armageddon are ushered into everlasting life on earth under the Theocratic kingdom of blessings. (Matt. 25:31-46) Those blessings under the Kingdom include the joyful privilege of fulfilling the divine mandate to “be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the earth” with a righteous race. This they will do after Armageddon has cleared the earth of the nations that forget God; and thus will be fulfilled the mandate which God originally gave to Adam and Eve in Eden, but in which they failed.–Gen. 1: 28.

6 The judgment of the nations still continues, and all the evidences are that it is rapidly coming to a close and the time for the pronouncement and execution of the Lord’s righteous judgment. There are yet many persons of good-will, or sheep-like ones, to be gathered to the side of The Theocracy. The final end being at hand, they now must be gathered with no loss of time or of motion. The prophet Jeremiah and his faithful companions lived in the final years of judgment upon religious Jerusalem and saw its destruction, and they survived it in vindication of Jehovah’s promise of preservation. Jeremiah spoke in the name of Jehovah God and was one of Jehovah's unbroken line of witnesses from and after Abel. He therefore pictured the remnant of spiritual Israelites who are Jehovah’s witnesses in these the last days of “Christendom”.

7 Jeremiah prophesied from and after the thirteenth year of King Josiah. (Jer. 25: 1-3) Because of Josiah’s faithfulness and devotion to Jehovah and his typical Theocracy Jehovah God did not bring the destruction of doomed Jerusalem in his day, but postponed it for forty years from the time that Jeremiah began his ministry of witnessing. Thus Jeremiah prophesied during the reign of the wicked kings that followed Josiah and until the last earthly king, wicked Zedekiah, in whose day Jehovah God executed his judgment upon covenant-breaking Jerusalem. These forty years of grace afforded time for Jehovah’s witnesses, the prophets Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Zephaniah, to give a final witness to Judah and Jerusalem, for the benefit of all those of good-will toward Jehovah and as a warning of impending destruction to the covenant-breakers, the demon religionists and their political and commercial allies and supporters. Those who heeded the warning and abandoned the religion organization and went over to Jehovah’s executioner escaped together with Jehovah’s faithful prophets; those who refused to take the message seriously and persecuted Jeremiah and his companions and who clung to the things of religion and trusted in the self-righteousness of their religious leaders perished.

8 These things were recorded in the Bible, not for a mere record of ancient history having little or no bearing upon persons of modern times, but for the instruction of those in these days who seek life and desire to know the right course that leads to life. The larger and complete fulfillment of those ancient judgments of Jehovah God are brought to pass upon like organizations and classes of people at the end of the uninterrupted rule of Satan. Concerning those natural Jews it is written: “Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” (1 Cor. 10:11) "Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” (Rom. 15: 4) Those who hope to live to see a righteous government established on earth which shall deliver man from the rule of the wicked and bless all lovers and doers of righteousness must study those ancient “ensamples” or types and follow the admonition therein contained. Such are filled with comfort and strengthened to endure until the end of the mournful rule of wickedness, and maintain their integrity toward God. Those who do not take heed unto these things written aforetime, but think they can stand in their own strength and wisdom, fall in the great temptation and perish.

9 The doom of “Christendom” is sealed. Armageddon is very near. The destruction there will be tremendous, exceeding anything of past human history. What, then, shall Jehovah’s witnesses, as foreshadowed by faithful Jeremiah, and their companions, the Lord's “other sheep”, now do? Shall they mourn at the sure prospect of the death and destruction of the millions of religionists? Shall they devote part of their time to the Lord's witness work and spend the rest of the time in carefree pleasure-seeking and enjoyment like those who are “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God"? The answer is found in the instruction given to Jeremiah under like circumstances.

A SIGN

10 When Jerusalem's doom of destruction was determined, Jeremiah writes, “the word of the Lord came also unto me, saying, Thou shalt not take thee a wife, neither shalt thou have sons or daughters in this place.” (Jer. 16:1) Jeremiah was one of the Levite priests and from the city of Anathoth in the land of the tribe of Benjamin; and those priests were permitted to marry. Jeremiah was a young man when the Lord called him to be a prophet. He was fully devoted to Jehovah God and his service, and completely determined to do the Lord’s will. There is no record that he ever married; in this he followed the strict instruction of Jehovah God specifically to him. This applied to him as long as he was “in this place”, that is, witnessing within doomed Judah and Jerusalem, and he was there forty years, until its final destruction. Jeremiah never complained because any marriage he might entertain was postponed and must be deferred through all those years. He served the great Theocrat, Jehovah; he was subject to Jehovah's will, whose prophet and witness he was, and he understood the proper reason for Jehovah's instruction. Unburdened singleness was enjoined on Jeremiah, not merely that he might be free of distracting earthly responsibilities and unnecessary weights that would hinder him in performing his covenant toward God. By this course of action Jeremiah would be for a warning sign to his companions and to the religionists; also it would bear out his sincerity in delivering the message, and also the truthfulness and dead certainty of his message.

11 Jehovah’s witnesses today are not under the restriction such as the Lord put on Jeremiah, but, in view of the serious conditions now with us and which bespeak more terrible things shortly to come, they do well to consider their course, whether it be well for them to follow the course of Jeremiah under like conditions in behalf of a full part in Jehovah's “strange work” that is to end at Armageddon. Jehovah assigned the reason for his restriction upon his obedient prophet: “For thus saith the Lord concerning the sons and concerning the daughters that are born in this place, and concerning their mothers that bare them, and concerning their fathers that begat them in this land: they shall die of grievous deaths; they shall not be lamented, neither shall they be buried; but they shall be as dung upon the face of the earth; and they shall be consumed by the sword, and by famine; and their carcases shall be meat for the fowls of heaven, and for the beasts of the earth." (Jer. 16:3, 4) Hence Jeremiah’s childlessness and his freedom from home cares and burdens would be a telling example and would be in full agreement with the warning of impending danger and destruction which he proclaimed.

12 In the destruction of Jerusalem which followed shortly thereafter the Lord’s executioner did not spare the sons and daughters of the religionists. This brought great grief upon their parents, who had broken their covenant with God and turned to religion. After Jehovah sends forth his witnesses pictured by the man clothed in linen with an inkhorn by his side to mark the meek or teachable ones in their forehead, meaning the seat of intelligence and understanding, the Lord God gives command to his executioners: “And to the others he said m mine hearing, Go ye after him through the city, and smite; let not your eye spare, neither have ye pity: slay utterly old and young, both maids, and little children, and women; but come not near any man upon whom is the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men [religious clergy] which were before the house [the temple]. And he said unto them, Defile the house, and fill the courts with the slain; go ye forth. And they went forth, and slew in the city.” – Ezek. 9: 5-7.

13 That those having children would have difficulties on that account at this end of the world of demon rule, Jesus plainly showed in his prophecy, saying: “And woe unto them that are with child, and to them that give suck in those days!” (Matt. 24:19) And when he was on his way to his death he turned to the women that were following, and said: “Daughters of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but weep for yourselves, and for your children. For, behold, the days are coming, in the which they shall say, Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bare, and the paps which never gave suck. Then shall they begin to say to the mountains, Fall on us; and to the hills, Cover us.” (Luke 23: 28-30) This clearly makes it to appear why it is better and wiser for those of the Lord’s “other sheep”, and who hope to become of the “great multitude” that shall survive Armageddon and thereafter be given the divine mandate to “fill the earth” with a righteous offspring, to defer matters until after the tribulation and destruction of Armageddon are past; then the new and righteous invisible overlord of mankind will exercise dominion over the cleansed earth and the Lord God will restate the divine mandate to the Armageddon survivors. Those waiting on the Lord spare themselves many difficulties, burdens, heartaches and griefs and enjoy the greatest measure of freedom for a part in the work foreshadowed by the activities of Jeremiah and his companions. Those of the Lord’s “other sheep” who now have children or to whom children are born in the natural course of things do well to follow the advice of the apostle and “bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord”; and the children of such consecrated and devoted parents do that which is right and commanded of the Lord when they “obey your parents in the Lord”. (Eph. 6: 1-4) This is the only course of wisdom, leading to the Lord’s approval and to safety during the Armageddon tribulation.

14 Jehovah gives further instruction to his servants concerning their course of action in these days of world crisis: “For thus saith the Lord, Enter not into the house of mourning, neither go to lament nor bemoan them: for I have taken away my peace from this people, saith the Lord, even lovingkindness and mercies. Both the great and the small shall die in this land: they shall not be buried, neither shall men lament for them, nor cut themselves, nor make themselves bald for them. Neither shall men tear themselves for them in mourning, to comfort them for the dead; neither shall men give them the cup of consolation to drink for their father or for their mother.” (Jer. l6:5-7) The judgments of the Lord are righteous, and the execution thereof is done in righteousness. Those who are his servants and who have his spirit do not mourn the destruction of the wicked at the hands of the Lord’s appointed executioner. Their destruction is in vindication of Jehovah’s name, which name the wicked have despised and blasphemed and reproached, and at such vindication all his servants rejoice. For forty years Jeremiah personally warned Jerusalem and Judah, yet they did not repent at the destruction of the city and the desolation of that land they died in their sins and iniquities, which destiny they had willingly chosen by their course of conduct toward Jehovah’s message and his messengers.

15 For more than sixty years now, and particularly since 1918, “Christendom” has been warned of the approach of Armageddon and been shown the way of escape which Jehovah God has provided. The religious leaders and their political and commercial allies have scoffed at the warning, and even called it seditious, and have persecuted and do persecute Jehovah’s faithful witnesses and their companions. Now we are near the final end of the “time of the end”, and the nations of “Christendom” are in the throes of war and turmoil. The political and commercial elements hypocritically offer prayers, presumably to God, for peace, and they look to the head of the greatest religious organization on earth as their mediator to intercede with God, for God to grant peace and prosperity once again on earth. While they all look to and mouth petitions to God for his blessing of peace they at the same time make war on faithful Christians, God’s witnesses, who lawfully and harmlessly proclaim the Theocratic Government of Jehovah God by his “Prince of Peace”, Christ Jesus. They expect, by the complete suppression of these faithful witnesses for The Theocracy, to come to the condition where they can with relief say, “Peace and safety.” Thereby they make war upon Jehovah and his Theocracy. Hence all their peace prayers, peace plans, peace conferences, and peace treaties and organizations shall be in vain and be but the prelude to their “sudden destruction”; “For I have taken away my peace from this people, saith the Lord, even lovingkindness and mercies.” Though God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked, he does not mourn their destruction, and he instructs his faithful servants not to mourn. Such refusal to mourn in advance is also a sign of what shall come to pass at Armageddon with its blotting out of all religionists and the principal of their flock. That great destruction will be so stunning that those suffering bereavement and who themselves are headed for destruction will be unable to weep and mourn. (Jer. 25:33-35) They have been duly warned. Their blood is on their own heads. Those who have faithfully and persistently given the testimony and warning are clear and innocent of all blood thus shed.

16 Because the religionists and their supporters and hangers-on do not take seriously the message delivered by Jehovah’s witnesses, the state of affairs today is as in the days of Noah. (Matt. 24: 37-39; Luke 17: 26, 27) They feast as did King Belshazzar right before his own death and Babylon’s overthrow; they intoxicate themselves with the things of Satan's world, and this has become a “jazz” age, so called. Even the professed “Christian religionists” are now “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God”. (2 Tim. 3:4) “Written aforetime” for the admonition of Jehovah’s witnesses in this very day is the further instruction to Jeremiah: “Thou shalt not also go into the house of feasting, to sit with them to eat and to drink. For thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel; Behold, I will cause to cease out of this place in your eyes, and in your days, the voice of mirth, and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom, and the voice of the bride.” (Jer. 16:8,9) The like desolate condition was foretold on that great organization called Babylon, symbolizing Satan’s organization, to wit: “With violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all. And the voice of harpers, and musicians, and of pipers, and trumpeters, shall be heard no more at all in thee; and no craftsman, of whatsoever craft he be, shall be found any more in thee; and the sound of a millstone shall be heard no more at all in thee; and the light of a candle shall shine no more at all in thee; and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall be heard no more at all in thee: for thy merchants were the great men of the earth; for by thy sorceries were all nations deceived. And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.” (Rev. 18:21-24) Hence such pleasures and merry-making are short-lived now. Foolish, and wasting valuable time and opportunity, are all those who indulge therein.

17 The modern world boasts of its achievements and of what it expects yet to accomplish, but it has absolutely nothing over which to brag nor any cause for real joy. Its pleasures are merely superficial and fleeting. They are demon-controlled and turn the attention and interest away from the only source of life and joy everlasting, to wit, The Theocratic Government, or Zion, which is prophetically called “the joy of the whole earth”, that is, of the “new earth”. (Ps. 48: 2) The worldly pleasures are no part of the “joy of the Lord” nor of the “pleasures for evermore”, which are at his right hand. (Ps. 16:11) Therefore the faithful Christian whose hope is in the new world, wherein dwelleth righteousness, cannot rejoice with this doomed and dying world. Jehovah's witnesses, as pictured by Jeremiah, have a great and serious job to do, and the time in which to do it is limited by the approaching hour which God knows and has fixed for the beginning of Armageddon, “his strange act.”

18 What remains yet of God’s “strange work” of witnessing, which immediately precedes that “strange act”, is nearing a completion, and, when finished, this grandest privilege on earth will for ever have passed. Jehovah’s witnesses, therefore, can ill afford to divide their time and attention between the Lord's active service part of the time and for the rest of the time indulging in the pleasure-mad doings of the nations that forget God. To do so would be a slackening of the hand in his service and would be a violation of their covenant to do the Lord’s will all the time and the Devil’s none of the time. Let none think that, because they put in a stated minimum requirement of hours in the Lord’s service or the average working hours of a laboring man of the world, they are thereafter released and are justified in "jazzing” about in the worldly fashion and spending time and bodily energy in the empty and purposeless socialities, which take one’s thoughts and affection off the Creator and his Theocracy and expose one to demon attacks and temptations. The faithful must be servants of the great Theocrat and his glorious Government continually, “day and night.” Faithfulness to duty in the “strange work” of the Lord is our safeguard, and now, when so near the goal, the vindication of His name and the complete triumph of his Theocracy, we cannot safely or with wisdom let down the barriers to the invasion and control of the demons. Moreover, the refusal to go in the same way of pleasure which the world goes is a sign by Jehovah through his witnesses on earth that the days are limited for “Christendom’s” selfish seeking of pleasures instead of the seeking first the Kingdom of God.

INSINCERITY

19 Insincere religious hypocrites take great offense at the proclamation of the judgments of the Lord against “Christendom”. In their self-righteousness, and blinded by religion and the demons, they are unable to see their shortcomings and willful violation of the Lord's commandments. Their susceptibilities are offended at the bold proclamation of Kingdom requirements and of the day of vengeance of our God against religion or demonism and those who practice such. They pretend to see no fault nor sin in their religious doctrines, rites and activities, and their participation in the world’s affairs which ignore The Theocracy, and they cry for “more religion” and plan a “new world order” wherein there shall be “more religion”. Such insincerity Jehovah foretold to Jeremiah, saying: “And it shall come to pass, when thou shalt shew this people all these words, and they shall say unto thee, Wherefore hath the Lord pronounced all this great evil against us? or what is our iniquity? or what is our sin that we have committed against the Lord our God? Then shalt thou say unto them, Because your fathers have forsaken me, saith the Lord, and have walked after other gods, and have served them, and have worshipped them, and have forsaken me, and have not kept my law: and ye have done worse than your fathers; for, behold, ye walk every one after the imagination of his evil heart, that they may not hearken unto me; therefore will I cast you out of this land into a land that ye know not, neither ye nor your fathers; and there shall ye serve other gods day and night; where I will not shew you favour.” – Jer. 16:10-13.

20 It is this very condition in modern-day “Christendom” that has caused honest men and women to turn away from her in disgust. She has grown worse after her fifteen centuries of existence, not better, and her wound is beyond cure; and for this reason many persons of good-will who are yet held in “Christendom” are perplexed and sigh and cry because of the abominations which are done in the midst of her to the reproach of God and his King Christ Jesus. “Christendom” worships the demon gods and demonized men, and human creations of her own hands. She objects to the exposing of the “eternal torment” and “purgatory” doctrines of religion, and prefers to worship a fiendish god who believes in tormenting creatures in literal fire and brimstone for eternity after death. Her ruling factors “frame mischief by law” in order to put the modern-day Jeremiah class “on the spot”, and punish the parents who teach their children God’s commandments and obedience thereto. They deprive the children of these parents of the right to an education in their public schools because such children refuse to idolize and salute flags and emblems and to thereby break God’s commandments as taught. They regiment the people and exalt creatures and order all to heil men and ascribe salvation and protection to them. They exalt the political state above Jehovah God and his Theocracy and require obedience to the laws of the state which were made without regard to the will and commandments of God and to obey which laws would mean to violate a Christian’s covenant by breaking the supreme commandments of the Most High.

21 Further, “Christendom’s” governing factors take away the free and open right and privilege to worship Jehovah God in spirit and in truth by proclaiming the good news of his Theocratic Government by Christ Jesus, and thereby take away the Christians’ “daily sacrifice” to Almighty God. They ignore his promised Government of the world and propose a “new world order” of their own making instead of The Theocracy, and they set up this “abomination of desolation” and make it their idol and render allegiance and worship to it. The beastly world organization and this totalitarian “image” thereof they call “the higher powers”, and insist that all peoples engage in the worship of the “beast and his image”. Instead of rendering obeisance to God’s anointed King, Christ Jesus, they without Scriptural warrant and authority set up a man as ‘vicegerent of Christ Jesus’ and as the one who occupies on earth the place of Almighty God, and they literally kiss the toe of this puny man before whom they bow in worship. Now, after a witness to the kingdom of God such as “Christendom” and the world has never before known, by the distribution by Jehovah’s witnesses of hundreds of millions of books and booklets and tracts in many languages, and over many years, the vast majority of “Christendom” willfully and blindly continue on following their blind religious guides and in indifference or open and express opposition to The Theocracy. Never was “Christendom’s” responsibility greater than now.

22 Therefore Jehovah assures his witnesses that he will destroy the entire religious organization of “Christendom” as surely as he did ancient Jerusalem. Jeremiah lived to see the fulfillment of the prophecy he pronounced moved by Jehovah's spirit. The organization of “Christendom” will be desolated as was the land of Judah and of Jerusalem. Those religionists who commit hypocrisy and demonism within her in the name of the Lord shall find their refuge of lies a false stronghold and shall be driven out into the open and shown up as none other than devil-worshipers and part of the Devil’s organization, symbolized by Babylon. Such compare with those religious Jews who were cast out of the land of their fathers and taken captive by the armies of Nebuchadnezzar and carried off to demon-ruled Babylon, to die there as revolters against Jehovah God. It shall be with them as with the “evil servant”: “The Lord . . . shall cut him asunder [from His organization], and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites.” (Matt. 24: 51) There is “where I will not shew you favour”, declares Jehovah God. This is in line with his utterance, “Let favour be shewed to the wicked, yet will he not learn righteousness: in the land of uprightness will he deal unjustly, and will not behold the majesty of the Lord.” (Isa. 26:10) During all the years of the favorable time during which the message of The Theocracy has been preached they have rejected the Lord’s provided way to life and security, and have shown themselves “goats”. They are gathered to the Lord’s side of disfavor, and are cursed and sent away into destruction suffered by the Devil and his entire organization.

23 The nations that forget God, and the wicked covenant-breakers, shall never return from destruction : “For the day of the Lord is near upon all the heathen [the nations]; . . . they shall be as though they had not been.” (Obad. 15, 16) Those who trouble the Lord’s faithful witnesses and refuse to know Jehovah God and to obey the good news of his Theocratic Government by Christ Jesus “shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power”. (2 Thess. 1:6-9) Hence the next words of Jehovah through his prophet Jeremiah could not apply to those destroyed covenant-breakers after Armageddon: “Therefore behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that it shall no more be said, The Lord liveth that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; but, The Lord liveth that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the lands whither he had driven them: and I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers.” (Jer. 16:14,15) The Israelites, together with their father Jacob, moved down into the land of Egypt. After the death of Jacob and his son Joseph, then ruler of Egypt, the Israelites fell away to the devil religion of Egypt and their enemies greatly oppressed them. Jehovah then raised up his prophet Moses and turned the Israelites away from religion to worship the true and living God, “whose name alone is Jehovah.” For his name’s sake he led them forth from Egypt by the hand of Moses, and while so doing he made a name for himself. (2 Sam. 7:23) Therefore it was said: “The Lord liveth that brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt.”

24 Due to yielding to religion, the Israelites were later taken into captivity and exile at Babylon and their homeland lay desolate for seventy years. Then Jehovah through his typical instrument, King Cyrus of Persia, decreed that the temple should be built at Jerusalem, and his professed people who were restrained in Babylon he brought into judgment before him on this issue of the temple. A remnant showed faith and obedience and responded to the call to the temple service, and Jehovah brought them out of Babylon, which lay to the north, and other lands and restored them to his chosen land and set them to work at temple service. Not only a remnant of faithful Israelites returned and entered the temple service, but also multitudes of companions who were not Israelites by birth. These were the proselytes, and particularly those known as “the Nethinims”, that is, “the given ones” for auxiliary service at the temple, and who were from many nations and tongues. (See Ezra 2:1, 2, 43-60 and 8:17-20; also Nehemiah 3:26-31 and 7:46-62.) These also correspond with the “mixed multitude” of various non-Jewish nationalities that went up with the Israelites when Moses led them out of Egypt Being non-Israelites, all these picture the Lord’s “other sheep” of the present time whom he has been gathering and continues to gather into the one fold to become the devoted companions of the remnant of faithful spiritual Israelites, Jehovah's witnesses. – John 10:10, 16.

25 The physical facts fulfilling Bible prophecies multiply to prove that the Lord Jesus, the Greater Cyrus, came to the temple in 1918 for judgment. His faithful remnant, who sought to worship God in spirit and in truth, were then being held in restraint and bondage to the demon-controlled world organization pictured by Babylon. Gradually he revealed to them the truths now due of and concerning the Kingdom, and thereby freed them from the fear and servitude to that organization and brought them to him in the temple condition and set them to work. He judged all the professed ones by his truth and service, and sent forth the approved ones, anointed with the Lord’s spirit, to ‘preach this gospel of the Kingdom for a witness unto all nations’. (Matt. 24:14) Many persons of good-will have heard the witness and followed after the faithful remnant over the highway that leads to God’s organization, Zion, and have put themselves under its protection. Multitudes of these have already thus come to Zion and been brought into his temple to there serve God “day and night”; and many more will continue to come. Recently, at St. Louis, Missouri, in August, 1941, these were plainly visible in great numbers as they gathered there with the diminishing number of the remnant, in a grand Theocratic Assembly totaling in excess of 115,000 persons. Continuing faithful, such shall form the “great multitude”, which shall carry out the divine mandate to bring forth and fill the earth with righteous creatures. Thus the physical facts are plainly at hand whereby it may be said: “Jehovah liveth, that brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north, and from all the countries whither he had driven them.” (Am. Rev. Ver.) This is all part of Jehovah's “strange work”, and it excites the wonder and the malicious opposition of all nations, both those making up “the king of the north” and those making up “the king of the south” and their allies. –Dan. 11: 40.

FISHERS

26 The nations that forget God seek to hinder the gathering of these “other sheep” of the Lord; and this at the instigation of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, which purposes to make all the world Catholic and totalitarian and seeks to bring all human creatures by totalitarian methods into the fold of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy to be fleeced and oppressed. Thus the “strange work” is fast coming to a close, as evidenced by the forcible shutting down of this work in many nations. In parts the Lord is still holding open the opportunity for work, particularly in Britain and America and other democratic lands. Even in the lands where the totalitarian governments and dictators have banned the freedom of speech and of assembly and of worship of Almighty God and have declared the work “illegal”, some work continues to be done and some of the “other sheep” are found and fed and helped unto the Lord. Hence the further words of Jehovah are yet true, and which appear to have a special application at this late date when he has brought his gathered ones into a unity and put in operation among them his Theocratic organization for service: “Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the Lord, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks.” (Jer. 16:16) This clearly appears to mean that the nations where yet many of the Lord’s “other sheep” are scattered are determined to hinder and possibly prevent the gathering work and therefore these sheep are in hiding from the enemies in fear and restraint; but that Jehovah God by Christ Jesus is determined that ail the rest of his “other sheep” shall be gathered and that the gathering shall be brought to a completion, to wit, before Armageddon, which hastens on.

27 Jehovah has his ways and means of doing his work and carrying out his will. These are “strange” unto the enemies, the religionists, and it is a “strange work” unto them, and they do not believe its purpose, but impute evil motives to it. They seek to hold onto the strayed and scattered sheep and to keep them subject to their selfish uses and exploitation. The time for the gathering is soon up; there is no time to be lost now by those whom the Lord graciously uses on earth in the gathering work. It requires a unity of action and a coordinating of operations by all those engaged therein and a use of all the means and ways He has provided for the work. It calls for a careful combing of territory and a diligent searching of the isolated, remote and scattered places where the sheep are not associated in a company but are dispersed, knowing not whither to go for the Good Shepherd’s care. They will not be left to perish at Armageddon. “For thus saith the Lord God; Behold I, even I, will both search my sheep, and seek them out. As a shepherd seeketh out his flock in the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered; so will I seek out my sheep, and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered in the cloudy and dark day. And I will bring them out from the people, and gather them from the countries, and will bring them to their own land, and feed them upon the mountains of Israel by the rivers, and in all the inhabited places of the country.” – Ezek. 34:11-13.

28 The Good Shepherd, Christ Jesus, at the temple, is in charge of the gathering of his “other sheep”. As “the Son of man” he was given dominion over all earthly things: “all sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field; the fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatsoever passeth through the paths of the seas.” (Ps. 8:4-8 and Heb. 2:6-9) When he was on earth he called fishermen to be his apostles that they might be “fishers of men”. (Matt. 4:18-22) Once he taught the people from fisherman Simon’s boat slightly off shore, and thereafter bade the owner, “Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught.” “And Simon, answering, said unto him. Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless, at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had done this, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. . . . And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men.” (Luke 5:1-11) Later, to pay the tax or tribute money, Jesus sent fisherman Peter, saying: “Go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money; that take, and give unto them, for me and thee.” (Matt. 17: 27) After his resurrection from the dead he appeared on the seaside to his apostles while fishing, and who had fished all night without success, and then he repeated the miracle of the sudden draught of fishes for them. (John 21:1-14) On their coming ashore he already had fish broiling on the fire for them. In his parable of the dragnet he had foretold how at the end of Satan’s uninterrupted rule he would use his holy angels with him as fishers to do a separating work toward the good and the bad “fish”: “So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just.” (Matt. 13: 47-30) Christ Jesus is the great Fisher.

29 Then Christ Jesus sent forth his apostles as “fishers of men”. Since his coming to the temple, in 1918, the river of truth of life has flowed forth from God’s temple with healing to all who partake of the truth with faith and obedience. Jehovah God, by his prophet Ezekiel, foretold this in a vision, and added: “And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come hither: for they shall be healed; and every thing shall live whither the river cometh. And it shall come to pass, that the fishers shall stand upon it ... to spread forth nets; their fish shall be according to their kinds as the fish of the great sea, exceeding many.” (Ezek. 47:1-10) Under the guidance of his holy angels Christ Jesus has sent forth the faithful remnant approved in the temple judgment, and anointed and commissioned as Jehovah’s witnesses, and they with united action cast in the net under the direction of the great Fisherman, and he has gathered unto him thereby many “fish”, to wit, many persons of good-will, his “other sheep”. These have devoted themselves to God and now, in obedience to the Fisher’s invitation, join in the fishing.

HUNTERS

30 “And after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them.” Not all the Lord's “other sheep” are gathered unto him at the temple by the fishing method. He follows this up with the hunt. The first hunter mentioned in Scripture was the covenant-breaking Nimrod, who built Babylon and established the first dictatorship, or totalitarian rule, and was worshiped religiously as “Nimrod, the mighty hunter before [superior to and in opposition to] Jehovah”. (Gen. 10: 8-10, Am. Rev. Ver.) Today Satan, the chief of demons, and who established Nimrod as dictator, has restored the totalitarian rule by the conspiracy of the political and commercial and religious elements of his visible organization. Such elements use the military and strong-arm squad to regiment and terrorize the people. As Nimrod hunted and pursued both beasts and men and broke the everlasting covenant concerning the sanctity of Godgiven life, likewise totalitarian dictatorship, “the abomination of desolation,” hunts and pursues all nations and organizations of humankind, and great is the destruction of human life in violation of God's everlasting covenant. This is with the full connivance, approval, blessing and co-operation of the “fifth column” religious element, particularly the Roman Catholic Hierarchy. Some prophecies liken the religious clergy to hunters that hunt for unsuspecting victims of their racket (Ezek. 13: 18-20; Jer. 5:26-31), but they specially hunt down the faithful servants of Jehovah God to destroy them. (Lam. 3: 52; 4:18,19; Mic. 7: 2) Then Jehovah likens himself to a skillful hunter and says: “Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the Lord, until the day that I rise up to the prey; for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger.” (Zeph. 3: 8) “Evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.”–Ps. 140:11.

31 Due to the unfaithfulness of the religious clergy, and their carelessness and indifference to the needs and eternal interests of the flock, those whom the Lord now gathers as his “other sheep” have been preyed upon by the totalitarian “beast” and “his image”, and have been scattered, and they have hid themselves upon “every mountain” and “every hill” and in “the holes of the rocks”, for fear of men and demonized creatures. Now, before Armageddon breaks, these must be sought out and stirred up to come forth and identify themselves as for the great Theocrat and his Theocratic Government by Christ Jesus. To this end the Lord now sends “for manyhunters, and they shall hunt them”; for they belong to the Lord, being of good-will toward him. “For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills. I know all the fowls of the mountains ; and the wild beasts of the field are mine. If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof.” (Ps. 50:10-12) Now at the time Jehovah God by Christ Jesus is about to rise up to the prey against the enemies of God and his people, he sends forth his remnant of anointed witnesses and their devoted companions on the hunt for the scattered ones of good-will who desire to come into the Lord's fold, his organization, there to enjoy peace and safety and the Lord’s provided food.

32 Hunting requires courage, endurance, alertness, promptness to spring into action, constant keeping on the track and stalking the game; a diligent search of the isolated and scattered parts, leaving no place untouched or uninvestigated, and particularly the places where game are wont to come for food, drink or rest in security, and even to leave some choice desired food for the scent of the game and to invite and attract them to manifest themselves. It requires watching and waiting, with hope. Where “manyhunters” work together, they surround a certain area, which they have divided off, and then move in steadily toward the common center, beating the bushes or underbrush as they draw together in order to stir up their quarry. Thus they work together in unity, and jointly seek to let nothing escape, and they assist and help one another. They carry their equipment with them, keep their eyes and ears open, entertain no fear of creatures, and act with speed in the use of their provided equipment.

33 With totalitarian rule overrunning the whole earth, and Armageddon swiftly- approaching, the conditions now require that Jehovah's commissioned people and their companions follow the example of the huntsman. For several years now Jehovah has had in effect his Theocratic organization, and he has been training and instructing them for this very work. They have been assigned each one his territory in the field, and they must not permit their attention to be drawn away, but be constant in doing the one thing, knowing what they are seeking for, and they must walk circumspectly, ever ready to use the Lord’s equipment provided for this late day, and must act and work together in absolute unity. Thus the Lord God, who sends them forth, will uncover the creatures upon whom he has set his eyes. It may be, when He fulfills his prophecy at Daniel 11: 44, to wit, “But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble [the totalitarian “king of the north’ and his allies],” that then the warning of the Lord will be so emphatic and unmistakable that many of those after whom he sends his hunters will be stirred up and manifest themselves.

34 The Lord knows where they are and how to reach them, and he will not let his hunters stalk around fruitlessly. “For mine eyes are upon all their ways; they are not hid from my face, neither is their iniquity hid from mine eyes.” (Jer. 16:17) Their iniquity is their yielding to religion and restraining themselves for fear of men; and the Lord has let them suffer from the mournful authority of the wicked until they “sigh and cry for the abominations" that these do, and particularly the totalitarian “abomination of desolation”. Now that this “desolating abomination” seeks to stand in the place “where it ought not”, to wit, in the place and stead of God's Theocratic Government over humankind, God bids them flee, and he uses his hunters to stir them up to flee without delay to God’s organization of refuge.

35 Because of their practice of religion and their service of creatures and things instead of the Creator Jehovah, he says: “And first [that is, before gathering them unto the temple] I will recompense their iniquity and their sin double; because they have defiled my land, they have filled mine inheritance with their carcases of their detestable and abominable things.” (Jer. 16:18) Religionists have done these things, by wanton bloodshed which they have approved and supported; by man-made and demon inspired images and things and organizations which they have set up for adoration and worship to draw away the affection and service of mankind from the Creator; by the heiling and honoring of men; and by their opposition to God’s Theocratic rule by Christ Jesus and their persecution of Jehovah’s faithful witnesses, who obey God rather than men. Thus such have defiled the things pertaining to God to wit, “my land” and “mine inheritance”. By membership in and attendance at and support of such religious and allied organizations and movements, the ensnared persons of good-will partake of these sins and iniquities of the organizations, and hence Jehovah's disfavor and displeasure is upon them and he recompenses them accordingly as long as they continue therein.

36 But how does the Lord “recompense their iniquity and their sin double”? This does not refer to a duplicate or double period of time. Other translations of this part of the Hebrew text make the meaning clearer: “And I will repay first their double iniquities, and their sins.” (Catholic Doway translation) “And (thus) will I pay them at the first their twofold iniquity and their sin.” (Leeser's translation) “And I will recompense first the double of their iniquity and their sin.” (Literal Hebrew translation) The iniquity and sin is “double”, that is to say, “enormous,” being multiplied because of the light that is shining today through God’s organization and because of the added responsibility such light brings. “Christendom’s” responsibility is therefore multiplied in comparison with that of ancient Judah and Jerusalem. First the kingdom of the ten tribes of Israel fell away to religion or demonism, and Jehovah punished them first by letting their capital Samaria be destroyed and the surviving Israelites be carried away exiled to a strange heathen land. Judah and Jerusalem looked on at the religion and unfaithfulness of Israel and Samaria and at God’s punishment thereof, but Judah and Jerusalem did not take heed to this warning example. They likewise turned away to demonism or religion, and their sin and iniquity were doubled; and Jehovah punished them and delivered only a remnant who maintained their integrity under His discipline. – See Jeremiah 3:6-11; Ezek. 23:11.

37 “Christendom” has the Bible in its completeness and with its record of the warning examples of the ten tribes of Israel, and of Judah and Jerusalem. "Christendom” has not taken heed thereto, nor regarded the warning of Jehovah’s witnesses. Hence her lawlessness and her sins of religion are manifold greater in enormity than those of the typical covenant people of Jehovah God. God duly recompenses “Christendom”, and none can continue in or under her for any length of time without experiencing a measure of that recompense. The full recompense will come at Armageddon, now near. It therefore behooves Jehovah’s witnesses and their companions to lose no time, but to make every effort and use every opportunity to aid all persons of good-will to get out promptly lest these share “Christendom's” destruction. As pictured by the Jewish captives and exiles in Babylon, they must come out of Babylon and come unto Zion, God’s organization.

38 Jehovah God has foretold that this would come to pass, and it is proper that his covenant-people should expect it and now watch and work for it to come to pass in vindication of His word. Jeremiah the prophet, and one of Jehovah's witnesses, says: “O Jehovah, my strength, and my stronghold, and my refuge in the day of affliction [which is now], unto thee shall the nations come from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Our fathers have inherited nought but lies, even vanity and things wherein there is no profit.” (Jer. 16:19, A.R.V.) As a result of the fishing and hunting, the multitudes of the persons of good-will are coming forth from the religious and worldly organizations, in this time when Satan the Devil brings great woe and distress upon all nations. These seekers of the Lord come from all nations and kindreds and people and tongues and confess that Jehovah God and his Theocracy are their strength, stronghold and refuge in this period of great affliction. Their combined harmonious testimony and voluntary confession is that their religious fathers, in “Christendom” and in heathendom, inherited nought but lies of demonism and of traditions of men, and which are vain babblings of men and absolutely unprofitable, and in reality injurious and leading to destruction. They abandon religion as a deadly thing, and now practice Christianity, which is the worship of God in spirit and in truth. They take the Lord’s side in the great issue which must shortly be decided for all eternity.

39 The primary issue now up for final determination is universal domination: Who is the Almighty God, the Supreme Power, who shall rule heaven and earth and who shall be worshiped by all creatures therein that live? Knowing his power and position, Jehovah, for the good of his covenant people, commands that they shall worship him and have no gods besides him. (Ex. 20:1-5) “Christendom” pretends to be in a covenant with God, but, on the contrary, brings great reproach upon the name of Jehovah and his Theocratic Government by Christ Jesus. She worships false gods, or mighty ones, which demon-controlled men make and set up and require the people to worship in a regimented fashion. Because the issue is due to be determined, the Lord says: “Shall a man make gods unto himself, and they are no gods? Therefore, behold, I will this once cause them to know, I will cause them to know mine hand and my might; and they shall know that my name is The Lord [or, JEHOVAH (marginal reading)].”– Jer. 16: 20, 21.

40 At Armageddon Jehovah God will make manifest his mighty “right hand”, to wit, Christ Jesus, his Executive Officer, and by him Jehovah will demonstrate that Satan is a mimic god and that the demons under Satan and which the nations that have forgotten God now worship in the name of religion are no gods, but are false, deceiving and sentenced to everlasting destruction. Under the control of the demon-gods, men, including the religious clergy, refuse to believe the record of the exercise of God's hand and might in his acts as set forth in the Bible; but at Armageddon God will repeat those acts on a vaster scale and thereby make the scoffing religionists know his hand and his power. He will fight the battle of that great day of God Almighty just once; it will not be repeated, because he will fight it to a completion in the total destruction of all opposers and all who challenge him as the only true and living God. And before they descend in disgraceful defeat into destruction he will make “Christendom” and all forgetters of God to know that his name is the holy name that they have despised and reproached, Jehovah!

41 All these things being so, the final gathering by the Lord is on. Let nothing for one instant interrupt the onward push of his covenant-people in His service. The time is short, the opportunity is great, and blessed is he that has a part in it. Now to hold fast our integrity toward the Almighty God is the all-important thing, and to receive the approval of the Lord in this “day of the Lord”, that we may be blameless in His sight, and have some place assigned to us to continue forever in His glorious service. Lose no time at all. Steadfastly and unceasingly do your duties as assigned by the Lord. Walk close to the Lord. Walk circumspectly. Show kindness, mercy and loving devotion to all who are of good-will. Shortly his gathering of all such will be finished, his “strange work” will be done, and he will bring to pass his “strange act” of vindication of His name.

A FAITHFUL WITNESS

January 9, 1942

To all Lovers of The Theocracy:

On January 8, 1942, our beloved brother, J. F. Rutherford, faithfully finished his earthly course as a warrior for The Theocractic Government and a minister of the Word of God. Knowing of your deep concern and of your prayers to God for him ever since his serious illness prior to the Detroit Convention of July, 1940, we hasten to notify you.

It was Brother Rutherford’s desire to “die fighting with his boots on”; and this he did. The Lord graciously spared him to complete the report of the 1942 Yearbook of Jehovah’s witnesses, therein showing that the greatest witness ever given had been accomplished and that the year’s distribution of books and booklets reached the grand total of 36,030,595 copies. He always had foremost in mind to do this one thing, to declare the name of Jehovah and his kingdom, to keep covenant with Him, and to look well to the interests of his brethren.–1 John 3:16.

To him it was a joy and comfort to see and know that all the witnesses of the Lord are following, not any man, but the King Christ Jesus as their Leader, and that they will move on in the work in complete unity of action, as they unanimously expressed at the Theocratic Assembly of Jehovah’s witnesses in St. Louis.

All those standing steadfast for The Theocracy will now not mourn or be disturbed or fearful, but will rejoice that their faithful fellow servant and brother has maintained his integrity toward the Lord, in sickness and in health, through evil report and through good report, and has now entered a higher field of service forever with the Lord.–2 Tim. 4: 7, 8.

Brother Rutherford’s consistent faithful activity and unbending devotion to The Theocracy, especially since becoming president of the Society, January 6, 1917, has been and continues to be a true and blessed example to us all as of one who ‘fought a good fight and kept the faith’ and proved worthy of a part in the vindication of Jehovah’s name by Christ Jesus; and for this we give thanks to God

With you keeping on working, determined, by the Lord’s grace, to let nothing stop us until the Lord’s “strange work” is finished, we are,

Your brethren and fellow servants, Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, Inc.

DAILY TEXTS AND COMMENTS

FEBRUARY 2

Set your hearts unto all the words which I testify among you this day, which ye shall command your children to observe to do.–Deut. 32:46.

It cannot properly be said that these laws of God apply only to the ancient Israelites. Exactly the contrary is expressed in God’s Word. His law is the same toward all who seek to live. Children seek knowledge and must be taught, and it is the desire of all sane persons, both adults and children, to receive life everlasting. Obligation is laid by the Lord upon consecrated parents to see to it that their children are instructed in God’s law. They cannot disregard this obligation and expect his favor. It is also the duty of the parents to have their children in subjection and carefully guide them in the way of righteousness. All parents who have agreed to do God’s will are bound by the commandments of Almighty God to teach their children the Word of God and to instruct them in the way of righteousness. –Deut. 4: 9 ; 6: 6, 7. W 2/15/41

FEBRUARY 3

But for this cause have I allowed thee to remain, in order to show thee my power; and in order that they may proclaim my name throughout all the earth.–Er. 9:16, Leeser.

God announced his purpose to have his name declared throughout all the earth before he exercises his power in the destruction of Satan’s organization. To have witnesses in the earth to declare his name was God’s announced purpose ; and therefore it is written: 'God first visited to take out of the nations a people for his name . . . that the residue of men might seek out the Lord, and all the nations upon whom my name is called.’ (Acts 15: 14-18, Roth.) All of which was God’s purpose, known unto him from the beginning; and likewise the end was known. That covenant of Jehovah is everlasting and unchangeable All of God’s covenants are everlasting, and are not subject to change. W 6/15/41

FEBRUARY 4

Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in justice.–Isa 32: 1, Leeser.

“Princes,” or governors, are those who exercise a ruling power under the command and supervision of the higher power The new heaven is the new invisible ruling power, whereas the new earth is the rule of the people by visible representatives of the supreme and invisible power. Since the new heaven and new earth is a rule of righteousness, there must be men fully qualified to fill the place of visible rulership. They must be righteous. God has fixed the rules by which men can qualify, and all who are placed by the Lord in positions to rule and administer the laws of The Theocracy must act under The Theocracy and must first qualify according to the divine rules. All such must have full faith in God and in Christ Jesus and be subject to crucial tests in order to prove their faithfulness. That rule of righteousness, visible and invisible, shall bring great joy to men. W 8/1/41

FEBRUARY 5

The tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. – Rev. 21:3.

In vision John saw the Holy City, which is The Theocracy, coming down from God out of heaven to rule in righteousness. It is that Theocracy by Christ Jesus that will carry out God’s purpose to wipe out wickedness and bring joy and everlasting peace to those that live. It is in that Theocracy, Zion, where God shall dwell. Every human creature

that lives everlastingly must be wholly and completely devoted to Almighty God and to his beloved Son, Christ Jesus. This is the covenant that Jehovah God remembers for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations, which covenant he made with Abraham and swore to the antitypical Isaac, Christ Jesus, that in his Seed, The Christ, blessings shall come to those who obey,–Ps. 105:7-9. W 10/1/41

FEBRUARY 6

Let none that wait on thee be ashamed. – Ps. 25:3.

David had waited patiently for Jehovah to manifest himself and to deliver David from his enemies. In his own due time Jehovah did deliver David. To wait patiently means to fully trust in God and confidently move forward in performance of assigned duty, well knowing that one is on the right way and backed up by the King of Eternity. Such ones never try to run ahead of Jehovah, but follow explicitly the instructions given. One who is patient is anxious in his mind, watching with great care that he may not miss an opportunity to honor Almighty God. Patience, therefore, means a trial of faith and a refusal to be turned aside from steadfast devotion to God, regardless of what persecution the enemy may bring. When Jehovah’s due time arrives for him to avenge his servants he will do so, his primary purpose being to vindicate his holy name W 3/1/41

FEBRUARY 7

See, I have set before thee this day life and good, and death and evil; in that I command thee this day to love the Lord thy God. – Deut. 30:15, 16.

God led the Israelites out of Egypt by the hand of Moses. In this he was giving them an experimental education that they might freely choose either the way of life or the way of death. God made prophetic pictures with those choosing, by which he emphasized the divine rule that men are free to choose the way of life or the way of death In due time he sent his beloved Son to earth to declare the truth and to make known to man the only means of receiving life everlasting No man, however, was then compelled to accept Jehovah’s appointed way, but the same was offered to him freely. When a man makes an intelligent choice to enter into a covenant with Jehovah God, thereby agreeing to do His will, he then enters upon the way of life. He must meet the requirements of God’s law to receive the blessings of life eternal. W 2/1/41

FEBRUARY 8

The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? - Zech. 3:2.

At the temple judgment Satan was there to look after his religionists, whom he had subtly trapped by means of deceit and the practice of formalism and other religious ceremonies. The faithful ones standing there with the Lord are as “brands plucked from the fire’. What fire! The destructive fire of demonism or religion. Some who had covenanted to do God’s will had withstood that destructive influence and power even though they were mixed up with and identified as religionists. Their “garments” are symbols of identification, and the soils on their garments pictured the religion or demon influence. At the temple judgment the rejected ones were unwilling to divest themselves of their religious garments, but the faithful and approved ones were anxious to do God’s will and follow the great Judge. W 3/15/41

FEBRUARY 9

Blessed above women shall Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite be; blessed shall she be above women in the tent. – Judg. 5:24.

Jael was blessed because of her faith and obedience. Therefore she pictured a class on earth following the beginning of the temple judgment, who hear the message of The Theocracy, believe in God and Christ, and covenant to do God’s will, and who then prove their faith by being obedient to His commandments. Jael is mentioned in strict contrast to the indifferent and negligent and unfaithful. Jael pictured the Lord's “other sheep”. She was a weaker vessel compared with the men of Meroz; yet she showed her faith and devotion, where the unfaithful men failed. God pronounced his curse upon Meroz, which curse proclaims that the persons against The Theocracy, and who fail, either by negligence or willful disobedience, to render service to The Theocracy, arc wicked. W 5/1/41

FEBRUARY 10

Stand against the wiles of the devil. – Eph. 6:11.

Satan’s purpose is to carry out his original challenge to Jehovah and bring about the destruction of all who have made a covenant to do God’s will. As to Jehovah and his purpose, He permits the Devil and his associate demons to beset His covenant people in order to give Satan full opportunity to carry out his wicked challenge and at the same time to afford an opportunity for those who have made a covenant with God to obey him and maintain their integrity toward him. It is the time of crucial testing. The same rules of the Lord apply to those who are Jonadabs and who have hope to be of the “great multitude” as apply to others who have made a covenant to do the Lord's will. Let this be kept in mind: that the demons now direct their wicked action chiefly against God's covenant people, both of the “remnant” and of the Jonadabs, because the demons have control over all the others of this wicked world. W 5/15/41

FEBRUARY 11

The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. – Ps. 9:17.

Jehovah has made known his fixed rule, which rule applies to all persons or nations that at one time pretended or claimed to serve him and then turned away from and against the Most High This is a warning from Almighty God given to all those who have assumed the obligation of serving him. He compels no one to serve him, but when they undertake it they must bear the responsibility of fulfilling their covenant. One may enter into an actual covenant with God to do his will, while others may be in an implied covenant to do God’s will by reason of their information and outward claim of being God’s servants God's rules do not change. God is no respecter of persons. He makes known his rules, and the creature who agrees or undertakes to obey them must perform or take the consequences. W 7/1/41

FEBRUARY 12

O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end; . . . But go thou thy way till the end be: for thou shalt rest, and stand in thy lot at the end of the days. – Dan. 12:4, 13.

By his prophet Daniel the Almighty says: “The END shall be at the time appointed.” (11:27) Those words arc a guarantee from Jehovah that the end of the rule of the world by the demons shall come, and that at the time he has appointed. Nothing can change that time. Daniel is certain to have a “better resurrection” and to be one of the “princes in all the earth”. He finished his course as a faithful servant and prophet of God, and died like other mon and went to rest in the grave, there to remain until God’s due time to awaken him out of death. Time of his resurrection may be any day now, when he, as one of earth’s governors, shall appear and assume his divinely appointed office. W 9/15/41

FEBRUARY 13

He hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear.–Ps. 40:3

By faith now God’s remnant see the day of deliverance is near, and they are all filled with the song of praise to the Most High. And what results from their singing the victory song and continuing faithfully in the service in these dark days now upon the world? They sec people of good-will who are being awakened, hurriedly taking their place on the side of The Theocracy and wending their way to refuge and life. As the Psalm of David says: “Many shall see it The Theocracy, and the deliverance and blessings that righteous government brings], and fear [Jehovah], and shall trust in the Lord,” Jehovah, the King of Eternity, and in the King Christ Jesus It is timely and appropriate that they join in the song. Therefore such arc putting their trust in the Lord and are finding refuge under his organization, and they too join in the song W 3/1/41

FEBRUARY 14

Despise not the chastening of the Lord.–Prov 3:11.

Persons who have for years been serving Jehovah and Christ Jesus are still subjected to severe trials. Some wonder why. The answer is that all who receive Jehovah's approval must prove their steadfastness for The Theocracy One can prove this only by being put to the test and remaining immovable under it and continuing steadfast for Jehovah and his King Even now, when the King of The Theocracy is upon his throne, his servants on earth find themselves beset by many trials; but to the faithful such trials are not at all surprising Those wholly devoted to The Theocracy and who see the great fight being made by the enemy against The Theocracy can appreciate why the individuals in God's organization are put to the test As with Job, so now one who will receive the reward of Jehovah’s approval must be put to the test and prove entirely blameless before God. W 11/1/41

(Continued from page 34)

at the usual time. The president’s report of the past year’s work throughout this war-swept world shows up the supreme issue which affects the lives of all and which makes most important the proclamation of the message now delivered to all nations by Jehovah’s witnesses. You will be joyfully surprised at the sum total of work reported done in the service year fraught with greatest difficulty. The Yearbook further includes the yeartext with its comment, and also a text for each day of the year and a pointed comment thereon according to the latest revelations of Kingdom truth and prophecy. The edition of the Yearbook is always limited, thereby increasing the printing expense, more so now with rising costs of materials, and hence a contribution of 50c is asked for a single copy Mail in now your order with remittance to cover. Companies will make up combination orders and send such in through the local company servant.

“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES

Week of March 1: “Final Gathering,”

1-14 inclusive, The Watchtower February 1, 1942. Week of March 8: “Final Gathering,”

15-25 inclusive, The Watchtower February 1, 1942. Week of March 15: “Final Gathering,”

26-41 inclusive, The Watchtower February 1, 1942.

18 YEARS OLD AND 18 STUDIES WEEKLY

“As I was going to my car a boy of about eight came up on his bicycle and asked what I was selling, and if I had called at his home. I told him his mother did not care for the literature because ‘she had her own religion’. He said he would like to read and understand the Bible and asked if I had a little booklet he could have to read. I gave him Theocracy. He promised to read it, and sped away. Three weeks ago I passed a small airport and stopped to watch them awhile. As I was sitting in my car a young boy came along on his bicycle and sat on the fender of my car. He happened to look in, saw my books, and asked if I was not the same Bible man that had talked to him a long time ago. I recognized him, and asked if he had enjoyed his booklet. He was very sorry but his sister had burned it accidentally while cleaning house and he felt very bad. I asked if he was still interested in understanding the Bible. ‘Yes!’ I invited him to sit in the car with me and we would try to understand it together. We looked up the scriptures about the soul, death and hell. We talked for about an hour and he asked if I would come over to his house and tell his mother these scriptures. I went, and he called out his mother. Abrupt in manner, she said she did not want me to call because she did not know who Jehovah was and did not want to find out. The boy followed me to my car and whispered that he did not want to go to church any more and would I please come over to the airport next Sunday same time and he would meet me there and we could have a real good study in the Bible. I promised. The next Sunday I kept my appointment. I waited. In a few minutes he came, all out of breath from going so fast. We had a very interesting study. After it was over he asked if we were the ones that played the victiolas, and asked if he could hear the music. I played ‘Message of Hope’ and he said it was better than music. I have been coming for about three weeks now. I now have over eighteen model studies a week and most of them are with young boys and girls. They are really taking hold faster than their parents. I am eighteen years old, and I wish to encourage more young witnesses about my age to become more active in back-call work.”

"CHILDREN WILL GET IT QUICKER”

“ ‘No, I don’t care for your books at all. I'm a Catholic' But the booklet you left–Johnny, show the lady your book" Twelve-year-old Johnny produced a well-worn copy of Armageddon, marked and underlined. Mother: ‘You can see how he has studied it, and as we haven’t a Bible he even took it down to the library and asked the librarian to show him how to find the places in the Bible!’ Pioneer ‘Johnny, I want to make you a personal gift of this book Children. I have several little second-hand Bibles at home that I picked up in a bookstore, and you are welcome to one. You’ll soon receive a few “surprises”, so be sure to read the book and I’ll be over again in a few weeks to help you to study.’ Mother: ‘I don't know if he should take it. We're Catholics–.’ Johnny: ‘Believe me, if I had any money, I’d sure buy the book myself.’ The book stayed put! Another instance: Mother: ‘I just don’t like your literature. I got the book Children, but I simply don’t like it at all. My sevenyear-old boy, however, keeps following me around: “Mama, won't you please read to me out of this beautiful book?”

He says it’s God’s book and every word is true. When I don’t want to read it to him he says: “Mama, I’ll explain it to you, if you’ll only read it. You see religion didn’t do what it was supposed to, and God had to send these people around with the books!”’ Another child told his parents they ought to do something about this work, or how else should they expect God to protect them in Armageddon'"

A LAD IN BANGALORE, SOUTHERN INDIA, WRITES:

“I am engaged in a work that is very interesting. May I join in the work, and I like to be Jehovah’s witness, as I see the books tell me the truth. I met Mrs. Mergler giving leaflets, and helped her. I am keeping a report of what I have done. I have done eight hours and collected 10 annas. I did two hours this morning. I am taking books from Mr. Mergler. My mother is a Catholic and my brothers and sisters are too. But my mother says I can be what I like. I think religion is all rubbish, because it has proved false. My name is Bobby Skill. I am eleven years old. Mr. Mergler has given me some territory, and I am going to set to work every evening. I spent this week-end with Mrs. Mergler, and I slept in the car. Charles is going back to school, and Mrs. Mergler will be away; so I have to work all by myself. At last I have found some work to do, real work.”

IN WORKING DURHAM, N. H., A COLLEGE TOWN

“A fine-looking man opened the door. Introducing the phonograph, I started it going. Upon finishing the lecture ‘Message of Hope’ I asked: ‘How did you like that?’ Hurriedly he stepped out onto the porch and said in broken English and all in one breath: ‘I am a German refugee. I like that. I believe that. You are one of Jehovah’s witnesses, are you not? I know of you in Germany; they call you Bibelforscher, do they not? Yes, Jehovah’s witnesses are the most wonderful people. They do so much good in the concentration camps. One of Jehovah’s witnesses saved my friend’s life. He was going to commit suicide in the concentration camp and one of Jehovah’s witnesses comforted him and gave him hope not to die. When first we heard about the Bibelforscher we didn’t care for them; but they are so good, so bold, so courageous, and so fearless that we love the sound of the words “Jehovah's witnesses”. I never knew I would really sec one. I was a lawyer in Germany. I heard much about them, but never saw one. They did so much good in the concentration camps that they had to make smaller concentration camps inside of the others and put Jehovah's witnesses there so that no one else could get near them I never knew I would ever see one. I thank God that I have seen one free and going around like this.’ During this time he was searching all his pockets; he found twenty cents, which he insisted on my accepting for the work. I handed him Children. He declined, saying, ‘I would rather you give this to someone else so they too can find out about this. You see I already know and love Jehovah’s witnesses.’ I answered: ‘To know and to feel as you do is right, but not enough. This book was not printed for the other fellow, but for the ones who feel as you do, persons of good-will It will help you to find out what to do, because if you would survive Armageddon you must not only love Jehovah’s witnesses, you yourself must become a witness and share in the work we are doing.’ His joyful reply was: 'Then I will accept it; and be assured I want to do my part.’ ”

On contacting him I found he was interested and had been reading The Watchtower for seven years, but had ‘just let the subscription expire’. He had never attended a meeting and knew very little about the organization except to get the literature from time to time. After I ran several series of recorded lectures at the fire station I conducted one model study there and placed a full set of Judge Rutherford’s books and a subscription for The Watchtower and for Consolation with him. Since there was too much interruption at the station the fire captain invited me to come to his home for the studies. There I found his wife and children also of good-will, but not reading any of the literature for themselves. All took part in the studies, and the interest grew rapidly. Of course, the Devil got busy immediately. Soon after we had started the studies, the five-year-old baby drowned. This, however, did not weaken their faith, but, rather, strengthened them. The ‘Job’s comforters were given a real witness by the newly interested mother The fire chief, not knowing Jehovah’s witnesses conducted funeral services, had engaged a minister to do so, but told him he must preach from the Bible, and ‘no lies about the baby going to heaven’, etc. Now the father and mother and three of the children are in the service and attending the meetings

“Saturday night in the magazine street distribution I walked into a barbershop where I usually place a Consolation and found the men arguing on the soul question I produced Consolation No. 578, showed them Judge Rutherford’s article on ‘Holy Souls–Dead or Alive?’ and placed twelve copies. Only one present failed to get it.”

“A beauty parlor manager who had known nothing of the Truth except the booklet Millions Now Living Will Never Die, which she read as a child, was so well impressed with it that she recognized the work by hearing the phonograph record. Arranged for a model study in the beauty parlor for Sunday morning. After hearing “Children of The King” she realizes churches are no place for her children, and now takes them to Watchtower studies ”

‘‘CHILDREN OF THE KING” TESTIMONY PERIOD

The spring month of April is a favorable time for the "Children of The King” Testimony Period. and which is therefore a world-wide period of united action by those advertising the King and the Kingdom. In all the earth not only those of the anointed remnant, but also all those hoping to become the earthly "children of the King”, will take part, and if any such want references to companies organized for this testimony let them without delay write the office in their respective countries. Much advance preparation for this campaign is required. April being the close of the three-month Watchtower Campaign, the servants and children of the King will continue offering the special combination, namely, a year’s Watchtower subscription, together with the ... of the book Children and the new booklet Hope, and all this for the regular subscription rate of $1.00 in America, and correspondingly in the other lands. Let this be your best month of the campaign. and at the end thereof you will with joy turn m your report of activities and the fruits thereof.

“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES

Week of April 5: “Micah” (Part 4), 1-20 inclusive, The Watchtower March 1, 1942.

Week of April 12: “Micah” (Part 4), 21-42 inclusive, The Watchtower March 1, 1942.

“HOPE”

With pleasure the Society announces publication of a new booklet, Hope – for the Dead – for the Survivors – in a Righteous World. The theme itself impresses one that the booklet meets a very present need, when millions of hearts need to be infused with new hope both for the living and for the newly dead; and the contents, in an up-to-date setting, will delight you It is a 64-page booklet, self-covered, but having a very engaging cover design Date of its release for general circulation in the field is announced elsewhere, but you will first desire to read and enjoy it yourself and thereby know how best to present and use it in ‘comforting all that mourn’. You may obtain your personal copy now, contributing 5c therefor.

1942 YEARBOOK OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES

This new Yearbook presents the president’s report on the work throughout the world this past year, showing the greatest year’s work yet despite persecution and war. It further includes the yeartext and comment, and also a text for each day of the year and a pointed comment thereon. The edition of the Yearbook is always limited, hence a contribution of 50c a copy is asked. It will be mailed to you postpaid on receipt of your order with remittance to cover.

No. LXIII   March 1, 1942   No 5

MICAH

PART 4

“He shall feed his flock like a shepherd, he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.’’ – Isa. 40:11.

JEHOVAH is the Great Shepherd. “Jehovah is my shepherd; I shall not want,” gratefully sung one J of His “sheep”. (Ps. 23:1, Am. Rev. Ver.) These words, though glibly repeated by religionists as beautiful poetry, do not apply to all human creatures. Few, comparatively, seek the leadership, protection and provision of the great Keeper of His own flock. The psalmist David was a shepherd before becoming king of Israel, and he was one of the typical covenant people of Jehovah God. Both as a shepherd and as the first king of the typical Theocracy in Israel, David was a type of the Good Shepherd, who gave his life for his sheep, and who is made the “King of kings, and Lord of lords”. David anointed his obedient sheep with oil; and the Great Shepherd anointed the One who is “the Lamb of God” with the oil of gladness above his fellows, and he is Jehovah’s Anointed King, that is to say, Christ the King of The Theocratic Government. When David was anointed to be king the spirit of Jehovah came upon him; and the spirit of the Lord God is likewise upon Christ Jesus to be his Chief Witness, whose name is called “Faithful and True”.

2 David fought the Philistines, the demonized enemies of God’s covenant people, and including the giant Goliath, who pictures the terrible totalitarian monstrosity of the present time, and David also won the strange battles against them at Mount Perazim and at Gibeon. Now the Greater David, Jehovah's Beloved One, gains for his followers the victory over the religious-totalitarian rule of the world, and at “the battle of that great day of God Almighty” he shall destroy all the demon-worshiping modern Philistines, the religionists and their political and commercial allies. Now he carries on Jehovah’s “strange work” of notifying such in advance of that “strange act".

3 The effort of the thieves and the wild beasts is to scatter the sheep, to make them their prey. The loving purpose of the Great Shepherd is to gather his sheep and to keep them together under his watchcare and protection. At times sheep stray away; and religion, which is demonism, has deceived many of the Lord’s “sheep” and caused them to stray from the path of truth and of the worship of God in spirit and in truth. The worldly organizations of rulership have taken advantage of this and, like wild beasts, have preyed upon the strayed sheep and scattered them. The political element have been induced to do this under the influence of the demons, who use religion and religionists to stir them up to such action against Jehovah’s sheep. Concerning such religionists it is written: “Neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them. And they were scattered because there is no shepherd: and they became meat to all the beasts of the field when they were scattered. My sheep wandered through all the mountains, and upon every high hill: yea, my flock was scattered upon all the face of the earth, and none did search or seek after them.” – Ezek. 34:1-6.

4 The great scattering of Jehovah’s covenant people in fulfillment of this prophecy took place at the height of the World War in 1918, and at the instance of the religionists of “Christendom”, particularly the Roman Catholic Hierarchy. Such took advantage of the war state to carry out their conspiracy with politicians and judicial officers, to wit, to break up the organization of Jehovah’s servants proclaiming God’s kingdom by Christ Jesus. (Matt. 24:7-9) Thereby a great test came upon these consecrated ones; but a faithful remnant endured the severe trial of their faith and devotion and held fast to Jehovah God and his kingdom, and shortly thereafter and in his due time Jehovah by the Good Shepherd regathered the scattered remnant unto himself at the temple for his further service.

5 “I will surely assemble, O Jacob, all of thee; I will surely gather the remnant of Israel; I will put them together as the sheep of Bozrah, as the flock in the midst of their fold: they shall make great noise by reason of the multitude of men.” (Mic. 2:12) “Israel” was the name Jehovah gave to Jacob because he maintained his integrity toward God and kept his faith in Jehovah’s coming Theocratic Government and refused to compromise with the governments of this world. Both names applied to the natural Israelites, and now apply in an antitypical sense to Jehovah’s covenant people, who are the spiritual Israelites, and of whom Christ Jesus is the Head. “But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter.” (Rom. 2: 29) The faithful stand in marked contrast with those who claim to be spiritual Israelites and therefore heirs of the birthright, but who are hypocritical religionists, and whom the prophet addressed earlier, saying: “O thou that art named the house of Jacob, is the spirit of the Lord straitened?” (Mic. 2:7) Such have the spirit of Esau, who proved unworthy of the birthright and was willing to sell it for a mess of pottage and then sought to kill his brother Jacob and caused him to flee from home and become a wanderer. - Gen. 25: 29-34; 27 : 41-46; 28:1-10.

6 The assembly which Jehovah God makes is greater than appears to the human eye. The apostle foretold of those who come “to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant.” (Heb. 12: 23, 24) The assembling is unto Zion, which is Jehovah’s capital organization, his Theocratic Government by his beloved King, Christ Jesus. “I will surely assemble ... all of thee,” says the Lord; and this includes those faithful Christians who maintained their integrity toward God even unto the death and who died prior to the coming of the King to the temple for judgment. These were sleeping in the graves at the time of his coming, and their being assembled would mean being awakened out of death and being “changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye”, and being “raised a spiritual body”. – 1 Cor. 15: 51, 52,44.

7 Concerning this assembly the apostle further says: “Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him.” (2 Thess. 2:1) The assembling of these sleeping saints, including the apostles and those who have believed through their word, ‘prevents’ or precedes the gathering of the devoted servants of Jehovah yet alive on earth. “Even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive, and remain unto the coming of the Lord, shall not prevent them which are asleep. . . . and the dead in Christ shall rise first.” (1 Thess. 4:14-16) Their resurrection, being in the spirit, of necessity must be invisible to human eyes, and their gathering is unto the great King and Judge at the temple, which is the condition of unity with him and is in the place that is unseen to the eye of the natural man.

8 Concerning the faithful remnant of spiritual Israelites alive in the flesh at the time of the Lord’s coming to his temple the prophecy states: “I will surely gather the remnant of Israel”; that is, these which had been scattered by the action of the religionists and allies, and who showed iniquity of lip by keeping silent because of fear of men, but who repented of their course of submission to worldly powers opposed to God and thereafter sought the face of the Lord and a renewing of their activities in his service. The Lord showed such his mercy, and early in 1919 he began to gather these unto him at the temple and to revive them in his service. “The Lord doth build up Jerusalem; he gathered together the outcasts of Israel.” (Ps. 147:2) “And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time [the first time being the gathering of the Israelites back to Jerusalem in B.C. 536] to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea. And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.” (Isa. 11:11,12) The remnant are gathered as a “people for his name”, and therefore Jehovah cleanses away their uncleanness of lip and puts his word in their mouth. He sends them forth to declare his name throughout all the earth before he shows his almighty power against the Devil and the demons and their earthly agents who wickedly scattered the servants of Jehovah.

9 These servants are gathered out from the organizations of the Devil which have held them in restraint; and Bozrah, the chief city of Idumea or Edom, pictured the demon-worshiping religious system of the Devil’s organization. The word “Bozrah” means “inclosure”; that is, a “sheepfold”. Hence the correct translation of the text of Micah’s prophecy (2:12) must be as given by Leeser: “I will surely gather up the remnant of Israel; I will place them together as flocks in the fold”; to wit, in the Lord’s fold, and not in the enemy organization pictured by Bozrah. “For the Lord hath a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Idumea.” (Isa. 34: 6) Those represented by Bozrah have taken part in scattering Jehovah’s sheep, and they continue in this malicious effort to this day, and for this they shall be slaughtered at Armageddon. Nothing can hinder the predetermined work of God, and now he gathers into the unity and safety of his organization the faithful remnant of his "little flock”: “as droves in the midst of their pen.” (Leeser) This gathering of the anointed remnant from and after 1919 continues on down more particularly to 1931, when the Lord revealed to them their “new name”, to wit, “Jehovah's witnesses." Then the Lord began to bring more fully into view the earthly class of good-will, who are pictured as the “other sheep” of the Lord and who shall live on earth for ever under the Kingdom. The “remnant” sheep are few in number, comparatively, but the Lord’s “other sheep” are those who shall form the “great multitude" without number, and these become the companions of the remnant in the witness work, and thus the company of all God’s sheep is increased.

10 The gathering particularly of the Lord's “other sheep” is yet going on, and will soon reach a climax before Armageddon breaks. Concerning the gathering of the spiritual Israelites and their devoted earthly companions, and the carefulness and thoroughness and urgency with which it should be done, Jehovah caused his prophet to write: “I will bring them again into their land that I gave unto their fathers. Behold, I will send for many fishers, saith the Lord, and they shall fish them; and after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks.” (Jer. 16:15,16) This results in a great demonstration to the glory of the Lord and which is noised abroad throughout the land, to the great chagrin and dismay of the enemy. Says the Lord of his gathered “sheep”: “They shall make great noise by reason of the multitude of men.” Rotherham renders this: “Like a flock in the midst of its pasture shall they hum with men.” This does not mean internal strife and discord among those gathered into the Lord’s fold, but denotes great activity in showing forth the praises of Jehovah and in advertising his Theocratic Government by Christ Jesus. “Thus saith the Lord God, I will yet for this be inquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them; I will increase them with men like a flock. As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn feasts, so shall the waste cities [made so by the enemy in 1918] be filled with flocks of men; and they shall know that I am the Lord.”–Ezek. 36: 37, 38.

11 The Lord God has given marvelous demonstrations of this in very recent years, to wit, in 1938, when approximately 150,000 gathered together in assemblies at the same time in 47 cities in Britain, America, Canada, Australia, and other lands, and by wire and wireless communication heard the same convention speeches from the key assembly at London, England; also in 1940, while war raged in Europe and great persecution was upon Jehovah’s witnesses in America, and when 18 assemblies from coast to coast were held in the United States, all tied together by wire and public-address systems, and when 45,000 assembled in the key city, Detroit, alone; and also in 1941, when Jehovah God brought the members of the remnant and of his "other sheep” together at one place in Theocratic Assembly, to wit, in St. Louis, Mo. There the assembly grounds and the surrounding fields of witness work fairly hummed with the joyful noise of a vast multitude of more than 115,000, feeding at the Lord’s provided table and sounding forth his name and his Theocratic Government, which shall rule in righteousness over the children of the King. Furthermore, the following month, and due to the war between the Nazi- Fascist "king of the north” and the opposing “king of the south”, a like assembly was held at Leicester, England, where 12,000 assembled to hear the same speeches by recording and to make like proclamation of The Theocracy to the peoples. The effect of these assemblies, particularly those in 1941, is to spur the Lord’s servants on to greater effort and diligence in connection with the Lord’s work of hunting and ingathering of the remainder of his “other sheep” before the universal war of Armageddon begins. They “put on more steam”.

12 The war against religion is on. It is not a Avar with carnal weapons, as with tanks and machine guns, but with the weapons of truth, including ' the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God”, and which weapons are “mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds”. (Eph. 6:17 ; 2 Cor. 16: 4) The publication of the truth will not in itself overthrow the great religious organization, but it exposes the same. It also breaks the power of religion or demonism which has been established like strongholds of error in the minds and hearts of the people, and from the restraint of which the people of goodwill must be broken loose. The strongholds of religion must be pulled down in their minds, and they must render it a dead thing to them, and their minds must be renewed by the knowledge and the understanding of the truths of Jehovah and his Theocracy. Only the Lord God can destroy the mighty, entrenched religious organization throughout the earth; and He will do so at the beginning of Armageddon. Now he breaks the strong power of religion over the lives and actions of his remnant and their companions.

13 Religion is a great system of confusion, and therefore Jehovah calls the religious organization "Babylon”. At Babel, or Babylon, religion was first organized by the totalitarian ruler, Nimrod. For seventy years ancient Babylon held Jehovah's typical covenant people, that is, the faithful remnant thereof, in captivity as exiles from God’s organization. In due time he sent kings from the east, and they broke into the city, and thereafter the Lord released his devoted remnant and sent them forth from Babylon. Modern Babylon, particularly "Christendom” with its "organized religion”, held Jehovah’s consecrated servants in like bondage during the World War and for some time thereafter. These were unable to free themselves. Then the Lord did so by sending his Messenger of the Covenant, to wit, Christ Jesus, ‘‘the prince of the kings of the earth,” to the temple, and he broke the restraints of the strong hold of religion for them and led them forth. Of and concerning this the prophet says: “The breaker is come up before them; they have broken up, and have passed through the gate, and are gone out by it; and their king shall pass before them, and the Lord on [at] the head of them.”–Mic. 2: 13.

14 “The breaker” is Christ Jesus, who has come to the temple and manifests his presence unto his "faithful and wise servant” class, enlightening the eyes of their understanding by the unfolding of God’s Word, and who thus ‘comes up before them’. They recognize him as their Leader, and discern that Jehovah God and Christ, and not human creatures, are their Teachers. “And though the Lord give you the bread of adversity, and the water of affliction, yet shall not thy teachers be removed into a corner any more, but thine eyes shall see thy teachers.” (Isa. 30:20) Other translations call Christ Jesus “the wall-breaker” (Leeser)-, “one making a breach” (Rotherham). The religious leaders imprison the members of their congregation behind great walls of religious traditions of men and “doctrines of demons"; they back up the political powers and give them a great build-up as the “higher powers” “ordained of God”, and they use these political powers as a wall of protection for themselves and to put and keep Jehovah's faithful and active servants under restraint. They did so in 1918, and succeeded then for a time. But the “wall-breaker” appeared and took the lead, and in 1919 opened the way for their free and fearless action as the witnesses of Jehovah unto all nations.

15 Following after the King of Jehovah’s Theocratic Government, the faithful remnant broke the entanglements of the besetting sin of religion, and the bonds of the fear of men, political and religious, and marched forth through the gate of Babylon and into the “liberty of the sons of God”, the Lord’s “free men”. They followed no man, but recognized that the Kingdom had come and that Christ Jesus is the King and rightful Ruler of the world, and that Jehovah was and is the Head over all, the great Theocrat. They march away from the Devil organization of Babylon and march on to Zion, Jehovah’s capital organization, The Theocracy, which shall govern the new world in righteousness. Hence the Lord’s command to his people now is: “Go through, go through the gates; prepare ye the way of the people; cast up, cast up the highway; gather out the stones; lift up a standard for the people.” (Isa. 62: 10) "Depart ye, depart ye, go ye out from thence, touch no unclean thing; go ye out of the midst of her; be ye clean, that bear the vessels of the Lord. For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the Lord will go before you; and the God of Israel will be your rereward [rearguard].” (Isa. 52: 11,12) They march forth as victors over religion, not apologetically nor in fear of self-exalted men, but boldly announcing the name of Jehovah the Supreme One and also his King of the Holy City, which is the only hope of the people of good-will that seek life. The Lord’s "other sheep” follow with and after the remnant, and the assembling of the rest of such “other sheep” continues and the gathering work increases in earnestness as the “final end” draws near.

HEAR

16 Religious and political leaders in the liberal nations granting free speech, free press and free worship of God enjoy these freedoms for themselves, but they declare that the servants of Jehovah have no right or commission to call public attention to and criticize the derelictions and failures of classes or organizations of men. God’s message proclaimed neither names any individuals nor attacks and ridicules such, and yet they see themselves according to the description of God’s Word as declared by God's witnesses, and their tender religious susceptibilities are greatly shocked. Particularly do religious leaders howl that they are being subjected to that which exposes them to ridicule, shame and obloquy, and they stir up acts of violence against the witnesses. This failing to silence the faithful proclaimers of God's Word, the religious element cry out to the political element for a revamping of the Bill of human rights and for the enactment of new laws to get Jehovah's servants. Note the cunning of the Serpent as below:

In the November, 1941, issue of the Law Review of a prominent eastern religious college, a Catholic priest, who is a member of the Congregation of Missions, writes specifically concerning Jehovah’s witnesses, to wit: “Since they regard their propaganda activities as forms of worship, however, they are not likely to let the susceptibilities of others interfere with what they regard as their God-given duty. Hence it may be necessary to revise some of our statutes in the interests of the general welfare. . . . it seems as though an amendment to our statute will be necessary in order for libel of a group to be punishable criminally. If such an extension is proposed it should be limited to well ascertainable racial or religious groups, however, ...” Finally, with a practical admission that Catholic-inspired mob violence has failed to halt the witnesses in America, and then artfully blaming those who fought for religious liberty in Europe as responsible for the blood spilled in the fight, this priest with oily words concludes: “Action of some sort is urgent for the protection of domestic peace and unity. The Witnesses cannot be left to the mercy of mob violence; nor is a legislative persecution proposed. But in the light of European experience as to the frightful but logical results of an unrestrained outpouring of intolerant and bigoted hatred–racial or religious–it is time for Americans to re-examine this question in its entirety and provide a remedy which will be effective as well as just and constitutional.”

17 No laws by men that would forbid the preaching of God's kingdom in the manner that Christ Jesus and his apostles preached it could be just; for only the Lord’s way is just, and what is opposed thereto could only be ‘framing mischief by a law’. (Ps. 94: 20) The Lord has no fellowship with such iniquitous lawframers who are now in the throne on earth. Such proposed laws could not even be constitutional, because they take away the right of an unpopular minority to freely worship God by following in the steps of Jehovah’s Chief Witness as he left us the example. (1 Pet. 2: 21) When he called the religious clergy “wolves”, “hypocrites,” “liars,” “whited sepulchers” hiding the bones of Jehovah’s martyred witnesses, “vipers,” and other true terms, God's Chief Witness was not guilty of “an unrestrained outpouring of intolerant and bigoted hatred” nor of “libel of a group”; and yet He was crucified at the instance of clergymen heading a mob and as an act that was “urgent for the protection of domestic peace and unity".

18 The laws the Catholic priest hints at could be nothing else nor less than “legislative persecution” and would put the lawmakers in the position of fighting against God. Such Catholic advice is totally contrary to the Jewish advice given by a doctor of the law at Jerusalem: “And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: but if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.” (Acts 5: 38, 39) The day will soon come when the political lawmakers will realize that their present allies, the religious clergy, maneuvered them into fighting against God, “whose name alone is Jehovah,” thus marking themselves for slaughter at God's hands at Armageddon. (Rev. 17:16,17) Now, therefore, in good time Jehovah by his prophet warns all such, saying: “And I said, Hear, I pray you, 0 heads of Jacob, and ye princes of the house of Israel: Is it not for you to know judgment?”. – Mic. 3:1

19 Jehovah calls to both those of “Jacob” and those of “Israel" to hear God’s message. Thereby the Lord, in the modern fulfillment, speaks to the ruling factors of both “the king of the south” and “the king of the north” now engaged in a struggle for world domination. The religious and political and commercial elements of “Christendom" do not inquire of Jehovah God and of his enthroned King Christ Jesus, nor do they ask to be told of God's purposes toward the world and of his judgment of them; but Jehovah gives them full warning and commands his witnesses to give the warning, and he orders his enemies to “hear”. So doing, Jehovah does not take advantage of his enemies facing destruction. Were such sincere in their profession to be “Christians” and hence in a covenant with God to do his will, and if they weie sincere in claiming to be “the higher powers" and “ordained of God”, they would respectfully hear God's warning by his witnesses. As to the warning vigorously delivered by Jehovah’s witnesses, particularly down to 1940, the Lord has not asked whether they wanted to hear, but he sent forth the warning in mercy and fairness. Likewise in due time he will not ask whether the totalitarian ruling factors of “Christendom” want to hear, but, shortly now, "tidings out of the east [from Christ the King] and out of the north [from Jehovah God] shall trouble him [the rulers gone totalitarian] : therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.” (Dan. 11:44) This furious action proves that such totalitarian-religious fighters against Jehovah’s Theocratic Government did not want to hear, but were displeased at what they heard and therefore will try to make away with Jehovah’s witnesses and their faithful companions.

20 “Is it not for you to know judgment?” Because attempting to occupy the place of rulers over the peoples of “Christendom” and as guardians of their interests, the religious, political and commercial elements should know and are responsible to know what is justice or right judgment, particularly as they claim to be the “higher powers” and representing God on earth. “The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God : and he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.” (2 Sam. 23:3,4) Such is the prophet’s description of what the ruler, or King of Jehovah's Theocracy, is and shall be.

21 “Christendom's” ruling factors, with the clergy as their spiritual advisers, forget Jehovah God and his Theocratic Government. Now they follow the lead of the demons and seek to set up in place of that Theocracy their “new world order” with religion, or demonism, under full protection of the political rulers and financially supported by the commercial element. Such presumptuousness is abominable in God’s sight, and thus they stand up their “abomination of desolation" where it ought not to stand, to wit, “in the holy place,” as a fraudulent makeshift for Jehovah’s holy Government under Christ Jesus. (Matt. 24: 15; Mark 13:14) They promise the people a “peace with justice”, but in their manner of setting up the totalitarian “abomination of desolation" they have shown no justice.

22 Furthermore, by Jehovah's witnesses they have been notified that this is the day of judgment of the nations, particularly since the Lord’s coming to the temple in 1918, and that they are being judged by their acts toward The Theocracy and those who advertise it to the nations. They have the Holy Scriptures of the Bible which set forth the righteousness of God. They have their many and spacious cathedrals and religious buildings for the assembly to worship, and have a hired clergy paid to study God’s commandments and purposes. They have set aside the first day of the week for all to have opportunity of a full day to worship. As for the modern-day “heads of Jacob” and “princes [rulers; judges] of the house of Israel”, even these the religious leaders have made to be "the principal of the flock". Have they, then, any valid excuse before God not to know judgment and what is justice?

23 What, however, is their record since A.D. 1918, from and after which date all nations have been gathered before Jehovah's great Judge upon his throne at the temple ? Let the people now examine and judge as to the fulfillment of the prophecy. Even since casting Satan out of heaven Jehovah has permitted him to remain; and Satan's demon-controlled visible representatives on earth God has left to prove by their acts and deeds in office whether religion has taught them judgment and justice. Has it? Or the contrary, the prophet speaks concerning them as those “who hate the good, and love the evil; who pluck off their skin from off them, and their flesh from off their bones: who also eat the flesh of my people, and flay their skin from off them; and they break their bones, and chop them in pieces as for the pot, and as flesh within the caldron”. (Mic. 3:2,3) This compares with the action of a wild beast; and the Scriptures liken the demon-ruled totalitarian organization of “Christendom” to a “scarlet coloured beast” with religion, “the great whore,” riding on the back thereof as the spiritual superpower. (Rev. 17:1-5) The woman who rides the “beast” is responsible for its destructive, bloody course against the people, and particularly against the servants of Jehovah God. Concerning “organized religion” the record says, in symbol: “And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs [(Young’s) the blood of the witnesses] of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered.” (Rev. 17 : 6) “And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.” (Rev. 18: 24) Therefore let all who would please God and live shun religion.

24 Particularly the religious leaders pretend to have great love for the people and to be concerned about their welfare here on earth now and their eternal life hereafter; but religion is responsible for the war since 1939 between “the king of the north" and “the king of the south”, and which is the most destructive and bloody war of human history and for which the people are suffering heavy burdens of taxation and great privations, and the totalitarian powers treat human flesh as cheap and many human bones are literally broken and bodies flayed and blown to pieces. The head of the greatest religious organization in “Christendom” oft advertises to the public his grief and “sorrowing heart” as for their sufferings, and yet he has political alliances by concordats with the political elements of “the king of the north”. Unto this religious potentate the so-called “children of the church” throughout the world vow their allegiance above their allegiance unto the political State, and he claims spiritual power and authority over more than 350 million of the religious population of “Christendom”, and particularly in the nations that make up the Nazi-Fascist “king of the north", and his word to those millions is as the law of God. A few days before “the king of the north" blasted his way by blitzkrieg over Poland several hundred delegates of national, religious, veterans’ and trade-union groups met in Chicago. Illinois, and cabled a plea to the religious head at Vatican City to excommunicate that born, baptized and reared Catholic dictator of Germany, to “help the cause of freedom, Christianity, humanity, and civilization at this time”. The ‘sorrowing-hearted’ ruler of Vatican City flatly refused their petition and held fast his Concordat ties with the totalitarian dictator, and the crudest of all wars has continued since their petition over two years ago.

25 More recently, the last day of 1941, a prominent financier of Cleveland, Ohio, and who is also recognized as an “authority on world religions”, wrote a letter to the Vatican’s “apostolic delegate” to the religionists in America. In this letter that banker and industrialist urged upon the Roman Catholic Hierarchy the “calling upon its members everywhere to oppose the pagan German and Japanese forces that seek to enslave the world. Once the [Catholic] church has spoken, Italy can no longer range herself on the side of these ruthless aggressors nor Ireland continue to remain aloof from the struggle", (Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 3, 1942; New York Times) Again the Vatican refuses to turn its millions of religious children against its totalitarian partners whom it is using as “the sword of the church”, and the sufferings of the people increase. The ultrareligionists and allies consider that such is a cheap price for the gaining of their selfish aims, to wit, world domination contrary to the will and kingdom of Jehovah God by Christ Jesus. Now those members of the Hierarchy who swear allegiance to that foreign power at the Vatican and who reside in the lands of “the king of the south” profess to be great friends of democracy, and recently one outstanding member of the Hierarchy in America said at a large public religious gathering: “Permanent peace can be founded only on justice and charity. The only enduring peace that will restore the world to sanity and to a sense of the dignity of human personality is the peace of Pope Pius XII.” (Cincinnati Times-Star, October 13, 1941) Thus they hope to pave the way for the religious partner of “the king of the north” to sit in on the expected peace conference and to control it.

26 Also in the lands of “the king of the south” the religious, political and commercial men in authority show they “hate the good, and love the evil” in their hatred of The Theocracy and the love of the demonrule of the “present evil world”, and therefore they hate Jehovah’s witnesses who proclaim The Theocracy, and they make and improperly apply laws to suppress them. At the same time they love religion, which is demonism, and love those who are the friends of the world and hence the enemies of God, therefore “evil”. In their secular and religious newspapers and publications they flay the skin off and pick to pieces Jehovah’s witnesses, who are not of this world, and these are also bruised and torn and broken by demonized mobs and lawbreaking police and the “strong-arm squad”, stirred up by fanatical religionists. Should these of “Christendom” not have known and exercised justice and judgment?

27 Now concerning such “heads” and “rulers” and “princes” and “judges” and their agents and hangers- on the Lord God says: “Then shall they cry unto the Lord [Jehovah], but he will not hear them; he will even hide his face from them at that time, as they have behaved themselves ill in their doings.” (Mic. 3 : 4) These are words of comfort and encouragement to those who now suffer and whom the enemy now make to cry out unto Jehovah God and Christ Jesus for grace to help them to maintain their integrity under persecution and reproach. “And shall not God avenge his own elect, which cry day and night unto him, though he bear long with them’ I tell you that he will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:7,8) The religionists do not have such faith, and they take advantage of God’s forbearance and continue to heap suffering and reproach upon the remnant of God’s elect and their companions. “The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.” (Ps. 34:17) Then the turn of the persecutors and opposers comes and they have the chance to prove how much their cries and prayers avail with God. “Then." that is, when “the breaker" begins to dash the nations to pieces like a potter’s vessel at Armageddon and their cries to their demon gods prove unavailing, they raise their deathbed cries to Jehovah God. “And they shall know that I am Jehovah,” but their cries to him will not be of worship nor for the glory of his name and its vindication.

28 Jehovah will vindicate his name in the destruction of the wicked; hence he will not answer their selfish prayers for preservation. “For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy.” (Jas. 2:13) "Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.” (Prov. 21:13) Especially since 1918 they have been warned by Jehovah’s faithful appointed watchmen, but have scoffed at the warning and not taken advantage of the time available to flee to the “mountains” of The Theocracy ; and now the final end comes upon them. Jehovah changes not, and he sticks to his judgment written and executes the same upon them. "When your fear cometh as desolation, and your destruction cometh as a whirlwind ; when distress and anguish cometh upon you. Then shall they call upon me, but I will not answer; they shall seek me early, but they shall not find me: for that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the Lord : they would none of my counsel; they despised all my reproof: therefore shall they eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices.”–Prov. 1: 27-31.

29 The Lord must let justice have its righteous course at Armageddon. The demon-controlled religionists and their allies have behaved themselves as "goats” against the least of Christ's brethren who proclaim The Theocracy, and they are gathered to his left side of disfavor. He therefore hides his face of grace and pity from them: “The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth.” (Ps. 34:16) The Lord has given them ample warning, and now he directs his faithful servants to tend his “other sheep” and comfort all of good-will that mourn. The faithful know that the present persecution upon them is not a sign that Jehovah has hid his face from them, but is permitted as a test of their integrity toward Him and his Theocratic Government, and they therefore endure with joyfulness and hold fast their integrity. Continuing to do so, they are “blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ”.–1 Cor. 1:8.

30 Great objection has been made to the statement, “Religion is a snare and a racket.” and judges seated in solemn court have manifested great indignation against those who have published this plain fact. The political, judicial and police elements have greatly exercised themselves to protect the religious racketeers. Note now what the Lord God declares He will do, and observe whether he condemns religion as a snare and racket: “Thus saith the Lord concerning the prophets [religionists] that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace; and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him.”–Mic. 3:5.

31 Posing as true prophets or mouthpieces of God, the religious leaders make a great display of worldly knowledge and education and make great and bold claims for themselves, that they have a stand-in with God and possess special mysterious powers peculiar to themselves; and thus they make the deceived people look to them for the exercise of such supposed powers and they gain the confidence of the ignorant trusting people. Then they teach the people the wisdom of this world and the traditions of demonized men which make void God’s Word of life. Thereby they cause the people to err from the path of light and life and to go in the way that leads to opposition to Jehovah’s Theocratic Government and to destruction at Armageddon. These religious prophets or spokesmen of demonism make loud, boastful predictions in behalf of the works and institutions of men, such as the League of Nations, which the Federal Council of Churches in America called “the political expression of the Kingdom of God on earth”; also such as the “new order of things” by the totalitarian dictators, for which “new order" the pope prayed on November 24, 1940, and which prayer responsible Italian authorities said echoed the aims of the “Axis powers”; and also such as popular human rule, for which rule sudden friendship is now expressed by the official members in America of the totalitarian Hierarchy, the European members of which Hierarchy co-operate in the destruction of democratic and constitutional liberal governments. The advocates of all such do not take into account the "end of the world” at Armageddon, now near.

32 Further describing their racket, the Lord says: "[They] bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace.” Leeser renders this: “Who, when they have something to bite with their teeth, cry, Peace.” This proves they use religion for self-gain. To those who give them handouts, they “cry, Prosper!” (Rotherham) The apostle also speaks of the religionists, “whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things." (Phil. 3: 19) When collections and donations are coming in, they are very generous and liberal in bestowing their ecclesiastical blessings (which cost them nothing but words and motions with the hand). Concerning those who fail to support the religious organization they publicly say that the calamities and tribulations and woes upon the people are visitations from God for forsaking religion. Further quoting the above-mentioned Hierarchy member, the newspaper reports him as saying: “Because the world is so degraded by sin–the sins of individuals, of homes, of nations–we may regard the present war as a divine chastisement.” Which is to say, that the totalitarian “king of the north” is the instrument of God and Christ to chastise the peoples of the nations that have broken away and do not submit to the ruler at Vatican City as the spiritual superpower. Such statement is a religious blasphemy against God, and is induced by the demons to turn the people against God and into Satan’s trap of religion.

33 “And he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him.” This is the course of all racketeers. Those who refuse to come across with contributions for protection from the racket, they threaten and intimidate, and against them they carry on a war of damage and destruction. If anyone exposes their racket and thereby causes interference with their contributions and support from others who have been their victims, they war upon such one to destroy him or his influence. For this reason Jehovah’s witnesses are the object of their bitterest war and attacks. Jehovah’s witnesses do not put handouts into the mouths of the religious prophets and preachers, but are uncompromisingly opposed to religion as being demonism. They preach the truths of the Bible, and this exposes the falsity and duplicity of religious gangsters and causes the honest-hearted seekers after God to quit supporting the religious institutions and the idle, nonproducing clergy. The witnesses also go from house to house with the message in printed and recorded form, that the people may read and hear, so that it is not necessary for the truth-seekers to go to religious meeting- places and put money into the collection plate for the clergyman’s hire. The religious prophets or preachers see their revenue being turned away, that the victims of their racket are being put wise and snatched from their power. Hence they prepare gangster-like war against these benefactors of all who love truth and righteousness and liberty.

34 “They hallow against him a war!” (Rotherham) Such war they carry on by appealing to the politicians and lawmakers and to the police force and “strong-arm squad”; and by influencing the judges of the courts; and by pressure and boycott on the commercial element; and by propaganda and misrepresentation in both the secular and the religious newspapers and periodicals; and by concordats and secret deals with the totalitarian dictators. The clergy speak of this as a “holy war” in behalf of religion or demonism, and hallow such opposition to God’s “strange work”, and thus prove themselves to be “goats”, Jehovah foresaw this warfare, and he warns and strengthens his people against it and invites the enemy to come and to do their worst: “Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up: beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears: let the weak say, I am strong. Assemble yourselves, and come, all ye heathen, and gather yourselves together round about: thither cause thy mighty ones to come down, 0 Lord. Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision; for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision.” (Joel 3:9-14; see the book Religion, pages 316-340) The faithful remnant and their companions maintain their integrity under such warfare and assaults and refuse to yield any support to the “prophets” of religion.

NO VISION

35 To those who war against His people of integrity giving their undivided allegiance and support to him and his Theocratic Government Jehovah now says: “Therefore night shall be unto you. that ye shall not have a vision; and it shall be dark unto you, that ye shall not divine; and the sun shall go down over the prophets, and the day shall be dark over them. Then shall the seers be ashamed, and the diviners confounded: yea, they shall all cover their lips: for there is no answer of God.” (Mic. 3: 6, 7) The fulfillment of this prophecy marks the coming of the great mental and spiritual darkness upon “Christendom” and her religious leaders. Such religious leaders fear creatures and men, and not Jehovah God, and the Lord withholds from them the light of his revealed truth, because “the secret of the Lord is with them that fear him”, and “light is sown for the righteous”. (Pss. 25 : 14; 97:11) By the battle at Shiloh the religious organization of ancient Israel was destroyed, and now the condition has come upon “Christendom” as in the days of Israel right before the disaster of Shiloh, to wit: “And the word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision.” (1 Sam. 3:1) The prophets of religion are in the darkness of starless night; they are blind leaders of the blind. They are not of the “young men” upon whom the Lord God pours out his spirit of illumination and power and who “see visions” of Jehovah’s Theocratic Government and of his purpose to vindicate his name thereby and to bless the obedient of humankind.–Joel 2: 28.

36 Now we are in “the last days” of demon rule, and the religionists together with their political and commercial allies are groping in the darkness in which the demons have been reserved unto the day of judgment. God, whom they pretend to serve, does not fulfill to them his promise stated to his faithful witness Daniel: “Now I am come to make thee understand what shall befall thy people [Jehovah’s witnesses] in the latter days [where we now are] : for yet the vision is for many days.” (Dan. 10:14) The faithful servants and witnesses of Jehovah, however, are the ones that are now favored with the “vision” and they see in the events of these critical da\s the fulfillment of the prophecy of Daniel 11:27-45.

37 To another of his faithful witnesses of old Jehovah commanded: "Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.” (Hab. 2:2, 3) The religionists have rejected the Word of the Lord, and they have no vision of The Theocracy, the sole hope of mankind. Therefore they and their religious organizations shall be destroyed at Armageddon. “Where there is no vision, the people perish; but he that keepeth the law [of Jehovah God], happy is he.” (Prov. 29:18) There is a “vision”, but not to those religious opposers of The Theocracy. “And the vision of all is become unto you as the words of a book [the Bible] that is sealed [till the time of the end], which men deliver to one that is learned [in religion], saying. Read this, I pray thee: and he saith, I cannot; for it is sealed” (Isa. 29: 11) Were Jehovah God to give any such the “vision” they would surely commercialize it, as they have done their religion. “The prophets thereof divine for money.” (Mic. 3:11) To walk in the light and to escape destruction the persons of good-will must quickly turn away from those religionits and unto The Theocracy, upon which the glory of Jehovah shines, making plain his written Word.

38 Jehovah will bring to nought all the predictions and divinations of the “prophets” concerning world domination by a “new world order” or a "new League of Nations”, so that they shall cease to divine and predict and promise, because always with failure and self-exposure to themselves. Jehovah “frustiateth the tokens of the liars, and maketh diviners mad; that turneth wise men backward, and maketh their knowledge foolish’’. (Isa. 44: 25) Then those religionists who look wise and pretend to have a vision will be shamed by the Lord. No anti-hate laws against exposing religion to shame and public contempt will be able to protect them. Their hopes for a new day of religion in politics will turn to darkness. Their sun of prosperity will set for ever, and the religious diviners of blessings promised by other ways than by God’s kingdom shall be confounded. All along they have claimed that they are God’s channels of communication and that God answers mankind through the medium of the clergy, and their mouths have been open presumably to give the message from God. But after they begin to cry “Peace and safety!” as their one last prediction, then God will give them reason to “all cover their lips; for there is no answer of God”.–Mic. 3:7.

39 They shall cover their “upper lips” (Hebrew), to not further open their mouths and show their foolishness and lies. Doubtless, when Jehovah gives his emphatic warning to “Christendom's” religious-totalitarian rulers, as stated at Daniel 11:44, “tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him,” then the religious element shall find it prudent to disguise themselves and hide out. “And it shall come to pass in that day, that the prophets shall be ashamed every one of his vision, when he hath prophesied; neither shall they wear a rough garment to deceive: but he shall say, I am no prophet, I am an husbandman; for man taught me to keep cattle from my youth. And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands ? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.” (Zech. 13:4-6) But they shall not escape destruction. That is God's only answer to them.

SPIRIT

40 In contrast with that disastrous result which has already begun fulfilling upon the religious prophets and diviners, the faithful witness of Jehovah says: “But truly I am full of power by the spirit of the Lord, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin.” (Mic. 3 : 8) Those who presume to act as the spiritual instructors to the nations are filled with the spirit of the world. They make friendship with the world, and hence try to carry on the “good neighbor policy” with Satan's organization. They have utterly failed to declare to either the totalitarian or the democratic section of “Christendom’’ the transgression and sins these commit against Jehovah God and his King. The pontiff at Vatican City refuses to denounce and excommunicate the arbitrary dictator of Germany, or to condemn the rape of Ethiopia or the invasion of Albania and Greece; he pronounces the rebel who set up the dictatorship upon the blood-soaked ruins of the Spanish Republic a “Christian gentleman”. When that disgrace to American judicial history was selling justice for filthy lucre the Vatican knighted him as a “papal knight of the order of St. Gregory the Great”, and not one word of rebuke does that religious Hierarchy utter against him since his recent conviction and imprisonment in Federal jail. Religionists of all denominations close their eyes to history and slap one another on the back in public and carry on a national conference of so-called “Christians” and Jews. They object to anyone discussing contradictory religious doctrines in public or to calling attention to delinquencies and hypocrisies of professional men who are responsible before God and men.

41 This is the day of judgment of “Christendom” and of all the nations. Therefore Jehovah's judgments must be declared against such, and he raises up his “people for his name”, whom he has taken out from the nations. His spirit is his invisible power by which he moves his devoted people in his service. Upon these he pours out his spirit, and he commissions and empowers them to serve as his witnesses. As clearly marked by the facts in evidence, since A.D. 1922 he has poured out his spirit of power, and they have ‘the double portion of Elijah's spirit’, and are filled with the boldness and fearlessness of the prophet Elisha. (2 Ki. 2:9,15) They are blind to everything save only The Theocracy, and, like the blinded Samson, who pulled down the pillars of demonism, they are full of power by the Lord's spirit to use the spiritual weapons of Christian warfare and which weapons are mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds of religion or demonism. Jehovah also puts his spirit upon his “other sheep”, the companions of the remnant, just as He put his spirit upon faithful men of old before Christ, to accomplish his will and his work through them.

42 The religionists shrink from the Lord’s judgments written in his Word centuries ago and treat them as intolerant; but the “faithful and wise servant” of the Lord counts it an honor to declare such judgments and to be associated with Christ Jesus, who shall execute those judgments upon the enemy: “To execute upon them the judgment written: this honour have all his saints.” (Ps. 149:9) Such have boldness in this day of judgment. (1 John 4: 17, 18) They are filled with might, being strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. They have understanding of their relationship to Jehovah and his Theocracy, and therefore have strength. (Prov. 8:14) They glory in the might of no man, but in Jehovah. (Jer. 9:23) They keep covenant with God by fulfilling their commission, being “filled with the knowledge of his will, in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with jovfulness”. –Col. 1:9-11.

(To be continued)

Know therefore that Jehoiah thy God, he is God. the faithful God, who keepeth covenant and lovingkindness with them that love him and keep his commandments.–Deuteronomy 7: 9, A.R.V.

MEMORIAL

IN A.D 33 Jesus with his disciples kept the passover, as commanded by Jehovah God. That was the last passover. Jesus knew he was soon to be put to death and before that event he must instruct his disciples, and through them instruct others of like precious faith who should follow after, of and concerning his Father's purpose, and therefore he did the things recorded. “And as they were eating [the Passover], Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it: for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins ” (Matt. 26: 26-28) The institution of this memorial by the Lord Jesus took place immediately following the eating of the last passover, and it is the memorial of Jesus’ death that his followers are commanded to annually observe.

The law covenant, which included the yearly passover, was made in Egypt with Moses as the chief one or mediator. The new covenant as foretold at Jeremiah 31:31-34 was made by Jehovah with Christ Jesus while Jesus was on earth (antitypical Egypt), and it was the blood of the Lord Jesus that made good or operative that new covenant. Therefore he said to his disciples, referring to the wine in the cup which represented his lifeblood: “This is my blood of the covenant, . . . Drink ye all of it.”–Matt. 26 : 27, 28, Am. Rev. Ver.

Previously Jesus had uttered these words (John 6:53) : “Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, ye have no life in you.” He was then speaking of his “sheep”, the ‘little flock” (Luke 12:32), who become members of Jehovah’s royal house of sons. Otherwise stated, it is the ones begotten of God’s spirit as his sons and taken into the new covenant that must eat the bread and drink the blood. But do not all persons that ever get life have to ‘eat of the bread’? No. only the spiritual sons eat the bread, and drink the blood. All who get life on earth must exercise faith in the lifeblood of Christ Jesus poured out for the remission of sins, but at the institution of the Memorial he was inviting his faithful disciples alone to be broken with him and to be dead with him and to thus share in his death and in his resurrection. Since then his words apply only to those who are consecrated to God and are spirit- begotten. Let it be carefully noted that “Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it”, and gave the broken bread to his disciples and commanded them to eat. The breaking is of very great importance and cannot be ignored or passed over. It is of vital significance to all who participate with Christ Jesus in his kingdom. It means that they must become members of the “body of Christ” (1 Cor. 12:12-18, 27) and must be broken with him and therefore die with him in order to share with him in his Kingdom glory.–1 Cor. 11:23, 24.

Jesus’ words, “This is my body,” meant, “This bread represents my body.” The bread was merely a symbol, and the breaking of it discloses what must be done to those of the "body of Christ”. The wine, or “fruit of the vine”, represented his lifeblood about to be poured out, and to the disciples he said: “Drink ye all of it.” His words clearly mean that all who will be associated with him in his house must first be broken and die and therefore share with him in his death. That his words meant that his body members are partners in his suffering and death is fully supported by the apostle, who under inspiration of the holy spirit wrote: “The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion [partnership] of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ ? For we, being many, are one bread, and one body; for we are all partakers of that one bread.”–1 Cor. 10:16, 17.

Those taken into this sacrificial arrangement with Christ Jesus must be made acceptable therefor by being justified or made righteous through faith in Jehovah God and in his provided Lamb Christ Jesus and then making a full and unreserved consecration of themselves to God to do his will (Rom. 5:1,9) Eating of the bread does not mean that those eating are justified to life by that which is symbolized by the eating. Nor do those words of Jesus mean that all must feed upon that “bread” and be sustained by the humanity of Jesus. One must first be justified before one can become a part of that “bread” which is afterwards broken Jesus took the loaf of unleavened bread and broke it and said to his followers: “This is my body.” Then his words were in substance these: ‘You must eat, that is to say, partake with me and thereby become my partners or fellow sufferers, and as this bread you see me break represents the body of Christ, or the members thereof, all of such must be broken together.' Such breaking of the bread or “body” and the dunking of the blood must take place after those partaking have first been justified and spirit-begotten and taken into Christ's body, and therefore only such properly partake of the Memorial emblems.

Justification does not result from such breaking of the body and drinking of the blood, because justification by faith and consecration must first precede or be had before the breaking of the bread and drinking of the wine can take place. Jesus did not offer the bread and wine to everyone, but only to those who had proved their faithfulness. (Luke 22:28-30) It follows, then, that only those properly partake of the emblems who are first justified and spirit- begotten, and who are in line for the kingdom of heaven. It is the will of God that Jesus shall have associated with him in his work as Vindicator of his Father’s name 144.000 members of his body, all together constituting one body or royal house of sons of God. (Rev. 14:1-4) Every one of such must undergo a test similar to that to which Jesus was subjected and must suffer and maintain integrity or blamelessness toward God and must die with Christ Jesus as a condition precedent to entering into the Lord’s glory.

Jesus then proceeded to instruct his disciples concerning the cup. The wine in the cup referred to his blood, and his words, “This is my blood of the new testament,” in substance, meant this: ‘This represents my blood, which blood makes good the new covenant, which covenant my Father has made with me. Also, it is the price of redemption for the human race, as many thereof as believe and obey ’ Jesus knew drinking the blood meant death, according to the law of Jehovah. (Gen. 9:4; Lev. 17:11) He was therefore inviting his disciples to perform an act that meant their death, and was thus inviting them to participate in his death, and hence he said: “He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.” (John 6:56) That is the only way to be taken into The Christ, and only those who are taken into and become members of The Christ are broken with Christ Jesus and pour out their life with him.

Everyone who makes an unconditional consecration to do God’s will properly symbolizes or gives outward testimony thereof by being baptized in water. That baptism, however, does not put him into the “body of Christ”; he must be baptized into the sacrificial death of Christ Jesus, and that must be done after he has consecrated himself to God and has. received justification. Writes the apostle: “Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death; that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection.” (Rom. 6: 3-5) Only those called to the heavenly calling will share in the sacrificial death of Christ Jesus. Only the “little flock” of the Lord’s sheep, the spirit-begotten ones, are in line to share in the death of Christ Jesus and in his glory that shall follow, and therefore only such properly partake of the Memorial symbols.

Those in Christ Jesus must and will discern the body of Christ; that is to say, they will clearly distinguish between the body of flesh and the body of The Christ. (1 Cor. 12:12-14) Only such partake properly or worthily of the Memorial emblems. To partake unworthily means to be unfit and to partake irreverently.–1 Cor. 11:27-31.

Says the apostle (1 Cor. 5: 7, 8) : “Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: therefore let us keep the feast.” The apostle means those that are in the class to which he belonged, therefore the spiritual class. (1 Cor. 1:1, 2) If one is of the Lord’s “other sheep”, or Jonadabs, who shall form the “great multitude” that survives the final battle of Armageddon and shall live on earth for ever, he is not “in Christ”. (John 10:16 ; 2 Ki. 10:15-23 ; Rev. 7:9-17) And if one is not in Christ he cannot share in the death and resurrection of Christ. Therefore it would be improper for him to partake of the Memorial emblems.

“TILL HE COME”

The apostle writes: “For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do shew the Lord’s death till he come.” (1 Cor. 11:26) Those who partake properly and with understanding and discernment thereby show that they recognize the purpose of the death of Christ Jesus and that it is their privilege to suffer and die with him in order to live and reign with him, sharing his glory. As foretold at Malachi 3:1-3, Christ Jesus has now come to the temple for judgment ; but there are yet on earth in the flesh those who properly continue to celebrate the Memorial feast and should do so until their ‘change’ comes at death, when they are “changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye”, giving up the human organism and receiving at the hands of the Lord a spiritual body. (1 Cor. 15: 50-54) It is enjoined upon them to celebrate the Memorial and thus bear testimony of their relationship to God and Christ Jesus, and they would be woefully negligent if they failed to do so. “Till he come,” therefore, is properly construed to mean until the last member of Christ’s body on earth finishes his course and is changed from human to spirit. Only such as are in a relationship to the Lord similar to that between the apostles and the Lord could be taken into the covenant for the Kingdom. (See Luke 22: 28-30.) Therefore it is only those who are in Christ and who share in his death that have a part in the Kingdom, The Theocracy. This excludes everyone but the spiritual and anointed ones, and these alone properly partake of the Memorial emblems.

Those who properly and therefore worthily partake of the emblems must be first justified, and then spirit-begotten, and gathered to the temple and anointed now with God's spirit. The Jonadabs are a class consecrated to do God’s will, but are not spirit-begotten. They are not justified. Their hope is not in heaven, but is that they may live on earth for ever. They have found refuge in Jehovah’s organization under Christ Jesus, where they must remain until the day of Jehovah’s wrath is passed; and while remaining in bounds, they must continue to seek righteousness and meekness. Being ‘strangers in the camp’ (Ex. 20:10), who have devoted themselves to God and Christ, they must participate in declaring the name and kingdom of God under Christ. But since they cannot share in the death of Christ Jesus, and hence cannot partake of his resurrection, it would be entirely out of order and improper for them to partake of the emblems. Being under the protection of God's organization, they are companions of the anointed and must serve with the anointed and joyfully do with their might what their hands find to do. The Scriptural evidence and the facts show that the Lord’s “other sheep”, or Jonadabs, are now being gathered to the Lord and, as such, they are continuously praising God and Christ his King, because they see that the day of salvation and deliverance has come. Therefore they hail Christ, the King of glory, and joyfully serve him continuously.

All the Scriptural argument, therefore, conclusively establishes these facts, that the Lord Jesus Christ instituted the memorial of his death and commanded that this should be celebrated only by those who are begotten of God's spirit and baptized into the spiritual body of Christ; that such spiritual sons would fail of their duty and miss their great privilege if they did not partake of the Memorial; that once each year it is their duty and privilege to thus celebrate the Memorial. It is entirely right and proper for the Jonadabs to be present at such meeting and observe what is done, that they may have a keener appreciation of the relationship of the anointed ones to Jehovah and a keener appreciation of the relationship of the Lord’s “other sheep” to God and to Christ. It should be and is a time of rejoicing for them also, because they appreciate the fact that the day of deliverance has come.

By having in mind the inspired words of the apostle, to wit, “Christ our passover is sacrificed . . . therefore let us keep the feast,” it is easy to be seen that the flock or class of which the apostle himself was and is a part, to wit, all like members of the spiritual company, alone can properly partake of the Memorial emblems. Jonadabs, or those who shall compose the “great multitude”, can never properly partake of those emblems. To do so would be doing injury to themselves, as warned at 1 Corinthians 11: 27-31.

It was in A.D. 1918 that the Lord Jesus appeared at the temple for judgment and there began the judgment of the consecrated, spirit-begotten ones. (Mal. 3:1-3) The ones approved at that judgment have been taken into the temple. Since that time, therefore, the true followers of Christ Jesus have partaken of the emblems, not in sorrow, but with joy, because the Lord, the Head of the house, is with them. (Matt. 26:29) “The fruit of the vine” is the wine, and upon his second coming the wine pictured the “joy of the Lord”. Now all of the temple company are rejoicing in the Lord, as symbolized by drinking with him the wine "new", and they are there in the temple showing forth the praises of Jehovah their Father. “And in his temple doth every one speak of his glory.”–Ps. 29: 9.

CELEBRATING THE MEMORIAL

IN CELEBRATING the Memorial as commanded by the Great Theocrat Jehovah through his King Christ Jesus all religion must be avoided, to wit, the traditional formalities and ceremonies of men under the influence of demonism, which is religion. To observe the Memorial and to follow the procedure of our Leader Christ Jesus is a part of Christianity, or doing the will of God. All those who have taken their stand for The Theocracy and who desire to fulfill the Theocratic rule will without fail assemble themselves to keep the Memorial at the time appointed.

According to the law of God and the example of Christ Jesus the time corresponding with the night of Nisan 14, which is Tuesday, March 31, 1942, after sundown, is the proper date to hold this feast to the vindication of Jehovah's name and in remembrance of the sacrifice of his Vindicator, Christ Jesus, “the Lamb of God.” Therefore, after 6 p.m. of March 31 all Christians seeking meekness and righteousness will gather together to honor and give praise to God and his King. This privilege and obligation includes not alone the anointed remnant who shall partake of the bread and the wine, but also all persons of good-will, the Lord’s “other sheep”, or Jonadabs. The assembling of these latter with the remnant on this occasion shows that they have been gathered into the one fold in company with the Lord’s “little flock”, that they are all at unity and fighting shoulder to shoulder for The Theocracy, and that they are not ashamed to confess Christ’s brethren before men but their hope of salvation is in Jehovah and his provided Lamb, Christ Jesus.

The full preparations for an orderly observance should be made by the appointed servants of the group assembling. Since those of the spirit-begotten remnant are primarily concerned, such of them as are capable should rightly be given the preference as to service. One should act as chairman of the assembly. Where those to partake of the emblems are all females, then a Jonadab brother might conduct, if present, otherwise a sister will have to serve as chairwoman. The celebration should be opened with an appropriate song and a prayer. Then the chairman or other competent person should deliver a brief discourse setting forth the points covered in the article appearing above; or if no capable speaker is available, then the said article should be read by one who reads well. Prior to this occasion the article should have been studied by all, both privately and in the company, by the remnant and the Jonadabs, that thereby each one may have understanding of his relationship to the Lord and may discern whether he should partake' of the emblems or not.

As emblems the Lord Jesus and his apostles used real red wine in symbol of his blood, and also unleavened bread, and the feet-members of the “body of Christ” should follow their lead Because the breaking the bread and dunking the wine both symbolize the identical thing, they should be served to and partaken of together by the anointed remnant. Therefore before the partaking there should be just one prayer offered over both emblems togethei, instead of an individual prayer upon each emblem separately Even where there appear to be none to partake of the emblems and all are Jonadabs, such should assemble, the discouise should be spoken or read, and the emblems should be provided for any emergency and should be offered at the proper time tor any possible one desiring to fulfill his covenant obligation to partake thereof.

This Scriptural record show’s that after partaking of the emblems the Lord Jesus and the apostles talked about a number of things pertaining to the Lord’s service and maintaining their integrity by continuous and steadfast activity therein. Likewise it would next be in order and pleasing to the Lord for the chairman to use a few minutes to call attention to and discuss the field service, especially inviting all present to take part in the current Watchtower campaign and also the “Children of The King” Testimony Period beginning the very next morning, Wednesday, April 1. Accordingly provision should be made that after the dismissal any of the attendants may obtain needed literature or territory and arrangements be made to take newly interested ones present into the witness work.

The record by Matthew and Mark state that after Jesus and the apostles had sung a hymn or psalm they went out of the assembly place. (Matt. 26:30; Mark 14: 26) But the record by John shows that immediately before going out the Lord Jesus uttered a final prayer, as contained in John chapter 17 and after which verse one of chapter eighteen says "When Jesus had spoken these words, he went forth with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where was a garden, into the which he entered, and his disciples”. It therefore does not appear improper that a suitable song be sung in closing and thereafter a brief prayer be offered and the assembly be thus dismissed to go forth to the Lord's further service in the field. A report of each gathering is desired by the Society, showing both the total number attending and those thereof partaking of the emblems.

ALL READERS OF “THE WATCHTOWER"

are cordially invited to attend the celebration of the Memorial by Jehovah’s witnesses in their respective locality on March 31. 1942. Also all the Kingdom publishers will see to it that all interested ones in their territory are notified and urged to be present. All those complying with the Lord’s joyful Memorial arrangement will receive his approval, blessing and strength.

FIELD EXPERIENCES

REACTIONS IN THE CONVENTION CITY

“I have been working in a strong Catholic district and it was interesting to see how the message of truth given at the convention reacted on those that love to be in the dark. These are some of the expressions made when witnessing at the door: 'Are you one of the Jehovahs that were here at The Arena? Scram! Keep moving! We are Roman Catholics.’ ‘You Jehovah witnesses ought to be in concentration camps.’ ‘Why don’t you people let us alone? This is a free country.’ ‘You people have a lot of nerve coming to a Catholic city like St. Louis.’ Many were really tormented, but there are many sincere Catholics here and very much interested in the message and they are reading our literature. One Catholic lady said two nuns were at her home and they said Jehovah’s witnesses were hurting the Catholic religion (spoiling their pastures). The ‘locusts’ must have eaten the varnish off, showing them up in their true nature. Many Jehovah’s witnesses stopped at Catholic homes during the convention and they gave a good witness just by getting acquainted better with our work. These are some of the expressions made: ‘Jehovah's witnesses are fine people, grand people, honest people, the finest people I ever met.’ ‘We thought you were different from what you are.’ Many are beginning to get their eyes open. Some invited me in and treated me fine and have back-calls on them. A young lady (she was the maid) came to the door and, after the witness, asked if I was one of Jehovah’s witnesses. Said she: ‘Yes, I am a Catholic, and the people living here are Catholic.' Mr. and Mrs. W----- came to her with some books and told her to read them, that they were the most wonderful books they had ever read. She read them, and thought the same. We talked a long time. She said ‘Mr. and Mrs. --------- are on a two weeks’ vacation, and I am leaving on a two weeks’ vacation; so if you come back in two weeks, I am sure we three would like to hear more about this’. These three people were Irish. They attended the convention and were thrilled. One old Irish Catholic lady asked if all these bad things about the Catholic church were so. When we parted she said, ‘God bless you.’ ”

THE WEEKLY STUDY AND WITNESSING GO ON

“On Friday evening, about 6:30 p.m., we had a sharp raid on our territory at N-------, and this without any sounding of an alert. As soon as possible I got on the scene, for I learned the bombs had fallen on the mam street, where three of our publishers and their families live. I am pleased to say they themselves were unhurt , but their homes were badly blasted, for they live all next door to one another, and two bombs had hit their terrace a little more than a hundred yards higher up. There being no alert, people were on the streets just finishing their shopping, and a sister T------, who had attended the meetings for years, was killed outright on the street where the bombs fell. Another lady walking with her lost both legs and an arm, and it is doubtful she will survive. All together, five people were killed; and there were many casualties. It is a remarkable fact that almost all houses in the main street have had to be vacated, with the exception of those of our brethren, and of those living in close proximity to them. This allows for us to continue our weekly studies there, and the witnessing of the Kingdom to all that mourn.’’ – Pioneer in Britain.

THE BRAZIL BRANCH WRITES:

“The work is progressing, the number of pioneers increasing, and some, at least, realize that Armageddon is at hand and are arousing themselves to greater activity in helping the multitude' to gather into groups. One small town in the interior had one lone witness who was continually begging for helpers. A representative from the office went up there, gathered the interested together, baptized several, and now this little town is reporting twenty-four publishers each month.”

OFF TO A GOOD START (NEW YORK)

“We’ve been working in our new territory as special publishers now for ten days, and within that period of time have had some experiences which certainly prove that now is the time Jehovah is gathering his ‘other sheep’ Cohoes is generally regarded as tough territory, because it is practically solid French and Irish Catholic; nevertheless, thankful to the Lord for the privilege he had given us, we went to work, and in one week placed over fifty Children books!! This we seldom do in what is called ‘good territory’. All of these books were placed with Catholic people in Catholic homes. Never had I seen the Catholic population grab so eagerly for any of the literature as they have the book Children. It just seems to be a book that everybody wants. Yesterday Frances and I worked Church Street, on which there is a Roman Catholic church, a school and a nuns’ home; and in eight and one-half hours’ work our sound attendance amounted to 65 persons that listened to the recording ‘Children’. Not one person was nasty, but all agreed with what was on the record and accepted literature. The back-calls on these persons of good-will should prove interesting. So far we have four established book studies, and next week a Watchtower study is being started. So we already have a nucleus of a company started.”

AN ALERT MAGAZINE PUBLISHER

“Just before leaving San Antonio, Texas, while I was witnessing on a street corner with magazines, a soldier came up, asked the nature of the work, also asked the meaning of Revelation, chapter 16, in regard to the pouring out of the seven vials of God’s wrath. I replied we have two books called Light, explaining all the book of Revelation, which he might obtain; they would give him a clear understanding of the vials as well as all Revelation. When he asked the meaning of ‘the wheel within the wheel’ [Ezekiel 1: 16], and on my informing him that we have three books called Vindication explaining all of Ezekiel that would make it clear to him about the wheels, he asked how he might obtain these books. I replied: ‘I will bring them to this same corner tomorrow eve if you would like to come for them.’ He gladly accepted the offer, contributed for the two magazines, and went away. Next evening, at the same time, I was there with the five books, also the book Children, and showed and explained its contents to him. Result: Six bound books and two more magazines placed, he saying he got the other two magazines misplaced. I also gave him the invitation to Kingdom Hall. He has been coming to the Watchtower study ever since and likes it all very much. This is a result of street-corner witnessing; otherwise this soldier could not have been reached.”

No. LXIII March 15, 1942 No. 6

MICAH

PART 5

"Beautiful for situation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King."—Ps. 48: 2.

JEHOVAH has chosen his city for his capital organization. He himself is the builder of that glorious city. Now the events of a world at war engross the human minds and draw the attention to the national capitals and away from the greatest and most important government of all, the Theocratic Government of the great God of heaven and earth. The divided interests of the nations in the fight for world domination drive the peoples into their respective camps, and the biggest fact of all human history is pushed into the background and ignored, which is, that God’s kingdom is here. It is in the hands of his Son, Christ Jesus, the King thereof. It is Jehovah’s capital organization. It holds and shall forever hold the universal domination against all contenders. Through it alone comes the deliverance of all them that fear God, and to it must humankind flow for salvation, if they would live.

2 That capital organization, in which God resides, is heavenly, hence invisible to human eyes. Its name is Zion, meaning “a monument guiding to God’’. It is the chief and highest part of his general or universal organization. It is also called “the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven”. (Rev. 21:2) Long ago Jehovah used visible things on earth to make prophetic patterns of these heavenly things, thereby to give instruction to men of faith, who look not at the things which are seen, but at the greater things, which are not seen by the natural eye and which are eternal. (Heb. 9:23,24; 2 Cor. 4:18) For such purpose Jehovah chose the typical city of Zion, the official residence of David, who was king of God’s typical Theocracy over the nation of Israel. Being the royal seat of God’s anointed king, and particularly being the place of God’s tabernacle or temple, Zion was the chief part of the city of Jerusalem, and therefore Jerusalem became the capital city of the nation. “Jerusalem” means “possession of peace”.

3 The great enemy Satan overreaches men and uses them wittingly or unwittingly to set up ruling organizations. Then he deceives the people in general by causing religion to apply to such organizations the names that rightfully belong only to the organization of Jehovah God. Thus he establishes a counterfeit to mislead those who do not take the Bible as their correct guide, and thereby he lines up the people on his side, to aid him in the fight for universal domination. His purpose is to prove his challenge to Jehovah and to cause the destruction of all men at Armageddon. The Devil’s chief instrument to deceive and confuse men is religion, and he makes full use of the religious leaders. Such ultrareligionists pretend to serve God and his Christ, but their works and doctrines prove that they serve the enemy of God, and they cause the deceived and trusting people to do likewise. To hold men in their organization they fraudulently brand such by the same names Jehovah gives to his organization. They have long compromised with the rulers of the world and enticed such into joining their religious organizations. Thereafter they coerced the subjects of the rulers to join. Such nations of the world they call “Christendom”. The religious organization thereof they call “Zion” and “Jerusalem”, meaning the religious super-government of “Christendom”. Such national and religious systems claim to be in a covenant relationship with God, but, judged by their works, they do not live up to that claim, and hence take the name of God and of Christ in vain. They are covenantbreakers, and are all opposed to the Theocracy under Christ Jesus. They prove unworthy of the holy names the clergy apply to them. These facts help us to understand the words of Micah, who prophesied to like unfaithful organizations, and whose words find fulfillment today.

“NEW WORLD" BUILDERS

4 “Hear this, I pray you, ye heads of the house of Jacob, and princes of the house of Israel, that abhor judgment, and pervert all equity.” (Mic. 3:9) “Christendom’s” religious clergy’ turn to the traditions and worldly-wise sayings of imperfect men, and so reject God’s Word. In their religious meeting-places they do not cause these words to be heard by their political and commercial allies, whom they have made “the principal of the flock". God’s command is to “hear this”, and over a period of years now he has made them hear by his faithful witnesses. These he has raised up to announce that Jehovah is God, that Christ is the Ruler of the world of righteousness, and that The Theocracy is the Government that must rule the earth and heaven in equity, and which shall enforce the judgments of the Lord in righteousness. The judgments of the Supreme Judge over all, as written in his Holy Word, Jehovah’s faithful servants have obediently declared to all “Christendom”, but the heads and rulers thereof abhor such judgments. Such prefer human judgments, and never was the earth, and particularly “Christendom”, filled with greater injustices and inequity. When there is a conflict the demon-influenced rulers insist that the judgments of men come before those of God, and they make Christians obedient to God’s commandments to unjustly suffer penalties for keeping and declaring the judgments of the Lord. The totalitarian rulers respect the persons of men and their worldly position and power, and unequally apply the human law against the small minority who try to keep themselves unspotted from the world. The climax of their abhorrence of judgment and perversion of equity comes when they will shortly succeed in everywhere ruling that the Christian works of Jehovah’s covenant people are “illegal”, and then put them to silence under restraints forcibly. Then in all bad conscience they shall cry “Peace and safety!” and so mark themselves for sudden destruction at the hands of the God of justice, judgment and equity.

5 “They build up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with iniquity.” (Mic. 3:10) The nations which practice demonism, but which they call the “Christian religion”, and wrongfully so, because all religion and Christianity are opposed to each other, speak of themselves as “Christendom”. “Organized religion,” particularly the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, takes to itself the position of a spiritual super-government over the nations of “Christendom” and seeks to convert all nations to its religious organization. Fraudulently it takes to itself the names “Zion” and “Jerusalem”, and applies to itself the promises of God applying to the true Zion and Jerusalem. Upon this basis the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, with headquarters at Vatican City, Italy, claims the right and commission from God to rule the world in the name of Christ. Being unable to do so by persuasion or conversion, it sees no other way than by coercion with violence. To this end it secretly financed and aided the totalitarian dictators into power and openly made deals or concordats with such, all to build up again the infamous “holy Roman Empire”. As a consequence the earth is now being drenched with blood wantonly spilled in violation of God’s “everlasting covenant” concerning the sanctity of blood. —Gen. 9:6; Isa. 24: 5.

6 Such is a bloody and demonized effort to build up the religious-totalitarian “abomination of desolation” and to cause it to stand permanently in the place where it ought not and which place it can never fill, to wit, the holy place of God’s righteous government by Christ Jesus. Such now is their “iniquity”, or lawlessness. The law and decree of Jehovah is that the Theocratic Government under his Son shall rule the world. His King is the only legal or lawful Ruler, whom he has anointed to that exalted position because he loves righteousness and hates iniquity. Hence the conspiracy of the worldly rulers, under the religious guidance of the demonized clergy, to block The Theocracy and to continue misruling the earth, is a flagrant disregard of God’s law and testimony as set forth in the Bible and declared by his witnesses. It is gross iniquity and is abominable in his sight, and it deceives the whole world because it operates under the cloak of religion.

7 The prophet of Jehovah exposes further the iniquity practiced in “Christendom”: “The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money; yet will they lean upon the Lord, and say, Is not the Lord among us! none evil can come upon us.” (Mic. 3:11) In the time of Micah the chief justices, or judges of last appeal, were the king of the nation (1 Sam. 8:5; Deut. 17:18; Prov. 29:14; 1 Ki. 3: 7-9) and also the high priest at the temple. (Ex. 28: 30; Deut. 33: 8,10; 17 : 8-13; 19:17; 21: 5; 2 Chron. 19: 8,11) Also according to the law of God the regular Levites, both priestly and non-priestly, were authorized to act as judges in a lesser capacity. (1 Chron. 23: 3, 4; 2 Chron. 19:8; Mal. 2: 4, 7, 8) The princes, who were governors serving under and by authority of the king, also exercised judgeships (Jer. 26:10,16; 21:11,12; Ezek. 45: 9); and likewise the “elders”, understood to be experienced and mature in judgment. (Num. 11:16,17; Deut. 1:15-18) While authorized to serve in such capacity, they did not devote their entire time thereto, and God’s law made no provision for them to receive legal or judicial fees.

8 Acceptance of such judicial service and willingness to perform therein must be entirely out of love of justice and the desire to see justice executed and that righteousness obtained among the people and that Jehovah’s law was obeyed and religion was resisted and kept out. To have Jehovah’s approval the judges must fear Him, the Supreme Judge, and not fear the face of man nor regard his appearance, but deal courageously for truth and righteousness, knowing that God shall be with the good. (2 Chron. 19:11) They must not be dependent upon their judgeships for support or income. Acting as judges must be without remuneration, lest their judgments be warped or influenced. It was wholly improper to look for and accept fees and bribes. Their service must be entirely unselfish, in the interest of righteousness, and in obedience to their covenant with God. “Christendom," which claims to be spiritual Israel, has never set up or observed such an organization and process of justice. The record of the Inquisition courts of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy is a most shocking travesty of justice and a disgrace.

9 The heads of the typical nation of Israel yielded to selfishness and religion, and judged for the rewards they could extort from those whose cases they heard. In “Christendom" the law has become a profession. God-fearing law-writers of the past have declared that all proper laws of men draw their validity from the law of God and that His law is supreme and binding on all everywhere and all the time; yet the legal profession are grossly guilty of ignoring the law of God and setting it aside. In cases where the servants of the Most High God are involved and there is a clash between the supreme law of God and the contrary laws of men, the judges of “Christendom” are repeatedly guilty of degrading God’s perfect law. How? By trampling upon it and exalting mischievously framed laws of men as warrant to punish God’s servants for strict obedience to divine law. Such judges pervert justice “for reward”, that is, for some selfish consideration, whether the desire for the political support of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy or the approval of so-called “patriotic groups”, or the fear of the mob or creatures who are in power and who threaten violence if their demon-inspired wishes are not obeyed. They refuse to grant Jehovah’s covenant people the “equal protection of the law”, but show respect to religion and practitioners of religion.

10 The prophecies exactly describe the condition in “Christendom”. In the light of such prophecies the judges and legal profession do wisely to examine and judge themselves respecting their motives and actions in dealing with Jehovah’s obedient servants: “Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts [blinding one to justice], and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.” (Isa. 1: 23) “The judge asketh for a reward.” (Mic. 7:3) “For I know your manifold transgressions and your mighty sins: they afflict the just, they take a bribe, and they turn aside the poor in the gate [where court was held] from their right.” (Amos 5:12) Such is contrary to God’s rule, which does not change: “Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.” (Lev. 19:15) “Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.”—Deut. 16:19.

11 God’s Word condemns the delaying of justice in the expectation of getting something for the judge first. For example: Governor Felix sat in on the case of the apostle Paul. The religionists had forced Paul into court for preaching the gospel of God’s kingdom. Felix, in hope of self-gain, delayed the execution of justice: “he hoped also that money should have been given him of Paul, that he might loose him: wherefore he sent for him the oftener, and communed with him.” (Acts 24:26) Receiving no reward or bribe, he left Paul bound in prison for two years longer. Like the faithful apostle, Jehovah’s witnesses of today refuse to buy their way out. The apostles paid no fines for preaching the Word of God. Now when Jehovah’s servants are brought into court for obeying his command to publish his name and his kingdom, they refuse to pay fines imposed by those who “judge for reward”, and, rather, go to prison. They do not compromise on the issue. They pay no creature for the privilege to preach, nor are they themselves paid to preach. It is God’s commandment to them, and they must keep integrity to Him.

12 “And the priests thereof teach for hire.” The term “priests” here designates the “man of sin” class, which the Scriptures foretold, which class today includes the Roman Catholic Hierarchy and other priests of religion, also the “evil servant” class, and the “elective elders” of the congregations, and all those whose covenant with God put them in line for his “royal priesthood” but who then became selfseeking and fell to religion for what they could get out of it for themselves. The priests of Israel were assigned the duty and obligation of informing themselves on God’s law and of teaching the people his commandments. (Mal. 2: 7) God made due provision for their support, and they must not use their office for self-gain besides those necessaries of life which God provided. Becoming covetous, they departed from that rule and perverted their teaching and taught commandments and traditions of men, all to bring in profit for themselves. The “priests” of “Christendom” follow in the same course. They charge the people for every religious service they render their parishioners and congregations, and honest observers of the day frankly admit that religion has become the greatest money-making racket of all. The religious leaders do further seek hire in the form of flatteries and the honor and praise of men. They seek not the honor which comes from God only, and hence do not believe the Word of God. (John 5:44) Their love of money or selfish gam is the root of the evil of religion. They do not love God or his righteousness, and hence do not obey his commandments. Seeking to win the applause and admiration of men, they try to appear wise and learned. Assuming to be teachers, they therefore refuse to ‘'sec? thy teachers” and to recognize that, since the Lord's coming to the temple in 1918, Jehovah and Christ Jesus are the Teachers and that ‘all of Zion’s children shall be taught of Jehovah’, and not of men. —Isa. 30: 20; 54:13.

13 "And the prophets thereof divine for money.” The clergy of ‘‘Christendom” divine or make predictions to please the dictators or the political leaders. The political schemes and programs of such they support and make unscriptural promises for them. They turn the people away from the sure and infallible prophecies of God’s Word, and speak great things in behalf of the “new world order”, or “the new moral order”, or a “federated world after this war”, or the “new League of Nations”; which proposals of men are opposed to the rule of Jehovah’s Theocracy. For all their divination and religious service they expect and eagerly accept money, no matter how filthy the source thereof. The totalitarian dictator gives almost 900 million marks each year to the support of the Roman Catholic church in Germany and to the other religious organizations. Not strange, then, that they feel reflected upon in that Jehovah’s witnesses conduct their public and other meetings with free seats and no collections taken up. They frown upon and object to Jehovah’s servants’ freely giving of their time and means to go from house to house proclaiming the inspired prophecies of God and distributing millions of pieces of free literature and accepting only contributions for the further publication of the message. This shows up the practice of the religionists and exposes their false and demoniacal divinations, and this threatens their money-making. Their money shall perish with them at Armageddon.

14 “Yet will they lean upon the Lord, and say, Is not the Lord among us ?” That is, they claim the promise of the Lord’s presence and expect him to back them up in their schemes, which are contrary to God’s purpose by his kingdom. They claim that their religious organization is God’s organization, and that the people must join up in order to get saved. Their ‘leaning upon God’ is only in pretense; for they believe not his prophecies nor trust him to protect and deliver them if they strictly do his will and forsake their friendship with Satan’s world. The facts, as demonstrated by their works, show they put their reliance upon the “strong-arm squad” and the carnal weapons, and upon their own wisdom and that of other men, and upon human schemes and plans, and human governments and peace organizations; and such governments they call “Christian nations”. “For they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the God of Israel; the Lord of hosts is his name.” (Isa. 48: 2) Thereby they have deceived and yet deceive millions to remain in and to support “Christendom”, as though to forsake the religious organization meant forsaking God and his side.

15 Deceiving themselves and others those false prophets say: “None evil can come upon us.” “There shall not come upon us calamity.” (Rotherham) This is clearly a religious “shot” at Jehovah’s witnesses, to make out that they are liars and false prophets in declaring the day of God’s vengeance and that the battle of Armageddon is very near and there “Christendom” will be completely blotted out. “Son of man, behold, they of the house of Israel say, The vision that he seeth is for many days to come, and he proph- esieth of the times that are far off.” (Ezek. 12:27) They “put far away the evil day, and cause the seat of violence to come near. Therefore now shall they go captive with the first that go captive, and the banquet of them that stretch themselves [upon couches of self-confidence] shall be removed”. (Amos 6: 3, 7) They trust in their religious organization to endure for ever and to be a charm against calamity, as did the Israelites at Shiloh.

16 To such Jehovah God by his faithful witness says: “Trust ye not in lying words, saying, The temple of the Lord, The temple of the Lord, The temple of the Lord, are these. Therefore will I do unto this house, which is called by my name, wherein ye trust, and unto the place which I gave to you and to your fathers, as I have done to Shiloh. And I will cast you out of my sight, as I have cast out'all your brethren [the ten tribes of Israel], even the whole seed of Ephraim." (Jer.7 :4,14,15) Regardless of the ridicule of the religionists, Jehovah’s witnesses must continue to sound this warning of the Lord and to bid the people of good-will to hasten their flight out of the doomed organization, lest they be overtaken in its destruction at Armageddon. Religion’s “refuge of lies” and “hiding place of falsehood” are now being exposed by the hail and overflowing waters of truth. Such will furnish religionists no protection or preservation when the God of justice settles accounts and enforces his righteous judgments, shortly. “Christendom’s” house of religion has been left unto her desolate, and the Lord God is not therein. It shall be destroyed, like its prototype at Jerusalem. (Matt. 23:37,38) Calling itself “Zion” falsely will not save it.

17 “Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of the forest.” (Mic. 3:12) “For your sake,” that is, because of you and as a recompense to you, you religioustotalitarian ruling powers of “Christendom” which exalt yourselves as the backbone of the “new world order” with religion riding atop shall be cut to pieces like a plowed field. Now, because of the fear of the Hierarchy and its power in all the lands, the nations composing “the king of the south” hold back from bombing Rome and its ally, the Vatican; and the religious head even offers the Vatican as the site of the expected peace conference at the end of the war. Ignoring that the Vatican’s aims of world domination and making the world Catholic are the cause of the war between “the king of the north” and “the king of the south”, those battling powers take every precaution and make every allowance to safeguard that hoary headquarters of religion or demonism on earth. (Dan. 11:41) As to self-styled “Zion”, which is a monument of “organized religion”, and as to all “Christendom”, which was foreshadowed by unfaithful “Jerusalem”, meaning “possession of peace”, such shall die, but shall not go down to the grave in peace. Their “new world order” of federated nations trying to keep the peace is put forth to mimic God’s “world to come”, “wherein dwelleth righteousness”; it shall perish like all religious hypocrites at Armageddon.

18 Self-exalting “Christendom” shall be laid low and must become empty, as a field to be plowed. God’s executioner, Christ Jesus, shall plow it from end to end with an implement that shall tear, cut deep and upturn worse than a literal plow. The palaces of political rulers, the mansions of commercial traffickers, the cathedrals and luxurious residences of religious leaders, and the lofty walls and fortresses of the “strong-arm squad” shall become heaps of ruin, as surely as such happened to Jerusalem, typifying “Christendom”. (2 Ki. 25: 8-10; Mic. 1:6) The mountain or high place upon which religion has builded her gawdy organization or ‘"house” shall be cleared and swept clean of that devilish system. The high and respected place of the temple of “organized religion”, where it has ruled as the spiritual superpower over all nations of the world, shall be exposed as a false, unwarranted and self-assumed position. At Armageddon it shall be blasted first, and the superstructure thereon with its religious ranks and honors and official positions and high-sounding titles and pagan rituals and ceremonies and false doctrines and traditions shall be razed. The whole place will be made “like mounds in a jungle” (Rotherham), like “forest-covered high-places”. (Leeser) During the seventy years’ desolation of ancient Jerusalem the temple mountain boasted of no house of religion, but was bare, waste, and uninhabited and became overgrown with a jungle or thick forest. So shall it be with “Christendom” for ever.

19 The proclamation of that hard prophecy by Micah shocked the religious susceptibilities of the judges taking reward and the priests that preached for hire and the prophets that divined for self-gain. It shook the credulity of the people in their religious outfit. It condemned the operators thereof in the eyes of the public they were deceiving. As one representative of a corporation broadcasting religious programs free over its network said recently: “I do not believe it is legitimate to hold the things that are dear to other people, things that they care about, things that men cherish in their hearts, up to public ridicule.” (See booklet Truth—Shall It Be Suppressed? pages 14,19.) Such operators and defenders of religion would have God’s truth silenced and the proclaimers thereof barred from all means of publication. What care such that “Christendom” is threatened with early and sudden destruction and the lives of the general public are in gravest danger? Let such consider this: Since God does not regard the things that are dear to and cherished by the religionists, but will destroy the same at Armageddon, then Jehovah’s servants are committing nothing illegitimate or indecent in warning mankind that God will soon destroy such religious things, and showing the people why and wherefore. That is the greatest service to the public. It is of the greatest necessity and interest to them, and, with Armageddon so near, the time was never more convenient and fitting.

20 The prophet Jeremiah later proclaimed the identical message that Micah did, to wit, during the reign of Jehoiakim, which wicked king turned away from Jehovah’s law and commandments to religion or demonism. That was a few years before the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple. Today Jehovah’s witnesses boldly declare the like message to “Christendom”, and the outcome of such faithful testimony declared is foreshadowed by what happened to Jeremiah, and which is proved by the experiences of Jehovah’s witnesses these last few years. “Now it came to pass, when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking all that the Lord had commanded him to speak unto all the people, that the priests, and the prophets, and all the people, took him, saying, Thou shalt surely die. Why hast thou prophesied in the name of the Lord, saying, This house [dear to and cherished in our hearts] shall be like Shiloh, and this city shall be desolate without an inhabitant? And all the people were gathered against Jeremiah in the house of the Lord.”

21 The religionists, to procure Jeremiah’s death, called his message seditious, disturbing to unity and against the government. Jehovah’s witness there warned them that they would bring innocent blood upon themselves and the nation if they killed him, and God would hold them responsible. Then certain men, seeing through the patriotic bluster of the clergy and not yielding to the tremendous religious pressure put upon them, stood out against the clergy and gave wise counsel. “Then rose up certain of the elders of the land, and spake to all the assembly of the people, saying, Micah the Morasthite prophesied in the days of Hezekiah king of Judah, and spake to all the people of Judah, saying, Thus saith the Lord of hosts, Zion shall be plowed like a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of a forest. Did Hezekiah king of Judah and all Judah put him at all to death? did he not fear the Lord, and besought the Lord, and the Lord repented him of the evil which he had pronounced against them? Thus might we procure great evil against our souls.” (Jer. 26:8-19) Jehovah delivered Jeremiah, thereby illustrating his promise to protect and deliver his faithful who speak as he commands them to do. Let the religionists and the rulers be warned: by their mistreatment and attempted destruction of Jehovah’s witnesses they procure the evil of Armageddon against their souls and at the hands of Him who can destroy both body and soul in Gehenna.—Matt. 10:28.

CAPITAL ORGANIZATION

22 In the present conflict for world domination the controlling powers of “the king of the north” and of the rival “king of the south” seek to gain the victory and establish themselves as the capital organization over the new-world federation of nations. According to the prophecies, neither shall win complete victory, and organized religion will deal with both “kings”, recognizing both as the “higher powers”, and will herself seek to dominate them both as a super-national spiritual government. Religion and rulers will allow no place for Jehovah’s message nor for his Theocracy. Such vain imaginations and wicked devices shall not stand. Their final end shall be at God’s appointed time, at Armageddon. They are now in their last days, and Jehovah establishes his capital organization in power and glory, and it stands for ever.

23 Concerning this Jehovah inspired his prophet to say: “But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.” (Mic. 4:1) The “time of the end” began in A.D. 1914, when the “times of the Gentiles [the nations]” expired and Jehovah enthroned Christ Jesus as his King of The Theocracy and sent him forth to rule in the midst of all enemies of The Theocracy. That Government is not made with human hands or votes. It is the Stone, which Daniel saw in vision, “cut out” of Jehovah’s universal organization and which even now moves irresistibly on its way to smite the entire Devil’s organization, visible and invisible, including “Christendom”, and to crush it out of existence.— Dan. 2:34-45.

24 That Government is called “Mount Zion” and is the capital part of Jehovah’s universal organization. It is His royal family of sons, of which Christ Jesus is the Head. It is composed of 144,000 and One members, the One being the Head and the 144,000 being the members of “his body”. He is both the Foundation and also the Chief Corner Stone of “the temple of the living God”, of which temple they are all “living stones” conformed to His image and all built upon him as their sure Foundation and also under him as their Headstone. (Heb. 3:6; Rev. 7:4-8; 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 3:11,16,17; 1 Pet. 2:4-10; 2 Cor. 6:16) They together constitute a “kingdom of priests” and an “holy nation”, and hence are likened to a glorious temple adorning a mountaintop, as the prophetic temple at Jerusalem was builded by King Solomon on top of Mount Moriah, which temple mountain was thereafter called Zion. It is Jehovah’s official royal residence.—Ex. 19:6; Pss. 78:67-69; 87:2.

25 Necessarily Micah’s prophecy concerning the last days and the temple or “house of Jehovah” begins its fulfillment by the acts of God, particularly when he sent Christ Jesus to the temple for judgment, in 1918. Christ Jesus, the Greater Solomon, thereupon proceeded to build the spiritual or heavenly temple, first by resurrecting the body members that slept in death and then bringing the faithful and approved remnant of body members yet on earth in the flesh into unity with himself at the temple, there setting them to work at temple service as witnesses of Jehovah.

26 In 1918 Jehovah, figuratively speaking, laid Christ Jesus his King as the “precious corner stone” in Zion, and defiantly says to all the many antichrists opposing The Theocracy: “Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.” (Ps. 2: 6) The “war in heaven” began at Christ’s enthronement in 1914, and in that war Satan and his demon hosts were defeated and cast out of heaven and down to the earth and put under Christ’s feet, debased to the position of a footstool. (Ps. 110:1, 2) At Armageddon he and all his hosts, demonic and human, shall be crushed out of existence under Christ’s heel. In fulfillment of Micah’s prophecy the royal “house of the Lord [Jehovah]” has been established as the head and capital over the universal organization of the Most High God, and hence far above the governments (mountains) of “Christendom”, which professed “Christian” governments arrogantly claim to govern the earth for and in the stead of Christ Jesus. Being under the demon rule which grabs for universal domination, the governments (mountains) of men and which are overreached by such demons reject the announcement of the enthronement of Christ Jesus and that their “times of the nations”, or of their rule by sufferance of God, have run out. They reject the proclamation of the setting up of the Theocratic Government under Christ Jesus, and all nations hate and persecute Jehovah’s servants whom he commands to make the proclamation. By this course of action such professing “Christian” nations refuse to have as their Head and King the beautiful Stone cut out by the great Theocrat Jehovah, and thereby they prove themselves to be antichrist. Christ Jesus rules as Head and exalted King regardless, and his glory is not lessened. “The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.”— Ps. 118:22.

27 The “hills” are the highest parts of the mountain, the peaks which dominate all the range. Under demon rule which challenges the universal domination of Jehovah, making universal domination the all- important issue confronting all creation, the “mountains” or governments of men now propose a higher government of their own making. Looldng forward to the end of this war between the totalitarian “king of the north” and the anti-Nazi-Fascist “king of the south”, the world builders propose the establishment of a super-national government, fully protecting religion and under religion’s sponsorship and guidance. Says one self-conceited clergyman: “God desires us to build a federated world and to create a human race fit for future generations to be born into.” It was “the king of the south” that pushed the League of Nations in 1918-1920, and he now suggests a revival of such League of Nations to secure the expected “Peace and safety” and to guarantee the freedoms promised to the people. The Vatican-Nazi-Fascist- totalitarian combine, or ‘"king of the north”, proposes a “new world order” and has already begun the nucleus of his “new League of Nations” on the European continent. All such super-governments are the “bills” of the mountains of “Christendom”. Prophecy indicates that at the close of the conflict “the king of the north” and “the king of the south” will, under the political strategy of the Vatican, come to a compromise agreement and will set up a “new moral order”, a federated world under a super-government, pictured as the “scarlet-coloured beast” on the back of which there rides religion, the dominant part of which is the Boman Catholic Hierarchy. Today, in compliance with the sly scheme of that Hierarchy for world domination, the Catholic and Protestant and Jewish religious organizations hypocritically act out a “good neighbor” policy. Such religious federation may be expected to do at such future event as the Federation of Churches in America did in 1920, to wit, call the new political-religious world confederation the political realization of the kingdom of the Messiah. So doing, they commit gross blasphemy and finally and completely reject Jehovah’s building of his Theocratic Government under Christ.

28 That proposed super-government will be the highest 'bill” or peak of “Christendom”. That demonized human institution -will be the final and complete expression of the antichristian “abomination of desolation”. It is opposed to the universal domination of The Theocracy. It assumes to stand in the “holy place” instead of the temple or royal family of Jehovah, His kingdom. (Dan. 11: 31; 12:11; Matt. 24:15) That 'desolating abomination’ can never boost itself to take the place and power of the high Theocracy of Jehovah’s anointed King. It shall be abased unto hell, and The Theocracy continues to be “exalted above the hills” for evermore.

29 “And peoples shall flow unto it.” (Am. Rev. Per.) These follow after God’s faithful remnant of spiritual Israelites who take the lead in the march to God’s kingdom. During the first world war the remnant were put in restraint by the enemies of the Kingdom. In 1919 Jehovah graciously delivered them from the imprisonment and bondage and they returned to his organization and its work. “And the ransomed [delivered ones] of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs, and everlasting joy upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” (Isa. 35:10; 51:11) A great publicity campaign followed thereafter, to educate the peoples in the Bible truths concerning the Kingdom. In their ignorance due to religion or demonism the peoples are in perplexity and know not which way to turn, being kept in the dark concerning the real meaning of the Kingdom and its establishment. “This gospel of the kingdom” vigorously proclaimed by Jehovah’s -witnesses since the World War shows them the only right way to Jehovah’s favor and protection and his Kingdom blessings in store for his “other sheep”.—Matt. 24: 7,14.

30 By now millions have heard the good news, and many thousands have joyfully accepted the message, turned their backs on religion, and turned their steps toward the glorious mountain of The Theocracy. Like a great river, made up of streams from all the nations and being continually enlarged as thousands more join the movement into the Kingdom, these “peoples” of good-will toward Jehovah and his Righteous Government flow unto it and openly and actively take their stand on His side. This the Devil, by his demonized rulers of “Christendom”, has viciously tried to prevent and to turn the flow of such peoples back, into the broad road leading to the “Dead sea” of destruction at Armageddon. This he has done by planting his totalitarian-religious organization in between The Theocratic Government and the great “seas” of people alienated from God and under demon rule. Jehovah foretold this by his prophet, and warned that for such attempted interference with his “strange work” the demonized religious-totalitarian combine of “Christendom” shall meet a violent end at Armageddon: “And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas [and] the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.” (Dan. 11: 45, Young's) The combined demon forces and rule cannot stop Jehovah’s “strange work” until done; and likewise they cannot halt the ingathering and flow of the peoples, the Lord’s “other sheep”, unto The Theocracy until all such are gathered into the “one fold” under Kingdom protection. Standing immovably on that side and there holding fast their integrity toward Jehovah God, they shall survive Armageddon and form the “great multitude” that He will use thereafter to fill the earth with a righteous offspring in joyous obedience to the divine mandate.—Gen. 1:28; 9:1, 7.

31 Micah’s vision of God’s “strange world’ in our days toward “men of good-will” continues: “And many nations shall come [(dm. Rev. Ver. and Rotherham) shall go], and say, Come [ye], and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths; for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” (Mic. 4:2) Regardless of their nationality by birth the persons of good-will are given God’s gracious invitation. Those who shall form the “great multitude” now come out of ‘all nations, kindreds, people, and tongues’. Such were long ago foreshadowed by Rahab, Jael, Jonadab, Ebed-melech, and others of good-will, all of whom were of other nations than Israel. They shall form the nations who under The Theocratic Government shall glorify God on earth, and concerning whom it is written: “Rejoice, ye nations, with his people. And again, Praise the Lord, all ye nations; and let all the peoples praise him.” (Rom. 15:10,11, Am. Rev. Ver., margin) “Who shall not fear thee, 0 Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest.”—Rev. 15: 4.

32 The message of the Kingdom is not to be kept selfishly. Jehovah’s faithful “remnant” are commanded to go and preach it in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and, in turn, all of good-will who hear are commanded to let others hear: “And the Spirit [Christ Jesus] and the bride [including Jehovah’s remnant of witnesses on earth] say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come: and whosoever will, let him take of the water of life freely.” (Rev. 22:17) Micah’s prophecy foretells that such “shall go [to others; also parents to their children] and say, Come ye, and let us [together] go up to the mountain of Jehovah”. (Jm. Rev. Ver.) This shows that the Lord now extends to them a part in his “strange work” of witnessing to The Theocracy, and today these “other sheep” in their increasing thousands take up the joyful burden of the Lord’s work alongside of and in unity with the faithful remnant of spiritual Israel.

33 These “other sheep” of the Lord are not called to go to heaven. They do not go to heaven and never shall go up there. Their everlasting inheritance shall be on the cleansed and perfected earth. They hear the remnant boldly proclaiming that God’s kingdom was set up at his enthronement of his King in 1914 and that The Theocracy is here, to destroy the wicked and to bless the obedient and faithful. Hence they go up to that “mountain of Jehovah”, to wit, “mount Zion,” and take their stand publicly and outspokenly on the side of the great Theocrat and his everlasting Government of peace and righteousness. Their eyes have been opened to see the antichristian “abomination of desolation” presumptuously standing in the “holy place”, and they unhesitatingly obey Jesus’ command to forsake “Christendom” and her religion and to flee to the “mountains”, Jehovah God and Christ Jesus, The Theocracy. They make a full and irrevocable consecration to God by Christ Jesus and devote themselves undividedly to The Theocracy and its praise and service. They become publishers for the Lord and strive to increase the number of publishers of The Theocracy by informing others of good-will and inviting them to take a like course, to join the company of those going up to the “mountain of Jehovah”. The number “ten” applies to all the nations from which they come forth, and another prophet describes their action, in this phrase: “Thus saith the Lord of hosts, It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities: and the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the Lord, and to seek the Lord of hosts; I will go also. Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the Lord. Thus saith the Lord of hosts, In those days it shall come to pass, that ten men [all of good-will] shall take hold, out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew [Christ Jesus, the great Judean, who leads in Jehovah’s praises], saying, We will go with you [feet members of Christ; the remnant]; for we have heard that God is with you.”—Zech. 8: 20-23.

34 They seek Jehovah’s “mountain” or Theocratic Government in order to worship him and serve him at his temple. They forsake religion, which is devil- ism or demonism, and join God’s remnant in the war of exposing religion as of the Devil and against Jehovah’s kingdom. Hence they say to those of a hearing ear: “Let us go up to the house of the God of Jacob.” The name “Jacob” applies anti typically to The Christ, Jesus the Head and his body members. The “God of Jacob” is Jehovah. The “other sheep” acknowledge : ‘Happy is he that hath the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in Jehovah his God.” (Ps. 146:5, A.R.V.) “Jehovah of hosts is 'with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.” (Ps. 46:11, Am. Rev. Ver.) Such disdain the criticism and persecution, and associate themselves with Jehovah’s witnesses and shoulder a goodly portion of the witness work and responsibilities. In this they must maintain their integrity, by constancy and by faithfulness to their obligations and never permitting anything to entice and turn them away to the “rudiments” of the demonized dying world. The great High Priest of God brings these into the temple, where God’s face shines with favor and blessing upon them. “Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.” (Rev. 7:15) The full-time service of the delightsome Theocracy is the dearest thing to their hearts, and those who during the day are obliged to do other work to provide things decent and required delight to go forth in His service at night and other times of the week and to use all possible of their waking hours in the direct service of The Theocracy.

35 The people of good-will toward God do not turn away Jehovah’s witnesses when they call at their doors, but are teachable. They listen to what the Kingdom publishers have to say, and then act thereon. In the light of the message they discern that their religious instructors have deceived them and held them in ignorance of the only true and living God, Jehovah, and now they learn that He and his Son Jesus are The Teachers, not the religionists nor any human creatures. They perceive that now Jehovah has only one organization, through which he dispenses his truth to man, and that the visible part of that organization is made up of his devoted witnesses under Christ Jesus and that the message which these bear is not man’s message, but that these “children of Zion” are taught of the Lord God Jehovah and by Christ Jesus and through his revealed Word, the Bible. (John 6:45; Isa. 54:13; 30: 20) The enlightened persons of good-will turn from religion and to the great Teacher and seek more life-giving knowledge, saying confidently to one another: “And he will teach us of his ways.” Now, before it is too late, they turn out of demonized man’s ways, which lead down to destruction, and get onto the Lord’s ways, which are truth and light and righteousness and life.

36 Presenting themselves in consecration to God through faith in Christ Jesus and his ransom sacrifice they say: “And we will walk in his paths.” In this manner such meek or teachable ones heed Jehovah’s ordinance stated at Zephaniah 2:3: “Seek ye [1] Jehovah, all ye meek of the earth, that have kept his ordinances; seek [2] righteousness, seek [3] meekness: it may be ye will be hid in the day of Jehovah’s anger.” (Am. Rev. Per.) Only by following this course dare they hope to escape destruction and to survive Armageddon and thereafter form part of the “great multitude” that live and become children of The King, to forever serve and glorify Jehovah God on earth in company with the visible representatives of The Theocracy, the resurrected faithful men of old who shall be made “princes in all the earth”. (Ps. 45:16) The covenant of consecration that they make with God they must faithfully keep, to enjoy fulfillment of His promise (Ps. 25:10): “All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth unto such as keep his covenant and his testimonies.” His truth and testimonies concerning his purposes they must declare in unity with the remnant. So doing, they go over the ‘highway”, in the “way of holiness”, following after and with the remnant. (Isa. 35: 8-10) They walk upon the “highway” that the remnant under Christ Jesus have “cast up” and out of which they have gathered the stumblingstones of religion. —Isa. 62:10.

37 Why do they not follow the worldly slogan popular with the religionists, to wit, “All roads lead unto Rome [Vatican City],” and why do they take the way that is despised and persecuted by “Rome”, the headquarters of religion? The prophet answers: “For the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” Regardless of what the builders of the “new world order” claim for the “abomination of desolation”, which also they try to compel all men to worship in a regimented manner, that antiKingdom of God monstrosity is not the “higher powers” from which issue the supreme law and the word of true doctrine. Jehovah is the Supreme Power and the One Lawgiver, and Zion his capital organization is “The Higher Powers”. It is The Theocracy, the paternal government of Christ Jesus, the Everlasting Father to humankind that lives. From it issues the perfect law that shall forever govern the new world. Creatures on earth that would enjoy life everlasting may not ignore that divine law. In a conflict between the laws of “Caesar” and Jehovah’s law out of Zion there is only one choice for such. God's law is the higher and comes first; they must obey it without compromise. They dutifully obey all the laws of “Caesar” that are in harmony with righteousness and not in opposition to the law of Almighty God. His law takes hold on all the affairs of their life each day. (Ps. 119:10,11) Therefore they cannot follow blindly in any course dictated by men in authority without reference to God’s law. For one in covenant with the great Lawgiver and Judge to break Jehovah’s law out of Zion, The Theocracy, means destruction.

38 Zion, the capital organization of the universe, is eternally Jehovah’s official residence by his spirit and power. He laid Christ Jesus as the Chief Corner Stone in Zion when Jehovah sent him to the temple, in 1918, and presented him as King of the new world to “Christendom”. Thus Jehovah "hath built up Zion”, and he appears in his glory, by the revelation of his Kingdom truth now, but by the visible exhibition of his glorious power in his “strange act” at Armageddon. (Ps. 102:16, Am. Rev. Ver.) Particularly from and after his presentation of his King on Zion Jehovah’s law has gone forth from his capital organization, Zion, the seat of the Lawgiver. To his covenant people begotten of his spirit his law out of Zion is: “Ye are my witnesses, saith Jehovah.” “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations.” “Proclaim . . . the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn.” (Isa. 43:12; Matt. 24:14; Isa. 61:1, 2) To the religious, political, commercial ruling factors of the world his law has been fearlessly declared by his faithful witnesses since 1918: “Serve Jehovah with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish in the way, for his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all they that take refuge in him.” (Ps. 2:10-12, Am. Rev. Ver.) The rulers, judges and clergy of the earth defy the law out of Zion and oppose The Theocratic Government and its proclamation. They shall miserably perish at the kindled wrath of the King at Armageddon. Jehovah’s faithful covenant people obey his law, even when demonized men mischievously frame laws to punish their obedience to God. The Lord’s “other sheep” learn and obey the divine law out of Zion, and serve with the remnant as witnesses to Jehovah and his Theocracy, and they take refuge in Christ Jesus, his Son and King.

39 Concerning that law out of Jehovah’s capital it is written: “The commandment is a lamp, and the law is light.” (Prov. 6:23) The King’s unchanging rule now applies: “If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments.” (Matt. 19:17) Obedience to God’s law is the only way to life. The King on Zion showed to all the way of obedience, and he is “the way, and the truth, and the life”. (John 14:6) He being God’s spokesman, “his name is called The Word of God.” (Rev. 19:13) He having come to the temple, it follows, as stated in the prophecy: “And the word of the Lord [Jehovah] from Jerusalem” shall go forth. Such is “the Holy Jerusalem”, which comes down from God out of heaven. Meaning The Christ, including Jesus the Head and all his body members, the apostle wrote: “But Jerusalem which is above . . . is the mother of us all.” (Gal. 4:26) It is “the city of the great King”. (Matt. 5:35) King David reigned in typical Jerusalem on earth; Christ Jesus, the Greater David, now reigns for evermore in the “holy Jerusalem”, which is heavenly and invisible to men. From Jehovah and through His King of the “holy Jerusalem” comes the word of the Lord, his message and doctrine to his servants on earth who fear him and keep his commandments. That word announces the doom of religion and traditions of men.

40 Jehovah feeds his people through his capital organization, of which Christ Jesus is the Head, and in that connection he uses the visible part of his organization. As the famished people had to come to Joseph the ruler of Egypt to get bread to live, so now those who seek life and comfort must come to Jehovah’s organization and to his Greater Joseph, who is “The Bread of Life”. “The word of the Lord abideth for ever” (1 Pet. 1:25, A.R.V.), and those desiring to live forever must feed thereon and throw religion to the dunghill. “For the word of the Lord is right.” (Ps. 33:4) The facts clearly establish that since the Lord’s coming to the temple, and particularly since 1922, the word of the Lord God Jehovah has gone forth from the heavenly Jerusalem. The wondrous truths of the Bible have been revealed, the prophecies have been made plain, and the doctrine of paramount importance has been made crystal clear, to wit, the Kingdom, The Theocracy, which shall settle the primary issue of universal domination wholly in Jehovah’s favor and in vindication of his name. Blessed are the remnant and all the meek ones of good-will who go up to the mountain of the Lord’s house and there feed upon his precious Word of life and light and who then keep his law by dispensing that Word abroad to feed his “other sheep”!

41 What shall follow? The prophecy yet to be considered makes this plain, for our further admonition and comfort.

(To be continued)

Behold, the eye of Jehovah is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his lovingkindness ; to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul hath waited for Jehovah: he is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice m him, because we have trusted in his holy name. Let thy loving- kindness, O Jehovah, be upon us, according as we have hoped in thee.—Psalm 33:18-22,

“IMAGE OF THE BEAST”

IN AN address before the Legislative body of America last December 26 a visiting statesman of the world said: “If we had kept together after the last war, if we had taken common measures for our safety, this renewal of the curse [the catastrophe of world war] need never have fallen upon us. . . . In the days to come the British and American people will for their own safety and for the good of all walk together in majesty, in justice and in peace.” Newspaper commentators were quite unanimous that this had reference to the League of Nations, of which there are still over forty members, and which League God's prophetic word foretold.

It has long been Britain’s proud boast that she rules the waves and that the sun never goes down on her domains and that she always takes the part of humanity. The American government makes the same boast concerning her liberality. British diplomacy is the last word in skill; America has tried to copy it. At Revelation 13:11, concerning the two-horned creature symbolizing the modern dual world power, the prophecy reads: “And he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.” At Ezekiel 29: 3 the great Dragon is described as saying of the peoples among which he operates: “My river is mine own, and I have made it for myself.” So, too, the Monroe Doctrine, of 1823, says, ‘Hands off America,’ and which speech is therefore by the two-horned creature or dual world-power and is like unto the speech of the Dragon. Revelation 13:1,2 describes the “beast” with seven heads that came up out of the sea and representing the visible organization of the world with seven successive world powers holding the world dominance each after the other. In the fight referred to in verse 3 of the prophecy Britain and America, the symbolic two-horned beast, really constitute the power that wounded the sixth or German-controlled head of the ‘sea-beast’ in the world war of 1914-1918 and then afterwards healed its wound.

Further referring to the two-horned beast, Revelation 13:12 says: “And all the authority of the first beast he executes in his presence, and makes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose mortal wound was healed.” [Emphatic Diaglott translation) The two-horned beast receives its authority from the same source, to wit, “the god of this world.” (2 Cor. 4:4) It becomes the dominant power because it is the seventh head or seventh world power of the age-old world organization; and it really takes first place, while the other nations play second fiddle. Although the sea-beast and the two-horned beast fought amongst themselves for world domination (like the hypocritical religious clergy, which form a supernational, spiritual part of the symbolic beast), they are united in one thing, to wit: they are against the Theocratic Government of Jehovah God by his Anointed King, Christ Jesus. (Ps. 2: 2, 3) Concerning the two world-powers fighting each other for world domination, namely, “the king of the north” and “the king of the south”, Daniel 11: 27 says: “They shall speak lies at one table [of the god of this world],” and feed upon the same provender. (1 Cor. 10:21) They ignore God’s Word concerning his kingdom and all evidence of the setting up of the same. Imbued with their imperialistic idea, they go on to carry out Satan’s purpose in preparing for his final stand to rule the earth, at the battle of Armageddon.

Revelation 13:13 states that the two-horned beast ‘performs great wonders and makes fire come down from heaven in the sight of men’. This “fire” comes down, not from Jehovah’s heaven, but from the exalted place of the “god of this world” in his organization. The evident purpose of this work of his agents is to deceive and mislead the people. It shows that the two-horned beast is a favored instrument in his hands, especially equipped to carry out his designs. Among these signs, or “wonders”, done and performed by the two-horned beast may be mentioned, to wit: the establishment by it of the greatest empire of earth, ruling both the land and the sea; the gaining of supremacy in the winning of the World War; the promoting of great religious missionary movements; the publishing and distribution of millions of Bibles, engineered by the clergy, who themselves do not believe the Bible, but which is done to deceive the people into understanding that these nations are Christian ; the capture and controlling of the banking power of the world; the capturing of the “holy city” of Jerusalem in 1917; the taking of the lead in the peace treaties of the world; the supplying of the chief portion of the money for the healing of the wounded head of the ‘sea-beast’ till the rise of Hitler; the posing as the benefactors of mankind; and their clergy turning the people away from Jehovah God and from the Bible, and causing all that dwell upon the earth to worship the anti-Theocracy organization.

Also: “He exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dv ell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed.” (Verse 12) This is another wonder like fire coming down from the heaven of the “prince of this world”. It was the two-horned beast that lined up the clergy contingent, especially to give ‘heavenly’ approval to its fight for world domination. This fire from such heaven was not for the purpose of destroying “the earth”, but to indicate that he has supernatural power to perform great things through this two-horned instrument; also for the purpose of showing that the two-horned beast has superior power to carry on destructive work, and that all the world should take note thereof and deport themselves accordingly. This program carried out did deceive the peoples of earth, and such deceptive policy is in keeping with the offspring of Satan in opposition to Jehovah’s Theocracy under Christ.

The symbolic ‘sea-beast’ includes all the world powers, but in this particular picture is represented by Germany, as the head which was wounded, and which was compelled to take a grandstand seat and watch the performance of the two-horned beast doing its tricks and performing its great wonders. The two-horned beast, having the attention of all the rulers of the earth drawn to it, is represented, at Revelation 13:14, as “saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live”. This is that seabeast one of the heads of which had received the wound and had recovered. Rotherham renders this text: “They should make an image unto the wild-beast.”

This message or request the two-horned beast addressed to the rulers of its own empire, as well as all the other rulers of the earth. This image should be made “unto the wild-beast”, that is to say, in the likeness of the sea-beast and for the benefit of the entire world organization. The “image” which resulted was a modernization of the ancient universal-empire system, in a multilateral Peace Pact, for the preservation of the imperial rule of the “god of this world”, and for its benefit to avoid further strife between component parts of his organization, and to draw them into a compact and unite them in war against Jehovah’s Theocratic Government. This is a conspiracy against God’s organization, and is an abomination unto Him, “the abomination of desolation.” (Matt. 24:15) The facts conclusively prove that the League of Nations is that “image of the beast”. It is a formation of a thing for the benefit of the anti-Theocratic organization of “the prince of the demons”.

The proof is also overwhelming that the League of Nations compact originated with British officers and that the famous “fourteen points” and the League compact itself were drafted by British officers. But the honor of announcing the same was given to the then president of the United States. He was made the mouthpiece or spokesman for the two-horned, dual world-power, and his speech was smooth and fair and calculated to turn men away from The Theocracy.

When the American president spoke to the nations of the world concerning the League a noted Englishman said of him: “It was like the voice of God talking over our heads to the continent and to the nations of the world.” When this same great president reached Paris, there, it is written of him, ‘in Paris Wilson “received an ovation surpassing anything witnessed in France since the days of Napoleon. . . . He visited Rome, where he was counted as a sort of messiah, come to save Europe from the terrors of future wars.” In London he was made the occasion of a demonstration similar to that given in Paris.’—See The Encyclopedia Americana, under “Wilson”.

The League of Nations compact finally included all the relics or remnants of the original sea-beast having seven heads (world powers). The powers signatory to the compact embraced most of the nations of the earth. Egypt, the first world power of antiquity (now represented in Britain), and Mesopotamia, under the kingdom of Iraq (the site of Assyria, the second world power, and of Babylon, the third world power), are included in the League of Nations. Iran (Persia) and Greece, the fourth and fifth world powers, and the Anglo-American Empire, are included, and Italy (Rome, the sixth world power) was included until Mussolini announced Italy’s withdrawal December 11, 1937. It is important here to note that one of the divisions of the League is “The Permanent Court of International Justice”, at The Hague. {The Encyclopedia Americana, Vol. 17, page 177) The League of Nations was made a part of the Peace Treaty of Versailles. The president of the United States urged its adoption by the United States Senate. Opposition arose against him there, based “on substantially imperialistic grounds”. Big Business, many politicians, and practically all the clergy of America joined a like group of British ruling powers to put the League compact through. The United States Senate refused to confirm the compact and negotiated a separate treaty with the Teutonic powers. But the fight to put America into the League did not at all stop there.

The American Federation of Churches pronounced the League the “political expression of God’s kingdom on earth”; and another organization, called “League of Nations, Inc.”, sent out a circular letter urging America’s entry and asking: “In a world so dark as this, why blow out the only light there is?” The president of the United States succeeding the war president made a desperate effort to induce the ratification of the World Court, which is a part of the League of Nations compact. In May, 1923, the clergy, embracing 125,000 congregations in America, began a campaign to support the president’s proposal that the United States enter the “Permanent Court of International Justice” of the League of Nations. The Federal Council of Churches pushed this campaign and used all their power upon the politicians to bring about the desired result. They claimed to represent twenty million persons. Notwithstanding the efforts of some of her people to keep the United States out, the nation is in the League of Nations, in effect.

In 1928 the secretary of state of the United States, acting as spokesman, presented at the conference of nations at Paris the treaty known as “The General Pact for the Renunciation of War”, or the Kellogg-Briand pact. It was signed by fourteen powers all of which were members of the League of Nations, and was ratified by the United States Senate. An American newspaper said thereon: “At last the United States has joined the family of nations. We are no longer an isolated people. We are not afraid of the ghost of entangling alliances. We are ready to assume the obligation of our power and good fortune.”—Age-Herald (Birmingham, Ala.).

Another newspaper said: “The League opens the way for the United States to assume seat in World Court.” Germany’s then foreign minister, according to the press, said that “the adhesion by the United States to the Court was a logical sequel to the Kellogg Pact, that it would increase the tribunal’s prestige and greatly advance the cause of arbitration as opposed to war”. The New York Evening World, of March 8, 1929, said, “A sequel to the Kellogg Pact was seen by many in the League of Nations today when the Council approved a motion by Foreign Minister Briand of France, that a proposed treaty whereby financial assistance would be given to countries who are victims of aggression will be submitted to non-members of the League. . . . The comment in Geneva is that the United States is interested in observance of the Kellogg Pact and that if any signatory resorted to war in violation of its provisions American sympathies would lean towards an economic blockade of the aggressor and perhaps to participation in financial assistance to the victim or threatened victim.”

The Journal De Geneve, of Switzerland, which voices the sentiment of the League, thereafter said: “The League can talk with the United States in the event of war and say, 'The Kellogg Pact has been violated What are your intentions?’ Henceforth the aggressor at least will encounter the passive though none the less terrible reprobation of the United States.” The facts therefore show that the peace treaty known as “The General Pact for the Renunciation of War” was a part of the League of Nations and an indirect way, therefore a deceptive way, for the United States to get fully into the League, where she now is. A few years ago the United States joined the International Labor Organization (I.L.O.) of the League which since the war is operating from its new working center in Montreal, Canada. In November of 1941 the world conference of the League’s I.L.O. was held in Columbia University in New York City, the United States secretary of labor attending.

Revelation 13:15 tells that the two-horned beast “had power to give life [ (Greek) pneuma; spirit or breath] unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship [honor] the image of the beast should be killed”. In other words, the “image” is a kind of dummy that requires a ventriloquist to speak for it, and the two-horned beast acts in the capacity of a ventriloquist to make it speak, and when it speaks it apparently utters a sound that emanates from its promoter, the two-horned beast.

Image-making for the purpose of worship is utterly contrary to the law of God, as declared at Exodus 20:4, 5 and Romans 1:23. The religious clergy rooters for the League of Nations are most reprehensible in this respect, because they claim to represent God and yet they are openly breaking God’s law. Notwithstanding this, the clergy and their allies bend their efforts to compel the people to give their honor to and put their reliance upon, and therefore give their worship to, the “image”. According to the compact the violator of the League pledge “is automatically in a state of outlawry” with the nations which have bound themselves to sever economic relations with the defaulting League member. This is the same effect as that of the Paris Peace Pact. Thus it is seen that the “god of this world” has prepared a means, by threatening “death”, to keep the nations in line; but the actual application of this rule did not work out that way, as is evident from the course of the nations since 1931, particularly when Japan invaded Manchuria. The whole arrangement of the League of Nations or “image of the beast” is in opposition to the Lord’s Theocratic Government by Christ Jesus, and is blasphemous. The Lord God, as represented by his Judge and King Christ Jesus, came to the temple in 1918, and here the words of Jehovah God are appropriate: “What profiteth the graven image, that the maker thereof hath graven it; the molten image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusteth therein, to make dumb idols? Woe unto him that saith to the wood [image], Awake; to the dumb stone [image], Arise, it shall teach! Behold, it is laid over with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in the midst of it. But the Lord is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.”—Hab. 2 :18-20.

Further concerning the two-horned beast Revelation 13:16, 17 reads: “And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” This denotes regimentation of the people. Also according to the League compact every nation that would not conform to the world-combine arrangement should be boycotted in its commerce and economic sanctions be applied; that was the open threat. Liberty-lovers shudder at the possibility of all the nations of earth turning totalitarian.

The League of Nations, hailed as “the political expression on earth of God’s kingdom”, was brought forth as a substitute for Jehovah’s kingdom. The Papacy tried to ride on it but failed to get on the back thereof. The Papacy thereafter said little about or for that League of Nations. Italy and Japan were in the League from the beginning. Austria got into it in December, 1920, and Germany entered in 1926. The League of Nations served as a temporary substitute for The Theocracy until the chief of demons and his associates brought forth and placed the more abominable thing where it has no right to be. In Germany the Nazi party, with the full sanction, approval and co-operation of the Papacy, planned their own League, and to that end Catholic Hitler assumed the office of dictator, concluded his concordat with the pope in 1933, and withdrew from the Disarmament Conference and the League of Nations. Thereafter all the members of the so-called “Axis powers” withdrew from the League.

“Catholic Action” worked with the totalitarian rulers, particularly to make Hitler the spearhead of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy in the effort to overthrow democracies and to re-establish the “Holy Roman Empire”. The purpose of the religious-totalitarian combine is to carry out the wicked desire of the “Axis powers”, particularly the Catholic organization, in destroying the republics and to bring such countries into the combine. This done, the religious dictatorial power attempts to form a “new League of Nations” and to bring all the conquered territory into that League. November 20, 1940, a formal alliance was signed between the Axis powers and Japan and Hungary, at Vienna, and the construction of the “new League of Nations”, the rule of earth by dictators, proceeded. A few days thereafter Rumania joined. No European country may divorce itself therefrom. November 24, 1940, the pope prayed for such “new order”.

(Continued from page 82)

celebrate the Memorial, their companions the “other sheep” being present as observers. If there is no competent person present to deliver a brief discourse immediately before the partaking of the emblems, that short article appearing in the March 1, 1942, issue of The Watchtower should be read before those assembled prior to partaking. Since the breaking of the bread and drinking of the wine both picture the death of Jesus, it follows that both emblems should be served together at partaking, and not separately. The emblems should be unleavened bread and real red wine. Jesus and his apostles used real red wine in symbol of his blood, and the anointed remnant should follow their lead. A report of the celebration should be made to the Society as instructed in the Informant. In preparation therefor the article “Memorial” suggested above will be studied with profit.

1942 YEARBOOK OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES

This new Yearbook presents the president’s report on the work throughout the world this past year, showing the greatest year’s work yet despite persecution and war. It further includes the yeartext and comment, and also a text for each day of the year and a pointed comment, thereon. The edition of the Yearbook is always limited, hence a contribution of 50c a copy is asked. It will be mailed to you postpaid on receipt of your order with remittance to cover.

“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES

Week of April 19: “Micah” (Part 5),

][ 1-21 inclusive, The Watchtower March 15, 1942.

Week of April 26: “Micah” (Part 5), fl 22-41 inclusive, The Watchtower March 15, 1942.

AN IRISH-INDIAN PIONEERS IN FLAGSTAFF, NEW MEXICO

“On my way to a back-call, I passed within a block and a half of the courthouse. One of the deputies picked me up. He said: ‘We have awfully embarrassing things to do sometimes, but we have to do them. I am not placing you under arrest, but I want you to go with me to headquarters for an investigation.’ There he asked me what it was all about. I told him a recording here would explain, and proceeded to play ‘Children’ and the reverse side on ‘Integrity’. Some seemed to enjoy the discs. The man who picked me up left after hearing the records. An American Legionnaire asked if the Nazi flag meant as much to me as the American flag, and I told him it did not; the American flag stands for liberty and justice, and the Nazi flag just the opposite. I was further asked: ‘Is it a fact that you carry those records to cover up your foreign brogue and the fact that you can’t speak English?’ (Some of my ancestors met the Mayflower of the Pilgrim fathers.) Several citizens were called on the phone; but nothing came of it. One deputy said: ‘We had you up here last week; how come you drifted back?’ I told him we had never left town. The deputy told us the county attorney had told him to tell me to get my partner and leave town. He was informed that that was impossible. Told I could go, I proceeded to a back-call, rejoicing because the Lord had made it possible to do so. Passing a house on which I had called a couple of days before, a lady called to me: ‘Hey, Mister! Have you got those magazines you had the other day ?’ I replied ‘Yes’, and introduced the phonograph recording. She contributed for the book Children, and said: ‘I read that folder you left in the door, and surely did enjoy it. I am awfully sorry I treated you the way I did.’ She was informed that Jehovah’s witnesses understand the reason for the people’s being misinformed and that it hadn’t discouraged me one bit.’’

SPECIAL PUBLISHERS IN AN ILLINOIS TOWN

“We decided to work the courthouse first. This town has a population of 8,200 and is very religious and superstitious. It boasts of a religious college, the largest Liberal Arts in Illinois, which is a branch of the Moody Bible Institute, turning out ministers for thirteen different brands of religion. Jehovah’s witnesses have previously been arrested here and were never accepted very well. Bill started on the top floor, while Bunt and I started on the bottom floor. We had worked only four offices when approached by two deputy sheriffs and asked to come to the sheriff’s office for questioning. What were we doing in the courthouse? I told him we were preaching the gospel and ‘hunting’ for the ‘other sheep’. He said, ‘I must be a goat then.’ I told him I didn’t think so, and I bet he didn’t hate me, and I believed he might be a sheep. I then handed him the Bulletin from Washington, D.C., ‘Law-abiding,’ and my Testimony card. He read them over carefully, then said that if we had asked him he would have let us finish. I told him we could not ask for permission. One of the deputies took a book Government from my case and asked the price. I told him the sheep contributed twenty-five cents, and when they were too pool' we gave it to them. So he took the book and I have a back-call on him. While the sheriff questioned us Bill finished the other floors. One of the college girls wrote a Chicago unit of Jehovah’s witnesses for information regarding our work. The letter was handed to Bill; so he back- called on her twice. In working the territory with the books I had to call at this home where she roomed. The lady of the house, an elderly lady, invited me in. I put the phonograph to work on ‘Children’. When through I knelt down to shut it off and heard a man’s voice behind me saying something. I began to demonstrate the book Children, showing her how the preachers had Jesus killed. The voice from behind me spoke: ‘Is this the man you called me up about ?’ The lady said ‘Yes’. ‘Did he try to sell you that book?’ ‘Not yet.’ ‘These are the people we have arrested several times; the people of Wheaton don’t want them, so any kind of charge you make I’ll arrest him. Is that all he’s done, play that record?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘Well, I guess he has that right. Do you want that man to visit your house anymore?’ ‘No, I don’t want those people around here.’ ‘Well, tack a sign up “No Trespassing”, then you’ve got them. Why don't you come to us and get a permit: we’ve arrested you people time and again.’ I replied that the court agreed we were right in doing this work, and our work is upheld by the Supreme Court. ‘Oh, the Supreme Court,’ he sneered. Then he opened the door, and I shook the dust off my feet.”

IN A BLACK-OUT ON THE PACIFIC COAST

“I was playing a series for a young lady with several small children, expecting another lady soon, when the siren blew for the black-out. The children upstairs began to cry, and she became quite panic-stricken. So we went upstairs, brought all the children down, and lined them up on the davenport. Thea, after getting the Mrs. comfortably seated by the stove with the youngest child in her lap, we started the phonograph. As Judge Rutherford’s calm voice began to speak, the children stopped whimpering and all was silence until the last record was played, all still being in absolute darkness, as the houses here are not yet equipped for black-outs. Then the woman said, ‘I’m never going to be afraid again. I am going to just trust Jehovah to protect me and my children. I knew there was no protection from men, but now I know where real protection is.’ Until the houses here arc equipped we will probably have to play the series in the dark, but it is simple if one lines the records up in order, then put on No. 1 record; when that is finished drop No. 2 right on over No. 1; then turn the two over-together, which gives you No. 3 on top; then remove the top record, and you have No. 4. One can go right through the lecture series this way without a hitch.”

IN THE “LONE STAR STATE”

“During witness senice with magazines on sidewalks of San Angelo Saturday afternoon a tall, elderly man approached and asked for a certain booklet. He stated he had just been talking to a preacher who was an acquaintance, when another preacher came along and said to the first preacher: ‘Look! see those Jehovah’s witnesses again on the streets. They should be run out of the city!’ the preacher evidently thinking the other two would agree with him. Instead, this tall, elderly man began to state some facts, whereupon the preacher quickly beat it. An observing person remarked: ‘This must be the Lord’s work, because it continues to go on even against vicious opposition and persecution.’ ”

No. LXIII April 1, 1942 No. 7

MICAH

PART 6

"For Jehovah is our judge, Jehovah is our lawgiver, Jehovah is our king; he will save us.”—Isa. 33:22, Am. Rev. Ver.

JEHOVAH is the final Judge, to whom all creatures and all organizations in the universe must render account for their conduct. He is the Supreme Power, excelling all. “He is excellent in power, and in judgment, and in plenty of justice.” (Job 37:23) “God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this, that power belongeth unto God.” (Ps. 62:11) His faithful and devoted Son he has exalted to be next to Himself, and to him He has delegated all power in heaven and earth, to act as his Deputy Judge in the judging of all the nations of earth and to execute the judicial decisions in righteousness. “For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son; and hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.” (John 5:22,27) Hence Jehovah and his Son Christ Jesus are the true and only ‘“Higher Powers”. All souls that are wise and lovers of life and righteousness will be subject to and will obey such “Higher Powers” rather than any other existing power in opposition.

2 Jehovah, by his appointed Judge of power, judges individuals and organizations. Jehovah makes the decision as to which organization shall be exalted to the head of His universal organization, and also as to which organization shall be abased unto hell or destruction. Zion is Jehovah’s organization of integrity, of which Christ Jesus is the Chief One or Head and of which organization all other members must follow in his footsteps and must like him maintain their integrity toward God even unto the death. It is a tried and faithful organization, and inseparably devoted to “holiness unto Jehovah”. Therefore the Supreme Judge, Jehovah, promotes Zion to be the capital organization of his universe, “angels and authorities and powers being made subject” thereunto. (1 Pet. 3:22) On the other hand, Jehovah declares his purpose to shortly level to the dust the unfaithful enemy organization of the demons under Satan. “For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south: but God is the judge; he putteth down one, and setteth up another.” (Ps. 75:6,7) Jehovah makes Zion his official residence. Hence the prophecy is fulfilled that now’ “the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word [of truth] of the Lord from Jerusalem”. (Mic. 4:2) This sending forth of the law and word of the Lord God as set out in the Bible has been true since the coming of Jehovah’s Judge to the temple in 1918 for judgment. Now the people of good-will toward God and his capital organization are attending unto that law and word declared by His witnesses on earth. Thereby the Lord God is teaching them of his ways and enabling them to walk in his paths, which lead unto life everlasting in the paradise on earth.

3 By the light of the truth proclaimed such persons see that Jehovah has placed his Judge upon the royal throne and has exalted his capital organization Zion far above the “mountains”, or governments, of Satan’s visible organization under the shadow of which the people have suffered and mourned. Soon all peoples who continue under demon rule will, by fear of the things coming, be driven to cry “to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb [of God]: for the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to standi” (Rev. 6:16,17) Such are the “goats” which are made manifest by the Lord’s judgment of the nations which is now proceeding. But the “sheep” class are meek, teachable toward the Lord. They see that all the governments under demon rule are doomed to early leveling to the ground, and hence they flee to God’s capital organization, his holy Mount Zion. They put themselves under it for protection and to be hid from Jehovah’s Executioner at the battle of Armageddon. (Zeph. 2: 3) Only thus doing may the “sheep” hope to live through that final and decisive battle between God’s organization and the Devil’s organization. All the “goats” shall die.

4 Concerning Jehovah, as represented by his great Judge upon the throne in Zion, the prophecy announces: “And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” (Mic. 4:3) This has been a favorite text with popes and statesmen when posing before the people as lovers of peace and working for international peace. In quoting this text they have applied it to themselves as if the chosen ones to establish everlasting peace on earth, and this with a view to making it agreeable for the peoples and nations to continue under demon rule. Such is presumptuousness in God’s sight. It is abominable to him, because only He, by Christ Jesus, his “Prince of Peace”, shall bring about lasting peace and an absolutely disarmed earth. The Hague Court of International Arbitration, the disarmament provisions of the Versailles Peace Treaty, the League of Nations, the Paris Peace Pact of 1928 commonly called the Kellogg-Briand pact, the pope’s “Holy Year” of 1933, and also all the hypocritical and much-advertised peace prayers from Vatican City, all such peace expedients of men to bring about a warless world have failed. The world, now engaged in total war, bars all denial of this. Now that great religious head at the Vatican, in his speech of December 24, 1941, proposes and prays for a “new order” without “total, war” or a mad rush of the nations for armaments. Actually he prays and works for a Catholicized world backed by a strong totalitarian government supervised by himself and his Hierarchy as the spiritual superpower. To this end he now uses the totalitarian Nazi-Fascist-Catholic dictators as the “sword of the church” to cut off the democratic and non-Catholic nations and also to destroy the witnesses of the Lord God who announce the Theocratic Government of Zion, Jehovah’s capital organization. And to trap the political rulers of the democratic nations the Hierarchy repeatedly declare publicly that no lasting peace with justice is possible except the present pope’s peace.

5 In all these dreams and hopes of a warless and disarmed earth by human achievement and in all the misapplying of Micah 4: 3 to themselves as peace messengers and agents, they overlook this fact: The prophecy declares that the thing which must precede everlasting “peace on earth” is that Jehovah by his Judge and King must judge among many peoples and must “rebuke” the strong nations afar off. This proves the complete inability and failure of religionists and politicians to do what God’s “Prince of Peace” alone can do.

6 Now Jehovah’s Judge is upon his throne judging the nations. His findings according to the course now being taken by the nations is that they have forgotten God and have set themselves in opposition to his Theocratic Government by Christ Jesus, and that therefore they are deserving of rebuke rather than of blessing on their peace plans. If the religious clergy would do their duty toward their political allies and if “Christendom’s” nations would examine God’s Word, they would find the judgment of the Lord God already written there showing his judicial decision concerning the nations and their final end. That “judgment written” will be executed without fail. (Ps. 149: 9) It is written: “The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.” (Ps. 9:17) The clergy failing to call attention to God’s announced purpose in His Word, Jehovah sends forth his witnesses to all nations to declare “the judgment written”, and thus to serve notice upon them before the “battle of that great day of God Almighty”, when such written judgment shall be executed to the letter. Proclamation of such judgment written constitutes a test upon the nations of “Christendom”, and Jehovah by Christ Jesus judges them according to their course of conduct toward such proclamation and the proclaimers. The political and religious rulers condemn such proclamation. Their persecution of the proclaimers and the hindering and suppressing of the organized proclamation show that the nations have taken their stand in opposition to God and are fighting against him and have therefore forgotten him and chosen religion, which is demonism. The nations take their stand against ‘the law which goes forth out of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem’. Hence the Lord judges them adversely. He does not treat with them for peace.

7 By their stand in opposition to him the nations that go totalitarian have taken a position “afar off” from Jehovah God and his Theocracy. By his judgment there is now a “great gulf” between the Lord’s “sheep” and the “goats”, which neither can cross to get to the other side, there being no chance for compromise. All the nations together are weak as compared with God. In refusing his Rightful King they have chosen to war with God. Jehovah agrees to accommodate them with a fight at Armageddon, and he bids them to muster all their strength and to come on, to the field of battle: “Beat your plowshares into swords, and your pruninghooks into spears; let the weak say, I am strong.” (Joel 3:10) The declaration of the “judgment written” by Jehovah’s witnesses has been a reproof to the nations. But it has not been strong enough nor in itself sufficient to make earth’s ruling powers mend their ways and yield to the incoming Theocratic Government. Jehovah must rebuke them with something stronger and more forceful than his message by his witnesses and their companions. That He will do, by his great Executioner at Armageddon, and the tongue thus administering the rebuke is like a sword. “For, behold, Jehovah will come with fire, and his chariots [battle forces] shall be like the whirlwind: to render his anger with fierceness, and his rebuke with flames of fire. For by fire will Jehovah execute judgment, and by his sword, upon all flesh; and the slain of Jehovah shall be many.” (Isa. 66:15,16, Am. Rev. Ver.) As for Jehovah’s King: “Out of his mouth goeth a sharp sw’ord, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”—Rev. 19:15,16.

8 Total war now raging on the earth is driving all the nations of “Christendom” into the totalitarian rule, whether they like it or not. At the peace conference which must eventually come the political statesmen and military men shall sit down with religion and arrange a peace among themselves for their continued government of the earth under “the god of this world”. Thereat the religious Hierarchy and allied clergy will cry out to one another and to their political and commercial allies and to the war- ruined people, “Peace and safety!” (1 Thess. 5:3) Then Jehovah from his throne in the north and Christ Jesus, his King from the east or sunrising, shall send them a preliminary rebuke which shall frighten and infuriate them: “But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him [the arbitrary combine proposing peace without Theocracy]: therefore he shall go forth -with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.” (Dan. 11:44) At this desperate and final endeavor of demon-controlled powers to wipe out Jehovah’s faithful witnesses and their devoted companions Jehovah will rise up to the prey. He will pour out his indignation and fierce anger as a death-dealing rebuke to the God-forgetting nations, and all the visible earthly part of Satan’s organization shall be devoured with the fire of his jealousy. The nations that adopted religion or demonism and made war upon God and his witnesses shall there at Armageddon for ever disappear from existence.—Zeph. 3: 8.

9 By this “strange act” at Armageddon Jehovah God of hosts will effect the complete disarmament of the nations. Men could not do it, and the demons under Satan will not let men do it. As described at Revelation 16:13-16, the demons go forth to cause all the governing factors of the earth to arm and march forth to the battle of Armageddon, which battle the demon forces shall lose. The Devil at war mimics Jehovah God and sends forth the demon prince, Gog, as general in command, to oppose Jehovah’s Chief Field Marshal, Christ Jesus, the Prince of Life. Gog causes all his forces in earth and heaven to arm, and by totalitarian rule he marches all forth to the assault on God’s organization, particularly the vulnerable part thereof, the remnant on earth of Jehovah’s witnesses and their companions. These are in God’s “Holy Land”, meaning their condition on earth of complete devotion to Jehovah and his Theocratic Government. This final assault upon the remnant of spiritual Israelites and their companions will fail to cause them to break their integrity toward the Most High. Therefore God will preserve his faithful ones and will execute his vengeance upon the demon organization, from top to bottom, including Satan, Gog, and the forces of religion on earth. Ezekiel chapters 3S and 39, and Revelation 19:11-21, describe the slaughter. Their carnal weapons which they have forged in the great armaments race shall prove of no avail against the “strange” and supernatural forces of destruction with which Jehovah will rebuke the nations. They shall leave their swords and spears and other war equipment behind them strewn over the earth.

10 What then? Shall such be left to mar the beauty of the cleansed earth like war memorials? The prophecy replies that “they”, meaning the survivors of earth’s worst tribulation, to wit, the “great multitude” of the Lord’s “other sheep”, shall “beat their [the enemies’] swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks”. Foreseeing that day of peace through divine victory, Jehovah by his prophet says: “Behold, it is come, and it is done, saith the Lord God; this is the day whereof I have spoken. And they that dwell in the cities of Israel [the remnant and their companions] shall go forth, and shall set on fire and burn the weapons, both the shields and the bucklers, the bows and the arrows, and the handstaves and the spears, and they shall burn them [the combustible parts of the weapons] with fire seven years: so that they shall take no wood out of the field, neither cut down any out of the forests; for they shall burn the weapons with fire: and they shall spoil those that spoiled them, and rob those that robbed them, saith the Lord God.”—Ezek. 39: 8-10.

11 This proves that the real purpose of the demons in causing the whole world to become an armed camp was to line up the nations against God and to bring about their destruction in the “battle of that great day of God Almighty”. Particularly down to and including the summer of 1940 the nations of the world, including “the king of the north” and “the king of the south”, have been warned against this disastrous policy of the demons. They have not heeded that, but have listened to the leaders of religion. Gazing out over the earth after the Armageddon storm the prophet says: “Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth. He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder: he burneth the chariot in the fire.” Then, for the benefit of the meek “sheep” of the earth who are teachable and will hear, he says: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The Lord of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.” (Ps. 46:8-11) The “sheep” class of good-will give heed and make Jehovah and his organization, The Theocracy, their refuge.

12 The prophecy makes it certain, therefore, that equipment used in violation of God’s “everlasting covenant” (Gen. 9:6,11) and to war against Jehovah’s universal domination shall be wrecked at Armageddon and thereafter be collected and converted into upbuilding things of usefulness and productiveness. In this work the “great multitude” surviving earth’s last tribulation will be helped and supervised by those of the remnant of Jehovah’s witnesses, joined now by the faithful men of times before Christ. Such faithful men of old shall be raised to life, experiencing a “better resurrection” than the general resurrection of mankind. They shall by Christ Jesus, the great King-Father, be made “princes in all the earth”.—Ps. 45:16.

13 With these visible governors, the “princes”, the “great multitude” shall constitute the “nations” in that new earth. (Dent. 32:43; Rom. 15:10,11) Of them, and them only, will the prophecy be true: “Nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” To the contrary, at present “the king of the north” and “the king of the south” lift up sword against each other in total war, whole nation against whole nation, and are teaching and learning war as never before in the past, and are calculating on a long war for world domination. The demons will never permit the disarmament of the “present evil world”, but are lining up the nations for the deciding battle of Armageddon. Hence the nations will never have peace with God nor time to learn the arts of peace, but shall go down, fighting against Jehovah and his Theocracy. Finally Jehovah will cause the pope’s “new order founded on moral principles” to split in disorder and the religious, commercial and political elements thereof to fight against one another. Concerning this the sure prophecy says: “Then shall the Lord go forth, and fight against those nations, as when he fought in the day of battle. And it shall come to pass in that day, that a great tumult from the Lord shall be among them; and they shall lay hold every one on the hand of his neighbour, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbour.” (Zech. 14:3,13) “And the horses and their riders shall come down, every one by the sword of his brother.” (Hag. 2: 22) The same confused fighting and self-destruction was pictured in the Midianites destroying one another before Gideon’s little army; and also the allied forces of Moab, Ammon and Mount Seir killing one another off before the inhabitants of Jerusalem. (Judg. 7:20-22; 2 Chron. 20: 22-24) When the enemy seeks to escape, the Lord God will block his flight, and none shall survive.—Amos 9:1-4; Jer. 25: 33-35.

PEACE AND SECURITY

14 Then, after Armageddon, peace shall settle down over the earth, as when the rainbow spanned the heavens after the great Flood of Noah’s day had subsided and the survivors came forth from the ark and, unitedly and without interference from the demon agents, they all joined in worship of Jehovah God, their Preserver and Deliverer. Then to those Flood survivors God issued anew the divine mandate to “be fruitful, and multiply, and fill the earth”. (Gen. 8:18-22; 9:1-16) Likewise when those preserved during Armageddon come forth thereafter from their hiding place, Jehovah by the King- Father, Christ Jesus, will restate to that “great multitude” the divine mandate to reproduce their kind in righteousness and to fill the depopulated earth with a righteous offspring. Such ones will never learn war, either against one another or against The Theocracy. Why? Because the peace disturbing enemies of God will be gone. Satan and the demons will be restrained, and the “Prince of Peace” will rule. The Roman Catholic Hierarchy and Jesuitized Catholic Action will be gone. Totalitarian dictators and the anti-God “abomination that maketh desolate” will be gone. The profit of the earth will be for all, and selfish commerce, with its “strong-arm squad”, will be gone. (Eccl. 5: 9) All religion, which is demonism, will be gone, and the law and commandments and worship of Jehovah God will be in effect and will be carried out by all that live. Politicians will be gone, and The Theocracy’s visible representatives on earth, the “princes”, will rule in judgment. “And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance for ever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceable habitation, and in sure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.”—Isa. 32:1,17,18.

15 Further describing that blessed time the prophecy continues: “But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the Lord of hosts hath spoken it.” (Mic. 4: 4) This will be during the thousand-year reign of the King greater than Solomon, during the kingdom of which Solomon God’s covenant people, Judah and Israel, “dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree.” (1 Ki. 4:25) Then the Lord’s “other sheep” whom he preserves the Greater Solomon addresses: “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom [blessings] prepared for yon from the foundation of the [new] world.” (Matt. 25:34) The “princes” from Abel to John the Baptist, and including Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, shall be there, and concerning the “great multitude” over whom they shall be visible governors Jesus said: “Many shall come [and they are now coming] from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt. 8:11; Luke 13:28, 29) To sit with them on earth in or during the time of “the kingdom of heaven” does not mean inactivity and idleness, but to feed with them at the Lord’s table of blessings and to rest in the Lord and to enjoy peace and blessedness from serving God and walking with his “princes” in the way of righteousness.

16 “Every man under his vine and under his fig tree” does not mean personal private ownership, although doubtless humankind that lives will have the pleasure of planting many vines and trees. In the Scripture symbols the vine and the fig tree both represent the “kingdom of heaven” class and the fruit that such bear to the relief, comfort and joy and sweetening of those that accept the Lord’s message, the fruit of the vine picturing joys, and the fig tree picturing the goodness and sweetness due to the Kingdom. (John 15:1-8; Luke 13: G-9; Judg. 9:10-13) The “kingdom of heaven”, of which Christ Jesus is the true vine and all his body members are the branches, is The Theocracy. Under that great symbolic Vine and Fig Tree all humankind on earth shall “sit” in trusting dependence and shall receive of the joys and sweet blessings of the great King-Father, their Provider. “Then shall the earth yield her increase; and God, even our own God, shall bless us. God shall bless us; and all the ends of the earth shall fear him.”—Ps. 67: 6, 7.

17 They shall fear only the “Higher Powers”, and shall be afraid of none other. Cruel aggression by covetous ones shall be no more, nor wicked secret police or gestapo, nor landlords, nor religion, with its frightening doctrines of “purgatory” and “eternal torment”, nor any Roman Catholic Hierarchy and other priests and clergy to “devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer”; nor any death to the obedient. (Matt. 23:14; Rev. 21:4; 1 Cor. 15:25,26) “They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord [due to the victory at Armageddon], as the waters cover the sea.”—Isa. 11:9; Hab. 2:14.

18 Doubtless, as in the days of the typical Theocracy over the nation of Israel, each family or group will be assigned a definite plot of ground, which may not be commercialized or transferred to another. (Lev. 25:23; Num. 36:7; Ezek. 46: 18; Josh. 14:5,13) It shall be held in trust as a grant from the great King-Father, because Christ Jesus is the “heir of all things” of Jehovah. “The earth is the Lord's [Jehovah's], and the fulness thereof; the [new] world, and they that dwell therein.” (Ps. 24:1) In the beginning, in the Paradise or garden of Eden God appointed the perfect man to “dress it and to keep it”. (Gen. 2:15) Likewise under The Theocracy each shall finally be responsible to the King- Father for his assigned portion of the earth and for the vine and fig tree or other things growing thereon, to dress and keep such. Each must do his part, both individually and in co-operation with the other members of the family and all his neighbors and all the “princes”, in glorifying the earth as instructed and helped by The Theocracy. “And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them. They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands.”—Isa. 65: 21, 22.

19 There need be no fear that this glorious outlook shall never be realized by creatures of faith who serve and obey God, “for the mouth of Jehovah of hosts hath spoken it.” (Am. Rev. Ver.) Neither the religious Hierarchy nor the totalitarian “abomination of desolation” nor the demons shall prevent this, but the invincible hosts of Jehovah shall clear them out of the earth at Armageddon and enforce peace throughout the universe. There will be no international police force of any federation of nations needed, but angelic hosts at the command of the invisible, heavenly Theocracy will safeguard the interests of all humankind' on earth that live and obey. What Jehovah the Almighty God has spoken he will do beyond the power of any opposer to hinder it, and thus He will vindicate His word. Why, then, should any doubt it or take it lightly or with indifference? Why listen now to presumptuous men in power who make flowery promises to do what God Omnipotent alone can and will do? This information is of the greatest importance to creatures, and it is God’s will and command that it now be carried abroad by his witnesses on earth to bring comfort to all lovers of God and his kingdom.

DECISION

20 The judgment of the nations being now under way to divide the people as “sheep” and “goats”, it is the time for decision by each one as to his course of action that determines his destiny. He must choose between God and the demons, between The Theocracy and demon rule. “For all the peoples walk every one in the name of his god; and we will walk in the name of Jehovah our God for ever and ever.” (Mic. 4:5, Am. Rev. Ver.) Satan is the “god of this world”, and all the world therefore lies in that wicked one. (2 Cor. 4:4; 1 John 5:19) God’s Word plainly states that all nations practice some form of demonism, which is religion. “For all the gods of the nations are idols.” (Ps. 96: 5) The nations do not adore Jehovah God nor salute his Theocratic Government by Christ Jesus, but they give their devotion to the organization that opposes Jehovah, and which is the organization of the demon gods.

21 The peoples of the nations walk and conduct themselves by the authority of their “Gods”, whether demon or human such as Hitler, and they come in the name of and carry on in the name of the organizations of this world opposed to God. Though calling themselves by the name of God and Christ, they do not declare God’s name throughout all the earth nor make known the purpose for which His name stands. By opposing Jehovah’s witnesses and the message these declare concerning His kingdom by Christ Jesus the religionists of all nations belie their own claims. They prove they have taken the name of God and of Christ in vain and are walking in the name of other gods, to wit, the gods of Satan’s organization, the demons. “Christendom” claims to be in a covenant with God, and God’s command to his covenant people is, “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” (Ex. 20:3) “Christendom” is therefore proved a covenant-breaker and worthy of destruction, and the Lord does not hold her guiltless for taking his name in vain. (Ex. 20:7) “Ye cannot serve God and mammon,” said Jesus. (Matt. 6: 24) There are only two line-ups in the great issue over universal domination, and “Christendom” lines up with mammon, and serves that god of selfish gain and covetousness. For years Jehovah’s witnesses have been declaring his name throughout the earth; but “Christendom” does not choose to walk in His name nor according to the purpose which his name signifies. So doing, she and all her supporters and hangers-on determine their destiny. This they do before Jehovah executes judgment against all the gods of “Egypt”, that is, Satan’s world, and before lie famishes all her gods, spirit and human, and destroys them.—Ex. 9:16; 12:12; Zeph. 2:11.

22 In the face of “Christendom’s” decision for the “god of this world”, the small remnant of God’s covenant people, regardless of what others think about them, declare with decisiveness: “We will walk in the name of Jehovah our God for ever and ever.” The Lord’s “other sheep” make the same decision and thereby become and remain companions of the remnant. Long ago Satan the Devil turned the natural Jews to religion and thereby brought great reproach upon Jehovah’s name. To this day the Jews have renounced that name, which name they have therefore taken in vain. Then after the death of the apostles the Devil turned the majority of the professing Christians to religion, and these too have renounced the name of Jehovah. He is practically unknown to them, and with all despite of their heart such religionists persecute those bearing the name of Jehovah. Jehovah having declared that before his demonstration of power over Satan He would have his servants declare his name throughout all the earth, Satan counters this with his boast and threat that none on earth shall ever dare to take that holy name and walk therein. So to heap further reproach upon that name he and his demons stir up the religionists of “Christendom”, particularly the Roman Catholics, to engage in riotous and violent antiSemitism to persecute the Jews who once bore Jehovah’s name. This is a demoniacal warning to all Christians not to take the holy name which the Jewish nation took in vain, and is a hint to Christians of what they shall suffer at the hands of religionists if taking the name. Nothing can thwart Jehovah’s purpose to have a “people for his name” now at the end of Satan’s world and before God shows his power over Satan.—Acts 15:14.

23 Of old Jehovah made known his name to the prophet Moses at the burning bush. In 1918 the Greater Moses, Christ Jesus, came to the temple. Through him Jehovah has since made known to the faithful remnant his purpose to make a name for himself and has revealed to them the meaning of his name Jehovah and that the vindication of his name by his Vindicator Christ Jesus is of the highest importance. (2 Sam. 7:23) Meantime the demon forces using religion have caused Fascists and Nazis to be organized and’ to come into power and then great anti-Semitism to burst out from these religionists to degrade the name of Almighty God and to counteract the witness being given to that name by His servants. Undaunted, Jehovah in 1931 majestically revealed to his covenant people of spiritual Israel that his servants must be called by a “new name” which the mouth of the Lord God names, to wit, “Jehovah’s witnesses.” (Isa. 43:10-12; 62:2; 65:15; Rev. 2:17) At this revelation from God’s Holy Word they rejoiced: “Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, 0 Lord [Jehovah] God of hosts.” (Jer. 15:16) The devoted remnant hailed the disclosure of the new name, and they defied the demon hosts and all the religious haters and persecutors of God’s name. Gratefully they accepted the “new name”, determined to prove worthy thereof and true thereto, and forth they went with greater zeal to publish and "bear witness further to Jehovah’s name and kingdom. Christ Jesus is Jehovah’s Chief Witness, whose name is “Faithful and True”, and they desired to be conformed to His image. The Lord God had long ago foretold of this: “Therefore my people shall know my name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am he that doth speak; behold, it is I.” (Isa. 52: 6) “And I will strengthen them in the Lord [Jehovah]; and they shall walk up and down in his name, saith the Lord.”—Zech. 10:12.

24 Thus the “new name” is upon God’s covenant people, not being conferred by any president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society nor by any other man. True, Jehovah’s witnesses bear identification cards with the signature of the president or of the Society. Such, however, is merely to identify them in case of investigation to prove they are true representatives of the Society with its literature and to set forth the terms of their commission from the Lord to predch His message. So they do not walk under authorization of some man’s name signed to a permit or license to go from house to house or place to place with the Kingdom message, nor do they ask such from dictator, police, or other worldly official. Their ordination and authorization to preach is from Jehovah, whose name is called upon them, and in His name they are determined to walk for ever and ever, persecution and reproaches notwithstanding. Particularly since then the persons of good-will in all nations have heard the declaration of Jehovah’s name and purpose. These too, in steadily growing numbers, determine to “walk in the name of Jehovah our God for ever and ever”. They turn their backs upon the gods of religion and make a consecration of themselves to Jehovah and his Kingdom under Christ, and thereby become the Lord’s “other sheep” and the companions of Jehovah’s witnesses. The revilings and persecutions which this brings upon them do not cause them to break their integrity and to abandon God’s service by the side of his remnant. With an unbreakable love like that of Jonathan for David they cleave to God’s remnant, and both together walk on in Jehovah’s name in perfect unity and in like devotion to The Theocracy.

ASSEMBLY

25 To make the above possible Jehovah fulfills his promise concerning the “day of Jehovah”, which day began in 1914 at the enthroning of his King on his “holy hill of Zion”. “In that day, saith the Lord, will I assemble her that halteth, and I will gather her that is driven out, and her that I have afflicted; and I will make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast far off a strong nation; and the Lord shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever.” (Mic. 4: 6,7) Before the Lord’s coming to the temple God’s consecrated ones on earth were not wholly cleansed from all forms of religion. The full light had not yet come, but there were those of them with pure hearts and sincere devotion to Jehovah God. Such things of religion lamed them, particularly the religious doctrine that the worldly powers of Satan’s organization are the “higher powers”, “ordained of God” and therefore to be obeyed when such worldly authorities abuse their power of office to hinder and ban the work God commissions and commands his anointed servants to do. Fear of creatures resulted and caused his servants to halt or limp, and hindered their walking boldly, uncompromisingly and without any apology for Jehovah God and Christ Jesus, the true “Higher Powers”.

26 Such halting became particularly pronounced and noticeable during the crisis of the World War, in 1914-1918, when the test of strict and unswerving obedience to God was thrust upon them by the enemy. (Ps. 38:16-19; Jer. 20:10) They limped, as if one-sided, “curved,” not yet straight on the subjects of “the higher powers”, and universal domination, and integrity or blamelessness toward God. Hence they failed of continuous and bold performance in the public proclamation of God’s kingdom. This was displeasing to Jehovah God, and he permitted them to be driven out or “driven away” from the free and open publication of His message and to be taken captive and restrained by their religious enemies, symbolized by “Babylon”. Jehovah permitted such affliction upon his consecrated servants, but he did not cast them away, forasmuch as the heart of a remnant thereof was faithful and devoted and yearning to be released from restraint for renewed service as publishers of the Kingdom. Those faithful Christians were hated of all nations for the sake of the Kingdom. The nations increased the affliction upon them, and this at the instance of the religionists. Concerning this Jehovah warns: “And I am very sore displeased with the heathen [the persecutor nations that forget God] that are at ease: for I was but a little displeased, and they helped forward the affliction.”—Zech. 1:15.

27 Beginning with 1919, shortly after the close of the World War, Jehovah God, in his mercy and pity toward them and for his name’s sake, began to regather his scattered ones. He brought them forth from their places of restraint, freed them from religion’s power and the fear of men, and filled them with Elisha’s spirit of boldness. These were comforted from all their affliction, and on them was fulfilled God’s prophecy: “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.” (Isa. 12:1) How did Jehovah “make her that halted a remnant”? By bringing them to his Judge at the temple and then gathering out the rebellious “evil servant” class, the “workers of iniquity [or lawlessness]” that desired to cleave to religion and the fear of and subservience to worldly men as being “higher powers”. (Matt. 24:48-51; 13:41) This left only a remnant of faithful, devoted ones. Jehovah by his Judge approved them, anointed them as his “faithful and wise servant”, and sent them forth as his witnesses to declare his name and his Righteous Government.

28 Concerning this restoration the Lord had foretold: “The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, unto the mighty God. For though thy people Israel be as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return.” (Isa. 10:21,22) This action of Jehovah is directly contrary to the purpose of Catholic Action by force or by persuasion to bring all nations, including the United States of America, into the Catholic camp as subjects to the Roman Catholic Hierarchy and its headquarters at Vatican City. Working to this end, and to remove a chief obstacle thereto, the Hierarchy by Catholic Action has greatly afflicted Jehovah’s devoted ones. For their comfort Jehovah says: “Behold, at that time I will undo all that afflict thee; and I will save her that haltetb, and gather her that was driven out; and I will get them praise and fame [among men of goodwill] in every land where they have been put to shame. At that time will I bring you again, even in the time that I gather you: for I will make you a name and a praise among all people of the earth, when I turn back your captivity before your eyes, saith the Lord.” (Zeph. 3:19, 20) Since their deliverance by Jehovah’s truth and power, the faithful remnant walk erect and halt no more between two opinions, but are wholly devoted to The Theocracy. Blind to all else, they boldly declare Jehovah’s name before all nations and show7 forth his praises and his fame. And with them in this are the many loyal companions.

29 God’s “holy nation” is his new Government of Righteousness, The Theocracy, of which Christ Jesus is The King. (1 Pet. 2:9) The demonized religionists and their allies have tried to prevent the remnant from becoming a part of that “holy nation”. They try to force the remnant to break their covenant with Jehovah God and fail of making the Kingdom and thus bring destruction upon themselves as “cast far off”. But Jehovah has sent his remnant deliverance and has judged and purged them at his temple and strengthened them with his truth that they might be “strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might”. He has approved them and anointed them with his spirit to be his witnesses. They are thus in direct line for the Kingdom as heirs of God and joint-heirs with Jesus Christ”. The combined enemies under demon rule now viciously use all sly arts and means to “cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance”. (Ps. 83: 4) In this they continue to fail; Jehovah’s remnant endure the persecution, keep covenant with their God and hold fast their integrity toward him and thereby continue in line for the “new nation”, The Theocratic Government. That Government is a “strong nation”, its King being Christ Jesus, “The mighty God,” with all power in heaven and earth; and the faithful know that they “can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [them]”. (Phil. 4:13) They know and confess Jehovah as their Almighty God; and now is fulfilled the prophecy concerning the time of the end, that “the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits” as his witnesses. (Dan. 11:32) Continuing faithful unto the end, they shall not fail or be cut off from the “holy nation”, but “so an entrance shall be ministered unto [them] abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ”.—2 Pet. 1:10,11.

30 “And the Lord [Jehovah] shall reign over them in mount Zion.” Not in Rome or Vatican City, mark you, but “in mount Zion”, God’s capital organization. Jehovah now there reigns by his anointed King whom He enthroned as Rightful Ruler of the new world in 1914. In 1918 Jehovah brought him to His temple and there presented him as King. Public announcement thereof by his faithful anointed witnesses thereafter was flatly rejected by “Christendom”. She adopted instead a federation of Satan’s visible organization, the League of Nations, “the abomination of desolation.” So doing, she stumbled over The Stone, Jehovah’s anointed King; but the remnant of God’s witnesses hailed the presentation of that Chief Corner Stone at the temple with shouts of “Grace, grace”, or, “Beautiful, beautiful!” (Isa. 8:9-15; Zech. 4: 7, Rotherham') Now too the persons of goodwill who have heard and heeded the preaching of “this gospel of the kingdom” hail Jehovah’s glorious King as the “desire of all nations”.—Hag. 2: 7.

31 All Satan’s demon forces in heaven and earth cannot unseat the King of The Theocracy. Satan shall fail in his grab for universal domination, the primary issue now to be settled. Jehovah, by his King, shall reign in his official residence of Mount Zion “from henceforth, even for ever”. Hence the remnant of Jehovah’s witnesses, as “the feet of Him”, are the company that “bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!” (Isa. 52:7) They submit to Jehovah and his kingly Representative as “the Higher Powers”, obeying them rather than the opposing men, and they thankfully accept and diligently seek to increase the Kingdom interests on earth committed to them. They know it is not discretionary, but mandatory, upon them to “fear God, honour the King”, and to ‘preach this gospel of the kingdom unto all nations for a witness before such are destroyed’. (1 Pet. 2:17) In the fear of God and to the honor of His King the remnant together with their companions continue to do this one thing, and will to the FINAL END.

“FLOCK-TOWER”

32 During the waiting period, from Christ’s ascension to his Father’s right hand and until 1914, “Zion” was like a hill without a King and temple and all that goes to make up an occupied, acting capital city. Christ Jesus must wait until the Lord God Almighty takes to himself his great power and reigns at Mount Zion by his anointed King and sends forth this King to rule in the midst of his enemies, the foes of The Theocracy. (Rev. 11: 17,18; Ps. 110:1,2) It is now fulfilled prophecy, the promise that Jehovah addresses to His capital organization, of which Christ Jesus is Head and Chief: “And thou, 0 tower of the flock, the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem.” (Mic. 4: 8) These words are said for the comfort of the heavenly Father’s “little flock”, to whom it is His good pleasure to give the Kingdom, and whom he has now gathered unto the temple. (Luke 12:32) The remnant of the flock yet on earth say: “For he is our God; and we are the people of his pasture, and the sheep of his hand.”—Ps. 95:7.

33 Jehovah has chosen Zion to put his name there, even as he did with the typical Zion on earth. “The name of Jehovah is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it, and is safe.” (Prov. 18:10, Am. Rev. Ver.) Typical Zion, crowned with a strongly walled city and guarded by the king’s troops, was like a “strong tower from the enemy”. (Ps. 61:3) Christ Jesus as King is the strong and unconquerable One of Zion, “the Lion of the tribe of Juda.” Therefore Mount Zion, The Theocracy, is the tower of refuge and of preservation for the remnant of “the flock of God” and whose citizenship is in Zion, the heavenly city. (Phil. 3:20, Rotherham) Reference to Zion as the “tower of the flock” shows that the time of fulfillment of God’s kingdom promise is at a time of war, when universal domination is the hotly-contested issue between Jehovah and his enemies. It shows that the fulfillment is at a time when the enemies are still active and are opposing the newly enthroned King and assaulting all publishers of the King and Kingdom on earth. At that time Zion is the tower of deliverance for the remnant of the “little flock”: “For in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call.”—Joel 2: 32.

34 It is out of His universal organization of holy creatures that Jehovah takes the members who compose the “new nation”, The Theocratic Government. It is The Stone that was cut out of the great “mountain” without human hands. (Dan. 2: 34, 44,45) God's universal organization is called “Zion”, and is the mother organization from which comes forth The Theocracy, the capital organization. The latter is therefore the “daughter of Zion”. The “daughter” takes the name of the mother and is also called “Zion”. Further the apostle Paul says: “But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.” (Gal. 4:26) Hence Jehovah’s royal family of The Theocracy is also called “the daughter of Jerusalem”. Typical Zion was a “strong hold”, or “hill” or “mound”, (dm. Rev. Ver. and Roth.) King David captured it and made it his capital and located the ark of Jehovah’s covenant there as a symbol of God’s presence. That was long after the Israelites had occupied Jerusalem. Therefore “the strong hold of the daughter of Zion” has reference rather to Jehovah’s “holy nation” as the capital organization elevated over all, whereas “the daughter of Jerusalem” has reference thereto more as an organization where unity and peace rule, as the name “Jerusalem” means.

35 Over the nation of natural Israel Jehovah established a typical Theocracy. In it the visible king represented the real Ruler Jehovah, as when “Solomon sat on the throne of Jehovah as king instead of David his father”. (1 Chron. 29:23, A.R.V.) David fought and extended the typical Theocracy to the full limits on earth which Jehovah had foreordained for it, thereby picturing that the Theocratic Government of the Greater David fights from 1914 on and down to the Devil’s last stand at Armageddon and establishes the universal domination of the great Theocrat, Jehovah. The kings of typical Jerusalem yielded to religion and became wicked, and therefore did not present a faithful picture of the true Theocracy, and Jehovah God removed the dominion from that nation, in 606 B.C. But he promised to restore or make restitution of the dominion to One who should come with the right thereto. “And it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him.” (Ezek. 21:24-27) Nineteen centuries ago, after the baptism in Jordan Jehovah anointed Jesus to be the King and gave the right to him, which right Jesus maintained by his faithfulness unto death. The King must reign, and therefore Jehovah raised him out of death and exalted him to His own right hand in heaven, but instructed Jesus Christ to wait until the time for the “first dominion” and “kingdom” to come to “the strong hold of the daughter of Zion” and "daughter of Jerusalem”.

36 The coming of the dominion must mean the end of Satan’s uninterrupted rule. At the end of the seven “times of the Gentiles” the time of delivery of dominion came, to wit, in A.D. 1914. Promptly then, at God’s own chosen and appointed time, Jehovah’s Theocratic Government by Christ Jesus was begun. The “chief dominion” and “kingdom” coming to Christ Jesus, Zion’s anointed Chief and King, he forthwith took up the rod or scepter of his strength and at Jehovah’s command he began to rule amidst and to proceed against his enemies. (Ps. 110: 2) Let all lovers of God and his kingdom rejoice: the Kingdom has begun and will rule for ever. Let all such publish the fact to all having an ear to hear, that the “first dominion” or “chief dominion” has come to Christ Jesus, the royal Head of Zion, God’s capital organization. “His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which "hall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.” (Dan. 7:13,14) In it the “little flock” of Jehovah’s royal family shall share with and under Christ Jesus. — Vss. 22, 27.

37 Satan, the “god of this world” and the contender against God for the universal domination, sought to nullify that birth of the Kingdom, but failed; and he and his demons were cast out of heaven. (Rev. 12:1-12) Now confined to the earth, they press further the fight over that great issue of who shall rule the universe. They pit the two dominant powers in earth against each other in a fight for world domination, in defiance of God’s promise of a “new earth”. The demons lead all the nations of the world to the final and deciding battle, Armageddon, there to resist and destroy if they could the domination of God’s “new heavens” or The Theocracy. (Rev. 16:13-16) The outcome of the battle is certain! Jehovah, who gave the “first dominion” to his anointed King, will give Christ Jesus also the victory. Rival claimants thereto, demon and human, shall be utterly destroyed, and the universal domination by Christ Jesus shall be established over all creatures that live. — Rev. 19:11-21.

38 Thus the chief issue of all time will be settled right, righteously, and for ever. Seeing by faith that great victory to the vindication of Jehovah’s name and word, let the remnant rejoice, and likewise all their companions who hope to become “children of the King”. The Kingdom is here and to stay! It is a time of joy and shouting, as when Christ Jesus rode into the city of Jerusalem as King and his disciples and also the children, “the babes and sucklings,” shouted praise to Jehovah and hosannas to His King. The law of Jehovah now goes forth from Zion, and his word from Jerusalem, to guide the prospective children of the King unto righteousness and life. For ever blessed are all they that faithfully walk according to his law and feed upon his life-sustaining Word. Let ail such continue to walk in their integrity toward God that they may be found “blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ”. Such only shall live to rejoice for ever in the “chief dominion” of Zion, Jehovah’s Theocracy by Christ Jesus.

(To be continued)

THE NAME TO BE HONORED

THE name of Jehovah is not comparable to that of any creature. He is the Almighty God besides whom there is none. Contrary to this great truth, the name of Jehovah has been made an issue before the minds of creatures for the past six thousand years. One of his creatures called Lucifer forced the issue of universal domination and involving Jehovah’s name. In doing this Lucifer became God’s enemy and had his own name changed from that which means “bearer of light” to that which signifies everything that is evil. It has ever been the policy of this evil one to push the name of the great Jehovah God on the side, to ridicule his name, and to cause creation to defame God’s name and to regard him as an eternal-torment fiend unworthy of respect and praise. This the enemy has done in order to exalt himself that he might receive the worship of men and keep them in subjection to himself. God could have prevented the enemy from so doing, but, at Exodus 9:16, he expressed his purpose to permit the enemy to demonstrate his full and complete depravity and thereby test the integrity of faithful men, by which men God’s name shall be declared throughout all the earth before he demonstrates his supreme power against the enemy at the final battle of Armageddon.

Jehovah God has not pushed his name to the fore. At stated intervals he has brought his name prominently before his creation. This he has done by a demonstration of his unlimited power, which has always proved that the Devil is powerless against Jehovah when the Lord God deems it proper to exercise his great power against the evil one. At these stated intervals God has brought his name before his creation, not for a selfish reason, but for the benefit of honest creatures. Unselfishness has been his motive. This is another proof that “God is love”.—1 John 4:16.

God’s Word is contained in the Bible. During the ages God has magnified his word of promise above his name. The time has come, however, when Jehovah’s name shall be exalted among all his creatures upon an equality with His word of promise. Then all creatures will know that his word is always true and that his name is above all and is worthy to be praised.

In Eden, when the Lord God was pronouncing the sentence against Adam for the violation of God’s law, he took cognizance of Satan’s part in man’s evil course and he then and there gave his word of promise that at some future time “the seed of the woman”, that is, the Ruler who should come forth from God’s organization, should bruise the Serpent’s head. Time and again God magnified that word of promise. Centuries later he began to foreshadow his purpose to carry into operation that promise. He called his friend, Abraham, and made to him the promise: “In thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.” (Gen. 12:3) Here Abraham represented the Lord God, and God’s word of promise shows that the blessing of all the families of the earth must proceed from Jehovah because He is the great Life-giver. Later the Lord caused Abraham to present his son as a sacrificial offering, and it was at that time that God made to him this promise: “And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.” (Gen. 22:18) In this picture Abraham represented the Lord God, and his “seed” or son, Isaac, represented Jesus, the beloved Son of Jehovah. The promise shows that the blessings must come from Jehovah by and through his Son Christ Jesus. It also shows that 'the seed of promise’, which shall bruise the head of that old Serpent, the Devil, is Christ Jesus, the Beloved One of God and God’s great representative.

During all these centuries Jehovah has kept his word of promise to the fore, in this, that he has always had someone on the earth who has borne witness to his word of promise. The faithful ones of the nation of Israel magnified God’s word of promise. When Jesus came he magnified the promise of his Father. Jesus’ apostles magnified the word of promise, and the faithful Christians throughout the “Christian era” have done the same thing. The shepherd- king, David, foreshadowed the true Christians, and his prophetic words are placed in the mouth of such, to wit: “I will bow down towards thy holy temple, and thank thy name, for thy lovingkindness and for thy faithfulness. For thou hast magnified above all thy name, thy word!”— Ps. 138:2, Rotherham’s translation.

God’s word of promise is perfect. It is his expressed will. In the ages he has moved majestically forward in carrying out his will as expressed in his Word. At stated intervals, to save the honest people from complete infidelity, he has brought his name prominently before them. Now the members of “the body of Christ”, who is the true Abraham’s seed, are about completed and the time is at hand when the Lord will magnify his holy name before mankind. The issue will then be finally determined against Satan in favor of Jehovah. He will have a witness given in the earth of his purpose and will to magnify his name, and this witness must be given now, before Armageddon begins. The small remnant of the faithful members of Christ’s body yet on earth are granted the privilege of bearing witness to that great fact. Therefore Jehovah says to them: “Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord [Jehovah], and my servant whom I have chosen; that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. . . . Therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God.”—Isa. 43:10,12.

There is no doubt as to the present mission of the true Christians anointed with God’s spirit who are yet on the earth. All the prophetic evidences, viewed in the light of the physical facts from A.D. 1914 on, prove that the world, that is, Satan’s till then uninterrupted rule of the earth, has ended, which means that Satan’s organization visible and invisible has reached its fullness: that God has set his beloved Son upon the throne, which means that Christ Jesus has assumed his great authority and begun his reign in the midst of his enemies (Pss. 2:6; 110: 1. 2) , that Satan has now been expelled from heaven and that all the forces are now gathering for Armageddon, which is the great battle of God Almighty by Christ Jesus against Satan and his organization. To the faithful Christians the Lord gives commandment to proclaim the great message of God’s truth to the nations of earth as a witness before the end, and then Armageddon shall quickly follow, and that shall be the final trouble upon earth In that great time of trouble Jehovah God will make for himself a name, even as he did when he overthrew the Egyptians and delivered his chosen people Israel from bondage.

Those now in God’s temple class he has called and taken out from the world as “a people for his name”. (Acts 15.-14) It becomes the privilege and duty of such to show forth his praises, and the Lord's “other sheep” whom he now gathers and who become the active companions of the faithful “remnant” must join with them in declaring Jehovah’s name throughout the earth. The witness to his name must be done before Armageddon, because it is God’s announced purpose that it shall be done. There would seem to be no reasonable cause for giving such testimony after Armageddon The conclusion is therefore irresistible that now is the time for the temple class and their companions to prove their integrity toward God and to magnify the name of Jehovah. This they do by beginning to sing forth the honor of his name, and the members of the temple class and their earthly companions say to one another: “Sing forth the honor of his name.”—Ps. 66: 2.

The immediate prospect, therefore, is that of great activity yet on the part of the temple class and their companions in proclaiming the message of Jehovah God concerning his vengeance against Satan’s organization and concerning the vindication of his name by his Theocratic Government, the promised Kingdom which shall bring blessings to all obedient peoples of the earth.

Into the minds of some the enemy may inject vain thoughts, causing such to magnify their own importance, thereby causing them to abandon the Lord’s appointed witness work of magnifying Jehovah’s name. The Devil will work every possible scheme to overcome the “remnant” and their companions. The Lord, foreknowing the schemes of the wily enemy, and for the good of his creatures, caused to be recorded in his Word that which expresses the true Christian’s heart’s sincere desire, namely: “Remove far from me vanity and lies; give me neither poverty nor riches , feed me with food convenient for me; lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord [Jehovah] 1 or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.” (Prov. 30:8,9) The Christian sees that extreme earthly riches would tend to cause him to forget God and his own relationship to the Almighty One. He sees that extreme poverty might cause such discouragement that he would despair. Concerning these things he wants to have the spirit of a sound mind and to diligently and faithfully use whatever means is available to provide the necessities and then to use all his endowments in the service of the Lord to the glory of His name. He recognizes that God has only one way of doing His work in the earth, and the true Christian wants to keep in harmony with that way. Therefore he prays: “Feed me with food convenient for me.” That which is fit and proper, which is strengthening and builds one up as a servant of Jehovah God, is convenient food.

Where would the creature who desires life look for such food? For his physical needs he would carefully consider what natural food is best suited to give him strength of body and mind, that he might serve. For his mind he would diligently seek the food which the Lord has provided for his own. Seeing that the Lord has led his people thus far in this “time of the end” and provided them with “meat in due season” through his chosen channel, the Watch Tower Society, the servant of God has confidence that in the same manner the Lord will continue to provide for his own. Every dumb ox knows his master’s crib, from whence comes his food. (Isa. 1: 3) Surely the Lord's people should now know from whence comes their food.

The true witnesses of the Lord are few on the earth, comparatively. These are despised by the pretending Christians, even as Jesus was despised by the ecclesiastics and their allies of his time. God foreknew the conditions that would exist at this time on earth and he caused his prophet to speak to his servants, saying: “Praise ye the Lord. Praise, 0 ye servants of the Lord, praise the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord, from this time forth and for evermore.”—Ps. 113:1,2.

This prophecy must have a fulfillment at some time. Its fulfillment has begun. From this time forward and for evermore the name of Jehovah shall be exalted, and no power can possibly prevent it. Satan’s organization must fail, and then, at Armageddon, all will be brought to know that the name of the Most High and Almighty God is Jehovah and the reproachers of that name shall be destroyed. It is the blessed privilege of Jehovah’s witnesses and their companions to now exalt Jehovah’s name in the earth before Armageddon.

The intelligent servant of God therefore sees that at this time there is a definite work to be done. This work now consists of proclaiming the glad tidings to the nations of earth that Jehovah is God, that Christ is King, and that the kingdom of God has begun. The Lord has provided the machinery to print the message for wide circulation, and continues to provide the materials with which to print. Having provided the ammunition, he calls upon his servants to go forward and press the battle against religion and for the education of the people in His truth. For their encouragement he says to such that ‘He will be for them a crown of glory, and a diadem of beauty’. (Isa. 28: 5, 6) He will be a shield and protector and comforter and the Blesser.

The song of glory now begun shall go forward until Jehovah causes it to fill the earth. “From the rising of the sun, unto the going down of the same, the Lord’s name is to be praised.” (Ps. 113:3) This does not mean mere daily worship by some of earth’s creatures. The sun rises in the east and goes down in the west, and from east to west is every place on the earth. Therefore the time must come when everywhere the sun shines the name of the Lord God shall be exalted in appropriate praise. All who live will honor his holy name. God’s prophet was given a vision of the people relieved of bondage to religion and Satan’s organization, and all giving praise to God. It was a vision of the song of deliverance for humankind of goodwill toward God and his promised Government. God’s anointed witnesses and those who shall be the earthly children of his King do now on earth begin that glad song which shall never end.

The name of Jehovah God is worthy of all praise. He is the complete expression of unselfishness. His loving-kindness is beyond the expression of words. When the seekers for truth come to realize that the long, dark night of Satan’s uninterrupted rule has ended and their release from bondage has come; when they learn that the way to life everlasting is open to the believing and obedient ones and that God in his loving-kindness has made this provision for them, then all such will exclaim: “Who shall not fear thee, 0 Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy.” —Rev. 15:4.

The name of Jehovah will continue to be exalted. The creation invisible to man shall send forth his praises. All the visible governing “princes” in the new earth, the resurrected faithful men of old, and all the great multitude of Armageddon survivors will praise his holy name. The mighty mountains will lift their hoary heads in songs of praise. The broad fields will declare the honor of God’s name. The trees of the wood clothed in garments of verdure and beauty will rejoice, and every creature that breathes and lives shall join in the great hallelujah chorus to the honor and glory of Jehovah’s holy name.—Psalm 150.

The true child of God is anxious to sing forth the honor of Jehovah’s name now. It is due the Lord that his name be honored above all. It is due time to sing forth the honor of his name. God’s remnant are the anointed representatives of God on earth, and these are now joined by a multitude of like-minded earthly companions, and all such are greatly honored by having the privilege of representing Jehovah. Speaking for them the psalmist says: “Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name.” (Ps. 29: 2) This exhortation is also a call by each servant of Jehovah God to the others in His service.

In line with this command it is proper that each one in the service of the great Theocrat Jehovah and His King keep before his fellow servants the great importance of now having a part in the Lord’s service. While no one has a right to attempt to compel another to engage therein, it is the duty and privilege of each one to point out to his brother the great advantage and favor resulting from participating in God’s service. It is impossible to sing forth the honor of the Lord’s name now unless we avail ourselves of the remaining opportunities for serving him, because this is the means that God has provided for the witness to his name to be given. Amidst increasing opposition the little company of Jehovah’s servants delight to encourage one another and together to engage in singing the honor to the Lord’s name.

Out of darkness the Lord has called his people for a purpose and put his name upon them. In advance of others of mankind he has given his faithful ones a vision of his gracious purposes. These faithful ones are now made his witnesses. Every one now holding fast and remaining faithful to the end shall see the complete triumph of Jehovah and the issue finally and for ever determined to His glory and honor. It is their duty and blessed privilege to now beseech their brethren and fellow workers in the Lord to join them by participating in the service of the Lord in singing forth the honor of his name. Let no one engage therein merely because he thinks he is compelled to do it. Let each and every one engage in the Lord’s service because he delights to do it. In this manner we prove our love for God—1 John 5:3.

The question now is, Who is God" Who will exercise universal domination? Who is on the Lord's side? Who will joyfully be a witness to the name of the Lord God’ Let all who answer “I” look well to the provision God has made and quickly avail themselves thereof and participate in singing forth the honor of his name.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

March 3, 1942

To All Fellow Workers for The Theocracy,

Dear Brethren-.

Jehovah in his loving-kindness has brought his people to unity of action. They see but one thing, The Theocracy, and their share in the vindication of Jehovah’s name and the unspeakable privilege of now proclaiming his name and his Word.

The expressions sent to me of loyalty to the Lord’s organization and of your determination to carry on in the fight have in the last few weeks brought much joy to my heart. From every corner of the earth, near and far, isolated and in companies, the expressions are the same, of recognizing “the Higher Powers”, Jehovah and Christ Jesus, as being the head of the organization that Jehovah has formed in the earth for His glory and His praise. It would take much time to personally acknowledge all these letters, but I do want to express my appreciation to all of you for your good wishes and your prayers. As you have given your assurances of continued faithful co-operation as unto the Lord, so we here will, by the Lord’s grace, push ahead with the work and keep you supplied with “meat in due season”. We shall always look well to your interests and assist you in the fight against the forces of demonism and see that you have the means and equipment to continue comforting all that mourn.

Reports coming in from every part of the globe show that the conditions in the earth and the action of the enemy are not causing the brethren to slack their hand in the least, but that they are continuing to obey the commandments of the Lord rather than the commandments of men and that the ingathering of the Lord’s “other sheep” is progressing by leaps and bounds. All are heeding the admonition of the apostle, “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”—1 Cor. 15: 58.

With much love and best wishes,

Your fellow servant in The Theocracy,

N. H. Knorr, President, Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society

STEADFASTNESS

THOSE who serve Jehovah look to him for directions I through his Son, Christ Jesus, who is at his temple.

From all parts of the world messages have come to the Watchtower office at Brooklyn expressing the same determination to carry on in the work as is set forth in the following letter from the Berne, Switzerland, Branch office.

Berne, January 15, 1942 Watch Tower Society, Brooklyn, K. Y.

Dear Brethren :

We were painfully surprised to read in all our daily papers that “the founder of the movement of Jehovah’s witnesses, which spreads over the whole earth and has more than two million members, Judge Joseph Franklin Rutherford, has died in San Diego, Cal.” Such is the wording of the news as transmitted by the Exchange.

We did not expect, of course, that you would inform us immediately by wire; we were told, however, that the Exchange Agency is reliable. Although we are grieved no more to be able to have personal contact with our dear Brother Rutherford, we do nevertheless not feel as “orphans”, because we were privileged to learn that Jehovah and Jesus Christ are our leaders, and so God’s people in Switzerland are firmly convinced that Jehovah holds in store further blessings for his people and will dispense them. How strengthening it is to see that the church has truly reached its maturity and, as Brother Rutherford expressed it so beautifully in his last letter (October 24, 1941), which was brought to our knowledge through the Informant, is fully conscious of the fact that a time may come where the organic connection may no more exist in the same measure and may even cease entirely, when the individual servant must be able to stand and when, as Paul exhorted us to do, all would speak the same message in spite of extraordinary circumstances, namely, the only means that will help the groaning creation: The Theocracy.

The work here continues by God’s grace. We are very busy at present, having translated the book Children and preparing for its publication. It is even our great hope that during the coming “Easter” holidays we may hold our annual general convention in the big “House of Arts" in Zurich The management of these buildings has informed us in writing that they place their auditoriums at our disposal. As we informed Brother Rutherford last fall, we were privileged to give in these buildings the greatest public witness ever given in Switzerland.

And now we know, dear brethren, that you remember us daily in your prayers, and we assure you that we do the same for you, well knowing that you now have more responsibility and that your task has become more difficult. But we are confident that the Lord will give you all the wisdom you need and that he will guide you by his spirit to the doing of His will.

Closely united with you in brotherly love, we remain Your brethren in Theocratic service,

F. Zurcheb

FROM A CIRCULAR ADDRESSED

To the readers of The Watchtower in the Netherlands: “Herewith we would like to inform you that it is no more possible to write to the office of the Society in Heemstede. The German police have closed the office and taken away all the property of the Society, although everything was marked as American property. Moreover, they have taken the whole stock of Bibles and books, for destruction. Yea, they took really everything, even the dirty laundry, the possession of those who lived in the Bible House at Heemstede. The Bible, God’s Word, has predicted these evil persecutions, but we trust in Jehovah; for what he has promised he will also carry out in Armageddon, and he will destroy all those who persecute so maliciously God’s faithful servants in their work for the glorification of his name. (Isaiah 65:11-14; Obadiah 11-16) Please also stop all payments. We shall see to it that you get The Watchtower despite all these persecutions, which Jehovah God may yet permit for a short time.”

A PUBLISHER IN THE NETHERLANDS WRITES:

“I was arrested at 8 p. m. and taken to the police office. The following day my house was searched and a gramophone and a leather bag containing about ten booklets were confiscated. Next day I was taken to … to the German police. Here I was questioned by various officials for about three hours. During the hearing I was forced to remain standing with my arms upraised, which was naturally terribly tiring. However, in the afternoon I was released with the warning that if I continued proclaiming the truth they (the German police) would arrest me immediately. Two months later I was arrested again, at 10 p. m. Again I was escorted to the police office and delivered to the German police next day. Here they used much abuse, and immediately after locked me up in a subterranean cave which was absolutely dark. After some hours, an official came and asked me in German: ‘What have you done?’ and in so asking punched me several times in the face with his fist. In this place there was a coffin and other things. The German official asked if I had seen this, saying that if I did not tell the truth, I would be put in it. When lie saw his words made no impression, he said that I would be taken to Germany and shot out there Then I was put into a car and taken to prison for preventive arrest. After a week in this prison I was again conducted to the German police and questioned. After a quarter of an hour one of the officials got so mad that, raging terribly like a wild beast, he approached and landed me one straight in the face, this without any reason, for I had always answered kindly and quietly. Every time I quoted some Bible verses and mentioned the name of Jehovah they began to threaten me and warn me to tell the truth. So I began to tell them the truth. Then they forced me to do all kinds of physical exercises; for instance, 160 times knee-bending, and standing for an hour without interruption in a certain awkward position. Perspiration began to penetrate through all my clothes. When I broke down with overtiredness they threatened me with all sorts of things, among others that my wife and children would also be arrested. Then they took me into a little cell and asked whether I was ready to die, saying I had only a few minutes left to pray. I told them that if Jehovah would permit that I be killed I would gladly die for his name. Upon this I was taken back to prison (preventive arrest). This procedure lasted about 3 1/2 hours. While in prison I asked for medical treatment, as I had heart palpitations; also I caught a cold.

“After four weeks’ arrest I had to appear again before the police. They made three photos of me and fingerprinted me. They said that if I would tell the truth they would allow me to go home; they were a little kinder. After being cross-examined for about an hour I was told I was going to be released, but they threatened that if I would continue to proclaim the name of Jehovah they would finish with me for good. The questions they asked me were always the same; also my answers. They asked, for instance, if I knew certain brothers and sisters, who had given me the literature and the phonograph, etc. I thank Jehovah I have not said anything against the Kingdom interests. I trust Jehovah will further strengthen me.”

CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD IN FRANCE

“Thus far I and my family and also my relatives in the country are quite well. Conditions at present obtaining have forced us to restrict ourselves very much. However, I have been able to get my business here in town as well as all the branches in the country going again. All of them are carrying on in a satisfactory manner. When difficulties began, business here in town receded very much, and I then had but 80 employees. However, afterwards things improved. I was able to engage new labor, and so there are here now again 250. About the same may be said as regards my other branches. As far as I had the means, I was able to provide them all with the necessary. I am now glad that everything is proceeding so well. The great difficulty has arisen here because of France’s being divided in several parts which are separate and inaccessible to each other: ... I was able to write to my relatives in the north and to send them the necessary things. However, news from them is very sparse. I only know that thus far they are well and they can quietly go about their work, although air- attacks disturb them very much.

“The liquidation of the Society seems to slumber. I haven’t heard anything more from the liquidator. A great number of judicial documents are said to have been burnt. I have left this matter in abeyance. I have been more occupied in getting my business going again and have really done what I possibly could. Only food conditions are very serious here, and if you could help me in that respect I would be very glad. It is strange how events affect people. Some in the family allow themselves to be very much depressed by these conditions and become fearful. Others are joyful, full of hope, play the gramophone, sing songs and look courageously into the future. I myself am very glad to see that, considering circumstances, my business is quite good. On the whole, during the past year, I was able to engage about 400 workers here and in the branches. Further I was able to deliver 2,500 books, 8,000 booklets, and 2,000 Bibles and New Testaments. These figures are probably too low; for I have no data from the north. We fervently thank our great God that he has blessed us so richly, and that in spite of difficult conditions we are still here and able to go ahead.”

No. LXIII April 15, 1942 No 8

MICAH

PART 7

"When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in hear will be done, as in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy so in earth.”—Luke 11:2.

JEHOVAH is the Father to whom prayer must be directed. His beloved One, his only begotten Son, is the one appointed to give instruction in prayer, and the one in whose name the prayer is authorized to be offered and heard. Following His word of instruction, the petitioner will not pray amiss. Jehovah is the Heavenly Father of every faithful one who is in the way of life and who is in a covenant for membership in the kingdom of heaven. It is the Father’s name Jehovah that must be hallowed. Because of the reproaches that religion has heaped upon that holy name, it must be vindicated before all creation. The Kingdom will do that. That righteous Government will clear out all religion and all religious practitioners from heaven and earth. In place thereof it will cause God’s will to be done on earth by all creatures that live even as it is done above by the King at God’s right hand and by the “angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him”. (1 Pet. 3:22) The Kingdom shall settle everlastingly the issue of universal DOMINATION.

2 Many centuries ago God established a typical Theocratic government over the twelve tribes of Israel, and anointed and installed his faithful witness, David, as the king thereof. The anointed king, as representative of the invisible Supreme Ruler, “sat on the throne of Jehovah.” (1 Chron. 29:23, Am. Rev. Ver.) With the help of the great Theocrat, Jehovah, King David made Zion his capital. Then he fought against all God’s enemies and extended the power and dominion of that typical Theocracy to the farthest limits ordained by Jehovah. That was a prophetic pattern of how Jehovah’s real Theocratic Government by his beloved Son will put down and destroy all enemies everywhere and will establish the domination of the glorious Theocracy universally, including our earth. As a type of Jehovah’s Anointed One, Christ Jesus, David was born of the tribe of Judah and in the little city of Bethlehem, which is also called Ephratah: “Ephrath, which is Beth-lehem.” (Gen. 35:19) When all enemies of the typical Theocracy had been subdued and the government had been established in peace, which peace was continued during the reign of Solomon, King David prayed to the great Theocrat: “Blessed be thou, 0 Jehovah, the God of Israel our father, for ever and ever. Thine, 0 Jehovah, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, 0 Jehovah, and thou art exalted as head above all. ... Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name.”—1 Chron. 29:10-13, Am. Rev. Ver.

3 Jesus, who sprang out of David's tribe of Judah, was anointed with God’s holy spirit after baptism in Jordan. Immediately Christ Jesus began preaching, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand,” because he, the One anointed from heaven to be King, was present. He taught his disciples the model prayer to ever keep their minds and hearts’ desire upon the coming of the Kingdom. By giving all that he had in heaven and earth, even life itself, Christ Jesus bought the right to and ownership of the Kingdom and all who shall be included in that Kingdom. God raised him out of death and to the place of chief favor and power in heaven, next to Jehovah: “But he, when he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; henceforth expecting till his enemies be made the footstool of his feet.” (Heb. 10:12,13, A.R.V.; Ps. 110:1) Since then, and while Christ Jesus must wait in expectation of entering actively upon his Kingdom rulership, Jehovah has been taking out from among all nations believing and faithful creatures, just 144,000 of them, to be associated with Christ Jesus in the heavenly Kingdom, The Theocratic Government, Zion.—Rev. 14:1, 3.

4 Jehovah acknowledges that Theocratic Government as his own. He is the source of its life and power, and he by his spirit begets each one who gains office in that Theocracy. It is therefore his offspring and is pictured under the symbol of a perfect “man child”. The Head of that Government is Christ Jesus, who is called ‘-'The Son of man”. All the members of that Theocratic Kingdom being first taken out from Jehovah’s holy universal organization, His universal organization is the “mother” of the “man child” Government and is therefore pictured as a pure and devoted “woman”, whose maker, Jehovah, is her husband. (Isa. 54:5) The entering in by Christ Jesus upon the active duties of the Government is therefore pictured as the woman’s giving birth to the “man child”. The wicked demon organization under Satan is symbolized as a fiery- red dragon which is opposed to universal domination by The Theocracy and therefore seeks to devour it at the moment of its birth, in A.D. 1914. This occasioned a great war in heaven, accompanied by world war on earth, and wherein Satan and his demon hosts were defeated and cast down. Maddened with the outcome of this "war, Satan and the demons brought great “travail” upon God’s “woman” by persecuting all her “children” on earth who are in line for the Kingdom and who are but a “remnant of her seed”. (Rev. 12:1-13,17) In olden time when David was installed as anointed king on Mount Zion the Philistines and other anti-Theocratic enemies opposed him and he must war against them to destroy them. Likewise after the birth of the “man child" in 1914 the travail of war and of enemy persecution came upon God’s “woman” and her “children”. Before the birth of the “man child” the faithful Christians on earth had with earnest desire and prayer looked forward to that foretold event. Now because of the successful birth duly announced to the nations from and after 1914 the faithful Kingdom publishers were “hated of all nations”, as prophesied by Christ Jesus. They w’ere made to cry out to God due to persecution. (Matt. 24:7-9) God by his prophet Micah foretold these events.

5 “Nowt why dost thou cry out aloud? is there no king in thee? is thy counsellor perished? for pangs have taken thee as a woman in travail.” (Mic. 4: 9) That the birth of the Government would precede this tribulation upon God’s “woman” was further confirmed by another prophet living in Micah’s day, saying: “Before she travailed, she brought forth [the man child]; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child [The Theocracy under Christ Jesus].” (Isa. 66:7) Many consecrated Christians had been led to think that immediately the birth of the “man child” occurred they would be transferred from earth by death and an instantaneous resurrection “change” from human to spirit and a glorification in the heavenly Kingdom. They were disappointed and, under the stress of persecution besides, they cried out, “How long, O Lord?”

6 The Lord has since revealed to them that Christ Jesus the King is the essential one of The Theocracy. He needs no associates with him to begin the Government born at God’s due time, to wit, in 1914, because He bought the Government and is entrusted with all power in heaven and earth. Only by the grace of God are his faithful followers, the members of “the body of Christ”, associated with him in the Kingdom, and that first after his coming to the temple, when he raises the sleeping saints from death. The remnant on earth, judged and approved, he anoints and brings into the covenant of faithfulness for the Kingdom. Thus, after the tribulation of God’s organization came, those of the remnant were brought forth by Zion and acknowledged by Jehovah as his children, his other children besides the “man child” born in 1914. Therefore God’s prophet exclaims under inspiration: “Who hath heard such a thing? who hath seen such things? Shall the earth be made to bring forth in one day? or shall a nation [The Theocracy] be born at once? for as soon as Zion travailed, she brought forth her children [from and after 1918, when Christ Jesus came to the temple].”—Isa. 66: 8.

7 To the persecutors and enemies of The Theocracy it appeared that God’s kingdom had not begun in 1914, despite the physical facts fulfilling Bible prophecy proving that event. They took it for granted that there was no King in the midst of Jehovah’s covenant people. Why? Because the King is the ‘image of his Father’s person’, a divine Spirit, invisible to human eyes and discerned only by the eye of faith. Also there were spirit-begotten ones that proved unfaithful and became the “evil servant” class. By their course of conduct these say: “My Lord delayeth his coming.” (Matt. 24:48-51) They have joined the religionists in the persecution of those standing faithful to the Kingdom and seeking to publish it. Jehovah had indeed set his King Christ Jesus on his holy hill of Zion and had sent him forth to rule in the midst of his enemies, but the faithful remnant of those in line for the Kingdom were left on earth. Moreover, the enemy was permitted to express hate against them in all nations, to persecute them, and to take them captive and imprison them and practically stop their publication of the newly set-up Kingdom. They were as without a protecting King and as though cut off from being a part of the “new nation”, the New Government.

8 Further, concerning the remnant, there were spots and soils of religion upon their garments of identification, and in the stress of those days of world war between “the king of the north” and “the king of the south” there seemed to be no counselor to give counsel as to what course Jehovah’s persecuted ones should take. They were not clear as to God’s will, their eyes not yet being opened to the fact that the political governments that persecute and declare illegal the publication of God’s kingdom are not “the higher powers” “ordained of God”. Jehovah God and Christ Jesus are truly “The Higher Powers” according to God’s own ordination, and Christ Jesus is God’s Minister authorized to bear the sword for the execution of all evildoers against The Theocracy. (Rom. 13:1-4) Christ Jesus, whose “name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor”, had not yet come to the temple as Teacher. Much of the counsel hitherto received was the thoughts of a man or of men, and such failed and perished because it did not stand them in good stead in their time of need. But those with pure hearts continued to look unto the Lord for guidance and they continued faithful although they suffered “pangs” keen as those of a “woman in travail”.—Jer. 30:6, 7.

9 At the appointed time God’s “woman” brought forth the “man child” Government quietly in heaven. It was God’s will that from then on there should be war against the foes of the new Government and that Satan’s rule, hitherto uninterrupted, should now be interfered with and destroyed. This caused Satan to bring great tribulation on those of God’s organization on earth. Hence to his organization Zion Jehovah prophetically said: “Be in pain, and labour to bring forth, 0 daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail: for now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go even to Babylon; there shalt thou be delivered; there the Lord shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies.” (Mic. 4:10) This shows, therefore, that it was not Jehovah’s will to remove the last members of “the body of Christ” from the earth at the birth of the “man child” and to then glorify them in heaven. Christ Jesus being alone in the Government at its birth, he was in effect “the man child”. But besides the “man child” God’s organization must bring forth her other children to be members of God’s royal family in The Theocracy. Therefore the bringing forth of the “remnant of her seed” must come after the travail of the war in heaven and after the casting of Satan and his demons out of heaven. First then would such “remnant” be acknowledged of God and approved as his representatives on earth and sent forth to bear witness to the birth of the new Government and also witness to the final end of Satan’s government of the world at Armageddon.

10 The remnant on earth must undergo a trial of their faith and devotion in order to be approved, accepted and anointed as "children of Zion”. The experiences from the birth of the Kingdom to the Lord’s coming to the temple and incidental to the World War provided that test. (Matt. 24: 7-13) During those years of war and persecution (1917-1919 particularly) Jehovah’s covenant people were forced by the religionists and their political allies to “go forth out of the city”, that is, out of their organized condition of serving Jehovah as proclaimers of his Kingdom gospel. Then their condition was as if they were without city walls to restrain and keep out the persecutors and interferers with the work of God's people. Figuratively, they were made to “dwell in the field”, dragged forth there as captives to the enemy power and exposed to the spite and vengefulness of Zion’s enemies. They were unwillingly separated from God’s continuous worship and service, and were brought to “Babylon” to there be held captive and imprisoned and thus restrained from the organized service to God. Babylon is Satan’s organization, being symbolized by the city of Babel or Babylon built by that totalitarian, demon-worshiping dictator, Nimrod, the mighty hunter.

11 Jehovah keeps his promises, both in the typical or prophetic picture and also in fulfilling the promise in completion: “There shalt thou [the remnant] be delivered; there the Lord shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies.” In the type Jehovah appointed Cyrus king of Persia to overthrow Babylon and let God’s people go free to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple on Zion. In A.D. 1919 God used the Greater Cyrus, Christ Jesus the King, to break the power of the enemies over the 'remnant of the seed’ of Zion and to free them from the restraint of the forces of religion. He restored them to God’s organization and the temple service and to the pure worship of God in spirit and in truth, cleansed from all religion. Referring to Babylon, which lay to the north, and calling to the captives of Zion there, Jehovah says: “Ho, ho, come forth, and flee from the land of the north, . . . Deliver thyself, O Zion, that dwellest with the daughter of Babylon.” —Zech. 2: 6, 7.

12 The obedient ones longed to serve Jehovah aright and responded. From and after 1919 they came forth from Babylon’s restraints, and Jehovah revived them in his service to be his witnesses. (Rev. 11:11,12) This he did in answer to the prayers of his chastened ones and for the sake of his name. His name was upon them and was now due to be declared throughout all the earth before Jehovah’s exhibition of power over Satan and his organization at the battle of Armageddon. “Thus saith the Lord God, I do not this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for mine holy name’s sake, which ye have profaned among the heathen, whither ye went. And I will sanctify my great name, which was profaned among the heathen.” (Ezek. 36:22,23) “Not unto us, 0 Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth’s sake. Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God? But our God is in the heavens; he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.” (Ps. 115:1-3) The redeemed ones now fulfill the purpose of their deliverance, to bear witness to Jehovah’s name and show forth its praises throughout the earth.

13 The Babylonish religionists and governing factors of “Christendom” were greatly vexed. They were terrified at the deliverance of God’s “remnant” and the going forth of these with boldness and fearlessness in God’s “strange work” against religion. Therefore, under the influence of the demons now cast down from heaven to the earth they conspire together. They unite together in an anti-Theocracy or antiJehovah federation of nations to stop the work of the visible part of God’s organization Zion. “Now also many nations are gathered against thee, that say, Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion.” (Mic. 4:11) In 1918 the World War was stopped by God’s power, but the gathering of all nations against God’s true servants and Theocratic representatives did not stop. (Zech. 14:1,2) The warning is given to His people, at Revelation 12:13,17, that after Satan’s ousting from heaven his dragon organization would go forth to make war upon the remnant of God’s woman Zion. God is gathering together by Christ Jesus all things in heaven and earth into one, and the remnant on earth have been gathered to the place or condition of assembly of God’s troops, which place is signified by the name “Armageddon”. The demons, making great noise like bullfrogs by their propaganda agencies upon the earth, particularly religion, are now engaged in influencing and maneuvering “the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty”. The demons gather such armies round about and against the place of the assembly of God’s troops, including the remnant. So the fight is called “the battle of Armageddon”.—Rev. 16:13-16.

14 The enemy seeks the defilement of Zion, as represented by the remnant. The object is to unfit her for God’s use in his Theocratic Government and to make good Satan’s wicked charge that God cannot put on earth creatures who under the severe test by Satan will maintain their integrity toward God. To this end Satan and his demons engage in turning all nations totalitarian. Therefore they bring forth the totalitarian-religious “abomination of desolation”, composed of the religious Hierarchy allied with and riding upon the arbitrary dictators. The purpose is to regiment all people into the worship of Satan’s “beast” organization and by threats and force and punishments make them submit to the ‘mark of the beast and his image’. Thereby also they hope specially to stop the work of Jehovah’s witnesses and their loyal companions and to coerce them to ‘touch the unclean thing' by compromising with and taking part in the works of Satan’s organization. (2 Cor. 6:17; Isa. 52:11) Such defilement of the earthly part of Zion would in the eyes of the demons defile the heavenly part, because such would make it seem that the heavenly invisible part was unable to protect and sustain the visible part. But the remnant know the issue is God’s supremacy and universal domination, and they now refuse to violate their covenant with God and to cease from his worship and service. Their purpose is to prove Satan a liar and God true. Therefore they resist the demons and absolutely refuse to break their integrity toward God and to be forced into playing the hypocrite like religious “Christendom”.

15 The preliminaries in the great contest for universal domination are on. Jehovah promises the victory to Zion, his beloved organization under Christ Jesus. Nothing would give the enemy more pleasure than for their eyes to feast upon Zion destroyed, at least the remnant thereof on earth. Zion is The Theocracy, and the remnant are in line for a place therein. The demonized, totalitarian “abomination of desolation” crowd maliciously cry: “Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion”; meaning, “Let our eye see our desire upon Zion” (Am. Rev. Ver.); “let our eye look with pleasure on Zion.” (Leeser) Their slogan is: “Down with Theocracy! On with demon rule! Long live religion!” In utter contempt of Jehovah God they seek to destroy the remnant and their devoted companions, so as to make it appear that Jehovah does not exist or is impotent against those of Satan’s organization. As they persecute Jehovah’s witnesses they taunt them, saying: “Where is the Lord thy God!” (Mic. 7:10) The modern Edomites are the religionists, particularly the Roman Catholic Hierarchy and including the “evil servant” class. Spitefully these rejoiced at the banishing of the work of Jehovah’s covenant people in 1918, and now they would repeat that triumph and this time make it complete. Warning such Edomites why He will repay them with destruction Jehovah says: “But thou shouldest not have looked on the day of thy brother in the day that he became a stranger [a banished exile]; neither shouldest thou have rejoiced over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction; neither shouldest thou have spoken proudly in the day of distress.” (Obad. 12) This time they will not get away with it.

GOD’S THOUGHTS

16 The thoughts of Jehovah concerning his enemies and The Theocracy’s enemies are set down in his written Word, and he says: “The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand.” (Isa. 14: 24) The nations of “Christendom” could have known Jehovah’s thoughts by a consecrated study of his Word, but their paid clergy have failed to express God’s recorded thoughts, not believing such themselves. They have also stubbornly fought against the public expressing of His thoughts by Jehovah’s witnesses and have so remained willingly ignorant. “But they know not the thoughts of the Lord, neither understand they his counsel: for he shall gather them as the sheaves into the [threshing] floor.” (Mic. 4:12) This denotes a turning of the tables upon those that seek the defilement and destruction of Jehovah’s Theocracy, Zion. Unlike the Nazi-Fascist-religious method of attacking without warning, Jehovah by his obedient witnesses has offered them good counsel: “Be wise now, therefore, 0 ye kings; be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve the Lord [Jehovah] with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son [the King of The Theocracy], lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little.” (Ps. 2:10-12) However, the “many nations” of “Christendom” have willfully objected to understanding Jehovah’s counsel.—Prov. 1: 30, 25.

17 If they understood God’s counsel, the pope would not be praying for his Nazi-Fascist-religious “new order founded upon moral principles”. The bishops of Germany would not be praying for the dictator and the triumph of the totalitarian armies. The politicians would not be joining with their clergy allies in presumably offering prayer to God for his blessing upon their numerous political-religious schemes, which plans they without consideration of God’s Word have fixed up and which they want God to endorse and back up. “There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless, the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.” (Prov. 19:20,21) “The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen [the nations] to nought; he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.” (Ps. 33:10,11) “Therefore hear ye the counsel of the Lord that he hath taken against Babylon [the nations gone totalitarian like Babylon of old], and his purposes that he hath purposed against the land of the Chaldeans [the religious-totalitarian crowd].” (Jer. 50:45) Jehovah has taken counsel to give the antiTheocracy enemies the worst drubbing they shall ever have had.

18 By the proclamation by His remnant and their companions of and concerning The Theocracy and the day of God’s vengeance Jehovah has gathered his enemies into a conspiracy and united opposition against his Theocratic Government and its witnesses. The two world powers, “the king of the north” and “the king of the south”, may fight each other over world domination, but they are both united in antagonism to The Theocracy. Both have indignation against the “holy covenant” thereof. (Dan. 11:30,40) Like “goats”, they have been separated from the “sheep”, who favor The Theocracy. They have been gathered to the unfavorable side of the King who sits upon his glorious throne judging. (Matt. 25:32,35-45) The “day of [God's] preparation” is about up, the final end of Satan's rule is very nigh, the maneuvering of all enemies into the position for their destruction is about done, and. at the time Jehovah gives his last and emphatic warning tidings, the gathering of all the goatish enemies will be complete, immediately before Armageddon is due to begin. They have long trampled down and crushed Jehovah’s faithful people and their Kingdom message. Now their turn comes to be trampled, torn, pounded, mashed, dragged, and beaten, mercilessly, as by the hoofs of a mighty horned beast driven around and around and around on God's threshing-floor.

THRESH!

19 Jehovah gives his mighty Field Marshal Christ Jesus the signal to begin the battle, at the day and hour which only He himself has known: “Arise, and thresh, O daughter of Zion: for I will make thine horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass; and thou shalt beat in pieces many people; and I will consecrate their gain unto the Lord, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth.” (Mic. 4:13) Concerning the Devil’s organization it is written: “For thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, The daughter of Babylon is like a threshingfloor [like the harvested sheaves upon it], it is time to thresh her: yet a little while, and the time of her harvest shall come.” (Jer. 51: 33) By authority from the Lord God the remnant and his “other sheep” make advance announcement and warning of the coming threshing upon the enemy, now before it begins.

20 In Scripture the ox is a symbol of power and strength to work with endurance; the horn is a symbol of power to push against the enemy and destroy them. (Ezek. 1:10; Rev. 4:7) Christ Jesus is the Head of the “daughter of Zion” or Theocracy. In the ancient tabernacle sacrifices he is likened to a bullock for God’s altar, but at the time to thresh Satan’s organization his strength against the enemy is likened to that of a mighty ox against the dry grain stalks on the floor. “God brought him forth out of Egypt [the world]; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn [or wild ox].” (Num. 24: 8) “His horns are like the horns of unicorns: with them he shall push the people together to the ends of the earth.” (Dent. 33:17) “Canst thou bind the unicorn with his band . . . because his strength is great?” (Job 39:10,11) Says God’s anointed King: “All the workers of iniquity shall be scattered; but my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of an unicorn: I shall be anointed with fresh oil.” (Ps. 92:9,10) “He also exalteth the horn of his people, the praise of all his saints, even of the children of Israel, a people near unto him. Praise ye the Lord.”—Ps. 148:14.

21 Satan’s organization, both visible and invisible parts thereof, presents an appearance of terrible strength. The visible part is pictured as the iron legs and feet of the terrible image seen in the king of Babylon’s dream, whereas the invisible demon powers which bear immediate rule over the earth are pictured as the brass thighs and belly thereof. But the greater and invincible strength of The Theocracy is pictured as The Stone of adamantine hardness, which Stone smites Satan’s idolized organization and grinds to pieces its “iron” and “brass” and other parts, including the gold head, Satan himself. Concerning that Stone it is written: “It shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.” (Dan. 2: 31-45) To Christ, Zion’s King in command of God’s heavenly hosts, Jehovah says concerning the threshing of the enemy: “I will make thine horn [to push and gore the enemy to death] iron [tougher and stronger than the material of an ox’s natural horn], and I will make thy hoofs [to bruise the head of Satan the Serpent and all his organization] brass [harder than the horny or tough fibrous material of an oxhoof].”—Mic. 4:13.

22 The enemies have been made the footstool of Christ Jesus, and he shall pound the Devil’s organization good and heavy and thoroughly under foot at Armageddon. “And thou shalt beat in pieces many people [many peoples (Am. Rev. Ver.)].” Such beaten ones are the kings of the earth and their armies and their subjects, all gone totalitarian, and regimented into a combined opposition to the King of kings and Lord of lords. They despise The Theocracy and expect to squish it like a worm. They strive to strike great fear into the remnant and their companions who stand unflinchingly and immovably for The Theocracy. For the comfort of these Jehovah says to his spiritual Israelites: “Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the Lord, and thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. Behold, I will make thee [to be] a new sharp threshing instrument having teeth: thou shalt thresh the mountains [kingdoms], and beat them small, and shalt make the hills as chaff. Thou shalt fan [winnow] them, and the wind shall carry them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them: and thou shalt rejoice in the Lord, and shalt glory in the Holy One of Israel.”—Isa. 41:14-16.

23 Jehovah’s witnesses and their companions do not carry on the testimony work for self-gain. The small contributions they receive from those who accept the printed message they apply in the Lord’s service to the printing of more books and delivery of such to other spiritually hungry ones. Christ Jesus does not fight the battle of Armageddon to seize the enemies’ booty for self-enrichment, but to unselfishly vindicate and hallow Jehovah’s name. Hence as Head of Zion he says: “And I will consecrate their gain unto the Lord, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth.”—Mic. 4:13.

24 Satan’s organization was the firstborn rebel organization. Likewise its earthly symbol, Babylon, was the firstborn rebel totalitarian government set up on earth, by Nimrod after the Flood. It cannot be redeemed, but is cursed, and hence assigned to destruction. It is filled with “their substance”, “their ill-gotten gain” (Leeser); “their unrighteous gain” (Rotherham). Such they coveted and gained by plundering the people in the name of and with the blessing of religion. Like the plunder of the accursed city of Jericho, it may not be seized upon for personal glory and selfish gratification. Those like Achan coveting any of it are condemned and destroyed. (Josh. 6:18,19; 7:10-26) The battle of Armageddon is not for self-gain or self-glory of creatures, but is consecrated to the glory of Jehovah, “the Lord of the whole earth.” The fight is for the vindication of His name and the settling of the issue of universal domination in His favor. All spoils of the battle belong to Him by whose invincible power the victory is won. Satan the Devil shall no more be the invisible overlord of the earth, but “the Lord of the whole earth” has appointed Christ Jesus to that place. Thus Jehovah avenges his own elect who have cried out aloud unto him for deliverance and the vindication of his name. (Luke 18: 7, 8) Jehovah’s covenant people are all for the vindication of his name! Unselfishly, and by faith anticipating the execution of his righteous judgment upon the unclean enemy organization, they join with the heavenly hosts in singing alleluias of praise to Jehovah and by Christ Jesus.—Rev. 19:1.

time of war

25 From the time Jehovah’s King was enthroned on Zion down to the casting of Satan the Devil into the bottomless pit at Armageddon is a period of war, both in heaven and in earth. In 1918 Jehovah stopped the World War on earth, and thereby ‘shortened the days of tribulation’. It was for his elect’s sake, that they might proclaim the message of salvation by Jehovah’s Theocratic Government and that ‘some flesh might be saved’ through the battle of Armageddon, which brings the final end on Satan’s organization. The temporary ceasing of hostilities on earth between “the king of the north” and “the king of the south” did not mean for God’s faithful remnant a time of freedom from assault by Satan and his demons and his dupes on earth. Satan and his demons, exceedingly wroth at being cast out of heaven, intensified the persecution of God’s “woman” and the war upon the “remnant of her seed”. (Rev. 12:13,17) Nevertheless, God’s “strange work” must be carried on. It is a war against entrenched religion and her refuge of lies and her hiding-place of falsehood. In this war Jehovah assigns a part to his devoted remnant, and, later on, their earthly companions. Hence the command to the remnant of Zion’s seed: “Now gather thyself in troops, 0 daughter of troops; he hath laid siege against us; they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek.” (Mic. 5:1) This means that Zion is a daughter of a Warrior, to wit, Jehovah of hosts (armies), and that the Captain of Zion’s troops is Christ Jesus. (Rev. 19:14,15) Now since his coming to the temple and awakening the sleeping saints these resurrected members of “his body” are all at his disposal in the war, and also all the angels which fought under him in the fight to oust Satan from heaven. (Rev. 12:7-12) Next he organizes the remnant on earth for the fight against demonism and equips them with “the whole armour of God”. — Eph. 6:11.

26 The offensive weapon of the remnant is not carnal, but is “the sword’ of the spirit, which is the word of God”. They fight not with flesh and blood, but with the demons. (Eph. 6:12-18) The gathering and organizing of them in troops was noticeably from 1922 on. Then Jehovah poured out his spirit upon all his remnant in the flesh, and this battalion of Zion’s troops were organized into a unified company for service in the field, to proclaim Jehovah's name and Kingdom and the day of his vengeance against the enemy. Particularly was their organizing as troops marked after the “new name” was revealed and adopted, to wit, “Jehovah’s witnesses.” After receiving that “new name” the organized groups of Kingdom publishers became known as “companies”, as indicated at Psalm 68:11: “The Lord gave the word; great was the company [(Hebrew) tsdba; meaning host, army] of those that published it.” Exactly seven years later, to wit, October 1, 1938, the Theocratic rule of organization was applied to the company of Jehovah’s remnant and their companions. Furthermore, since December 1, 1941, the responsibility of each one of Jehovah’s troops on earth is increased because conditions require the application of God’s order that “every man shall bear his own burden”. (Gal. 6: 5) Now as at no time in the past Jehovah’s visible army moves forward in the war, boldly following their heavenly Leader and Captain, Christ Jesus. They present an unbroken front to the demonized enemy and let neither persecution nor death of any in the ranks stop them from pressing the battle to the gates of the stronghold of religion. They are like the irresistible onward swarming locusts described in Joel 2:4-11, and though small, comparatively, in number, they are wise with heavenly wisdom: “The locusts have no [earthly] king, yet go they forth all of them by bands [gathered together].”—Prov. 30:27.

27 In the days of King Hezekiah of Jerusalem the typical Theocracy underwent a siege. Babylon had then not become the dominant world power, and the king of Assyria was the most prominent and powerful representative of Satan’s visible organization. In the grab for world domination King Sennacherib of Assyria must do away with the typical Theocracy; hence he besieged Jerusalem. Strengthened by Jehovah, King Hezekiah refused to compromise with the devil-religionists, and that night Jehovah’s angel went forth and slew at one stroke 185,000 of the besiegers and forced Sennacherib back to his capital, Nineveh, and to his death. That historic siege and its outcome shall have complete fulfillment in this “time of the end”.

28 The totalitarian world power of Assyria foreshadowed the nations gone totalitarian and contending against Jehovah’s Theocratic Government for world domination on earth. The king of Assyria pictures their invisible ruler, Satan, “the god of this world.” He uses his demon hosts under his chief prince, Gog, to marshal both the rulers of the earth and their regimented peoples against the place of assembly of Jehovah’s troops, called “Armageddon”. The most exposed and vulnerable part is the remnant, together with their valiant companions. Hence the demons and their human dupes make these their target and direct their fire against them. They lay siege against them to wear them out and make them break their covenant with God and their integrity toward him and forsake their uncompromising stand for The Theocracy. Against them the totalitarian religionists set up their “abomination of desolation” in defiance of God’s holy Kingdom. They employ the totalitarian Nazi-Fascist-Roman Catholic dictatorship and its “strong-arm squad”, also organized Catholic Action, and priest-led mobs, and anti-Theocratic legislation, and other illegal, unconstitutional and un-Christian means aimed at making Jehovah’s covenant people yield and deny Jehovah’s supremacy.

29 Jehovah’s appointed Judge is Christ Jesus. (John 5:22, 27) He came to the temple in 1918 and began judgment at the house of God, which is spiritual Israel. (1 Pet. 4:17) Then he extended his judgment to “Christendom", which professes to be the house of God, and finally to all nations, dividing the people thereof as “sheep” from the “goats”. (Matt. 25: 31, 32) Christ Jesus, “the judge of Israel,” sends forth the remnant to declare the “judgment written” against “Christendom” and the rest of the worldly nations. Jesus warns the anti-Theocratie, totalitarian-religious crowd: “Inasmuch as ye have done it to one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.” But that crowd is out for world domination and they reject Jehovah’s Theocracy and its King and refuse to acknowledge Christ Jesus as their judge. Instead, the rulers “give their kingdom unto the beast”, unto the “abomination of desolation” on which the great whore of religion sits, and with their scepter or rod of power they persecute Jehovah’s witnesses and companions who proclaim the judicial decisions of Christ Jesus. Thus doing unto Christ’s brethren, to silence them, if possible, they show their insulting contempt for Christ and thereby “smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek”. The record does not state that He turns the other cheek and stops the proclamation of Jehovah’s judgments; nor do the remnant of his body members on earth do so. The blow on the cheek fills them with righteous indignation and stirs up in them greater bitterness against religion and greater zeal in the active worship and service of the Higher Powers, God and Christ.—Ezek. 3:14.

RULER OUT OF BETHLEHEM

30 By the prophecy of Micah Jehovah foretold the earthly birthplace of that “judge of Israel’’. That prophecy not only had a miniature fulfillment at the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem nineteen centuries ago, but also has a major and complete fulfillment now in the “time of the end”. “But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” (Mic. 5: 2) The names here are significant and identify the organization meant. Jehovah’s organization is the Greater Bethlehem Ephratah, which name means “House of Bread with Fruitfulness”. The typical city being in the tribe of Judah, it was the same as “Beth-lehem-judah” (Ruth 1:1), which name means “The House of Bread with Praise”, that is, praise to Jehovah. God’s capital organization Zion is The House of Bread whereby God supplies abundantly the life-giving spiritual bread by Christ Jesus, greater than Joseph in famine-stricken Egypt. Zion holds forth to the dying people the life-sustaining fruits or truth of God’s kingdom, and Christ Jesus, Zion’s Head, is chief in giving praise to Jehovah. He is the “Lion of the tribe of Juda”, bold in praises.

31 “Judah” meaning “praise”, the “thousands of Judah” picture the “thousand thousands” and “ten thousand times ten thousand” of all the holy angels, cherubim and seraphim in Jehovah’s universal organization who praise him. (Dan. 7:10) Compared numerically with them, Jehovah’s capital organization Zion is “little”; it is composed of a limited number, Christ Jesus and his “little flock” to whom Jehovah gives the Kingdom. (Luke 12: 32) Their number is exactly 144,000 and One, Christ Jesus being the Head One and the others the members of “his body”, associates with him in The Theocratic Government. Though little, yet out of Zion comes forth unto Jehovah his “ruler in Israel”, whether Satan’s organization likes it or not. Referring to spiritual Israel, including the remnant, it is written: “And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob [the remnant].” (Rom. 11:26) In 1914 Jehovah enthroned him on Zion as “ruler in Israel”, and the Government is upon his shoulder. (Isa. 9:6) Nineteen centuries ago he rode into Jerusalem and went to the temple and offered himself as King, which was three and one-half years after his anointing with God’s spirit. A like time after his enthronement, the “ruler in Israel” arrived in 1918 at the greater temple for judgment and ‘came forth’ and appeared, by causing his remnant to discern by the fulfilled prophecies his presence there as judge and ruler.

32 His “goings forth [origin] have been from of old, from everlasting”; and this proves that Christ Jesus is a creation, having a beginning or origin. When on earth he said: “Before Abraham was, I am.” (John 8: 58) “I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.” (John 8:42) This shows that long before his human birth in the manger in Bethlehem-judah, he was created, and his life was in due time transferred from his heavenly glory to the womb of a virgin of Judah that he might become “The Son of man”. He calls himself “the beginning of the creation of God”, “the firstborn of every creature.” (Rev. 3:14; Col. 1:15) Hence his creation preceded that of Lucifer. The time of his creation as “The Word of God” being unrevealed, he is “from everlasting” or “from the days of eternity” (Hebrew). This pre-eminence over all other creatures Christ Jesus maintains as the Head of God’s capital Zion.

33 By Jehovah’s determination of the times and due seasons for events, the human birth of Jesus in the typical Bethlehem must be a long time prior to his coming forth from the antitypical House of Bread. For this reason the prophet says: “Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth; then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel.” (Mic. 5:3) Ten days after the ascension of Christ Jesus to God’s right hand in heaven came Pentecost and the outpouring of the Lord’s spirit upon the disciples. From and after Pentecost Jehovah carried forward the gathering of spiritual Israel, the 144,000 to be united with Christ Jesus on Mount Zion. (Rev. 7:4-8; 14:1,3) These must bear testimony to the coming Kingdom. The birth of that Theocratic Government being a long way off, Jehovah gave his faithful witnesses up to be tested as to their integrity by being buffeted by Satan’s agents, particularly the religionists, imitation Christians, the “tares” whom Satan sowed in overwhelming numbers throughout “Christendom”. (Matt. 13:24-30) It was not yet God's time to make such enemies the footstool of his King Christ Jesus.—Ps. 110:1.

34 At the end of the Gentile Times in 1914 the waiting period ran out and promptly God’s “woman”, his universal organization, brought forth the new and acting Ruler, the New Government. Thereafter Zion’s travail of war against the opposing forces of Satan began. “And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to his throne. And there was war in heaven.” (Rev. 12:5,7) “Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child.” (Isa. 66:7) In 1918, having now come to the temple, the King who is “ruler in Israel” and “judge of Israel” came forth out of the antitypical “Beth-lehem Ephratah”. Then he delivered from the restraining power of Satan’s organization “the remnant of his brethren” yet on earth, who are other children of Zion. These he sanctified or set to doing their part in connection with Jehovah’s “strange work”, and concerning this it is written: “For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one [Jehovah]: for which cause he [Christ Jesus] is not ashamed to call them brethren.” (Heb. 2:11) These returned from their state of restraint, were purged for God’s service, and were made a part of God’s Theocratic organization, “the children of Israel.” The sleeping saints of spiritual Israel had been raised out of death by the Lord in the temple, and thus the returning remnant yet in the flesh on earth became associated with their resurrected brethren of spiritual Israel in the “strange work”. There is now unity of all spiritual Israelites, all of the ‘body of Christ”, whether in heaven or on earth. —Eph. 1:10; John 17:21-23; 1 Thess. 4:16,17.

35 Now the majestic King at the temple stands up in his power and feeds his remnant on earth with spiritual nourishment from the House of Bread and Fruitfulness and leads them in singing praises to the great Theocrat, Jehovah. “And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the Lord [Jehovah], in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God; and they shall abide; for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth.” (Mic. 5:4) In 1914 and at God’s command to rule in the midst of his enemies he stood up as acting King, one of whose official titles is “Michael”. That name means “Who is like God?” Christ Jesus raises that question in defiance of the contenders for world domination and goes forth to settle it: “And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people; and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people [the remnant of spiritual Israel] shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.” (Dan. 12:1) Jehovah sends forth the rod of Christ’s strength out of Zion to rule amidst his enemies (Ps. 110:2), and he appears at the temple as the Chief Shepherd. He spreads a table for the remnant of his “little flock” in the presence of their enemies and feeds them and revives them continually with new strength in Jehovah’s “strange work”. As the Vindicator of his Father’s name he is clothed with excellency, “the majesty of the name of the Lord his God,” and he causes his remnant and their companions to declare Jehovah’s name and purpose throughout all the earth.

36 The remnant having returned to Zion and being strengthened for the fight by food from the hand of her great Shepherd-King, all efforts of the enemy shall fail to dislodge them from the temple where they serve God: “and they shall abide,” faithful. Overcoming all efforts of the totalitarian modern Assyrians to break them loose from The Theocracy, to them the promise shall be fulfilled: “Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God; and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is New Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.” (Rev. 3:12) Bearing the “new name” with Christ Jesus, they make known his greatness as King and Vindicator by preaching unto the ends of the earth “this gospel of the kingdom” “for a witness unto all nations” before the final end gets here. The meek or teachable persons of good-will toward God, who have waited for a government of righteousness, hail the good news. They hail and salute Jehovah’s enthroned King and ascribe the greatness of the Kingdom unto him, and thus among these “other sheep” of the Lord is he “great unto the ends of the earth”. After Armageddon, the enemies being then cleared out, “he shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.”— Ps. 72:8.

37 “And this man shall be the peace [(Rotherham) So shall this one be Prosperity], when the Assyrian shall come into our land; and when he shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him seven shepherds, and eight principal men.” (Mic. 5: 5) The demon forces now put forth desperate efforts to break up the peace and unity and prosperity that exist within the land or earthly condition of God’s remnant and their companions. Concerning the totalitarian crowd, symbolized by “the Assyrian” from north of the Holy Land, it was prophesied and is now in fulfillment: “And he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over. He shall enter also into the glorious land [the Kingdom interests and privileges on earth of God’s remnant], . . . And he shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas in [against] the glorious holy mountain [the remnant representing the glorious Mount Zion]; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.” (Dan. 11: 40,41, 45) This invasion is under the demon leadership of Gog, the chief prince or understudy of Satan, as shown at Ezekiel 38: 8,16. The demon forces and totalitarian crowd even “tread in our palaces”, the abiding-places of Jehovah’s witnesses in peace and prosperity and which represent The Theocracy; as, for example, when the arbitrary religion-inspired forces invaded the branch offices of the Watch Tower Society and closed them down and declared their gospel preaching “illegal” and “subversive to the State”. Do Jehovah’s covenant people then hole up and quit witnessing!

shepherds, principal men

38 “Then shall we raise against him seven shepherds, and eight principal men.” Those shepherds know how to fight the totalitarian giant as the shepherd boy David did. Christ Jesus is “the Chief Shepherd”, and his rod is for the protection of his sheep. The nations going totalitarian he shall feed with death and destruction: “Ask of me and let me give nations as thine inheritance, and as thy possession the ends of the earth: thou shalt shepherd them with a sceptre of iron, as a potter’s vessel shalt thou dash them in pieces.” (Ps. 2: 8, 9, Roth.; Rev. 12: 5, Roth.) “Seven” represents spiritual completeness, and the “seven shepherds” must represent the complete number of those in the covenant with Christ Jesus for the Kingdom and who overcome religion and are conformed to his image: “And he that overcometh, and keepeth throughout my works, I will give unto him authority over the nations; and he shall shepherd them with a sceptre of iron, as vessels of earthenware are dashed in pieces.” (Rev. 2:26, Roth.) Therefore the besieged and assaulted remnant and their companions make the Greater David, Christ Jesus, their shield and protector against the invading Assyrian. They look for victory to their “Chief Shepherd”, who represents the Great Shepherd, Jehovah, and they say: “Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” (Ps. 23:4) Meantime the remnant continue feeding his “other sheep”.

39 Who are the “eight principal men” raised up! Eight is one more than seven. In the Hebrew, “eight” has the thought of plumpness, as if to denote a surplus above the perfect number “seven”. Quite properly “eight” are raised up, because now is the time when the totalitarian “abomination of desolation” is brought forth, to wit, the symbolic “beast” with the great whore of religion on its back as spiritual guide. Concerning that beast it is prophesied that it makes its appearance after the seventh world power (British-American world co-operation): “And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven [which turn totalitarian in opposition to The Theocracy], and goeth into perdition.” (Rev. 17:9-11) Satan’s chief prince, Gog, of the demon land of Magog, is specially the prince controlling that totalitarian “abomination of desolation” beast, and by the religious whore he drives it to the assault against those who represent The Theocratic Government.

40 The “eight principal men” are “eight anointed ones of men” (Hebrew text), or, “eight princes of mankind” (Rotherham). The remnant are still in the flesh as men and have been anointed with the spirit of the Lord to be in line for the Kingdom. (Joel 2:28) Hence the “eight principal men” may mean the complete number of the remnant together with the pre-eminent One, their anointed Head, Christ Jesus, “The Son of man,” he being the Eighth One above the seven or complete number. However, the Scriptures strongly indicate that toward the beginning of Armageddon Christ Jesus, the King- Father, will resurrect from their long sleep of centuries the faithful men of old and will give them life as his children, as perfect men, and these he will “make princes in all the earth”. (Ps. 45:16; Heb. 11:35) He will doubtless bring forth and present to the remnant and their companions these “princes” among men at a time of dire crisis for his covenant people. Such future “princes” died standing up against the demon rule in the times before Christ. They will be delighted to again face the demon forces at Armageddon and see such wiped out. Whether the “eight principal men” means or includes those resurrected faithful men of old remains to be seen. The main point of instruction in this is that the complete number of God’s faithful covenant people on earth boldly face the totalitarian monstrosity and present a united front against such and persistently carry on in the war against religion and the demons and for The Theocracy.

41 Which way does the tide of battle flow! and shall the remnant survive and have work to do on earth after the battle of Armageddon? The Lord that we might continue with patient endurance in gives an indication in the further part of the prophecy which is written to admonish and comfort us that we might continue with patient endurance in his "strange work” unto the final end.

(To be continued)

ROOT OF THE WORLD EVIL

“THE silver is mine, and the gold is mine, saith I the Lord of hosts.” (Hag. 2:8) "Which shall men love and worship, the material thing of value, or the great Owner of such thing?

For those who love him the Lord of hosts, whose name is Jehovah, has provided complete refuge, but for no others. These “last days” are strenuous and fraught with great danger, because the climax is at hand. The enemy is bending every effort to accomplish the destruction of those who love and serve the Lord of hosts. Rather than see any human serve Jehovah, Satan the adversary would now destroy the entire human race. His wrath is especially directed against those who bear witness to Jehovah God of hosts, because they are bringing the testimony of the truth to the people in obedience to God’s commandments. The great adversary shall fail in his total war.

What shall befall those who do not love the Lord God of hosts! Note this historical example: Almost all of the nation of Israel turned away from Jehovah God because that people did not love God; and r ecessarily that people as a nation suffered destruction, and the remnant thereof to this daj- are scattered to the ends of the earth. Likewise the nations called “Christendom” are against Jehovah God because they do not love him; and they shall suffer destruction. (Ps. 9:17) The one thing that the wise persons do and will continue to do is to love God, “whose name alone is JEHOVAH.”—Ps. 83:18.

The great commandment, which is first in time and first in importance, is that the creature must love Jehovah God. This question was once propounded to the Son of God: “Master, which is the great commandment in the law!” The answer of Christ Jesus proves that there is one primary commandment: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Matt. 22:36-40) This commandment Jehovah made of paramount importance, and it is emphasized by the wicked challenge flung into the face of Jehovah by Satan the Devil. It was at the time when God had led the Israelites out of Egypt that he gave this commandment to his people, that they must love him if they would live. Then he added: ‘Ye shall not go after other gods, as ye shall be diligent to keep the commandments of the Lord your God.’ (Deut. 6:5-17) Secondary to the great commandment, says Jesus, is: “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself”; no more and no less. All the law and the prophets depend upon these two commandments, because a failure to keep these would make the keeping of others of no real value.

Often the phrase is used, “We must love God supremely.” That expression is unscriptural, for the reason that there is no qualification or limitation to the love the creature must have for Jehovah. Love means to be unselfishly and wholly devoted to Jehovah God without qualification or compromise. There can be no division of one’s love, part being given to Jehovah, and part to a creature. If one’s own self stands in his way or interferes with his love for Jehovah, then self must be put on the side. If one’s neighbor or any creature stands in the way of complete devotion to Jehovah, that neighbor or other creature must be put aside. No one can please God who permits love for husband, wife, parents, children, or others to interfere with complete devotion to Jehovah God. No one can have a part in the vindicating of Jehovah’s name unless that person loves Jehovah; and only those who vindicate his name shall live.

The followers of Christ must love their brethren. But how! As one loves himself, answers Jesus. That means to deal justly with your brother, doing good unto him even as you would have him to do good unto you. Jesus thus defined that second commandment. “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” (Matt. 7:12) Men often permit selfishness, or love for self, to stand in their way of full devotion to and service to Jehovah. This should no more be permitted than to permit love for any other creature to stand in the way of service to Jehovah. The true disciple of Jesus Christ must take the same course that Jesus took as a man; which was unqualified devotion to the Almighty God. “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul [life] ? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul [life]!” (Matt. 16:25,26) “He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.” (John 12:25) These verses show that there can be no words of qualification added to the word love when applied to Jehovah.

These are perilous days, because the end of the world of Satan has come, and the great question of supremacy and domination of the universe must shortly be settled. Only those who love Jehovah God will escape and find a complete refuge under the Almighty’s protection. Those who love God and who are devoted to his Righteous Government know that all things shall work together for their good. (Rom. 8:28) No others know that comforting truth. When one knows he is diligent in obeying God’s commandments, and that he has the approval of Jehovah, the esteem or lack of esteem in which others hold him is wholly immaterial. “That which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” (Luke 16:15) The reason is this: Satan has undertaken to turn all men against Jehovah, declaring that no man will be wholly faithful and true to Jehovah God under the test applied by Satan. Therefore the receiving of religious devotion or high esteem of creatures is to that extent a support of Satan’s side of the controversy. (Luke 6:26) The approval of God is what one must have in order to be safe.

What, now, is the root of the world evil? With divine authority the apostle wrote: “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” (1 Tim. 6:10, Am. Rev. Ver.) Money is an article or medium for the measuring of value or for carrying on merchandise. The merchant or trader is one who trafficks in material things for selfish gain. The definition of the word money cannot be properly limited to the coin of the realm or limited to the thing which is used as a medium of exchange or measure of value. “Money,” within the meaning of the Holy Scriptures, is that which is a measure of personal gain or which brings gain to the person. It may be gold and silver or the approval and honor of men, or the gain of influence and power over others. One who is moved by a desire for selfish gain is avaricious and covetous; which state is contrary to the spirit of God and is the expression of the spirit of the Devil.

Note these examples: Adam the first man was selfish. He did not love God; otherwise he would have obeyed Him. He did not love Eve, because it was his selfish desire to have and retain that which pleased him that induced him to selfishly join her in the transgression; and for that reason he was not deceived. The fact that he disobeyed God’s commandment is conclusive proof of his selfishness or lack of love for Jehovah God, his Maker.—1 Tim. 2:13,14.

The beautiful spirit creature Lucifer did not love Jehovah God. He was selfish, avaricious and covetous. (Jer. 51:13) His selfish de J re for personal gain induced him to sin in Eden and to further defy the Almighty God. He had no fear for Jehovah God, and therefore he did not even begin to be wise according to divine wisdom. He challenged Jehovah God to put a man on earth who would remain true to God under adverse conditions, and he wickedly said to Jehovah that man under stress would curse God to his face. Jehovah permitted Satan to try his hand in carrying out his boastful challenge, and his primary purpose in so doing was and is the vindication of the holy name of Jehovah before all creatures. All, therefore, who would live must have an opportunity to know Jehovah and prove their integrity toward him.

It was the love for “money”, or that which money represents, that started Satan on his wicked course. Satan began to make merchandise of the human race for his own personal gain, and therefore that was the beginning or root of evil. He foresaw rising from the fountain of perfect man and woman a sea of human creatures, and he determined to use them for his own personal gain; hence he commercialized and trafficked in the human race. When mankind had grown in numbers Satan brooded over that symbolic “sea” of human creatures and brought forth the wicked beastly organization by which he has ruled the human race. In that visible organization he has made prominent three elements, to wit, commerce, religion and politics; and with this organization, all of which is mercantile, Satan has filled the earth with violence. — See Revelation 13:1,2; Ezekiel 28:13,16-18.

All religious organizations of the world are commercial, for the reason that all such organizations are created and carried on for the personal gain of Satan and his dupes and to turn the people away from Jehovah God. Beginning with the building of the tower of Babel on the plains of Shinar Satan organized a religion the express purpose of which was selfish gain to Satan and to the people, and in order to turn man away from God. (Gen. 11:1-9) The religion of the world is commercial, for the reason that it is a primary means employed by Satan to traffic in human flesh and blood. Selfishness, or love for self and self-gain, led the people at Shinar into Satan’s trap. From that day until now every religion of the world, regardless of whether called “Christian” or “heathen”, has been organized and carried forward for the selfish gain of creatures, and therefore all such religions are commercial and employed as instruments of Satan. This is supporting proof that “the love of money”, or of selfish gain, is “a root of all evils ’. —Am. Rev. Ver., margin.

The desire for selfish gain, or love for money, has caused the earth to be filled with violence. When God created Lucifer and made him the invisible spirit overlord of the perfect man, Lucifer himself was perfect, and that perfection continued until iniquity came into his mind. That iniquity was love for money or selfish gain; and he prosecuted his enterprise by all mercantile and commercial means. God caused his prophet to make a record thereof in these words addressed to that unfaithful cherub: “Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned; therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God; and I will destroy thee, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffic; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee; and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth, in the sight of all them that behold thee.” (Ezek. 28:15,16, 18) Instead of love being manifested by Lucifer for Jehovah, selfish gain or the love of “money” moved him.

The “sanctuaries” of Lucifer, both invisible and visible to human eyes, he defiled by his wicked acts induced by his desire for selfish gain. He has trafficked in angels and men, and by so doing he has surrounded himself with and filled his organization with violence and has defamed Jehovah’s name; and all this he has done because of his insatiable desire for personal gain. He is the author of religion, or demonism, which religion is the doing of that which is contrary to the will of God. Christianity is the doing of the will of God as Jesus Christ always does that will and sets us the example.

In the days of the apostles of Jesus Christ no one was called pope, but all Christians who faithfully served God and his beloved Son recognized Christ Jesus as the Head over his church, which church is “his body”. (Eph. 1: 22, 23) Years after the passing away of the apostles there was organized a religion which was falsely labeled “the Christian religion”, and an imperfect man was made the head of that religious organization and was called “pope” or “father of fathers”, contrary to the Scriptures. (Matt. 23:9) Such organization has claimed to be the greatest religious organization ever on earth. The Papal or Roman Catholic religion was not organized nor has it been carried on for the purpose of giving honor and glory to the name of Jehovah God, but solely for the purpose of selfish gain for creatures, particularly the Hierarchy of Authority. Its leaders boast that its “children” are counted by the hundreds of millions. It counts its numbers and its property which it has as “godliness”. The Papal religion at all times has been and is a commercial instrument of Satan, and has filled the earth with great violence, and this has been done because of its love for money or selfish gain. Its cruel and wicked persecution of others, the loathsome and wicked Inquisition, and the blasphemous boasting of the leaders in that organization are all manifestations of wickedness, violence and extreme selfishness. Its desire and effort to grab the world domination and to rule all nations by means of totalitarian dictators is the cause of the present world bloodshed and the overthrow of democratic nations.

In later years another religious organization came upon the scene, assumed the name of God and Christ, and labeled itself “the Protestant Christian religion”. Regardless of how many sincere men have been and are in that organization, it has never been used to the glory and honor of Jehovah’s name, but always for a selfish purpose or for selfish gain. That selfish desire for personal gain makes all religions and professions of religion to be commercial things. Both the facts and the Scriptures, therefore, show that the religion of the world is a commercial instrument in Satan’s hands to defame Jehovah and turn men away from him. It is therefore demonism.

The spirit of selfishness was apparent in the days of the apostles; and in the present time selfishness is more rampant than ever. Concerning this the apostle wrote: “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.” (1 Tim. 6:3-5) The words of the apostle here have applied since written, but apply more strongly now.

In those words the apostle admonishes all who will please God and find complete refuge in him that they must separate themselves from all who are moved by a desire for selfish gain, whether that selfish gain be the accumulation of earthly wealth and power or a gain that comes by the honor, plaudits and approval of men and causes the gainer thereof to shine amongst men. The apostle therefore distinctly points out that those who will receive God’s approval and find in His name a complete refuge must separate themselves from all others that pursue a selfish course; and thus the faithful ones mark themselves as witnesses of Jehovah and as the targets of the enemy.

The inspired apostle negatives positively the claim that personal gain at any time is godliness. Then he adds: “But godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Tim. 6:6) “Godliness” means to be entirely and wholly devoted to the cause of the gospel of Jehovah’s kingdom by Christ Jesus, the purpose of which is the vindication of Jehovah’s holy name. If the servant of Jehovah God finds himself devoting himself in obedience to God’s commandment to that which will vindicate the name of the Host High, and that he is doing so unselfishly, and that he is contented with that which the Lord has given him. such “godliness” is to him great gain, because it is to such that Jehovah promises complete refuge in the time of stress and ultimately a share in the blessings of life everlasting One who seeks these provisions from a selfish viewpoint is not pleasing to God, but one who unselfishly seeks to please God will personally benefit from God's blessing.

What, then, is the root of all the world evil or lawlessness toward God? The inspired writer replies: “For the love of money is the root of all evil; which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Tim. G. 10) That which will satisfy the desire for personal gam is the root of all evil.

The desire for personal gain is a temptation and a snare, often resulting in destruction. When a man is called of the Lord God and assigned to a place in his service the man has received a great favor at the hands of Jehovah God. He is now in a covenant to do the will of God, which means to use his faculties in the service of the Most High. If now he is moved by a selfish desire for greater personal ease for himself or others and if, to realize this desire, he leaves the Lord’s service and engages in a worldly business or enterprise, he walks right into the snare of the enemy, which often causes the one taking this course to be ‘drowned in the sea’. “They that will be rich, fall into temptation, and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” (1 Tim. 6:9) The “sea” in which such are drowned means the peoples of earth alienated from God and who bear up and give support to Satan’s organization, Babylon (Rev. 17:1,15, 18); and where anyone of his own volition leaves the Lord's service, when the Lord has assigned him to a place, and then he returns to the commercial pursuits in Satan’s world organization, he is almost certain to be ‘drowned in the sea’. That which lies at the root of all evil and of evil results to those who have once started in the way of serving God is the “love of money”, that is to say, the desire for selfish gain, regardless of what that gain may be. If the truth finds a man with the obligation on his hands of supporting his family by engaging in some commercial pursuit, he is justified in remaining in that position, provided he can do no better to make provision of the things decent and honest for those dependent upon him and offering greater advantage in his direct service of the Lord. (1 Cor. 7:20; Rom. 12 17 ; 1 Tim. 5:8) But if the Lord provides for him and for those dependent upon him and at the same time puts him in a position of service to the Lord, then faithfulness to the Lord would mean that he must remain steadfastly in the sen-ice of the Lord and not take a contrary course to satisfy some selfish desire.

The hands of the servants of Jehovah God cannot remain clean if they touch the unclean thing, that is, Satan’s organization. (Isa. 52:11, 2 Cor. 6:17) There can be nothing in common between the Lord’s people and the enemy organization. Those who maintain their integrity toward Him must remain true and faithful to his name. Their love for him can have no qualification or limitation. They must and will give Jehovah God and his kingdom by Christ Jesus all their love.

FIELD EXPERIENCES

‘DEAD, YET SPEAKETH’

“In McComb, Miss., while I was playing the phonograph, on the front porch, to the lady of the house, her husband was in the back yard overseeing a bunch of colored men at work. Upon hearing the phonograph (not knowing what was going on out front) he hollered: ‘Keep quiet, confound it, listen!’ Some of the men, not hearing him, kept on working. Again he hollered: ‘Keep quiet, d---  it, keep quiet! I hear Judge Rutherford’s voice—he’s dead! I hear his voice from heaven.’ Whereupon he fainted, greatly frightening the men. Upon regaining consciousness he was told about the phonograph.”

WHAT LED HER TO CONTRIBUTE (OKLAHOMA)

“A young woman came to the door, listened attentively to the record, and at the end said, ‘We know about the hard things, the trouble, oppression, etc. We are just over from Germany.’ I pointed to the last chapter in the book Children, ‘Glorious Earth,’ and mentioned the new heavens and new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness, when the Devil will be bound and oppression, evil, etc., will not be permitted. She was interested, but did not take anything. I asked: ‘Did you ever hear of The Watchtower or Jehovah’s witnesses in Germany? or Bible Students?’ Then I said Bib elf or scher, and she knew what it was. ‘Oh, yes!’ she said, ‘we hear lots about Bibelforscher in Germany. They suffer more than any other people because they do not compromise, but always stand up for their belief.’ Then she got a quarter for the book Children. She said it was her last quarter, but they wanted to support all who are fighting against the evil power. She seemed pleased to get the book and Kingdom News.”

NEW WORK EFFECTIVE (ENGLAND)

London: “Immediately the new work commenced we started many model studies in this neighborhood, and the Society’s representative instructed us to work these out ‘one way or another’. This has now been finished and the result is eight new publishers, one of whom originally claimed to be an atheist. In the Brentford area we are having opposition from the clergy, who instruct their congregations not to listen to us when we call; but, of course, we know that the Lord’s ‘other sheep’ do not take any notice of these goats.”

Rugby: “Spiritualist lady ‘It’s no use, my dears, we’ve seen each other before.’ Jehovah’s witness: ‘Yes, we remember you. You told us you were a spiritualist.’ Lady: ‘I read your booklets, but I have no use for them, though I believe you are doing a good work.’ ‘We have a record we would like you to hear. It is called “Where Are the Dead?” and “What Is the Soul?” Just hear it, then if we are wrong, there’s your chance to put us right. If we happen to be wrong, we wish to be put right.’ Lady: ‘Come in then. I don’t care who we are, there’s something we can learn.’ Result: Records played and Children study sheets shown. Further: Model study arranged; much enjoyed.”

Sheffield: “A publisher here met a Catholic lady just before we came up here pioneering, and we have had the pleasure of two model studies with her, her fourth and fifth. Within that period (six weeks in all) she has left the Catholic church and taken her four children away from the Catholic school. When the priest came three weeks ago (he called for his money), she told him what she thought of him, and that he need not come any more. She said she had joined with Jehovah’s witnesses. ‘What! those Bible students?’ ‘Yes,’ she said. He threw the money back at her and said that if he had had a stick with him he would have thrashed her. He said: ‘And to think that this should happen after I have given my blessing on this house!’ She replied: ‘Yes, and ever since you blessed this house things have got worse and worse.’ Her husband, not a Catholic, is becoming interested, and we have had one model study with him. She attended our regular study last week.”

MAN IN UNIFORM VS. PATRIOTEER

“While magazine street-witnessing on the post-office corner of Tucson, Arizona, I noticed a young man with army uniform on standing near by. I introduced The Watchtower, and to my joy he favored its message: ‘My dad is a Jehovah’s witness and I like to read the literature he sends me.’ After a short discussion I left him and continued the work. A short while later an ugly-looking man passed and cried: ‘Look’t him—standin’ there—unpatriotic—ought to be ..., etc.’ I ignored him and kept about my business, and he hustled into the post office. A minute later he popped out a-huffin and a-puffin. Walking up to me he again began insulting me: Tie’s un-American, unpatriotic, chase him off the street—against the government—’ I asked loudly: ‘Aren’t you feeling well? Are you sick?’ This remark angered him more, and he continued his father’s work. The army boy was still there, seeing all that was going on. Walking over to him I spoke to him: ‘Say, I wonder what ails him?’ To this our army-boy friend answered, loud enough for others to hear: ‘Oh, he’s just like the rest of them: don’t know what he’s doing.’ The would-be patriot hushed up and, with a surprised look at the army fellow, walked off, panting, fuming, fussing.”

HOW SHE KNEW THE PIONEER WAS COMING

“This territory (Brookhaven, Mississippi) is isolated; no witness has been here for several years. I parked my car in a driveway and got out with my phonograph and bookcase. Just as I was going to knock on the door, a young lady opened it and said: ‘Come in; I have been expecting you.’ I walked in, thinking she was mistaken as to who I was. I set up the phonograph; and when it finished she said: ‘Yes, I will take the book. You are one of Jehovah’s witnesses, aren’t you?’ She contributed 50c for the book and expressed her thanks to me for coming to see her. ‘Now I will tell you how I knew who you were and why I was expecting you. One week ago in a public toilet I found a booklet Where Are the Deadf I picked it up and saw “Jehovah’s witnesses” on it. I was reminded at once of passing through Jackson, Miss., over a year ago and seeing on many store windows signs “Jehovah’s witnesses not wanted”. I thought they were gangsters of some kind. Being curious I read the booklet. It was wonderful. It stated in the booklet that one of Jehovah’s witnesses would call at my home with phonograph and literature. Every day I have prayed that you would come; and in one week my prayer is answered.’ I immediately arranged to come back in the evening and play ‘Children of The King’.”

No. LXIII May 1, 1942 No. 9

MICAH

PART 8

"And this man shall be the peace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land; and when he shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him seven shepherds, and eight principal men.”—Mic. 5:5.

JEHOVAH is never on the defensive nor ever in danger of defeat by any foe, singly or combined. He makes peace for those who take their stand on his side and keep his commandments, and creates evil or calamity and destruction for those who oppose and fight against his righteous Government. (Isa. 45:7) His beloved One, who on earth was called “The Son of man”, is “The Prince of Peace”. At his human birth in Bethlehem the prophetic song of the angels foretold that when his Kingdom should be established God’s peace would be extended through this Prince to men of good-will on earth. Amid the tumult of the world that marks its end He only is the One by whom to gain peace of heart and mind and to for ever enjoy the peaceful earth after the great conflict for universal domination is fought and won to the vindication of Jehovah God.

2 It is God’s will that peace shall exist within the organization or "land” of his covenant people on earth, the spiritual Israelites. It is His decree that unity in serving Jehovah God shall be observed and safeguarded among such in the “land” of spiritual Israel. No one has a right to interfere with their united service. The original “Assyrian” was a demon worshiping, totalitarian world-power. It invaded the land of ancient Israel, thereby furnishing a prophetic picture, that the modern-day Assyrian with religious-totalitarian organization would invade the midst of God’s covenant people and seek to break up their organized and united worship of the only true and living God, “whose name alone is Jehovah.” —Isaiah 36 and 37.

3 The modern invasion is under way, as shown by the notorious persecution of Jehovah’s witnesses, which persecution has scandalized all “Christendom”. The people in so-called “democratic” lands fail to realize that such persecution upon God’s servants by the religionists represents the invasion by the totalitarian “Assyrian” of the rights, privileges and liberties that all freedom-loving peoples want to retain for themselves. The power of the “Assyrian” will increase as the nations of the world all go totalitarian under the great stress. In the most vital field of all, the worship of God upon which everlasting life depends, there only do Jehovah’s people clad in the armor of God resist the aggressions of the totalitarian-minded ones into the things which must be rendered unto God and which are His. They know that “the wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God” (Ps. 9:17) and that to spread and increase the knowledge of God is for the benefit of the nations. They know that the demons are back of the totalitarian regimentation that makes the people ignore God’s ways; and therefore they battle, not with flesh and blood, but with the power and rule of the demons which would cause the destruction of the nations by opposition to Almighty God. The witnesses of Jehovah maintain their unity of action. Under the leadership of the Good Shepherd, the Principal One of God’s capital organization, they rise up in a united front against the aggressor and hurl back the invader. They resist all forms of demonism, and no more does religion gain a foothold amongst them.

4 Religion has failed, as proved by the facts today, after six thousand years of religion’s practice. Christianity has not failed, and never will. Though now the only true Christians are hated and persecuted of all nations, Christianity is not on the defensive. It is on the offensive against all religion, which is demonism and which has proved the ruin of humankind. The assaults by the modern “Assyrian” upon the Christian witnesses of Jehovah are but the enemy counterattacks, all of which fail to break the integrity of God’s covenant-keeping people. Concerning the offensive action and carrying of the war into the enemy territory Jehovah by his prophet foretold: “And they shall waste the land of Assyria with the sword, and the land of Nimrod in the entrances thereof: thus shall he deliver us from the Assyrian, when he cometh into our land, and when he treadeth within our borders.” (Mic. 5:6) It was the first totalitarian dictator Nimrod that organized religion and built Nineveh, the chief city of Assyria. Hence the land of Assyria is called “the land of Nimrod” and pictures the nations now going totalitarian.

5 As the religious-totalitarian rule moves on to swallow up the whole world Jehovah bids his faithful witnesses not to fear, but to be bold and courageous in his service: “Therefore thus saith the Lord God of hosts, O my people that dwellest in Zion, be not afraid of the Assyrian: he shall smite thee with a rod, and shall lift up his staff against thee, after the manner of Egypt [in Moses’ day]. For yet a very little while, and the indignation [of God against the totalitarians] shall cease, and mine anger, in their destruction.” (Isa. 10:24,25) Though the enemies conspire and confederate together against those who stand up for and proclaim Jehovah’s Theocratic Government, God’s covenant people may make no agreement or confederacy with the “Assyrian" foe of The Theocracy. By his prophet Jehovah specifically warns them against a compromise with the "Assyrian” in the hope of getting help and protection from him at the price of breaking integrity with God. (Isa. 8: 9-13) Jehovah alone is their fear and dread. Rather than compromise, they arise to the attack against religion which is linked with and does business with the totalitarian rule.

6 The faithful servants of Jehovah are provided with the “sword of the spirit, which is the word of God". They wield that sword by proclaiming the truths of God’s Word to those with an ear to hear. Thereby they waste the pastures of religion which tlie clergy part of “The Assyrian” have enjoyed with regard to such persons as now turn their ear to the Bible truths. They take no part in the literal wasting of the demon rule and organization which is symbolized by “the land of Assyria", “the land of Nimrod.” Jehovah’s executioner, who is the Head of the "seven shepherds” and “eight principal men", does such wasting. He is the “Chief Shepherd” and is the “man child” who is to “shepherd all the nations with a sceptre of iron”. (Rev. 12:5, Rotherham) Quite correctly the Rotherham rendering of Micah 5:6 reads: “Then shall they shepherd the land of Assyria with the sword, and the land of Nimrod in the entrances thereof.” A shepherd is ordinarily a man of peace, but he is also a fierce fighter for his devoted sheep against all marauders, whether beasts or men. Christ the Good Shepherd laid down his life for the sheep, both his “little flock” and also his “other sheep”. (John 10: 11,16) Now enthroned as King of the world and sent forth by Jehovah God to rule in the midst of his enemies, the great Shepherd-King takes the sword against the modern “Assyria". That sword is the destructive forces of the battle of Armageddon, ‘the war of the great day of God the Almighty.’—Rev. 16:14.

7 The “land of Assyria” which is wasted by that “sword” represents Satan’s entire organization, visible and invisible. Gog of the land of Magog is Satan’s chief demon prince therein, and all the nations gone totalitarian are the visible part thereof. In Micah’s day Babylon had not yet seized the world dominance but was still subject to Assyria, and hence “Assyria” also stands for Babylon and what Babylon symbolizes. Nimrod founded Babel, or Babylon, and thereafter Nineveh in Assyria, and hence the “land of Nimrod” means the same as “Assyria”. Further, it calls attention to its god, who is Satan. Nimrod, the rebel hunter after Jehovah’s “sheep”, typified Satan the Devil, whom Nimrod worshiped and served. After Nimrod’s death he was deified by his fellow gangsters, and thus they worshiped Satan under the form of Nimrod.—Gen. 10:9-11.

8 The present-day totalitarian “Assyrian” invades “our land” and sets up his religious-dictatorial “abomination of desolation” in the holy place, where it ought not to stand, attempting to crowd out Jehovah’s Theocratic Government and take its place. God’s faithful remnant and their earthly companions brandish the “sword of the spirit” and expose that desolating abomination as a demonic counterfeit of God’s holy Kingdom. They carry the battle to the gates of the religious-totalitarian combine, “in the entrances thereof,” or, “in the gates of its (cities).” (Leeser) The word “entrances” here may also mean something “opened”, that is, “drawn” swords, as at Psalm 55:21; and hence the Rotherham marginal rendering reads: “Shepherd . . . the land of Nimrod with drawn swords.” The swords will not be sheathed until the battle is won and religion is completely killed off. “In the entrances thereof” also means that Christ Jesus will not only destroy the totalitarian rule on earth but also carry the battle into the wicked spirit organization, “the land of Magog.” and there destroy all the demons and Gog their prince and Satan their chief.—Ezek. 39:1-6.

9 The presumptuous assault of the invader proves to be his undoing, just as when his prototype, King Sennacherib and his Assyrian hosts, invaded the Holy Land and assaulted Jerusalem. “Then the angel of the Lord went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and fourscore and five thousand: and when they [God’s covenant people] arose early in the morning, behold, they [the 185,000 Assyrians] were all dead corpses.” (Isa. 37:36) As long as Jehovah’s witnesses and their companions are bearing testimony to The Theocratic Government as rightful ruler of the world, the earthly powers who are for a totalitarian rule do not feel they can realize “Peace and safety” for themselves and their beastly rule. To silence Jehovah’s servants they ‘come within their land and tread within their borders’ and apparently restrain them, to all surface appearances. Then the great Shepherd-King Christ Jesus and the great Theocrat Jehovah God in their displeasure send emphatic tidings of final warning to the totalitarian world rule. Daniel 11: 44 describes it thus: “But tidings out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him: therefore he shall go forth with great fury to destroy, and utterly to make away many.”

10 Out for the utter destruction of all who stand faithful for The Theocracy, the great “Assyrian” Satan and all his organization make their last desperate assault upon the remnant and the Good Shepherd’s “other sheep”. They shall be pushed out. The drawn swords of Jehovah’s executional forces under the Good Shepherd shall flash and fall and hack the “Assyrian” organization and waste its land, including the invisible demon realm. “Thus shall he deliver us from the Assyrian, when he cometh into our land, and when he treadeth within our borders.” The sure hope for the deliverance of humankind from totalitarian rule under demons is Jehovah’s mighty Shepherd, the Savior of his “sheep”.

11 Since the great “Assyrian” shall fail in his destructive program and since the “remnant” of Jehovah’s kingdom heirs are the principal target of the “Assyrian”, it appears reasonable, and the prophecy indicates strongly, that Jehovah by his Good Shepherd will preserve the remnant of his ‘Tittle flock” through the battle of Armageddon and they shall see the terrific destruction of the “Assyrian” forces down to the last creature thereof. This preservation is not that the remnant of spirit-begotten children of God may live on earth in the flesh during the whole thousand-year reign of Christ Jesus that shall follow. Their stay on earth after Armageddon is merely for a brief time, serving as a vindication of Jehovah’s promise and his almighty power to preserve the faithful in their direst extremity. Along with this remnant Jehovah lovingly and mercifully preserves his “other sheep”, who never forsake God's side and therefore never the side of the faithful remnant. Satan and his hordes may be permitted to kill some during the battle, like David’s loving friend Jonathan, as a proof of their integrity toward God even to the death. Yet Satan shall fail in his all-out wicked endeavor to rid the earth of every righteous servant of Jehovah God. That which they intended upon the righteous, God will return on their own heads.— Ps. 7:15,16.

12 What shall be the work of the remnant after that battle1? The prophecy beautifully pictures it: “And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people, as dew from the Lord, as the showers upon the grass, that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men.” (Mic. 5:7) The name of Jacob, who was also called “Israel”, denotes that the “remnant of Jacob” are the last on earth of the spiritual Israelites, the joint-heirs with Christ Jesus of the promise made long ago to the grandfather of Jacob, Abraham. There shall be a great multitude of Armageddon survivors besides the remnant a pictured by Noah’s family which survived the destruction of the “old world”, “the world of the ungodly.” These shall be out of the former ‘nations, kindreds, people, and tongues’.—Rev. 7 : 9-17.

13 Armageddon, symbolically represented as the destruction of Satan’s world by fire, will be a scorching time. (2 Pet. 3:7-12) Thereafter the remnant will be retained on earth by the Lord to bring timely refreshment to the “great multitude” of the “other sheep” as symbolized by dew in the morning of that “new world”, “wherein dwelleth righteousness." With the remnant shall be associated in the work the “faithful men of old”, who shall have a "better resurrection” to life as perfect men. They shall be made “princes in all the earth”, the permanent visible representatives of the heavenly Theocracy. (Ps. 45:16; Heb. 11:35,39,40) The Scriptures strongly suggest that they shall be awakened to life and service on earth in the crisis at the beginning of Armageddon, and they shall take their place by the side of the spiritual remnant who are but the temporary representatives on earth of The Theocracy’ in power.

14 “All flesh is grass.” (Isa. 40:6) Now just before Armageddon the wicked spring as the grass (Ps. 92: 7); but after their destruction in that battle, and doubtless in the presence of the remnant as well as the “princes”, Jehovah by Christ Jesus will issue to the “great multitude” the divine mandate to “fill the earth”. (Gen. 9:1,7) They shall marry and reproduce righteous offspring, and then the righteous shall spring as the grass to ever beautify the earth. The remnant during the remainder of their sojourn on earth shall be in the midst of these righteous ones, “as the showers upon the grass, that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men.” Heavenly refreshment such as dew and showers does not depend upon human creatures. Dew and showers neither wait for the command of men nor can they be detained by men, but must be accepted as God provides. His “doctrine shall drop as the rain, [his] speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass”. (Deut. 32:2) ‘Out of Zion [God’s capital organization in heaven] shall go forth the law, and the word of the Loro from Jerusalem [New Jerusalem, which is above].’ (Mic. 4:2) Doubtless the remnant, together with the “princes”, will be used to further tender to the Lord’s “other sheep” his then “meat in due season”, including the proclamation of the divine mandate to that “great multitude". This will be very exhilarating, like dew and showers from the Lord God upon the parched grass. Already he has turned to the remnant a “pure language’’ or “pure lip’’, with which even now before the fire of Armageddon they are commanded by the Lord to refresh the people of good-will who become the Lord’s “other sheep”. (Zeph. 3: 8, 9) The remnant do not wait or tarry for any of the sons of men in order to get a license or permit or other approval from judges or police chiefs or other public officials to carry the Lord’s refreshment to those thirsting for righteousness and truth.

15 “And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles in the midst of many people, as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep; who, if he go through, both treadeth down, and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver.” (Mic. 5:8) It is now in this day of judgment, and down until the destruction of the wicked opposers at Armageddon, that the remnant must be bold as the lion, “which is strongest among beasts, and turneth not away for any.” (Prov. 30:30) Being approved as God's devoted and faithful servants, they are ‘covered with the robe of righteousness’ as Jehovah’s official witnesses. “The righteous are bold as a lion.” (Prov. 28:1) "In nothing terrified by your adversaries : which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.” (Phil. 1: 28) Their loving earthly companions have like devotion to The Theocracy and are likewise bold. They are like the shepherd David’s companions, “whose faces were like the faces of lions.”—1 Chron. 12:8.

16 Both the remnant and their companions follow “the Lion of the tribe of Juda” and work havoc with religion. To the nations now going totalitarian and forgetting God they declare the Lord's warning: “Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver.” (Ps. 50:22) Compared with the royal “Lion of the tribe of Juda” the religious-totalitarian crowd are but a flock of sheep for prey. At Armageddon Jehovah will let him loose upon the prey and he will go through them and tear to pieces all those branded with ‘the mark of the beast and his image’, and all the demon herders will not be able to deliver pope, dictators or their regimented subjects.—Isa. 31:4; Rev. 14: 9,10; 13: 16.

17 Further concerning that victory by the Lord's power the prophecy adds: “Thine hand shall be lifted up upon thine adversaries, and all thine enemies shall be cut off.” (Mic. 5: 9) This is addressed particularly to the invisible Captain, Leader and Commander of the remnant, Christ Jesus, in whose hand is all power in heaven and in earth. Now the aggressive "king of the north” continues to “stretch forth his hand also upon the countries [by means of propaganda, religious ‘fifth column’, sea raiders, submarines, airplanes, Catholic Action, etc.) ; and the land of Egypt [meaning the anti-Nazi ‘king of the south’s’ realm] shall not escape.” (Dan. 11:42) That totalitarian-religious aggressor power tries to poke its meddlesome bloody hand within God’s visible organization. It tries to interfere with and break up the organized united action of the remnant and their companions, but even by its concentration camps and dungeons and torture chambers it fails to crack their integrity and prevent their giving further witness by word and example to Jehovah's supremacy. The potver of the Lord prevails in them; his strength is made perfect in their weakness. (2 Cor. 12-9) They know that but a short time now and the Lord's almighty hand of power shall prevail over the adversaries and haters of The Theocracy and shall slap them down and cut them off and the Lord's hand shall remain uplifted in victory. “Let thy hand be uplifted against thine adversaries, and all thine enemies shall be cut off.” (Rotherham; Am. Rev. Ver.) “Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies: thy right hand shall find out those that hate thee.”— Ps. 21:8.

DEMONISM OUSTED

18 The deluded people whose necks are still caught in the snare of religion think Jehovah’s witnesses are extreme in discarding everything pertaining to religion and practicing nothing but pure Christianity. Jehovah is not fanatically extreme. So note what He does, and then judge as to his faithful and obedient witnesses who keep his commandments. “And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the Lord, that I will cut off thy horses out of the midst of thee, and I will destroy thy chariots.” (Mic. 5:10) We are nowin “that day”, which day began with the Lord's coming to the temple for judgment and purging the covenant people of God. It is also called “the day of our Lord Jesus Christ”. In that day the Lord's remnant on earth must “be blameless” by carrying on the “pure worship and undefiled before God and the Father” and without any compromise with religion. (1 Cor. 1:8; Jas. 1:27, Syriac Version) That day leads up to Armageddon. In the face of that battle for the vindication of God’s name what does Jehovah require of his remnant and his “other sheep”? Carnal weapons, as symbolized by horses and chariots? No! “Christendom” now feverishly multiplies such, but the Lord cuts such things off from his covenant people. He has revealed to them that Armageddon is not a fight between “the king of the north” and “the king of the south” nor other divided human interests. It is the final and deciding battle between God’s organization under his King Christ Jesus and Satan’s organization under his demon prince Gog and including all the nations which become totalitarian and demonized. Hence to his servants Jehovah says: “The battle is not yours, but God's. Ye shall not need to fight in this battle; set yourselves, stand ye still, and see the salvation of the Lord with you.” (2 Chron. 20:15,17) Therefore the remnant do not go down to Egypt, Satan’s world, for help by its fighting equipment. —Isa. 31:1, 3.

19 In the typical setting long ago the twelve tribes of Israel fought against one another under the rival leaderships of Ephraim and Jerusalem. This continued until the Lord purged that people and brought forth a remnant. Now the Lord God has brought forth his spiritual remnant and commands that there be no internal strife or fighting among them, but that all shall be at unity in Christ and fight only against the common foe, the demons and religion. Thus He fulfills his promise: “And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off.” (Zech. 9:10) Now God’s unified people pray for the peace and prosperity of his visible organization, saying: “For my brethren and companions’ sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee. Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek thy good.” (Ps. 122:6-9) Any causing disturbance and division among God’s people trying to serve him without distraction show they are not of his house or organization. The Lord duly cuts such off.

20 Jehovah is not an extremist when he further says: “And I will cut off the cities of thy land, and throw down all thy strong holds.” (Mic. 5:11) “Cities” picture organizations. Those that Jehovah cuts off from his Holy Land are not the service organizations of his faithful and wise remnant class. These operate according to his Theocratic rule and in the interest of his Kingdom. When Christ Jesus, having now received the Kingdom, came to the temple in 1918 and began judgment at the house of God he found two classes among those consecrated to God and begotten of His spirit. One class he approved, to wit, those who faithfully sought to keep unity with Him their Head and to look after the interests of their brethren in Christ and to serve them with the Lord’s provided “meat in due season”. Such he brought into the temple and anointed them and made them his “faithful and wise servant”.

21 The other company were self-seeking, selfhonoring, oppressive to their brethren, troublemakers, seducers seeking to draw disciples after themselves, and obstructors to the Lord’s Kingdom proclamation work. Such were in line for the kingdom of God, but the Lord by his angels gathered these undesirables out of his kingdom. He cut them asunder from the Lord’s house and cast them into the outer darkness to there gnash their teeth with the other religious hypocrites. (Matt. 13:41; 24: 45-51) Such cast-out ones established organizations or “cities” of their own to do the Lord's work for him according to their own self-chosen ways, but the Lord cut these off from the “land” of his faithful remnant and threw down all the strongholds of religion that had remained, and thereby purged his remnant. Concerning his action against the “cities” of the “evil servant” class Jehovah says:

22 “If thou shalt hear say in one of thy cities, which the Lord thy God hath given thee to dwell there, saying, Certain men, the children of Belial, are irone out from among you, and have withdrawn the inhabitants of their city, saying, Let us go and serve other gods, which ye have not known; . . . thou shalt surely smite the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, destroying it utterly . . . and it shall be an heap for ever; it shall not be built again. And there shall cleave nought of the cursed thing to thine hand: that the Lord may turn from the fierceness of his anger, and shew thee mercy, and have compassion upon thee, and multiply thee.” (Deut. 13:12-17) Such action must take place prior to Armageddon and preparatory to a cleansed earth. Jehovah establishing that clean condition among those who are to survive Armageddon, then surely that holy condition of devotion to God and his Kingdom will continue on earth after Armageddon. Those privileged to pass through Armageddon into the new condition on earth must now walk with Jehovah God as did Noah before the Flood.—Gen. 6: 8, 9.

23 Knowing that religion is of the Devil and is demonism and leads away from the great Giver of life and into destruction, Jehovah purges the remnant of all such. As he has said: “And I will cut off witchcrafts out of thine hand; and thou shalt have no more soothsayers [users of hidden arts (Roth.)]; thy graven images also will I cut off. and thy standing images [pillars] out of the midst of thee; and thou shalt no more worship the work of thine hands: and I will pluck up thy groves [(Am. Rev. Ver.) thine Asherim] out of the midst of thee; so will I destroy thy cities [thy enemies (margin: and Leeser)].”—Mic. 5:12-14.

24 “Christendom” is polluted through and through with the above forms of demonism or religion. But concerning his remnant of the temple class Jehovah foretold that at the end of the 2,300 days his sanctuary should be cleansed or justified. That time is now here. (Dan. 8:13,14) The Lord Jesus forewarned of the false prophets that would appear at the end of Satan’s world and using witchcrafts by whispering their own unscriptural opinions and predictions. The “soothsayers” are the religious hypocrites pretending to serve God but practicing Satan’s arts under cover for self-gain and glory. The “false prophet” mentioned at Revelation 19:20 is that powerful organization that makes an impressive stage-play before the Devil’s abominable totalitarian “beast”. That “prophet” promises a free-people’s world after the conflict, but such prophet is overreached by the demons and proves to be false and joins in setting up a religious-totalitarian “new world order”. Such “false prophet” with his attractive “new order” promises has no influence upon the remnant and their companions; they are wholly for The Theocracy.

25 The graven images and standing images and other works of creatures' hands are cleared from God’s sanctuary. Such are things which were once respected more highly than the pure and selfsufficient Word of God; for example, the supposed symbolisms of the great pyramid of Gizeh; also set forms for going through a manner of worship; “character development” idolatry; undue honors conferred upon men and particularly “elective elders”, made such by the hands of voters raised in an affirmative vote; mapping out God’s work in advance for him by chronologies or time tables, based on the pyramid or other measurements. Now the Devil’s organization has brought forth the “image of the beast” to meet the world emergency and to make it appear that men can bind up this world into a peaceful and enduring arrangement, so making unnecessary and undesirable the kingdom of God. The effort is made to coerce all the people to idolize such “image of the beast”. (Rev. 13:14,15) Jehovah’s devoted remnant and their companions refuse to hail, salute or worship any creature image; they have no gods besides Jehovah.—Ex. 20:3-5.

26 “Groves,” or “Asherim”, of demonism represented the female part of the religious worship and hence pictured Satan’s woman, his unclean demon controlled organization which recognizes him as lord and husband. This organization brings forth the clergy, to whom Jesus said: “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth.” (John 8:44) Worship was carried on under the shadow of the “groves” or “Asherim”. The clergy today are the friends of this world of Satan. To win converts and have the world’s approval, they mix the things of Satan’s organization with the things of God, whereas there is no agreement between such things. (2 Cor. 6:14-16) The clergy carry on their worship under the shadow, approval, permit, license, and protection of the representatives of the organization belonging to the “god of this world”. The remnant have come out from such and touch not the unclean thing. They worship and serve God at his temple and by his authority and according to his commandment and under his protection and approval. All the “cities”, or organizations of false gods, Jehovah has destroyed from among the remnant. Such “cities”, or “watchers”, encamp against them to ensnare them and thus are a close-girdling and easily-besetting sin: “the sin which doth so easily beset us,” to wit, religion. (Heb. 12:1) Now the remnant worship God in spirit and in truth.

27 All this clearing out of religion from among the remnant and the Lord’s “other sheep” greatly enrages the great “Assyrian” and all the demons and the religionists. Their religious hypocrisy is shown up by contrast, and their religious susceptibilities are shocked. So they are stirred up by the demons to assault the God-fearing remnant and their companions and to wage a war of lies and persecution against them. The religionists, particularly the Roman Catholic Hierarchy who ride on top, steer the scarletcolored totalitarian “beast” against them to devour those who renounce religion and worship Jehovah God and keep his commandments. (Rev. 17:1-14) This stirs up the anger and fury of Jehovah against the presumptuous enemy. Having cleansed his “sanctuary” class from religion and established the pure worship among his remnant, He will not tolerate the efforts of the totalitarian-religious crowd to reimpose demonism upon his covenant-people who keep their integrity by faithfully resisting all such attempts by the “abomination of desolation”. Hence, as a climax, Jehovah says he will destroy those who refused to be cleansed and who held on to religion: “And I will execute vengeance in anger and fury upon the heathen [the nations], such as they have not heard”; “upon the nations which hearkened not.”—Mic. 5:15; Am. Rev. Ver. and Leeser.

28 Such nations have heard the sound with their ears, but have not heeded that message sounded forth. For more than sixty years and by the greatest publicity campaign in Christian history Jehovah’s witnesses have warned the nations of God’s vengeance coming at Armageddon. So there is no excuse for not having heard. The nations have simply preferred to forget Jehovah God and have objected to hearkening with belief and obedience. Concerning this Jehovah by his prophet foretold: “Behold ye among the heathen [the nations], and regard, and wonder marvellously: for I will work a work [at Armageddon] in your days, which ye will not believe, though it be told you [beforehand].” (Hab. 1:5; Acts 13:40,41) Armageddon will be so furious it will leave all the nations as though they had not been. (Obad. 16) It will be righteous vengeance upon them, because such vengeance means the vindication of Jehovah’s name, which name the nations have reproached by choosing demon-worship and demon rule and persecuting those who bore Jehovah’s name and proclaimed his Theocracy by Christ Jesus.

REQUIREMENTS

29 The demons are gathering all nations of the world to Armageddon, and the life of each individual of the peoples is involved. Satan the Devil is the ‘'god of this world” and still has the “power of death”. (Heb. 2:14) He would make the peoples believe that life in peace and happiness is dependent upon his organization and proceeds through and is sustained and protected by his organization. Now that demon organization rapidly nears its final end. In the desperation to either rule or ruin Satan sets up requirements whereby creatures may live under his organization and which requirements they must meet or else be killed. His decree is that none shall survive save those worshiping his beastly organization and having its mark in the forehead or the hand; and he forces regimentation upon the people contrary to the rules of Jehovah.—Rev. 13:15-17.

30 In reality, Jehovah God is the Fountain of life, and to him salvation belongs. (Pss. 36:9; 3:8) He declares that all who conform to and abide under Satan’s organization shall be destroyed with it at Armageddon by Jehovah’s Executioner. Jehovah through his Word reveals that the only place of safety and preservation unto life throughout the great deluge of Armageddon is the Ark of his organization. All seekers after everlasting life must take refuge in it. His command to his faithful remnant is that they must now aid the refugees of good-will to that only place of security and life, and must make known to them Jehovah’s life requirements which they must fulfill while abiding within his place of refuge. Thus there is now a great controversy on concerning effective requirements for life.

31 By his mouthpiece and witnesses Jehovah addresses “Christendom”: “Hear ye now what the Lord saith; Arise, contend thou before the mountains, and let the hills hear thy voice.” (Mic. 6:1) "Christendom” resents these attentions and says, 'Why come to me and continually make me hear the message? I have the Bible, and why don’t you witnesses go to the heathen?' Why? Well, in the type Jehovah spoke to his professed covenant-people Israel, and now he commands “Christendom” to hear, because the heathen have no covenant obligations toward Almighty God whereas “Christendom” claims to be in a covenant to do his will. Hence her claim makes her subject to God’s requirements. “Judgment must begin at the house of God,” is God’s rule. “Christendom” claims to be such house, and must therefore get attention before heathendom. “Christendom” is out to justify her yielding to religion or demonism. Jehovah bids her “contend”, or, “maintain thy controversy” (Roth.), with him as to whether the Kingdom requirements are excessive or unreasonable, and why destruction should not come upon “Christendom” as well as heathendom at Armageddon. Jehovah further bids her contend in a most public way, “before the mountains, and . . . hills.” The controversy is of vital interest and concern to the lowest and to the highest personages of Satan's visible organization, to pope, dictators, kings, judges, governors, and others whose very highness makes their responsibility greater because of the power and influence they exercise over the peoples and the laws laid upon the people. Instead of taking away freedom of speech, press and assembly in connection with the worship of Jehovah God, “Christendom" should play fair and consider the everlasting welfare of her peoples and let them hear both sides of the controversy. Then let the people determine which side is right, and freely act accordingly, thereby fixing each one his own destiny.

32 “Hear ye, O mountains, the Lord’s controversy, and ye strong foundations of the earth: for the Lord hath a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel.” (Mic. 6:2) Such mountains represent particularly the lofty national governments of “Christendom”, including “the king of the north" and “the king of the south” who now exchange blows over world domination. Jehovah has made such “mountains” to hear the message of His life requirements. Jehovah’s witnesses have by special couriers paid personal visits on the various ruling ones and presented them the printed Resolutions adopted at international assemblies. Like information has been mailed to such worldly authorities. It has all been radiocast over great networks of stations. There have been public hearings before federal commissions, Supreme Court and other courts high and low; and also petitions for free worship and open debate, and signed by millions of fair-minded lovers of righteousness. Even the so-called ‘ heathen nations” have been served with notice of Jehovah’s controversy.

33 The bone of contention over which the two “kings” declare they will fight to the last ditch, shot and man is not the main issue. The really serious question is, not which one shall get on top with world domination, but, Shall Jehovah's Theocratic Government exercise universal domination? Of what avail is it if one “king” of "Christendom" temporarily gets on top, if shortly thereafter all “Christendom”, together with heathendom, shall be wiped out at Armageddon for not meeting God's requirements? Hence “Christendom’s” view that Jehovah’s witnesses are wasting time and are a nuisance and serving no vital, essential purpose is upside down. Their proclamation of Jehovah’s Word is the most vital and pressing service from which all peoples can benefit lastingly. The creature's relationship to the Supreme Power and to the Government of ‘‘The Higher Powers” is of greater importance than that to any earthly human organization and it involves the creature’s eternal life and happiness.

34 In Jehovah’s controversy with unfaithful Jerusalem he sent his prophets early and late. So now he sends his anointed witnesses. Not only the lofty ones must hear, but also those who claim to be the foundations of Satan’s visible organization, “ye lasting rocks, the foundations of the earth.” [Roth.) The pope at Vatican City claims to be the rock foundation of spiritual Israel, “the church.” He and all other religious systems of “Christendom” claim to be lasting, enduring when all other things fail, and to be the bottom upon which the civilization of the earthly organization rests. Therefore they insist that provision be made for religion in the world order to be set up after this world war. The pope depends on the Axis powers as his military arm, “the sword of his church,” and all such comrades declare that strong, hierarchic and authoritarian governments are the only solid base for a permanent stable human society, a “new order based on moral principles”. Such religionists, including the Vatican’s pontiff himself, have been notified of Jehovah’s controversy and have been warned that they “shall die'’!

35 This controversy with God's professed ‘people of Israel’, or ’'Christendom”, may not be dismissed lightly as if having no bearing on the world outcome or on one’s individual hope of life. It is of far-reaching importance to you to know whether “Christendom” has kept faith with God or has broken the covenant she claims with him and is worthy of death and hence doomed. All persons of good-will and who want life must be interested in this controversy, to determine whether to side with “Christendom" or to forsake her. You must know how to avoid the death-dealing snares into which the demons have lured her. Thereby you can steer clear of her shortcomings and covenant-breaking, and so escape sharing her terrible fate at Armageddon. To know what is required of God unto life and how to maintain your integrity toward him, you must listen to His side of the controversy.

36 Jehovah reasons with “Christendom” on the basis on which she claims to operate, to wit, as “his people”: “0 my people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me.” (Mic. 6:3) Jehovah raises the same question by a later prophet. (Jer. 2: 5-8. 31) “Christendom” claims God’s promises in the Bible, but does not render obedience to his law of worship upon which the fulfillment of those promises is based. (Ex. 20:6) Is God, therefore, responsible for her failure to realize those promises? Concerning the religionists and their political allies who disregard God’s law and brazenly make prayers for his blessing on their plans and methods, Proverbs 28: 9 says: “He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.” (Prov. 15:8) Failing to keep her side of the covenant, “Christendom” cannot receive the blessings promised. Why, then, should she be offended and her religious susceptibilities shocked at having her failure pointed out by Jehovah’s witnesses ? Why should she get wearied by their persistence in warning her at God’s command and then try to stop such witnesses by mobs, Catholic Action, government bans, and refined persecution carried on under the cloak of legality and “special emergency” laws and measures?

37 It is not unreasonable of Jehovah to keep on sending his witnesses to her. He knows the importance of the matter deserves it. Further, “Christendom” should consider that it shows forth God’s great forbearance and mercy when he serves warning notice before executing his judgment upon her as punishment for not living up to her covenant claims and thereby reproaching God’s name. (Jer. 7:25; 2 Chron. 36:15,16) “Testify against me,” says Jehovah ; but the religionists cannot answer on Scriptural grounds of argument. They are confounded by His little ones who quote Scripture showing God’s righteousness and blamelessness. What do the so-called “Christian religionists” have against Jehovah ? He is not responsible for the past and present course of the Jews. In fact, such “Christian religionists” with their greater opportunities and responsibilities have done worse to Jehovah God than the natural Jews themselves. In spitefulness, therefore, the religionists testify falsely against Jehovah’s witnesses to discredit them and their message. Persons of goodwill are not wearied by these, but welcome their visits.

38 Doomed “Christendom” should consider what Jehovah in his faithfulness has done by which she might have been forever blessed. “For I brought thee up out of the land of Egypt, and redeemed thee out of the house of servants; and I sent before thee Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. 0 my people, remember now what Balak king of Moab consulted, and what Balaam the son of Beor answered him [remembered] from Shittim unto Gilgal; that ye may know the righteousness of the Lord.” (Mic. 6:4,5) Jehovah provided the typical passover in Egypt for the deliverance of the Jews, and in due time provided the real thing, “Christ our passover,” “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world,” and by which comes deliverance from antitypical Egypt, Satan’s world organization. (1 Cor. 5:7; John 1:29) “Christendom” claims to have come out of “Egypt”, but belies her claim by making friendship with the world, God's enemy. (Jas. 4:4) Jehovah God has again sent his Prophet, the Greater Moses, Christ Jesus, to lead the way out of the world and into the blessings promised to the obedient who hear that Prophet. (Acts 3: 22, 23; 7: 37) With his coming to the temple for judgment Jehovah has sent forth with him Christ's remnant of brethren as fellow witnesses, pictured by Moses’ brother and sister, Aaron and Miriam. (Gal. 3:28; Joel 2:28,29) They declare Jehovah’s name in the antitypical Egypt. — Ex. 9:16; 15:20.

39 Jehovah God never backs up an enemy curse upon those who faithfully serve Him. Balak, the ancient king of Moab, opposed Jehovah’s people and sought to have them cursed and doomed. The prophet Balaam hired himself out to do it. He therefore pictures the ‘‘man of sin” class, including the “evil servant” company and also the Roman Catholic Hierarchy and other clergy of “Christendom”. These hire out to the worldly powers who are out for world domination and therefore oppose The Theocracy and who pay the religionists to curse Jehovah's witnesses for preaching that Theocratic Government. (Numbers 22,23,24; 2 Pet. 2:15,16; Rev. 2:14) Jehovah turned Balaam’s attempted curse into a blessing. Today the curses and misrepresentation of his covenant people by the religionists He makes to work for a witness to the Kingdom and for the good of his faithful witnesses who love him. (Deut. 23: 4, 5; Neh. 13:2; Josh. 24: 9,10) No curses written in God’s Word can with effect be applied against his faithful servants. Religious curses pronounced upon them by pope and like clergy are neither Biblical nor of God, but are demoniacal and are of no avail.

40 To get them “from Shittim unto Gilgal” Jehovah divided the waters of Jordan and led his people across dry-shod. Then from Gilgal as a base he directed the march around Jericho, ending in the utter destruction of that demonized religious stronghold. From that destruction only Rahab and her believing household were saved, picturing how God delivers from "Christendom’s” downfall the “sheep” class of good-will who do good unto his faithful and true witnesses, the remnant brethren of Christ. “Christendom” could have availed herself of covenant privileges with God and experienced like things antitypically, “from Shittim unto Gilgal,” so to speak. Only the “remnant” and their companions like Rahab have been thus led and used and preserved of the Lord. Why not "Christendom”? Because she willfully broke her implied covenant with God. By remembering such facts Jehovah is seen to be not at fault. Faced with such facts “Christendom” must "know the righteousness of the Lord”. He keeps covenant.—Neh. 1:5.

41 Now, with Armageddon immediately before us, it is a matter of life or destruction. Those who would be of the Lord’s "other sheep” that shall compose the “great multitude” of Armageddon survivors and live joyfully on earth forever must find the answer to a very personal question, and very important. 'Wherewith shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old ? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”—Mic. 6: 6, 7.

42 How shall now one approach God with acceptance and get in the way of life? The leading religious organization insists it is by the Roman Catholic clergy and their canonized saints. Their latest argument is that mankind must come by way of a "new order founded on moral principles” as approved by the pope. The “Protestant” clergy hang on to the papal apron-strings and for self-protection keep “good neighbor” policy with the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, and claim the approach to God is by joining their conflicting religious systems; that to be saved and go to heaven one must be a member thereof. All agree that one must make liberal financial sacrifices to support the clergy and their expensive organizations. They conduct "drives" for money as if to enrich God. Billions of dollars are paid them for masses and prayers for the dead. They disregard God’s law and appointed way and please themselves and then salve their consciences by such so-called “sacrifices”. With such religionists the “evil servant" class line up in opposition to The Theocracy and its witnesses and claim approach to God is by the self-idolatry of "character development” so called.

43 Sacrifices without obedience are bribe tactics and are abominable to God. (Prov. 21: 27; Isa. 1: 11-17) “To obey is better than sacrifice.” (1 Sam. 15.22) A mere material-sacrifice arrangement would favor the rich as against the empty-handed poor. All such “sacrifices” are things outside of the individual himself and can become mere formality, able to be done without one's heart in it and with mental reservations, as when haters of dictatorship "Heil Hitler” and salute Hitler’s flag under compulsion. The religionists make an outward and formal acknowledgment of “transgression” and of "sin of my soul". In the world conflict of 1914-1918 they persecuted conscientious Christians, but their appearance of repentance thereafter did not lead them to accept God’s kingdom proclaimed by his persecuted witnesses. Instead, they hardened their hearts against Jehovah's King and turned to and hailed the League of Nations, the World Court, the Paris Peace Pact of 1928 outlawing war, and other anti-Theocratic schemes. The Roman Catholic Hierarchy had its own scheme for world dominance, to wit, the rebirth of the “Holy Roman Empire” with the help of arbitrary dictators. Again today, as in the Dark Ages, the Hierarchy is exposed as willing to sacrifice millions of her “Catholic population” to gain her selfish ends and also to thereby cause the death of millions of firstborn ones and other children of human mothers, and which children are fighting against the totalitarian dictators that serve the Hierarchy's aims. Honest Catholics who appreciate the benefits of democracy and separation of religion and state should awake to this clergy hypocrisy and listen to God’s requirement for life and blessings. With such religious sacrifice of human flesh and blood in violation of God’s everlasting covenant will he be pleased? —Gen. 9: 6,11.

44 “He hath shewed thee [(Leeser; Rotherham) He hath told thee], O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Mic. 6: 8) Jehovah has told man His requirements; “whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning.” (Rom. 15:4) Now God has sent his Prophet, the Greater Micah, Christ Jesus, to the temple. Him God uses to make clear the inspired Scriptures and to point out therefrom Jehovah’s requirements. Thus since the Lord’s coming to the temple in 1918 the Scriptures have been especially opened up as never hitherto. To the Christians there have been made clear their true commission from the Lord and their covenant obligations and also the requirements concerning the Lord’s “other sheep” who flee to him for refuge. Then Jehovah anointed his approved remnant and sent them forth in performance of that revealed commission to go up and down “Christendom” and other nations to pass the life-giving information out to all, whether claiming to be Christian or not. As in Micah's day, the man actually in a covenant to do God’s will, and the man professedly so, should be and are most directly concerned about what the Lord requires. However, the Lord's rule is the same toward the earthly ones of good-will who become the Lord’s “other sheep”, even though they are not like “Christendom” in claiming to be spiritual Israelites.

45 The question that the young man asked Jesus is now fitting: “What good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?” (Matt. 19:16-19) Because of inherited sin and imperfection none on earth can now do perfectly; but note God’s Word as to “what is good” to do: “I will praise thy name, 0 Lord, for it is good.” (Ps. 54:6) “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, 0 Most High.” (Ps. 92:1) “Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely.” (Ps. 147 :1) “He that received seed [of Kingdom truth] into the good ground, is he that heareth the word, and under-standeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” (Matt. 13:23) “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things.” (Matt. 25:21; Luke 19:17) “Prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” (Rom. 12:2) The sum of the foregoing is that persons of good-will, the Lord’s “other sheep”, must first receive his truth and devote themselves to the Lord. They must then bear witness to his name and Kingdom, carrying forth the Kingdom fruits to other hungry ones of good-will, and continuing faithful and in integrity in doing God’s expressed good and perfect will.

46 You want life! “And what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly?” Do that which is right and equal. Do not withhold from the “stranger that is within thy gates” his right, namely, to hear God's life-giving message. Freely thou hast received: rightly then, freely give. Show no partiality or respect of persons. Do not misjudge thy Christian brother or “neighbor”. Let him bear his own burden before the Lord and answer to his own Master, the Lord, who judges him.—Rom. 14:4; Gal. 6:5.

47 “And to love mercy.” This the Lord requires also. “For I desired mercy, and not sacrifice: and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings.'’ (Hos. 6:6) Be forgiving, forbearing toward the faults and unintentional mistakes of thy brethren, helpfully pointing out to such the right course to take in their difficulty. Sound the Lord’s merciful warning to those about to die at Armageddon if unaided. Make return-visits upon those slow to understand but willing. Warn the honest and sincere against religion. Aid the refugees to find the Lord's “city of refuge” for protection against God's Executioner at Armageddon and to abide there and keep the rules, within the city bounds, in integrity. Do good unto Jehovah’s witnesses, the “least of these [Christ's] brethren”, and do not take advantage of the war conditions to vent religious spleen on them for keeping God’s law and exposing religion.

48 “And to walk humbly with thy God”; not contrary to him. That means to be not self-willed, but obedient to God’s law and organization instructions. Recognize the true “Higher Powers”. Do not support schemes that exalt creatures and organizations that oppose Jehovah and his universal domination by his Theocracy. Do not think thyself above God’s law and that man’s law is higher than God’s in some cases, especially in some man-made emergency. The world emergency with Armageddon at the door is the very time to most anxiously keep God’s law and obey him rather than obey desperate men. Only those who thus walk obediently with Jehovah God as Noah walked with God down to the Flood will have any chance to survive Armageddon and serve him beyond.

(To be continued)

KINGDOM WORK

WATCHTOWER readers now appreciate the fact that The Theocratic Government is functioning in the earth in so far as those who are consecrated to Jehovah are concerned Both the anointed remnant and the Jonadabs have the privilege, by the Lord’s grace, of participating in bearing the legitimate expenses for carrying forward the Kingdom work. Their contributions made direct to the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, at 124 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, N. Y., is assurance to them that the money will be used to the best advantage in advancing the Kingdom interests.

This notice is not a solicitation of money, but a reminder to all who have a desire to support Jehovah’s kingdom that it is well to make advance provision to participate in the work and do so by laying aside a specific sum each week according to the manner in which the Lord prospers them financially. The work of the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society is to use the money contributed in the most economical way to make known Jehovah’s name and His kingdom. If informed in advance as to the probable amount that will be contributed during the year by those who are interested, that makes it possible to outline the work and the expense connected therewith accordingly. It is therefore suggested that upon receipt of this issue of The Watchtower you address a post card to the Society and keep a copy thereof as a reminder to yourself as to the amount you have promised and post the card to the Society immediately. Write nothing upon the card except the following:

By the Lord’s grace I hope to be able to contribute to the work of announcing the kingdom of Jehovah during the ensuing year the amount of $ … which I will remit in such amounts and at such time as I can find it convenient as the Lord prospers me.

Signed  

Address your card to

Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society Treasurer’s Office

124 Columbia Heights Brooklyn, New York.

Those residing outside of the United States and who desire to participate in contributing to the necessary expense will please address your letters or cards to the Society’s office in the respective country in which you live.

Have in mind our need for guidance by the Lord and present the matter before the throne of heavenly grace that the money contributed may be used to the best advantage to announce the Kingdom.

"NEW WORLD” RULER AND ASSOCIATES

TURNING away from a consideration of the beastly rule of this present unsatisfactory world, it is refreshing to consider the vision of the glorious new world and its majestic ruler, his title and his father, and his position and his associates in office One of those associates, named John, who was favored with the inspired vision thereof, describes it for the benefit of us living at the world's end:

“And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder; and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: and they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.”— Rev. 14.1-5.

In the Scriptures “mountain” is a symbol of God’s government or kingdom. The highest part of a mountain is properly called a “hill”. The highest part of God’s kingdom is the governor or king. Jehovah says. “Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion” (Ps 2:6) Jehovah’s organization is described in His Word under the symbol and name of “Zion”, and it was typified by Mount Zion in Palestine. When David of Bethlehem was made king of the Jews Mount Zion was made the seat of government of the nation. There David built him a house of “cedar wood”, symbolic of the everlasting existence of God's kingdom. That was Jehovah God’s typical Theocratic government.

A thousand years thereafter John in a vision beheld a beautiful mountain It must have been a white mountain, and glorious, because white is symbolic of puritx, and because the Lord is glorious. It was Mount Zion, God's pure and holy organization, the Kingdom, the Governor of which is pure, holy and undefiled. He is Christ Jesus, the Beloved One of God. The fact that John the apostle saw Mount Zion indicates that God’s kingdom by Christ Jesus was born in A.D. 1914 and that thereafter the servants of God whom John pictured saw that Government and appreciated it as established and functioning, while the enemies thereof are still in existence and fighting oxer world domination. The day comes, and is not far distant, when Mount Zion will be the peace and joy of all that live forever on the earth. (Ps. 48.2) Jehovah loves Zion and the entrance into that organization. (Pss. 78:68; 87:2) Zion is the official dwelling-place of Jehovah God, and therefore Zion is pure and holy. (Pss 9:11; 132:13) Out of Zion God shines, because Zion honors the Lord God and magnifies his name. — Pss. 50:2; 135-21.

John says he saw a “Lamb” that stood on Mount Zion. The transfiguration scene ‘‘in the holy mount” when that Lamb of God was yet on earth in the flesh seems to refer to the same thing. (2 Pet. 1:17,18) This is “the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world”. (John 1:29) His blood shed at Calvary is for sin atonement of believing humankind, and now the Lamb comes in his glory, clothed with all power and authority, to clean up and remove the sin-stain from those who shall live m the new world. Be it noted that in the book of The Revelation Jesus is called the “Lamb” twenty-eight times, which is more times than of any other name it gives to him. God must have a reason for emphasizing that title. “Lamb” is translated from the Greek word arnion. which, more literally. means “dear lamb” or “lambling”. The evident purpose of the title is to remind all creation that God is the Great Shepherd and that Jesus is the dearest one of God’s great flock. Jesus said: “Jehovah is my shepherd.” (Ps. 23:1, A. R. V.) The one standing on Mount Zion, therefore, is definitely identified as Christ Jesus, the glorious King, the promised Seed — Gen. 22:8, 18.

Jesus took his position on Mount Zion in 1914. John’s vision suggests of Him that, standing there, Jesus now ‘sees of the travail of his soul' in fulfillment of the words spoken by God's prophet (Isa. 53-11.12), and that he is filled with satisfaction and joy because the time has come to vindicate his Father's name. (Jer. 11:19. 20 , Ps. 110: 2-6) Thirty-five centuries ago a lamb of the flock was slain in Egypt and its blood was used as the basis for the law covenant which God made with the Israelites in Egypt and later confirmed at Mount Sinai on their way to the Holy Land. Likewise, the blood of Jesus, the Lamb of God slain on earth, is the basic sacrifice for the "new covenant”, of which Jesus is the Mediator and which is made on earth and ratified on coming to the true Mount Zion (Heb. 12 24) He is the greatest as well as the most loved of all God's creation, and concernins his dominion it is written “And thou, O tower of the flock, the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto thee shall it come, eien the first dominion, the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem.” —Mic. 4: S.

His kingdom was born or began in 1914, before the travail of the “war in heaven” came upon Zion. "Before she travailed, she brought forth, before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child [the new-born Government!.” (Isa. 66:7) "Tinto us a son [the Son of God] is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder.” (Isa. 9.6,7) This is true because he is God’s dear Lamb and anointed King now upon his throne. The law, or rule of action that shall govern the new heavens and new earth, goes forth from Mount Zion. (Isa. 2:3) Not in Rome, but in Zion. God’s organization, the dear Lamb of God is laid as the Chief Corner Stone, God’s Anointed King, and he is the sanctuary for the children or members of Zion. (Isa. 2S-. 16; 8 14) Such members of Zion constitute the church and are “living stones” built up on him (1 Pet. 2:6-8) He is also laid as a stumbling stone for his enemies, who stumble over him as the world’s Rightful Ruler.

Symbolically speaking, the church is “the Lamb’s wife”, and after his coming to the temple for judgment it was time to tell her as a child of Zion, that she might rejoice over that fact: ‘Rejoice greatly, 0 daughter of Zion; and shout for joy; for behold, thy King cometh unto thee. He shall speak peace to the nations; and his dominion shall be throughout all the earth.’ (Zech. 9:9,10) The church is the “daughter of Zion”. It is Zion (God’s organization) that gives birth to her children who constitute members of God’s kingdom. Concerning such children it is written: “For as soon as Zion travailed [the travail came upon her in 1917 and 1918], she brought forth her children.”— Isa. 66:8.

Zion having now been built up, and her children having been brought forth, the Lord’s servant class or God's people on earth represented by the apostle John is given a vision of what has taken place. Therefore John adds concerning the Lamb: “And with him an hundred and forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.” (Rev. 14:1) This prophetic picture could not be fulfilled until the faithful Christians who had slept in death awaiting the Lord's return had been resurrected out of death to life in the spirit and the judgment at the temple had begun with the “house of God” and the remnant thereof yet on earth had been approved and brought into the temple condition and illuminated by the lightnir.es of Jehovah, his flashes of truth. Being brought forth as God's children begotten and anointed of his spirit and thus acknowledged by him, these would have his name in their foreheads. They would have an intelligent appreciation of the fact that they were God’s children, and, with the name in their foreheads, they are easily identified as children of God. The John or servant class, now in the temple, can see and appreciate the beautiful tableau, the first part of which appears to be Christ the glorious King and also his body members in God's organization. Those who are the children have begun and continue to sing Jehovah's praises and rejoice: “And Jehovah will reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth even for ever.”—Mic 4.7, A.R.V

The number that stood with the Lamb on Mount Zion is the same as that of those who were “sealed” of the spiritual twelve tribes of Israel, to wit, 144,000 (Rev. 7:4) God had promised to write upon his faithful ones his name. (See Revelation 3:12.) These are shown in the tableau as having received his name written in their foreheads. These are they that have escaped from the snare of the enemy’s organization Babylon; as it is written: "But upon mount Zion shall be deliverance [shall be they that escape (marginal reading)], and there shall be holiness; . . . And saviours shall come up on mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau [Satan’s religious organization] ; and the kingdom shall be the Lord’s.” (Obad. 17-21) Under the power and influence of the demons the attempt is now- being made to compel all creatures on earth to worship the “beast”, Satan’s visible organization, but upon the foreheads of those marked with their Father Jehovah’s name there is no room for the “name” or the “number” of the “beast”. Instead, there appears upon them the name of honor, reverence and praise to Jehovah and to his King. They are wholly devoted to the Lord.

Gathered unto the Lord, that is, into a unity with him, his people are now out of Babylon and it is a time for them to rejoice and sing; and this they do. (Ps 126:1; Isa 52:7,8) It is the time also for God’s wrath to begin against that enemy organization Babylon. Therefore it is written “The Lord hath brought forth our righteousness: come, and let us declare in Zion the work of the Lord our God . . . For his device is against Babylon, to destroy it; because it is the vengeance of the Lord, the vengeance of his temple. And I will render unto Babylon, and to all the inhabitants of Chaldea [Babylonia], all their evil that the}' have done in Zion in your sight, saith the Lord, As Babylon hath caused the slain of Israel to fall, so at Babylon shall fall the slain of all the earth.” (Jer. 51:10,11, 24, 49) The time has now come to declare “the day of vengeance of our God”, and those of the organization of the Lord must declare it.—Isa. 61:2.

There is service to be done. Some who were favored with the knowledge of God’s truth and who covenanted to do his will became “wear}' in well doing” and they have concluded that all they need to do is to manifest outwardly a “sweet character”, meet together and have what they call “fellowship’’, and then wait to be taken to heaven. They deceive themselves and are deceived. Jehovah, however, gathers his faithful people into Zion for service. He has visited the nations to take out of them a “people for his name”, and those taken out must be his witnesses to sing forth his praises. (See Acts 15:14; 1 Peter 2:9; Isaiah 43:10,12.) Therefore the apostle John, representing the servant class, hears “a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder; and I beard the voice of harpers harping with their harps”.— Rev. 14:2.

The American Revised Version renders this part of the text, “the voice which I heard was as the voice of harpers.” The picture shows that the members of Zion can not and do not keep still. They cannot, because “in his temple doth every one speak of his glory”. (Ps 29:9) Being in the temple, they must sing forth Jehovah’s praise. 'Where there are those who claim to be followers of Christ and who are using the “soft pedal” concerning Satan’s organization, or who insist on keeping still and ignoring the fact that Satan has an organization, such is conclusive proof that they are not of God’s capital organization Zion, whatever else might be their position Let no one who has entered into a covenant with the Lord be deceived into remaining quiet and inactive. This Revelation picture and many corroborating texts show that God’s temple class must be active to the very end.

John heard the “voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters”, and this portends a downpour of God’s blessings “When he uttereth his voice there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, ... he maketh lightnings for rain.” (Jer 10: 13, margin) In that the voice was “as the voice of a great thunder”, it symbolically says that it is a message of God being proclaimed, which message is a rebuke to those who reproach his name. (Pss. 104:7; 18:6,7,13) But to those who love God it is a sound of refreshing truth announcing to them that God’s kingdom is come, and the time to rejoice and sing. The temple being now open, the time is come for the installation of the sacred singers and harpists who shall engage in singing the praises of Jehovah God. Such service was employed in the typical house of the Lord. In the typical temple of ancient times King David set aside certain musicians, "who should prophesy with harps . . . for song in the house of the Lord.” (1 Chron. 25:1,3.6) In that temple service the singers, selected from the tribe of Levi, were caused to sing and to play upon the harp. (2 Chron 5 12,13) Thus God foreshadowed that when he gathered his spiritual Israelites into the temple they should sing forth his praises. The time of joy has arrived, and Christ Jesus at the temple, as the great Judge, says to those whom he approves: “Enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (Matt 25:21) The approved spiritual Israelites enter the temple, and their songs and their harps sound with praise to the great Jehovah and to his King Christ Jesus.

“And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth” (Rev. 14:3) In the Biblical record the earliest singing is mentioned in Job 38:7. There the Lamb, the Beloved One of God. and who bears the title of “The Morning Star”, employed song to the praise of Jehovah. Thus is fixed the rule that must govern those of Zion now. The song which the apostle John heard sounds new, and therefore it would indicate that Jehovah’s servant class would have a change in their witness work from that of Elijah to that foreshadowed by Elisha, the latter being a service attended with no fear but with great joy. It is the love of God that prompts them to service, and the love such as Christ has is that which constrains them and holds them together. These, possessed of such love, fear not the enemy or his organization, but boldly sing forth the praises of the great Eternal One. – 1 John 4:17,18.

The remnant of Jehovah's anointed witnesses now on earth are enabled by God's grace to see and appreciate the fact that Jehovah's Elect Ser,-ant is Christ Jesus and the faithful members of his body, and that these God has selected and installed as his sweet singers in the temple, to perform other purposes to which he assigns them. (Isa. 42:1; (Matt. 12:15-18) To these are committed the interests of God's kingdom, and the obligation is laid upon them to make known God's purposes to the rulers and to the peoples of the earth. Since the building up of Zion, or from and after 1918, Jehovah has appeared in his glory, and by his lightnings has revealed himself and his organization and his purposes to his people as never before He has made clear to his people many prophecies that have been fulfilled, and now he gives them a gleam of other things that are shortly to be fulfilled The time has come for them to sing, and they do “sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth”.—Isa. 42:9,10.

At the human birth of Jesus nineteen hundred years ago the angelic hosts sang to the praise of Jehovah God, whose Son they announced as the Savior of the world Now the King in glory stands upon Mount Zion with all power and authority to rule and bless, and all of God's organization join in the new song. The angels m heaven and the remnant on earth sing before the throne the praises of the Most High.

FIELD EXPERIENCES

LONDON ASSEMBLY (BY AN OBSERVER)

“Londoners are a peculiar people and love their London in spite of its mean dwellings and its grubby ugliness. So with the news of the Assembly, many a London pioneer serving his ‘zone’ in some far-away spot cast longing eyes toward the Metropolis. London is getting famous for its assemblies, and this one was to be held at the London Palladium at Oxford Circus, probably the most famous music hall in the world. Tickets of admission were printed and were sparingly handed out to the London units and those in the immediate vicinity. The Palladium, large as it is, will seat only 2,500, and the Lord’s ‘other sheep’ are fast coming in. Persons of good-will and model-study people were eagerly visited and invited to attend this assembly. Coaches and buses are no longer available for private hire as on previous occasions, due to further petrol restrictions; but, no matter, as The Palladium is right in the center of the West End of London, served by a network of underground railways, everyone attending had excellent traveling facilities regardless of from which point of the compass they came.

“The title of the Assembly was ‘Integrity’, as it was held on the opening day of the great world-wide ‘Integrity’ Testimony Period (February). Came the day, and with it four inches of overnight snow and still snowing hard without the possibility of a break. Well, the integrity test is on No need to worry about not filling the theater. Snow won't stop those who are determined. And it didn't! The assembly was due to start at 2:30. By one o’clock there was a queue waiting in the snow outside, over 100 yards long. At 1:30 p.m. the doors opened and the eager publishers were ushered into a wonderfully comfortable and heated auditorium. The Theocratic orchestia, a remnant of the pride of the Leicester Assembly last September, but nevertheless highly efficient, regaled us with light music while settling ourselves comfortably in the seats. Then the loved voice of Judge Rutherford was heard reproducing those fatherly and so human words he had to say to 15.000 ‘children of the King’ assembled at St. Louis, Mo. Memories—a flickering sadness just for a moment, followed by a confident joyousness with the realization that Brother Rutherford was more with us today than ever before.

“The opening song 'Come, Ye That Love the Lord’, and then the Watch Tower’s representative, Mr. Gill, from ‘Down Under’. We had all heard of his arrival in this country from New Zealand and were eager to hear what he had to tell about our Father's business in those far-away parts, particularly as the work had there been banned. How thrilled we were to hear of how our brethren in the name of the Lord challenged the ruling powers, ‘Do you allow Christians to assemble together for song, prayer and Scripture study ? Answer Yes or No.” We have a feeling that this forthright dealing and ‘Answer Yes or No’ will be heard nearer to home in the near future. What a thrill it is to hear of Jehovah’s watchful care over his people and how so surely the Lord ‘has the enemy in derision’. The news that the Japanese had only been allowed to overrun those lands of the Pacific after the Lord’s witness work had been completed was received with a great ovation.

“Next Jesse Hemery, who has seen the Lord’s work in London progress over 54 years, gave us 'timely counsel. First a few words about the newspaper reports regarding the death of Judge Rutherford. A fearless declaration to the world that its revilings will be recompensed by the Lord in due time, and once again the declaration of the Lord’s purpose to have his ‘strange work’ brought to a conclusion only in his due time. A reminder of the words ‘Millions Now Living Will Never Die’, and that the Lord’s people have not lost their faith in that great promise. Not a slogan, but a fact! Brother Hemery also announced the election of Nathan H. Knorr as the Society’s new president. Then counsel on Psalms 23 and 27: ‘The Lord’s people shall not want.’ That we know, whether in spiritual food, presidency or otherwise, the Lord will provide. We ha\e not yet entered the ‘valley of the shadow’, but the Lord will be with his people during the dark days ahead, and the Good Shepherd will care for his Father’s sheep.

“The London Branch servant, A. D Schroeder, then followed with some poignant remarks addressed to the people of good-will now associating themselves with the Theocratic organization. Our individual responsibility before the Lord was put quite clearly, and the steps outlined which must be undertaken by every seeker of righteousness before one becomes a trusted servant of the Lord An invitation was given to persons of good-will to now take a stand and prove their integrity along with Jehovah s witnesses. Just before closing a resolution was passed to send a cable of greetings to Brother Knorr, our new president. The cable dispatched read as follows: ‘Greetings and hearty co-operation sent you as president from 2,500 London Assembly Sunday.’ Surely our heavenly Father will richly bless Brother Knorr in his new appointment. And so ended another memorable day of happy assembly as a body of the Lord’s people. Too soon the minutes fled by . . Now every minute, thought and action must be harnessed for The Theocracy. Only in this way can we keep the demons at bay and maintain our integrity, by diligently keeping God’s commandments and serving God, and not man, and thus remaining ‘blameless in the day of our Lord’.’’

A TEST OF INTEGRITY (CALIFORNIA)

“On Saturday, February 14, as one magazine publisher took her place on the street in Mount Shasta, two Legionnaires in full regalia took their stand on either side of the witness. Shortly thereafter a fellow passing by on the other side of the street hollered over at the Legionnaires, ‘Where's your magazines, boys? Better get out your magazines there!’ Another passer-by further embarrassed them by observing, ‘Nice-looking girl you got there, boys’’ The ‘boys’ stuck it out for about an hour, and immediately after they left the good-will people began to manifest themselves. One who made it plain that he had observed the whole incident came up and said, ‘Well, you’ve been standing on the street here a long time, little lady. I’m going to take one of those magazines [handing the witness a dollar], and just keep the change.’ [It was used to further advance the Kingdom work.] . . . This afternoon a carload of about eight high-school students stopped by and got a magazine to investigate for themselves One of them opened the magazine and began reading it to the others as they drove away. It seems the younger generation are thinking for themselves.“

No. LXIII  May 15, 1942  No 10

MICAH

PART 9

“He hath shewed, thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"—Mic. 6:8.

JEHOVAH is the great and perfect Teacher. His I instruction is always good and beneficial; for he is goodness, and to know him is of the greatest benefit. His perfect justice does not require him to provide rescue for the condemned, but in his mercy, which is his loving-kindness toward such, he gives timely and sufficient warning against the impending world disaster. He plainly points out the reason therefor, and to those who would escape he shows what is good in his sight and what he requires to win his approval and merciful protection and his deliverance from destruction with the doomed world. The creature that desires life and who enters into a covenant or agreement to do Jehovah's will binds himself to fulfill God’s requirements. Jehovah God is no respecter of persons. Every creature on earth that desires to get into the way of life must expect to face the same requirements and to follow the same rule of action. Willing obedience and faithfulness are required in doing the will of the great Lifegiver. The creature must deal with justice and in the love of mercy toward others, especially those in the way of life with him. He must walk obedient to God’s expressed will and not abandon God’s side for the world’s. Thus he maintains his relationship with God. The joyful fulfilling of God’s requirements leads to endless life amid blessings unspeakable. The refusal or failure to carry out his requirements leads to death and loss of everything.

2 Religion has substituted for God’s requirements the rule and moral standards of men who depart from and ignore God’s law. Religion has therefore blinded men to God’s requirements. Look at the religious world today, particularly the “civilized” part thereof called “Christendom”. Then answer as to what religion has done for humankind. “Christendom” has taken the name of God and of his Christ and lays claim to his promised blessings. She thereby puts herself in an implied covenant and, in consequence, makes herself responsible to God’s requirements of one that bears his name. The course of those unfaithful to the covenant with God, and the condition that results from their going over to religion, are the same in this modern world just as in the ancient world before Christ. Why? Because religion is demonism and the demons use like methods with like results always, and those demons are most active now, as they were in the days of Noah before the world disaster. Jehovah foreknew exactly the present-day state of “Christendom”. She has gone the same way as the two capital cities of the divided Jewish nation, Jerusalem and Samaria. Jehovah God has preserved a faithful record in detail of the conditions that doomed both cities, and by this means he has foretold the conditions existing within “Christendom” at the end of the world, where we now are. That record was preserved for our admonition and profit. A close study thereof shows the wisdom of now keeping the divine requirements. The Bible record is not mere dry ancient history, but bears importantly on us today.

3 “The Lord’s voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy name: hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it.” So reads the record at Micah 6: 9. In Micah’s day the “city” was Jerusalem, and possibly also Samaria, the rival capital; but Jerusalem remained the last to be dealt with. As capitals these two cities represented the entire nation, the twelve tribes of Israel. That they had gone religious and despised the Lord’s requirements note God’s description of them by his prophet. The religionists heard Micah prophesying, but it was not a man’s voice, not Micah’s voice, that they heard. It was Jehovah’s voice crying, because it was his inspired message. Now in this day of crisis upon “Christendom” Jehovah’s voice again cries to that “city” or religious organization which claims the name of Christ. Again it is not the “voice” of creatures, not the voicing of human opinions by Jehovah’s witnesses, that “Christendom” hears, but these cry out to her what the voice of the Lord has said in his Word. “Christendom” is now on judgment, because the Lord has come to his temple and is present as Judge, as symbolized by the “ark of his testament [covenant]”. He makes his voice or message to lie heard, as symbolically foretold at Revelation 11:19: “And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the ark of his testament: and there were lightnings, and voices [judgment messages], and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.” Never in history was there such a loud and widespread cry of His voice. This cry was made through his faithful witnesses and their devoted companions. These published Jehovah’s name and advertised his Kingdom under Christ and declared his righteous judgments and requirements, and this by the greatest publicity campaign by means of hundreds of millions of copies of Kingdom publications, by radio, by sound-amplification machines and recorded speeches, by public addresses and conventions, by petitions for free speech and worship circulated among and signed by millions of good-will persons, by house-to-house visitation of the people and by conducting Bible studies in their homes; and by all other possible means approved by the Lord God.

4 As one of many instances: On Sunday, March 25, 1934, Jehovah's witnesses arranged to broadcast over a chain of 151 radio stations the vital speech “World Control”, from the convention auditorium at Los Angeles, California. Immediately thereafter the same speaker delivered the further speech on “Requirements”, the same being carried over 55 of those stations and heard by simultaneous gatherings of God's people from coast to coast. Then the speech “Requirements” was recorded on sound-records for reproducing by transcription machines and was repeatedly played the world over both on regular radio programs and in the meeting-places of God's people. More recently, in August. 1941, at the Theocratic Assembly in St. Louis, Missouri, the topmost attendance at which was over 115,000, mainly persons of good-will, the most vital speech on the Lord’s requirements was delivered, to wit, on the subject “Integrity”. This speech was instantaneously recorded as the speaker talked and is now being daily reproduced on phonographs run in the private homes and public halls throughout the land. You may read that speech “Integrity” in the August 15, 1941, issue of The Watchtower, which issue was circulated by the hundreds of thousands of copies in many languages.

5 “And the man of wisdom shall see thy name.” The better rendering of this according to the original text is: ‘The Lord’s voice crieth unto the city, with that which is essential for him who sees thy name.’ (See Rotherham translation.) In 1931 the Lord God revealed to his covenant people the “new name” which his own mouth had called upon them, to wit, "Jehovah’s witnesses.” (Isa. 62:2; 43:10,12; Rev. 2:17) Their consistent course of action and their message prove they are just that, witnesses to Jehovah’s name. As a result the eyes of many honest ones hitherto blinded by religion see Jehovah's name and that it stands for his righteous purpose toward creatures. They see that his name has been made despicable and reproached by religion, not alone by the Jews’ religion but even more so by "Christian religion”, so called; which proves that religion is not Christian, for Christ Jesus upheld the honor of his Father Jehovah’s name. They see that His purpose is to make a glorious name for himself by the destruction of all those that bring reproach upon his name by their religion, including “Christendom” and also the Devil himself. By this destruction at the battle of Armageddon God shall completely clear or vindicate his name and settle the outstanding issue of universal domination to the everlasting glory of his holy name.

6 Seeing these things concerning Jehovah’s name makes it clear that what is most essential for the person of good-will who gets sight of this in God’s Word is to devote himself to Jehovah God through Christ Jesus, the Vindicator of Jehovah’s name, and then to take Jehovah’s side in the great issue. There he must abide in integrity or blamelessness by faithfully witnessing to God's name and purpose unto the end and never compromising with religion, which is on the opposing side of the issue. Thus such favored ones get the wisdom, understanding, counsel, comfort and support which is “essential” to meet the Lord’s requirements and hold fast their integrity toward him, and this also shall be with safety to them at the battle of Armageddon. The faithful remnant of Jehovah’s covenant people were, by his grace, first to see Jehovah’s name, especially from 1925 on. Shortly thereafter this magazine, in its issue of January 1,1926, came forth with the principal article on ‘Who Will Honor Jehovah?” making prominent God's purpose from of old to make a name for himself at Armageddon. Thereafter with greater zeal and effort the remnant went up and down all the nations of earth declaring his name, thereby proving themselves Jehovah’s witnesses. The meek or teachable ones saw that name and hailed it in hope of deliverance. “Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near [to be seen], thy wondrous works declare.” (Ps. 75:1) Those who hold onto religion never “see”, or “regard”, that name until it is vindicated in their destruction.

“THE ROD”

7 When Jehovah’s typical nation of Israel forsook his commandments and went in the way of the surrounding nations that practiced religion or demonism, Jehovah used as a rod of punishment King Nebuchadnezzar, the conqueror of Assyria; and Jerusalem was destroyed. “O Assyrian, the rod of mine anger, and the staff in their hand is mine indignation. I will send him [Nebuchadnezzar] against an hypocritical nation [unfaithful Israel], and against the people of my wrath will I give him a charge, to take the spoil, and to take the prey, and to tread them down like the mire of the streets.” (Isa. 10:5,6,11) Who now is “the rod” of today concerning whom “the Lord’s voice crieth, . . . Hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it”?

8 Those who hear and heed the Lord's voice crying out through the world's din see that Jehovah’s “rod” of his anger and indignation against “Christendom” is his Elect Servant, Christ Jesus. When that Servant was on earth and was transfigured on the mountaintop in the presence of his disciples Jehovah’s voice was heard from heaven, saying: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.” (Matt. 17:5) When Jehovah enthroned him as King in 1914 and proceeded to make Christ’s enemies his footstool, Jehovah then fulfilled His promise: “Jehovah will send forth the rod of thy strength out of Zion: Rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.” (Ps. 110:1, 2, A.R.V.) Therefore Jehovah is the One who has appointed The Rod, and that for the vindication of His name upon “Christendom”, which has defamed that name. “He that chastiseth the heathen, shall not he correct [‘Christendom,’ which claims covenant-relationship with God]?” (Ps. 94:10) Inasmuch as Jehovah has appointed “the rod”, he will surely use it for his purpose. Chastisement cannot be escaped by the covenant-breakers even though “Christendom”, particularly her Roman Catholic Hierarchy, thinks and claims she has a “covenant with death” and is at “agreement with hell” and can escape correction. (Isa. 28:14-18) She will not survive her drubbing at Armageddon.

9 By his prophet Micah Jehovah had just declared what is good and what he requires of man. Consider now what Almighty God uncovers in “Christendom” and honestly judge whether she meets his requirements or deserves “the rod”. “A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight.” (Prov. 11:1) “Are there yet the treasures of wickedness in the house of the wicked, and the scant measure that is abominable?” (Mic. 6:10) That this is true of “Christendom” the great accumulations of ill-gotten wealth testify. Not only is such true of the powerful commercial traffickers, and also of the Nazi and Fascist dictators, but it is notably true of the religious organization and its “rich men”, especially the Hierarchy with headquarters at Vatican City. These religionists are the chief of “the wicked”. Theirs are “treasures of wickedness” because they profess to know and to communicate with God, and at the same time they turn their back on his Word, oppose his Theocratic Government by Christ Jesus, denounce and persecute His witnesses preaching the Bible, and commercialize their religion and fleece the religious public. In this wickedness she justifies herself, as did Ephraim of old. — Hos. 12:7,8.

10 The clergy have accepted their hire from their congregations and have pretended to hand out the full measure of God's message, but actually have taken away the vital things from his Word and the people have received “scant measure" as a result and are starving spiritually. The pile that the-e “rich men” have heaped up has now about reached its peak, and the Lord bids them now “weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. ... Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days"; and the last days are here. (Jas. 5:1-6) Before they retire from business, shortly, the religionists hope to clean up on Jehovah’s witnesses who expose fraudulent religious dealings. When “the king of the north" and “the king of the south” pool their interests in a totalitarian world-combine, the Roman Catholic Hierarchy will not fail to get astride that "scarlet coloured beast”. She will ride it in a total charge against Jehovah's servants to rob them of everything and safeguard her treasures of wickedness The coming peace conference under her dominance will make no allowance whatsoever for Jehovah’s witnesses after this conflict for world domination. (Rev. 17 :1-6) The totalitarian dictators and politicians who cry for “more religion” plan on retaining the religious money-changers in the temple after that conflict.

11 “Christendom” has long had the Bible and should know and should have taught God's standard of exchange of goods, to wit: “Thou shalt not have in thy bag divers weights, a great and a small. Thou shalt not have in thine house divers measures, a great [for yourself] and a small [for your customer]. But thou shalt have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure shalt thou have; . . . For all that do such things, and all that do unrighteously, are an abomination unto the Lord thy God." (Deut. 25:13-16) In view of that law to his covenant people Jehovah asks concerning “Christendom": “Shall I count them pure with the wicked balances, and with the bag of deceitful weights’” (Mic. 6:11) Doubledealing is abominable to Jehovah God. It has ever been true that the religious shepherds make the commercial traffickers the respected “principal of the flock”, that they might share their commercial loot. The people complain that the political element have double-crossed them and not given them a square deal. But the worst double-dealing has been and is the duplicity and hypocrisy of the religious leaders, including the “evil servant” class whom the Lord casts out into the company of such religionists. In Scripture the balances are a symbol of scarcity. Scarcity has come upon the world since the symbolic four horsemen began their ride in A. D. 1914, and requiring the measuring out and rationing of the scanty supplies to the people. (Rev. 6: 5, 6) How all the world is faced with shortage and famine, and rationing has begun in all the nations and will increase. Price control is being established, and ceilings are attempted to be fixed and applied to prices of labor and goods. But not so with religion! Its dishonesty and its fraudulent charges for prayers and masses for those supposed to be in “Purgatory”, and other like religious services, continue uncontrolled, and the reproaches upon Jehovah’s name and his Theocracy continue to be heaped up. Is that what the Lord has shown to be good ? Is that the doing justly, showing mercy, and walking humbly with God which he requires of man claiming to be in a covenant with God for His blessings?

12 “For the rich men thereof are full of violence, and the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth.” (Mic. 6: 12) This is a true picture of “Christendom” this very day, and that after fifteen or more centuries of religion, the Roman Catholic Hierarchy having existed unbroken and in control all through those centuries. In fear of what they see coming, the religious leaders and their political and commercial allies turn attention away from religion's disgraceful failure and brazenly they say that religion is the only remedy and cure-all and is what the world needs; whereas the world has never been without it in plenty. The clergy as professed representatives of God set the example for their allies and the religious public. Such clergy follow in the steps of their religious forerunners in Jesus’ day, the Pharisees, to whom Jesus said: "Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” ‘Lind the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things; and they scoffed at him. And he said unto them, Ye are they that justify yourselves in the sight of men : but God knoweth your hearts : for that which is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God." (Luke 16: 13-15, ARV) The clergy justify the religious racket, their allies exalt it, but God abominates it. Therefore now God’s sheep must cut connections completely from all religious shepherds and their folds.

13 The history of the labor movement down till today throws a glaring light on the rich men as “full of violence”, and they have not hesitated to provoke violent and bloody wars between nations to gain commercial advantage and supremacy. Religious history shows up the clergy “rich men” as being "full of violence”, even to excelling the commercial traffickers. The clergy have incited their dupes to violence against the innocent and have justified the violent and condemned the innocent victims. Particularly was this made manifest in the year 1940 and thereafter by the mobs either led or incited by the Roman Catholic clergy, and by other forms of violent persecution against Jehovah's witnesses because these obey God’s commandments and proclaim the truth which opens the eyes of the victimized people to the money-making schemes and oppression by religion. Public servants and officers of the law fail to keep their oath of office to uphold and to apply the law to protect the innocent, peaceful, and law abiding citizens from violent assault and injury. Hence Jehovah’s witnesses under the religious persecution cry out in the words of an earlier Jehovah’s witness, the psalmist: “False witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.” (Ps. 27:12) “Forget not the congregation of thy poor for ever. Have respect unto the covenant [promising protection and deliverance] : for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty.” (Ps. 74:19,20) (Also Habakkuk 1:2-4) And concerning “Christendom’s” condition Jehovah's inspired servant says prophetically: “The rod [of power of the rulers] hath blossomed; pride hath budded. Violence is risen up into a rod of wickedness. . . . Make a chain; for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence.” (Ezek. 7: 10, 11, 23; 8:17) As reported in Der Deutsche Weg (“The German Way”) of May 29, 1938, the pope's clergy in Germany stirred up the Catholic dictator Hitler. In fulfillment of his Concordat with the pope, Hitler forbade the existence of Jehovah's witnesses and dissolved their organization and confiscated their literature; and to this the Roman Catholic priest of Berlin who published the report adds, “Bravo I” Then he deplores that the American government has not followed the example of that violent religious-totalitarian dictator in a like violation of democracy and liberty of worship. (See Face the Facts, Appendix, pages 60, 61.)

14 Micah foretold: “And the inhabitants thereof have spoken lies, and their tongue is deceitful in their mouth.” Informed and honest commentators on the condition of religious “Christendom” state baldly that never was the word and contract of man in his dealings with his fellow man more undependable and lightly respected and easily scrapped. Concerning the two rival powers in the scramble for world domination at the “time of the end” Daniel 11:27 foretold: “And both these kings’ hearts shall be to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table; but it shall not prosper: for yet the end shall be at the time appointed.” These two world powers sit at the table of the 'father of lies’, trying to deceive each other, but especially the people. (John 8:44; 1 Cor. 10:21) Their biggest and chief lie is their denying that God’s appointed “times of the Gentiles” ended in 1914, and that Jehovah God and Christ Jesus are “the Higher Powers”, and that Jehovah’s Theocratic Government by Christ Jesus has begun and is the rightful rule of the earth. Therefore they carry on their desperate struggle for total domination of the earth. The responsibility for this general lying and deceit Almighty God fixes upon the clergy of all denominations in “Christendom”, saying: “For both prophet and priest are profane [hypocritical]; yea, in my house have I found their wickedness, saith the Lord. I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem [type of ‘Christendom’] an horrible thing: they commit adultery [with the world], and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evil doers, that none doth return from his wickedness: . . . But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words, then they should have turned them from their evil way, and from the evil of their doings.” – Jer. 23:11,14, 22.

15 Such lying and deceit may not and does not exist now among Jehovah’s remnant of witnesses and their companions whom He has delivered from the power of religion. To them he has, since 1918, turned a “pure language”, or “pure lip”, the message of Kingdom truth, “that they may all call upon [publish] the name of the Lord, to serve him with one consent.” (Zeph. 3:9) His command to them is: “These are the things that ye shall do: Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates: and let none of you imagine evil in your hearts against his neighbour; and love no false oath: for all these are things that I hate, saith the Lord.” (Zech. 8:16,17; Eph. 4:25) They must speak abroad the truth about Jehovah’s name and his Righteous Government under Christ. (Zeph. 3:13) To counteract this the clergy and other religionists resort further to lies and deceit in the religious and secular newspapers, over the radio, in the propaganda, in the courts of law, and in their cathedrals and other religious meeting-places. They grossly misrepresent those who bear Jehovah’s name not in vain and who show forth his praises. The religious persecutors draw nigh to God with flattering lips, but their worship is ceremonial and formal, with hearts far removed from God. Immediately after such deceitful formality, they go forth and speak of safeguarding liberty of speech and religious worship and protecting the people in their inalienable rights, and at the same time they scheme and use their influence with politicians and legislators. By these they get laws put through or misapplied to stop Jehovah’s witnesses speaking the truth to their neighbors having hearing ears.

16 The time for lies to end has come, because by the lies Jehovah’s name has long been reproached. That stainless name must now be set forth and made known in truth. The deceitful tongue has wagged long enough and done its damage. It has been a fire, and “is set on fire by Gehenna”, by destruction, and to cause the destruction of the blameless. The Roman Catholic Hierarchy have “made lies [their] refuge, and under falsehood have [they] hid [themselves]”, and now God’s time is here to unmask them before he blots them out. (Jas. 3:6,8, Am. Rev. Ver.; Isa. 28:15,17) To “Christendom” he says: “Therefore also will I make thee sick in smiting thee, in making thee desolate because of thy sins.” (Mic. 6:13) Rotherham reads: “Moreover also I have made thee sick with smiting thee.” This smiting is different from the woes which Satan brings upon the people in his great wrath. Such calamities and great suffering Satan and his demons cause to make the people bitter and hopeless and to make them curse God and deny the Only One who can deliver them from destruction at Armageddon.—Rev. 12:12,13,17.

17 Ancient Egypt denied to Jehovah’s chosen people the right and freedom to worship Him to the full extent that he commanded. The Devil religionists were stubborn and tried to keep the Israelites slaves to religion. Jehovah warned that he would smite them with plagues unless they let his people go and serve him. Fully warned by Jehovah’s prophet Moses, and therefore fully responsible for their course of opposition, Pharaoh and Egypt were smitten with ten plagues, and Jehovah’s judgment was executed upon all the demon gods of Egypt. Thereafter He destroyed the armies of the demon-worshipers in the Red sea. Those ten plagues were typical. They pictured the declaration today of Jehovah’s judgments against religion, his “strange work”, and the destruction thereafter of the religious organization, and which is his “strange act”. The first nine plagues are delivered against “Christendom” by his courageous witnesses under Christ Jesus, as pictured by Aaron acting as mouthpiece for his brother Moses in the presence of Pharaoh. This declaration of Jehovah’s judgments and of his coming day of vengeance has made “Christendom” in particular very “sick” from the smiting. Many of the tormented religionists would like to die rather than feel further the torment caused by the Lord’s judgments exposing religion. (Rev. 9:6) Instead of repenting in their sickness, they have blasphemed God and made attempts on the lives and property of his servants. —Rev. 16: 9-11, 21.

18 In the “battle of that great day of God Almighty” God will make “Christendom” sick unto death by administering the final smiting of which she has been amply warned; and she shall die. Jehovah makes her desolate “because of [her] sins”. These sins are not due to human weakness and sinful inclination inherited from Adam, but are unpardonable violations of her covenant-obligations toward God. Note her “presumptuous sins”. In spite of the great educational campaign by Jehovah’s servants advertising the Kingdom which began in 1914, “Christendom” has rejected and stumbled over The Stone, God’s anointed King, laid in Zion. In preference to God’s Righteous Government she sets up and commits idolatry with “the image of the beast”, a federated world under demon rule and commonly called a “League of Nations”. Whether the original League of 1920 is meant, or the proposed “new League of Nations” under totalitarian-religious dictators, both are of the same origin, “the god of this world.” Her choosing of the continued rule of God’s enemies, and that after the announcement of God’s kingdom and the warning of his vengeance for taking such contrary course, this constitutes the “transgression of desolation”. (Dan. 8:13) The desolation wrought by such a course may be plainly seen in the train of events following such transgression and leading up to the present conflict between “the king of the north” and “the king of the south”.

19 Following up her choice of further demon rule “Christendom” has manifested great indignation “against the holy covenant”, to wit, The Theocracy promised in God’s unbreakable covenant. As a result Jehovah’s devoted people who are in the “covenant for the Kingdom” and who represent its interests on earth are hated and persecuted by all the so-called “Christian nations”. (Ps. 89:20-37; Luke 22:28-30; Isa. 55 : 3, 4) Choosing the rule of political states with arbitrary dictators in preference to God’s Theocratic rule by Christ Jesus, “Christendom” has exalted the state above God. More and more she encroaches upon the “pure worship” of God in spirit and in truth and regiments the people and threatens them with penalties if they do not worship the “beast”. The purpose of the “image of the beast”, which image is also branded “the abomination of desolation”, is to desolate faith in and support of God’s kingdom and thereby to destroy the earthly interests of his kingdom. The purpose of the demons in this is to cause the desolating of the earth of her entire population at Armageddon and so prevent any from surviving and going over to the “new world” under God’s established kingdom. “Christendom” must herself be desolated at Armageddon. As she thought to do unto The Theocratic Government and its witnesses, so the like must and will be done unto her. (Deut. 19:19) God’s judgments declared already show her to be a desolation. The facts show her to be a dry, waste desolation as far as offering any relief to the people is concerned. All she actually has yet is outward show and a loud string of talk, self-praise and misleading optimism about her ability to “come back”. She is astonished that God does not help her and has not fulfilled the widely advertised purpose of the pope’s “Holy Year” of 1933 nor answered her multiplied prayers for peace and prosperity. Those who are meek or teachable toward God see her inability, failure and hopelessness. They abandon her before her complete desolation comes, and they turn to Jehovah God and his kingdom, for which they have long prayed.

20 How true concerning “Christendom” the further words of the prophet: “Thou shalt eat, but not be satisfied; and thy casting down shall be in the midst of thee; and thou shalt take hold, but shalt not deliver; and that which thou deliverest will I give up to the sword”! (Mic. 6:14) This denotes food scarcity and drought, and that not merely through any unconstitutional AAA measure paying farmers to plow under their crops and kill off their pigs, and like things. “Christendom” refuses Jehovah’s message proclaimed by his witnesses, and therefore has no other place to eat than at “the table of devils [demons]”. She feeds on religion and cries for more of it, but the Bible remains a closed book to her. The spiritual, political and economic palaver and provender that she dishes up does not satisfy the craving of any honest person who loves truth and righteousness. Among God’s covenant people there is an abundance of spiritual food, which Jehovah provides from his unfolding Word, and they eat and rejoice and pass out the food to the hungry persons of good-will. On the religionists, however, has come to pass God’s warning prophecy: “Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, my servants shall eat, but ye shall be hungry: behold, my servants shall drink, but ye shall be thirsty: behold, my servants shall rejoice, but ye shall be ashamed: behold, my servants shall sing for joy of heart, but ye shall cry for sorrow of heart, and shall howl for vexation of spirit.”—Isa. 65:13-15.

21 “And thy casting down [(Am. Rev. Ver.) thy humiliation] shall be in the midst of thee.” This means more than simply that “Christendom” shall “be shrunk with hunger within thee” (Rotherham), or, that “what thou hast eaten shall bend thee down” (Leeser), and that her empty stomach will “gape” within her. It means internal disagreement within her organization, one section of the ruling factors turning against the other, resulting in a mutual casting down of themselves. That the clergy or religious element will be first to be cast down by its present day allies, politics and commerce, is pictured at Revelation 17. That picture shows the religion-ridden beast and its ten horns turning on its rider, the great harlot that mingles the things of God with the things of demon rule, and then destroying her. Her table of religious delicacies finally does not satisfy them or meet their needs and they recognize the religious organization as hypocritical. (Isa. 28:8) As far as the people of good-will themselves are concerned, they have cast down religion and killed its influence and power over them. Like the eunuchs that cast the demon-worshiping Queen Jezebel out of the window at Captain Jehu’s command, so these people who were once religion’s dupes and slavishly pampered her now let her drop to meet the fate foretold in Jehovah’s judgment against the hypocritical religious organization.-—2 Ki. 9: 30-37; Rev. 2: 20-23.

22 “And thou shalt remove, but shalt not carry away safe.” (Eng. Rev. Ver.) Now “Christendom” has brought forth the “abomination of desolation” foretold by the prophet Daniel and Christ Jesus, and “the king of the south” and “the king of the north” have set it up “in the holy place” as a substitute to crowd out Jehovah’s kingdom under Christ Jesus. It is a sure evidence of the nearness of Armageddon, and Jesus warns those wanting to escape to immediately flee to the “mountains”, to wit, Jehovah God and Christ his King, for safety. Those who are on the “housetop”, the high places of the religious organization, must come down and flee to escape its destruction. They must not attempt to enter in and carry off anything of religion with them. (Matt. 24:15-18) Religion is a hobble to the feet, an easily- besetting sin, and it will hinder anyone in taking his flight to safety to make it in time before Armageddon. “Remember Lot’s wife.” (Heb. 12:1; Luke 17: 32, 33) “Christendom” at no time takes Jesus’ advice. She likes high honors of men too much to come down from her high place. When the worst comes and destruction stares her religionists in the face, they will try to escape and carry off some of her selfish things which she has used in reproaching God’s name. They hope to set such down in a place of safety, but they shall deliver nothing, not even their own lives. The totalitarian dictators and other rulers have their escapes planned and have finances hidden away in supposedly safe places to continue living selfishly after making their getaways. The great religious ruler at Vatican City will not be so successful in making his escape as he did in 1848. Although he started the Axis powers on their course and still backs them, he wants to save something of advantage out of any possible failure of his scheme for world domination. He is willing to compromise with the anti-Axis forces should they gain military victory. While so doing he can try to shield his totalitarian puppets against total ruin and undoing.

23 All proposed reforms and reorganization of the world by men trying to carry over some of the present world organization to a “new world order” “founded on moral principles” will fail to save “Christendom” from the Lord’s sword at Armageddon. “And that which thou deliverest will I give up to the sword,” says the Lord. Already the Roman Catholic Hierarchy and other religionists see signs of the end for them and are busy trying to deliver or “set in safety” their religion and the clergy system and control of the religious population. They have caused local and state lawmaking bodies to enact anti-Nazi and anti-Hate laws and other measures safeguarding religion; they have established antiCommunist schools, and secret orders, such as Knights of Columbus, also Holy Name societies of religionists employed in departments of public service. They have captured key positions in the public service and protective departments of government, judgeships, movie censorship boards, public education, etc. Religionists of “the king of the south” still try to preserve the League of Nations, excuse its failure, and clamor for its revival after the war. The Axis powers, desiring to re-establish the old “Holy Roman Empire”, secede from that League and found one of their own, a “new League of Nations”, that “new order” so fervently desired by the Hierarchy which operates out of Vatican City. The political and commercial elements will carry religion safely through this present conflict and enable her thereafter to cry “Peace and Safety!” They shall never carry her alive through Armageddon, but will turn upon her and destroy her when God exposes her to them at Armageddon.

24 Concerning the endeavors to escape with something selfish the following prophetic words may have some reference to airplanes and bombproof underground shelters and undersea craft. Such, however, will be of no real protection when Jehovah begins Armageddon. Hence the scripture seems to have a still deeper meaning: "I will slay the last of them [religionists and allies] with the sword: he that fleeth of them shall not flee away, and he that escapeth of them shall not be delivered. Though they dig into hell [by claiming a non-aggression pact or Agreement with hell’, the grave, and a covenant safeguarding them from death], thence shall mine hand take them [to execute my judgments upon them]; though they climb up to heaven [by claiming to have the keys of heaven, and also saints in heaven to pray and intercede for them with Christ Jesus, Jehovah’s Executioner], thence will I bring them down; and though they hide themselves [in the jungle-grown clefts] in the top of [Mount] Carmel [throwing up a hypocritical camouflage and hiding behind a great mountain of lies as a refuge], I will search [the lofty hiding-place of falsehood] and take them out thence; and though they be hid from my sight [as they think] in the bottom of the sea [the sea picturing the peoples alienated from God and bearing up Satan’s ships of commercial gain; under the cover of claiming to protect the people’s interests the religionists persecute Jehovah’s witnesses and also frame laws mischievously against them, presumably to shield the sea of humankind against religious intolerance, Communism, shocked sensibilities, etc.], thence will I command the serpent [symbolizing evil or disastrous calamity], and he shall bite them: and though they go into captivity before their enemies [thus prolonging their lives a little further to make a deathbed repentance], thence will I command the sword [Jehovah’s Executioner, Christ Jesus], and it shall slay them.” (Amos 9:1-4) Religion will not provide them a way of escape. Jehovah sees through every subterfuge of the religionists. They shall not outlive Armageddon nor have an existence during the thousandyear reign of Christ Jesus, who delivers only those who worship God in spirit and in truth.

25 ‘‘Thou shalt sow, but thou shalt not reap.” (Micah 6:15) The crop expected is not reaped. Vatican strategy plants its priestly “fifth column” in all the lands, and puts members of the ‘‘Catholic population” into controlling positions in governments and organizations, especially in democratic and constitutional nations. They expect by the cultivation of Catholic totalitarian dictators to reap a ‘‘new order” and thereby to change the course of history for a thousand years to come; but it shall not be so. Blight shall smite their plantings, because they are not of God’s planting. (Matt. 15:13) As to their vain and boisterous schemes, “they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind” of destruction at Armageddon. God will change the course of human history for the eternity to come. None of “Christendom’s” political and religious schemes shall succeed.

26 “Thou shalt tread the olives, but thou shalt not anoint thee with oil.” Oil is provided to make man’s face to shine. (Ps. 104:15) Those who seek to take over the direction of the world, particularly of “Christendom”, and who are responsible for the present world stress, hope to squeeze out therefrom that which will result in prosperity for them and make their faces to shine with optimism and sleekness. In the Scriptures the olive tree is used as a symbol of God’s spiritual organization united with him by the terms of the “new covenant". That covenant has as its purpose to bring forth a “people for His name”. This symbolic “olive tree” is rooted in Jehovah's promise to set up a government in the hands of The Seed of Abraham, which Seed is Christ Jesus. With him are associated the people for Jehovah’s name brought forth according to the new covenant. (Rom. 11:17-27; Jer. 31:31-34) “Christendom,” particularly the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, purposes to establish the counterfeit kingdom by their “new order” and to occupy all places as branches in a false “olive tree”. She has brought forth only a people opposed to Jehovah’s name and defaming it. She shall never fatten and anoint and soothe herself with what her pressure squeezes out of the people. Instead of “the oil of joy”, she shall have mourning unto death. In glorious contrast, Jehovah has anointed Christ Jesus with the “oil of gladness” above his fellows, and his kingdom shall prosper. — Isa. 61: 3: Pss. 45:7; 92:10.

27 “And [thou shalt tread] sweet wine, but shalt not drink [the] wine.” Wine it is “that maketh glad the heart of man”. (Ps. 104:15) It is a symbol of the joy of the Lord due to the kingdom which vindicates Jehovah’s name. At his receiving the Kingdom and coming to the temple the Lord Jesus drinks this fruit of the vine “new” with his faithful followers by sharing together in the vindication of God’s name. “Christendom’s” wine is that of the “vine of the earth”, Satan’s counterfeit kingdom. That counterfeit is therefore the “abomination that maketh desolate”, attempting to take and occupy the place of God’s kingdom. It is the totalitarian-religious “scarlet coloured beast”, and to it eventually all ruling factors of the earth shall “give their power and strength". By this they expect to keep themselves in power as religious and political rulers, the religious on top. and to drink the wine of the joy of their lord, “the god of this world.” (Rev. 17:13) Therefore they oppose the proclamation of God’s kingdom by Christ Jesus, and they “eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence” against Jehovah's servants who announce that kingdom as the rightful government of mankind that lives. Concerning the religious-political would-be rulers of the world, "these shall make war with the Lamb [of God], and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” (Rev. 17:14) The religionists gave their kingdom unto the “beast ’. but shall drink no joy of any lasting kingdom of their own nor any joy of God’s kingdom.—Rev. 17 : 17.

28 Jehovah discloses the reason for “Christendom’s” failure: “For the statutes of Omri are kept, and all the works of the house of Ahab, and ye walk in their counsels; that I should make thee a desolation, and the inhabitants thereof an hissing: therefore ye shall bear the reproach of my people.” (Mic. 6:16) Omri, king of the northern kingdom of the ten tribes of Israel, was the father of King Ahab. Omri followed the idolatrous calf-worship which Jeroboam had set up in Israel. Omri bought the hill Samaria and built the city of Samaria thereon as his capital. The calfworship then became known as “the sin of Samaria”, because her king was responsible for such religious practice of pretending to give honor to God through the worship of creatures, but which image-making and worship God’s commandment absolutely forbids. (Amos 8:14; Ex. 20:3-5) '‘Christendom” keeps the statutes of Omri by practicing the modern style of calf-worship, by pretending to worship God and Christ through forms of creature-worship, through hero-worship, worship of the state, the idolizing of religious organizations and clergy, worship of the anti-Theocratic '‘beast”, and suchlike. Omri’s son Ahab did worse than his father. He made the devilworshiper Jezebel his queen and set up Baal-worship in Samaria. That worship represented the honoring and giving service to the organization of which Satan the Devil is Baal or lord. Jehovah used Captain Jehu to cut off all of Ahab’s house, including Jezebel. Today “Christendom” keeps all the works of the house of Ahab; she makes friends with Satan’s organization and renders it service and support and worship, thereby making herself the enemy of Jehovah God. (Jas. 4:4) The Lord God therefore uses his Executioner, the Greater Jehu, who at Armageddon shall kill all those who do the works of Ahab’s house, demon-worship, devilism.

29 Before executing the Baal-worshipers, Jehu gathered them together and made them identify themselves by donning the vestments of Baalism. Now, by walking in the counsels of Omri and Ahab, the religionists and their allies and hangers-on in “Christendom” oppose Jehovah’s Theocracy under Christ. They maliciously persecute those who worship Jehovah God in spirit and truth, and thus don the vestments of identification marking them for slaughter by the Greater Jehu in earth’s final tribulation. Jonadab refused to walk in the counsels of Omri and Ahab, but took his stand with Jehu against religion. He was therefore spared and witnessed the destruction of the religionists. Now the Greater Jehu is at the temple and due to act! Those who do not discard the vestments of religion shall shortly be slaughtered with ‘‘Christendom”. Jehovah’s witnesses must sound the warning in the interests of those ‘feeling after God, if haply they might find him’. Only those who follow the course of Jonadab and thus become "Jonadabs” shall escape destruction.— 2 Ki. 10:13-28: Jer. 35:19.

30 “Christendom’s” desolation at Armageddon will involve religion, and hence such is an astonishment to all wearing the vestments of religion or Baalism and branded with the “mark of the beast”. All those destroyed by Jehovah’s “strange act” will be hissed at in contempt and loathing by those who survive and live, Jehovah's faithful remnant and the “Jonadabs'’. (Isa. 66: 24) The organizers, rulers, operators, supporters and hangers-on of "Christendom” hypocritically affect to be God’s people and Christ’s followers; and therefore they shall bear the reproach of the hypocrites who are rebellious and disloyal toward God. They brought reproach upon Jehovah’s name; now their own everlasting reproach comes. Because of their opportunities and claims they are more reprehensible, hence more low-down, mean, contemptible, and disgraceful than the out-and-out heathen or pagans. This proves that it is a very responsible thing to claim to be a Christian and then prove false to the claim and so bring reproach upon God’s holy name, taking it in vain. Only in the way of integrity toward God is there certainty of approval, blessing, deliverance and life, under a successful government, The Theocracy.

FURTHER DISCLOSURE

31 Christ Jesus foretold the persecution of Jehovah’s covenant people from and after A.D. 1914 as one of the visible proofs of the end of Satan’s uninterrupted rule and the beginning of God’s kingdom under Christ. Coinciding exactly with Jesus’ prophetic words concerning the “time of the end” are the words of Micah in chapter seven. The prophet was a witness of Jehovah and therefore represented Jehovah’s remnant of witnesses now. He expresses the feelings of these just before the ingathering of the Lord’s “other sheep”, the “Jonadabs”, begins, and when Jehovah’s consecrated ones seemed all forsaken, and their work was apparently permanently stopped. “Woe is me! for I am as when they have gathered the summer fruits, as the grapegleanings of the vintage: there is no cluster to eat: my soul desired the firstripe fruit.” (Mic. 7:1) The Devil and his agents, principally the religious leaders, brought great woe upon Jehovah's servants during the opportunity created for them by the emergency of the World War of 1914-1918. As a consequence of the hatred and persecution by all nations, and also by the unfaithfulness and betrayals of those companying with them, Jehovah's people became very reduced in numbers, very few, and scattered here and there, like fruits overlooked here and there and left for the poor of the land to glean and get the benefit thereof. (Lev. 19:9,10; 23:22; Deut. 24:19-22) Added to that, the Lord came to the temple for judgment in 1918 and gathered out from his consecrated ones the “evil servant” class of “workers of iniquity”, leaving only a small faithful remnant. (Matt. 13:41; 24:45-51) But a remnant must be left for the benefit of the Lord's “other sheep”, those poor in spirit and who needed the help of the remnant faithful to God and bearing the fruits of his kingdom. — Matt. 21: 43.

32 There then appeared to be no “cluster" of God’s people left or in sight except the remnant, the Micah class. This was foreshadowed by the prophet Elijah when he fled before Jezebel and said to Jehovah God: “The children of Israel have forsaken thy covenant, thrown down thine altars, and slain thy prophets with the sword: and I, even I only, am left; and they seek my life, to take it away.” (1 Ki. 19:14) Then the Lord revealed to him that there were others of a remnant besides himself, and told him to go and anoint Jehu king and also to anoint Elisha “to be prophet in thy room [or stead]'’. (1 Ki. 19:15-18) With the Lord’s coming to the temple in 1918 the work pictured by Elijah's activities came to an end and was taken away as by a war-chariot of fire and in a whirlwind. Thereafter the Lord God revived the remnant in his sendсe as his witnesses, and added others, and the Elisha work of testifying boldly to Jehovah's name and kingdom proceeded. In the midst of the tribulation back there the faithful ones did not foresee the further work to be done as foreshadowed by Elisha. That work to be done with a double portion of the Lord’s spirit is likened to the desirable “firstripe fig” (Am.Rev. Ver.). The afflicted and restrained Micah class desired to be released and to further serve the Lord on earth in whatever service might be pleasing to him. Hence they said in effect: “My soul desireth the first-ripe fig.” In other words, they desired the Elisha -work of God’s remnant to begin. Hungry to eat that meat which is to do the Lord's will, they yearned for the new season of receiving and bearing forth the fruits of Jehovah's kingdom to the peoples. — John 4: 32, 34.

33 Further describing the condition of “Christendom" immediately before the end of the Elijah work, God’s prophet continues : “The good man is perished out of the earth: and there is none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net." (Mic. 7 : 2) The Rotherham rendering of this is: "Perished is the man of loving-kindness out of the earth." This same expression is applied at Psalm 50:5 to those devoted to doing God's will and who have made a covenant with Him by sacrifice. In the visible earthly part of Satan’s organization there were no men of loving-kindness, no “godly man”, but all nations hated Jehovah’s “men of lovingkindness” because these declared the name of Christ as earth's Rightful Ruler and King. Their work of testimony was foreshadowed by both the prophet Elijah and the prophet John the Baptist. Hence that work is symbolized in Revelation as God’s "two witnesses”. Such two witnesses the nations of "Christendom” killed. Until God revived his work of witness or Elisha work, those “two witnesses” lay dead in “Christendom's” street for a testimony against her, and the demon-controlled religionists heaped great reproach and suffering upon Jehovah’s faithful covenant people. (Rev. 11:7-10) Some were killed and shed their blood. The others were hunted to hinder and stop their open and free worship which is to serve Jehovah God and his kingdom. In this hunt the persecutors were joined and aided by the “evil servant” class, who turned upon their spiritual brethren and smote them and handed them over into the enemy hands for punishment and restraint. The net, skillfully and craftily concealed, was spread to catch Jehovah’s servants who refused to discontinue his service. If these could be made to for ever forsake the Lord's work and so violate their covenant, it would cause their destruction. Jesus corroborated Micah’s prophecy, saying of that time: “And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.”— Matt. 24:10,12

34 Be it observed that the nations which profess to be “Christian” committed such acts against genuine Christians who served God according to his commandments. Certainly there was no Christian loving- kindness about that. Officials high in the affairs and authority of those nations are exposed as bearing a heavy responsibility before God for conniving or winking at such violation of their implied covenant with God as professed Christians. Says the prophet: “That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asketh, and the judge asketh for a reward; and the great man, he uttereth his mischievous desire: so they wrap it up. The best of them is as a brier; the most upright is sharper than a thorn hedge: the day of thy watchmen and thy visitation cometh; now shall be their perplexity.” (Mic. 7 : 3, 4) Jesus foretold that his faithful followers at the end of Satan’s world would be brought before rulers (princes) and councils (courts) for a testimony against such. (Mark 13:9) Had it been worldly criminals that “Christendom’s” officials were obliged to deal with, no principle would have been violated in penalizing them for their activities. But it was innocent, inoffensive, God-fearing and law-abiding Christians that the religionists condemned, punished and persecuted with official approval and backing. They thus condemned the just and justified the wicked persecutors for reward. (Prov. 17:15; Isa. 5: 23: Ex. 23: 6-8) In this anti-Christian persecution religionists of all denominations worked together with one another and with public officials; as described by the prophet: “Thus they weave it together” (Am. Rev. Per.); “and so do they make a network of wrong” (Leeser). (Nah. 1:10) They are like briers and thorns on cursed ground, to tear, scratch and injure Jehovah's faithful servants. From such religionists the people cannot gather the fruits of God’s kingdom. — Luke 6:44; Matt. 7:16; Heb. 6:7,8; Ezek. 2:6,7.

35 Such things they did at the beginning of the “time of the end”. It is not strange that under increased demon-influence the religionists commit worse things now immediately preceding Armageddon. (Luke 23:31; 2 Tim. 3:12,13) “Christendom” has closed her ears to the warning cries of God’s “watchman” class. She has appointed her own watchmen to care for the people’s interests, placing their eternal interests under the clergy’s care. Now God’s visitation of destruction upon her at Armageddon draws near, and the nations are in the greatest distress, and that with increasing perplexity. (Luke 21:25) All such are the sure signs of the final end as foretold, and Jehovah’s faithful witnesses and their companions lift up their heads and rejoice. They sing all the more loudly His praises, because the deliverance of all God’s righteous servants draws nigh.—Luke 21: 28, Diaglott.

(To be continued)

ENDURING RICHES

POVERTY of the people of the world is increasing. For centuries the greatest religious system in “Christendom” has been heaping up material riches and worldly treasures, and her priestly representatives parade before the public in lace and gold and precious jewels. From the past there come ringing the words which are specifically directed to this Laodicean period and its religionists . “Thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.” (Rev 3.17) Not for long now shall that religious organization be “arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls”. Wait just a little while, until those symbolized by the “ten horns” and the “beast” turn upon the religious organization which has committed spiritual adultery with them: “These shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. For God hath put in their hearts to fulfill his will.” (Rev. 17:4,16,17) Certainly the proverb says in truth: “Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.” — Prov. 11: 4.

Such are not the durable riches. Do you sincerely desire to be rich and very happy? If yes, a knowledge of how to gam riches and how to enjoy the same is of the greatest importance to you. If you are kept in ignorance of the true way and you permit yourself to rely upon and be guided by the opinion of imperfect man and by religion, you can never gain the riches that will bring you peace and lasting happiness. Every person who will learn the right way, and who will then continue diligently to follow that right way, is absolutely certain in time to possess great riches and all attending blessings. The right way is not to be found in religion and human schemes. He who would be truly rich must earnestly seek to gain a knowledge of the Great Giver of every good gift and every perfect gift, namely, Jehovah God, and his great treasure house.

Almost always the false riches, consisting of money, houses and lands, acquired by selfish means at cost to others and thereafter used selfishly are used for the oppression of other persons. In this present time a few men own or possess almost all the money, houses and lands, and the great mass of humankind suffer in need of the very necessities for their daily living. Riches thus selfishly acquired and wrongfully used the Holy Scriptures describe as “filthy lucre”, and mark the religious leaders as notorious for this. (1 Pet. 5:2) Selfish men love the power that a great amount of money gives them, and for that reason it is written in the Scriptures that “the love of money is the root of all evil”. (1 Tim. 6:10) The evil is not in the money, but money results in evil because of the love of gain and of the power that money brings to the one that possesses and wrongfully uses it. If one honestly obtains money and properly uses it in a righteous cause to the glory of God, that money does not result in evil, but in good.—2 Cor. 9: 6-11.

The few men who possess the wealth of the material things of the earth at the present time are not truly happy. In almost all cases such men are proud, haughty, severe, unkind and extremely selfish. While possessing much more than they need, they are always fearful of losing what they possess. The money of the ultrarich is often used to oppress others, and men who thus use it appear to be proud that they have such power. Concerning them the Lord God says: “Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. Their eyes stand out with fatness; they have more than heart could wish. They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily. They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth. And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the Most High? Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches.”—Ps. 73: 6-9,11,12.

Now perilous times have come, exactly as God’s Word foretold they would come; and this is due to the fact that we are in the “last days”, when men have become treaty-breakers or covenant-breakers and unfaithful and seek to exalt themselves at the expense of both the rich and the poor. (2 Tim. 3:1-4) Those who possess much material riches now and who try to take advantage of the present world turmoil and emergency to make more riches, and the others who are trying to grab the riches of others, are both moved by a selfish desire; and, pursuing that course, they are certain to be sorely disappointed within a very short time. “Trust not in oppression, and become not vain in robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart upon them.” (Ps. 62:10) “He that trusteth in his [material] riches shall fall.” (Prov. 11:28) “As the partridge sitteth on eggs, and hatcheth them not; so he that getteth riches, and not by right, shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool.”—Jer. 17:11.

Such a person becomes a fool for the reason that he makes selfish gain, otherwise called “money”, his god and relies on the power and protection that his money might bring to him. He disregards God and true wisdom and by his course of action proves that he is a fool. As the Scriptures declare: “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God.” (Ps. 14: 1) By pursuing such a course of action he discloses his motive, which is here represented by “his heart'', and in harmony with this he in effect says that he is a fool. By disregarding God’s provision made for man, and by pursuing a selfish course, man becomes entirely blind to his best interests. The multitudes of people on earth have gone practically crazy by reason of their insatiable desire to acquire material wealth. Such false riches endure but a short time Man dies, and that is the end of his riches which he has acquired in the wrong way. The day of God's wrath, “the battle of that great day of God Almighty,” and known as Armageddon, is at hand. “Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivered from death. The Lord will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked.” (Prov. 10.2,3) “Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away, as an eagle toward heaven.” (Prov. 23:5) That applies to what is termed “false riches”.

It is essential to your life and happiness to understand the clear distinction between false and true riches. Only in the Bible is there to be found that clear distinction and contrast. Jehovah God is truly rich far beyond the imagination of humankind. All things belong to Jehovah God “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof. the world, and they that dwell therein.” (Ps. 24. 1) Here the word “world" means that which is both in earth and in heaven, that is. both the things seen and the things unseen by human eyes “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” (Gen 1:1) “Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. ” (Rev. 4:11) To learn of the true riches we must go to the fountainhead of such riches.

The Son of God, Christ Jesus, is exceedingly rich. The name originally given him, as set forth in the Scriptures, is The Word of God, that is, the Logos of God. or One whom Jehovah God uses to announce and to put into execution Ins commandments. The Word or Logos was the beginning of Jehovah's creation. (Rex 3-14) Thereafter Jehovah God employed the Logos (his Word) as his active agent in the creation of all other things John reads "In the beginning was the Word [Logos], and the Word [Logos] was with God, and the Word [Logos] was God ” The literal and correct translation, by the Emphatic Diaglott (in its interlinear reading), is- “In a beginning was the Word, and the Word was with the God, and a god was the Word.” That means that Jehovah God is the great First Cause, without beginning and without end. and is therefore “the God”; and that the beginning of his creation was the Logos or Word, who is “a god”, that is. a mighty one. When Jehovah God sent his Beloved One, the Word, to earth, he was given the name "Jesus”; and when anointed with God’s spirit he became Jesus Christ. Jesus said: “My Father is greater than I.” (John 14:2S) Jehovah God is the Father; Christ Jesus is the Son. Ephesians 3:9 declares Jehovah God the Father “created all things by Jesus Christ”, his Son Concerning Christ Jesus, the Word, it is further written: “For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, Brooklyn, N. Y, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things were created by him, and for him: and he is before all things, and by him all things consist.”—Col. 1; 16,17.

Throughout the universe Jehovah God, the Supreme One, holds the domination, which domination Satan the Devil has challenged, but which domination shall be established beyond dispute in the settlement of this primary issue at Armageddon. Jehovah God has a universal organization All things that are done by Him are done in order and in full harmony with his universal organization. That organization of Jehovah consists of the Word, or Logos, and of cherubim and seraphim and angels, and of others, and over all is the great Almighty God. Out of his universal organization Jehovah God takes certain ones that are in harmony with him and builds them up into his capital organization, of which capital organization Christ Jesus, the anointed King, is the Head. The capital organization of Jehovah he specifically uses to carry out his purposes That organization is otherwise spoken of in the Scriptures as “the kingdom”. It is his Theocratic Government.

The earth God created for the human creature God created the first man, whom He called Adam Then God created a woman, and she was called Eve This man and woman were given the power from Jehovah God to reproduce their kind, that is to say, to cause conception and birth of children. The first man and his wife were during their perfection a part of Jehovah's universal organization, that is, they were in the earthly or visible part thereof under the supervisoin of an invisible overlord, the anointed cherub Lucifer. They were in Eden, a place of perfection and beauty. To man God had announced his law, and man was told that the penalty for the violation of God's law- is death The manner in which man violated God's law would not be material. The crime would consist in the violation of His law in any manner, and the penalty thereof was death, not eternal torment. (Gen. 2:17) God did not require of man a great thing, but required of him the small thing of declining to partake of certain fruit. The man yielded to the desire for selfish gain and willfully violated God's law, and therefore was justly sentenced to death and was expelled from God's universal organization

After a long period of time, during which time the organism of Adam was degenerating, the man died. At and from the time of his creation man was rich until he became a sinner, and then he lost all things. (Gen 3:17-24) The wrongful act of Adam m breaking God’s law, together with the wrongful acts of the other creatures involved m that wicked transaction, to wit, unfaithful Lucifer and Exe, brought great reproach upon the holy name of the Creator, Jehovah. Would Jehovah God take the necessary action to clear and vindicate his holy name before all creatures of the universe? Yes; that at once became his purpose, and that is where his Theocratic Government by Christ Jesus comes in.

The name “Almighty God” specifically applies to the Eternal One as the great First Cause and the Creator of all things created His name “Jehovah” particularly means his purpose toward his creatures. At the time of the disobedience and fall of Adam and Ins expulsion from the universal organization of God the great Creator there in covered or cryptic language announced his purpose to bring into existence bis capital organization, or kingdom, which in due time, and shortly now, shall destroy all lawless ones and establish righteousness m the earth as in heaven; and that all this will be to the vindication of Jehovah's name. —See Genesis 3 :15 ; 12: 2, 3; 22:16-18.

“God is love.” (1 John 4:16) That means that he is wholly unselfish and that all things are done by him unselfishly The vindication of his name in the mind of creatures does not add anything to Jehovah. What creatures think of the Almighty Creator is of no profit to the Creator. God has announced his purpose to vindicate his name, and that vindication will afford his creatures full and complete opportunity to gain great riches at the hands of the Creator. God is not “trying to save creatures”, but he affords his creatures the opportunity to avail themselves of the salvation which he has provided. He is the source and fountain of all riches; and for man to have and to enjoy such riches man must know God and know of his provision to gain the desired and true riches. Jehovah makes it possible for all his intelligent creatures to receive riches at his hand.

Man was created for the earth and in order that he might have and enjoy the fullness of the riches of the earth. The perfect man in Eden, therefore, was rich, and such riches he might have possessed forever had he continued obedient to his Creator. By his disobedience to God’s law, and that before man had exercised his power to bring children into the earth, not only Adam lost everything for himself, but his children were born sinners, imperfect, and without the right to live. “By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men. for that all have sinned.” (Rom. 5:12) Now, it is written plainly that Jehovah God created man for the earth and the earth for man: “I have made the earth, and created man upon it: I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens, and all their host have I commanded. For thus saith the Loud that created the heavens, God himself that formed the earth and made it; he hath established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited; I am the Lord, and there is none else ” — Isa. 45:12,18.

The purpose of Jehovah cannot fail, but must be accomplished Concerning this it is written: “I have spoken it, 1 will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.” (Isa. 46 11) "My word . . shall not return unto me void , but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isa. 55 : 11) Jehovah would not permit anything to prevent him from carrying out his purpose. God does not change; neither does his law change. (Mal. 3-6) He does not reverse his own judgment or sentence or determination Seeing, then, that all men, by reason of Adam’s sin, were born imperfect and without the right to live, men who are the offspring of Adam could never gain the true and desired riches by their own efforts. The written Word of God indicates the means or instrument by which the great Source of riches will make obedient and faithful men for ever rich: “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.” (2 Cor. 8:9) This scripture in a few words states how it is possible for a man to obtain true riches, which is the greatest desire of all sane creatures. Conceived in sin and shapen in iniquity, and alienated from Jehovah God and under the power of sin and absolutely certain of death, all human creatures come into the world in a state of abject poverty. A small percent of the human race, at a loss to their fellow creatures, become rich in the material things of the earth; but these covetous ones miss the true riches, and their false riches thus obtained avail them nothing in the end. Note Psalm 49:6-12. There is stated the condition of the imperfect human race, entirely helpless and with no ability to gain that which is so greatly desired.

When covetousness led to the crime of rebellion against God and to the death of humankind Jehovah there expressed his purpose to bring forth a “seed” of his “woman” (his universal organization), and which “seed” would regenerate with life all those who under the test of obedience prove their integrity toward God. (Gen. 3:15) That Seed is Christ Jesus, and associated with him shall be all his faithful followers whom he takes into the covenant for the heavenly kingdom. Each one of this royal house proves Ins integrity toward Jehovah God and then enters into the riches of immortality and is for ever with the Lord Christ Jesus in The Theocratic Government. (Rev 20 4.6) A remnant of these are yet on the earth in the flesh, and when these are persecuted by the religionists and their totalitarian, dictatorial allies and are banned, mobbed, put in bonds and despoiled of their property and liberty and even of their lives, they fulfill the words of the apostle “For ye had compassion of me in my bonds, and took joyfully the spoiling of your goods, knowing in yourselves that ye have in heaven a better and an enduring substance Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward.”—Heb. 10 34, 35.

God has declared that he made man for the earth and the earth for obedient man Under the Kingdom, or Theocracy, the earth is certain to be the everlasting home of those now living on earth who are of good-will toward God and his Kingdom and who take their stand for his Theocratic Government and prove their integrity toward him. They are in line for God’s promise that, by seeking Jehovah and righteousness and meekness, the may be hid in the day of his anger at Armageddon (See Zephaniah 2:3) Such are the “other sheep" of the Lord and shall form the “great multitude" under the Kingdom that hall receive and carry out God’s mandate to them to be fruitful and multiply and fill the cleansed earth with a righteous race. (Gen. 1: 28 ; 9 1,7) The faithful ones shall live ever-lastingly and enjoy all the riches of the earth, because God has so promised.—John 8 51, 11. 26.

FIELD EXPERIENCES

AFTER THE FOURTH ATTEMPT

“I approached a home I recalled being to at least three times previously and not being able to interest the lady of the house in the Kingdom message one bit. After explaining to her some of the contents of the book Children and telling what joy and comfort it gave me when reading it, she accepted the message after a few minutes’ hesitation. On my making the first back-call and answering a few questions she said: ‘I would like to tell you why I took the book. . . . I remembered you were here four times before and I would not take even a Kingdom News. Now that you came again I realized there must be something in back of your work or you would not call so many times, so thought I would investigate for myself. I haven't read all of the book yet, but what I have read contains many things I never knew could be printed in any of your literature.’ ”—Pennsylvania.

“Do not miss a house' I called four times at a house at the far end of my territory, but no one was ever home. On my fifth call a lady opened the door and said, ‘Are you one of Jehovah’s witnesses?’ ‘Yes.’ ‘Then come in; I have heard of the book Children and want it.’ Result: I placed Children and Comfort All That Mourn, took an order for the Yearbook and a year's subscription for the magazine, and arranged for a model study in her home. I was indeed glad I continued the hunt and found a ‘sheep’.”—California.

PIONEER IN TORQUAY, DEVON, ENGLAND

“We pioneers called on a young married person while on the ‘new work’ and, after playing the recording, were invited to come back the following Tuesday night. On this occasion the mother, an evacuee, was present and we learned that they were Roman Catholic. A large crucifix adorned the kitchen wall. The following Tuesday the mother was again present, but was missing the third week Enquiring where she was our young friend said: ‘She can't stand the way you expose the Hierarchy, so she has taken one of your booklets to the priest and is going to have you put out of town.’ Our friend then told us she had for some time been dissatisfied with the Catholic church and a few weeks before we called she asked the Lord to show her the truth. She is now rejoicing in the Lord and has taken a firm stand for The Theocracy despite the fact that the priest has paid her a visit. On that occasion she asked him why the priests took money for prayers for the dead, and he blushed and muttered that it said somewhere in the Bible that ‘a man was worthy of his hire . She then handed him her new Bible (which she had never read herself until a few weeks ago) and asked him to give her one scripture proving ‘Purgatory’, to which the priest replied: ‘I can't do that now; but if you will come down to the church the nuns will show you plenty of books on that.’ Until she was sixteen our friend was in a convent, and she has many unhappy experiences to relate.”

DURING THE “WATCHTOWER” CAMPAIGN (IOWA)

“Upon my first call the instructor's wife, upon being invited to subscribe for The Watchtower, said: ‘Watchtower? Never heard of it! You see, we're from Georgia.’ ‘Oh yes, but The Watchtower is to be found in every state in the Union and, in fact, in one form or another in practically every country of the world,’ said I. ‘Can you send the magazine elsewhere and allow me to keep the premium [the book Children] of your offer? I'd like my mother to have the magazine, as she teaches a Sunday School class.’ ‘Yes, I can do that, but I don't like to see you miss out on the magazine yourself, because it is the one channel the Lord uses to keep his covenant people currently informed.’ ‘I don't know what my husband will say, but I know he won’t fuss.’ Thereupon she produced a $20 bill, which I could not change. So she trusted me to take the bill to be changed at a store a couple of blocks away. Upon returning with the money, she said: ‘I'll take three, one for myself, one for my mother, and one for my husband’s mother. I’ll take them each for one year onh. as we can always get our subscriptions renewed ’ . .In the meantime my mother placed Children with a Mrs. N and then placed another copy with a young lady in a nearby business establishment who turned out to be Miss N„ the lady’s daughter. Being informed that her mother had already got the book, Miss N. said: ‘That's all right, we'll have two then. I am interested in looking into this, as I have to make up my mind whether or not to join the Catholic church before St. Patrick’s Day.’ ”

EPISODES IN THE NEW WORK

“We are having a wonderful time here telling the Kingdom message. We are going around the city for the third time now. The first time around made the demonized clergy so mad they ran to the district attorney and tried to have us put out of the city; but he told them he had read the books and they had better go home and make some books as good as these are and put them in the hands of the people. That was a sad disappointment to the clergy.” —Maryland.

“I hold an assignment of three small territories at present. I had just completed one of them in the rather superficial manner in which the work had been carried on, and had placed three Children therein Upon receiving the new instructions from the Lord I immediately. covered it again and, although. I still have a few homes to call upon, placed twenty-two more Children and two Spanish books I found many of good-will and am carrying on a Children study. Obeying the Lord's instructions certainly brings results.”—California.

NO HOOK IN IT (MICHIGAN)

“By noting down the reception at each home, whether good or otherwise, I am more able to cope with the situation the next call. In the five territories held by me I have eight Children studies going, with the highest attendance of seven in one home. These people are overwhelmed at the fact that we call to assist them in Bible study, and this without any charge or obligation. In one home where I am now conducting a study the lady’s husband remarked to her: ‘Listen, they don't do this for nothing; you'll get hooked for plenty.’ This lady made a test of this and offered the publisher $1.00, which was refused; but she was told she could contribute for some literature if she desired same, and this she did. When she related this to her husband, stating that we didn’t want their money, he was dumfounded.”

No. LXIII June 1, 1942 No 11

MICAH

PART 10

"Rejoice not against me, O mine enemy: when I fall, 1 shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.”—Mic. 7:8.

JEHOVAH turns the tables upon his own enemies I and hence upon the enemies of those who worthily bear his name. The great enemy rebelled against Jehovah God, and challenged His power, and put the question of universal domination in dispute. Turning perfect man in Eden into like rebellion against the great Theocratic Ruler, Satan, whose name means “opposer”, began building his organization of rebel creatures, and man became involved in with the issue of domination of the universe. The great opposer also drew many angels into the rebellion. With them he built up his invisible part of the organization under himself as their prince and god. To confuse and deceive creatures Satan called his organization “Babil”, or “Babylon”, meaning “gate of god”, that is, the mimic god, who enviously says: “I will ascend above the heights of the clouds: I will be like the Most High.” (Isa. 14:14) From its very beginning the organization Babylon was under Satan, its lord and master, and has been the enemy of Jehovah’s faithful creatures. For a full and time-tested proof of the great issue God Almighty has permitted Satan and his organization visible and invisible to remain till the final showdown of opposing strengths, Jehovah’s strength against and over that of the combined enemy.

2 The closing chapter of Micah’s prophecy points to the proof that the showdown matching of power is very near. Those who stand in awe and fear of the vast strength and power of Babylon, Satan’s organization, and who therefore worship and serve it and who now proudly ask, Who is like this creature? and who can fight against it? are in for the strangest surprise. (Rev. 13:4) At various times in the past God has permitted the enemy organization to apparently triumph over his covenant people upon whom his name is called. This he has allowed for a test of the integrity and devotion to him of his name-people, and also that the hypocritical enemy might have opportunity to cast aside their cloak of religion and show what is in their hearts and expose themselves as hating Jehovah God and his Christ and his servants and witnesses. On this wise the enemy mark themselves as servants of the Devil and fit for destruction when Jehovah shows his power over Satan and over Babylon at the battle of Armageddon. — Ex. 9:16.

3 The most recent seeming triumph of the enemy organization over Jehovah’s servants was during the first world war, 1914-1918. At the instigation of the religionists of great “Babylon” the enemy made a vicious and unwarranted assault upon the faithful worshipers of Jehovah and publishers of his kingdom under Christ. It looked like the finish of them and their work, as prophetically expressed in Micah’s words, chapter seven, verses one to four. Fora time the enemy were on top. Then the Lord turned the tables on them; and his prophet comments: “The day of thy watchmen [religionists] and thy visitation cometh; now shall be their perplexity.” (Mic. 7: 4) This visitation is from the Lord God. It began when he sent his great Messenger, Christ Jesus, for judgment. (Mal. 3:1-4) It is not a visitation of favor from God, but of his contrary judgment, which “judgment written” is first declared by his witnesses as process-servers and thereafter executed upon the doomed.

4 The rulers and the people have made the clergy the watchmen over their spiritual interests. Such watchmen, being not of God’s appointment, have failed to see the sword of judgment about to fall at Armageddon and have not warned the people. Like the priests of the city of Anathoth, near Jerusalem, who objected to the prophet Jeremiah’s preaching of destruction coming upon the religious organization, so the modern-day “watchmen” oppose the proclamation by Jehovah’s witnesses of the “day of vengeance of our God”. “Prophesy ye not, say they to them that prophesy.” (Mic. 2:6) To the watchmen of “Christendom” those who proclaim God’s judgments reply in the words of Jeremiah: “0 Lord of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them; for unto thee have I revealed my cause. Therefore thus saith the Lord of the men of Anathoth [religious clergy] that seek thy life, saying, Prophesy not in the name of the Lord, that thou die not by our hand: therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts, Behold, I will punish them; the young men shall die by the sword, their sons and their daughters shall die by famine; and there shall be no remnant of them, for I will bring evil [disaster] upon the men of Anathoth, even the year of their visitation.”— Jer. 11:20-23.

5 “Now shall be their perplexity.” Jesus confirmed that statement of Micah. He prophesied that one of the unmistakable proofs that we are in the “time of the end” of Satan’s organization Babylon would be what is seen by all since the first world war: “upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity.” (Luke 21: 25) True, the nations are in great perplexity over the failure of their schemes for world order, peace and prosperity; but the thing chiefly meant by the prophecy is their perplexity at the turning of the tables. This God did by reviving his devoted remnant of witnesses whom the enemy organization had thought they had finished off in 1918. God sent them forth thereafter to declare the establishment of his Kingdom and also his judgment message against the nations that hate and forget God. Jehovah’s judgment message of doom upon Babylon appears before their vision and perplexes them, like King Belshazzar of typical Babylon, when he saw the hand from the Lord that “wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaister of the wall of the king’s palace . . . MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.” “Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.” (Dan. 5: 5-9, 25-28) Jehovah God uses his faithful ones like Daniel to make known to the perplexed nations the Lord God’s own interpretation of the modern handwriting on the wall.

6 The religious rulers and their congregations in “Christendom” stumbled over The Stone in Zion, to wit. Christ Jesus, whom Jehovah enthroned as Rightful Ruler of the world in 1914. Jehovah’s refusal on that account to answer their prayers for peace and plenty and, besides that, the increasing bold proclamation by his witnesses of his vengeance to be executed at Armageddon fill the religionists with perplexity and dismay at this “evident token of perdition” for them. (Isa. 8:14,15; Rom. 9:32,33; Phil. 1: 28) The perplexity of the situation is increased for them because the remnant and their companions, obedient to God’s command, will not be bulldozed by official threats into silence, but keep on coming continually and always stronger, and the enemy refuse to recognize God’s commission and command to these his witnesses. Only by using totalitarian methods to suppress the preachers of God’s kingdom and vengeance do they feel that they shall solve their perplexity and at length be able to cry “Peace and safety!” (1 Thess. 5:3) Then Jehovah will turn the tables on them, to stay turned.

BETRAYAL OF CONFIDENCE

7 The Lord’s servants are in the world or enemy’s country, but are not of it, and hence are surrounded with spying enemies, scheming damage to the things of Jehovah God and his Theocratic Government by Christ Jesus. The interests of that righteous government or kingdom have been committed to God's “faithful and wise servant”, his devoted remnant under Christ Jesus their Head. (Matt. 24:45-47) This is a position of great trust, and they must anxiously safeguard those “goods” or Kingdom interests against the destructive enemy; for they must give account to Jehovah God and his King. “For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” (Rom. 14:4,10) The enemy are everywhere about and use “fifth column” ways to get in among or next to those having a trust from God and to spy and gather information to use against Jehovah’s organization. This is true now, and it was true during those perilous times of the assault on Jehovah's covenant people at the climax of the first world war. Concerning the safe and proper course then Jehovah by his prophet says to them: “Trust ye not in a friend, put ye not confidence in a guide; keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.” —Mic. 7:5.

8 Jehovah God is the real Friend, who loves his tried and tested ones all the time; and Christ Jesus likewise proved his friendship by laying down his life for God’s friends. (Prov. 17:17; 18:24; John 15:12,13) There are, however, those who claim to be friends of God, and hence friends of His people, but are false. They commit spiritual adultery with the world, and so make themselves the enemies of God. Such are like the three apparent friends who got next to Job and plagued him with their presence, adding to his torments by their false accusations against his innocence and blamelessness, and they endeavored to make him curse God and break his integrity toward Jehovah. Such untrustworthy friends include the religious clergy, who stirred up the persecution and arrests during the World War; also the “elective elders” of the congregations who would rule as bosses; and the “evil servant” class who were in line for the “kingdom of heaven” but -who prove slothful and unfaithful toward the Kingdom interests and smite the faithful brethren and seek honors, protection and favors from the worldly powers. (Job 2:11; 16: 20; 19:14,19, 21) Those who love and care for the Lord’s interests may not trust such ones with any information. The record shows they have betrayed their brethren.

9 Religion is a snare that traps one into disobedience to God. Those who practice or act as leaders in religion are not safe guides, but blind guides leading the blind. Back there they used their influence with the rulers to stop the witness work, and they have not repented of this course, and are not guides in whom to put confidence. The pope puts out feelers now in this world crisis to act as the spiritual guide of the world. The clergy of other religions call him a “good neighbor” and follow his lead; but those with eyes opened by the enlightening Word of God see that that ruler of Vatican City continues to guide his dupes direct toward the ditch of destruction.

10 God’s Word states the wise rule: “I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me.” (Ps. 39:1) That the greatest caution must be taken, the prophet emphasizes: “Keep the doors of thy mouth from her that lieth in thy bosom.” That refers to anyone who is in a close and tender relationship, like that of a wife. Suchlike make loud professions of love for the creature from whom they hope to wheedle out information; but they do not keep God’s commandments or do his witness work, thereby showing love for the creature rather than for God. “For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.” (Rom. 16:17,18) Such ones are like Ezekiel’s wife, for whom Ezekiel was commanded to make no signs of mourning when she was cut off from life by God’s judgment executed against her. (Ezek. 24:15-25) Further such ones are like Delilah, the Philistine woman whom Samson loved and whose lap she let him make his pillow. This intimacy she encouraged in order to learn the secret of his strength and cripple him for the war against religion. (Judg. 16:4-21) God’s Word warns to leave such ones, who profess to be His people, and “go from them”. Why! “For they be all adulterers, an assembly of treacherous men. And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies; but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth: for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the Lord. Take ye heed every one of his neighbour, and trust ye not in any brother: for every brother will utterly supplant, and every neighbour will walk with slanders. And they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity. Thine habitation is in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know me, saith the Lord."—Jer. 9:2-6.

11 In these final days even more so than in 1918, and now when “evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived” (2 Tim. 3:13), each one who really loves God and The Theocracy will carefully and constantly safeguard the interests of God’s work and of his brethren who are “labourers together with God”. (1 Cor. 3:9; 2 Cor. 6:1) A slip by one betraying vital information to the enemy not merely affects the careless, loose- speeched one, but also endangers the organization. Let not your tongue bring you within or under the power of any agent of Satan and his demons. For aid, comfort and heart-to-heart fellowship do not rely on any human relationships and companionships, but lean wholly upon Jehovah and Christ, showing devotion to them wholly independent of any earthly creature. Look to Jehovah through our “advocate with the Father”, who is Christ Jesus, and have intimacy and fellowship with his faithful organization, Zion. Human affection between creatures, "which is generally passion according to the flesh, is no basis for one to place confidence respecting the Lord’s Kingdom interests in another earthly creature not in covenant with Him and not meeting his requirements. This was proved by many examples during the days of 1914-1918, as especially foreshadowed by Delilah when she betrayed Samson into the hands of the enemies of the typical Theocracy. Concerning that dangerous situation the prophecy correctly says:

12 “For the son dishonoureth the father, the daughter riseth up against her mother, the daughter in-law against her mother-in-law; a man’s enemies are the men of his own house.” (Mic. 7: 6) Having no love or fear of Jehovah or devotion to The Theocratic Government, they do not consider close earthly relationship as obligating them to protect the confidence of relatives serving Almighty God. This serious warning is repeated by Christ Jesus, and he applies it specifically to the end of Satan’s uninterrupted rule and the coming of the Lord to his temple. “Blessed are those servants, whom the lord, when he cometh, shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. . . . Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth! I tell you, Nay; but rather division: for from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three. The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” (Luke 12:37-53) “And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child: and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name’s sake; but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. . . . And a man’s foes shall be they of his own household. He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me.” (Matt. 10: 21, 22, 34-37) Concerning the false spiritual brethren, not to speak of earthly relationships, at the end of Satan’s world, Jesus further prophesied: “And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.” (Matt. 24:10) Such traitors to the greatest, most glorious cause in the universe, and just at the time when it is about to triumph over all foes, the Lord Jesus by his angels clears out of God’s sanctuary. However, the demons are now more active than ever and the “evil servant” class and other religionists are still hanging around with malicious designs against the interests of The Theocracy. Hence none of those who shall prove faithful unto the final end will relax their vigilance against the subtle enemy. Creature love will not entice them into carelessness. They will love Jehovah God with all they have. — Matt. 26:41; Deut. 6:4,5; 1 John 5:3.

13 All those in covenant relationship with Jehovah today must see to it that the proper information is meted out to their fellow-workers of The Theocracy at the proper time. We must have faith in our brethren who have shown their steadfastness and their faith by their works. Lines of communication have been cut off to many parts of the earth, but the meat in due season and the organization instructions do get through eventually. When these instructions are received the information contained therein should go to those of The Theocracy, and not to persons who have not proved their devotion to the Lord by their service. The Lord has committed unto the faithful servants the interests of his kingdom, and when these interests of the Kingdom fall into your hand for their advancement, use wisdom in the dissemination of these truths and instructions. Trust your faithful brethren. You that receive the information, be sure that you ‘sin not with your tongue’ in disseminating it to others, and, above all, ‘keep your mouth with a bridle when the wicked are before you.’ (See Philippians 2: 19-22.)

14 “Therefore I will look unto the Lord [(Am. Rev. Ver.) But as for me, in Jehovah will I keep watch (margin)) ; I will wait for the God of my salvation; my God will hear me.” (Mic. 7: 7) Thus, human relationships proving untrustworthy, and human agencies of relief proving to be under demon control, the faithful remnant in 1918 were obliged to look unto Jehovah and keep watching his leadings. They must continue to do so at present and until Armageddon clears out all traitors and false friends of the world. Jehovah never betrays the confidence and trust of those who rely on him. To look unto and keep watching him, however, does not mean to let our powers and faculties lie idle and unused. It means to keep on fighting for The Theocracy and for our right and liberty to proclaim that Government. It means to use all the legal means still at our disposal for the gaining of and defense of freedom of worship. But, over and above the legal provisions or qualifications, it means always to ask for and be guided by and to use the ‘wisdom which cometh down from above’ and which the Lord God gives liberally to all his covenant people that ask for it in faith. (Acts 25:9-11; Jas. 3:17; 1:5,6) He will then direct the issue or way of escape. – 1 Cor. 10:13, Emphatic Diaglott translation.

15 “Salvation belongeth unto [Jehovah]” (Ps. 3:8), and the faithful remnant were made to know that He is “the God of my salvation”. To test out the faithfulness of his covenant people under the discipline of persecution and deprivation of liberty Jehovah has often seemingly delayed, but never really so, the deliverance of his people from the enemy’s restraining power. The test is whether they will ‘go down to Egypt for help’ and compromise with the enemy to secure a release, or relief, or a permit to witness, or immunity from violent attacks. The ones keeping their proper relationship to the Lord make no deals with the enemy, but continue to keep trust with and to obey God. Then their deliverance, when it comes, will be the Lord’s salvation and will prove Jehovah’s promise true. Keeping on working to the full use of all circumstances about them, they can afford to wait for his salvation, fully assured that it will come. Meantime they continue their fervent prayers to the great Savior, Jehovah.

16 “My God will hear me.” This shows that the devoted remnant were praying to Him during the affliction. The situation for them looked hopeless outwardly, and the enemy’s triumph looked complete; but Jehovah God heard the prayer of his afflicted ones. Their petition was not selfish, but that the reproach upon God’s name and cause might be removed. They prayed, not for peace between “the king of the north” and “the king of the south” then at war, but that the way might be opened for the Lord’s witness work to go on and that all obstacles and restrictions might be surmounted and overcome, and that they might prove their sincerity and love toward God and his kingdom by having a part in that further service for the honor of his name. Such prayer the Lord noted and answered. “From heaven did the Lord behold the earth; to hear the groaning of the prisoner [in antitypical Babylon], to loose those that are appointed to death; to declare the name of the Lord in Zion, and his praise in Jerusalem." (Ps. 102:19-21) “The Lord looseth the prisoners.” (Ps. 146:7) Their prayer was: “Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me.”—Ps. 142: 7.

17 Jehovah sent his executioner, King Cyrus, against ancient Babylon to deliver His faithful remnant from its power and send them back to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple on Zion. In A.D. 1918 he sent the Greater Cyrus, Christ Jesus, to the temple for judgment. Thereafter he stopped the World War with the release of his chosen or elect remnant in view. By thus cutting the time of tribulation in the middle, which tribulation began on Satan’s organization in 1914 and which must and will be renewed by the Lord at Armageddon, Jehovah God shortened “those days” of tribulation. “And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect’s sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.” (Mark 13:20; Matt. 24:22) In this present interim before Armageddon the faithful remnant, joined now by a multitude of joyful companions, offer themselves as “willing volunteers” for the work which must be fullv carried out to its completion before that battle. —Ps. 110:3.

ARISE

18 God’s organization Zion, speaking for the afflicted remnant thereof in 1918, said to Babylon, the great rival organization, which was holding the fallen remnant in captivity: “Rejoice not against me, 0 mine enemy: when I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.” (Mic. 7:8) “Enemy” here is in the female gender in the Hebrew, showing that it applies to Satan’s “woman”, his organization Babylon, which brings forth the 'seed of the Serpent’. (Gen. 3:15) At verse 10 Micah further identifies the enemy as Babylon, saying: “Then she that is mine enemy shall see it, and shame shall cover her.”

19 On earth is the visible part of “Babylon”, foremost in which are the nations calling themselves “Christian”. “Christendom” is nothing else, however, than a modernizing of ancient demon-worshiping Babylon, and operating under the cloak of religion deceivingly called “Christian religion”. In 1918 it was the religionists that particularly rejoiced, the “man of sin” company. Such were foreshadowed by Edom (Idumea) and Mount Seir, who rejoiced at the fall of God’s typical covenant people into the power of typical Babylon: “As thou didst rejoice at the inheritance of the house of Israel, because it was desolate, so will I do unto thee: thou shalt be desolate, 0 mount Seir, and all Idumea, even all of it; and they shall know that I am the Lord [Jehovah].” (Ezek. 35:15) 'Tn the day that thou stoodest on the other side, in the day that the strangers carried away captive his forces, and foreigners entered into his gates, and cast lots upon Jerusalem, even thou wast as one of them. But thou shouldest not have looked on the day of thy brother in the day that he became a stranger; neither shouldest thou have rejoiced over the children of Judah in the day of their destruction; neither shouldest thou have spoken proudly in the day of [their] distress.” (Obad. 11,12) Revelation 11:10 further pictures the malicious glee of the religionists at their stopping the work of Jehovah’s “two witnesses” in 1918: “And they that dwell upon the earth shall rejoice over them, and make merry, and shall send gifts one to another; because these two prophets tormented them that dwelt on the earth.”

20 “When I fall, I shall arise.” The remnant of Zion did not fall away from Jehovah and his organization, neither was their falling due to stumbling over Christ Jesus reigning as King from 1914 on. On the contrary, He is “the stone of stumbling” over which “Christendom” stumbles to her destruction. (Isa. 8:14,15; Rom. 9: 32,33) God’s consecrated ones were overwhelmed by the enemy and fell into their power and were forcibly restrained, the religionists making false accusation and using the disturbed world conditions as a subterfuge to stop the “Elijah work” of Jehovah’s servants. There the modern Philistines sheared the Samson class of their locks and weakened their strength to serve God boldly and freely. But Samson’s locks grew again and he rose again in Jehovah’s service to his greatest exploit against religion. Likewise by devoting themselves to keeping of the covenant-obligations upon their heads, as symbolized by Samson’s regrown hair, and by being blinded to all else than God’s “strange work” against religion, the faithful remnant arose, in the strength of Christ their Head. Jehovah delivered them from restraint, particularly the restraint due to fear of men and fear of worldly ruling organizations, and he commanded them to arise to his service, the “Elisha work”, with courage and boldness. – Judg. 16:22-30.

21 Concerning this the prophetic Word of God says: “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand.” (Ps. 37: 23, 24) “The Lord upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.” (Ps. 145:14) True repentance is not shown by keeping lying idly on the ground and mourning over sins for which the Lord’s forgiveness has been asked and assured. It is shown by getting up, taking the course marked out by the Lord, and busying oneself in the one thing of doing His work. “Shake thyself from the dust; arise, and sit down, O Jerusalem: loose thyself from the bands of thy neck, O captive daughter of Zion.” (Isa. 52: 2) "Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For, behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee.” (Isa. 60:1,2) 'Tor a just man falleth seven times [a complete number of times down till the end of the enemy’s power], and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief. Rejoice not [ enemy Babylon] when thine enemy [the hated remnant] falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth; lest the Lord see it, and it displease him, and he turn away his wrath [his discipline, chastening] from him [as Jehovah did toward the remnant in 1918].” (Prov. 24:16-18) The seventh and last fall of Jehovah’s “just” ones will be when the witness work of his remnant and their companions shall shortly be closed down in every land on earth and the enemy jubilantly begin to cry “Peace and safety!” Then, suddenly, the wicked enemy shall themselves fall into the “mischief’ that the Lord prepares for them, his “strange act” at Armageddon. Then the faithful remnant and the Lord’s “other sheep” shall arise, never to be downed again; and the great enemy organization, Babylon, shall fall, never to rise again. (Rev. 18:21) The tables will be turned upon her by the Lord. — Ezek. 11: 2-7; Esther 7:10.

22 Further describing the Lord’s deliverance of his remnant from and after 1918 Jehovah’s witness Micah says: “When I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light unto me.” The darkness is that into which the enemy organization casts Jehovah’s servants, the gloomy condition of captivity and restraint, such as Samson experienced in the Philistine dungeon. During their dark experience and condition in enemy hands at the time of the Lord’s coming to the temple the consecrated ones are described as “such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron”. (Ps. 107:10) For the time also there was darkness in their minds as to the understanding of why God’s enemies should be permitted apparently to triumph over them while honestly and diligently seeking to do his will. (Hab. 1:13-17) Hence those in covenant relationship with the Lord prayed: “Have respect unto the covenant: for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty.”—Ps. 74: 20.

23 “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.” (1 John 1:5) His covenant people had yielded to fear of men and were guilty of iniquity of lip in failing to 'offer the calves of their lips’ in the sacrifice of praise to God and to his kingdom. (Heb. 13:15; Hos. 14:2) In God’s displeasure and for their chastisement he had permitted them to fall under the enemy organization Babylon. Now noting their repentance of heart and their prayerful resolves to serve him if given further privileges, and noting also their unbreakable cleaving unto Jehovah, he turned his brightening favor upon this remnant of Zion. By his Judge at the temple he ordered them delivered, and the enemy were obliged to yield. “He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.” (Ps. 107:14) He enlightened their teachable minds as to their commission on earth to be a “people for his name”. Then he sent them forth to reflect upon others that light which he shone upon them by Christ Jesus, who is at the temple and reflecting the glory of Jehovah God.”—2 Cor. 3:17,18.

24 Now the delivered remnant know the truth of Psalm 112:4: “Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.” Psalm 18:28: “For thou wilt light my candle; the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.” Now the remnant, together with their companions at their side, say: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” (Ps. 27:1) The Lord brings them unto his organization Zion and assures them that, continually abiding there unto the end, never shall they come into darkness again: “Thy sun shall no more go down; neither shall thy moon withdraw itself: for the Lord shall be thine everlasting light, and the days of thy mourning shall be ended.” (Isa. 60: 2,20) “The city [the new Jerusalem, in which the remnant have their citizenship] had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb [of God] is the light thereof.”—Rev. 21: 23.

25 In A.D. 33 the Lord Jesus came to the prophetic temple at Jerusalem, cleansed it, and shortly thereafter was betrayed unto his enemies, the religionists. His disciples all forsook him and fled. After his resurrection from the dead Jesus regathered them. This correctly fulfilled the prophecies. It also foretold that at the time of the Lord’s coming to the spiritual temple in 1918 he would find a displeasing state of affairs among the consecrated. Concerning this the prophecy said: “Thou wast angry with me.” (Isa. 12:1) “Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips [due to failure to boldly preach the Kingdom], and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips.” (Isa. 6:5) Whereat Jehovah says: “I was but a little displeased [with you], and they [the persecutors] helped forward the affliction.” (Zech. 1:12,15) Realizing their failure to keep their vital covenant obligations, and duly repenting thereof, the remnant said: “I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause and execute judgment for me: he will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold his righteousness.”—Mic. 7: 9.

26 The Lord’s “indignation” here mentioned is not his indignation at Armageddon, which is against all the nations that helped forward the affliction upon his covenant people and still do. (Isa. 34:1-5; Zeph. 3:8) It is his chastening upon his people for their iniquity of lip in not carrying on the bold publication of the Kingdom under the affliction by the persecutor nations. To bear such indignation means to endure such righteous chastisement without taking offense or rebelling against the Lord, knowing that “if ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not!” Such chastening was for their profit, that they might be “partakers of his holiness”, complete devotion to righteousness without any compromise with the enemy. (Heb. 12: 7,10) Jehovah deals with his covenant people as an organization. His chastening comes upon the organization, and the innocent must likewise endure the wholesome chastening. Remember how Daniel and his three companions were carried off captive to Babylon with the other Israelites that had come short of their covenant. Daniel did not excuse himself from the sin of his people, nor did he receive an earlier deliverance from Babylonish captivity, but waited upon God’s deliverance of all the remnant of His organization. (Dan. 9:4-19) The purpose is to purge out the undesirable ones who are without integrity toward God. Jehovah now has a chastened and purged organization maintaining integrity toward him.

27 In 1918 the consecrated ones as an organized company had sinned, and the finger of blame is not to be pointed at individuals. Such sin was due to the soils of religion upon the garments of their identification as God’s covenant people. It was due also to fleeing from Satan’s threatening “woman”, pictured by that woman Jezebel who threatened Elijah after his destructive work against religion, and caused him temporarily to drop the Lord’s public work and to flee into the wilderness. Such sin was due to looking upon the worldly powers of Satan’s organization as being “ordained of God” to be the “higher powers” with authority to dictate concerning the Lord’s work. Hence the consecrated, out of fear, neglected the public worship of the Lord, which worship is the declaring of his name and the preaching of his “gospel of the kingdom” and proclaiming of his vengeance. This failure made them “of unclean lips”. After their repentance the Lord God by his Messenger at the temple purged away such iniquity of lip and reinstated them in His service. (Isa. 6:6,7) Thenceforth they offered themselves joyfully as willing volunteers and in the beauty of holiness or absolute devotion to the Lord. With profit such willing volunteers now ponder over what constituted that iniquity of lip which makes unclean, and they consider what led to such a state of uncleanness in God’s sight. The faithful are determined that never again shall they yield to the fear of men and hole up and stop preaching His word. They are determined to exercise only the “fear of the Lord [which] is clean”. (Ps. 19:9) They purpose to and do obey Him rather than men and will courageously face and endure the punishment at enemy hands for being Jehovah’s faithful and true witnesses unto the end. They are resolved to hold fast their integrity to Him.

PLEAD

28 While under the Lord’s indignation the remnant carried out their determination to hold fast and wait upon him “until he plead my cause”. This pleading was against the enemy organization, the nations which oppressed and helped forward the affliction of Jehovah’s consecrated. Such pleading Jehovah did by causing them to stop their war and by rebuking the religionists through the release of his people from bondage and restraint. Jehovah with action answered the prayer: “Judge me, 0 God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: 0 deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man.” (Ps. 43:1) “Consider mine affliction, and deliver me; for I do not forget thy law. Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word. Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies.”—Ps. 119:153,154,157.

29 Let God’s covenant people always bear in mind that as long as they are faithful to him and his name which they bear, and as long as they carry out his commission to them, their cause is God’s own cause. They may pray: “Arise, 0 God, plead thine own cause: remember how the foolish man reproacheth thee daily. Forget not the voice of thine enemies : the tumult of those that rise up against thee increaseth daily.” (Ps. 74:22,23) “The children of Israel and the children of Judah were oppressed together, and all that took them captives held them fast; they refused to let them go. Their Redeemer is strong; the Lord of hosts is his name; he shall thoroughly plead their cause, that he may give rest to the land [his organization], and disquiet the inhabitants of Babylon.” (Jer. 50: 33, 34) “The violence done to me and to my flesh be upon Babylon, shall the inhabitant of Zion say; and, My blood upon the inhabitants of Chaldea, shall Jerusalem say. Therefore thus saith the Lord: Behold, I will plead thy cause, and take vengeance for thee; and I will dry up her sea [the world population upon which the great whore Babylon sits], and make her springs [of religion’s poison waters] dry. And Babylon shall become heaps.” (Jer. 51:35-37) Let public officials pause and consider the above truths before yielding to the Roman Catholic Hierarchy and other religionists and before afflicting God’s faithful servants and thereby violating God’s command to the rulers: “Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.” (Ps. 105:13-15) Jehovah will plead against such violators at Armageddon with violent destruction upon them.

30 “Until he plead my cause and execute judgment for me.” This judgment Jehovah began executing in 1919. The judgment had begun at the "house of God” at the Lord’s coming to the temple in the spring of 1918. Those professing to be of God’s house but whom the judging process showed to be of the “evil servant” class were cut asunder from God’s organization. “Christendom,” particularly the religious leaders thereof, had denounced Jehovah’s covenant people as false prophets, as wresting the Scriptures, as cursed of God and headed for a “hell of torment”. Now at the temple judgment Jehovah by Christ adjudged his purged remnant as approved of Him although not approved of men. He constituted them his “faithful and wise servant” and committed to them the Kingdom interests and made them his witnesses. As his approved official witnesses Jehovah “covered [them] -with the robe of righteousness”. (Isa. 61:10; Mal. 3:1-4) Then in 1919 he released them from the bonds of the Devil’s crowd and sent them out into his service with the “testimony of Jesus Christ” and to declare the “judgment written” against the oppressors. This greatly amazed the self- righteous religionists. It was an open token of God’s disapproval and rejection of them, much to their chagrin. Thenceforth they could do nothing but weep and wail and gnash upon Jehovah’s faithful remnant with their teeth. This reversing of the enemy’s action is the doing of Jehovah, “which executeth judgment for the oppressed.” (Ps. 146:7) He has vindicated his word, that “Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts [or returning ones; the remnant] with righteousness”. (Isa. 1: 27) ‘He will bring me forth to the light,” adds Micah. It is the light of God’s favor, that light of liberty due to the fear of God and to freedom from fear of man; also the light of the lightning flashes of his truth from his written Word and shining forth from his temple. (Rev. 11:19) Jehovah openly displays his witnesses to the light of open and public inspection as a “people for his name”. What the Lord tells them in the temple in secret, which is dark to the enemy, that they boldly speak in the light; and what they hear from the Lord in their ears, which are turned to his Word, that they preach openly, publicly, as upon the housetops. (Matt. 10:27,28) This they do because they fear only God, the All-powerful One.

31 “And I shall behold his righteousness.” Jehovah’s great act of righteousness is the vindication of his name by his Righteous Government, The Theocracy. This act Jehovah will do at Armageddon. The remnant delivered and brought forth into the light now behold these truths through the revelation of his Word, and they look forward jubilantly to actually witnessing God’s act in that final battle, which Jehovah will win over all enemies. There his judgments will be executed in righteousness against them. The remnant also behold his righteousness in all his faithful dealings with them in complete fulfillment of his word of promise. Being covered with his robe of righteousness, they say: “He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.” (Ps. 23:3) “The Lord hath brought forth our righteousness: come, and let us declare in Zion the work of the Lord our God.” (Jer. 51:10) To them Jehovah has given “beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.” (Isa. 61: 3) The enemy continue to reproach and persecute them as unrighteous, but the Lord says to the remnant; “Every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord; and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.” (Isa. 54:17) The latter end of the remnant and their companions who continue faithful in their integrity shall be like that of Job, whose latter end was more blessed than his beginning: “also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.” (Job 42:10,12) All this vindicates Jehovah’s word and name.

32 “Then she that is mine enemy shall see it, and shame shall cover her which said unto me, Where is the Lord thy God1 mine eyes shall behold her: now shall she be trodden down as the mire of the streets.” (Mic. 7 :10) During the sorrow of 1914-1918 the religionists justified themselves before the people and promised that there would be a great spiritual revival after and as a result of the world war. The war stopped, and they were put to the proof. The Protestants began their Interchurch World Movement and other revival schemes, and the Catholic sect’s head began and spread Catholic Action throughout the world. The promised spiritual revival of “Christendom” never came, proving that the Lord God was not with them. What Dm come was the greatest activity and increase of Jehovah’s witnesses, whom the enemy thought they had knocked out permanently. There came the widest and most intensive declaration of Jehovah’s name and kingdom by his witnesses that the world has ever known. This is as Jehovah God foretold at Exodus 9:16. Next, and shortly, will follow the showing of His almighty power over Satan the Devil and all his organization, Babylon. Since 1918 the “strange work” of Jehovah God by his witnesses shows his approval upon his remnant and his acceptance and use of them. It likewise covers the enemy organization with shame. During the war time when she was on top she taunted Jehovah’s servants and said: “Where is the Lord [Jehovah] thy God!” Now let her say it! The tables have been turned!

33 Concerning the righteous acts of Jehovah’s witnesses in his “strange work” he says: “And the Gentiles [the persecutor nations] shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name.” (Isa. 62: 2) That God-given “new name” is, to wit, “Jehovah’s witnesses.” (Isa. 44:8; 43:10,12) The Kingdom’s publication by these to the ends of the earth is a proof of Jehovah’s power and of his deliverance of them from Babylon: “The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations ; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God.” (Isa. 52:10) Armageddon will be a still greater demonstration of power and deliverance. Concerning the work of His remnant and their companions in dispensing God’s Word to the poor in spirit or teachable ones, the Lord says: “A good man sheweth favour, and lendeth [the Kingdom message]: he will guide his affairs with discretion. He hath dispersed [God’s truth], he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever: his horn shall be exalted with honour. The wicked shall see it, and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth, and melt away; the desire of the wicked shall perish.” (Ps. 112: 5,9,10) “Shew me a token for good; that they which hate me may see it, and be ashamed; because thou, Lord, hast holpen me, and comforted me.”— Ps. 86:17.

34 Being put to embarrassment and confusion by Jehovah’s blessing upon his “strange work” through his witnesses, the Babylonish religionists put up the howl of hurt “religious susceptibilities”. At the straightforward declaration of Jehovah’s judgments against religion they raise the hue and cry of ‘Intolerance !" and the need of religious unity. They try to shield themselves by forcing the passage of unconstitutional “anti-ridicule” laws. Great is their shame now because of God’s declared message which shows forth the two opposing organizations and which exposes the Devil’s organization and its religious and political and commercial elements. At Armageddon, however, shame shall smother them. Concerning them God's Word prescribes this prayer for his covenant people to say: “Fill their faces with shame; that they may seek thy name, 0 Lord. Let them be confounded and troubled for ever; yea, let them be put to shame [at not being God’s favorites, not being right, not being supreme, and not being on the winning side], and perish: that men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the Most High over all the earth.”—Ps. 83:16-18; also Pss. 109:26-28; 71:13; 6:10.

35 That the primary issue before all creation is world domination is proved by the enemy organization’s taunt. In the type Babylon made war upon the typical Theocracy, overthrew the unfaithful religious organization, also took captive the remnant faithful to the Theocracy and then reproached their God, saying, “Where is the Lord thy God 1” In other words, Who is supreme now, your God, Jehovah, or our god, Satan the Devil! The same taunt was hurled at the faithful remnant while in the power of the modern-day Babylonians, in 1918. This is why Jehovah must act for his name’s sake. He gave effective answer in delivering and releasing his remnant and thereafter giving through them the most far-reaching testimony to his name, and that, too, in the teeth of the greatest persecution and opposition. Such has been to the end that the enemy might be warned that at Armageddon it will be Jehovah that smites them in proof of his supremacy as the Almighty God. This has enraged the demons and their earthly dupes.

36 By means of Catholic Action, and particularly by totalitarian-religious dictators, the enemy seek to take away the democratic freedoms of all nations and to crush Jehovah’s witnesses in all lands. In the countries which have been swallowed up by the anti- Theocratic “abomination of desolation” and where they have gotten the persons of Jehovah’s faithful witnesses in their power they brutally torment them, and say, “Where is Jehovah your God!” Even in the land called “the land of the free and the home of the brave” un-American mobs engineered by Catholic priests and their dupes have assaulted the witnesses engaged in Christian activities and have ridiculed them with the sneering question: ‘Where is your Jehovah! Let him help you now!” A judge in an eastern court raged at the Christians haled before him for obedience to Jehovah God, and said: “I am Jehovah here!” The power of the totalitarian-religious gangsters and sympathizers spreads and the persecutions upon the faithful witnesses increase, and the scripture describes their experience: “As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they sav daily unto me, Where is thy God!”—Ps. 42:10.

37 In the minds of the remnant and the Lord's “other sheep” there is no question as to how the issue will be settled. They have God’s word for it, and they know they shall see the desire of their eyes in the vindication of Jehovah’s name by the destruction of all who reproach it. (Ps. 92:11) “Mine eyes shall behold her: now shall she be trodden down as the mire of the streets,” says Micah. By the revelation of the prophecies they now see Babylon, of which “Christendom” is the chief visible part, as Satan’s organization. “Christendom” has tried to mask her identity and ensnare the peoples, but God’s Word has exposed her and now all persons of good-will toward God behold her to be what she actually is. The nations of “Christendom” have gathered round about God’s organization Zion as represented by the remnant of her on the earth, and they say: “Let her be defiled, and let our eye look upon Zion.” (Mic. 4:11) But as “Christendom” has designed to do unto God’s organization, so it has happened to her and she stands shown up. (Deut. 19:19) Satan’s organization which she outstandingly represents on earth was pictured in Israel’s history by the wicked Jezebel who persecuted Jehovah’s witnesses, his prophets. Then Jehovah raised up Captain Jehu as his executioner. At Jehu’s command the haggish old devil worshiper Jezebel was dropped from her lofty window and trampled under the hoofs of Jehu's horses and devoured by the carrion-eating dogs. As the prophet Elijah had foretold: “In the portion of [the city of] Jezreel shall dogs eat the flesh of Jezebel: and the carcase of Jezebel shall be as dung upon the face of the field in the portion of Jezreel; so that they shall not say, This is Jezebel.” (2 Ki. 9: 30-37) Likewise shall “Christendom”, and all of the enemy organization of Babylon, be debased to the lowest and trodden under the hosts of Jehovah's organization, and no memorial shall be left of the vile, shameful thing.

DECREE

38 The Jewish remnant that returned from Babylon to Jerusalem in 536 B.C. rebuilt the temple on Zion and later also the walls of the city, but under conditions of difficulty that required the defense of themselves against the enemy while at work. (Isa. 44: 28; Neh. 2:17 to 6:15; Ezra 9: 9) This pictured a like remnant of God’s present-day covenant people from and after 1918 returning to the service of his organization, engaging in his temple work, building up the interests of his Theocratic organization, and defending and safeguarding such against the enemy to this day. Nehemiah’s words ring in their ears: “Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren.” (Neh. 4:14) Concerning this time, therefore, Jehovah by his prophet says: “In the day that thy walls are to be built, in that day shall the decree be far removed.” (Mic. 7:11) The “decree” here specified may mean several things. The religionists have decreed that the kings rule by divine right, and that the political powers, including the dictators of totalitarian Germany, Italy and Spain, are the “higher powers”. (Rom. 13:1) This unscriptural decree the religionists have applied against Jehovah’s servants to frighten them into stopping their worship of God at the command of demonized rulers. Since 1918 Jehovah has given his people the spiritual understanding of this vital subject. Thereby the power of the enemy’s baseless decree has been far removed from them and they obey Jehovah God and Christ Jesus as the only “Higher Powers” rather than man, and they let no such invalid decree of men stop their worship of God.

39 At Zephaniah 2:2,3 Jehovah warns of his decree of destruction against all not gathering themselves to him for refuge: “Before the decree bring forth, before the day pass as the chaff, before the fierce anger of the Lord come upon you, before the day of the Lord’s anger come upon you. Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought his judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger.” Zion is Jehovah’s approved organization upon which his name is called. The remnant thereof is yet on earth, and the multitude of their companions, the Lord’s “other sheep”, flee from religion and take refuge under God’s capital organization, The Theocracy. Both remnant and “other sheep” shall be hid from the expression of Jehovah’s fierce and consuming anger at Armageddon. His decree of destruction will not be directed at them. Its execution will be upon the peoples and nations who are “far removed” from his Theocracy in that they are opposed to it.

40 As one term of the Christian’s commission at the end of the world Jehovah by Christ Jesus issued the decree: “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” (Matt. 24:14) The remnant and their zealous companions willingly volunteer for this service. Since 1918 they have preached this Kingdom gospel everywhere on earth, including lands outside “Christendom”. Thus Jehovah’s decree has applied and been carried out in lands “far removed”. It must not be and it has not been confined to within the assembly halls of Jehovah’s covenant people, but has been carried forth abroad, far and wide.

41 Other renderings of the text are: “On that day far away shall be thy boundary” (Rotherham'); “In that day shall the bound be afar off.” (Variorum, margin) That is to say, Jehovah’s visible part of his organization on earth, together with the “strangers within her gates” who are companions of the remnant, shall increase in numbers and spread out in her realm of activity. Their boundary or bound shall not be limited, but shall be pushed out to the ends of the earth in order that all those seeking life under God’s Kingdom may be brought into the place of refuge and preservation before Jehovah’s decree against his foes is executed. Therefore his organization Zion, which had seemed to be barren of children before the birth of the Kingdom, in 1914, is now called upon to sing and cry aloud for joy. Why1 Because of the increase of the children of her organization and of their earthly companions: “For more are the children of the desolate [hitherto desolate Zion] than the children of the married wife, saith the Lord. Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords [guy ropes], and strengthen thy stakes [tent pins in the ground] : for thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles [the Lord’s 'other sheep’ from all nations], and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.” (Isa. 54:1-3) “Measure Jerusalem [the restored remnant thereof on earth], to see what is the breadth thereof, and what is the length thereof . . . Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls for the multitude of men and cattle therein.” —Zech. 2:2,4; 1:17.

42 In all lands the demon enemy organization desperately fights to prevent this increase of Jehovah’s organization. Nevertheless, even in the totalitarian-controlled lands the faithful witnesses continue to carry on against great obstacles and dangers. In the lands yet open for the work there is the final ingathering to be done of those who must turn to the Lord to be sheltered from the great whirlwind of Armageddon. For the comfort and strengthening of those willingly volunteering for the final work in these perilous times Jehovah says: “Fear not; for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west: I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth; even every one that is called by my name; for I have created him [to bear my name] for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. . . . Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord . . . This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.”—Isa. 43: 5-10, 21.

(To be concluded)

SAFETY DURING WORLD EMERGENCY

IN THIS year 1942 all nations are in the grip of fear.

In every nation there is internal distress and disturbance. Many think that armed conflict involving all nations of the earth is just at the threshold; and hence all nations are attempting to fortify themselves against such an emergency. Is there any way to escape to a place of safety? Only those who believe, understand and confidently rely upon God and his "Word know what is soon to come to pass. Sincere persons are anxious to know how and whence salvation may come.

The word “salvation” means deliverance from impending disaster, and the finding of refuge in a place of complete safety. Because the greatest tribulation ever to befall the world is just at the door an unexampled emergency confronts all the peoples of the earth. There are certain universal rules which are unchangeable and which disclose the cause of the impending disaster and also point to the only means of escape and safety. To become acquainted with those rules will result beneficially to those who give heed thereto. Both profane and sacred history furnish an abundance of proof that about 4,000 years ago the world fell under the overwhelming disaster of the flood and a few persons were saved. Since then from time to time other emergencies have arisen; but the greatest one of all is yet to come, and concerning that emergency the evidence is indisputable. Those who will now examine and weigh such evidence with unbiased mind will see that action must be taken immediately by those who may hope to escape to the place of safety. — See Matthew 24:14-19.

All persons of good-will and who desire to see righteousness prevail readily recognize that the great Creator is the Almighty God, “whose name alone is JEHOVAH” (Ps. 83:18), and that the Bible is a sacred record of the truth, which the Almighty God has caused to be kept for the aid of those who love that which is right. For the express purpose of telling the truth and being a witness for Jehovah, Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of the Almighty God, came into the world (John 18: 37) He bore testimony to God’s universal and unchangeable rules above mentioned which all men should learn for their own good lie made known the cause of disasters that befall men and nations, and plainly set forth the only means of escape to safety and complete salvation. He told of the flood of Noah's day and said that the wicked conditions that immediately preceded that deluge of waters would again exist throughout the earth, and which conditions would be proof that the greatest of all disasters was quickly to follow —Matt 24:37-39

Christ Jesus is the greatest of all prophets and was prefigured by Moses. (See Acts 3:20-23.) His prophecies must all come true, because he is the spokesman of Almighty God who tells of the purpose of Jehovah, whose purposes never fail to be carried out. (Isa 46 11,55 11) 'When we observe conditions that have come to pass about which Jesus prophesied, and see that the physical facts well known to us exactly fit the prophecy, then we are sure that it is the time for the fulfillment of the prophecy and that these events have come to pass for that very purpose Jesus prophesied concerning the conditions now existing in the world, and which conditions immediately precede and lead up to the greatest of all disasters that the world can ever have. He foretold the first world war, which began in 1914 and was suddenly stopped in 1918 He stated that such war would be accompanied or quickly followed bi famine, pestilence, and great disturbances in the earth, and that such would be the beginning of sorrows immediately preceding the great disaster soon to befall the world (Matt. 24:7) He prophesied that following the “war in heaven” described at Revelation 12:7-12 and accompanied by the World War on earth many woes would come upon the nations of the earth; and the facts show a fulfillment of that prophecy. He foretold that following the World War his true followers, who are witnesses for Jehovah, must go amongst the people and tell them the cause of these disturbances and inform them emphatically that the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For more than twenty years now that prophecy has been in course of fulfillment.

Christ Jesus further prophesied that the anti-Theocracy “abomination of desolation” would appear in the earth, and the Scriptures make it clear that such abomination is the combination or combined effort of the religious, political and commercial elements of “Christendom” to arbitrarily rule the peoples of the earth and take away all their liberties and make them serfs. That prophecy is now being fulfilled; and in this connection and for the benefit of all persons of good-will Jesus added that, ‘when you see the abomination of desolation standing where it ought not to stand, then flee to the mountains,’ that is, to God’s organization, the only place of safety, (Mark 13:14 , Matt. 24:15,16) And why flee then 1 Jesus answers: “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.” (Matt. 24:21) Concerning that great tribulation Jeremiah 25: 33 prophesies: “And the slain of the Lord shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth; they shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried; they shall be dung upon the ground.” Such prophecies now in course of fulfillment show that there is impending an emergency such as never before confronted the world.

It was long ago foretold: “Darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people” (Isa. 60:2) There never was a time in the history of the world when there was such great ignorance generally concerning God’s purpose as set forth in the Bible, and particularly amongst religionists. The people of good-will toward God are just within recent years coming into the light of a new day and these, being enlightened, see before them the great emergency. They see the mad waters of the river of humanity alienated from God rushing, like the Jordan river, downward to be swallowed up in the “Dead sea”, that is, the turbulent and uncontrollable conditions just ahead. They have a vision of the greatest catastrophe ever known, while all the other people, who are not of good-will, are totally ignorant of what is just ahead. The flood of waters or deluge in the days of Noah was a prophetic picture foretelling this very time and concerning which Jesus prophesied ; “And as it was in the days of No'e, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that No'e entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.”—Luke 17:26,27.

What will be the result to those not of good-will? and what is the possible means of escape? With the emergency aforementioned the whole world is now faced. What is done must be done quickly, and only those persons of good-will toward Jehovah God will give heed to the warning and act quickly and find the place of safety.

Humankind could have escaped falling into such a world emergency and period of destruction. God created the earth for man, and then created perfect man and woman and put them on the earth to inhabit it. (Isa. 45:12, 18) To the perfect human pair God issued his mandate to “be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth”. (Gen. 1:28, Rotherham) God made Lucifer a spirit creature or invisible overlord of the world, including perfect man. (Ezek. 28:14,15) At that time all creation in heaven and earth gave honor to Jehovah God, and that properly so, because every creature owes the privilege of life to the Almighty God. The exception to this rule was Lucifer, who began to covet what he was not entitled to, namely, the honor and praise that was rightfully bestowed upon the Almighty God.

Lucifer rebelled against God and attempted to set himself up as God’s equal, and in this rebellion he led away from the path of righteousness both angels and men, and Adam found himself involved in that rebellion. The name Lucifer Jehovah God then changed to that of Satan, which means “adversary”; and to Dragon, which means “devour- er”; and to Serpent, which means “deceiver” , and to Devil, which means “slanderer”. Since then that great rebel has been known by the four names, Dragon, Satan, Old Serpent, and the Devil. (Rev. 20: 2) The Devil then defied God and challenged him to put on the earth men who would prove faithful and loyal to God, and at the same time Satan declared he could cause all men to curse God to His face (Job 2:4-6) That wicked challenge of the Devil raised the question as to who is supreme and who shall exercise universal domination. If Satan could cause al) men to curse God, that would prove Satan at least the equal of Jehovah God, if not his superior. God would have all creation to hear and see the proof, that there could nei er be a real doubt as to who is the supreme one. God had entered the judgment of death against Satan, but, instead of destroying him immediately, God deferred the execution of that judgment and accepted the challenge of Satan in order to give Satan full opportunity to make proof of his boastful challenge. Therefore God said to the wicked one “But for this cause have I allowed thee to remain, in order to show thee my power.” (Ex. 9- 16, Leeser) Thus it is seen that God announced his purpose to give Satan the rebel a full and free opportunity to prove his challenge and that in due time the day of final reckoning must come, and that when that day arrives God would first cause his name to be declared in all the earth and then he would exhibit his supreme power against his adversary, the Devil Adam and Eve, because of the sin of rebellion, were also sentenced to death, but God permitted them to live for a season that they might bring forth children that could never fulfill the divine mandate to fill the earth with a righteous race of people, because they were sinners, but they could exercise the function of producing their own species, even though they were imperfect. All of their children were hence born in sin and shapen in lawlessness, and for that reason all such must in due time die. (Ps. 51 5, Rom. 5:12) Emphasizing the issue of supremacy God gave his word of promise that in his due time he would send to the world a Savior who would purchase the human race or offspring of Adam and that he would provide a means whereby those so purchased might be saved and receive life everlasting. That would mean that all of the offspring of Adam who escape and who are saved must comply with Jehovah’s rules and must maintain their integrity toward God, and all so doing would be a vindication of Jehovah’s name; and that of itself would prove Satan a liar.

God did not deprive Satan of overlordship of the world, but permitted him to continue in that position in order that he might have a free hand to carry out his wicked challenge, if possible. Thereafter when Jesus was on the earth Satan was the invisible prince or overlord of the world, and Jesus spoke of Satan as “the prince of this world”. (John 12:31; 14:30) Satan well knew that if God should set up a kingdom on earth, with Christ Jesus as the King and invisible overlord, that would mean Satan’s rulership must end and his execution must take place. Satan therefore determined to exercise everything within his power to defeat God’s purpose. The kingdom of heaven, with Christ Jesus as King, is the deadly foe of Satan and of his advocates. While Jesus was on the earth the Devil and his religious agents continuously attempted to kill Jesus, and finally succeeded in having him wrongfully convicted of treason and causing his death on the tree. God suffered Jesus to thus be put to death, knowing that he would raise Jesus out of death as a spirit creature and place him at the head of his kingdom and that this would be accomplished in his own good time and to his own glory.

Jesus had told his disciples that he must go away and receive the kingdom and that then he would return and take unto himself his faithful disciples who should be associated with him in his kingdom. (John 14-1-3; Luke 22:28-30) Within three days after his laying down his life God raised Jesus out of death, and he was clothed with full power and authority in heaven and earth; and m forty days thereafter he ascended into heaven, and he was then the King of the world, the duly anointed and commissioned Ruler, whose right it is to rule. (Matt 28:18; Phil. 2: 9-11; Acts 2: 32-36) Thereafter the faithful apostles of Jesus Christ continued to look for his second coming and his kingdom, about which he had informed them and which he stated to them would take place at the end of Satan’s world.

All the true followers of Christ Jesus for centuries have likewise looked for and hoped for the coming of that kingdom under the Lord Jesus Christ. So keenly interested in his coming and his kingdom were the apostles that they propounded to Jesus this question, shortly before his death: “What shall be the sign [evidence] of thy coming. and of the end of the world [that is, the end of Satan’s uninterrupted rule]?” (Matt. 24:3) In response to that question Jesus said that the first evidence discernible by men would be the world war, in which nation would rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. That came to pass in A.D. 1914. Jesus said that the war would be quickly followed by famine and pestilence and earthquakes ; and everyone knows that these things did quickly follow the World War. Then Jesus said to his disciples: ‘When you see the abomination that maketh desolate standing where it ought not to stand [that is, claiming the right and authority to rule the world], then flee to the kingdom.’ (Matt. 24:15,16; Mark 13:14) That has also come to pass at the present time, in this, that a few men, called dictators, and the great religious system of the world together claim the right to rule and regiment the people and take away their liberties and to rule the world in the place and stead of Christ the King. Furthermore Jesus said that great woes would come upon the peoples of the earth because of the activities of the Devil to thwart God’s purpose. (Rev. 12:12) All the world is now experiencing woes such as never before have afflicted the nations, and these woes have come with increasing force since the end of the first world war, in 1918.

As further evidence of his invisible presence in the spirit as King of the new world and also as evidence of the end of Satan’s uninterrupted rule, Jesus said: “There shall be . . . upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea [meaning the peoples alienated from God] and the waves [the radical, disturbing elements thereof made mad by the present conditions] roaring [causing much trouble] ; men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth.”—Luke 21:25, 26.

Exactly those conditions now prevail upon the earth, as every observing person well knows. During all the time of the existing conditions aforementioned, evidencing Christ’s presence and the end of Satan’s uninterrupted rule, Jesus declares and commands to his faithful remnant of anointed followers: “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end [the final end] come.”—Matt. 24:14.

It follows that those who love God and Christ must obey this commandment. In obedience thereto a little company of Christian people made up of men and women who are known as “Jehovah’s witnesses” have been and are still continuing to go about the country preaching the good news of the kingdom of God. This preaching of the gospel must continue until the great threatening emergency comes to a climax. When this preaching of the good news of the Kingdom is completed, and it shortly will be, according to all indications, what shall follow? The final end of Satan’s ruling organization, and that amidst the greatest trouble of all time: “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.”—Matt. 24: 21.

That great tribulation is the battle of Armageddon, which conflict is also called “the battle of that great day of God Almighty”. (Rev. 16:14-16) It is the battle of Almighty God because in it he will finally and for ever settle the question at issue as to who is supreme and whether God can carry out his announced purpose by his Theocratic Government under Christ Jesus or not. That great battle will result in the complete destruction of every trace of Satan’s supporters and organization, both invisible and visible. The demon rule of the world shall for ever end Armageddon having ended with victory for Jehovah and his Theocracy, the righteous rule shall prevail everywhere in the universe, including our earth. Gradually the earth will be brought to a condition of Edenic paradise, because such is the promise of Almighty God, who made the earth to be inhabited by righteous men. Gradually the earth will be filled with righteous people by means of the survivors of Armageddon who now see the emergency ahead and who flee from the religious-totalitarian organization of the world and take refuge under God’s kingdom or Theocracy and trust in Him for salvation. Such “great multitude” of Armageddon survivors shall be favored with the privilege of carrying out the divine mandate to “multiply and fill the earth” with their offspring, born in righteousness and unto life under a perfect, righteous government.

PIONEERING IN CUPAR, FIFE CO., SCOTLAND

“After sitting inside a barber's shop for a few minutes I spied the price list—l0d. for a haircut. I thought this a bit stiff, and was prepared to leave, but decided to sit still. A few minutes elapsed, and a polite ‘Good evening’ from a young girl who serves in the shop. On seeing my magazine bag on the seat she asked if I was finished for the day and what did I actually do. I briefly explained, producing Salvation and Theocracy. ‘Oh, I have that red book,’ she said, ‘but I will take the small one.’ I then proceeded to introduce the model-study work and arranged for a model study. Our conversation was heard by those in the shop (four), including the barber. The mention of ‘Jehovah’s witnesses’ resulted in some meaning glances going round. Seeing this I walked over to the barber, who was shaving a gent. I explained how we had been much misrepresented by the press, and told him of the Theocratic rule. He seemed impressed, and started asking questions. After a few explanations he admitted: ‘This Theocracy is all right!’ I made the bold suggestion that I had the lecture recording ‘Government and Peace’ (Parts 1-4) with me and if he cared I would play them for him right there. He agreed; so on went ‘Government and Peace’ in the barber’s shop. He even left his clients in order that he could follow it in the booklet. By this time he seemed quite excited. Others in the shop were drawn into the conversation, and, needless to say, none had a better government than The Theocracy. I was getting my hair cut by this time. The barber told the girl not to use the electric clippers, as he could not hear all. My hair cut and the model study arranged, I was about to leave, when they asked if I had had tea, and they offered a cup, which I gladly accepted. I was ushered into a little cubicle where the girl was also having tea; so I kept on witnessing to her. Just as we had finished our tea in rushed the barber: ‘Play these records to this man!’ and to the newcomer he said: ‘These are Jehovah’s witnesses, who have been greatly misrepresented. Just you listen to this Theocracy! It’s all right!’ On went ‘Government and Peace’ again. Of course, there were many questions and queer ideas, but I think I made things clear. The girl and the barber were arguing as to who should listen and who should attend to the customers All this ended in an attendance of eight, Salvation placed, a model study arranged, and three hours’ witnessing in a barber’s shop. I think this is the finest opportunity I have had of making known Jehovah’s King and kingdom.”

GROWING INTEREST IN THEOCRACY (MASS.)

“Here in our assignment it continues and was given quite an impetus when ‘Father’ Currie himself showed up three weeks ago at our little room where we hold a public Children study. Nineteen Catholics (many had attended mass that morning) were sitting with their books, and I as chairman was just starting the meeting, when the door opened and there stood ‘Father’ Currie, arrogant and bold. He would not remove his hat and looked the gathering over carefully. At his side stood one of the ‘principal of the flock’, a prominent Portuguese businessman, a sort of bellwether. I asked: ‘What is your business, sir!’ Answer: ‘I am looking to see if any of my Catholic people are here.’ My reply was: ‘There are none here, sir; what you see are some of the “other sheep” class, and they belong to the Lord, and not to you or me.’ I realized that these ‘sheep’ must not be disturbed by any ‘dog”, and a ‘dumb’ one at that; so up I got and went to the door and outside. Currie refused to talk and went to his car with his companion, and I went back and quieted the ‘sheep’ and proceeded to our study. The next day I took along a fellow witness and went to the rectory and spent three- quarters of an hour in his study. I made it plain that he was entirely out or order, had violated our constitutional rights in attempting to intimidate those attending a peaceable assembly, that he lacked even common courtesy in failing to remove his hat, and that if anything even remotely resembling his act occurred again I would take it up with the attorney general’s office. His hands shook; he made feeble reply that he would tell his people what he wished. I heartily agreed that such was his privilege, but warned him that overt acts committed were quite another matter. I outlined the usual technique of the Roman Hierarchy during its 1500 years of existence and suggested that he flee from the devilish system before he died with it. I suggested that, since nearly all his parishioners had Children, he do so too. He has it now, as well as The Watchtower, Consolation, booklet, etc. The following week he was seen to spend much time interviewing the people, also the owner of our little hall (a Catholic). We also spent the week among these honest but perplexed Catholics.

“The reaction was good to see. Remarks like this were frequent: ‘What a nerve he had!’ The result was that our attendance nearly doubled the following Sunday: 33 in attendance. We also went to see Currie’s companion and followed the same procedure there. We found the man’s wife devoted to the Lord . . . This episode was the principal topic of conversation for some time among these good Portuguese people. Thereafter one of our back- calls got up her courage, and came to a meeting a week ago. During the following week the priest came to her house to give “holy communion’ to the elderly mother, who was blind. The priest was informed they would dispense with his services from that date forward. Amazed, he asked: “What are you reading?’ Children was brought out. He got one look, put on his hat, and out he went!”

GIVING REAL “BEAUTY FOR ASHES” (SEATTLE)

“This witness is a beauty operator and owns her own little shop. She has a radio there, and in the little room back of the shop she has a radio broadcaster. Whenever she is giving a permanent wave she transmits the recorded lectures, mostly ‘Comfort All That Mourn’. She keeps a file of- all her customers concerning their hair-do, so she just writes on each card what lecture she played for that customer and the literature she placed. She has a file of over six hundred names since last April. I might add that it has not hurt her business in the least. She has more customers than she can handle, and those that do not like the talks just do not come back. If a witness happens to be witnessing from house to house anywhere in the district of her shop, the ladies that answer the doors say: ‘Oh, I heard those talks at the beauty shop!’ ”

No. LXIII June 15, 1942 No 12

MICAH

PART 11

"And it shall come to pass in that day, that the Lord shall set his hand again the second time to recover the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria, and from Egypt, and from Pathros, and from Cush, and from Elam, and from Shinar, and from Hamath, and from the islands of the sea.” — Isa. 11:11.

JEHOVAH is interested in a remnant of people and promises to do great things for them, while the world looks on. Can you afford to be uninterested just because a remnant is small and seemingly of no importance? Those who are wise and who measure the real value of things do well to consider with lively interest this remnant. Not that those of the remnant are important in themselves, but it is because they are Jehovah’s “remnant of his people” and he deals with them differently from his manner of action toward all the nations and peoples of the world. By the consideration of these things now in the days of great combat between “the king of the north” and "the king of the south” over world domination, and by not letting the turn of such combat take your attention off the all-important things, great truths are learned which mean peace, comfort, joy, life and security, if followed. The term “remnant” points to something greater of which the remnant are but a part remaining visible on the earth. What is significant is that the remnant are part of or are in line for Almighty God’s organization Zion. Zion occupies the place as capital over all God s universal organization, and which capital is his Righteous Government called “The Theocracy’’. It is in the great “day of Jehovah”, beginning in A.D. 1914, that His Theocratic Government under its King Christ Jesus comes to the fore and takes power. From then on all other governments must wane in power and finally disappear. At the same time, however, Jehovah does great things for the remnant on earth who represent that Theocracy. Hence it is of exceeding value and importance to watch the movements of the remnant under Jehovah’s direction. Why? Because such are visible proofs to the eye that the heavenly Theocracy has come into power and rules. All must submit themselves and render allegiance to it, if they would live for ever.

2 From the fateful day in Eden when perfect man willfully rebelled by disobedience against the Theocratic rule of his Maker, Satan the Devil has known of Jehovah’s purpose then expressed to set up The Theocratic Government in the hands of The Seed, His Christ, whom Jehovah would bring forth from his “woman” or universal organization. (Gen. 3:15) Satan failed in his murderous efforts to destroy that Seed and also those followers in Christ's footsteps who have already proved their faithfulness unto death and who are now associated with him in the heavenly glory of The Theocracy. The great Theocrat Jehovah has designated 144,000 as the full number to be united with the King Christ Jesus in The Theocracy in the heavens. The full number thereof have not yet been transferred from earth to the invisible heavens. A remnant are yet on earth to visibly represent and make known The Theocracy and its immediate acts which now affect the life and destiny of all individuals, organizations and nations of the world.

3 For that reason Satan the Devil hates the remnant even as he hates their Leader and King Christ Jesus. The “remnant” are the Israelites after the spirit. They are made up of those who have consecrated their lives to Jehovah God through faith in the Savior Christ Jesus, and whom God has justified to life and begotten of his spirit to be his sons. Out of all those in “Christendom” professing covenant relationship with God these continue to keep their covenant with him and to be faithful to His kingdom. Satan tried to destroy and prevent the organizing of the remnant for the service on earth of The Theocracy. At the beginning of that Government in this “day of Jehovah” Satan stirred up the world war (1914-1918) waged by “the king of the north” on the reactionary side and “the king of the south” on the progressive, democratic side. Using such conflict as an excuse, Satan by his religious agents on earth stopped the Kingdom proclamation by God’s consecrated ones and caused them to be scattered, disorganized, and restrained in all lands of “Christendom”. This included the nations composing “the king of the north” (pictured by ancient Assyria north of Palestine) and those nations composing “the king of the south’’ (pictured by Egypt, which land is now allied with Britain and America).

4 The great enemy of The Theocracy has been foiled in his efforts to prevent the unifying and organizing of Jehovah’s remnant for Theocratic service. Again the Almighty God has made good his word and proved the truth thereof by bringing to pass Micah’s prophecy in our time, to wit: “In that day [the day of Jehovah, beginning 1914] also he [the remnant] shall come even to thee from Assyria, and from the fortified cities, and from the fortress even to the river, and from sea to sea. and from mountain to mountain.” (Mic. 7: 12) It is the remnant that comes from all these scattered places from and after A.D. 1918, when the armistice was declared between “the king of the north” and “the king of the south”. Their coming means that Zion, God’s capital organization, has been built up, for it is unto Zion that the remnant comes for service. “For Jehovah hath, built up Zion; he hath appeared in his glory. He hath regarded the prayer of the destitute [remnant], and hath not despised their prayer. This shall be written for the generation to come; and a people which shall be created shall praise Jehovah.” (Ps. 102: 16-18, Am. Rev. Ver.) “And the ransomed [remnant] of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs, and everlasting joy upon their heads: they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.” (Isa. 35:10) The nations making up the "king of the north” combine had part in the scattering of those making up the remnant; but the Lord God has delivered them from the power of that “king”, the religious part of which combine has its headquarters at Vatican City, Italy.

5 It is no new thing that is seen being carried on today by “the king of the north”, to wit, the transfer of whole populations of states or provinces away to distant and separated parts in order to have the exclusive use and control of the territory of such states or provinces. Assyria and its successor in power, Babylon, did that very thing six centuries before Christ. They desolated the land of Israel and transplanted the Israelite inhabitants afar off to the heathen lands of the conquerors to be the slaves of the “master race”. That ancient world power of Assyria, and thereafter Babylon, was the instrument of the Devil. His purpose in removing the Israelites far off from their own borders and dispersing them was to wipe out the typical Theocracy over the Jews and to prevent their ever reorganizing again. Thereby the Devil established himself as “the god of this world”. He boasted that he had proved his power in the great issue between himself and Jehovah God, of universal domination. The Devil received a setback when Jehovah overturned Babylon and brought back the remnant of faithful Jews to his Holy Land and rebuilt the temple and also the city of Jerusalem and surrounded her with strong walls of protection. Then that remnant, as a pattern of the remnant of spiritual Israelites today, sang: “Jehovah hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad.” (Ps. 126: 3, .1 m Rev. Ver.) Today in the sight of this modern world Jehovah has repeated this performance of supremacy over the enemy Satan and his world organization. Since 1918 Jehovah has brought forth the remnant to be a “people for his name”.—Acts 15: 14.

6 “And from the fortified cities” the remnant comes also. From “the cities of Mazor”, reads the Jewish Leeser translation. Since the name “Egypt”, or Miznaim (Hebrew), is derived from “Mazor", the Rotherham and American Revised Version renderings read: “And from the cities of Egypt.” This agrees with the fact that in 1918 the lands of "the king of the south”, which includes the United States, took the final action in scattering Jehovah's consecrated servants who were proclaiming the coming of His kingdom under Christ. The expression "fortified cities” marks that as a time of the world being armed for war, followed by merely an armistice or temporary laying down of arms, as is proved by the physical facts of 1942. Jehovah again demonstrated his power over the “god of this world” and stopped the world conflict in 1918. He removed all barriers to the regathering of his devoted ones and the organizing of his remnant. He sent them forth as his witnesses before the tribulation breaks again at Armageddon and the final end of the nations comes. This ‘shortening of the days of tribulation for the sake of His elect’ is meant in the following prophecy (Isa. 11: 15,16): “And the Lord shall utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea [as a barrier] ; and with his mighty wind shall he shake his hand over the river, and shall smite it in the seven streams, and make men go over dry-shod. And there shall be an highway for the remnant of his people, which shall be left, from Assyria; like as it was to Israel in the day that he came up out of the land of Egypt.”

7 “And from the fortress even to the river.” “And from Mazor” (Leeser); “yea. from Egypt” (Rotherham); “and from Egypt even to the River” (Am. Rev. Ver.). The river here meant is the river Euphrates, upon which both Assyria and Babylon were situated. It was mentioned in God’s promise to Abraham, to wit: “In the same day, the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt [MizRaim] unto the great river, the river Euphrates.” (Gen. 15: 18) That great river was used as a symbol of the “peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues” upon which the great “whore”, Babylon, Satan’s organization, sits in control and is borne up by such peoples alienated from Jehovah God. (Rev. 17 :1,15) Beside that great symbolical river have been held God’s consecrated spirit-begotten ones whom he frees from the oppressive power of the “great whore” sitting on those waters. Then He calls them to be his message bearers to the nations. This was pictured in the symbols of Revelation when it was commanded to “the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels [messengers] which are bound in the great river Euphrates. And the four angels were loosed”. (Rev. 9:14,15) At the same time the corresponding prophecy began to be fulfilled: “And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the wav of the kings of the east might be prepared.” —Rev. 16:12.

8 The drying up of Euphrates’ water is accomplished by turning the people having good-will toward God away from flowing to the support of Babylon and her religious organization. That the “four angels” symbolizing the remnant had been loosed from Babylon's power and were now messengers of his Kingdom is marked by the fact: In 1927, in Toronto, Canada, an international assembly of thousands of Christians, Jehovah’s witnesses, from many countries was held. On the closing day thereof the speech “Freedom for the Peoples” was delivered to the visible audience and also to millions in an invisible audience by a network of 53 radio stations, the greatest radio chain till then. Thereafter that message of freedom was printed and published by the millions of copies, and was instrumental in freeing many and turning them aside from Babylon and her religion and unto the truth, which truth “shall make you free”. Those freed were not only of the remnant class, but also of persons of good-will who devote themselves to God and his Kingdom and become the Lord’s “other sheep”. Whence come they?

9 “From sea to sea, and from mountain to mountain,” says Micah. This means the seven seas, together with their multitude of isles. (Ps. 97:1; Isa. 42:12; 11:11; 51:5) Jehovah’s work by his remnant of anointed witnesses has had as wide a sweep as that. Now for some time the people of good-will have been leaving the “sea” of peoples which are alienated from God and subject to Satan’s unclean organization: and the numbers coming to Zion are increasing. This has come under the notice of both “the king of the north” and “the king of the south”. Daniel 11:45 foretells the desperate action shortly that all nations going totalitarian will take to hold persons of good-will away from The Theocracy, symbolized by Mount Zion: “And he [the totalitarian combine] shall plant the tabernacles of his palace between the seas [and] the glorious holy mountain; yet he shall come to his end, and none shall help him.” (Young's translation) Jehovah also gathers his “sheep” from the mountains which are the backbone of Satan's visible earthly organization. To those mountains the people are taught by the clergy to look for protection and safety and a stable world. By Jehovah's Theocratic message widely proclaimed by his remnant he opens the eyes of his “other sheep” to see the truth: “Truly in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains; truly in the Lord [Jehovah] our God is the salvation of Israel.” (Jer. 3: 23) These “other sheep” have been scattered by the false shepherds over all these “mountains” or ruling powers of the world. (Ezek. 34:6) After those who are yet scattered the Lord God sends his witnesses as hunters to do a thorough searching work, to locate the strayed and misled ones that desire to come into the fold under the protection of his Theocracy, Mount Zion, and its King, Christ Jesus, the Good Shepherd. “And after will I send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every mountain, and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks. For mine eyes are upon all their ways.”—Jer. 16:16,17.

10 In connection with the gathering of the sheep the Lord says: “Notwithstanding, the land shall be desolate because of them that dwell therein, for the fruit of their doings.” (Mie. 7: 13) 'Whose land? It’ it refers to the earthly condition of Jehovah's servants during the affliction of 1914-1918. then the marginal reading of the text is the correct one: “After that it hath been desolate” ; that is, after that the remnant shall come to Zion from Assyria, Egypt, etc. Their desolate condition due to the enemy action is referred to at verse 9 of the chapter, where the remnant says: “I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against him, until he plead my cause and execute judgment for me.” (See the preceding article, Part 10, of this series.) The indignation of the Lord against the remnant passed by 1922 and. though now sorely persecuted by the enemy, never again shall the remnant be desolated by them.

11 Other translations make the word “land” to apply to “the earth” outside of the condition occupied by the remnant and their companions which is “the holy land". Since this is so, it concerns and should interest all peoples. “Yet shall the land be desolate” (Am. Rev. Ver.); “While the land (of the nations) shall be made desolate because of its inhabitants, for the fruit of their doings.” (Leeser) This includes particularly “Christendom”, and shows the sharp difference between her condition and that of the remnant. The remnant bear the fruits God puts into their hands, the fruits of the Kingdom, the life-giving truths thereof, and which the remnant have borne to the dying peoples by word of mouth, by printed page, by recorded speech and sound equipment, by radio, and by all means of publication and distribution. The remnant's condition has been and is a fruitful one, whereby Jehovah God and his Theocratic Government have been glorified. (John 15:8) “Christendom's” fruit is anti-Theocracy and has developed into the political-religious counterfeit for God’s Kingdom, to wit, “the abomination of desolation.” “Their doings” are all for the world domination by “both these kings” aforenamed, and are in opposition to The Theocracy, and they hatefully persecute those witnessing to that Righteous Government. “Christendom,” contrary to her claim to be God’s kingdom, has not brought forth fruit unto God, but is like the deceitful fig tree which Christ Jesus cursed and which thereafter withered in death. “Be not deceived: God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” (Gal. 6:7) “Christendom” claiming to be God's, it is inescapable that her reward should be according to her works judged according to whether her works are for or against His Theocratic Government by Christ Jesus. (Rev. 22:12) To her Jehovah says: “I will punish you according to the fruit of your doings.” (Jer. 21:14) “Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.” (Isa. 3:10,11) “Christendom" is desolate, without fruit unto God now. The Kingdom interests have been taken away from her, and at Armageddon she shall be completely desolated, destroyed.

THEOCRATIC RULE

12 The prophecy then voices the prayer of the remnant that God’s rule be put into operation among his organized people on earth. His rule is not “popular rule”, but is Theocratic rule. “Feed thy people [(Rotherham) Shepherd thou thy people] with thy rod, the flock of thine heritage, which dwell solitarily in the wood, in the midst of Carmel: let them feed in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old." (Mic. 7: 14) This request for feeding and shepherding is addressed not to the religious clergy, who speak of their congregations as “my flock”, nor to “elective elders” over companies of the consecrated, but to the Great Shepherd, Jehovah. (Ps. 23:1) “Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves: we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” (Ps. 100:3) Jehovah’s “rod” is his Mighty One, Christ Jesus, “the Chief Shepherd.” He has now come to the temple and judges first “the house of God” and thereafter all the nations, the people of which he divides as “sheep” and “goats”. (1 Pet. 5: 4; 4: 17; Matt. 25: 31, 32) His “rod of iron” is reserved for the anti-Theocratic nations, to dash them to shivers; but as for the remnant of Jehovah’s “little flock” it is written: “Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” (Ps. 23:4) Concerning Jehovah's “Rod”, the One who majestically represents God's authority, it is prophesied: “He shall stand, and shall feed his flock in the strength of Jehovah, in the majesty of the name of Jehovah his God: and they shall abide; for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth.” — Mic. 5:4, Am. Rev. Ver.

13 Hence it is positively assured the remnant: “For the rod of the wicked shall not rest upon the lot of the righteous; lest the righteous put forth their hands unto iniquity.” (Ps. 125: 3) The “king of the north's” religious crowd would like to get in by the use of “fifth column” dupes, but the angels watch the entrances to God’s spiritual temple and Holy City. (Ezek. 40: 9,10; Rev. 21:12, 27) The wicked may try the rod of regimentation, but Jehovah's covenant people who have given him their word will not modify the routine of their lives and change from God’s work and way and conform to the totalitarian way. They continue to do the one thing stated in the Lord's commission to them, to preach this Kingdom gospel The wicked may persecute, but that does not affect the internal order of the organization, nor break up the unity of spirit and purpose and action, nor stop the submission and obedience to “the Higher Powers", God and Christ Jesus. Only the Lord's “rod” stays placed. The “elective elders” have been cleared out from “'being lords over God’s heritage'’. (1 Pet. 5:3) The faithful remnant and companions put forth theii hand to no iniquity, but only to God’s prescribed work.

14 The firstfruits belong unto God. His “little flock” are a “kind of firstfruits of his creatures”. “These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.” (Jas. 1: 18; Rev. 14:4) This flock is therefore God’s “heritage". It is a serious thing, therefore, for Satan’s organization Babylon to try to destroy Jehovah's heritage and prevent Him from having it for his use and purpose. It is his Theocracy under Christ Jesus Concerning Babylon of the land of the Chaldeans Jehovah says: “Chaldea shall be a spoil: all that spoil her shall be satisfied, saith the Lord. Because ye were glad, because ye rejoiced, O ye destroyers of mine heritage.” (Jer. 50:10-13) Let the persecutor nations be advised that Jehovah “will also gather all nations, and will bring them down into the valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for my people and for my heritage Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations, and parted my land”. (Joel 3:1, 2) “They break in pieces thy people, O Lord, and afflict thine heritage.”—Ps. 94:5.

15 The prophet describes the singular condition of Jehovah’s covenant people during the affliction of 1918: “the flock of thine heritage, which dwell solitarily m the wood, in the midst of Carmel.” “Cannel’ means a planted “field (garden, orchard, vineyard or park)” and is elsewhere translated “fruitful (plentiful) field”. Hence Rotherham renders the text: “Dwell thou alone a jungle in the midst of a fruitful field.” (See Isaiah 37:24, margin.) Round about the then unregulated, disorganized condition of God’s consecrated ones the Devil’s organization seemed to bloom and be fruitful with success and prosperity. But such is merely the forerunner of its destruction: “When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the v orkers of iniquity do flourish, it is that they shall be destroyed for ever.” (Ps. 92: 7) Now, opposite to that former condition under God’s indignation, the prophetic prayer says: “Let them feed in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old.”

16 Bashan and Gilead lay east of the Jordan and were occupied by the tribes of Reuben and Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, because being excellent sections of the Holy Land for flocks and cattle. (Deut. 3:12,13; Num. 32:1,16, 33) The prophet speaks of Jehovah’s remnant as a “flock”, “the flock of thine heritage,” and here therefore he fittingly mentions only the sheep-raising regions. But those two regions, Bashan and Gilead, being part of the Holy Land, stand representatively for the whole of it. For God's flock to be freed from Babylon and placed at liberty in God’s organization “as in the days of old” means as in the days when Christ Jesus and the apostles were still alive and active on earth. Then they freely and boldly preached throughout the land, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand!” Then the Good Shepherd personally led and fed the “little flock". However, the prophecy may also mean as during the forty-year period prior to 1918 known as the “Elijah period” because foreshadowed by the prophet Elijah’s activities against the priests and prophets of religion. During that “Elijah period” Jehovah’s Messenger was preparing the way for the Lord's coming to the temple for judgment. (Mal. 3:1-4) Letting the restored remnant feed thus means a great spread of the Kingdom witness work “in all the world for a witness unto all nations”. (Matt. 24:14) For years the Lord’s visible instrument for directing the witness, to wit, the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, had forty branches in key cities throughout the world. That was before Catholic dictator Hitler’s blitzkrieg got under way destroying democratic rights and liberties and fighting The Theocracy. But Hitler and his Axis partners of the totalitarian religious “abomination of desolation” have not been able to prevent portions from the Great Shepherd’s table from going to his faithful sheep even in the Axis-dominated lands, and they continue to give the witness to the Kingdom according to the way that the Lord has arranged. Consequently there also the Lord's “other sheep” continue to be gathered.

17 The Lord responds to the prayer of the remnant: “According to the days of thy coming [forth] out of the land of Egypt will I shew unto him marvellous things.” (Mic. 7 :15) This statement of Jehovah himself shows that the ten plagues upon Egypt, the Jews’ passover there, their deliverance from that house of bondage, the crossing of the Red sea and the engulfing of the pursuing Egyptian chariots and armies were typical, that is, prophetic patterns of far grander things to come to pass in this “day of Jehovah”, when He makes a name for himself and vindicates it. The prophet Moses back there foreshadowed Jehovah's great Prophet, Christ Jesus, to whom the covenant people of God must now hearken or else be destroyed. That Greater Moses has come to the temple, and the judgment is on. The choice is set before creatures, Obey, and live; fail or refuse to obey, and die! — Deut. 18:15-18; Acts 3:22,23; 7:37; Deut. 30:15,19.

18 By the hand of that Greater Moses Jehovah commands and leads his people forth into liberty from antitypical Egypt, Satan's world. The preliminary nine plagues upon Egypt correspond with the judgment message from the Lord God expo-ing Satan's world and its official elements, and that “strange work” by Jehovah through the Greater Moses and the remnant of his brethren on earth has been going on since A.D. 1922. Then also the plagues foretold in Revelation 16 began to be poured out particularly on “Christendom”. The tenth plague, the destruction of the firstborn of antitypical Egypt, is a visible part of Jehovah’s "strange act”. It will strike them at the battle of Armageddon. The Lord God used his remnant under Christ and their companions to perform a part in the “strange work” of pouring out the preliminary plagues, and thereafter in His due time he has opened their eyes to understand the significance and how they had a part in the fulfilling of prophecy. Thereby he has shown unto them "marvellous things”. By his revealed prophecies they see by faith his marvellous “strange act’ at Armageddon to the eternal glory and vindication of his name. Then they shall sing as did the Israelites standing delivered on the other side of the Red sea. They shall see the salvation of Jehovah.-— Ex. 15:1-21; 14:13.

19 “The nations shall see and be confounded [(Ann Rev. Ver.) The nations shall see and be ashamed] at all their might: they shall lay their hand upon their mouth, their ears shall be deaf.” (Mic. 7 :16) The might and valor of Jehovah’s remnant in his “strange work”, which is destructive to religion, has been seen by all the nations, particularly “Christendom”, and they have been put to shame by such zeal for Jehovah. The religionists do not have the zeal that is peculiar to the Lord’s house and they are forced to admit that fact. (Ps. 69: 9) Concerning Jehovah’s anointed remnant and their companions carrying on the Kingdom proclamation under stiff opposition and demoniacal persecution the prophecy said aforetime: '‘But the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.” (Dan. 11: 32) Their strength and might are in Jehovah and his King, and they are valorous and courageous because of the backing of those '“Higher Powers”. During the enforced restraint upon Jehovah's covenant people in 1918 the religionists of all the nations opened their mouths wide in selfcredit for the seeming triumph, and in bragging, and in praise to the “‘god of this world”. Jehovah’s delivery of his people and thereafter using them to declare his name and kingdom throughout all nations where they had been persecuted and suppressed completely surprised the cocky religionists. It silenced their boasts and self-congratulations. They were terrified. (Rev. 11:10-12) "If thou hast done foolishly in lifting up thyself, or if thou hast thought evil, lay thine hand upon thy mouth.” (Prov. 30:32) '‘The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth." (Ps. 107:42) Let this not be understood to mean, however, that the enemy have ceased to reproach Jehovah God and to misrepresent, slander, falsely accuse, and taunt his faithful witnesses and their companions in service. In wild desperation the enemy indulge in that more viciously than ever. The Lord shall stop their wagging tongues in due time. At Armageddon "their tongue shall consume away in their mouth".—Zech. 14:12.

20‘‘Their ears shall be silent.” (Rotheham) Their ears itched to hear self-praise and good reports of progress in keeping Jehovah’s people under and out of action; but have now been deafened by the turn of events due to the Lord. Much as their ears have been tickled by hearing self-praise and flattery over past successes against the publishers of Jehovah's kingdom by Christ Jesus, now their ears are closed to such because the witness work moves on in spite of mobs, mischief framed by law, violent Catholic Action, and other forms of persecution and opposition. Their honors with the world count for nothing as long as Jehovah’s witnesses are loose and active; as the newly-honored Amalekite Haman said of Jehovah's faithful witness Mordecai: “Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate." (Esther 3:13) The ears of the modern Haman class and their allies have already been deafened by the success of Jehovah's "strange work”, but His "strange act” against them is just ahead, at Armageddon. Then the booming of God’s supernatural artillery, the pealing of his wartrumpets, the victory shouts of the hosts of heaven as they sweep forward conquering all opposers, will deafen the enemies’ ears. In confusion they shall be deaf to commands from their own superior officers and employers. At the terrific demonstration of Jehovah’s power used in war action the relictions, commercial and political elements and their supporters will be both deaf and dumb with amazement, uncanny fear, shame and bitter disappointment at their final defeat. Compare Habakkuk 3:9-16.

21 “They shall lick the dust like a serpent, they shall move out of their holes like worms of the earth: they shall be afraid of the Lord our God, and shall fear because of thee.” (Mic. 7 :17) They are the “seed” of the Serpent that strike behind the back and at the heel. There is no food in dust, but it represents the low, dry, worthless things, without life. Licking the dust means their debasement to the level of the devilish enemy of God sentenced by Jehovah God to destruction under the heel of The Seed of God s “woman”. (Gen. 3:14.15) “Dust shall be the serpent meat.” (Isa. 65:25) "They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him [The Seed, Jehovah’s Vindicator-King]; and his enemies shall lick the dust.” (Ps. 72:9) Concerning their groveling humiliation Jehovah taunts those who belittle him and reproach his name: “Hide thee in the dust, for fear of the Lord [Jehovah], and for the glory of hm majesty. The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down : and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. - Isa. 2:10,11

22 In disdain of the Lord's provision for safe at Armageddon the religionists and fellow rulers of “Christendom” with much self-conceited reliance on their wisdom and ability to defend themselves say “We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves.” (Isa. 28:14.15) Jehovah is he that “sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers" (Isa. 40 22), and of the scornful enemy he says "Like crawling things of the earth they shall come trembling out of their close places [their fastnesses].” (Am. Rev. Ver.; Rotherham) Before their destruction they shall be openly disgraced before the eyes of righteous, God-fearing creatures in heaven and earth and shall drag their bellies on the ground like vermin No more such bold, stiff fronts and hurling defiance at Jehovah and his law in order to make an awe-inspiring impression upon creatures who are ensnared by the fear and reverence of men. Instead, now, they will exhibit cowardly, craven fear because of being proved liars, hypocrites, breakers of God’s law, now called to account before the Supreme Court of the universe. Their refuge of lies and their hiding-place of falsehood, their claimed agreement with hell (pit or grave), and all their hidden strongholds in Satan’s visible earthly organization they will find to be no effective place in which to hole up from execution. They shall have to squirm and wriggle out therefrom and to grovel and wipe up the dust with their gawdy, jewel-bedecked religious vestments and official robes, and their bellies like King Eglon's scraping the ground. With the terror of exposed crooks they will look upon the manifestation of Jehovah's power and glory in battle fire against them. (Isa. 28:17-21) Their hoar heads shall not go down to Gehenna in peace. Conscious of their present power and dignity they have treated Jehovah's servants with as little consideration as to worms, but now to his witnesses whose integrity is not broken by such reproach Jehovah says: “Fear not, thou worm Jacob, and ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the Lord, and thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.” (Isa. 41:14) These face Armageddon with joyful expectation.

23 When the prophecy says of the foes of The Theocracy, "They shall come with fear [in dread] unto Jehovah our God” (Am. Rev. Ver.; Leeser), it does not mean their repentance. It is impossible to convert these willing opposers and their hangers- on that they might be spared and preserved from execution at the great Battle. Their “fear” then is not the beginning of wisdom and of life-giving knowledge for them. It is their dread due to being at last brought to know that Jehovah is God Almighty and that it is He whom they fought and at whose hand they must now die and perish like beasts. Their fear is what Jehovah by his demonstration, his "strange act”, compels them to manifest. He breaks their stubborn pride and disdain, their stiff, unbending backs, and then lets his faithful servants put their feet upon the necks of these as they bite the bitter dust in death. They will be forced to see the vindication of Jehovah’s name and the proof of his supremacy and universal domination, and be compelled to admit such before their destruction. “As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me. and every tongue shall confess to God.” (Rom 14:11) "I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.” (Isa. 45: 23) Those doing so unwillingly shall perish. Longing for such vindication of Jehovah's name and word, the lovers of The Theocracy pray: "Make thy name known to thine adversaries, that the nations may tremble at thy presence!”— Isa. 64:2

CONSIDER

24 Samuel was one of the faithful prophets of old who testified concerning the establishment of Jehovah’s Theocratic Government. His return to life to be one of the “princes” in the “new earth” shall shortly be brought to pass by God's power. At a critical time Samuel stood firm for The Theocracy and exhorted the covenant people of God to a course of faithfulness and holding fast their integrity toward Jehovah. Said he: “Only fear the Lord, and serve him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things he hath done for you.” (1 Sam. 12:24) At this late date and so near the Final end Jehovah's anointed remnant and their companions should carefully consider, and all other interested persons of good-will should consider, what great things the Lord God has done for those who have taken their stand on the side of his kingdom and held fast thereto with integrity and fulfilled their covenant obligations to him. Consider especially what great things he has done since 1925, when they discerned Jehovah's purpose to make a name for himself and they determined thenceforth to honor Jehovah’s name and to declare it through all the earth. Since then, how Jehovah has unfolded to their wondering gaze the prophecies "written aforetime” showing just how he will make this everlasting name for himself and vindicate it! — Isa. 63:12: 1 Chron. 17 : 20. 21.

25 All such great things thus far Jehovah has done to his faithful remnant and his "other sheep” for his name’s sake, to the honor of which name they are devoted. The issue is universal domination, to be established in vindication of God’s name. That is proved by Micah, who represents Jehovah’s witnesses and who says: “Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.” (Mic. 7:18) This expresses the heart attitude of Jehovah’s remnant of spiritual Israel today with the history of his dealings with them since the setting up of his Theocracy in 1914 to be considered and its meaning to be studied. Satan, the "god of this world”, is enraged at the established Theocracy. He is out to effect the destruction of even his own demon crowd and all his devotees on earth when he himself goes down at Armageddon. “Rule or ruin,” is his merciless purpose. He shows no mercy to any, but brings great woes upon the peoples of earth to make them all curse God and turn away from his place of refuge and thereby lose all divine protection during the '‘battle of that great day of God Almighty”. To the direct contrary, Jehovah in his mercy to the remnant of his elect ones shortened the tribulation in 1918. He did this that these might be recovered from their iniquity of lip and the uncleanness of the fear of men and might serve him anew as his witnesses and thereby receive salvation from God. Proving God’s mercy Christ Jesus said: “For then shall be great tribulation [beginning upon Satan’s organization with the ‘war in heaven’ and his being cast out], such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. And except those days should be shortened, there should no flesh be saved: but for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened.”— Matt. 24:21.22.

26 The Devil having been cast out and down to the earth, Christ Jesus did not press the “war in heaven” further to the immediate destruction then of Satan and all his organization, demon and human, but has permitted him to remain. At Armageddon, and at the signal from the great Commander-in-Chief Jehovah, he will renew the battle and bring the final end of the tribulation upon all the enemy crowd visible and invisible. During this shortening of the days in the middle of the tribulation period Jehovah sends forth his remnant, whose iniquity he has pardoned. These, having received such great mercy, show mercy to others in danger of destruction. They publish to all having hearing ears Jehovah’s kingdom message of salvation, warning the ones in danger to flee from religion and to seek refuge under His Theocratic Government by Christ Jesus. “Forasmuch as there is none like unto thee, O Lord: thou art great, and thy name is great in might. Who would not fear thee. O King of nations [that is, the Holy nation’ and the nations composed of the ‘great multitude’]?”—Jer. 10:6,7.

27 All the physical facts since 1918 considered, it is manifest that “Christendom" has committed and continues to commit unpardonable sin against Jehovah and his Theocracy. On the other hand, He has pardoned the iniquity of his repentant servants and passed over the transgression of the “remnant of his heritage’’, reinstating them in his service, anointing them, equipping them with his message of salvation and of vengeance, calling them by the “new name”, “Jehovah’s witnesses,” and then sending them forth as such to the performance of his “strange work” against religion. Concerning their restoration from Babylon to the Holy Land of his organization and service Jehovah said aforetime: “And I will bring Israel again to his habitation, and he shall feed on Carmel and Bashan, and his soul shall be satisfied upon mount Ephraim and Gilead. In those days, and in that time, saith the Lord, the iniquity of Israel shall be sought for, and there shall be none; and the sins of Judah, and they shall not be found: for I will pardon them whom I reserve [the godly remnant of spiritual Israelites].” (Jer. 50:18-20) This pardon is according to the terms of Jehovah’s new covenant, which he inaugurated toward his “people for his name” in 1918: “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah; . . . for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” (Jer. 31:31-34) “And so all Israel [including the remnant] shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness [religion] from Jacob [surnamed Israel] : for this is my covenant unto them, when I shall take away their sins.” (Rom. 11:26,27) The rule Jehovah announces in this day of judgment at the temple is: “But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he hath committed, . . . all his transgressions that he hath committed, they shall not be mentioned unto him: in his righteousness that he hath done he shall live.”—Ezek. 18: 21-28.

28 What if Jehovah had retained his anger and displeasure against his consecrated ones who yielded to the enemy organization in 1918 to the neglect of the work God assigned them? Had he retained his anger till Armageddon those consecrated ones in the flesh would not have been saved, but destroyed. Concerning the remnant who turned to him confessing their failure and offering themselves as willing volunteers for his work yet to be done on earth, “he hath not held fast perpetually his anger.” (Rotheiham) As to the bold and public service to Jehovah’s name that followed, the Lord said concerning the restored remnant: “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." (Isa. 12:1) This the Supreme Judge has done “because he delighteth in mercy”, that is, toward those repentant and with purified hearts. “For One who delighteth in lovingkindness is he!” (Rotherham) The remnant, and now also their beloved companions, can of actual experience say: “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide; neither will he keep his anger [at his servants under discipline] for ever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins, nor rewarded us according to our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.” (Ps. 103:8-11) “With the merciful [toward the spiritually hungry people of good-will] thou wilt shew thyself merciful."— Pss. 18:25; 103:17,18.

29 The creature is not important, but all such mercy Jehovah displays for his own name’s sake. His name has long been reproached by the Devil, who charges that Jehovah cannot put a man on earth who will hold fast his blamelessness and faultlessness toward God under assault and test by the Devil. By such the adversary seeks to cause the fall of Jehovah’s servants and thus give cause and occasion for all God’s enemies to reproach God and doubt his supreme power. (Ezek. 36: 21-24) It is a mercy to his faithful servants for Jehovah to destroy the wicked. “Thou, therefore, O Lord God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen [the nations forgetting God] : be not merciful to any wicked transgressors.” ‘‘And of thy mercy cut off mine enemies, and destroy all them that afflict my soul: for I am thy servant.” (Pss. 59:5; 143:12) Jehovah is merciful to those who are determined not to turn again to foolishness of this world but to be faithful to the end. Such prayed in 1918: “Wilt thou not revive us again, that thy people may rejoice in thee? Shew us thy mercy, 0 Lord, and grant us thy salvation. I will hear what God the Lord will speak: for he will speak peace [of forgiveness] unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.”—Ps. 85:6-8.

30 The prophetic words have been brought to pass upon the faithful consecrated ones from and after 1918: “He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities: and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” (Mic. 7:19) To “turn again” means repetition or renewal; hence the text is also rendered: “He will again have compassion upon us” (Rotherham); “he will again have mercy on us” (Leeser). “He will tread our iniquities under foot.” (dm. Rei. Ver.) In his compassion Jehovah again did as in the time of old toward the remnant of natural Israel, and this time he delivered the spiritual remnant from Babylon. Their iniquities he trod under foot as though enemies. Such he did by the purging power of the truth. “By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the Lord [and not of creatures] men depart from evil.” (Prov. 16:6) Upon those approved at the temple judgment Jehovah poured out a “double portion” of Elijah’s spirit, which was as a purifying “live coal”, ‘taken by the angel with the tongs from off the altar.’ (Isa. 6: 6, 7; 2 Ki. 2:9, 10) This treading down meant also the subduing of those in the congregation who promote iniquity or lawlessness toward God’s work. Thereby Jehovah caused a separating-out of the “workers of iniquity”, the “evil servant” class: “And I will purge out from among you the rebels, and them that transgress against me: I will bring them forth out of the country where they sojourn, and they shall not enter [with the remnant] into the land of Israel; and ye shall know that I am the Lord [Jehovah].” (Ezek. 20:38; Matt. 13:41) When such of the “evil servant” class tried to get in the way of the Lord’s work, the faithful remnant trod right over them and went ahead, and the four wheels of Jehovah’s great “chariot” or organization rolled on irresistibly over all of Satan’s human scotch-blocks.—Ezekiel 1.

31 The “sins” that are drowned in the depths of the sea are not those which are due to inheriting weakness and frailty from the sinner Adam, but were those of failing to do the things that the Christian is commissioned to do, and hence the coming short in the fulfillment of his covenant obligations toward God. Such “sins” the consecrated were guilty of in 1918 and for a short time thereafter, due to fear of men and being overreached by the enemy organization which was mistakenly considered as “the Higher Powers”. The prophet Isaiah, as a prototype, confessed to suchlike sins, and then the Lord in his loving-kindness purged him. The “depths of the sea” serves to show the submerging of “all their sins” without any trace left, out of sight and beyond recovery of the deepest-going deep-sea divers. The enemy accuser cannot bring them up before God to condemn the faithful remnant to His face. Those sins are beyond recovery just as much as Babylon will be when Jehovah’s mighty angel lifts her up from her entrenched position and hurls her “like a great millstone, . . . into the sea. saying. Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon he thrown down, and shall be found no more at all". (Rev. 18:21) The remnant can assuredly say: “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us." (Ps. 103:12) According to the terms of the new covenant Jehovah says: 'And I will remember their sin no more.” (Jer. 31: 34: Heb 8:12) Therefore the members of the Lord's faithful remnant put from among them all religious things of belief and practice, and that beyond recovery, just as the Lord God has done with their sins.

TRUTH AND MERCY

32 The truth of the greatest importance in the Bible, and which God sets foremost therein, is that concerning his kingdom, The Theocracy. This is so because it is that capital organization of Jehovah which vindicates his name and destroys all opponents to his universal domination as the Supreme Ruler Jehovah God is the great Theocrat, the Father and Creator of The Theocratic Government. Of Him the patriarch Abraham was a “friend”. Hence Abraham was used as a type of Jehovah God. God’s firstborn and only begotten Son he gave to be the King of that promised Theocratic Government That beloved Son entered into the covenant of sacrifice and was faithful therein toward Ins God and Father, even unto the death. Therefore Christ Jesus was foreshadowed by Abraham's son Isaac, whom Abraham offered in figure in sacrifice to Jehovah God Isaac was thereby used to picture The Seed or Timocratic King whom Jehovah mentioned in his covenant with Abraham: “And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed: because thou hast obeyed my voice.” (Gen. 22.18) Isaac had twin sons. Jehovah chose the younger, Jacob by name, who was faithful to God, and to him Jehovah renewed the promise concerning the coming Theocratic Government and The Seed who rules therein. Therefore Jacob pictures not merely Christ Jesus The Seed, but also th'e brethren of Christ Jesus associated with him in the Theocratic Rule, and concerning these brethren he says: “Behold I and the children which God hath given me.” (Heb. 2:13; Isa. 8:18) By these three faithful men, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, therefore, is pictured that Theocracy whose universal domination shall be for ever.

33 Jehovah was not obliged to do it. It was out of his loving-kindness, hence his mercy, that he made provision for this wonderful Government that shall extend God’s mercy to sinful creatures on earth who desire to come into harmony with him that they might live and use their lives eternally to the glory of the great "Father of mercies and the God of all comfort”. Therefore Jehovah said to Abraham concerning The Seed of the promise: “So [by faith and obedience] shall all the nations of the earth bless themselves in thy seed.” (Gen. 22:18, Rotherham) “Thy seed, which is Christ.” (Gal. 3:16) Those whose destiny is involved in the promise as heirs thereof, and all others of good-will who desire the fulfillment of God’s promise, may be fully assured of the truth and faithfulness of his promise. Jehovah swore thereto with an oath by the greatest and highest personage in the universe, His own self. — Heb. 6:13-20.

34 With unwavering confidence, therefore, Jehovah's inspired prophet said: "Thou wilt perform the truth to Jacob [the Christ. Head and body], and the mercy to Abraham, which thou hast sworn unto our fathers from the days of old.” (Mic. 7: 20) Abraham, Jacob and the other faithful men of old are not yet brought back from the dead in a “better resurrection"; they are not yet made “princes in all the earth” under that Theocratic Government, but the truth and mercy God expressed to Jacob and Abraham he has fulfilled. The oath with which he swore to the fathers of Christ Jesus from the days of old Jehovah God has kept inviolate. His mercy, truth and faithfulness are upheld and shall shortly at Armageddon be completely vindicated.

35 The Theocratic Government is here, it having begun with Jehovah's enthronement of the King thereof in A.D. 1914. Since his coming to the temple and being presented as King to all the universe, including the earth, there are now associated with him the faithful followers that finished their earthly course faithfully and who at his coming were raised, being changed from human to spirit, and given 'glory, honor and immortality'. (1 Cor. 15:51-54; Rom. 2:7) Yet on earth for God’s purpose there remain the faithful remnant who are in line to be of that Greater Jacob’s body members, The Complete Christ of which Jesus is the Head. They serve on. awaiting also their change in Jehovah’s due time. “Thou wilt show faithfulness unto Jacob” (Leeser); “Thou wilt grant the faithfulness to Jacob.” (Rotherham) That, therefore, and let it be known to all. the persons of good-will and the persecutors alike, is the reason for Jehovah’s merciful and faithful dealings with his devoted remnant in this day of our Lord Jesus Christ. “O ye seed of Abraham his servant, ye children of Jacob his chosen. He is the Lord our God; his judgments are in all the earth. He hath remembered his covenant for ever, the word which he commanded to a thousand generations: . . . He suffered no man to do them wrong; yea. he reproved kings for their sakes; saying, Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.” (Ps. 105: 6-15) Jehovah's reproof has for some time now been administered to the “kings”, both “of the north” and "of the south”, and also the ruling factors of all the world. The continued persecution upon Jehovah’s anointed ones and their inseparable companions shows that the religious-political factors and their supporters have hardened their necks. They “shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy”. — Prov. 29: 1.

36 Not for very much longer shall the people mourn because such stiff-necked wicked ones bear rule. The glorious day of the triumph of Jehovah’s Theocracy by his Seed, Christ Jesus, is at hand, and then, “when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice.” (Prov. 29: 2) The rejoicing has already begun among those enlightened by God's prophecy and who with the eye of faith see Jehovah’s Righteous Kingdom begun. Their rejoicing shall never end. It shall reach its height of jubilation at the smashing grand climax of the “battle of that great day of God Almighty’, Armageddon. Therefore let the remnant and then- devoted companions not flinch under increasing opposition, reproach and persecution Let them continue to move on in unbreakable unity, fighting shoulder to shoulder against the enemies of Jehovah and his King. Let their heart’s affection be fixed immovably upon The Theocracy, and let the love of Christ hold them faithful to their covenant with Jehovah God unto the end, all for the vindication of his glorious and holy name. Blessed be that name for evermore!

(Conclusion)

Jehovah reigneth; he is clothed with majesty; Jehovah is clothed with strength; he hath girded himself therewith: the world also is established, that it cannot be moved. Thy throne is established of old: thou art from everlasting. Thy testimonies are very sure: holiness becometh thy house, O Jehovah, for evermore. — Psalm 93 :1, 2,5, A. R. V.

HID DURING THE INDIGNATION

FOR our day it was providently written “Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee, hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast. For, behold, the Lord cometh out of his place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity: the earth also shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.’’—Isa. 26:20. 21.

Manifestly this prophecy does not refer to the resurrection of the dead, but to the fact that the Lord God will lay bare the bloody record of Satan’s visible organization, particularly the totalitarian-religious powers of aggression, and will call universal attention to the fact, as well as take note thereof himself, and will bring the guilty ones to account. Xo more can the Roman Catholic Hierarchy and other clergy of the totalitarian lands hide their hypocrisy by declaring the bloody acts of the aggressors a “crusade” against ungodliness and for Christianity.

The prophecy is proof that the clergy who have taken ti e name of the Lord God and misrepresented him are a part of the Devil's organization Jehovah comes out of his place to express his indignation against the evildoers, and, at Isaiah 27: 1, immediately following the above-quoted prophecy, it is said "In that day the Lord, with his sore, and great, and strong sword, shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent [the gliding, fleeing or elusive monster (marginal reading A.R.V, and Roth.)], even leviathan that crooked serpent, and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea.”

The leviathan is a monster in the sea, and clearly pictures the “red dragon”, the Devil's organization (Compare Rex elation 12 9, 20:2.) The entire organization of Satan has been elusive, even to the point where the people have been made to believe that there is no Devil, and many who claim to be of Christ have been unable to detect or see the Devil’s organization. What part of his organization, therefore, is the most elusive? Undoubtedly the ecclesiastical or religious element, made up of the clergy and "principal of the flock”.

When Jesus was on the earth he referred to the clergy, calling them a “generation of -supers” or serpents. This shows that these are the seed of the Serpent, Satan, and are a part of his wicked organization They are the chief instruments used in persecuting the faithful witnesses of Jehovah who are followers of Christ Jesus “They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders’ poison is under their lips.” (Ps. 140.3) From the time that they are hatched out of the theological schools they are active members of the wicked organization “The wicked are estranged from the womb; they go astray as soon as they be bora, speaking lies. Their poison is like the poison of a serpent; they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her car.” (Ps. 58: 3, 4) That element of Satan’s organization, deaf to cries of righteousness and truth, unceasingly fire their venomous darts at the faithful witnesses of God and his Theocratic Government. At the same time they glide among the people, exalting their own virtues, falsely claiming to represent God.

These have glided about amongst the unsuspecting peoples of earth, alienated from God and which are represented by “the sea”. One moment they appear to represent God, and the next they openly advocate the work of the enemy. One moment with honeyed and sanctimonious words upon their lips they pose as reformers, and the next with bitter words they strike out against those who are humbly trying to represent God and his Righteous Government Well are they illustrated by the sea-monster that rises to the surface and quickly disappears. Great numbers of people have been held in the prison-house of Babylon (Satan’s organization) bx reason of the iniquity, the seductive and elusive methods of the clergy. Gliding among the people, they dash up a spray to blind the people to the fact that there is a Devil or that he has an organization or that the Devil is their enemy They organize and operate their seductive and fraudulent system of religion and misname it "Christianity” and give suck or nourishment to those whom they have entrapped. As it is written: “Even the sea monsters draw out the breast, they give suck to their young ones: the daughter of my people is become cruel, like the ostriches in the wilderness” (Lam. 4:3) They teach those whom they draw into their systems cruelty and urge them to use cruelty against followers of Christ by resorting to all manner of violence

Referring again to Isaiah’s prophecy which says that “in that day the Lord, with his sore, and great, and strong sword” shall punish the Devil’s organization. Christ Jesus is the great Priest of the Most High God of "the order of Melchizedek”. He is Jehovah's arm and His sword, figuratively speaking. One of his titles is “The Word of God’ (Rev. 19:13) He is the Sword of Jehovah and is the Arm that Jehovah bares to make war w-.tli the enemy (Jer. 47 6) When the due time arrives for God to go forth to the battle he whets his Sword and sends his great Priest forth to lead the fight at Armageddon. Concerning that time it is written “If I whet my glittering sword [the lightning of mx sword (margin)], and my hand take hold on judgment, 1 will render vengeance to mine adversaries, and will recompense them that hate me I will make mine arrows drunk with blood, and my sword shall devour flesh, with, the blood of the slain and the captives, from the head of the leaders of the enemy.” — Deut. 32 41, 42. Am Rev Ver

The lightnings of God proceed from and through his Word, “the sword of the Spirit.” (Eph 6: 17) Therefore at the time Jehovah whets his "glittering Sword" his lightnings flash, illuminating the minds of his anointed, making known God's purposes concerning them, and exposing the position and the action of the enemy The truth and light that God sheds upon his Word today is strong supporting evidence that we are in “that day” when the forces are gathering for Armageddon These truths encourage and strengthen the mind and heart of His people

God's lightnings flash from the clouds of his presence and now disclose to those in his temple the monstrous and hideous organization of Satan the Devil. They see that the gliding and elusive and cruel organization, pictured bx the leviathan and by the hissing adder, shoot out their bitter words against the little company of faithful ones and thereby incite the mob, pictured by the waves of the sea, to lash against and seek to overwhelm the remnant of Jehovah’s witnesses. The faithful see the serpent part of the Devil’s organization again secretly attempt to induce the execution of the law to arrest and imprison those who dare give testimony to the good news of God’s kingdom They mark the arrogance, hatred and cruelty of the combined elements of the enemy’s organization moving against them because they insist on obeying the commandments of Jehovah God.

As the hideous and unsightly monster Goliath terrorized the Israelites upon the field of battle, even so the monstrosity and fiendishness of the enemy's organization now strikes terror into the mind and heart of every one who has but little faith. Not so, however, with those who are clad with the divine armor and who are strong in the Lord and in the power of his might. These know that they are imperfect and would quickly fall at the hands of the enemy, but their trust is absolute in the Lord. For their encouragement and for their full assurance in this hour of peril in the time of God’s wrath Jehovah speaks to them through his prophet and says: “Come, my people, enter thou into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.”

Now the enlightened and informed are on the alert, watching for the sign for the beginning of Armageddon and putting their confidence wholly in the Lord. That “sign” is certain to be made manifest soon, and the sign clearly will be: “When they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them” (1 Thess. 5:3) When this sign for the beginning of Armageddon dearly appears, may it not be that then the above promise of Jehovah to His people will lie fulfilled in completeness? However, the promise has a measure of application now.

It was in A.D 1918 that the Lord brought his people into the temple condition. It has been since then that they have engaged in the great witness work and the enemy organization has constantly increased m its expressed hatred against them. It is written: "When the wicked rise [since 1918], men hide themselves” (Prov. 28:28) Speaking to his followers Jesus quoted the identical words of Isaiah 20.20, to wit: "Enter into thine inner chamber, and having shut thy door” then pray unto thy Father who is in secret. — Matt. 6:6, Am. Rev. Ver.

On one occasion the prophet Elisha “went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the Lord”. (2 Ki. 4-33) The faithful of the church or bride of Christ are represented as saying: "The king hath brought me into his [inner] chambers" (S of Sol 1 4) Those who are brought into that place of safety say unto the Almighty God: "Thou art my hiding place and my shield. I hope in thy word.” (Ps. 119:114) The command to Jehovah’s people to hide themselves in the inner chambers could not apply prior to the Lord's coming to the temple in 1918 The surrounding part of the prophecy shows that it is “in that day” of God’s indignation that the place of safety is provided; and, since we are entering that great and terrible day, the place of safety must now be available

The inner chambers or place of safety is provided for and made known to those who are pictured at Isaiah 61: 10 as receiving “the robe of righteousness” since the coming of the Lord to his temple. Those who, upon taking account of them, were at that time found faithful were granted the “garments of salvation”. Since then many others who have become the Lord’s “other sheep” join themselves as "companions” to the anointed remnant and take refuge under God’s kingdom or Theocracy for safety and protection. Not all who claim to be in the “present truth” are in this condition of security. Those who have not seen the “lightnings” of the Lord since his setting up of the temple condition do not even see that there is such thing as a place of security or safety. They have not seen or appreciated the fact and power of the Devil’s organization. Some even say that too much has been said about the Devil’s organization and too much said against religion. It is manifest that if one does not see the Devil’s organization he does not see and appreciate God’s organization Such see no real meaning in the names by which the great Creator reveals himself and they do not appreciate what is meant by the "secret place of the Most High”. (Ps. 91:1, 2) To the remnant and their companions “the name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it, and is safe”.—Prov. 18 10

Jehovah God says to his people: 'Hide thyself for a little moment until the indignation be overpast.’ Manifestly this "little moment” is at most the “short time” that the Devil knows that he has left to prepare for and to fight the battle of Armageddon, as stated at Res elation 12 12, but the “moment” may particularly apply to the short and suddenly ended time from and after the appearance of the “sign” of “Peace and safety!” until Armageddon begins and is fought and the Lord does a short work thereof in righteousness. During that brief “moment” the totalitarian crowd symbolized as “the king of the north” will be terrified at the tidings and will go forth with fury to destroy and to make away with all Jehovah’s people (Dan 11:441 Particularly since being east out of heaven with his demons the Devil’s organization has gone forth and made war against the Lord’s remnant and threatens them with immediate destruction. For the encouragement of the remnant and their companions at that time it is written: “Therefore thus saith the Lord God of hosts, O my people that dwellest in Zion, be not afraid of the Assyrian [totalitarian crowd under Satan] : he shall smite thee with a rod. and shall lift up his staff against thee, after the manner of Egypt For yet a very little while, and the indignation shall cease, and mine anger, in their destruction ” — Isa 10:24, 25

The Lord God declares that his righteous indignation shall be expressed against Satan's organization Through his prophet (Zeph. 3:8) he states: “Therefore wait ye upon me, saith the Lord, until the day that I rise up to the prey, for my determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour upon them mine indignation, even all my fierce anger: for all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of my jealousy ”

After the Lord God gathers his people into the place of safety he speaks to the visible earthly part of the Devil’s organization, saying: “Hear, all ye people, hearken, O earth, and all that therein is: and let the Lord God be witness against you, the Lord from his holy temple For, behold, the Lord cometh forth out of his place, and will come down, and tread upon the high places of the earth.” (Mic 1: 2, 3) Thus God expresses his determination to reveal himself to the peoples of earth at Armageddon, and to do so he comes out of his place (Zion) and manifests his power in the sight of all.

That the day of his wrath will be one of great trouble for all that dwell upon the earth, and which will make his name known to all, is made certain by his sure Word: “Behold, the name of Jehovah cometh from far, burning with his anger. and in thick rising smoke: his lips are full of indignation, and his tongue is as a devouring fire, and his breath is as an overflowing stream, that reached even unto the neck, to sift the nations with the sieve of destruction. and a bridle that causeth to err shall be in the jaws of the peoples.” (Isa. 30:27, 28, Am. Rev. Ver.) In that day of God's expressed wrath no part of Satan's organization will be able to stand; as it is written: “At his wrath the earth shall tremble, and the nations shall not be able to abide his indignation.”—Jer. 10 10

The legions of the enemy shall melt before the onward and victorious march of Jehovah's Arm: “Thou didst march through the land m indignation, thou didst thresh the [nations] in anger” (Hab. 3: 12) His fury is a consuming fire and the strongholds of the enemy shall fall at his approach “Who can stand before his indignation’ and who can abide in the fierceness of his anger? his fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by him ” — Nah. 1:6.

The enemy organization will make a ferocious attack against God’s organization, and many, as shown by Jeremiah's prophecy, shall fall, but the remnant and their companions shall be saved because they are in the secret place of the Most High “He that dwelleth m the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” (Ps 91:1) With confidence and in full assurance they sing out: “For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me, he shall set me up upon a rock.”—Ps 27.5.

While now in their hiding-place will Jehovah's people be idle? Not by any means No one can remain idle and remain in the remnant class in the temple or with the Lord’s other sheep" in His “city of refuge”. Hiding in the secret place of the Most High does not mean that those there will be out of view of the enemy or fearful that the enemy might see their movements. On the contrary, they will be very active and their cup of joy will be overflowing. Concerning this it is written. “Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.” — Ps 23:5.

Daily the loyal servants of Jehovah see the evidences that their faithfulness in testifying to His name is sore and grievous upon the members of Satan’s organization. The faithful remnant go forth fearlessly singing the honor of Jehovah’s name What is the effect? Paul the apostle says, and we see it is true: ‘Your fearlessness is unto the enemy a sure token of impending destruction’ — Phil. 1:28, Weymouth.

Note again the words of the prophet ‘Jehovah with his sore, and great, and strong sword, shall punish leviathan’ Christ Jesus is Jehovah’s great and strong Sword, and the anointed remnant of the members of Christ's body are Jehovah’s ‘sore sword’ and are sore and grievous to the enemy. Nothing galls the clergy and their allies more than the faithfulness of God’s remnant and their companions m giving the testimony. As the Lord Jesus was represented by Gideon whom Jehovah raised up to rout the Midianite hosts, so Gideon's little company of three hundred soldiers represented the remnant of the Lord at this time. As the light flashed from the lamps of the little army of Gideon as they surrounded the Midianite camp by night, and then the members thereof shouted victor, and terrified the Midianites thereby, even so in the day of God's wrath his lightnings flash exposing the position of the enemy and revealing their confusion, while the remnant with joy shout ‘The sword of Jehovah and of his Anointed.’ (Judg. 7:20) God has whetted his lightning Sword and orders him to the great conflict, while the faithful remnant and their steadfast and constant companions sing forth the praises of Jehovah and his King.

United in the holy cause of righteousness and faithfully representing the Kingdom interests, dwelling together in the secret place of the Most High, and diligently doing what is within their power, by God's grace the remnant together with their companions are invulnerable to the attacks of the enemy. Christ Jesus, the Faithful and True, clothed with absolute authority and girded for war, is leading Ins forces on to the conflict His faithful followers in this day of judgment are blending their voices in harmonious cadences as they joyfully follow in the footsteps of the great Master; and as they go they are shouting, ‘The sword of Jehovah and of his Anointed!’