Souvenir Notes — Conventions (1942)
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Report of the NEW WORLD THEOCRATIC ASSEMBLY
'I will open the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing.' - Malachi 3:10 "Thus saith Jehovah, Lo, these shall come from far; and, lo, these from the north and from the west; and these from the land of Sinim.
Sing, O heavens; and be joyful, O earth; and break forth into singing, O mountains: for Jehovah hath comforted his people. Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold: all these gather themselves together, and come to thee."
Isaiah 49:8,12,13,18,A.R.V.
'Gathering themselves together' in (1) Cleveland, (2) Springfield, Ill. (3) New York city, (4) Los Angeles, (5) Detroit, and (6) Oklahoma City
Assembling in Britain. (1) London, (2) Newcastle and (3) Glasgow
"REHEARSE THE RIGHTEOUS ACTS OF JEHOVAH"
REPORT OF THE
NEW WORLD THEOCRATIC ASSEMBLY
OF JEHOVAIT'S WITNESSES
(Held in more than 85 cities throughout the earth-Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A., the key city-September 18-20, 1942)
JEHOVAH GOD the great Theocrat in heaven speaks a command to his King and Executive Officer, Christ Jesus. The Head of Jehovah's capital organization starts to work to carry out the will of his Almighty Father. By means of Jehovah's spirit the visible part of the Lord's organization is directed into activity. A few consecrated ones on earth start to work. Others are consulted. Definite plans are made. Now these plans are put into operation and more help is needed. The working army grows; its recruits are "willing volunteers". Weeks pass, and by this time from its single visible point of origin the work has spread in many directions. It gains momentum, hits full speed ahead, and after the passing of many months is duly completed. It is the Lord's organization on earth working industriously in the midst of demonized enemies to the one end and all under the direction of the Theocratic King. How well is it pictured by a "bee", or a beehive, humming with activity!
But why these months of study, planning, preparation, negotiating and work, all pointing to one grand climax? What was the will of the great Theocrat as expressed to his Executive Officer that set in motion all this humming activity? This: That His covenant people on earth in the old world gather in a New World assembly. 'Thy will be done,' and through his organization it was carried out. All this work was to bear fruit in one great outpouring of blessings, in three days, September 18-20 in more than 85 cities throughout the earth. The joyous harvest was reaped at the New World Theocratic Assembly.
March 6, 1942, the president's letter announcing the Assembly was sent to all companies of Jehovah's witnesses and pioneers. During that same month the WATCHOWER factory at Brooklyn, N.Y., started working extra time in preparation for the convention. From that time until the end of August the factory, in addition to the regularly scheduled working days, put in the equivalent of 33 working days by Saturday afternoon and evening work.
During this period there were completed in time for convention shipment 122,000 copies of October 1 (1942) Watchtower, 40,000 copies of the Watchtower edition of the Bible, 352,000 of The New World, 5,040,000 of Kingdom News No. 11, 1,500,000 copies of the booklet Peace—Can It Last? The tonnage of paper required for this printing was 194 tons. In addition to all this, 6,000,000 folders advertising the lecture "Peace—Can It Last?" used up 8 tons of paper; 100,000 placards and paper signs were printed, making a stack 68 feet high; and 54 odd jobs of printing and mimeographing of various forms, letters, programs, convention speeches, etc., were completed during this extra work period. Truly the factory was a beehive humming day and night for six months prior to the Assembly making these sweet things so that the antitypical Promised Land during the three convention days might flow with "milk and honey".
This is just some of the work behind the holding of the New World Theoretic Assembly. The convention cities were selected, and halls obtained, and then had to be held; arrangements were to be made for the AT&T lines; rooming accommodations must be obtained, and territory for convention field service prepared, and then the Assembly must be thoroughly advertised in each of the 52 cities; all this to be accomplished prior to the convention itself.
Were the results of all this work, the three-day Assembly, worth the tremendous amount of time, material and energy expended? Obviously one who
Map at Spokane, Wash., showing scope of the New World Assembly in the United States
would ask that question wasn't there. Jehovah God directed this Assembly to be held and through his organization invited his people to attend. This was done by means of The Watchtower and Consolation, the Informant, and special letters. By the time of the convention's climax 129,000 had responded and had assembled at these 52 cities. Some came by train, car, and bicycle. Others came by horse and covered wagon, and on foot. One arrived even in an ambulance, and one group of lively witnesses pulled in in a hearse. But they came; they were not willing to 'forsake the assembling of themselves together, and especially in view of the evil days approaching'.
Here is a report of the Assembly at the key city of Cleveland, Ohio. What is said concerning this city, so far as the program, the releases, and other general arrangements and activities are concerned, applies likewise to all the other cities tied in with this Assembly, for all partook of the same spiritual food. The same menu was for all.
Early in March negotiations began for use of the Cleveland Public Auditorium, one of the finest of its kind. Jehovah's witnesses were at first denied the use of this fine structure, but after four months of parley the contract was finally signed. Ordinarily, the Convention Bureau, the Hotel Association, and the businessmen would be overjoyed at the prospect of an assembly of such magnitude in their city. Each year they spend large sums of money to attract such assemblies to Cleveland, and when they heard the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society was planning one to be held in that city they were highly enthused and assured the coming Assembly of their warm, friendly hospitality. It is their custom to send out six folders, on six consecutive days, to each member of the convention committee. The first letter and folder were sent to the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, and then something happened. It was discovered that the WATCHTOWER is in some way connected with Jehovah's witnesses, and immediately the enthusiasm froze. The letters and folders stopped forthwith.
The faithful service of Jehovah's witnesses in maintaining their integrity to the new world is a sweet savor to the Most High; but surely it is a stench in the nostrils of his enemies in the old world. Jesus was despised and rejected of men; his followers are similarly reproached. They are a "nation not desired" by the old world.
The setting of the New World Theocratic Assembly in Cleveland was a most dramatic one. The Army War Show was scheduled for September 18-21 in the Cleveland Stadium, which was located just 1,000 feet from the Public Auditorium. The publicity for the lecture "Peace—Can It Last?" and the Army War Show commenced about the same time. Signs on streetcars, billboards, and window placards appeared simultaneously side by side advertising these events. The contrast was sharply drawn—the old world and the new. The war show was headlined in the newspapers, but this was offset by the distribution of a million leaflets and the presence of thousands of placarded information walkers on the streets advertising the New World Assembly. To augment this New World advertising the use of a 31-foot Gar Wood cabin cruiser was donated. Equipped with four trumpets mounted on the afterdeck, this sound-boat blasted for two weeks a 150-mile water front, reaching an estimated audience of over 30,000 in yacht clubs, factories, amusement parks, on lake passenger steamers and beaches, and even reaching those hidden behind the walls of swanky residential sections. And as a grand finale, on Friday and Saturday evenings the trumpeting of this modern "ram's horn" rolled over the walls of the Cleveland Stadium, and amid the rattle of
old-world sham battles 82,000 modern Jerichoites heard the timely question propounded by the warriors for the New World, "Peace—Can It Last?" and were told where to come for the Scriptural answer.
Mayor Lausche of Cleveland became so agitated that he urged Clevelanders to boycott the New World Theocratic Assembly and ignore Jehovah's invitation extended through His witnesses, and thus he fought against God. Instead the mayor urged attendance at the war show. The "other sheep" of the Lord did not heed the mayor's opposition invitation, but heard the voice of the Great Shepherd and followed his leading to the New World Assembly.
As one entered the Public Auditorium he was handed a program by an usher. Programs of these conventions are menus of the spiritual food to be served by the Lord, and they are always scanned with relish. On this one, the first thing that catches the eye is the cover design. A beautiful and graceful maiden is shown dancing down the path from a little cottage to meet an older man, a warrior clad in battle attire. What could this design mean? A picture of the glorious earth after Armageddon? It seems that it might be—the little cottage with its flower-lined path, the beautiful girl gaily rushing forth to meet this older man, her father, perhaps. But no, it couldn't be pictorial of post-Armageddon conditions; for the man is clad as a warrior and has a sword girded at his side. Such weapons shall then be beaten into peacetime instruments. Then, what could it be? It must be of some significance, because such has been the case with past convention programs. All were puzzled. None could guess. But on with the convention. The Lord will give the interpretation in good time.
Passing on through the main lobby one enters the huge auditorium itself, a magnificent sight and a fitting place to hold the New World Theocratic Assembly. Looking past the 12,000 seats to the stage beyond, the eye is attracted to a long banner stretched above the platform and blazing forth the words, "Blameless in the Day of Our Lord." This proved to be a most appro-
priate text, not merely because it is the yeartext, but because every lecture and every new weapon provided at this Assembly pointed to this theme—blamelessly serving the Lord and maintaining integrity toward him at this crucial time.
It was a service convention. Beyond the stage another hall accommodating 3,000 could be joined to the main auditorium by drawing back heavy curtains, and it was much needed.
Advertise! Advertise! Advertise!
On this first morning of the threeday Assembly a brief meeting for Theocratic activities was held; then to the field to tell others of this blessed Assembly. That afternoon an assembly for advertising was called, and after brief instructions on the various modes of publicizing the talk "Peace—Can It Last?" and the procedure to be followed all went forth to let Cleveland know about this timely discourse. Thousands flooded out in every direction, covering all the business districts with information walkers handing out printed invitations to the main lecture. Everywhere the gaze met them: men, women and children, some displaying the Watchtower and Consolation magazines, others offering the handbills with a pleasant smile to the passers-by. One thing was certain: Cleveland knew that the representatives of the New World were in town, and those of good-will were informed of their welcome to the Public Auditorium.
All 52 of the convention cities in the United States advertised extensively, using every means imaginable. The witnesses themselves advertised by means of information walking and distribution of handbills on the streets and from door to door. Signs were placed in store windows, on streetcars and buses, and stenciled on automobiles. Specially constructed trailers carrying huge signs were pulled throughout the cities; billboards along
the highways were used, and banners were stretched across city streets. Sound-cars and sound-boats called out the good news of the Assembly. Baby buggies and horsedrawn vehicles were put into service, and even some horses and dogs carried "sandwich" signs advertising the New World Theocratic Assembly. Jehovah God even maneuvered the enemy and they greatly advertised the Assembly by their opposition and fighting against God, all of which was publicized by their propaganda loudspeakers, the newspapers.
Returning now to Cleveland: 'Thou shalt not muzzle the ox while he treadeth out the corn.' So the publishers, upon completion of this concerted advertising drive on Friday afternoon, returned to the Public Hall, took the stairway leading down from the spacious lobby into a large basement, and found themselves in the cafeteria. It was busily engaged in dispensing temporal food. Just as 'those who do not work shall not eat', the converse is true, and all the Theocratic workers attending the Assembly were well fed, physically as well as spiritually.
Feed the Multitude
Twelve cafeteria counters, all in a continuous line yet each one complete within itself, kept twelve different lines of witnesses moving in a steady stream, and thousands were fed daily in the least possible time. The one in charge of the cafeteria, who was also in charge of the one at St. Louis last year, said this one was the more efficient and its twelve lines fed as many per day as the one at St. Louis, which had sixteen lines in operation.
The obtaining and installation of the necessary equipment, in such a brief time, was little short of miraculous. At times it seemed impossible to get these needed things, because of the war, but, by the Lord's grace, all the requirements were provided just on
Typical scene between sessions at Cleveland
time and a well-equipped cafeteria functioned during the Assembly.
On Thursday afternoon trucks began arriving loaded with vegetables, fruits, groceries, coffee, sugar, different kinds of meats and other foodstuffs. The cooks and others worked all that night preparing food and making final preparations, and on Friday morning, at 6 a.m., the doors were thrown open for the feeding of the multitudes, and remained open, except during sessions, for the three days of the Assembly. Many of its patrons testified to the fact that it offered the best assortment of food ever enjoyed at any of Jeho- vah's witnesses' conventions.
The organization and operation of the cafeteria was flawless, and a marvel to many. The food was placed on the counters, taken away by the consumers and eaten, and the empty dishes speedily collected, washed, sterilized, dried and rushed back into service to make the round again. The manager of the Auditorium was dumfounded by this efficient cafeteria. He called to the Assembly those who from time to time operated concessions at the Public Hall and told them that he wanted them to see how such things should be run. The businessmen came and saw, and were more than impressed; they were amazed! After they saw it, they still didn't believe it. The manager exclaimed that they paid their workers
(1) Stairway down to the cafeteria and (2 and 3) meat and vegetables to feed the throngs at the key city
NEW WORLD THEOCRATIC ASSEMBLY OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES
to handle the crowds, and still didn't begin to match this organization, yet the witnesses all did it without pay and many of them were mere children. One businessman remarked that he was in
the basement a few days ago and nothing was in it and now he returns and finds a complete, large-scale cafeteria adequately caring for 25,000 people.
That evening the convention really
started moving. Before an audience of 14,000, the chairman, H.C. Covington delivered the address of welcome, followed by the discourse "The Only Light", by a representative of the So-
PEACE
JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES
PEACE-Can It Last?
A.H. KNORR
Sun Sept 20 at 3 P.M.
City Auditorium
Birmingham, AL
Advertising "Peace—Can It Last?" in (1, 6, 7) Cleveland, (2) Richmond, Va., (3) San Francisco, Calif., (4) Seattle, Wash., (5) Knoxville, Tenn., (8) Little Rock, Ark., (9) Minneapolis, Minn., (10,11) Bismarck, N. Dak., (12,15) New York city and (13,14) Buffalo, N.Y.
sieety from headquarters, and climaxing the evening program came the president's talk "Presenting 'The Sword of the Spirit' ".
This program originating in the key city was heard in the 51 other convention cities, 37 of them by direct wire from Cleveland, and the others by qualified readers of copies of the speeches, due to monopoly of the wires to those assembly cities by the federal government that night. The combined attendance was 65,968.
In his opening words the chairman made known the fact that in addition to these 52 American cities, witnesses were assembled throughout the entire earth, in Cuba, Mexico, South America, England, Africa and in other foreign lands for the same purpose, that is, honoring Jehovah's name. His statement that the fact that this world-wide Assembly was being held despite present circumstances was in itself proof sufficient to all that no man has ever been or is now our leader, but that Christ Jesus is in complete command, met with the whole-hearted approval of all assembled, as indicated by their spontaneous applause. Another declaration by the chairman, and one oft repeated and greatly amplified in the following sessions, was that 'we are not here gathered to meditate on the past or what individuals have done, nor for the purpose of digging in and holding our ground'. So the offensive warfare is on, to be climaxed by the Armageddon offensive of Almighty God.
The "Go Ahead" Signal
The chairman introduced F. W. Franz, who spoke on "The Only Light". This thrilling keynote speech was delivered with much fire and painted a most encouraging picture of complete victory for The Theocracy and the gathering of the people of goodwill despite vicious onslaughts by demonized adversaries. Quoting Isaiah 59:21 concerning Jehovah's having put His words in the mouths of his anointed witnesses and their companions, and that such words would not depart from their mouths from henceforth and FOR EVER, the emphatic declaration was made that the standard of Jehovah's name and kingdom would never be lowered until the floodlike onrush of the adversaries had been halted for ever at Armageddon!
The commission from on high to the witnesses was cited, "Go and tell this people, Hear ye indeed." How long shall they keep going and telling? Till
dictators and totalitarian rule are junked in "the lake of fire and brimstone"; till "the cities be wasted without inhabitant and the houses without man". In other words, until the door-to-door work is useless because there are no people in the houses to answer the witnesses' doorbell ringing. "Here, then," the speaker ringingly declared, "is the 'Go ahead' signal from the Highest Authority to keep going on in His 'strange work'," come what may. This emphatic declaration of the "Go ahead" signal was greeted with instantaneous approval by the vast assemblage, and it could be heard on every lip thereafter.
It was shown that the never-to-beremoved spirit of the Lord upon his witnesses would bring them off more than conquerors by Christ Jesus. "Men may take away from you the Watch Tower publications explaining God's Word, but then you will have the Bible itself to use from house to house... They may take away from you God's own Book, but then you will have the word of God in your mouths, and they will have to muzzle your very mouths to silence the spoken word." So, "Arise, shine; for thy light is come!" This light, the only light, was shown to be from Jehovah God and is The Theocracy, the Kingdom of Christ, the only light of the New World.
"What would be the result of the continual steady persistent shining of that light?" the speaker queried. Beautiful and inspiring was the answer given from the 60th chapter of Isaiah's prophecy: 'The abundance of the sea shall be converted unto thee, the forces of the Gentiles shall come unto thee. They shall fly as a dense cloud, as thick flocks of doves that fairly darken the earth beneath, to the windows or entrances to the only place of safety before Armageddon's storm. The little one shall become a thousand and the small one a strong nation. Jehovah shall hasten it in its time.' Assurance is given in this chapter that the gates of Zion should be open continually, being shut neither day nor night, that the ingathering of this great multitude will go on day and night until finished and the enemy cannot close those gates to any desiring to flee thither.
The speaker closed by calling upon all the faithful to heed Jehovah's command to "Arise and shine", to keep on reflecting the only light in the darkness of this world, that "he might be glorified".
"The Sword of the Spirit"
How perfect, now, was the setting for the final portion of the evening's program: With the audience thoroughly aroused by the stirring keynote speech, the president of the Society, N. H. Knorr, stepped forward to deliver the address "Presenting 'The Sword of the Spirit'". In view of the tremendous ingathering yet to come, as just outlined, note the appropriateness of the opening words: "There is further work to be done; much work!" Mentioning the necessity of all to arise and shine in response to the "Go ahead" signal in an offensive warfare, the greatest offensive weapon was identified as being God's Word the Bible, the "sword of the spirit". Then the speaker put into words the thought often in the minds of Jehovah's servants: the need of using the Lord's Word quickly, but the inability to unsheath this sword quickly enough. 'If we could only find the text we want, we could hold off our opponents, we could comfort those that mourn, we could give a word in season and make simple to others, with abundant proof, the things so clear to us. If we only had a Bible with helps wherein we could find quickly what we need!' How well these words expressed the long-felt need and fervent desire of Jehovah's witnesses! The speaker continued: "By Jehovah's grace, such a Bible has been prepared by the Watch Tower Society and, is released at this New World Theocratic Assembly of Jehovah's witnesses!" Like an explosion thunderous applause burst from the vast gathering! Truly a blessed surprise far surpassing the fondest hopes of those assembled. Quieting down now, with not a sound audible except the quiet, clear voice of the speaker as he continued, the vast audience hung upon every word, unwilling to miss a single syllable as their precious Bible was described to them. Printed on the Society's presses; all work done by consecrated hands; months of study by more than 150 collaborators, all full-time servants of Jehovah, resulting in a concordance specially designed for use by Jehovah's witnesses in their ministerial work; an index of proper names, expressions and their meanings; and several pages of scriptures under the heading "God's Word on Vital Subjects", were some of its features.
Echoing the thought presented in the previous discourse, but with new meaning now, concerning the removal of all weapons for the spiritual warfare except the Bible, the speaker vigorously declared: "The Devil may confiscate everything else.
But give us our BIBLE and we'll be outfitted to help the honest-hearted people to forsake religion and the Devil's organization and to flee unto the Theocratic 'mountains'!" and once more the audience thundered its approval.
Following the joyfully accepted announcement that this Bible might be obtained on the contribution of only one dollar, the president concluded, "It is hoped that this Bible will play a large part in bringing honor and praise to the name of the Most High as all the fighters for the New World march on to victory and the vindication of Jehovah's name." And why shouldn't it? God's great weapon for his New World warriors, the 'sword of the spirit', sharpened to razor-edge by his organization and placed in the hands of his zealous Theocracy fighters! Woe be unto the modern-day counterparts of fatty King Eglon as these New World fighters, armed with this newly whetted sword, spring forward in response to the "go ahead" signal wielding this new weapon in the interests of those of good-will still held prisoners in Satan's religious organizations. Their bonds shall be severed; like clouds of doves that darken the sky shall they fly from darkness to the only light; and Jehovah's name shall be honored. By his grace this new Watchtower edition of the Bible will play an important part in this work.
"The sword of the spirit" joyfully received at the New York city assembly
This session was closed by the chairman, who announced that this new Bible might be obtained from the ushers, and also announced the release of the October 1 (1942) Watchtower, containing the full text of the talk "The Only Light". Now for the first time that evening the audience turned its eyes from the platform, searching out the ushers, and these ushers handing out these precious provisions became
the immediate objectives of everyone there. A few fleeting minutes, and the supply of Bibles was gone. Old and young alike who succeeded in gaining one of these cherished books clasped it close as a treasure from above and moved away from the congested area of the ushers and with eyes shining and hearts full of silent gratitude to Jehovah fondled this gift as they examined its exclusive New World features. Their appreciation was far beyond the limits of speech, and few attempted to overcome it; their cup was truly running over. Had those who shared in the privilege of this Bible's preparation needed any payment for their strenuous efforts, it was far exceeded in the joy of witnessing the unrestrained and spontaneous delight of their fellow servants in receiving it at the Assembly.
This first evening's session, then, with its stirring lectures and undreamed of surprise, supplied the spark that threw the convention into high gear. No enemy action could quench it now!
Bright and early the next morning the witnesses were at the Public Auditorium. After a substantial breakfast to care for their physical needs, supplies for field service were obtained at the bookroom and service department, both of which were located in the same spacious basement that housed the cafeteria. The "Assembly for Theocratic Activities", reviewing the service work for this second day of assembly, over, the ambassadors for The Theocracy once again spread over the Cleveland area like a band of locusts, to the chagrin of religious hypocrites and the joy of honest people of good-will toward God and His kingdom.
A Peculiar People
Throughout the day the grounds in and around the Public Auditorium swarmed with witnesses, going to or returning from the field, or working in connection with the convention activities at the hall. By this time the attendants were becoming acquainted with their visitors. Frankly, they were puzzled. Thousands of people, and no discord or bickering. Not one of them smoked. They had no bottles on their hips, nor chips on their shoulders. A policeman who had many years been serving at this auditorium at conventions shook his head and remarked, "Well, I've been here many years but I've never seen people like this. Tell them to go this way or that way, and
they go as directed. They don't ask questions, but gladly obey. And not one of them's smoking. I've cut down myself since they arrived, and if they stay here a few more days I'll stop smoking altogether!"
The regular crew of men working around the auditorium were the regular guests of the cafeteria at mealtimes. They reciprocated with excellent service and co-operation with the conventioners. Many of the employees volunteered the remarks that they never entertained or worked with such a fine group of people. Others said that previously they had heard many uncomplimentary remarks about Jehovah's witnesses, but just let anyone try to run them down again, and they would tell them a thing or two!
The afternoon session opened with singing, 18,000 voices uniting in songs of praise to Jehovah, led by a 35-piece orchestra strictly of consecrated musicians. Following this was a thirty-minute discussion of a prophetic song recorded long ago by the great Composer of song and praise, Jehovah God. It was entitled "Song-Call to Action", and was based upon the 147th Psalm.
Now a time long awaited drew near. In just fifteen minutes, at 4 p.m., the president would deliver the discourse "Fighters for the New World". Telegrams were read from various cities that were tied in by direct wire for Friday evening's session, all of whom were to hear this afternoon's talk, and many of these cities came into the hook-up early enough to hear some of these telegrams read over the wire. But now the audience is quiet again and waiting expectantly for the discourse to start. A few bars of music signal that the hour has arrived.
"Fighters for the New World"
From its outset this talk had strong appeal to those who were actually fighters for the New World, and its delivery was of a forceful and fighting style. It was shown how we stand at Armageddon's threshhold, that in that battle of worlds, the old and the new, all those clinging to the old world will suffer annihilation. "Then," the speaker declared, "Christ Jesus, who when on earth went down into death without a fight will use his all-power in heaven and earth and violently fight for the New World, and WIN!" and the audience, seeing the victory by faith, applauded to show their full agreement. "Not a single vestige of religion shall
enter and mar that new world," and from this he went into a brief consideration of Jephthah, a mighty man of valor and a fighter for The Theocracy.
More complete consideration of this prophetic drama is contained in the series of articles "Fighter for the New World", in The Watchtower, beginning in the October 15 (1942) issue. One thing was emphasized,
which was that God's people then saw and those at present see the need of a central, UNIFIED command that the campaign against the enemy might be properly directed to obtain victory. Back there Jephthah was the one chosen to be leader, and he looked to the Lord for direction. So desirous of victory for the sake of Jehovah's name was Jephthah that he vowed that if the Lord would give the victory over the Ammonites, then upon his return home whatsoever came forth from his house to meet him he would offer up as a burnt offering.
Jephthah went from victory to victory and fought an extended campaign in the field. Jephthah pictured Christ Jesus and the visible Society on earth charged with directing the campaign. It is Theocratic rule, a central, unified command. Jephthah's victory march pictured the fight waged by Jehovah's witnesses against the encroachment of totalitarian-religious powers, which fight has been under the command of the Greater Jephthah Christ Jesus since the installation of Theocratic rule in 1938. Jehovah's witnesses have not holed up, nor given ground. "So forward they go, these fighters for the New World," cried the speaker, and added: "The battle has been hard, and becomes harder. It is not over, and may yet be a long one. But their King, the Greater Jephthah, goes on conquering and to conquer."
Then the speaker turned the attention of the 80,000 listeners to Jephthah's victorious return home, his being met by his rejoicing daughter, and his remembrance of his yow. Now all understood the picture on the cover of the program, concerning which they had all speculated, and as the talk continued to unfold and the Greater Jephthah was clearly visualized, all involuntarily moved forward to the edge of their seats in suspense as to whom the daughter foreshadowed. Who could she be? Six pointed questions built up to the climactic answer—the "other
sheep", the companions of the anointed remnant, their fellow fighters for the New World!
All relaxed, satisfied, and eased back in their seats and received into grateful hearts the simple and touching tale of Jephthah's beloved daughter and as the gripping drama unfolded many eyes were moist with tears and those
The program cover
of the "Jephthah's daughter" class were filled then and there with a deep-seated, unshakable resolve to continue meeting the course set forth by the darling one who danced out to meet her fighting father. If previously any had any reservations in the fight, such were vanished now as they inwardly vowed that henceforth and forevermore it was to be everything for the issue, for use in fulfilling the vow of the Greater Jephthah. Thrilled indeed were these companions by the "well done" commendation when the speaker declared concerning their responsibility, "They ARE bearing it in increasing measure and, by God's grace, are doing a good and faithful job, which the remnant rejoice at and much appreciate."
All joined in the hearty applause and shortly thereafter a resolution was proposed. In substance, it recognized the great Theocrat, his King and Theocratic rule; the commission to preach, and the necessity to fulfill it without fail regardless of worldly opposition; that the Watch Tower Society is the Lord's visible organization; that the
fruitage of the gathering work should be yielded up to the Lord for his service; and that all will fight on in indissoluble unity until the final victory. Moved and seconded, 80,000, in 52 cities in the United States, unanimously gave their word before the Lord by shouting a mighty "Aye", followed by uproarious applause.
A New Book!
Fast on the heels of this demonstration, and by the abrupt utterance of one short sentence and the holding aloft of a peach-colored article, the president threw the assembled multitudes into far more tumultuous and prolonged cheers by springing another grand surprise, the release of a new book entitled "The New World"!
Still bubbling over about the new Bible, the witnesses were overwhelmed by this additional outpouring; but their recovery was quick, and another orderly stampede toward the ushers was on. Announcement was also made at that time, by the chairman, of the early release of a study question booklet on this new book. With unrestrained excitement the overjoyed witnesses examined this second major release of the Assembly. Opening the cover of the book, graced by a beautiful embossed planetary design, the delighted examiners found just inside the cover a graphic story of three worlds—the one before the flood, the present evil world, and the New World in its post-Armageddon glory. From one feature to another the witnesses skipped here and there through this most beautiful of all the WATCHTOWER books, and long after its release the excited buzz and ejaculations of pleasure continued. During the evening meal in the cafeteria this new book was much in evidence, the witnesses reluctant to lay it aside for a moment. The supply of both the new book and the Bible were quickly exhausted. As one witness put it, "They ran out of everything but enthusiasm!"
Just as the importance of serving The Theocracy permeated all the talks of the Friday evening and Saturday afternoon sessions, so that night service dominated the program. "Pioneer Opportunities Now" identified pioneers as those who go before and prepare the way for others. They take the lead in 'going through the gates, preparing the way of the people, gathering the stones
The New World released to delighted witnesses assembled at Cleveland
out of the Kingdom highway, and lifting up a standard for the people'. Are there pioneer opportunities now? Never greater; for "at this very hour", the speaker said, "there are entire counties and portions of territory that have not been given the witness since 1936!" Pioneers devote 150 hours per month to the service, and conduct studies, and try to make 50 back-calls each month. Important requirements of pioneers are unselfish devotion to the Most High and the will to work.
Some of the snares keeping some out of the pioneer service were discussed. Some of little faith maintain they cannot "make a living". The purpose of pioneering is to comfort all that mourn and share in the vindication of Jehovah's name, not "make a living". It was pointed out that Jehovah feeds the birds and wild beasts. With far stronger reasoning, he will provide for his servants. Others think they should hole up on a farm somewhere till Armageddon's storm blows over. That isn't fulfilling the commission to preach. There are those of little understanding who seek a wife, or worldly goods, or so-called "higher learning"; pioneers seek first the Kingdom. Then it was stressed that "the New World is here to stay!"
There are now in the field over 5,600 pioneers. (5,681 were registered as in attendance at the New World Theocratic Assembly.) The speaker's last words were: "Let's have TEN THOUSAND NEW WORLD PIONEERS IN THE UNITED STATES BY NEXT APRIL!" Hundreds responded to this call at the New World Assembly, turning in pioneer applications.
The next speaker, on "Serving The Theocracy", immediately held high a booklet containing new Theocratic "Organization Instructions". Enthusiastic applause greeted this new provision, and close attention was paid as its contents were discussed. The need for such new instructions was shown to be due to the expansion of the work and increased light coming in due season. The responsibility of each one to personally preach and bear his own burden was emphasized.
Theocratic Rule Magnified
Step by step these instructions were enumerated showing how each one might serve in unity with their fellow servants and advance the interests of the Kingdom in an organized manner. A new servant was introduced—"servant to the brethren," who is to visit the
companies twice a year to assist them in rendering efficient service in harmony with Organization Instructions. In closing, the following admonition was given:
"And now, brethren, don't anyone say, 'Oh, these Organization Instructions are all right for a large company or for some other kind of company, but they do not apply to us,' or, 'I have to change this, or amend that, before it can apply to us.' My brethren, these Organization Instructions are from the Lord through his prudent and faithful servant unto whom the Lord has given the job of issuing such instructions, and they apply to all companies, large and small. If your present arrangement is not geared to conform to the Lord's requirements, do not expect the Lord to change his arrangement to suit you. Creatures are to conform to the Lord's requirements, not the Lord to creature's whims. Get in line with the Lord's method of carrying on the work."
The chairman of the convention next addressed the assembly on the subject "Victory", and showed that victory is not only for the Kingdom, but for the preaching thereof as well. One court victory after another was cited as physical facts in proof of this. Many false and trumped-up charges against the witnesses were enumerated, and it was shown how Jehovah had blessed his people with many victories against such injustices. It was pointed out that states wherein severe persecution occurred "are exceedingly religious, and give refuge to many hundreds of 'fifth columnists' who strut about the states with their collars on backwards!" A defiant No was the answer to the question as to whether Roman Catholic-Legion threats and persecutions and mobs would deter or stop the work of Jehovah's witnesses.
The widely protested Supreme Court decision of June 8, 1942, denying Jehovah's witnesses freedom of worship, was likened to an approval by the court of the vicious "Stamp Taxes", and that, while it was a "soothing sop to the buzzard clergy", it would be just as effective in halting the witnesses "as if the Supreme Court had entered a decree that the sun should not shine". The fact was emphasized that none of the courts of the various states need follow this erroneous decision of the Supreme Court; that, while the federal constitution had been watered down, state constitutions still remained as
protective barriers to civil rights; and that until they were all swept away, in all forty-eight states, a larger fight than ever before, on more fronts, was still to be waged.
Victory of the gospel preaching does not depend on manmade guarantees and other failing human pacts; but upon the faith of the witnesses upon Jehovah God, who would not suffer them to be moved from his witness work until it be finished.
Right to Good News
The need of the people for good news was shown. The witnesses were asked if they approved of the peoples' being denied the right to this good news and if they would like to have, and would use, a handy instrument showing the people what is this good news. The speaker then released another unexpected surprise—Kingdom News No. 11, entitled "The People Have a Right to Good News Now". Copies were available not only for the witnesses, but also for distribution among the general public. They have a right to this good news, and they might have it "now". It will be remembered that the "Publishers' Edition" of the book The New World was released at the afternoon session, and now the chairman made announcement of a large supply of the regular edition in the bookroom, which the publishers might obtain that evening and use in the field Sunday morning. The publishers appreciated the privilege of taking this new book to the people. 60,000 copies were on hand at Cleveland, and all were taken by the field workers. The supply was likewise exhausted at the other convention cities and many thousands more could have been disposed of. This brought to a close the second eventful day of the New World Theocratic Assembly.
'Spectacle to Men and Angels'
It is no exaggeration to say that, even in these days of momentous events in the earth, on the days of September 18, 19 and 20 universal attention was focused on the New World Theocratic Assembly. It was under close surveillance by the visible elements of Satan's organization, particularly the religious faction, because the God-dishonoring acts of these groups have been completely exposed by the declaration of the truths of God's Word by Jehovah's witnesses. For His name's sake the witnesses are hated by the Devil's crowd. Such men, particularly the religionists, follow other men as their leaders, and accused Jehovah's witnesses of doing
likewise. Judge Rutherford, they said, was the witnesses' leader. But Judge Rutherford was no longer here. Their leader was dead, they reasoned, and the witnesses would fold up. Cleveland officials so expressed themselves prior to the Assembly. The convention committee of that city listed sixteen conventions to be held there, among them that of Jehovah's witnesses, and estimated the combined attendance of all sixteen as 7,000. Still the Devil's henchmen eyed the New World Theocratic Assembly, to witness its collapse.
The Devil and his invisible hordes were concentrated there to war against the witnesses who have the testimony of Jesus Christ. They mustered the forces of their visible dupes to fight against the Assembly, but, as Jehovah foretold, "They shall not prevail against thee." Why not? Because this Assembly was held in accordance with God's will, and 'the angel of the Lord encamps round about them that fear him, to deliver them'. So the attention of the two organizations of the universe, Jehovah God's and the Devil's, both their visible and invisible parts, was fixed there and watching the development of the issue of universal domination. Therefore it is repeated: Universal attention was focused on the New World Theocratic Assembly.
Particularly were the enemies of The Theocracy anxiously watching Cleveland, Ohio, on the third day of this Assembly, which dawned cold and raw, with a blustery wind whipping lake Erie into a sea of whitecaps. They were awaiting the much advertised lecture, "Peace=Can It Last?" by the new
president of the Society. By 4 p.m. that afternoon, when the speech was scheduled to begin, the day had warmed up somewhat for the conventioners and before the coming hour had elapsed it was blazing hot for the Devil's religious totalitarians.
Even early in the morning of that noteworthy day the opposers of Jehovah God had cause to howl, for at Cleveland 459 symbolized their consecration to serve the Lord, by water immersion. The aggregate number being immersed that day in the 52 cities in the United States was 3,548, a remarkable figure indeed, in view of the fact that many companies throughout the country had local immersions not so many weeks previous to this occasion. When the reports are received from the many cities outside the United States who shared in this Assembly doubtless the number immersed will be seen to exceed 5,000.
These thousands came up out of the water and straightway entered the field service, preaching 'the Kingdom of heaven is at hand', just as the perfect example Christ Jesus did following his immersion over 19 centuries ago. In this they were joined by tens of thousands of other Theocratic ambassadors at the combined assemblies, all presenting for the first time the new book, The New World. That this book was well received by the public was evidenced by the glowing reports of the publishers returning from the witness work. One placed 20 copies of The New World in this single morning's activity.
In between the various sessions, and
Immersion of new fighters for the New World at the key city
particularly after the morning service in the field preaching the gospel of the Kingdom and advertising the New World Assembly, the publishers delighted in rehearsing the righteous acts of the Lord with their fellow Theocratists at these assemblies which had proved to be such refreshing 'watering places'.
Many and of great variety
were the experiences of the ambassadors of the New World to be heard at this Assembly as they sat eating at the cafeteria tables or gathered in little knots about the Auditorium and grounds to rehearse the righteous acts of the Lord toward them as they participated in his "strange work".
But time thus spent slips by quickly. It is now 2:15 p.m. in Cleveland and the main auditorium is packed with 12,000 people. Fifteen minutes later the adjoining hall at the speaker's back is full and the ushtered and came to nought. Judas of Galilee drew many people after him. He perished, and all who had obeyed him were dispersed. So, refrain from these men [the apostles]; because if they are following a man and the work is of men it will come to nought. But if it is of God you can not overthrow it and you will be found fighting
their Leader shall never die and he is the King of The Theocracy, Christ Jesus. The meek of the earth can appreciate this now more than ever before; but religious fools ignore these powerful physical facts and continue fighting against God, and will be so occupied when swept away into everlasting destruction at Armageddon.
Ye Cannot Overthrow It
ers direct the people down to the basement, where an overflow audience of 9,000 brought the attendance up to 26,000. Add to this the numbers attending in the 51 other cities, and the total figure soars above 129,000 for this session of the Assembly!
The president and chairman just before the public lecture
This is a stinging rebuke to the lying religious leaders who maintained that the late Judge Rutherford was the leader of Jehovah's witnesses, but doubtless it will do them no good, as many stripes on the backs of fools are required, not reproofs. These stripes they shall have at Armageddon, but if they were wise they would consider Gamaliel's words and apply the principle there set forth and refrain from further fighting against God. Gamaliel's counsel was, in substance, this: 'Theudas rose up and hundreds joined themselves unto him. He was slain, and those who had followed him were scatagainst God.' The one whom religious clergy claimed was the leader of the witnesses is dead as a human creature, yet the witnesses were not dispersed, but assembled together in greater numbers than ever before and in closer unity than ever before. Why? Because
Start of the lecture "Peace—Can It Last?"
After listening to a half-hour discourse on "Defeat of Persecution", the audience sits quietly, waiting for the speech "Peace—Can It Last?" to begin. Though 30 minutes separate these two addresses no one leaves his seat. He could never get it back if he did. The telephonic circuit is once again made with the other cities,—Little Rock excepted, due to its newly installed mob rule and as the president steps forward to the microphone the audience settles itself and fixes its undivided attention on the platform; for the long-anticipated moment, the one so strenuously advertised, had arrived.
The Question Answered
Never did one hour pass so fast. Scarcely had the speaker begun, it seemed, than he quit. But in that fleeting hour as smashing a blow as ever dealt religious politicians since the days that Jesus walked on the earth was there landed, and the Roman Catholic Hierarchy received the full force of the mighty wallop.
The speaker said the present war was for world domination, that since the Reformation it was inevitable. It is between the parties of two sets of ideas. It is not Armageddon; and the Scriptures show that before that battle comes, a peace must come. A forceful argument was advanced, which had a ring of authority because based solely upon God's infallible Word, showing just how the peace would come about
and what would quickly follow.
Here is a portion of that address and which answers the timely question:
"Note now the Scriptural answer to our question concerning peace as given by the great Revealer of secrets, in Revelation, chapter seventeen. The World War was stopped in 1918. The implement that was then prescribed and provided to maintain the peace was the League of Nations with its World Court, which, eventually, was joined by fifty-seven nations of the world. This League was hailed by the Protestant federal council of religious organizations of America as 'the political expression of the Kingdom of God on earth', but it was not so styled by the religious ruler at Vatican City. The League of Nations, with world power and authority and fifty-seven members, was a scarlet-colored political creature, new and unusual but imaging in respects the seven world powers of human history. It combined also the living relics of all seven of them. It is therefore an added world power, the 'eighth' one. As for its names of blasphemy, 'blasphemy' here means the ascribing to men that which belongs to God or which Almighty God alone can do. In connection with this association of nations, it is noted that its creators and backers make for it promises that it will do what God's Word plainly declares only his Theocratic Government or Kingdom by Christ Jesus will do. Thereby these false political and religious prophets paste the beastly creature with 'names of blasphemy'. Thereby they cause it to 'stand in the holy place', 'where it ought not.' . . .
"Concerning it [the League] God's Word says: 'And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition.' (Revelation 17:11) It can now be said that the League 'was, and is not'. . . . Though forty members still profess to adhere to the League, the League is in effect in a state of suspended animation, and needs to be revived if it is ever to live again. It has gone into the abyss of inaction and ineffectiveness. It 'is not'. . .
"Will the League remain in the pit? Again the Word of God gives answer: The beast that thou sawest was, and is not; and is about to come up out of the abyss, and to go into perdition. And they that dwell on the earth shall wonder, they whose name hath not been written in the book of life from the
foundation of the world, when they behold the beast, how that he was, and is not, and shall be present.' (Revela tion 17:8, Am. Rev. Ver., margin) The association of worldly nations will rise again. The fight between 'the king of the north' and 'the king of the south', being for world domination, makes such an outcome of this total war unavoidable. The necessities of meeting the totalitarian aggressions and stopping them are forcing the nations to that final confederation of nations for the new order, whatever its form. . .
"But mark this: The prophecy shows that when the 'beast' comes out of the abyss at the end of this total war it comes out with the woman 'Babylon' on its back, or she climbs upon its back as soon as it gets out. That means that 'organized religion', and this time the religious organization with headquarters at Vatican City, will ride and exercise guiding influence over the League beast. . .
"Once again we ask the leading question, 'Peace—Can It Last?' and God's definite answer is, No! Man-made peace under religion's 'blessing' will be very short-lived, and political kings and rulers will not long enjoy it. The record says they 'receive power as kings ONE HOUR with the beast'. 'One hour,' with God, denotes a very brief time; and suddenly those ten horns and the beast will go into perdition, not peacefully, but violently, at the battle of Armageddon. This time the beast and its heads and horns will go, not into the 'bottomless pit', but into the 'lake of fire and brimstone', to be utterly consumed and destroyed.—Revelation 19:20; 20:10."
The speech was freely punctuated by applause as the logical, clear and timely argument was developed to its climax. In conclusion, the course of the faithful witnesses of Jehovah was pointed out. They will not wonder and be deceived, but will plow right on through opposition and persecution, preaching of Jehovah's new world of righteousness and the peace everlasting it shall usher in. Only those who flee to the "mountains", The Theocracy, will escape sharing the destruction visited upon the peace beast.
This lecture was scheduled to be broadcast by radio station WBBR in Brooklyn, New York. All the necessary telephone connections and other technical equipment were prepared and carefully checked in advance and everything appeared to be in perfect order. During a regularly scheduled Sunday morning program a serious and unexpected breakdown completely paralyzed the WBBR studios and forced a shutdown. This was at 9:30 a.m. In the meantime, the one acquainted with the technical equipment was in Manhattan, New York, attending the Assembly and was at the moment on his way to the field to witness. An usher nabbed him in the nick of time and instructed him to report to WBBR. Trusting in the Lord, a careful checking of the equipment was started. Would this Theocratic radio station have to remain silent and dead during the greatest fighting message ever delivered in these last days against the Devil's old world religious systems? A telegram sent by WBBR to the president of the Society at the Cleveland assembly answers: "Thrilling message 'Peace—Can It Last?' received perfectly. Broadcast throughout."
Indeed "Peace—Can It Last?" was a telling blow struck in the interests of the people of good-will, and was landed in dynamic hard-hitting style by a staunch fighter for the New World. He pulled no punches, either in the message or its delivery. Jehovah's people knew He was running His organization and placing the members in it as He sees fit. Visible proof was given of this at the Assembly when the newly installed president of the Society spoke and the Lord's spirit upon him was so manifest to all, and many so expressed themselves. Instead of disintegration because of the passing on of a man, as "wishful thinking" religious enemies predicted, the Lord's organization on earth is more closely knit and welded together now under Theocratic rule than ever before in the history of the church. All drive ahead in unbreakable unity under the Greater Jephthah to further onslaughts against the modern Ammonites.
Largest Christian Assembly Ever
By letter, cable and other means of communication information was received of gatherings of Jehovah's witnesses throughout the earth on this momentous occasion. These reports at hand show that 89 cities had a share in this New World Assembly and met on Sunday, September 20, and heard the powerful lecture "Peace—Can It Last?" either as the words flowed from the speaker's mouth or as the manuscript was read by others. Due to difficult communications only very incomplete reports of attendance are available.
Even so, to date carefully compiled attendance figures reach the amazing high mark of 156,424! Never before in the history of the Christian church has such a gigantic assembly been held. And this despite the inconveniences and restrictions and even violent oppositions of these perilous times. The unparalleled magnitude of the gathering, the complete unity of action of the 89 far-flung cities, and the success with which the undertaking was crowned, was nothing short of miraculous. Jehovah God directed that this assembly be held; by His grace and power alone it was accomplished.
Such a record assembly might well be expected at this time, the time of the Lord's gathering of the "other sheep" to the one fold. Was this ingathering manifest at this Assembly? Yes, and here again in record proportions. Acts 2:41 reads: "They that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls." Last year at the St. Louis convention 3,903 were immersed. This year at the New World Assembly, on the single day of September 20, 4,992 symbolized their consecration to serve Jehovah God from thenceforth and forevermore! And this report is not complete. So the day of the lecture "Peace—Can It Last?" was a glorious one for Jehovah's people; a disastrous one for His enemies.
Eighty thousand cheering New World fighters shouted "Aye" to a resolution at the conclusion of the speech "Fighters for the New World", marking their approval and that they were united in the scrap to the finish. Was there any evidence of their acceptance of the talk "Peace—Can It Last?" Indeed there was. Immediately at the close of the discourse the chairman's announcement that the full text of the talk was in booklet form and one copy was to be given free to everyone in attendance was greeted by delighted and unanimous applause.
'Scatter the Coals over the City'
Further manifestation of approval than this, however, was shown. All who desired ten additional copies to distribute in the convention cities might have them also. The rush was simultaneous in 52 cities. They surged forward for copies as in the case of the other surprises, but instead of settling down to examine the release as previously done
they kept 'going ahead' and scattered more than 500,000 of these fiery coals throughout the 52 cities with the same burning zeal with which it was delivered. Religious enemies of The Theocracy are still sizzling. As Jael slammed home the tent pin into Sisera's temple, as Ehud plunged the sword deep into King Eglon's belly, beyond the hilt, allowing the dirt to run out, so these fighters for the New World dealt religion a deadly blow and with this new offensive weapon exposed her filth and dirty machinations even before they are perpetrated! The Roman Catholic Hierarchy now know, to their sorrow and bitter disappointment, that God's organization on earth didn't collapse with the passing of one of its members.
Leaving Cleveland auditorium to scatter the new booklet over the city
This discourse was the climax of the convention. Less than two hours later the New World Theocratic Assembly convened in its final session. At this time the program in Cleveland varied from that of the other cities in that it heard reports from representatives from Australasia and Britain.
The forward surge of the work in those countries in spite of continued encroachments by the "Assyrian" upon the Promised Land forcefully demonstrated that it was the Lord's doing, and was marvelous in the eyes of those assembled in this country and who had the privilege of hearing these reports. Operating under many burdensome and trying restrictions, regimentation, and even shortage of supplies to advance the Kingdom interests, the zeal of the witnesses in marching forward despite handicaps is resulting in a mighty witness and great ingathering of "other sheep". This was held forth as an example to the witnesses in this land where so much freedom still remains for the gospel-preaching and where they have such a large supply of literature to push the fight.
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