Souvenir Notes — Convention, South Africa (1943)
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Report of the South African New World Theocratic Assembly OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES-April 23-26,1943
'I will open the windows of heaven and pour you out a blessing.'—Malachi 3:10.
The New World Theocratic Assembly
(Held in more than 90 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 it is pictured by a "bee", or a bee-hive, 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, 1942, in more than 90 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 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
Close attention was given to each discourse. 2. Ready for action and eager for the fray. 3. Waiting to hear "A Message from the President."
regularly scheduled working days, put in the equivalent of 33 working days by Saturday afternoon and evening work.
During that period hundreds of thousands of copies of Bibles and Biblical literature, including advertising material for the public lecture were printed. The tonnage of paper required for this printing was upwards of 200 tons. 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 convention days might flow with "milk and honey".
This is just some of the work behind the holding of the New World Theocratic Assembly. The convention cities were selected, and halls obtained, and then had to be held; arrangements were 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 selected 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 would ask that question wasn't there.
Jehovah God directed this Assembly to be held and through his organization invited his people to attend. By the time of the convention's climax 160,000 had responded and had assembled at these 90 cities in America, Canada, England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Australia New Zealand, South Africa, West Africa, South America, Mexico, Switzerland and Sweden. Some came by train, car, and bicycle. Others came by horse and covered wagon, and on foot. One arrived even in an ambulance, and a 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'.
Shipping difficulties and the present poor communications made it impossible for Jehovah's witnesses and their companions in South Africa to share fully in these blessings along with their brethren in America, Europe and elsewhere during the September week end. However the arm of the Lord is not shortened and in due season some of the blessings reached these shores and arrangements were made to assemble at Johannesburg, April 23-26. 1943.
Jehovah's witnesses and their companions to the number of approximately 1200 met in Johannesburg during the last week-end of April. They came from all parts of Southern Africa----from the Cape to the Zambesi. Faces from every city in the Union were to be seen. The dorps and farms were well represented. Rhodesia sent its quota and one publisher had just
A publisher from Cairo (Greek refugee) attended the Convention.
recently arrived from Cairo. The presence of these people in Johannesburg told an eloquent story of Theocratic persistency initiative and perseverance in the face of difficulties. In these days travel is not easy. Tales of hardship encountered on the way were many. Some started out from home in cars rendered unreliable by the present general inability to replace wearing parts, and with barely sufficient fuel. Some got through; others had to abandon their cars and complete the journey by train. How last-minute accommodation was obtained on trains booked up weeks ahead is a matter to wonder at. The explanation is that Theocratic necessity knows no insurmountable obstacles. Every difficulty is an opportunity.
Seen in true perspective this New World Theocratic Assembly was the greatest event in South Africa to date in 1943. The dramatic and tremendous events which grip the attention of the vast majority of earth's population concern a dying old world doomed to early extinction. The New World Theocratic Assembly at Johannesburg, however, concerned the incoming of the "world without end" which Jehovah has promised to create in his due time, and the great events now transpiring upon our globe prove that this due time has come. The Assembly was for the purpose of instructing all lovers of righteousness regarding the fulfillment of prophecy confirming the above conclusion, and to give Theocratic instruction as to how every lover of righteousness may have a direct share in the great building activities now in progress for the establishment and maintenance of the
true worship of Jehovah God, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. The Assembly also served the purpose of giving all such lovers of righteousness there gathered a practical demonstration of how such instructions should be put into practice if we are to please our God, Jehovah and his King, Christ Jesus, our Redeemer.
As one entered the convention hall one was handed a programme by an usher. Programmes 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 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. But on with the convention. The Lord will give the interpretation in good time.
Passing into the main auditorium one beheld a magnificent sight and realised that this was surely a fitting place to hold a New World Theocratic Assembly. Large banners in English and Afrikaans on either side of the platform carried the yeartext for 1943, namely, "More than conquerors through him that loved us". Two others blazed forth the words, 'Blameless in the Day of Our Lord''. These scriptures proved to be most appropriate for all the lectures pointed to this theme—blamelessly serving the Lord and maintaining integrity toward him and so proving more than conquerors at this crucial time. It was a service convention. The platform itself was tastefully decorated, with a motif of purple and gold, reminiscent of the fact that here were assembled those under the royal direction of "the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God'". The speakers' table was flanked on either side by potted palms, the containers draped in rich purple set off with bands of gold. In front across the stage were ranged brass vases with crysanthemums, alternating with smaller potted palms—palms symbol of uprightness and also of victory. In front of the speakers' table was a tastefully drawn small placard emphasising KINGDOM INTERESTS FIRST, and depicting a Theocratic publisher swinging into action. On the wall at the back of the podium was a curtain of pure white, bordered with purple and tassels of gold, the
All "Children of the King". They love to advertise The Theocracy.
whole upheld by a golden bar, beautifully emblematic of how Jehovah's people who worship Him with a pure motive are upheld by the might of power divine. Higher up against the wall and dominating the whole stage was displayed in colours the calendar picture for 1943. The theme picture under the yeartext brings into sharp relief the situation facing mankind and in which faithful Christians must overcome.
Advertise! Advertise! Advertise!
On the first morning of the 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 publishing the Kingdom message and publicizing the talk "Peace—Can It Last?" and the procedure to be followed all went forth to let Johannesburg know about this timely discourse. Hundreds flooded out in every direction, covering many parts of the town and handing out printed invitations to the main lecture Everywhere the gaze met them: men, women and children offering the handbills with a pleasant smile to all with whom they came in contact. One thing was certain: Johannesburg knew that the representatives of the New World were in town, and those of good-will were informed of their welcome to the meetings. In passing it is noted that it rained all this day. That is all the notice it merits in this report. The publishers didn't seem to notice it, so why should we?
Feed The Multitude
'Thou shalt not muzzle the ox while he treadeth out the corn.' So the publishers upon completion of the morning and afternoon's work returned to the hall and found their way to 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.
The organization and operation of the cafeteria was flawless and a marvel to all those who knew of the difficult conditions under which it was run. Prior to the Assembly is was anticipated that there would be some difficulty in obtaining the necessary supplies but many of the friends in all parts of the country sent or brought foodstuffs with them. As a result of their loving and thoughtful co-operation there was plenty for all. The cafeteria workers did a splendid job, all of it without pay, and many of them were mere children.
That evening the convention really started moving. The chairman delivered an address of welcome first in English and then in Afrikaans. In the course of his remarks he stated: "We are not here gathered to meditate upon the past and what has been done by individuals, nor have we assembled for the purpose of digging in and holding our ground, waiting for a more favourable time to advance. The days of defensive warfare are past and we have come to the time when the offensive warfare and the defeat of persecution must continue even unto Armageddon, when Almighty God will take on the great offensive and begin the 'strange act' and completely clean out wickedness and the Devil's organization. By the Lord's grace we want to be there
Even a push-bike can be used to advertise The Theocratic Government.
at the finish. The only way we can be there is to keep up with the progressive, marching programme that Jehovah is directing now for His people. Not for a moment will we stop and rest on our laurels, lest we be left behind. Our brethren in totalitarian lands, who have been beaten, persecuted and some killed because of their persistence in worshiping the only true God and who are denied the right of assembly with us, continue to remain blameless in the day of our Lord." It was further emphasised that this was never a one-man Society and never will be, but that Jehovah's witnesses are following Christ Jesus as God's appointed Leader for them.
The "Go Ahead" Signal
The address of welcome was followed by two key-note speeches, one each in English and Afrikaans. These addresses were based on Isaiah's prophecy, chapters fifty-nine and sixty and Psalm 147. They were a rousing call to action, showing that the light of Jehovah's Theocratic Government by Christ Jesus would
never be blacked out by the totalitarian forces, but that God Almighty was now giving the "Go ahead" signal to his witnesses on earth despite total war and persecution, and that they must continue preaching the Kingdom message to the final end, even if all the Kingdom publications be taken away and only the Bible be left them to use, or not even that, but only God's word in their mouths. They must "arise, shine!" 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 forever 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.
What would be the result of the continual steady persistent shining of "the only light"? 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 his 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.
A happy group of some who were immersed.
"Study to show thyself approved unto God". Jehovah's witnesses are keen students of the Bible.
"The Sword of The Spirit"
How perfect, now, was the setting for the final portion of the evening's programme: With the audience thoroughly aroused by the speeches to which they had just listened, the convention servant 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 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 went on to explain that such a Bible had been prepared by the Society. Like an explosion thunderous applause burst from the vast gathering! Whereas this Bible is the well-known King James or Authorised Version and the text of the Bible has not been altered one iota, it contains helps which bring out the predominantly Theocratic features of the Word of God as no other publication of the Bible has ever done before.
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 the special features described by the speaker as he displayed a copy. The desire of the publishers to possess a copy of this Bible was so manifest that it was almost pathetic to observe their disappointment that they could not each have a copy straight away. The prospect of getting a copy as soon as shipping space will permit greatly cheered them. The fact that such a Bible was already in general use in America and other parts of the earth brought unselfish joy to their hearts.
The speaker concluded, "It is hoped that this Bible will play a large part in bringing honour 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 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 honoured. By his grace, this new Watchtower edition of the Bible will play an important part in this work.
The display of the vertical type phonograph gave the conventioners their next thrill and they noted with pleasure this evidence of the Lord's blessing on the labours of their brethren at headquarters in the manufacture and production of this further instrument to help in carrying forward the Theocratic warfare. The session closed with the release of the 1943 calendar—a little belated due to circumstances over which we have no control but none the less welcome—and "Kingdom News" No. 11 with its beautiful message: "The people have a right to good news NOW". This was available in both English and Afrikaans.
The first evenings's session, with its stirring lectures and surprises, supplied the spark that threw the convention into high gear. Already our cup was running over.
The first session of the second day was scheduled to begin at 8-30 a.m. but long before eight the convention buildings were humming with activity, busy tongues chattering, busy feet clattering, and busy
hands preparing for Theocratic service. The tumult was stilled at the half-hour when the army assembled to receive its orders for the day. Then at nine o'clock these fighters for the New World once again spread over the Johannesburg 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. It was a magazine effort and the street work received special attention. It was noted that many who engaged in this phase of Kingdom activity this day did so for the first time. Some were old and seasoned publishers who came from companies where the street work is regularly engaged in. Others were younger publishers who because of diffidence had as yet failed to make the plunge in their home territories. They found the water not nearly so cold as they had imagined. They came back exhilirated and refreshed. This rally was productive of more happy experiences than any other at the assembly. Stories were told of interest which just contacted itself, of back-calls and studies arranged for right on the busy Johannesburg streets, of literature placed and gladly accepted. Children shared enthusiastically and efficiently in this work. In lifting up the voice of wisdom in the streets their youth is no handicap and their results compare favourably with their elders. Pavement witnessing was again proven to be one of the most effective and enjoyable methods of bringing the Kingdom message to the attention of the people.
A Peculiar People
Throughout the day the various convention halls and passages and the street outside swarmed with witnesses, going to or returning from the field, or working in connection with the various convention activities. Observers were puzzled. Hundreds 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 stranger 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
The vertical phonograph caused a thrill and was greatly admired.
"Thy people shall be willing [volunteers] in the day of thy power."—Ps. 110:3.
myself since they arrived, and if they stay here a few more days I'll stop smoking altogether! "
The afternoon session opened with singing, hundreds uniting in songs of praise to Jehovah, led by an orchestra strictly of consecrated musicians. Following this was a thirty-minute discussion in Afrikaans on "Assembly unto the Kingdom". A few more songs were sung and then at 4 p.m. the convention servant delivered an hour's talk on "Fighters for the New World"."
"Fighters For the New World"
From its outset this talk had strong appeal to those who were actually fighters for the New World. It was shown how we stand at Armageddon's threshold, 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 in earth and violently fight for the New World, and WIN!" and the audience, seeing the victory by faith, obviously appreciated this statement. "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 valour and a fighter for Theocracy. An outstanding point emphasised 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," declared 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 listeners to Jephthah's victorious return home, his being met by his rejoicing daughter, and his remembrance of his vow. Now all understood the picture on the cover of the programme, concerning which they had speculated, and as the talk continued to unfold and the greater Jephthah was clearly visualised, there was eagerness to know 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 present received into grateful hearts the simple and touching tale of Jephthah's beloved daughter. Those 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."
At the conclusion of the speech a resolution was proposed:
RESOLUTION
JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES, gathered throughout the earth in Theocratic Assembly, do hereby declare:
"THAT Jehovah God is the great Theocrat and the Builder of the New World; and Christ Jesus his Son is God's appointed. Judge and King of the New World and is the Head of God's capital organization; and God's organization is Theocratic;
THAT we are unequivocally devoted to Jehovah's Theocratic Government by Christ Jesus, and therefore recognize our commission and obligation from the Lord
God to proclaim the gospel of His kingdom and to thereby comfort all that mourn. This we must do without fail and regardless of all worldly opposition;
"THAT, by the fulfillments of prophecy and by the course of action taken under the Lord's guidance and blessing, the WATCH TOWER SOCIETY is the visible part of the Lord's organization; and the only proper and rightful organization and rule of the Society is the Theocratic organization and rule;
"THAT the purpose of the Society and the activities of Jehovah's witnesses in co-operation with it are not commercial and are absolutely separate from the politics of this world. Their work is an unselfish one of education in the Bible and carried on in obedience to the commandment of the Most High God and to enlighten men of good-will concerning the only hope of humankind, God's kingdom. All the increase that God gives to this work in gathering His "other sheep" into the fold we acknowledge to be the Lord's and shall yield up such to the Lord to be used wholly in His service;
"THAT we are opposed to all totalitarian rule and its limitation of the worship of Jehovah God through Jesus Christ. We owe allegiance to no foreign power, religious or political, but our Head and Leader is the One of God's choice and designation, Christ Jesus the King, whose example we will follow in the worship and service of God. Come what the Lord may permit, we will continue to worship Jehovah God and to resist all demonized encroachments upon His worship and service, and to fight on in indissoluble unity until He gives the victory through his Theocratic Government by Christ Jesus."
Moved and seconded, 1200 there assembled gave their word before the Lord by shouting a mighty "Aye", followed by great applause.
Another Surprise
Fast on the heels of this demonstration, and by the utterance of a few short sentences of explanation the speaker threw the assembled multitude into far more tumultuous and prolonged cheers by springing another grand surprise, the release of a pamphlet complete with questions entitled "The New World"!
Still bubbling over about the calendar and "Kingdom News", the witnesses were overwhelmed by this additional outpouring. With unrestrained excitement the overjoyed witnesses examined this second major release of the Assembly. Long after its release the excited buzz and ejaculations of pleasure continued. During the evening meal in the cafeteria this pamphlet was much in evidence, the witnesses reluctant to lay it aside for a moment. The supply was quickly exhausted. As one witness put it, "They
The youngest regular publisher in the country with her pioneer mother. Their "home" is in the background.
ran out of everything but enthusiasm!'' At the close of the afternoon session the convention servant spent an hour with the company servants from various parts of the country and gave them some timely instruction.
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 programme. "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 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 districts and portions of territory that have not been given the witness since 1938!" 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 "making 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!" During the convention quite a number responded to the call for more front line fighters.
Theocratic Rule Magnified
The next speaker, on "Serving The Theocracy" stressed the need for the new Theocratic "Organization Instructions". 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 emphasised.
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
A happy family. All serve the Theocracy.
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 creatures' whims. Get in line with the Lord's method of carrying on the work."
That same evening two speakers took fifteen minutes each to give a short talk in English and Afrikaans on the subject "Baptism". The following day 209 symbolized their consecration to serve the Lord, by water immersion.
On the Sunday morning there was further opportunity for field service and approximately 900 participated. In between the sessions, and 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 ex
periences 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 various halls to rehearse the righteous acts of the Lord toward them as they participated in his "strange work". Space only permits reference to two of these. A witness earning his daily bread on a large citrus estate decided to do his duty towards the manager of the estate by bringing the Kingdom gospel to his attention. He equipped himself with his phonograph, records, literature, etc., called and knocked at the door. On being asked the purpose of his visit he drew attention to Matthew 24:14 as his commission for doing as he did. The manager could not yet quite see how that concerned him. Then came the publisher's further explanation: "You see, Mr Revelation 22:17 states 'Let him that heareth say, Come.' I am one that has heard, and I now say 'Come'." This served to open the manager's door wide to him and he entered and was granted time to give a full and detailed witness. When he left he was invited to come again at some opportune time.
There was a family present at the Assembly, consisting of nine individuals, who not very long ago were extreme members of the "Ossewa Brandwag". At that time they manifested such antipathy to the "Engelsman" that they imbedded a penny in the floor of one of their rooms in their home as a symbol of how the "Engelsman" should be trodden under foot. It was a bi-lingual "Engelsman" that brought the Kingdom message to them. They gave little evidence at first of wanting to give heed to the Kingdom message. In due course, however, the light began to penetrate to their minds, and when they saw how hopelessly the local predikant of the branch of religion to which they belonged floundered and resorted to personal attacks and slanders when he was faced with the Theocratic truths of the Bible, they told him to quit and now they are as zealous in the Kingdom service as they had been extreme in one of the modern schemes of the Devil to blind the minds of men to the only light and hope of those who desire everlasting life under Theocracy.
Some of those who have kept the Theocratic "Standard" on high in So. Rhodesia. Several in this group were present at the Convention.
Defeat of Persecution
The first meeting on Sunday afternoon was a half-hour discourse on "Defeat of Persecution". The reassembled servants of the Lord were greatly refreshed as a parallel was drawn between the experiences of the early Christians and those of Jehovah's witnesses in modern times. The persecution upon the early Church resulted in a scattering of the Christians but as they spread the message wherever they went the result was a great increase in the work. So in these days it was shown that the decrees of totalitarian religious dictators had not stopped the witness work but that on the contrary the persecution had resulted in modern day Christians adding to their numbers daily. At the conclusion of this talk a representative from Southern Rhodesia gave an interesting ten-minute talk on the progress of the Kingdom work in that country. Although deprived of their Christian literature Jehovah's witnesses and their companions continue to give out the message by word of mouth. Whereas there were about 800 active witnesses at the time of the Minister's ban there are now over 1100 actively engaged in spreading the message of God's Kingdom. Persecution has thus been defeated in that country as elsewhere. Jehovah's witnesses have stood firm and maintained their integrity and will continue to obey the Higher Powers until the witness work has been completed.
Then came the high spot of the convention when a "Message from the President" was read. This message like the opening keynote addresses and all the other discourses in between, stressed faithful service to The Theocracy until the Lord says it is enough. Briefly the President showed the growth of the Lord's visible organization from what it was in 1922
and to what it is today, by Jehovah's grace. He warned the brethren of greater trials ahead, sparing neither brothers nor sisters, but reminded them of Jehovah's promises and sounded His keynote of victory to the more-than-conquerors. He announced the coming visits of the "servants to the brethren" and spoke of the Lord's other provisions for their comfort and use in His service.
Several extracts were then read from letters recently received from Brother Knorr in which he expressed his joy at the increase of publishers and the work in general in South Africa in spite of present day restrictions. Finally extracts from Brother Knorr's annual report regarding the work accomplished in 1942 and the College of Gilead were read and the enthusiasm of the brethren was a joy to behold. All of Brother Knorr's communications breathed the spirit of the Lord and were of tremendous encouragement to all who heard them. 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.
"PEACE—Can It Last?"
Sunday evening 7-30 saw the peak attendance at the Convention when 1500 assembled to hear the much advertised lecture, "Peace—Can It Last?" as originally given by the President of the Society at Cleveland seven months earlier, to an audience of 129,000 assembled in 52 cities throughout America. Such an audience is surely a stinging rebuke to the lying religious leaders who maintained that the late Judge Rutherford was the leader of
The president and chairman at Cleveland just before the Public Lecture
At the Bath—209 symbolised their consecration to do the will of God.
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 scattered 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 God you cannot overthrow it and you will be found fighting against 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 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.
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 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 peace would
come about and what would quickly follow.
In view of the importance and interest of that speech it is reproduced in full at the end of this report.
The publishers of The Theocracy were busy again on Monday morning taking the message of the Kingdom to the people of Johannesburg. In the early part of the afternoon many interesting experiences were related which proved to be of great encouragement to all present. Then,followed the convention report.The scope of such an assembly and the tremendous amount of work involved has been depicted.Certainly it was well worth it to those in attendance.Did others aside from the conventioners benefit therefrom? They did as shown by the reports.In all 1022 publishers shared in the field service and 6,272 books, booklets and magazines containing the message of God's kingdom were placed in the hands of the people of Johannesburg. This was a mighty flood of truth-quite a cloudburst for one week-end—and many would be refreshed and enlightened thereby.The total time spent by the publishers in this work totalled 6317 hours.Back-calls on interested people numbered 494 and at 76 of these model studies were conducted; 600 new names were handed in to the service department during the week-end.
Victory
An interesting talk in Afrikaans on "Atonement for The New World" was the next feature on the programme and then the concluding talk was given by the convention servant on the subject "Victory". In this lecture it was shown that victory is not only for the Kingdom, but for the preaching thereof as well. One court victory after another in America 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. The speaker then dealt with the situation in South Africa, and the progress of the fight for liberty on the home front. The impression of this outline of successes achieved by the Theocratic fighters for The New World in the face of the greatest odds in different parts of the world with special emphasis on the victories gained in this part of the world thrilled those who were privileged to attend this last session of the Assembly to such a vivid realisation of how we are and will be "MORE THAN CONQUERORS THROUGH HIM THAT LOVED US" that one of them involuntarily remarked, "The grand climax to a glorious programme". Victory of the gospel-preaching does not depend on man-made guarantees and other failing human compacts; but upon the faith of the witnesses in Jehovah God, who would not suffer them to be moved from his witness work until it is finished.
Conclusion
And so the time came for the witnesses to go their several ways. Full time publishers of The Theocracy lingered for another hour however and were greatly encouraged as they helped one another to become more efficient in their work. Some young people who the year previous rose publicly to testify to their stand for The Theocracy on the occasion of the release of the book "Children" and who have shown great zeal since were now among the ranks of these full time fighters. They were grateful to have some additional instruction before leaving for the front line. With the encouraging vision of the still greater numbers who would shortly come forward to swell the ranks of the Jephthah's daughter class and strengthened by the "feast of fat things" they had enjoyed they returned to their local fields of gospel-preaching.
The witnesses left the Assembly with burning zeal, anxious to spring forward in response to the "Go ahead" signal and fight for the New World. The fight ahead might be a long one. But had not the Greater Jephthah swept aside all Ammonitish opposition aimed at blocking this Assembly? and would not He continue to lead his earthly warriors from victory to victory till no opposition remained? None doubted the answer. This is the time when the Greater Jephthah will FIGHT and WIN! Jehovah had given the "Go ahead" signal. And he had not sent them ahead empty-handed. They have new weapons for the war, Jehovah's words in their mouths, and his ever-present invincible spirit upon their heads. The Lord Jehovah spread a table for them in the midst of their enemies, they fed thereat, and their strength was renewed. Now they shall not weary in well-doing and faint. "They that wait for Jehovah shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; they shall walk, and not faint."
So, FORWARD! all fighters for the New World. That He may be glorified, "ARISE and SHINE!"
Expression of Gratitude
At the conclusion of the key assembly at Cleveland the following written expression of appreciation, spontaneously drawn up by a few grateful brethren was read and presented to the president of the Society:
"To the President of the Society. "Dear Brother Knorr:
"September 20,1942.
"Our hearts are full, and we feel constrained to express to you our great joy in attending this New World Theocratic Assembly. Everybody here is saying: 'This is the greatest convention yet; we are overwhelmed with blessings; we are satisfied.'
"We have all come to this convention, our first assembly since the passing of our beloved
Brother Rutherford, to receive further knowledge and instruction from Jehovah. Each one of us can testify before the Lord that the leadership of Christ Jesus, the King of the New World, is more evident today than ever before, and that recent changes in the administration have not affected the forward movement of the Lord's work. On the other hand, we are receiving today a greater vision and knowledge of The Theocracy and a fuller appreciation of our responsibilities before the Living God in being His witnesses in these days of great peril. How true this day is Judges 5:9, 'My heart is toward the governors of Israel, that offered themselves willingly among the people.' We gratefully acknowledge you, Brother Knorr, as the Lord's anointed servant, chosen to fill the office of president of the WATCH TOWER SOCIETY. The Lord's spirit has indeed been poured out upon you. May he guide and direct you ever in administering the earthly interests of The Theocracy.
"Truly the fulfilment of Jephthah's leadership is amongst us today. The central control has been placed in the Theocratic Society, where it rightly belongs. We greatly desire to express our appreciation of the blessings and bountiful provisions given to us at this convention. Amongst the evidences of Jehovah's provisions is the fact that we are privileged to be at the key city of 52 conventions held in America. It has undoubtedly been the Lord's will for his people to assemble at this season to be spiritually refreshed, by the very fact that the enemy has been thwarted in his attempts to interfere with these assemblies for divine worship. We gratefully acknowledge receipt of the New World edition of The Bible; 'the sword of the spirit'; the beautiful book The New World; Kingdom News No.11; the new Theocratic Instructions; and the booklet Peace Can It Last? Recounting these evidences we also recognize the timely spiritual counsel and new truths provided for our edification. We hereby declare our great joy to take immediate action on the 'Go ahead' instruction, and again affirm our determination to be 'blameless in this day of our Lord'.
"We wish to express our appreciation for the much time and thoughtful care and great study devoted to the tremendous preparations made for the world-wide assembly, and we all thank the great Jehovah, the Giver of every good and perfect gift; the Lord Jesus Christ, the mighty Vindicator; yourself as president of the Society; and your faithful co-workers at Brooklyn Bethel, who tirelessly and lovingly shared with you in preparing these blessed gifts.
"The Lord Jehovah has said that he would open the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing that there would not be room enough to receive it. This indeed is our blessed portion this day. We have received to overflowing, and cannot contain more.
"We now wish you and all the Bethel family Jehovah's richest blessing in the coming days. We go back to our respective assignments in the Lord's 'vineyard', where we will keep covenant obligation and also continue singing the Victory Song. We are fully determined to fight for the New World, which we are now entering, and with the Lord's word ringing in our ears: 'As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed's seed, saith the Lord, from henceforth and for ever.'—Isaiah 59:21."
At the request that all stand who approved of this as their own heart-felt expression the entire Assembly rose as one man.
A similar expression was unanimously endorsed at the Johannesburg Assembly.
PEACE Can It Last?
Can religion guarantee a lasting peace?
What is the "beast that was, and is not, and yet is"? (Revelation 17:8) Who will establish the enduring peace, and when?
WHEN the "four horsemen" began their ride through the world in 1914, the nations and peoples painfully felt the steel-shod hoofs of the fire-red horse. Its mad gallop was foretold in the Apocalypse in these words: "And there went out another horse that
was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword." (Revelation 6:4) That ride, bringing the bloody World War, seemed to come to an end in 1918, and the sword was sheathed in peace. A permanent peace it was hoped it would be. Now it can be seen that the peace was only a truce, a prolonged armistice. The fiery horse again charges furiously through the earth, and peace is taken away by a total war which dwarfs the World War in magnitude and destructiveness. The fond dreams of lasting peace have been shattered with a rude awakening. Why?
Men of affairs speak of this as a war for world domination. It is a violent clash between the parties to two sets of ideas, which ideas cannot for ever operate side by side on this earth. They are irreconcilable, and hence create a divided house of humankind. In view of what is coming upon the world, it does no one any good to hide from ourselves the truth with the thought that by smothering the truth the way can be laid for getting together in peace. The great cry of the nations fighting totalitarian aggression is for FREEDOM. Said the great "Prince of Peace": "The truth shall make you free." Let us for freedom's sake not fear to face the truth. The candid truth then, is, that religion is at the root of the world's trouble. That fact stands out clearly to all who desire to see the truth and to order their course aright. Not only freedom, but life, is involved.
Careful students of history agree that since the so-called "Reformation movement" of four centuries ago the condition was set up and has existed that must at last break forth in an all-out war for world domination. As a result of that Reformation the religious organization in England, up till then bound to papal Rome, was nationalized and Britain became a nation religiously independent of the Vatican. Then followed the setting up and spread of the British Empire to the ends of the earth. It has been a Protestant empire, and against it the Catholic empires of Spain and France have enviously dashed in vain. Added to that,
in 1776 the American nation was born, a revolutionary democracy establishing a separation of religion and state, and hence it was a non-Catholic republic. Its ties with the British Empire have been natural, and, in spite of some disagreements, those ties have grown stronger with time and world developments. Thus the civilization that the earth has known for the past three hundred years has been held together and dominated by two Protestant and non-Catholic world powers of democratic ideals. For this reason democracy has been associated with Protestantism and the clergy have stirred up great prejudice against it in Catholic lands.
Down till the Reformation the Catholic civilization alone dominated, which method of life and rule was marked by absolute, autocratic governments backed and blessed by the clergy of a totalitarian Hierarchy. That totalitarian religious system demanded unquestioning obedience and submission to the will of the Hierarchy, and it allowed for no democracy and freedom of worship according to the written Word of God. This explains the action of the Vatican's head in 1849 when he called in the armies of the French to overturn the republic which freedom-loving Italians set up in Rome that year. It explains the undercover dealings of the Vatican through its nuncio to Germany, now pope, whereby the Nazi chieftain, a baptized Catholic, was maneuvered into power as dictator in Germany and a concordat with the Vatican was made and the German Republic was destroyed. It explains also why the Vatican and its Hierarchy in Spain and in America approved the rising up of a rebel to overthrow the Spanish Republic with the aid of the Nazi and Fascist dictators having concordat relations with Vatican City. It explains further why, after the Japanese began their assault, in 1937, for the conquest of the Chinese Republic, the Vatican sent out instructions to its missionaries in China to persuade the Chinese to submit to Japanese control. It explains why the French Republic was sold out, in 1940, and a devout member of the religious organization was made chief of state, abolishing "Brotherhood, Equality and Liberty" and erecting a Fascist state.
great year, and the mob violence incited by the said religionists against Jehovah's witnesses, who believe in the righteous principles of this Republic's Constitution and who expose the schemes and efforts of the religious-totalitarian combine for world domination.
Moreover, it explains why religious influence was back of the Civil War of 1861 and the Vatican made overtures with the head of the Confederacy, reaching a shocking climax in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, who belonged to no religious organization but stood solidly by the Holy Bible. It explains, finally, the reason for the outbreak of religious intolerance in America in 1940, Hitler's
It is vital to the carrying on of democracy, therefore, for the rulers of the nations to have in mind the foregoing truths when they listen to the words of an outstanding archbishop of America who speaks for Vatican City. Speaking at Columbus, Ohio, in February, 1942, on the subject "How Can Peace Come to the World?" this Hierarchy spokesman said: "The enemy most feared by the dictators of nations and by all totalitarian governments is the Catholic Church. The democracies of the world have no reason to fear the church. History gives them no justification for suspicion . . . With the prophetic Pope Leo XIII let us say: 'Christ our Lord must be reinstated as the ruler of human society.'" (Cincinnati Times-Star, February 24, 1942) The sacred Scriptures and the facts of history prove that Christ Jesus has never yet been the "ruler of human society". Therefore the proposed 'reinstatement' means really the restoration of world domination of the religious head at Vatican City who claims to be the "vicegerent of Christ". The unchanging policy and purpose of that most powerful religious organization, the very heart of it, is, WORLD DOMINATION by it as being necessary to world salvation, because it claims itself to be the visible representative of Christ's kingdom. The violent, un-Christian means used by that religious organization to gain its position of world domination have never let this earth enjoy an enduring peace.
The inspired prophecy of Daniel, chapter eleven, foretold this present conflict as a war between the totalitarian "king of the north" and the democratic "king of the south". It points out the totalitarian world power as the aggressor in the grab for world control in the "time of the end". Since 1914 the world has been in its "time of the end", with the FINAL END yet ahead. Exactly how long the raging total war would continue the Scriptures do not seem to show. By some religionists this war has been named "Armageddon". Others, observing the theater of the battle getting near to Megiddo in Palestine, ask: "Are we facing Armageddon?" The Scriptures are plain that the final battle of Armageddon is one far more stupendous than a fight between "the king of the north" and "the king of the south"; it is a universal war, a fight between worlds. In it the entire present evil world will be destroyed and the new world of righteousness which Almighty God establishes by Christ Jesus will bring peace, prosperity and life to this war-racked earth. Hence this international war is not the "battle of that great day of God Almighty".—Revelation 16:14-16.
Before Armageddon comes, the Scriptures show, a peace must come. Hence it is proper that the problems of such peace be now considered. War problems at present engross the nations, and no true Christian will get in the way of those concerned therewith. But the war precedes a peace; and in a radio address at Philadelphia, broadcast around the world, concerning postwar leadership, the attorney general of the United States said (July 3, 1942): "It seems to me a wholesome thing that men are thinking in 1942 of ways to win a peace, and acting on their thoughts yes, even now, while the war is yet to be won. It means that at last the realization has come to us that world war and world peace cannot be disassociated as parts of the same
great upheaval.
The problems of peace and of war are interdependent." (New York Times, July 4, 1942) Shortly thereafter the ex-president of the nation said in a broadcast from San Francisco: "Whatever the modifying views of our associates in war may be, Americans should have formulated the kind of peace that they want. They must make up their minds BEFORE the war ends; otherwise others will make the peace, and not us." (New York Times, July 13, 1942) And in his recent book, on "The Problems of Lasting Peace", it is written: "The purpose of this war, the most terrible of three centuries, is to make a lasting Peace. We must first win the war. But we will not win lasting peace unless we prepare for it. And we can prepare only by full and free public discussion, by the cold surgery of analysis." In May it was revealed that thirty-five government agencies were then engaged in postwar planning. (Stated by T. E. D., May 9, 1942) International discussions, and likewise public forums, are being held on postwar problems.
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