Advice for Kingdom Publishers (1939)

Download: PDF — Advice for Kingdom Publishers (1939)

ADVICE FOR KINGDOM PUBLISHERS ADVICE FOR KINGDOM PUBLISHERS

ALL PERSONS who are fully consecrated to Jehovah God and have agreed to do his will should have in mind at all times the commission which God has given to them and which commission is set forth in the following scriptures, to wit: "The spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meck; he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn." "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come."—Isa. 61:1,2; Matt. 24:14.

The Theocracy is the kingdom of Almighty God for which Jesus taught all his followers to pray. (Matt. 6:10) That kingdom is now here and those who have taken their stand on the side of Jehovah and his kingdom must be witnesses thereto and bear testimony to the people of and concerning the Kingdom and the blessings it will, bring to mankind.—Isa. 43:9-12.

The Lord Jesus makes it clear that his "faithful and wise servant" (Matt. 24:45,46) is the collective body of consecrated and anointed ones to whom he commits his Kingdom interests on earth. The Jonadabs, or Jonathan class, are the companions of the anointed. It is the duty of each of such to look well to and to promote the Kingdom interests.

Satan the adversary uses all his instruments on earth to oppose the Kingdom and the proclamation of the Kingdom message, and the chief instruments of Satan are the leaders in religious institutions, and, in particular, the Roman Catholic Hierarchy. There is a great multitude of honest and sincere persons, however, who are under the present control of and held subject to the Roman Catholic Hierarchy and other religious institutions of the land. These mourn and cry and sigh because of the wickedness they see done in the religious organizations. It is the duty of all who are consecrated and devoted to Jehovah God and his kingdom to comfort such as will hear, and therefore it is your privilege to go amongst the people and inform them of God's gracious provision for them. This work the witnesses for the Kingdom are carrying on by means of the distribution of Bibles, books and booklets explaining the Bible, and by means of the phonograph, and by conducting Bible studies. It is your privilege and duty to go from house to house to do this work even as Christ Jesus and his disciples went from house to house bearing testimony to the name of Jehovah and to his kingdom.

Herein some advice is given to Jehovah's witnesses as to their proper conduct when opposed by the violent actions of others in an effort to prevent the publication of the Kingdom message.

THE WORK

The witness work is Jehovah's "strange work", and you engage in it as His representative. Each day before starting pray to God in the name of Christ Jesus to direct you into doing exactly his will. You need not occupy so much time in prayer, but you can silently pray as you walk along the streets. Have in mind that you are the representative of Jehovah's kingdom acting under the direction of Christ Jesus.

BE FEARLESS

You should fear God and Christ, and none other. Remember that the fear of man leads one into a snare. (Prov. 29:25) Be bold but not rude, remembering that you are backed up by the Lord in your work and you are doing his will.

Carry with you your literature, phonograph, and such other things as you use in the witness work. Some of you will operate sound-cars. Where there is a city ordinance forbidding the use of sound-cars except by a permit, you should apply to the proper authorities and explain your work. The city can prohibit the use of sound-cars on the ground that they interfere with traffic. Where they are parked on private property and used only to preach the gospel they have no right to interfere, unless this private property is within a part of the city that might come within the term of the ordinance prohibiting unnecessary sounds. It is best to have an understanding with the city officers before beginning to use the sound-car, and to avoid difficulty. They have no right, however, to interfere with your use of the sound-car outside of the city limits.

PHONOGRAPHS

Employ the doorstep method with the phonograph, which method is described specifically in the Informant. When you have played a record through, then present the literature. You are not selling anything. You are not a canvasser. You are not a solicitor of money. You state to the persons who desire literature that it is their privilege to contribute a reasonable amount, which money is to be used to publish other like literature.

OPPOSITION

You will find that clergymen and those who act with them will object to your work. Officers may accost you. Reply to the officer: "I am an ordained minister sent forth by the Lord to preach this gospel of the Kingdom. I am doing so at the command of Almighty God. His law is supreme and I must obey his law rather than man's law." If he demands that you cease the work, say to him: "I cannot do that upon your direction." If the officer says, "You must go with me to the police headquarters," reply: "This I cannot do unless I am under arrest." If he places you under arrest, then go with him and explain to the desk officer your work. Do this in a courteous manner and without fear. Usually you will find the officer will see that you are sincerely preaching the gospel, and will not cause further interference.

When cases are filed against you, do not agree to discontinue the witness work in any phase during the time the case is tried out in court, but continue as though no case had been filed, and any additional arrests will be the responsibility of the officers before God. Do not let anyone order you out of town, not even officers of the law, because the only right they have is to arrest for some offense, and nothing else. You should not permit an officer to confiscate your signs, because neither he nor any other person has the right to take your clothing from you, and this likewise applies to the signs you carry. If you are arrested for carrying the signs, then the officer has the right to take them for use in evidence. When you prepare for trial you should have two or more brethren who own property in the county where the court is to be on hand with their deeds and tax statements to go your bond in event you lose and have to appeal.

INFORMATION MARCHES

It is not proper to indulge in parades with a large number of persons. It is both proper and legal to indulge in information marches. It appears that the following is the best method: Two persons with signs on their body either in front or behind, or both, should walk along the streets some fifteen or twenty feet apart, followed by a third one distributing literature. See Informant of September, 1939. In this manner you are not violating any ordinance or law that is properly enacted. You may be assaulted by opposers, such as clergymen and others, and then you should take a proper course as outlined below.

SELF-DEFENSE

If assaulted by any person or persons, you have the right to defend yourself. This matter of self-defense is specifically considered in The Watchtower of September 15, 1939, pages 278-282. We advise that you carefully study the same and follow the Scriptural injunction therein set forth. You should never seek a controversy, nor should you willingly submit to abuse or destruction of the property or things that you have for the advertising of the Kingdom. Private individuals or mobs have no right to interfere with you. If an officer, acting as such, arrests you, then do not resist. It will not be necessary to defend yourself against an officer, but your defense should be made in court.

ARRESTS

You may be arrested by officers and taken to the police court and be called upon to stand trial. If asked by the officer at the police station what you are doing, present your identification card and say to him: "I am preaching the gospel in obedience to the command of Almighty God."

You are not required to answer any further questions until you are put on trial.

If a complaint is filed, ask to be furnished with a copy of it. If you are able to do so, engage the services of a local lawyer. Ask that your case be continued and you be permitted to go on your own recognizance until you have time to get legal advice and prepare for trial. If you are not permitted to go on your own recognizance, then arrange for local brethren with property to make your bond.

In every instance you have the right to defend yourself. We advise that you try your own case, and employ a lawyer only on appeal. You can employ a lawyer if it appears to be necessary; and if possible, get a lawyer who is favorable to the truth. If such are not available, then, whomsoever you employ, have it understood that he is to put your case before the court showing that you are a witness of Almighty God and his kingdom and that you are clearly within your constitutional rights in worshiping God. The lawyer who represents you should clearly understand in advance that he will follow the order of trial prescribed herein and will present your case in that manner before the court. If you are required to defend yourself, then you will proceed according to the order set out in the next paragraph.

When brought before the court and required to enter a plea, you should state: "I plead not guilty. I ask for a copy of the complaint that I may examine it, and I herewith file a written application for a trial by jury."

You should have previously written out demand for jury. Then orally state: "I ask the court to impanel a jury to try this case." If this is denied, then you will have to be tried before the court or magistrate.

The prosecution must first put in evidence in support of the complaint. The evidence introduced will usually be the fact that you were going from house to house with a phonograph and books and that this is in violation of an ordinance. When the prosecution has put in its case, then you should file a written motion to dismiss, which motion you should have prepared in advance. Motion written by you should be in the following form:

STATE OF

COUNTY OF

COURT

[name of the] Complainant,

versus

MOTION TO DISMISS

[name of the] Defendant.

THE DEFENDANT moves to dismiss this case and for his discharge upon the following grounds:

THAT the complaint is invalid and does not state facts sufficient to constitute an offense under the law;

THAT the ordinance in question is invalid and void by reason that it is in direct conflict with the Constitution of this State and of the United States, in this: that it restricts the freedom of speech, freedom of press, and freedom of worship of Almighty God;

THAT the ordinance in question is in direct violation of the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution of the United States.

THAT the evidence by prosecution shows defendant is not guilty.

THE DEFENDANT therefore prays this court to dismiss this case and that he be discharged.

[Signature]

File the motion by handing it to the court and say: "I request that this Motion to Dismiss be filed." If the motion is overruled, then you will proceed with your side of the case. Offer in evidence your identification card. Then offer in evidence a copy of the testimony card. Then offer yourself as a witness. If you are defending yourself you can make your statement as set out below, and, if defended by an attorney, have it understood in advance that he is to propound to you the questions to prove the truths herein mentioned and give you opportunity to cite the Scriptures, as follows, to wit:

Give your name and address and say: "My occupation is that of an ordained minister of the gospel. I am fully consecrated to do the will of Almighty God and obey his commandments as set forth in the Bible in the following texts: 'Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord [Jehovah].' (Isa. 43:10,12) 'The spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek: he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn.' (Isa. 61:1,2) 'And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.' (Matt. 24:14) As the apostles were sent forth by the Lord Jesus Christ to preach the gospel, so I am sent forth.

They went from house to house to preach the gospel orally. I am doing so by going from house to house and presenting the gospel of the Kingdom in printed form and by the use of the phonograph. I am called to follow in the footsteps of Jesus: 'For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.' (1 Pet. 2:21) It is written in the Scriptures concerning Jesus: 'He went round about the villages, teaching.' (Mark 6:6) 'He went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him.' (Luke 8:1) Then Jesus gave commandment as follows: 'And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. And when ye come into an house, salute it. And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.' (Matt. 10:7, 12-14) The apostles went from house to house. (Acts 20:20) They were arrested for preaching the gospel, as I am, and they answered in harmony with God's Word, 'We ought to obey God rather than men.' (Acts 5:29) If this ordinance is in conflict with God's law and commandment to me, then the ordinance does not apply to me and I must obey God's law rather than obey the ordinance. I could not ask a permit to do what Almighty God commands me to do."

At this point say to the court: "I now desire to make a statement fully as to what took place when I came to that house in doing this work." Then proceed to tell exactly what you did. If you were using a phonograph, say: "I set it up and put on this record, and I would like to put this record on now and have it played to the court and offer it in evidence.

When the record was completed, I handed the person listening this testimony card, which I here offer in evidence and ask that it be put in the record. If anyone desired literature, I furnished it to them and stated that we were taking a contribution of a small amount to print more like literature for the benefit of the people. If I find someone who wants the literature and is too poor to contribute anything, I give him a booklet upon promise that he read it. Our work is entirely charitable, meaning that it is prompted by an unselfish desire to do the people good in obedience to the command of Almighty God. No one makes any commercial profit. In fact, the contributions do not nearly cover the cost of publication. The cost of publication is borne chiefly by general voluntary contributions made by persons who are interested in getting this good news to the people. I am engaged in this work solely because I have given my life to God's service and it is my duty to tell the people of God's gracious provision for man's protection and salvation and that his kingdom is the only hope for suffering humanity. My work is worshiping Almighty God in spirit and in truth as He commands and as the Constitution of this State and of the United States guarantees me the right to do. I now offer in evidence and present to the court the books and other literature that I was carrying, all of which show that they are devoted exclusively to an explanation of the Scriptures as written in the Bible and that my work is in no wise selfish or commercial. If an ordinance requires me to ask for a permit to do this work, my defense is that no state, city or municipality has any authority to enact an ordinance that is contrary to what God commands in his law, and the enactment and attempt to enforce such an ordinance comes clearly within God's declaration at Psalm 94:20 with reference to framing mischief by law.

I was carrying this literature explaining the Bible, and by this means obeying God's commandment to be his witness and to preach this gospel of the Kingdom, and this right of press or publication, as well as the right to worship, is guaranteed to me by the Constitution of this State and the Constitution of the United States as fully explained by the Supreme Court in the Case of Lovell versus City of Griffin, 303 U.S., page 444."

If there are other of Jehovah's witnesses present, you can offer them as your witness to corroborate the work you were doing.

At the conclusion of your testimony have prepared and filed a Motion in writing as follows:

STATE OF ...

COUNTY OF ...

MOTION TO DISMISS

[name of the] Complainant, versus

[name of the] Defendant.

THE DEFENDANT moves to dismiss this case and discharge the defendant on the following grounds:

THAT upon all the evidence in this case and the law governing the same the prosecution has failed to introduce any evidence whatsoever showing the guilt of the defendant; in the case the defendant is not guilty and should be discharged.

Defendant.

Sign your name as defendant and file it with the court.

APPEAL

If the court should 'find you guilty' and assess a punishment, then immediately say to the court: "I make application to appeal this case to a higher court." Request the court then to furnish to you the necessary blanks and show you how to make out your application for appeal. If you are represented at the trial by a lawyer, he will know what to do and will take the necessary steps.

In the event that the court refuses to assist you in making up your appeal, then say: "I request the court to give me time and opportunity to employ a lawyer to perfect this appeal." Then you should take immediate steps to prepare your case for an appeal by employing some local lawyer.

Immediately notify the Society's Legal Desk at Brooklyn that appeal has been taken and to what court.

CONDUCT

Your conduct and that of other witnesses in your behalf at the trial and before the court should be without fear or any indication of fear. You are there as a representative of God's King and kingdom. You are there because you have a right to make your defense. When you are asked a question, answer it respectfully. Never be rude, but answer firmly and boldly, and if the court insists that you should not preach in his court, reply: "I am not preaching, but I am making up the record in my defense.

As God appointed his witnesses in time of old, so he does even in this day, and if this court denies me my right to make my defense, the court must bear the responsibility before Almighty God; and furthermore, it is necessary to show the Scriptures to the court in order to prove my Constitutional defense of freedom of worship."

All of the Lord's people should be respectful and show the proper respect to the court. The habit in the courts of rising and standing when the court enters does not come within the prohibition mentioned at Exodus 20:1-5. The rising and standing is merely an act of respect which is shown under the rules of the court and which similar rule the apostle Paul followed when he was before the courts.

This advice is general and given for the general aid of the witnesses of Jehovah when arrested. Where it is possible for the Society to render further aid it will be done.

FINES

We advise that the brethren do not pay fines. If the court assesses a fine, then preferably go to jail, even when the final judgment is entered. Remember that you are sent forth by Jehovah to be his witness; and if it is his will that you go to prison as his witness, that will afford an opportunity to bear testimony. The prophets and the apostles likewise suffered, and they did not pay fines.

DAMAGE SUITS

We advise that no damage suits be instituted except in unusual cases, and then not without first submitting the facts to the Legal Desk of the Society at Brooklyn and after being advised what course to take.

We cannot afford to waste our time with lawsuits except where it is necessary to make our own defense in behalf of the witness work.

GENERALLY

You have been furnished with the Decision of the Supreme Court in Lovell versus Griffin above mentioned, and you will be furnished with any further Decisions that may be thought proper. Also, the Society will be glad to furnish any advice or aid to local attorneys when requested. For this reason you should communicate with this office, telling us of the progress of any case and asking any further advice you may require. This advice is a more abbreviated statement of what to do to enable you to pursue the proper course in the witness work. Any former advice contrary to this should be ignored.

COSTS

No one has authority to bind the Society to pay court costs of proceedings or institute lawsuits in the name of the Society or to bind the Society to pay attorneys' fees without first receiving advice direct from the Society at Brooklyn. Address all communications to:

WATCHTOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY Legal Desk,

117 Adams St., Brooklyn, N.Y.

Printed in the United States of America