1937 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses
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1937 YEAR BOOK
RELIGION AND CHRISTIANITY
ORIGIN
RELIGION ORGANIZED
DENOMINATIONS ORGANIZED
GREATER LIGHT
JEHOVAH’S TEMPLE
FAITHFUL AND TRUE WITNESSES
“JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES”
CORPORATIONS
FIGHTING AGAINST GOD
THE END
DRAGON AND HIS AGENTS
AMERICA
FLAG SALUTING
FACTORY PRODUCTION
SHIPMENTS
SOUND EQUIPMENT
RECORDINGS
PUBLICATION
SPECIAL SERVICE
ORDINATION
ORDAINED REPRESENTATIVES
CONVENTIONS
RADIO
COST
DECLARATION AND WARNING
“THE WATCHTOWER”
"THE GOLDEN AGE”
FOREIGN COUNTRIES
AFRICA (South, Central and East)
House-to-House Witness Work
AFRICA (West)
ARGENTINA
AUSTRALIA
BRAZIL
BRITAIN
CANADA
CENTRAL EUROPEAN OFFICE
AUSTRIA
BELGIUM
CZECHOSLOVAKIA
DANZIG
FRANCE
GERMANY
HOLLAND (THE NETHERLANDS)
HUNGARY
LUXEMBURG
POLAND
RUMANIA
SAAR REGION
SWITZERLAND
YUGOSLAVIA
CHINA
GREECE
HAWAII
INDIA
JAMAICA
JAPAN and KOREA
MEXICO
NORTHERN EUROPEAN OFFICE
DENMARK
ESTONIA
FINLAND
ICELAND
LATVIA
LITHUANIA
NORWAY
SWEDEN
PHILIPPINE ISLANDS
PORTUGAL
SPAIN
SYRIA
TRINIDAD, PORT OF SPAIN
TURKEY
SUMMARY
YEAR BOOK
of
JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES
containing report for the fiscal year of 1936.
Also daily texts and comments.
Corporate Publishers:
Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society
Peoples Pulpit Association
International Bible Students Association
124 Columbia Heights Brooklyn, N.Y., U.S.A.
Branch offices appear on last page
Copyright 1936
Made in the United States of America
WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY
OFFICERS:
J. F. Rutherford President
C. A. Wise
Vice-President
W. E. Van Amburgh Secretary and Treasurer
PEOPLES PULPIT ASSOCIATION
OFFICERS:
J. F. Rutherford
President
N. H. Knorr
Vice-President
A. R. Goux
Secretary and Treasurer
INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION
OFFICERS:
J. F. Rutherford
President
Jesse Hemery Vice-President
E. C. Chitty Secretary
W. E. Van Amburgh Ass’t Secretary and Treasurer
1937 YEAR BOOK
of Jehovah’s witnesses
For the fiscal year ending September 1936
ALL PERSONS who love and serve Jehovah God have a keen interest in the work of advertising his King and his kingdom. This report is made for the purpose of informing such persons concerning the progress of the witness or advertising work done throughout the year during the fiscal year ending September 30, 1936. This witness work has been done in obedience to the command of Jehovah. No one who is engaged in this work expects to receive any money consideration for the service rendered. The only kind of service that is acceptable and pleasing to God is that which is prompted by unselfishness to the end that those who serve may maintain their integrity toward God and magnify the name of the Most High.
Jehovah is the exclusive name of the Almighty God. He is the Creator of heaven and earth, the Giver of every good and perfect gift, and the source of life. He is the Most High, the one above all, and concerning him it is written in the Bible: “Whose name alone is JEHOVAH.” Many persons are entirely ignorant of the name Jehovah. The ignorance of the masses is due largely to the fact that the professed teachers of the Bible have failed to teach them. The Almighty God has revealed himself through his Word under the titles or names God, which means Creator; Almighty God, meaning the One whose power is without limitation; Most High, meaning him who is above all creation; and Jehovah, which means his purpose toward his creatures. To those who have fully devotedthemselves to Jehovah the relationship is that of father and children. Since this report has to do with the purpose of Jehovah toward His creatures now on earth, it seems appropriate to speak of him chiefly by his name Jehovah.
In his Word it is written: “God is love”; meaning that the expression of his purpose toward his creatures is always prompted by unselfishness. There is nothing that his creatures can do that will bring any profit to Jehovah. Their obedience to his commandments brings the greatest profit to them, however, because it calls forth toward them his approval. Long centuries ago Jehovah expressed his purpose to establish a righteous world government and to destroy all the wicked and all unrighteous practices, to the end that his obedient creatures might live for ever in peace and righteousness to the praise and honor of the great Creator. Before cleansing the earth by the destruction of wickedness it is his expressed purpose that a testimony must be given throughout the earth to inform those who will hear that he is the only true and almighty God, that Christ Jesus, his beloved Son, is the Redeemer of mankind, the world’s rightful ruler, and that all hope of the human race is centered in Christ Jesus, and that the blessings of humankind will be administered to the obedient ones by and through the kingdom of God under Christ Jesus.
Jehovah grants to those who love him the great privilege of bearing testimony of and concerning these truths, which testimony or witness work must be done before Jehovah through Christ Jesus destroys the unrighteous. The fearless and faithful performance of their duty in this respect means the maintenance of their integrity toward Jehovah. To serve Jehovah, therefore, is the greatest privilege any creature could possibly have. Appreciating this fact, those who are known as Jehovah’s witnesses, and also those known as the “great multitude”, delight to serve Jehovah and his King by proclaiming his Word, his name, and his loving-kindness to others. This report deals with their activities during the fiscal year.
RELIGION AND CHRISTIANITY
To aid those persons of good will toward God to have a better understanding and appreciation of Jehovah God and his purpose toward his creatures, attention is here called specifically to religion and Christianity. It is generally understood amongst the people that religion and Christianity are one and the same; but such is a very erroneous conclusion. Recognized worldly lexicographers define these terms as follows:
Religion : The “conformity in faith and life to the precepts inculcated in the Bible, respecting the conduct of life and duty toward God and man; the Christian faith and practice”.—Webster.
Christianity : ‘‘The religion of Christians; the system of doctrines and precepts taught by Jesus Christ; practical conformity of one’s inward and outward life to the spirit of the Christian religion.”—Webster.
Those definitions are entirely wrong and in full conflict with the Word of God. Without a doubt in Webster’s day the terms religion and Christianity were used interchangeably, and it may be said that he was excusable for so defining those terms. Religion and Christianity, as defined in the Bible, are diametrically opposed one to the other. There is not in existence, nor ever was in existence, such thing as “the Christian religion”. The Bible, which is the Word of God, is the supreme authority in this matter, and our definitions should conform strictly to the Bible.
The correct definitions of these two terms, as shown by the Bible, are as follows:
Religion is any form of worship practiced or indulged in by creatures in recognition of some higher power, and which formalism and practice finds support or authority in tradition. Such authority consists of the teachings of men handed down by tradition from one generation to another. The transmission of any knowledge, doctrine, custom, practice or form of worship from fathers to descendants, is tradition. Religion, as shown by the Scriptures, finds no support in the Word of God.
Christianity : According to the Bible, Christianity means full obedience to the commandments of God, even as Christ Jesus obeyed and taught those commandments to others. A person is a Christian only when he has fully devoted himself to God by consecration, and then is diligent to obey God’s commandments, as set forth in the Bible.
In the earth today there are divers and numerous religions practiced by human creatures. There is just one Christianity, and that is not at all religion, nor does it have any similarity to religion.
ORIGIN
It seems quite proper here to call attention to the origin of religion, and that information should be enlightening, and particularly pleasing to all who wish to know the right way and follow in the way of righteousness. Every sincere and honest person desires the truth, and the truth concerning Jehovah and his purpose and his relationship to his creatures is found only in the Bible. Concerning it the Lord Jesus, when on earth, said: “Thy word is truth.’’—John 17:17.
The order of Jehovah God’s creation as set forth in the Bible is this: First the Logos, who thereafter and now is known as Jesus, and Christ Jesus. (John 1:1, 2) “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature.” (Col. 1:15) The Logos was at all times thereafter the active agent of Jehovah in the creation of everything thereafter created. God created heavenly creatures known as seraphim, cherubim and angels. One mighty angel of great light and power created by the Lord God was first named Lucifer. In his due time God created the earth and he created the creature man to live on the earth. (Isa. 45:12,18) It is recorded in the prophecy of Job:
“Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? . . . When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” (Job 38: 4, 7) It reasonably follows that, when the great Creator informed his creatures of heaven concerning his purpose to create the earth and to create and place on the earth an intelligent creature to the praise of the Most High, then the heavenly sons sang songs of praise to the Almighty God and all the angels of heaven shouted in praise of his holy name.
Then in due time God created man and made him in his own image and likeness. He placed man in a beautiful part of the earth, which he had finished, which he called Eden, and there God’s mighty angel creature, Lucifer, was installed as man’s overlord. Lucifer had noted the praise that all creatures gave Jehovah God, and he coveted that praise for himself. (Jer. 51:13) He had an insatiable desire for that which belonged exclusively to Jehovah God. He set about to gratify that unholy desire, and concerning the same it is written: “For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds: I will be like the Most High.” (Isa. 14:13,14) Jehovah, being fully aware of Lucifer’s unholy desire to exalt himself, said this: “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! ... Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.” — Isaiah 14:12,15.
Adam and the woman Eve were in Eden, having been placed there by the great Creator with specific instructions as to their course of action, and had received at the mouth of Jehovah God his law, which informed them that in the day that they committed a willfully wrongful act that would mean their death. Lucifer, knowing this fact, set about to accomplish his wrongful purpose by turning Eve and Adam against the great Creator. Lucifer deceived Eve and caused her to violate the law of Almighty God, and Adam, by reason of his selfish desire to have Eve, joined her in the transgression, and thus both were turned away from God. (1 Tim. 2:14) For their violation of God’s law they were sentenced to death. (Gen. 2:17; 3:15-19) Before being put to death their children were born, and the result of the death sentence upon Adam and Eve was that all the human race inherited sin and death. “Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned.” —Rom. 5:12.
Lucifer was also sentenced to death, but the execution of his death sentence was deferred for the reasons as hereinafter set forth. (Ezek. 28:19) Jehovah God now changed the name of Lucifer, calling him by four separate and distinct names, which names portrayed the wickedness of that creature. From then till now he is known as Satan, which means adversary, or the one who opposes Jehovah God; Devil, meaning slanderer; Serpent, meaning deceiver; and Dragon, meaning devourer. That creature, as his names indicate, is the very embodiment of wickedness and is known in the Scriptures, as well as by experience of other creatures, as the chief wicked one of the universe.
The Devil, having succeeded in turning Adam and Eve away from God, proceeded upon the theory that he could turn all creatures away from Jehovah God; therefore he challenged God to put on earth any man who would maintain his integrity toward God when put to the test. The Devil declared that he could induce all men to ‘curse God to his face’. (Job 2:5) That challenge raised the question of supremacy, that is to say, Is God, whose name is Jehovah and who is all-powerful, is he supreme, and is his Word true? or can Satan the Devil thwart the purposes of Jehovah? To be sure, God could have executed the Devil immediately; but had he done so, that question of supremacy would have been left unsettled in the mind of other creatures. It pleased Jehovah God to accept the challenge of the wieked one and give the Devil full opportunity to make proof of his boastful challenge. Jehovah knew full well that in due time Satan would fail and that all creatures would have an opportunity to determine each one for himself which is the right way and who is right, and that therefore each creature would have to do with his own eternal destiny. Therefore Jehovah God said to the Devil: “For this cause have I allowed thee to remain, in order to show thee my power; and in order that they may proclaim my name throughout all the earth.”—Ex. 9:16, Leeser.
This is a plain declaration by Jehovah that he was giving Satan a suspended sentence and that he would permit Satan to exercise all the power at his command in his effort to thwart Jehovah God and his purpose and that then Jehovah would show Satan the supremacy of the Almighty God by the exercise of His own power, and that he would have his own great name proclaimed throughout the earth. It is essentially important to keep in mind at all times the issue raised by Satan’s challenge, and God’s purpose as expressed in connection therewith. By doing so the reason for the existence of so many religions in the earth will be understood. Also the reason will be very apparent that religion and following in the footsteps of Christ Jesus, called “Christianity”, are exactly opposed one to the other.
RELIGION ORGANIZED
The first man and woman, being expelled from Eden, exercised their God-given functions to bring children into the earth. After a period of time there were in the earth many human creatures, and among these was a man whose name was Nimrod. Satan now began his operations to organize mankind in open defiance of the Almighty God. Nimrod was selected as the visible or earthly leader, and he stood before the other people as one even greater than Jehovah God himself. It is written in the Scriptures concerning Nimrod: “He began to be a mighty one in the earth. He was a mighty hunter before the Lord; wherefore it is said, Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before [impudently greater than] the Lord. And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, ... in the land of Shinar.’’ (Gen. 10: 8-10) He became a slayer of animals in violation of God’s law, and his prowess and audacity and boastfulness made him an object of worship by others of mankind. Nimrod was an agent of the Devil, and Nimrod became the chief one the Devil first used after the flood to organize religion in the earth. By inducing a man to worship and praise a creature the Devil knew it would effectually turn away the people from the Creator. The Devil then induced the people to believe that they should build a tower by which they could enter heaven and, as it is written, “they said, Go to, let us build us a city, and a tower whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.” (Gen. 11:4) That was the beginning of religion. That tower and city of Babel was built in defiance of Jehovah God and for the purpose of carrying out the wicked challenge of Satan. The names Babel, or Bab-il, and Babylon mean “The gate of God”; therefore in derision and in ridicule of God. Babylon was built as a defiance to God, and the people were led to believe that through Babylon was the way to their salvation. Nimrod was the head of Babylon, and his name means “rebellious”, or ‘him that rules as a rebel’. Babylon symbolically stands for Satan’s organization. Babylon was therefore a religious organization directing the people to worship creatures in defiance of the Creator and was Satan’s adopted method of carrying out his wicked challenge. Religion was the binding tie that held the people together. The people ignored God, the Creator, and gave their allegiance and praise to a creature. (Rom. 1:20,25) The proof is conclusive, therefore, that Satan the Devil originated religion in defiance of Jehovah God for the purpose of deceiving the people and turning them away from God. Thereafter other nations were organized, the peoples of which likewise adopted a devil religion and indulged in the forms and practices of worship based upon the teachings of men, which had been induced by Satan and handed down from one generation to another, and thus the religions that followed thereafter were based upon or found authority in tradition. All religious worship was and ever has been contrary to the commandments of Almighty God.
From the day of Abel till now there have at all times been a few men on the earth who have remained loyal and faithful to Jehovah. Among such men was one known as Abram, afterwards called Abraham, and whom God used to make prophetic pictures foreshadowing his purposes. Jehovah made promise to Abraham, and bound it with his oath, that in due time he would have on earth a righteous rule and that such righteous government would rest upon the shoulder of God’s beloved One, whom Abraham’s beloved son Isaac foreshadowed, and that such government would bring boundless blessings to all peoples of earth who would obey God and maintain their integrity toward him. The issue was clearly made now, and two pathways were laid before the creatures of earth, one marked out by Satan, which leads into unrighteousness and into destruction; the other marked out by Jehovah, as recorded in his Word, which leads to endless life and happiness.
Jehovah God caused the descendants of Abraham to sojourn for a term of years in the land of Egypt that those chosen people there might perform certain acts and make prophetic pictures foretelling how Jehovah would develop and bring to pass his purpose to bless the obedient ones of mankind. There in Egypt God’s chosen people were severely persecuted and ill- treated by those who practiced the Devil religion. Jehovah God heard their cries, made a covenant with them, and caused Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, and then when they reached Mount Sinai Jehovah God confirmed his covenant and inaugurated it toward his chosen people. At that time Jehovah said to them: “I am the Lord thy God, which have brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me.”—Ex. 20:1-5.
The chief purpose of that covenant was to safeguard the Israelites from religion, which the Devil was using to turn men away from God. That such was the chief purpose is clearly shown by the testimony of the apostle Paul, who was once a practitioner of religion, but who became a Christian and wrote under inspiration and authority given him by the Almighty God through Christ Jesus. Concerning that covenant which God made with the Israelites he wrote: “What then is the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise hath been made; and it was ordained through angels by the hand of a mediator. So that the law is become our tutor to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.”—Gal. 3:19, 24, A.R.V.
The apostle there explains that the seed of promise is Christ Jesus and that the purpose of the law covenant was to hold the Israelites away from the Devil’s religious influence until the coming of Christ Jesus, the seed of promise. The history of the people of Israel, as set forth in the Bible, from Exodus to Malachi’s prophecy, discloses the fact that the Israelite people were constantly influenced by the Devil and induced to embrace and practice the religion which was used and practiced by the nations round about them. One of the striking instances recorded in the Bible which proves this point is this: “Baal-peor” was a religion practiced by the heathen nation of Moab. Of course, it was a devil religion and the Devil induced the Israelites to embrace it; concerning which it is written: “And Israel joined himself unto Baal-peor: and the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel. And the Lord said unto Moses, Take all the heads of the people, and hang them up before the Lord against the sun, that the fierce anger of the Lord may be turned away from Israel. And Moses said unto the judges of Israel, Slay ye every one his men that were joined unto Baal- peor.” (Num. 25:3-5) “Your eyes have seen what the Lord did because of Baal-peor: for all the men that followed Baal-peor, the Lord thy God hath destroyed them from among you. But ye that did cleave unto the Lord your God are alive every one of you this day.”—Deut. 4: 3, 4; Ps. 106 : 28; Hos. 9:10.
It has ever been the practice of Satan to employ fraud and deception to mislead the people and cause them to practice religion in defiance of God’s law. Many centuries passed between the time of the making of the law covenant and the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Within that time almost all the Israelites fell away from God, disobeying their covenant, and, under the deceptive influence of the Devil, turned to the practice of religion. The loaders in Israel claimed to represent God, and yet they had substituted the teachings of men for God’s commandments. They then named their formal practices “the Jews’ religion”. The scribes and Pharisees, who were the clergy of that time and the leaders, and who dominated and controlled the people, induced the people to believe that it was their bounden duty to obey whatsoever the Pharisees taught them. They exercised an influence over the people then similar to that exercised in these latter days by the Roman Catholic Hierarchy. The Roman Catholic Hierarchy is composed of a few men, who rule and control vast numbers whom they call the “Catholic population’’, which population is commanded to yield to the influence and teachings of the Hierarchy, that is, the clergymen of modern times. The men of the Hierarchy follow in exactly the same course as that pursued by the scribes and Pharisees. The scribes and Pharisees taught certain forms and practices, which had been transmitted to them by men who lived in the earlier days of the Jews. The Jewish clergy exalted themselves and sought the praise and service of the people for themselves, posing as great and mighty ones representing Jehovah God on earth. They laid great burdens upon the people, while for themselves they sought ease, comfort and honor amongst men. To them Jesus Christ, when he was on earth, said: “For they bind heavy burdens, and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren.” (Matt. 23:4-8) Compare this language of Jesus with the present-day practices of clergymen who practice what they call “Christian religion”, but which is in fact a religious formalism, wrongfully named “Christian”.
Jesus, when on earth, taught only the commandments of Jehovah God. He was God’s duly appointed, anointed and commissioned Son to carry out Jehovah’s purposes. “Christ” means the anointed One, who acts with authority from Jehovah; and therefore Christ Jesus was the beginner of Christianity. Christ Jesus, although born a Jew, was not a religionist. On the contrary, he pointed out that religion is of the Devil. The Jewish clergy hated Jesus and repeatedly sought to entrap him, to persecute him, and to kill him. On one occasion when they came to Jesus for the purpose of entrapping him, Jesus clearly defined the difference between religion and Christianity. He pointed out distinctly that religion originates with God’s adversary, the Devil, and that the religion then being practiced by the Pharisees was contrary to the Word of God. The Bible record is: “Then there come to Jesus from Jerusalem Pharisees and scribes, saying, Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. And he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God because of your tradition? . . . And ye have made void the word of God because of your tradition. Ye hypocrites, well did Isaiah prophesy of you, saying, This people honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain do they worship me, teaching as their doctrines the precepts of men.”—Matt. 15: 1-3, 6-9, A.R.V.
This testimony of Christ Jesus shows beyond any question of doubt that religion is an open defiance of Jehovah God’s law, and that it originated with the Devil; that religious practice is an abomination in the sight of God; and that those who practice the same make void the Word of God.
Those same Jewish clergymen, that is, the scribes and Pharisees who came to Jesus, all of them, claimed to be the representatives of God on earth. They were bound to know the terms of the everlasting covenant which God had given unto the Israelites (Gen. 9:2-6; Ex. 20:13), and yet in the face of that they repeatedly sought to kill Jesus, the beloved Son of God, because he told them the truth. Claiming to represent God, they were in fact the chief representatives of the Devil on earth at that time, and their chief act of representing him was in the religion they taught and the influence thereby exercised over the people. At this point it is important to read the Scriptural record found at John 8:37-44 (A.R.V.) : “I know that ye are Abraham’s seed; yet ye seek to kill me, because my word hath not free course in you. I speak the things which I have seen with my Father: and ye also do the things which ye heard from your father. They answered and said unto him, Our father is Abraham. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham. But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I heard from God: this did not Abraham. Ye do the works of your father. They said unto him, We were not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I came forth and am come from God; for neither have I come of myself, but he sent me. Why do ye not understand my speech ? Even because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father it is your will to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and standeth not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father thereof.” Here Jesus pointed out definitely that those clergymen represented the Devil. It was that same class of men, the practitioners of religion, that caused the wrongful execution of Jesus on the charge of sedition and treason. The religionists follow the same course at the present time with reference to those who truly and in fact serve God and Christ Jesus.
As further proof that religion is of the Devil the case of Saul of Tarsus, who afterwards was called Paul, is here cited. Saul was a Pharisee himself and practiced the Jewish religion. The weight of authority is that he was a member of the high court at Jerusalem, presided over by the high priest, and which corresponds to the Roman Catholic Hierarchy of the present time, to which a few men belong, and which Hierarchy is presided over by the pope. After the crucifixion of Jesus Saul continued a vigorous persecution of the true followers of Christ Jesus. It is manifest from the record that Saul was woefully deceived by the Devil and was acting sincerely in persecuting Christians and that because of his sincerity God revealed the truth to him. The case of Paul is proof that a clergyman who honestly and sincerely practices religion, if he is honest and true, may become a Christian.
Saul was bitter against Christians and in his heat vigorously sought them out that he might persecute them. As the Biblical record shows, he called upon the high priest and obtained letters of authority that he might go to Damascus and search out the Christians and persecute them there. Likewise today priests obtain authority from the pope to carry on their persecution against Jehovah’s witnesses in the earth. When Saul obtained this authority and started to Damascus for the purpose of carrying out his mission of persecution against Christians the Lord revealed to him the truth; and concerning this matter the Bible record reads: “But Saul, yet breathing threatening and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, and asked of him letters to Damascus unto the synagogues, that if he found any that were of [this] Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. And as he journeyed, it came to pass that he drew nigh unto Damascus: and suddenly there shone round about him a light out of heaven: and he fell upon the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou perseeutest: but rise, and enter into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. And the men that journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing the voice, but beholding no man. And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw nothing; and they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and did neither eat nor drink. Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and the Lord said unto him in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go to the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one named Saul, a man of Tarsus: for behold, he prayeth; and he hath seen a man named Ananias coming in, and laying his hands on him, that he might receive his sight. But Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard from many of this man, how much evil he did to thy saints at Jerusalem: and here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call upon thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles and kings, and the children of Israel: for I will show him how many things he must suffer for my name’s sake. And Ananias departed, and entered into the house; and laying his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, who appeared unto thee in the way which thou earnest, hath sent me, that thou mayest receive thy sight, and be filled with the holy spirit. And straightway there fell from his eyes as it were scales, and he received his sight; and he arose and was baptized; and he took food and was strengthened.”—Acts 9:1-19, A.R.V.
Up to this time Saul of Tarsus had been a religionist. Now he immediately faced about and became a Christian, that is, a true follower of Christ Jesus, and the Lord caused his name to be changed to Paul. He became the faithful and true apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ and wrote under inspiration from the Lord. Thereafter he spurned religion because it is from the wicked one, and he taught only the commandments of God, even as Christ Jesus had said and done. Mark now the testimony of Paul himself upon this point: “Por am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? or am I striving to please men? if I were still pleasing men, I should not be a servant of Christ. For I make known to you, brethren, as touching the gospel which was preached by me, that it is not after man. For neither did I receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came to me through revelation of Jesus Christ. For ye have heard of my manner of life in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and made .havoc of it: and I advanced in the Jews’ religion beyond many of mine own age among my countrymen, being more exceedingly zealous for the traditions of my fathers. But when it was the good pleasure of God, who separated me, even from my mother’s womb, and called me through his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the Gentiles; straightway I conferred not with flesh and blood: neither went I up to Jerusalem to them that were apostles before me: but I went away into Arabia; and again I returned unto Damascus.”—Gal. 1:10-17, A.R.V.
This, together with the testimony of Jesus, is proof conclusive that religion is the means employed by the Devil to deceive men and to alienate them from. Jehovah God, and that the Devil follows this course for the express purpose of making good his wicked challenge to Jehovah. These scriptures also show that the Christian must avoid religion and faithfully obey the commandments of Jehovah God as written in the Scriptures.
What was true in Paul’s day is likewise true in this day. When Paul was a religionist he sought the pleasures of men, that he might have their praise and approval. While doing so he persecuted Christians, because that was popular amongst the religionists. Today the clergy who practice religion seek the pleasure and approval of men, and this they do by persecuting those men and women who tell the truth to the people as contained in the Bible. Religion is a means of oppression. Christianity is the teaching of Jehovah God’s Word setting forth his great and righteous purpose, and brings comfort and joy to those who obey God’s Word. Those who seek the pleasure of men and the approval and plaudits of men are an abomination in God’s sight. Upon this point Jesus plainly stated: “For that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.’’ (Luke 16:15) Following the lead of his Master, Christ Jesus, the apostle Paul said that servants of God who please God cannot be men-pleasers.—Eph. 6:6; Col. 3:22.
DENOMINATIONS ORGANIZED
Even while the apostles yet lived on the earth the Devil attempted to plant religious practices amongst Christians. “Little children, it is the last hour: and as ye heard that antichrist cometh, even now have there arisen many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last hour.’’ (1 John 2:18, A.R.V.) “And every spirit that confesseth not Jesus is not of God: and this is the spirit of the antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it cometh; and now it is in the world already.’’—1 John 4: 3, A.R.V.
Within a short time after the apostles died there arose in the congregations of the Christian people certain ambitious men who desired to become leaders and have the approval of men and to receive the plaudits of men, even as the Devil desired when he defied Jehovah. Not many years thereafter passed until there was recognized in those congregations the distinction between “clergy’’ and the common people called “laity’’. Those bodies or congregations of people called “Christians” soon adopted and practiced formalisms based upon the teachings of men. They became religionists. Into the organizations there were introduced and practiced many forms and ceremonies that found no support whatsoever in the Bible. Those organizations then began to call themselves “the church”, and those congregations were formed into an organization and by men improperly called “the church of God”. The doctrines and practices of that organization the clergy then named and called ‘‘The Christian religion”. That name was wrongfully applied to the organization. The clear distinction which Jesus Christ and his faithful apostle had made between religion and Christianity, as set forth in the scriptures above cited, was soon ignored and forgotten.
The Roman Catholic organization was the first to introduce and practice man-made doctrines and formalism which is named “Christian religion”, and which they practice to this day. Then came into existence the “Protestant organizations”, so called, and which organizations after a time also adopted formalism and practiced that formalism, which they call “worship”; and they too called themselves and their formal practice the “Christian religion”. Hundreds of sects or denominations came into existence, and still exist. All of these practice what they call the “Christian religion”, and all of them differ in some respects as to doctrines and forms of practice.
Among the early doctrines introduced into the Roman Catholic organization was that of “purgatory” and the offering of prayers in behalf of the dead. That doctrine and practice has been a source of great revenue to the Hierarchy, because it has induced many noble people to give up their hard-earned money to the Hierarchy on the pretext that men of the Hierarchy can utter prayers in behalf of the dead and thereby shorten the duration of their punishment in “purgatory”. That doctrine is wholly unsupported by the Scriptures, but is founded only on the traditions of men, and therefore makes void the Word of God. Concerning the dead, God’s Word says: “For the living know that they shall die; but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward, for the memory of them is forgotten. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” (Eccl. 9:5,10) “The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence. ’ ’—Ps. 115:17.
It will be noted that every one of the so-called "Christian organizations", which indulge in the practice and teaching of what they call the "Christian religion", rely upon the teachings of the early fathers or men who have preceded them in the organization. Such self-wise men have advanced their own philosophy concerning the salvation of mankind. Many persons have been deceived by such teachings handed down to them by tradition and have believed themselves to be Christians, even though they were in no wise following Christ. Paul, the true and faithful follower of Christ Jesus, and therefore a Christian, warned Christians against such deceptive philosophy when he wrote to them: "Take heed lest there shall be any one that maketh spoil of you through his philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. ’ ’ —Col. 2:8, A.R.V.
At all times since the beginning of religion at Babylon the Devil has been diligent in putting forth doctrines and practices which have deceived sincere persons. By means of fraud and deceit the Devil has contaminated what at the beginning was a company of sincere persons desiring to serve God, and his contamination has been accomplished by substituting for the commandments of God the philosophy and traditions of men. Thereby the Devil’s representatives in the congregations have made the Word of God void by their traditions. Such action on the Devil’s part is exactly in accord with his wicked challenge to turn men away from God. His methods of fraud and deceit thus employed are in full accord with his name Serpent, which means deceiver. It is to be expected that the Devil would do all things within his power to keep the people in the darkness concerning the truth of God’s Word. For this very purpose he has caused the Hierarchy and other organizations to withhold the Bible from the people and to substitute therefore man-made prayer books and other teachings of men. Among those congregations have been and are many sincere persons who have been blinded to the truth by reason of Satan’s influence. There has been a little of the Word of the Lord mixed with the traditions of men, and this has afforded a more subtle and complete means of deceiving the people. The result has been, and is down at this period of time, exactly what God’s prophet foretold long centuries ago, that ‘darkness covers the earth, and gross darkness the people’. (Isa. 60:2) Without a question of doubt the darkness amongst the peoples of earth today, in the lands called “Christendom”, is greater than it has ever been at any time previous. Millions of persons, who are called the “Catholic population”, blindly follow the leadings of men. Amongst these millions are some sincere persons who sigh and cry because of the wickedness done in that Roman organization and who are feeling after God and his truth.
GREATER LIGHT
The second coming of Christ Jesus in power and glory is the teaching of the Scriptures emphasized by the faithful apostles. Christ Jesus instructed his disciples that he would come again, at which time Satan’s world should end. Jehovah’s promise is that greater light would come upon the sincere people of the world at the second coming of Christ, and that this would be at the end of the world; that at that time the true followers of Christ Jesus would be greatly enlightened and, continuing in obedience unto God’s commandments, would be led in the right way. (Prov. 4:18; 1 Cor. 4:5; 1 Cor. 10:11; Eph. 5:8,14) True to the promise of Jehovah, and strictly according to the prophecies and the chronology of the Bible, the second coming of Christ Jesus and the end of Satan’s world was due in 1914, and the evidence was there brought forward showing his second coming. Jesus had declared to his disciples that the first evidence of the end of Satan’s world and Christ’s coming would be a world war between the nations. Exactly on time, in 1914, the proof thereof began to be made manifest, and the physical facts show a fulfillment of the prophecy; and the chronology as well as the prophecies discloses the presence of the Lord. Immediately following the World War other prophecies uttered by the Lord Jesus Christ were fulfilled, and the proof was and is overwhelming and conclusive that it was in the year 1914 that Jehovah’s prophetic words to Christ Jesus were fulfilled, to wit: “Rule thou in the midst of thine enemies.” (Ps. 110:2) Clearly this means that the reign or rule of Christ Jesus was due and there began, even while the enemy Satan was and is actively carrying forward his nefarious work in his attempt to make good his wicked challenge. For many centuries Satan had exercised his power without interruption, but with the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ in 1914 his rule began to be interrupted, and from that time onward Satan began his preparation for the final battle, which conflict is called Armageddon. Since 1914 the woes upon the peoples of the nations of earth have continued to increase. These woes are not, as the clergy would make the people believe, the result of infidelity of the people to the so-called “church organizations”. On the contrary, the Devil himself has brought these woes upon the people to cause them (as he had sworn he could) to ‘curse God to his face’. On this point applies the scripture as it is written: “Woe to the inhabiters of the earth, and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time. ’ ’—Rev. 12:12.
JEHOVAH’S TEMPLE
The capital organization of Jehovah God is designated by the word “Zion”. Christ Jesus is the head of that organization. Together with the apostles, and the other faithful followers of Christ Jesus, these constitute the royal house of Jehovah, which is designated by his Word under the term “the temple of the living God”. This company of Christian people must be and is wholly devoted to God, and concerning the same it is written: “And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. ’ ’—2 Cor. 6:16-18.
According to the prophecy and chronology of the Bible A.D. 1918 was the due time for Christ Jesus to gather together his faithful ones and separate them specifically from the world, and this is spoken of in the Scriptures as the coming of the Lord Jesus to the temple of Jehovah. The physical facts of prophecy prove beyond any doubt that Christ Jesus came to the temple in 1918 and there began the gathering unto himself of his faithful followers. Then, true to God’s promise, greater light began to shine upon God’s Word and to shine into the mind of each one of the faithful, and since that time Jehovah has unfolded and revealed to these faithful ones the meaning of his prophecies; and his glorious light, shining into the face of Christ Jesus at the temple, has been and is reflected to the members of the temple company, the faithful Christians, and these have been made to understand and to appreciate the Scriptures as never before. (2 Cor. 3:17,18) This enlightenment God gives not merely for the benefit of the faithful followers of Christ Jesus, but also that they might use the same to make the truth known to others who are seeking the way of righteousness. What they have learned they must tell to others according to God’s commandment.
FAITHFUL AND TRUE WITNESSES
One of the titles which Jehovah has given to Christ Jesus is that of “the faithful and true witness”. (Rev. 1:5; 3:14; 19:11) This title God gives to Jesus because Jesus is always true to Jehovah, always speaking and acting in obedience to Jehovah’s commandment. When on earth Jesus said: “My teaching is not mine, but his that sent me.” (John 7:16, A.R.V.) “For I spake not from myself; but the Father that sent me, he hath given me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. And I know that his commandment is life eternal; the things therefore which I speak, even as the Father hath said unto me, so I speak.” (John 12:49, 50, A.R.V.) Jesus again showed the clear distinction between the teachings of men and that of God. Men seek honor and glory for themselves. The true witness of Jehovah honors the Most High. “He that speaketh from himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh the glory of him that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.”—John 7:18, A.R.V.
In carrying out his expressed purpose to have his name testified in all the earth Jehovah sent Jesus to earth to be his witness, and concerning this Jesus said: “To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.” (John 18:37) Thus is Christ Jesus clearly identified in the Scriptures as the beginner of Christianity, that is to say, the one who speaks the truth of God’s Word in obedience to Jehovah’s commandments. Every person who is a true Christian, therefore, must likewise speak the truth of God’s Word and refuse to be guided by tradition of men. Those who become Christians must follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ; as it is written: “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) These followers in the footsteps of Jesus Christ are subjected to persecution and suffer at the hands of religionists, even as Christ Jesus suffered. After the coming of the Lord Jesus to the temple faithful Christians then began to see and appreciate these truths and they saw their obligation to be governed thereby and that they must be witnesses to the name and kingdom of Jehovah God amidst persecution inflicted upon them by religionists.
“JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES”
Persons who are not informed speak of the company of Jehovah’s witnesses in such terms as these: “ A religious sect or cult ”; “ another religious body. ’ ’ In this they are entirely wrong. The company of Christian people in the earth known and designated as “Jehovah’s witnesses” are those who are entirely devoted to Jehovah God and who faithfully endeavor to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ in obedience to God’s commandments. They are not religionists. They are Christians. They are not a sect or cult. They must obey Jehovah’s commandments and not the ordinances or teachings or the traditions of men. They become Jehovah’s witnesses in obedience to his commandments.
Again attention is called to the truth that Jehovah said to the Devil, in answer to his wicked challenge, that in due time Jehovah would show forth his power and that he would have his name declared throughout all the earth. (Ex. 9:16) To this end Jehovah began with Christ Jesus to bring forth his witnesses who must declare his name throughout all the earth. For some time after the persecution of Jesus and his crucifixion even his apostles did not understand God’s purpose in this regard; but after they had received the holy spirit, and while in a conference at Jerusalem, the Lord enlightened them and they understood God’s purpose, and one of their number stood forth as a witness of the Lord and declared that ‘ ‘ God... did visit the [nations], to take out of them a people for his name”. (Acts 15:14) With the apostles God began the bringing forth of other witnesses to follow in the footsteps of his faithful and true witness, Christ Jesus. Thus over a period of time Jehovah has been taking out of the world a people for a purpose, which people must become his witnesses and show forth the praises of Jehovah. (1 Pet. 2:9,10) These are and must be wholly devoted to Jehovah God, and these thus taken out and devoted to Jehovah God are the ones whom the Lord Jesus gathers to the temple at his coming. It is to those thus taken out that Jehovah addresses himself, and says: “Ye are my witnesses, saith Jehovah, and my servant whom I have chosen; that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me. I, even I, am Jehovah; and besides me there is no saviour. I have declared, and I have saved, and I have showed; and there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith Jehovah, [that] I am God.”—Isa. 43: 10-12, A.R.V.
The name “Jehovah’s witnesses” is the name which Jehovah himself gives to those who are the faithful and true followers of Christ Jesus. It is not the name of a sect or cult or denomination, but the name of true Christians by which they are identified. The same commission that Jehovah gave to Christ Jesus, the Head and Lord of Zion, is given to those who are his faithful and true followers; and which commission is in the following words: “The spirit of the Lord Jehovah is upon me; because Jehovah hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; 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 year of Jehovah’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn.”—Isa. 61:1,2, A.R.V.
Such anointed ones, therefore, God himself ordains as his ministers to declare his Word. The ordination of men by man-made organizations amounts to nothing. The only truly ordained ministers of God on earth are the ones who are ordained of God and become his witnesses. To them Jehovah further says: ‘ ‘ Thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of Jehovah shall name.” (Isa. 62: 2, A.R.V.) Such faithful Christians must obey the commandments of Jehovah God; otherwise they cease to be Jehovah’s witnesses. Christ Jesus is their Head and Commander and Leader, and he is Jehovah’s great and mighty Prophet, of whom Moses was a type. To these followers of Christ Jesus, who are Jehovah’s witnesses, the Lord says: “And it shall be, that every soul that shall not hearken to that prophet, shall be utterly destroyed from among the people.”—Acts 3:23, A.R.V.
Jehovah’s witnesses have no alternative; they must obey God’s commandments as uttered by Christ Jesus, and a failure to do so means their destruction. When the law of men, made by the legislative bodies of the world, is in conflict with God’s law, then a Christian must obey the law of God even though by so doing he is brought into jeopardy by the laws of the land. The apostles of Jesus Christ announced this rule when they said before the high court of Jerusalem: “We ought to obey God rather than men. ’ ’—Acts 5: 29.
With the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, and particularly with his coming to the temple, the time is marked and due when the name of Jehovah God must be declared throughout all the earth in obedience to Jehovah’s law. (Ex. 9:16) This work of declaring the name of God must be done by the people whom he has taken out for his name, that is to say, Jehovah’s witnesses, Christians, the true followers of Christ Jesus. These Christians have been brought into the knowledge of the fact that Jehovah is the great and almighty God, that he is above all, and that his name he will now vindicate; that Christ Jesus is his chief agent and vindicator, and that the time is at hand for him to for ever settle the issue raised by the Devil's challenge, and that he will settle it by the vindication of his name. To this end Jehovah God has sent Christ Jesus, placing him upon his throne of authority where he now presides in power and great glory. (Ps. 2:6) Jehovah’s kingdom has come, and Christ, the Head of that kingdom, is now actively carrying forward the witness work in the earth, and this he will complete, and at the completion thereof will manifest Jehovah’s power in the full vindication of Jehovah’s name; and his kingdom will work deliverance to the obedient ones of God and will establish everlasting peace in earth upon those of good will toward God. This is good news, or “gospel”; and all who desire and love righteousness delight in hearing the same. Therefore the Lord God gives to all the faithful followers of Christ Jesus this commandment: “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.
Jehovah’s witnesses must obey this commandment, and in obedience thereto they go forth preaching or declaring “this gospel of the kingdom” to the people as a witness to the name of Jehovah. That witness work must soon be completed; and, when it is completed, what shall follow? The answer is given by Jesus in these words: “For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.” (Matt. 24: 21) That great tribulation will be upon the entire world, and this marks the end and complete destruction of Satan’s organization and his power. Such is the battle of the great day of God Almighty, and is otherwise called “Armageddon”. There Jehovah will destroy all his enemies.—Pss. 21:8; 145:20.
When Jesus was on the earth he did not erect buildings, which he called “churches”. He did not install therein images of anything. To have done so would have been in violation of God’s commandments. He did not wear lace pants or a long flowing robe and have the boys walk behind him and carry it. He did not carry a vessel with fire in it and upon this fire cause incense to be sprinkled that others might see him performing some ceremony. He denounced the clergy for doing the things that call attention to themselves. Jesus was meek and lowly of heart; by that meaning he was taught of Jehovah God and spoke only Jehovah’s words and did not attempt to exalt himself and receive the honors of men. Jesus went about from place to place teaching the people and preaching the truth as Jehovah had commanded him to do. Jesus sent forth his disciples from house to house to instruct the people and preach to them the gospel of the kingdom of God, which was in obedience to Jehovah’s commandments. His disciples in obedience to such commandments did that very thing. (Matt. 10: 7-14) They went from house to house preaching the gospel of the Kingdom. Concerning this the apostle Paul wrote: “And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house.” (Acts 20:20) For so doing they were persecuted by the enemy Satan and his earthly agents.
Following the example of Christ Jesus and his apostles Jehovah’s witnesses today faithfully go about from house to house preaching to the people this gospel of the Kingdom by speaking to the people and calling their attention to the Kingdom message in printed form. They do this not for the purpose of receiving the plaudits of men, but they do it because they are commanded to do so by Jehovah God and Christ Jesus and they love to do as commanded. This detailed statement is here made for the purpose of clearly identifying Jehovah’s witnesses, to the end that those who desire to know the truth may see that Jehovah’s witnesses are not a sect or cult introducing another form of religion, but, on the contrary, they are the true and faithful followers of Christ Jesus obeying the Lord’s commandments to make known the name of Jehovah and his kingdom. These faithful men and women have heretofore been classed as members of the “Catholic population’’ or Protestant organizations, or outside of all of them. Becoming the true followers of Christ Jesus, they are no longer so identified, but are identified under the “new name”, which God has given them, namely, Jehovah’s witnesses.
CORPORATIONS
A corporation is a worldly legal title or name given and applied by the law of the land to a body of persons organized into a company to hold title to property and to perpetuate and carry on a work in harmony with the law of the land. For more than fifteen centuries the general understanding of men has been that religion and Christianity are one and the same thing. The lawmakers of the various states, countries and nations have enacted laws governing corporations and in such laws have designated these organizations as religious corporations. The clear intent of the lawmakers has been and is to regard religious organizations and Christian organizations as the same thing. In some of these laws, fundamental and statutory, these worshipers are referred to as “worshipers of Almighty God”, and that law declares that no restrictions shall be placed upon men who worship but each one may worship Almighty God according to the dictates of his own conscience. The laws of the land also designate these corporate bodies as charitable corporations. From the viewpoint of the lawmakers of the land religious corporations, charitable corporations, and those incorporated for the purpose of preaching the gospel, are all alike and all come within the same category. The law of the land makes no distinction between religion and Christianity.
For the purpose of holding title to property, carrying on and perpetuating their work as Christians without being hindered by the duration of the earthly life of men, faithful Christian people in the year 1884 organised the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society under the law governing religious and charitable corporations. For the same purpose in the year 1909 the Peoples Pulpit Association was incorporated and organized under the membership corporation law of the state of New York but designated as a religious and charitable corporation. In the year 1914 the International Bible Students Association was incorporated and organized under the laws of England as a religious and charitable corporation for the same purpose. Later the International Bible Students Association, Ltd., and for the same purpose, was organized under the laws of Canada. Under those laws, religious and charitable corporations mean one and the same thing. Therefore the corporations above named are properly designated before the law and by the law as religious and charitable corporations within the meaning and understanding of the law of the land. They are charitable organizations in this, that they are devoted to a work that is prompted by love for God, for his Word, and for the people. All of the foregoing corporations work as one, and all of them are under one management and orderly carry forward the work done by Jehovah’s witnesses. They hold title to property, publish books and other publications, and generally conduct the work and affairs of Jehovah’s witnesses in harmony with the law of the land. They are all entitled to the full privileges and benefits of the law of the land governing religious and charitable corporations. That, however, does not constitute Jehovah’s witnesses “religionists”. Jehovah’s witnesses serve Jehovah God as He has commanded, even as Jesus Christ always does; whereas religionists are governed and act and carry on their work according to the teachings and traditions of men. The above- named corporations, to be sure, are merely inanimate bodies created and organized according to law and designated and named in harmony with the law and entitled to hold property, carry on work, and to receive the benefits of the law of the land as such corporations. Manifestly it was never the intention of lawmaking bodies to make any distinction between corporations merely because one body is religious and the other body conducts a work in the name of Jehovah God and Christ Jesus.
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