Golden Age, May 25, 1932

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Golden Age

A JOURNAL OF FACT HOPE AND COURAGE

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in this issue

DEBATE BY RADIO

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES WHY PERSECUTED?

THOUSANDS DEMAND DEBATE

WOODEN HEADS IN

LAND OF WOODEN NUTMEGS

GRABBED BEAR BY TAIL

ALUMINUM TAKES LIFE

THE ARMAMENT CONFERENCE lllllllllll!llillilll!IKIIIIIII!i:illlllllllll!iIli:illilllliiiiil!li:il e v e r y other

WEDNESDAY i ——? five cents a copy one dollar a year Canada & Foreign i 25

Vol. XIII - No. 331

May 25, 1932

CONTENTS

LABOR AND ECONOMICS

Tax-Free Torrington.....5-19

Albany, <<:>.. Free of Debt . . 541

Cost of a Prison ('ell .... 542

One .Month's Eleetriei*y Free . 542

SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL

Tin: Armament Conlt-.iienci: . . 53$

A Bark< from Cadman .... 538

What the League Amount . To . 538

Armament Expenditures of

Forty Leading Nation-, . . . 53!)

Salad...........510

Cageless Zoo........510

British Cooperative Soeietie; . . 541

Radio Contact with Entire World 542

MANUFACTURING AND MINING

Rock Salt Found in Jutland . . 540

FINANCE—COMMERCE—TRANSPORTATION

Moriarty's Letter to Senator

AVai.sk........537

Japan Huge Purchaser of Lead . 539

Bankruptcies Quadrupled . . . 539

British Trade Falling Off in India 530

POLITICAL—DOMESTIC AND FOREIGN

Wooden Heads in the Land of Wooden Nutmegs.....535 Cops and Judge Crab Be\r by Tail 535

Took All Winter to (live Wheat 541

Liberia on Edges of Anarchy . 541

SCIENCE AND INVENTION

Remote Control Death Device . 538 United States Ilas Fastest Bomber 53!) Carries Larynx in Pocket . . . 540 Sanding Apparatus for

Automobiles.......540

Electric Watches Soon .... 541

Age-Hardening of Soft Metals . 541

HOME AND HEALTH

Aluminum Takes Life at College 537

TRAVEL AND MISCELLANY

Anti-Foreign Feeling in Abyssinia 530

RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY

Debate by Radio

Jehovah's witnessed: Why Persecuted?

Deluge of Demands tor Debate . 530 “John Doe'’ at Asbury Pare .

The Red and Breen Lights . .

Churehianity's Sinking Ship . . 531

Church Saves $39,()()() a Ye: r . 532

Doings at Old Gin

-Published every other Wednesday at 117 Adams Street, Brooklyn, N. Y., V. S. A , by WOODWORTH, KNORR & MARTIN

( oya> liters and Propriety} < Addies: 117 Adams Street, Brooklyn, A. Y., I'. S. 1. CLAYTON J. WOODWORTH . . Editor ROBE’RT J. MARTIN .. Business Manager NATHAN II. KNORR . . Secietary and Treasurer

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Golden Age

Volume XIII Brooklyn, N. Y., Wednesday, May 25, 1932 Number 331

Debate by Radio

PREVIOUS issues oE this magazine have published the tacts concerning the persecution oE humble men and women because they were engaged in the same work that Jesus and the apostles did, to wit, going from house to house with the gospel or good news of God’s kingdom and informing the people. Many good citizens have become so incensed and grieved because of the unjust treatment of these harmless persons that Judge Rutherford was requested to broadcast by radio the answer to the question, “Why are Jehovah’s witnesses persecuted?” On May 1 a number of radio stations in the East were linked together in a chain broadcast and used by Judge Rutherford in a forty-minute speech in answer to the question. We set out that speech in full in this issue.

Judge Rutherford declared that the combined clergy in the land are the real persecutors of Jehovah’s witnesses. Furthermore, he charged that the clergy claimed to represent Jehovah God but in fact represent the Devil, and are against the best interests of the people. In the course of his radio speech Judge Rutherford called upon all the clergymen to jointly agree upon and select one man as their spokesman to engage in a nation-wide debate by radio. He promised that Jehovah’s witnesses would select a man to take the other side of the debate, and suggested that each side pay one-half the cost. He also named the questions that should be debated in the interest of the people, which questions are set out in his speech published below. He requested those who favored the debate’s being had to write him and that he would submit the letters to the public press. On May 12 the editor of The Golden Age called upon Judge Rutherford and requested that he might examine some of the letters the people had sent in. This request was gladly granted and a pile of letters were handed over, with the understanding that any newspaper may have access to them if desired for the purpose of informing the public.

Immediately following the speech of Judge Rutherford, as herein set out, we publish a few of these letters, which are good samples of the many that have been received. Although twelve days had elapsed since the challenge was broadcast, no clergyman or company of clergymen had come forward and signified that the challenge would be accepted. An interview of one clergyman was published in a two-by-four newspaper in New Jersey in which he is reported as saying: “The charge of Judge Rutherford is trivial and not worthy of notice.”

The editor of The Golden Age asked Judge Rutherford the following questions, and his answers appear:

Q. You suggested that each side pay one-half the expense of the radio debate. Is the side that you represent in a position to pay one-half the expense?

A. I am fully assured by good and honest persons who desire to see righteousness in the land that the money for one-half of this expense is ready to be paid over when requested. I do not favor taking up a collection for this purpose or soliciting money, and t find that such will not be necessary, so far as Jehovah’s witnesses are concerned, because those who loxe righteousness have volunteered and agreed to finance this side of the debate. A radio station in every state should be tied into the chain and all the people of America and Canada be given an opportunity to hear mid then to decide for themselves what is the truth.

Q. Is it your purpose to try to convert the people and to advertise yourself?

A. No, I am making no attempt to convert people and induce them to join something; and as for making a reputation for myself, the opinion of man concerning me is of little value so far as this controversy is concerned. My sole purpose is to aid tho people to hear the truth, that they may have an opportunity to know who is Jehovah God and His purposes, and to take their stand on the side of righteousness and live and receive God’s blessings. This is a time of the greatest crisis in the world's history, and hence the people should hear.

B15

Q. Would you expect the debate to reform the clergymen?

.A. No, there is not one chance for that to be the result. They are set in their ways, and there they will remain. I am interested in the vindication of Jehovah's name for the welfare of ilie people. I have no desire to do injury to the clergymen; I would not harm a hair of their heads; but I am certain that they are blind, and, as Jesus said, they are blind guides trying to lead the people for a. selfish purpose and the people should be informed of the trulli. The clergy greatly defame Jehovah's name and they are misleading the people. It appears that God's due time has come when the people shall have an opportunity to hear the truth. My opinion is that the truth of and concerning Jehovah's kingdom is of the greatest importance. The radio is the best means of communicating the truth to the people. The Radio Act provides that stations should broadcast that which is of public interest, convenience and necessity. Convenience means that which is upbuilding and helpful to the people. Nothing, therefore, could be more convenient than the truth. Such information is of greatest interest to all thinking persons and surely is of the greatest necessity in this time of stress. For that reason the radio should be employed to quickly convey the truth to the people.

Q. Are you of the opinion that the clergy will accept that challenge for this radio debate?

A. Of course I cannot answer that question with entire certainty at this time, but I am of the opinion that they will not accept it. I am a firm believer, as you doubtless know, of what the prophets of God have prophesied and which prophecies are set forth in the Bible. These prophecies were written for the benefit of men and women now on earth who love God and righteousness. “Babylon” is one of the names given to the Devil's organization, in which organization false religion is particularly emphasized. The men of ancient Babylon foreshadowed the clergy of modern Babylon, which is “organized Christianity”, so called, or otherwise called “Christendom”. God's prophet Jeremiah prophesied concerning Babylon, which prophecy applies in those days to the clergy of “Christendom”. The big clergymen of the Catholic and Protestant organizations, including the Federation of Churches, the prophet of God ironically speaks of as “mighty men”. They are mighty, as you know, in their own estimation, and they love to convince the people of their greatness. These men have swaggered about amongst the people and induced many to believe that they are really important men and arc the only safe spiritual guides for mankind. Yet the Scriptures indicate that they are not willing to defend their position when put to the test. Concerning them it is written, in Jeremiah’s prophecy (51:30), these words: “The mighty men of Babylon have for-born to fight, they have remained in their holds; their might hath failed; they became as women.” You can judge from that the real situation. The prophet could not have more accurately described the present situation. The fact that these “mighty men” have remained silent for two weeks following the challenge is very persuasive evidence that they do not intend to come out of their strongholds and meet the issue. I hope the people, however, will not be further deceived by them but will individually seek a knowledge of the truth for their own welfare. There is but one hope for the people, and that is God’s kingdom, and they must be informed about it before they can receive the benefits thereof.

Jehovah’s witnesses: Why Persecuted? By Jitdyc J. F. Rutherford

Chain broadcast Sunday May 1, I'.U’.e, Key station The Watch Tower, WBBIt, Brooklyn, N. Y.

rpTIE purpose of this speech is to tell the pco-pie the truth that is of vital importance to them and which they are entitled to hoar. The purpose is not to provoke a controversy; but if the truth can be told only by having a controversy with those who oppose the truth, then the responsibility for that controversy is upon the opposers or wrongdoers. Ultimately these opposers will have to answer before the court of the Almighty God for their wrongdoing in opposing the proclamation of the message of His kingdom. They are not fighting against men merely, but against the King of Eternity.

Recently in the towns of Bergenfield, Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, New Jersey, and in divers places in Pennsylvania and Connecticut, and other places, good men and women while engaged in an effort to do good, and while bringing comfort to the people now in distress, have been ruthlessly arrested, cursed and abused by officers, and otherwise illtrealed and thrown into dungeons. Thousands of other fair-minded persons, shocked and stunned by such wrongful acts on the part of public officers, have made inquiry as to why these harmless men and women are thus persecuted. I have been asked to broadcast the answer to that question and I am thankful for the opportunity so to do.

These men and women who have been thus arrested and persecuted are Jehovah's witnesses engaged in the performance of their lawful and rightful duties. Who is Jehovah? He is the great God of the universe, the Creator of heaven and earth, the Giver of everything that is good, and whom every person must know and obey in order that they might live.

Nineteen hundred years ago, when the babe Jesus was born at Bethlehem, Jehovah’s angel from heaven declared this message: ‘Behold, I bring you good news of great joy which shall be unto all people; He who is to be the King of the world is born and He will bring peace on earth and good will toward men.’ (Luke 2:9-11) Since then those who love God and His righteous government have looked forward to the day of His kingdom and have rejoiced to tell others of its coming.

The time for the Kingdom is now come. How may we know that fact? The Bible, at Matthew twenty-four, and at Luke twenty-one, gives the language of the Lord, who said that His coming and His kingdom would be ushered in at the time of great distress and perplexity on the earth, when men’s hearts are failing them for fear of what they see approaching, and that at such time wickedness would run riot. Everyone knows that exactly these conditions now exist all over the earth. In this connection and concerning this same time the Lord commanded His witnesses, saying to them: ‘This gospel of the Kingdom must now be preached or told to the people as a testimony to them.’ Those who love God and obey His commandments have no alternative. Their life depends upon faithfully doing God’s will. They must tell the people the good news of the Kingdom, and they must and will do this as Jehovah’s witnesses, even at the cost of their lives.

How?

How are Jehovah’s witnesses to preach the gospel? In these latter days God has brought forward the radio, and by reason thereof some of the people are enabled to remain at their homes and hear a portion of the message concerning the Kingdom broadcast to them. The people are anxious to learn more, and to this end to apply themselves to study. To enable the people to get a better understanding of Jehovah’s purpose to set up a righteous government and bless mankind the gospel or good news is printed in book form, and in obedience to His commandment and because of their love for God, and their desire to help the people, Jehovah’s witnesses now go from house to house and exhibit to the people books containing this message and thus afford the people an opportunity to study and to understand the Bible. In the same way Jesus and the apostles went from house to house teaching the people.

These witnesses of Jehovah receive from the people a small amount of money for the books to enable them to publish more books of the same kind. Are these men and women engaged in a book-selling scheme for pecuniary profit? Most assuredly not! They work in their shops or fields to earn their bread. They live in a frugal manner and then give all the time and money that they can spare to the preaching of the gospel of God's kingdom. The cost of production and delivery is far in excess of the money received for the books. This deficit is made up by voluntary contributions by men and women who are anxious to do what they can to enlighten the people concerning God’s kingdom. It has been charged that I make a profit from the ‘sale’ of these books, which charge is wholly untrue. Because I have written these books the copyright is taken in my name and then immediately assigned to the publishing company without one cent of royalty to me, the consideration being that the message shall be delivered to the people at the least possible cost to them and that the poor shall receive the message of truth without money and without price.

Jehovah’s witnesses are not rich in this world’s coin, and therefore cannot make and supply so many books entirely free. The opportunity is therefore given to all who can, and who so desire, to use some of their own money to further the work of making known to their fellow man the good news of God’s kingdom. Every person who hears this good news and who has a sincere desire to see a righteous government for the people on earth wants to have some part in spreading this good news to others. This is one of the reasons why more than one hundred million of these books have been placed with the families of the people during the past ten years and many in these families have been greatly comforted and refreshed by this good news. There has never been a work on earth that has brought so much comfort to the people as this, for the reason that it is a work of bringing to the people the truth concerning Jehovah God’s kingdom, which Kingdom is the only hope of relief for the world's suffering millions. It is not a propaganda movement to obtain joiners, but wholly an educational work for the general welfare of the people.

Kingdom Benefits

Why is God's kingdom so important to the people? In brief I answer that long ago God created man perfect. Man was induced to do wrong by God's enemy, and which wrongdoing brought suffering and death into the world and all men have suffered since. Throughout the centuries a few of the strong have ruled and oppressed the weaker. The unrighteous have wielded the scepter of power and the meek have been compelled to submit. That unrighteous rule has reached a climax and today in all nations the people are suffering. Nineteen centuries ago God provided redemption for mankind through the lifeblood of His beloved Son Jesus. Jehovah God gave His Word of promise that in His due time He would set up a government of righteousness for man and that in that righteous government wrongdoing would be restrained and wickedness destroyed and that all who would learn the truth and obey the law of God’s kingdom shall be restored to perfect health in body and mind, be provided with homes and plenty, and dwell in peace and prosperity upon the earth for ever. For this reason those who have believed the Bible have looked forward with great expectation to the time of God's kingdom on earth. That time is here and now Jehovah sends forth His witnesses with His message of truth that the people might learn and be comforted and have hope. The importance of this message, therefore, cannot be overstated.

Opposers

It is these humble men and women who love God and righteousness, and who as His witnesses are going from house to house with His message of hope, that are abused, arrested and persecuted. They are being thus wrongfully treated because they are the representatives and servants of Jehovah and are messengers of peace concerning His righteous government. It was Satan the Devil who induced man to sin. Satan is the opposer of God and of righteousness and has long been the invisible ruler of the governments of this world. lie declared his ability to induce all creation to turn against Jehovah. God accepted Satan's challenge, at the same time declaring that He would in His own due time establish a righteous government on earth under Christ, which righteous government would completely destroy Satan’s rule. For this reason He declared that He would put enmity between Satan and the seed of God's kingdom. The issue was thus joined and since has been: “Who is supreme, Jehovah God or Satan?’’ Jehovah has permitted Satan to go his limit in wickedness and misrule and oppression of the people, and now the end thereof has come. Satan knows this, and he uses his every power to blind the people to the truth and turn them against Jehovah God. Jehovah now sends forth His witnesses to serve notice upon the rulers of the world of His purpose shortly to destroy Satan's rule and organization, and He commands His witnesses to tell the people the good news of their complete deliverance and blessing that shall shortly follow by and through the administration of His righteous government under Christ. Satan the Devil and all his agents therefore violently oppose those who represent Jehovah God and His kingdom, and for this reason Jehovah’s witnesses are being persecuted and thrown into prison.

In proof of the fact that Satan the Devil has long been and is the invisible prince or ruler of the nations of this world, and has induced his earthly representatives to persecute the servants of Jehovah God, I submit the following:

When Jesus was a mere babe the then ruler of Palestine attempted to kill Him. That ruler was a representative of the Devil. Had he been a representative of God he would not have tried to kill God's beloved Son Jesus. When Jesus began His earthly ministry, as the Scriptures set forth, Satan tried to induce Jesus to violate God's law and thereby bring about His own destruction. Failing in this he set about to cause Jesus to be persecuted in every possible manner. Jesus the Holy and Righteous One was accused and charged with almost every crime known to the calendar. Finally lie was arrested upon a false charge, and without warrant, haled before a corrupt and prejudiced court, unlawfully tried and convicted upon hired and perjured testimony, and wickedly put to death.

Just a few days before His death Jesus told His disciples, as is set forth in the fourteenth chapter of John, that He would shortly be violently taken away and that Satan the prince or invisible ruler of this world would be the chief actor in that crime. At the same time Jesus said to His faithful followers, as recorded in John 15: ‘Because I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember this, the servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you.’ The indisputable facts show that from that day till now every person who has been true and faithful in his service to God as a follower of Christ Jesus has suffered persecution at the hands of rulers and hypocritical religionists, who are Satan’s agents.

It is stated, in 2 Corinthians 4, that Satan is the god or invisible ruler of the nations of this world and that he makes every effort to keep the people in ignorance of the truth. The visible rulers of the world are, to wit: Big Business that robs the people and corrupts the politicians; the professional politicians that yield to improper influence for selfish reasons; and big preachers or religious leaders. These last named are the chief representatives of Satan on earth, for the reason that they claim to teach the Bible but neither believe it nor teach it. They have used the Bible and religion as a screen behind which Big Business and corrupt politicians have operated their misrule. Instead of teaching the people the Bible truths, the clergy have used all their influence to keep the people in ignorance thereof. Every place where Jehovah’s witnesses have been arrested and persecuted this has been done at the instance of preachers, either by directing the police officers to make such arrests or by inducing some member of their flock to cause the arrest. The fundamental law of America provides that there shall be no alliance between church and state; but such alliance does in fact exist. At Asbury Park Jehovah’s witnesses were informed by an official in the city office, acting in an official capacity, that they could not go from house to house with their Bible books until they had first received a permit duly approved by the ministers or clergymen of the town. Ocean Grove is chartered as a religious corporation, and it was there that the ministerial or clergy company that controls the city recently caused the arrest of men because they were preaching the gospel of God’s kingdom. If these alleged offenders had been going from house to house selling bread or meat, would those clergymen have interested themselves and caused their arrest? Most assuredly not. But when these men go to the people with the message of truth of and concerning Jehovah God’s kingdom they immediately become offenders and violators of the law in the eyes of the clergymen who hypocritically claim to preach God's Word. And why? Because the clergymen do not want the people to know and to understand the truth. Judge, then, whom they represent, God or Satan !

As an evidence that the clergy do not wish the people to hear the truth, only yesterday a number of Jehovah’s witnesses, while distributing in the town of Bergenfield only an announcement of this radio chain broadcast, were arrested and thrown into prison and held until they could be bailed out. Without a doubt this was done at the instance of the Catholic priests, who think it is their business to direct how the town should be governed and who shall hear the truth and who shall not.

But, it will be said that surely the ministers or clergymen would not be opposed to the proclamation of the truth as contained in the Bible. The facts show, however, that they are the chief opposers and the ones who induce the strong arm of the law to interfere with the spreading of the truth contained in the Bible. Should the true followers of Christ Jesus be surprised at the clergymen's conduct? No, rather should they accept it, for the reason that it has ever been thus since Jesus’ time. The Pharisees or priests were the clergy at the time Jesus was on earth. Those clergymen made loud claims that they represented God, just as the clergymen of the present time claim to represent God. The persecutors of Jesus were those same clergymen. After they had made repeated attempts to kill Jesus He confronted them and told those clergymen, who claimed to be the seed of Abraham and representatives of God, that they were in fact the representatives of the Devil. I quote the language of Jesus appearing at John 8:40-45: “But now ye seek to kill me. a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God; this did not Abraham. Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be 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 proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I 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 ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode 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 of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not."’

It is the clergymen today who induce the people to burn the books which contain God's message of truth, and it is the same class of clergymen who cause the arrest and persecution and imprisonment of Jehovah's witnesses who bear the message of truth to the people. Jesus definitely identified them and marked them as the seed or representatives of the Devil, and the opposers of God and His kingdom. For that reason Jehovah's witnesses are persecuted by these hypocrites.

I have no desire to do injury to any man. I am not seeking a controversy with the clergymen, nor with anyone else, but when men who pose before the people as God's representatives and ministers of Christ, call to their aid the strong-arm scpiad of the law to prevent the people from receiving the truth at the hands of Jehovah's true witnesses, then it becomes my duty to use plainness of speech that the people may have a proper understanding of the issue. I charge that the clergymen, both Catholic and Protestant, are deliberately hindering the people from receiving the truth and hence are keeping the people in ignorance of the real cause of the distress that is now upon the world and what is the true remedy therefor. In doing this the clergymen call to their aid officers of the law, who are allied with them, to arrest and imprison Jehovah’s witnesses and do injury to all the people.

Jehovah's witnesses, in obedience to God's commandment, are now telling the people the truth as contained in the Bible, to wit, that the kingdoms of this world are oppressive because Satan is the invisible ruler, and that within a short time God will completely destroy Satan's organization, and that a righteous rule under Christ is the only hope for the world, and that God's kingdom of righteousness will bring peace, prosperity, happiness, liberty, and everlasting life to the peoples of the earth, and that the obedient ones shall then dwell for ever on the earth. The clergymen deny that such truth is contained in the Bible. The people have a right to know, and must therefore have a right to hear, whether or not this is truth. If the message Jehovah’s witnesses are bringing to the people is true, then it is of the greatest importance to mankind. If it is false, then it is the duty of the clergymen who thus claim to come boldly forward and plainly tell the people wherein that message is false. The radio is the best means to thus reach the people at large.

I therefore invite the organization known as the Federation of Churches of Christ in America, together with all Catholic and Protestant organizations, to confer together and to jointly agree upon and select one man to be their spokesman in a nation-wide debate by radio. Let them pay one half of the expense. Jehovah’s witnesses will supply the money for the other half. Jehovah’s witnesses will select a man to be their spokesman in this debate. Give the people a fair opportunity to hear and to determine for themselves what is the truth. I charge that the clergymen are hindering the people from learning the truth, and I therefore name the following issues for debate, to wit:

Resolved, (1) That the clergymen, both Catholic and Protestant, do not represent Jehovah God and Christ, but that they do represent and serve Satan the Devil;

(2) That the clergymen do not teach the people the truth as contained in the Bible concerning Jehovah God and His kingdom, and that therefore they and their church organizations are a detriment to the best interests of the people;

(3) That the Scriptures clearly teach that within the present generation Jehovah God will completely destroy Satan's organization, including present governments on earth, and that only those people who seek meekness and righteousness by taking their stand on the side of God and His kingdom may hope to be saved in that trouble, and that those who do serve and obey the law of God’s kingdom will be granted everlasting life on earth in peace and prosperity.

(4) That those who are opposed to the message which Jehovah’s witnesses are now carrying to the people by radio and in printed form are fighting against God and will receive a just recompense at the hands of the Lord for so doing.

I ask this radio audience to demand that the clergymen accept this challenge and arrange for this debate or else to admit to the people that they are wrong and to cease for ever from the persecution of Jehovah's witnesses. Let all who are for or against Jehovah’s witnesses write a letter to me, in care of your station, demanding that such public discussion be had in the interest of the people. I will furnish these letters to the public press, that the people may know what is being done.

Right

Jehovah’s witnesses claim the right to preach the gospel of God's kingdom by carrying the printed message from house to house because it is a God-given right. Recognizing that no state or municipality could properly interfere with that right, the framers of the Constitution of the United States inserted therein the provision for religious freedom and that it is the right and privilege of everyone to worship God in his own way without interference or hindrance. No state, city or municipality can enact and enforce a law that contravenes the Constitution of the United States. Jehovah’s witnesses do not ask permission to preach the gospel because of such constitutional right, but they do claim and insist that the fundamental law of the nation and states completely estops all law officers and others from rightfully interfering with the activities of Jehovah’s witnesses in so preaching the gospel.

Jehovah God has commanded His witnesses now on earth to declare the day of His vengeance upon Satan’s organization and to preach the good news of His kingdom for the comfort of those that mourn. Some of these positive commandments as set forth in the Bible, I quote: (Isaiah 43:12) “Ye are mv witnesses . . . that I am God.” (Psalm 145:20) ‘All the wicked God will destroy.’ (Isaiah 61:2) ‘Declare the day of the vengeance of God.’ This means that those who have agreed to do the will of God must tell the people that Jehovah is God, that the Devil and his organization are God’s enemies and will be destroyed for the relief of mankind. “Christendom” is that religious element that fraudulently claims to represent Christ but which in fact is a part of Satan’s organization. To His witnesses Jehovah gives this commandment, as recorded in Ezekiel 3: 8-11: ‘Behold, I have made thy face strong against their faces, and thy forehead strong against their foreheads. As an adamant, harder than flint, have I made thy forehead; fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house. And go, speak to them and tell them, Thus saith the Lord, Whether they hear or refuse to hear.’ In Matthew 24 the commandment is given to preach the gospel and then it states that when this witness work is done there shall immediately follow the worst trouble that the world has ever known. It is to Jehovah’s witnesses that the testimony of Jesus Christ has been committed, and for this reason Satan and his agents attempt to destroy them and their work. This is plainly stated in Revelation 12:17.

The apostles of Jesus were ordered out of town, persecuted and imprisoned because they preached the gospel at that time. Peter, one of the defendants in that case, replied to the court: ‘Whether it be right in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than to God, judge ye. . . . We will obey God, and not man? (Acts 4:19: 5:29) So now say Jehovah’s witnesses to those who would hinder them in preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God.

In all kindness, but with firmness and without fear of man or devil, I now say to the judges of the courts, to the police officers, and to the hypocritical clergymen and their henchmen who attempt to hide behind the law of the land, that Jehovah’s witnesses will continue to preach the gospel of God’s kingdom in the manner and by the means which Jehovah God has provided and commanded and thus they will do at the cost of their own lifeblood if necessary. The time has arrived for the great issue as to who shall rule the world, Jehovah or Satan, to be settled, and this issue must be for ever settled. God will settle it right, and before doing so it is His will and command that notice of His purpose shall be served upon the rulers and the message be given for the comfort of the people. What is puny man, that he can fight against Jehovah God? As human creatures Jehovah's witnesses are of small importance, but Jehovah and His kingdom are of supreme importance. Jehovah God is sending forth His message by His witnesses. He who opposes will do so at his peril. Let all such take warning. If you officers of the law wish to be further tricked by the hypocritical clergymen and thus induced to stop the proclamation of God’s message of truth by arresting, persecuting and imprisoning Jehovah’s witnesses, you must take the responsibility. You will not take it, however, without due notice. As one of Jehovah’s witnesses I now remind you of the counsel given at Psalm 2: 8-12. Jehovah there declares His purpose to destroy all who oppose the forward march of His kingdom, and then adds: ‘Be wise now, therefore, O ye kings [rulers] ; be instructed, ye judges of the earth.

Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling; . . . lest ye perish when his wrath is kindled but a little.’

I advise all people who love righteousness and who desire to see righteousness established in the earth to now take their stand on the side of Jehovah God and llis kingdom under Christ. That the people might be informed as to what to do, Jehovah’s witnesses are coining to you with the message of God's truth in book form. If possible provide yourself with these books and together with your Bible learn of God, because it is written, in John 17:3, that all who will ever get life everlasting must know God and Christ and obey the law of llis kingdom.

I am reliably informed that the organized clergy of America have expressed their determination to destroy Jehovah’s witnesses. A clergyman at Asbury Park recently made this statement: “All of this bunch [Jehovah’s witnesses] should be put in jail and Judge Rutherford should be electrocuted.” Satan and his agents have declared war against those whom Jehovah God sends forth to boar His testimony. Let them do their worst. He who is for us is stronger than all that can be against us. To Jehovah’s witnesses, my brethren, I therefore speak calling attention to His commandment given them as recorded in Zephaniah 3:16, which says: Tn that day fear not, and let not thine hands be slack.’ Proceed with your work of bearing God’s testimony to the people regardless of what the enemy may do.

Today there are millions of people in the land of “Christendom” who are of good will and who sigh and cry because of the abominable and unchristian things done by the clergy in the churches and outside of them. Remember God’s commandments given to you as set forth in Ezekiel 9:4, which says: ‘Go through the midst of “Christendom” and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.’ This marking upon the foreheads is giving the people an intelligent understanding of God’s purposes by putting them in contact with His message of truth. Millions of good people are in sore distress because they see the clergy repudiating the Bible and conniving at the destruction of those faithful men and women who teach the Bible. The good people are in great need of the truth and they want to hear it. I bid you, therefore, go forth in the full confidence, trust and strength of Jehovah God, and lift up His standard for the people, that they may see the true way of relief and deliverance for them and that you may have some part in the vindication of the great and holy name of Jehovah God.

EXTRACTS FROM SOME OF THE LETTERS AND TELEGRAMS RECEIVED ; ORIGINALS ARE ON FILE IN OUR OFFICE

Camden, N. J. (Addressed to Federal Council of Churches) “I am sure you are aware of the fact that a challenge was offered to you, with Jehovah’s witnesses, by Judge J. F. Rutherford. Why not accept this and have it out, as they will pay half of the expenses? I urge you to accept the same, that the people at large may be enabled to know which is the truth.” W. I. R.

Maybrook, N. Y. “We heartily approve of your challenge for a debate. You have nothing to lose, and all to gain. The organized churches and clergymen are as large criminals as the gangster, to stand by and allow any officer of the law to arrest a person for distributing literature pertaining to the Bible, which is the Word of truth. These people are within their constitutional rights and should not be molested. The clergymen and the police who have acted illegally are the ones that should be put in the dungeon. Continue on in defiance of this band of racketeers.” Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Ivyland, Pa. “Would welcome a debate with Federation of Churches. Heard your talk last Sunday and think it dreadful that one cannot speak his own mind without being thrown in jail.” Mrs. H. R.

Philadelphia, Pa. (Addressed to Gimbel Brothers) “I heard the Watchtower program on your station yesterday and enjoyed it immensely. Rutherford certainly has the goods on those ministers. I think he is right in everything he said. Be sure and arrange for that debate which he offered. That will be real interesting. I have some of the Watchtower publications and I find more truth and common sense in them than all the churches put together.” W. M. Y.

Cambridge, Mass. (Addressed to Station WNAC) “The address by Judge Rutherford this morning seemed to me a masterpiece. I do not happen to be a church-goer, but these Jehovah’s witnesses, as they call themselves, appear to have something that the other churches do not have. I would like to listen to a debate as suggested by Judge Rutherford this morning. Whatever a man’s religion is, there is only one truth.” II. P.

Woburn, Mass. “I am an old fellow, practically out of the race, physically weak but mentally stronger than ever. You have spoken fundamental truths. I certainly would like a debate, just to find on what grounds anyone dares to interfere with followers of God, whoever and wherever they be. My faith is tolerance; I have no sect or creed. As our Lord ■was persecuted, so are His followers.” O. D. V. Boston, Mass. “I was very much surprised to hear that the so-called ‘ministers of the gospel’ are willing to put you in the electric chair for such a righteous cause as you stand for. They ought to hang themselves, and I believe they will. Anxiously awaiting the debate. More power to you.” A. N. S.

Woodbury, N. J. “We listened to your talk yesterday over station WIP. It was the best we ever heard, and we would both love to hear the debate which you challenged the clergy to take up. We have read some of your books and think they are great. We both wish you well, and may the Lord bless you for the good you are doing.” Mr. and Mrs. L. D. E.

Cambridge, Mass. “Your hundreds of thousands of listeners are no doubt grieved deeply to hear of the treatment of those brave men and •women who have been so ill-treated at the hands of these unprincipled whelps. Keep up the good work, Judge, and the good Lord will bless and reward you manifold, as well as your splendid assistants.” J. M.

Jersey City, N. J. “Thank you for explaining over the radio this morning ‘Why Jehovah’s witnesses Persecuted?’ I send this letter to you to tender to the public press, to have them ask the clergy of ‘Christendom’ to have a nation-wide debate about the Bible. I am not a member of your organization, but believe in Jehovah God. Your books, which you distribute for so little, are a great help in understanding the Bible and the purposes of God’s kingdom on earth.” L. R.

Philadelphia, Pa. “I listened to your remarkable lecture on the radio yesterday; it was wonderful, and I would like to hear your debate with the ministers and priests. If they can put up anything as sensible as that it certainly will be great. Let us have the debate, by all means.” M. II.

Camden, Me. “I had the extreme pleasure of listening to you last Sunday and I sincerely approve of your plan to call the bluff of the clergy in their dastardly way of trying to prevent the delivery of the Word of God to the people that are hungering for it. It is the work of Satan's organization, and I will be glad when the time comes that he is tied up in chains and put where he will not be able to do any more harm to the human race.” E. T. McC.

Killingworth, Conn. “We listened to your wonderful service on the radio today. This was not the first time; we have listened to it many times. We also have eight or ten of your books and find them very interesting. I just wanted to write and say that we would greatly appreciate a debate on the radio between Jehovah’s witnesses and the Federal Council of Churches. I think it would enlighten many people and show up what most of the churches are. I am so sorry’ to hear that our state was one included in the persecution of your people. I hope that when the debate is on we will also hear about it, so that we can listen in. We live away7 out in the country and do not get our mail more than once or twice a week.” Mrs. K. R. W.

Lake Como, N. J. “I listened to you this morning. Yes, by7 all means, I agree there must be freedom for all religions. I too agree that if the ministers, both Protestant and Romanist, would preach the coming of our Lord, the country would profit by it. I do not think they read their Bible. If they do, their eyes are blinded by7 Satan. I wish you success in your work for Jehovah.” L. M.

Paterson, N. J. “I heard your radio lecture Sunday7 ‘Why Jehovah’s witnesses Persecuted?’ and your challenge to the leaders of‘organized Christianity7’ to a radio debate. At a time like this, when there is so much confusion and misunderstanding, it would be most appropriate if the religious leaders of Christianity would come out in the open and demonstrate or prove their right to continue as leaders and instructors of the people.” M. B.

Audubon, N. J. “We feel greatly blessed that we were among those who were able to hear* your voice over the radio yesterday. May God give you more power to carry on your good work. Who are Jehovah’s witnesses in our vicinity? It would be a blessing and great privilege to meet them.” Mr. and Mrs. L. 13. B.

Telford, Pa. “I listened to all of your address at 10: 00 a.m. over station WIP. I agree. Anyone that thinks you are committing wrongs should be glad for the opportunity to debate with you. I am a member of a church, but I do want a square deal for all. That is what Jesus taught us.” H. N. L.

Preakness, N. J. “I am very much for the debate. I am for Jehovah's Government.” Mrs. C. N. L.

Atlantic City, N. J. “Your lecture came in over WPG wonderfully without a break in the program. Here is hoping the debate goes on the air against the Devil’s most capable representative that he can select.” J. L. E.

Long Island City, N. Y. “After listening to your most inspiring and comforting message over the radio I am firmly resolved from today to sever my connections from all religious organizations. If a Catholic priest can utter such a remark as ‘Electrocute Judge Rutherford’ I can plainly see the hatred in his heart, and I can also understand that he has forgotten the fourth commandment, ‘Thou shalt not kill.’ Keep up your good work. Consider me one who is in favor of a debate, and if the time comes and I am financially able I want to contribute toward the expense of the debate. You can use this letter for your contemplated publication.” W. II. R.

Brookline, Mass. “We express our sympathy for you and your loyal witnesses. Is it not possible to sue for false arrest ? Surely such terrible action on the part of the Romanist priest will not go unpunished. Surely the fall of the Roman tyrants is near at hand, judging from reports from Spain and Mexico. We are unable to help but little on account of great losses recently, but should your faithful witnesses call at our door a small amount will be ready. Or, shall I send it along? We were greatly inspired by your beautifully expressed broadcast, as were many other listeners’, and we are looking forward to hear you speak God’s message next Sunday.” Mr. and Mrs. E. D. and son.

Westwood, Mass. “Say, Judge, if the Federation of Churches ignore your challenge or fail to come on the radio with you, they are hypocrites and cowards. I have said many times that the world would be bettei* off without the churches, and if they ignore your challenge I shall fully believe I was right. Here is a dollar to help on the expense of the debate.” G. E. IL

East Williston, N. Y. “I have for a long time been a listener to your radio lectures and learned from them many things I did not know. Your challenge to the ministry last Sunday struck me as being one of the best means of putting the issues forcibly and plainly before the people. I am sending herewith a check which represents one-tenth of a sum I recently received, to help defray the expense of your proposed radio debate, or you might use it in any other way you see fit in spreading the good news of God’s kingdom.” R. G. W. Norwich, Conn. (Addressed to station WCAP, Asbury Park) “This morning I heard over your station, and enjoyed in particular, the program put on by the Watchtower. I find these Bible talks very interesting and educational. My father was born, lived and died a Catholic. My mother was a Lutheran, and I was brought up in that faith. But in all the years I was with my parents I never learned from either my father or my mother, nor from the Lutheran church, the wonderful truths, and the interesting explanations of Bible prophecy, that I have heard from Judge Rutherford.”

Hawthorne, N. J. “Your masterful address championing the cause of Jehovah’s witnesses came in clear and strong. The time has come for the people to know Jehovah, and also those who represent Him. We therefore trust that the leaders of ‘organized Christianity’ will accept your challenge to a radio debate. They have fooled the public long enough. We hope they will have backbone enough to come out in the open.” C. R. II.

Arlington, Mass. “Your ringing challenge to Satan’s crowd great cause for rejoicing.” AV. B. F.

Shelburne Falls, Mass. “Reception excellent; back you in challenge.” J. G. M.

Washington, D. C. “Lecture thrilling. Every word distinct. Many thanks. We request debate.” A. F. and AV. J.

North Pembroke, Mass. (Addressed to station AVNAC) “I was much interested in the lecture given by Judge Rutherford over "WNAC Sunday May 1, sponsored by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. lie was some speaker. He certainly put forth some challenge to the whole world of mankind in every walk of life, and to the clergy to give their time against bis in a debate to prove lie is wrong or for ever to hold their peace. Now if the systems he mentioned, namely Big Business, the guardians of the law, and the clergy, will have the courage1 he had and get on the air and give us the debate he called for, perhaps we can rid our minds of a lot of hate and worry and come into a perfect harmony, with peace as a result. If no debate is forthcoming, it will prove to the whole world that this man is wholly right in his declaration, and that, as he said, we are walking around with a ringin our nose, led by a lot of hypocrites and bloodsuckers. It is about time we had someone to say something for humanity, and he has the real courage to stand for what is right. And who dares to even try to prove he is wrong? I am just another taxpayer and I guess we got the truth from this man. At least, he has the courage to tell the truth. Let us have the debate of the aforesaid challenge. I will be listening further for the wheels of understanding.” A. N.

Devon, Conn. “We enjoyed your broadcast on May 1 from W1CC, Bridgeport, Conn., very much. "Would be very pleased indeed to hear such a debate as you mentioned, and deem it of real public interest and an absolute necessity that such a debate should be held, that the people might be able to see the contrast. The cpiestions involved will probably prove to be too much for the Federal Council of Churches, but our hope is that they will have backbone enough to come out in the open and face the challenge.” Mr. and Mrs. J. A. B.

"Walden, Mass. “Your lecture of Sunday, May 1, was certainly thrilling, and if the Federation of Churches have anything to dispute they now have the opportunity to come forward and accept your offer of a debate. I am very anxious to see this debate come through, and I would be willing to contribute a little money toward the expense of it. If you will accept money toward a fund for that purpose, please advise me and I will send in my donation.” Lavallette, N. J. (Addressed to station WPG) “I would like to say a word about the Watchtower programs that I have been listening to over your station for some time. I enjoy listening to them more than any other programs you put on the air, and am very glad to know that your management is not under the thumb of the clergy, as is evidently the case with the big NBC chain of stations. It is a great wonder to me that the officials of many towns such as Asbury Park, Ocean Grove, South Amboy and Bergenfield, N. J., have not ‘wised up’ to the fact that they are being made the ‘goat’ for the clergy, when they go so far as to try to suppress religious freedom by the arrest of men and women who teach only the Bible teachings. Do these officials forget the fundamental principles of the constitutions of our state and country ? I heard Judge Rutherford's personal challenge to the clergy and Federal Council of Churches over your station last Sunday morning. I do not see how they can ignore this challenge.” G. D. II.

Philadelphia, Pa. “I venture to state that the lecture broadcast by you on Sunday last, May 1, was the most fearless lecture ever delivered by any man over the air, barring none. I heartily endorse all that was said. Surely the treatment Jehovah’s witnesses have been and are receiving is a disgrace to the civilization and good name of the United States of America. I sincerely hope that the challenge made by you to the Federation of Churches will be taken up by them. I strongly urge that the proposed debate be arranged for the near future and be broadcast over a circuit of radio stations, half the expense to be borne by the Federation of Churches.” P. N. Z. R.

Jersey City, N. J. “Having listened with keenest interest to your radio broadcast of May 1 I wish to express my sincere appreciation of the bold and fearless stand which you have taken against all the sham and hypocrisy now posing before the people in the guise of religion. The persecution of Jehovah's witnesses has caused much perplexity in the; minds of many good, honest people, and I therefore submit that your challenge for a debate with a representative of the church federation is timely and of the greatest importance. I cast my vote in favor of yourself as the representative of Jehovah's witnesses in such a debate.” J. Y. M.

Beading, Pa. “I listened to your talk over the radio on the subject ‘Why Jehovah’s witnesses Persecuted?’ with great interest. When wickedness is so great, surely there is some reason for it. I have all your hooks. I wish to say they are a wonderful help. I heard you issue a challenge to all the clergymen to debate, but I doubt whether your challenge will be accepted. If not, I wish to encourage you to take legal steps to force them to stop causing the arrest of these witnesses who go from door to door with the message of God's kingdom.” E. P. R.

Bywood, Pa. (Addressed to station WFAN) “Relative to the challenge issued by Judge Rutherford to the various creeds of ‘Christendom’ for a debate covering the truth of the statements he made in last Sunday’s broadcast over your station: The people are weary unto death with the multitude of doctrines. Judge Rutherford bases every statement he makes upon the only infallible guide we have, the Bible, and unless the ministers, priests and others who claim to teach God’s word accept that challenge, the masses will know they have been misled and deceived, and church-ianity will collapse in utter ruin. This is a serious matter; it is imperative that the people know who is right, who wrong. We demand that this challenge be accepted, no more side-stepping. 'We want the truth.” P. H. C.

Washington, D. C. “After hearing your lecture, given over station WPG, Atlantic City, N.J., setting forth a clear, concise statement of facts, as they exist today, and calling upon the radio audience for an expression of their sentiments, I wish to state that I am heartily in favor of a debate in order that the whole world may know the facts and what the Scriptures plainly teach.” J. F. J.

Philadelphia, Pa. (Addressed to station WIP) “I was extremely pleased and interested by the Watchtower program of yesterday. It was one that certainly ought to make all people, honest and dishonest alike, sit up and take notice. Accordingly, I certainly agree that the clergy should accept the challenge and show the public in general where they stand in these very important matters or else admit that they are in the wrong and want to dishonestly and hypocritically roost under cover while they have others, police and judges, do their dirty work for them.” F. C.

Huntington, Pa. “I am very much surprised to hear that the clergymen of this country have had the nerve to interfere with the preaching of God’s Word, and am very glad that Judge Rutherford had the nerve to stand up and tell the people the truth about the matter. Without a doubt it is a splendid idea to bring before the people both sides of the question, in order that they may see the truth. Let someone come forth and meet this great challenge, or keep quiet and admit it is the truth. Truth is what the people need to know, and it never was as important to reveal it as it is now.” J. P. B.

Lakewood, R. I. “Your program of May 1 was well received and we enjoyed it very much. We agree with you that a debate should be had on the subject you stated, and would like to hear it.” G. E. C.

Brooklyn, X. Y. “Your address of last Sunday morning, ‘Why Jehovah's witnesses Persecuted ?’ Heard over WBBR, was much appreciated. Your challenge to the Federal Council of Churches to a nation-wide radio debate is a challenge which unquestionably they must openly meet in some way or lose what little respect they may have with the audience that was fortunate enough to listen to you. I hope that this debate can be brought about, and without a doubt it will be for the best interests and convenience of the radio public. A debate of this kind without the frills and mob outbursts of a visible audience can but appeal favorably to the common sense of the listeners. They will not be handicapped or prejudiced by their fellow listeners, for in most instances they will be hearing the debate alone, or with other members of the family, and thus be better able to personally think over what is said.” R. J. IT.

Germantown, Pa. (Addressed to station WIP) “It was my privilege to enjoy a Watchtower broadcast of Judge Rutherford this morning between ten and eleven a.m. Permit me to endorse the idea expressed by Judge Rutherford of a national radio debate with those who oppose the work of Jehovah’s witnesses at this time. Let those who desire to oppose this work now come out into the open and present to the people their proof that they represent Jehovah God and support His Word, the Bible. If they are unable to submit proof, then let them forever hold their peace.” R. J. D.

Brooklyn, N. Y. ‘‘Your speech of May 1 on ‘Why Jehovah’s witnesses Persecuted"?’ thrilled me. Your challenge to the representatives of so-called ‘organized religion’ certainly seems a fair one. The people should hear the truth. I am for the debate you proposed.” A. K. AV.

Bridgeport, Conn. (Addressedto Station WICC) ‘‘We listened in on the special program over your station Sunday, May 1, 1932, at ten o’clock, and became intensely interested in what the speaker’ had to say. It was the most thrilling talk we have heard in some time and we are anxious to know if your station will be included in the national hookup the speaker mentioned. We are losing faith in the clergymen as teachers and leaders of the spiritual affairs of the people and would appreciate any literature you care to send about this man Rutherford and what he stands for. It seems good to hear a speaker expose the hypocrisy that seems to be behind the churchmen of today and to hear the Bible cproted in such a practical way. We hope WICC continues to champion the cause of the common people.” Mr. and Mrs. J. AV. S.

Phillipsburg, N. J. “I am very much interested in the lecture given over station AVIP last Sunday, as to why Jehovah's witnesses are persecuted. To me it seems inconceivable that anyone should object to the message taken to the people as is being done by these in the interest of their fellow men. I join you in the request that this matter be debated over the radio by the representative of Jehovah’s witnesses and a representative of the church federation.” F. E. McP.

Everett, Mass. (Addressed to station AA'NAC) “I listened to Judge Rutherford's lecture over your station yesterday with profound and thrilling interest. He has a message for the people which should be heralded widely. I shall be most interested to hear the debate of which he made mention. His offer evidences sincerity and conviction on his part, and I trust those to whom he extended the invitation will be as equally broad and unprejudiced in their response to his invitation, or challenge. May I congratulate your station for lending your support in the broadcast of such an outstanding message at such a crucial hour. Others have spoken to me of their marked interest in the lecture. Could you broadcast more of his lectures ?” G. M. B.

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