Golden Age, July 17, 1935
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The Golden Age
A JOURNAL OF FACT HOPE AND COURAGE
in this issue
JEHOVAH’S GOVERNMENT AT WASHINGTON
AN ACCOUNT OF THE CONVENTION OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES AT WASHINGTON, D. C. MAY 30 - JUNE 3, 1935
every other WEDNESDAY
five cents a copy
one dollar a year
Canada & Foreign 1.25
Vol. XVI - No. 413
July 17, 1935 CONTENTS
JEHOVAH’S GOVERNMENT AT WASHINGTON
“Rule in the Midst of Thine Enemies” . . . . . . 643
A Preliminary Announcement . . . 643
Radiograms, Cablegrams, Telegrams 644
Some United States Dispatches . . . 645
A Flood of Letters . . . . . . . . 650
Instruments of Publicity . . . . . . 651
The Opening Session . . . . . . . 652
Identification of “Great Multitude” 652
A Service Convention . . . . . . . 653
The Question Meeting . . . . . . . 653
Jonadab Work in Los Angeles . . . 654
Pioneers’ Greatest Convention . . . 655
Report of Field Activities . . . . . 657
Service Maps and Preparations . . . 657
A Glimpse of God’s Organization . 658
A Service Not on the Program . . . 658
Other Good Declarations . . . . . . 659
“Known and Read of All Men” . . 660
Jonadabs Believe in Immersion? . . 660
The Music of the Convention . . . . 660
Jehovah’s Power Made Manifest . . 661
The Report of a Technician . . . . 662
Post Office and Bulletin Board . . . 663
Interviews with Judge Rutherford . 664
Washington in Gala Attire . . . . . 664
Splendid Hospital Service . . . . . 665
Superb Cafeteria Arrangements . . 665
Cleanest People Ever in Washington 667
The Bethel Special . . . . . . . . 667
By Automobile to Washington . . . 668
The Washington Police . . . . . . . 669
“Barbara Fritchie’s Work Is O’er” 669
The Disgrace of Alexandria . . . . 670
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The Golden Age
Volume XVI Brooklyn, N. Y., Wednesday, July 17, 1935 Number 413
Jehovah’s Government at Washington
WHAT a setting for the proclamation of Jehovah’s government, made at Washington, D.C., on the occasion of the convention there of Jehovah’s witnesses, May 30 to June 3 inclusive, centering in the Washington Auditorium, and centering about Judge Rutherford’s lecture on “GOVERNMENT”, delivered at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, June 2, 1935, published in full in The Golden Age No. 411, June 19, 1935.
In the United States, President Roosevelt declares that the finding of the NRA unconstitutional has set the country back to the horse-and-buggy days preceding the Civil War. In France, Premier Flandin pleads for a dictatorship and falls in a faint when it is refused; the bourse suspends and the cabinet resigns. In Britain, the coalition government can no longer carry on with MacDonald at the head and swaps for Baldwin in the middle of the stream. In Germany, a demonized tool of Big Business has destroyed all liberty and turned the country into a madhouse. In Italy, another dictator, facing financial ruin, arms the nation for war with its sister nation, Abyssinia, in utter disregard of the fact that both are members of the League of Nations. And so, around the world, “upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity,” statesmen in utter confusion. “Lo, they have rejected the word of the LORD; and what wisdom is in them?”
“Rule Thou in the Midst of Thine Enemies”
At Washington, D.C., Christ Jesus, the Anointed of Jehovah, reigned in the midst of His enemies, during the five days of the convention, in such a remarkable manner that even His enemies were compelled to grudgingly take notice of it. Thus the Washington Post, on the day that it shamelessly prostrated itself before the Roman Catholic hierarchy by breaking its contract to publish Judge Rutherford’s great address on “Government”, felt compelled to say: “Yesterday’s gathering broke records for a religious meeting in the history of the city.” (The general manager of the Post, Eugene MacLean, resigned on June 5, two days after the Post’s collapse.)
The Washington News said: “Police estimated between 20,000 and 25,000 persons jammed in and around the building yesterday to hear the president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, or Jehovah’s witnesses, deliver his speech on ‘Government’.”
The Washington Times said: “The main floor of the auditorium was packed. The balcony was filled to overflowing. . . . Throngs lined the sidewalks outside the building, unable to gain entrance. . . . Loud-speakers which operated with unusual clarity brought the voices of the speakers outside the building.”
A Preliminary Announcement
The Plainfield (N. J.) Post, having acquired advance information of what would occur at Washington, said in its issue of May 31, 1935, on its front page, beneath a scarehead eight columns wide:
“GOVERNMENT” will be the subject of an address of universal interest to be given by Judge Rutherford on Sunday, June 2, 3:00 p. m., Eastern Standard Time, in the Washington Auditorium. This address will be simultaneously flashed by WOL and the most unique and extensive combination of wire and wireless communications facilities and public-address appliances ever arranged on this planet. The United States will be covered from coast to coast with a network of stations, making it possible for everyone in the United States to listen in, as well as the greater part of the Canadian population.
In addition, the address will be carried by radio-telephone to England, France, Belgium, the Netherlands and South Africa; and by shortwave radio beams to Switzerland, Central America, South America, the Hawaiian and the Philippine Islands, Japan, China, Siam, India, Australia, New Zealand, Java and isles afar. At Buenos Aires, Honolulu and Manila the address will be rebroadcast by powerful local stations. . .
In a large auditorium at London there will be a public-address system to carry the address to those in attendance. From London the address will be carried on telephone lines to Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, Glasgow and Belfast, in all of which cities of the British Isles there will be similar public-address meetings. There will also be public-address systems at Geneva and Berne, Switzerland; at Paris, France; Brussels, Belgium; Amsterdam, Netherlands; and cities in South Africa and in Australia. In Australia a network of at least 26 stations will serve the people of that continent with this extraordinary message concerning Jehovah’s government.
This announcement was reflected faithfully in the responses, many of which are reproduced in this issue.
Radiograms, Cablegrams and Telegrams
The following are some of the radiograms, cablegrams and telegrams received at the Washington Auditorium immediately after the lecture. To save space names of senders are omitted.
ARGENTINA. BUENOS AIRES: "Transmission of lecture most clear: absolutely no fading."
BELGIUM. BRUSSELS: "We heard . . . understood every word clearly. . . . transmitted from the London Post Office by a direct line to Belgium and Holland. English and Americans were invited; a fairly large crowd attended."
BRAZIL. SAO PAULO: "By Jehovah’s grace, and for the first time, we heard yesterday the strong voice of Judge Rutherford. . . . What a good thing if this same message could be rebroadcast in Spanish for South America!"
BRITISH COLUMBIA. COURTENAY: "Your great message on ‘Government’ perfectly received. ‘Aye’ was unanimous." FORT LANGLEY: "Greetings. Reception perfect over KGA." KAMLOOPS: "Thrilled by wonderful heart-cheering and courageous lecture heard today over WEBR, Buffalo, N. Y. Quite clear; some static. Join in resolution and rejoice with Jehovah’s witnesses in the Lord’s service." POWELL RIVER: "Unanimously shout ‘Aye’. Reception excellent over KJR." VANCOUVER: "Fearless, heart-stirring, strengthening address received perfectly, with great joy."
BRITISH WEST INDIES. TRINIDAD: "Heard clearly your thrilling lectures . . . vital and very inspiring."
BURMA. PYINMANA: "Washington lecture received well. ‘Aye’ for righteous government."
CANAL ZONE. CRISTOBAL: "We were glad for what we heard."
COSTA RICA. PORT LIMON: "Many heard the lecture very clearly."
CUBA HAVANA: "Discourse from Washington heard from station W3XAU." MATANZAS: "Judge Rutherford’s lecture heard thrillingly over W3XAU. Reception fine." MORON: "Address heard . . . reception fine."
CZECHOSLOVAKIA. PRAGUE: (1) "Heard the thrilling message. This was first radio message heard in Czechoslovakia. Assure full allegiance. Much enthused." (2) "Last night, to our great joy, we heard Judge Rutherford give his great lecture on ‘Government’." (3) "We have reports from Karlsbad, Piestany, Uzhorod, Michalovce and Berehovo that they heard Judge Rutherford."
DENMARK. COPENHAGEN: "Thrilling lecture was clear as a bell. Splendid witness to truth and praise of Jehovah’s name. Copenhagen thoroughly enjoyed Washington convention."
DUTCH GUIANA. PARAMARIBO: "Heard the lecture with slight interference."
EGYPT. CAIRO: "Lecture heard very distinctly over W2XAD, Schenectady."
ENGLAND. BIRMINGHAM: "Two thousand heard fine lecture Birmingham." LONDON: "Reception Alexandra Palace wonderful. Praise Jehovah. . . . Palace, 4,000 [heard broadcast]; Birmingham, 2,000; Belfast, 1,900; Manchester, 2,500; Glasgow, 2,300; Newcastle, 1,500. . . . Reception perfect. Audience thrilled. We give thanks to Jehovah." MANCHESTER: "Reception Paramount Manchester perfect. Much appreciated."
ESTONIA. TALLINN: "Heard you splendidly. Jehovah’s witnesses Estonia shout ‘Aye’."
FINLAND. HELSINGFORS: "Wonderful reception."
FRANCE. PARIS: "Perfect audition."
GREECE. ATHENS: (1) "Stilate tachista aeroporikos dialexin Rutherford." ("Send at once by air mail lecture Rutherford.") (2) "Imagine our joy after fifteen years having the privilege of hearing our dear brother sounding the message of truth to the ends of the earth. Our hearts bowed before the Lord in thankfulness and in prayer, and at the end of the lecture all rose and cried, ‘Aye!’"
HAWAII. HONOLULU: "Splendid reception message Jehovah’s government via both Honolulu Java relays. Rebroadcast by KGMB. Also new sound equipment. Also transcription in two public parks. Many hearers join voting ‘Aye’."
INDIA. BOMBAY: "Interference hurt reception from special sixteen meters. Lecture received well Burma."
IRELAND. BELFAST: "Witnesses at Belfast, Ireland, pray Jehovah’s power with you in the shout. Joshua 1:9 [‘Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed; for Jehovah thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.’]." "Hall packed. Reception wonderful. Audience thrilled."
LATVIA. RIGA: "Voice clear. Thrilled."
LITHUANIA. KAUNAS: "Heard distinctly. Thrilled."
NEW SOUTH WALES. NEWCASTLE WEST: "Lecture thrilling. Right behind you." SYDNEY: (1) "Reception clearest yet. Twelve stations rebroadcast."
(2) "Splendid reception. Truth prevails." (3) "The Most High God caused to be delivered another important pronouncement. His people rejoice. Reception excellent."
NETHERLANDS. AMSTERDAM: "Reception Amsterdam splendid."
NOVA SCOTIA. SYDNEY: (1) "Reception perfect through KROW. Every word clear." (2) "Marvelous lecture. Thrilled."
ONTARIO. BARRIE: "Jehovah's witnesses appreciated lecture. Deuteronomy 33:27 ['The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms; and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.']." BRAMPTON: "We were indeed thrilled many times, as we listened. It was a message which gave us courage and strength to go boldly on declaring Jehovah's vengeance on the Devil's crowd and the blessings of the Kingdom to those who have the hearing ears." BROCKVILLE: (1) "'Aye' for Jehovah's government. Thrilling message heard clearly here." (2) "Received with great joy your Jehovah's government message today." GALT: "Enjoyed every word of your wonderful lecture. God bless you." GUELPH: "Message received this afternoon; splendid; best yet." HAMILTON: "Your lecture on 'Government' came in splendid and much appreciated." LONDON: "London company send greetings. Reception good." SAULT STE. MARIE: "Lecture on 'Government' received on W3XAU. Reception good. Praise Jehovah." TORONTO: (1) "Address came in splendid. God bless you." (2) "Praise to Jehovah for your Scriptural and convincing worldwide address, 'Government.'"
PHILIPPINE ISLANDS. MANILA: "Lecture commenced at four a. m. over KZRM, clear and distinct. Message heard in all parts city. Jehovah's witnesses assembled with you in saying 'Aye!'"
QUEENSLAND. BRISBANE: "Speech 'Government' heard. Brisbane company send greetings."
SCOTLAND. GIFFNOCK: "Splendid reception. Crowded hall. Love." GLASGOW: (1) "Reception excellent. Large audience listened most attentively." (2) "Tonight's reception exceeded our highest expectations." (3) "Lecture excellent. Beyond expectations." (4) "Radio telephone reception tremendous success. Publishers and public thrilled." (5) "Loving remembrance from Glasgow company. 2 Timothy 4:17, 18 ['Notwithstanding the Lord stood with (you), and strengthened (you); that by (you) the preaching might be fully known, and that all the (nations) might hear: and (you were) delivered out of the mouth of the lion. And the Lord shall deliver (you) from every evil work, and will preserve (you) unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.']." (6) "Jehovah upheld you."
SOUTH AFRICA. CAPE TOWN: "Joined in 'Ayes'."
SOUTH AUSTRALIA. ADELAIDE: (1) "Reciprocating greetings. Lecture clear as if present. Resolution joyfully adopted. Thousands heard. Eager for more. Jehovah continue to bless you." (2) "Jehovah's witnesses Adelaide thrilled by stirring world-wide broadcast. Excellent reception. Appreciate your great boldness. Our unqualified support assured."
SWEDEN. STOCKHOLM: "Inspiring talk much appreciated. Authorities say reception best ever across Atlantic."
SWITZERLAND. BERNE: "Reception noisy."
SYRIA. BEIRUT: "The address was heard word for word, with joy!"
TRIPOLI: "We gathered as many friends as we could accommodate in our house, where a radio receiving set was placed. At 10:30 p. m. Judge Rutherford's universal witness began to thunder. How thrilling! The very tone, accent, spirit and zeal of the speaker were recognized by us. An indescribable joy."
WALES. CARDIFF: "Thrilled. Direct shortwave reception. 'Aye.'"
YUGOSLAVIA. BEOGRAD: "We heard the lecture as distinctly as if Judge Rutherford were personally with us in the same room. Whenever he was interrupted by a roar of applause, we joined enthusiastically; and when, at the end, he asked who desire the Lord as Ruler, we all consented, full of joy."
Some United States Dispatches
ALABAMA. ANNISTON: "Heard your wonderful lecture on 'Government' over WAPI." BIRMINGHAM: (1) "Your sermon thoroughly enjoyed." (2) "Program through sound car to over three hundred. Clear and grand." (3) "Your most wonderful address inspires much faith in future." (4) "Thrilled over your wonderful message; best yet."
ARIZONA. PHOENIX: "Lecture perfect. Response 'Aye' by entire company. Glory to Jehovah."
ARKANSAS. FORT SMITH: "Most thrilling message yet. Heard by Jehovah's witnesses and others."
CALIFORNIA. ARCADIA: "All-inspiring message most clearly received. All say 'Aye' and 'God bless you'." EAST BAKERSFIELD: "Thrilled with lecture. Reception splendid. Resolution unanimously adopted." BASSETT: "God's message 'Government' perfectly clear over KNX at Puente, Calif." BERKELEY: "Every word of lecture clear. All for new government under Christ." FRESNO: (1) "Lecture came in clear over KROW and KNX. Satan's agents can no longer hide. Rejoice with you and join heartily in resolution." (2) "Greetings from Jehovah's witnesses and grateful Jonadabs and other people of good will. Lecture received over KNX in courthouse park by approximately 120, all of whom enthusiastically adopted resolution. Dear Brother Rutherford, we are proud to be fighting with you on Jehovah's side." (3) "Junior company assembled after field service with great joy clearly heard message. Resolution approved unanimously. More determined than ever to serve Jehovah." FULLERTON: "Lecture the best yet. Heard perfectly. No interference." GLENDALE: "Congratulations. Reception was perfect. Message most timely." MONROVIA: "Thrilling reception in southern California of Judge Rutherford's speech; finest speech ever given to the world." LONG BEACH: "Lecture greatly appreciated and resolution endorsed by Long Beach company. Reception KGER perfect." LOS ANGELES: (1) "Thrilling message clearly heard. Five hundred witnesses assembled. Perfect reception through sound car. Enthused by fearless declaration against Jehovah's enemies and proclamation new righteous government. All join in enthusiastic 'Aye'." (2) "Four stations all came in clear and strong; especially powerful; KNX reaching to Alaska, the Great Lakes and even Mexico City, actually brought the convention into our homes when we could not attend at Washington in person. Praise the Lord." (3) "Your broadcast came through wonderfully and I feel sure its message must have found a permanent home in many thousands of tired hearts. My best wishes for long years in which to carry on your great work and for your continued well-being and happiness. Sincerely and with love." OAKLAND: (1) "Lecture perfect. Best wire transmission ever received here. Station besieged with flood of favorable comment from interested public." (2) "Oakland publishers applaud heartily. Thrilled by clear blast Gideon trumpet. Powerful, inspiring message. Love; greetings." PASADENA: "Perfect and uninterrupted reception. Message thrilling, powerful. We stand with you. Jehovah bless you." PASO ROBLES: "Lecture deeply appreciated. Reception good." REDONDO BEACH: "Speech clear, forceful, very distinct. More power to Jehovah and His people." REDWOOD CITY: "We are sounding with you for Jehovah and Gideon." RIVERSIDE: "Message clear. Rejoicing to battle for Jehovah and Gideon." ROSEVILLE: "Message the most forceful yet. We are for Jehovah's government and the resolution." SACRAMENTO: "Greetings. Heard wonderful lecture; excellent reception. Endorsed every word. 'Aye'." SAN DIEGO: (1) "We express our appreciation for your bold and fearless stand." (2) "You sure told them. We were listening." SAN FRANCISCO: (1) "Reception marvelous. Everyone here enthusiastically joins in welcoming Jehovah's government." (2) "We, Slavonian company of San Francisco, had great privilege of listening to Judge Rutherford speak. We felt Jehovah blessed the speaker and kept the Devil in the corner during that hour." (3) "Lecture 'Government' wonderful. Installation arrangements marvelous; reception KROW, San Francisco, perfect." SAN JOSE: "We are with you. Lecture thrilling and marvelous. Reception excellent." SAN RAFAEL: "Every word clear, distinct; thrilling beyond words. 'Aye,' for ever."
COLORADO. ARVADA: "Today's message of greatest comfort and hope received with thanksgiving to the Giver of all good and perfect gifts. We, the undersigned, are in favor of the resolution, and so declared ourselves with your visible audience. Hail to earth's rightful Ruler." BOULDER: "Message came through clear and distinct. Praise Jehovah God for it." DENVER: (1) "Program came in fine. Assembly at hall heard this timely message." (2) "'Well done, thou good and faithful servant.' Message received joyfully." PUEBLO: (1) "Lecture 'Government' came in perfectly. All rejoicing." (2) "Reception perfect. Wonderful message. Thankfully stand for resolution."
CONNECTICUT. BRIDGEPORT: "Your speech came over very clear and forceful. We rejoice with you in the great privilege of serving Jehovah." NEW BRITAIN: "Heard your wonderful lecture clearly through Waterbury." NEW HAVEN: "Reception magnificent over WIXBS. Resolution enthusiastically adopted." WATERBURY: "Speech on 'Government' came in perfectly and greatly enjoyed over WIXBS."
FLORIDA. JACKSONVILLE: (1) "Thrilled with marvelous lecture. Our hearts united with you in Jehovah's righteous government." (2) "Lecture best ever. Reception perfect." MIAMI: "We, Miami company of Jehovah's witnesses, assembled, heard lecture with enthusiasm. We vote 'Aye'. More power to you." NEW SMYRNA: "Thrilled with the message 'Government'. Reception grand. Resolution adopted. Thanks to Jehovah for your boldness." OCALA: "Heard lecture fine. Thrilled through and through." ORLANDO: "Reception excellent. Most powerful discourse yet. Company sends greetings." PAHOKEE: "Heard lecture; shortwave from Philadelphia. We are with you in the Kingdom work." WAUCHULA: "Heard lecture in jail. Reception fair." (Signed by R. A. Carson, Vera Newsom, Mae Skinner.)
GEORGIA. ATLANTA: (1) "Powerful message heard with joy and enthusiasm." (2) "Your speech was wonderful and timely. Jehovah used you to deliver His message to the people." AUGUSTA: "Program fine. Praise to Jehovah." MACON: "The greatest and boldest speech in honor of Jehovah's name since the days of the apostles. Looks like the Devil and his crowd are about done for." ROME: "Reception wonderful. Resolution unanimously adopted by Jehovah's witnesses at Rome, Ga."
IDAHO. BOISE: "Stirring message joyfully received. Resolution approved and adopted as read. Reception perfect."
ILLINOIS. ATLANTA: "Plain, wonderful, marvelous, convincing truth. His blessing continue." CHICAGO: "Perfect reception of entire program at a large and appreciative public assemblage. Enthusiastic response to resolution." GALESBURG: "Thrilled over lecture. Reception good." JERSEYVILLE: "Heard lecture on 'Government'. It was great. Praise to Jehovah." MOLINE: "Greatly enjoyed your masterful lecture. Greatest, most powerful thus far." MOUNT CARMEL: "Rejoice in world-wide broadcast Jehovah's truth.
Greetings to you and convention." ROCKFORD: "Your lecture 'Government' with its message of vindication of Jehovah's name, destruction of Satan's oppressive organization, and its blessings of life, peace and happiness to mankind, came in forcefully, in spite of some static. Rejoiced the hearts of many here."
INDIANA. INDIANAPOLIS: "'Government' a most assuring message to all righteous thinking people. Your fearlessness in delivery of this message an inspiration to all of the publishers in Indianapolis, who voted 'Aye' to your resolution." RICHMOND: "Jehovah's witnesses here heartily endorse resolution."
IOWA. CEDAR RAPIDS: "We just listened to your broadcast over station KRNT and want you to know that we enjoyed it to the fullest. We are confident that God will continue to express through you the message of truth and integrity, and we feel that the world will be just that much better off, having heard your message from Jehovah. May Jehovah continue to bless and keep you." DES MOINES: "We just heard your most wonderful message here in Des Moines." WATERLOO: "Thrilled to tears with your God-fearing message. Reception perfect."
KANSAS. ABILENE: "Caught the spirit of inspiring address in spite of local static conditions." HUTCHINSON: "Lecture plain over Philadelphia shortwave. Was best ever." PARSONS: "Our hearts thrilled by lecture 'Government'. Received with keen appreciation and thanksgiving to Jehovah."
LOUISIANA. BATON ROUGE: "Came in fine. Thrilled beyond words. May God bless you."
MAINE. BANGOR: "Greetings. W3XAU brought Jehovah's powerful message voiced by you. We vote 'Aye'." CAMDEN: "Congratulations on your wonderful lecture." CENTER LOVELL: "Shortwave reception over W3XAU very good up here in Maine. Lecture very thrilling." HALLOWELL: "Praise Jehovah for most thrilling message. We are with you."
MARYLAND. BALTIMORE: "Your radio lecture best yet. Congratulations." OAKLAND: "Lecture clear and powerful. Wonderful reception. Praise the Lord for this message of truth."
MASSACHUSETTS. ARLINGTON: "Talk came in fine." AUBURN: "Heard lecture. We are in hearty sympathy with entire lecture." BOSTON: (1) "For Jehovah and for Gideon! Jehovah's name and His word supremely honored in the message of today. His blessing and strength were manifestly upon you." (2) "For Jehovah and for Gideon! Jehovah's message heard clearly in Boston. Blessed be Jehovah's name, who strengthens you to boldly declare the truth today." (3) "Boston Albanian company send you love and appreciation for a message of encouragement. Blessed be Jehovah's name, who strengthens you to boldly declare the truth today." BROOKLINE: "Your marvelous lecture came through wonderful. It was thrilling and convincing." CHELSEA: "Enjoyed lecture very much. Jehovah bless you in your service." FRAMINGHAM: "Remarkable talk 'Government' excellently received over station WMEX. Greatly appreciated, thrilling hearers' hearts. Message voiced in thunderous tone Jehovah's impending judgment." GREENFIELD: "Wonderful reception of a wonderful message." LYNN: "Enjoyed Jehovah's wonderful message." MELROSE: "Just listened to your sterling lecture. Reception fine. We are with you." NEW BEDFORD: "Praise Jehovah. Lecture came in clear." ROSLINDALE: "We listened to your worldwide broadcast. All in favor." SAUGUS: "The lecture brought courage and comfort to the publishers of the new government, and it surely must have brought terror into the hearts of the enemy. Your manner of delivery indicated courage sublime. We are with you in life or in death, for Jehovah and for Gideon." WORCESTER: "Reception good. Thrilled by lecture through WMEX."
MICHIGAN. BAY CITY: "More praise to Jehovah. Lecture fine." DEARBORN: "Heard your wonderful lecture. Finest yet." DETROIT: (1) "Lecture greatly appreciated; best yet. Reception clear. God bless you." (2) "Greetings to the convention. Thrilled to hear your voice over WJR with a message of Jehovah. We are all happy to have a part with you in delivering this message of hope and cheer to all of good will. In full harmony with the resolution." (3) "Heard lecture for Jehovah and His kingdom."
MINNESOTA. DULUTH: "Program clear first half. Then stopped locally." HIBBING: "Your message came in fine. WEBC cut you off midway. Switched to WDGY. Heard you through. Praise to Jehovah and Christ." MINNEAPOLIS: "Greetings. Praise Jehovah for most thrilling message. Perfect reception." ROCHESTER: "Reception clear. We are all with you for Jehovah and His Vindicator." ST. PAUL: "Thoroughly enjoyed lecture. Reception clear. Speed the day for full establishment of God's government on earth. Greetings to convention."
MISSOURI. ANDERSON: "God only knows how much I appreciated the lecture 'Government'." BLACKWATER: "Message came in excellent. All thanks to Jehovah." JEFFERSON CITY: "Love. Jehovah's witnesses and Jonadabs heard and enjoyed greatest talk. Unanimous 'Aye'." KANSAS CITY: "Reception perfect. Surely the truth was well told. Congratulations." ST. LOUIS: (1) "Heard lecture 'Government' over WTMV; very good." (2) "Your bold and fearless message clearly heard and appreciated."
MONTANA. BILLINGS: "Most courageous message ever given to the praise of Jehovah's name. All here joined in the mighty shout 'Aye'." BUTTE: "Message received perfectly. Praise to Jehovah." DEER LODGE: "Your powerful, masterly, truthful address clearly received. Praise Jehovah for ever." HAMILTON: "Wonderful lecture came in fine."
NEBRASKA. OMAHA: "Lecture good; a mighty shout for Jehovah."
NEVADA. RENO: "Reception perfect. Our hearts are bubbling over with joy."
NEW HAMPSHIRE. PORTSMOUTH: "May the Lord bless all His people throughout the earth. For Jehovah and for Gideon."
NEW JERSEY. CAMDEN: "We enjoyed very much the chain program. God bless you." CLIFTON: "Enjoyed your message." KEARNY: "Your heart-thrilling lecture clearly received over WHBI." NEW BRUNSWICK: "Address enjoyed. Reception O.K." PASSAIC: "Reception over the radio wonderful; came 100-percent clear as though you were right in the room. Our hearts are so thrilled over this talk you gave about the government. May Jehovah bless you in your effort." PATERSON: (1) "Italian company, Paterson, send congratulations in the new Kingdom. Speech was wonderful." (2) "Speech on 'Government' came over very good and was very much appreciated. Jehovah be praised." UNION CITY: "Broadcast was marvelous. Heard it over WMCA but was cut off after reference to Vatican City. Hope that this matter has not prevented many truth-hungry people from hearing you. Yours in the Lord's service."
NEW MEXICO. ALBUQUERQUE: "Lecture came in fine. Enjoyed it immensely."
NEW YORK. ALBANY: "Reception wonderful." BROOKLYN: (1) "We have just heard your address, and admire your courage and sincerity of purpose. May the Lord richly bless you." (2) "Excellent reception Jehovah's great message your address on 'Government'. All Italian company shout for Jehovah and for Gideon." (3) "Wonderful lecture, thoroughly enjoyed." BUFFALO: (1) "Enjoyed your timely message 'Government', the world's only hope." (2) "Your lecture thrilled me deeply. Perfect radio reception at Buffalo." (3) "Wish to express our appreciation for most marvelous message." FOREST HILLS: "Your message received very distinctly; thank you for it." HOLLIS: (1) "WMCA disconnected at 4:54. Announced 'Inasmuch as it is the policy of this station to broadcast nothing controversial, we are discontinuing the broadcast of Judge Rutherford's speech from the Washington Auditorium in the nation's capital'." (2) "WMCA interrupted program at 4:27 with five minutes' organ interlude." JAMAICA: "Most exquisite. Jehovah is with the Watch Tower." JOHNSTOWN: "Message received. All rejoice. With you one hundred percent." KINGSTON: "Heard lecture and endorse resolution. Reception perfect." LONG ISLAND CITY: "Lecture very encouraging to go forward declaring the King and the Kingdom. Lord bless you and all your efforts for the vindication of His name. With the Lord to the end." NEW YORK: "Lecture was received very clearly by Harlem company. Greetings." POUGHKEEPSIE: "Lecture came in wonderful. Yours for His kingdom." ROSSVILLE: "Praise Jehovah for vivid description of His battle soon to be fought." SAG HARBOR: "Speech was marvelous." (Signed "A Great Friend and Admirer.") UTICA: "Your address was heard with utmost interest by nineteen persons in my home. Endorse every word uttered. Heard clearly and distinctly." WESTERLEIGH: "Lecture wonderful. In hearty accord."
NORTH CAROLINA. BESSEMER CITY: (1) "Enjoyed program with my family; never heard a better one." (2) "Government message heard clearly. Thrilling; much appreciated. Eight listening." HENDERSON: "Lecture came in fine. Many heard here and in vicinity. God bless you." WINSTON-SALEM: "Thanks to Jehovah for that wonderful message. Reception fine."
NORTH DAKOTA. FARGO: "Your fearless speech clearly heard by Fargo company of Jehovah's witnesses."
OHIO. AKRON: (1) "Program came in fine; not a hitch. Love and greetings." (2) "Heard wonderful message this afternoon. Was thrilled and stood with conventioners and said 'Aye'." CANTON: "Message thrilled us beyond words. Reception wonderful. Greetings and love." CLEVELAND: (1) "Heard every word of your wonderful speech. Jehovah's name was mentioned over eighty times. Praise Jehovah for message concerning His righteous government that will operate for the benefit and blessing of the people. Wishing you Jehovah's rich blessing in your untiring devotion and effort to praise His name." (2) "Excellent reception of your thrilling lecture on 'Government' over WHK, WGAR, WJAY. Cleveland company pledge wholehearted support and co-operation in declaring message of Jehovah's kingdom." (3) "I do." (Signed "A. L. Clark") (4) "Thank you for Jehovah's word of truth so fearlessly delivered." (5) "Received with much appreciation the lecture you just broadcast." (6) "Message came in very well; every word heard very plainly." (7) "Most wonderful speech ever heard. Friends and neighbors rejoice also." (8) "Greetings in the name of our Lord. Reception fine." COLUMBUS: (1) "Lecture 'Government' reception wonderful; message thrilling. The Lord bless you." (Signed "Eight Listeners") (2) "Reception fine in spite of storm." (Signed "25 Columbus Friends") (3) "Enjoyed lecture; came in fine. Keep on, with Jehovah's blessing." CROOKSVILLE: "Lecture and resolution fine. May your strength and courage never fail." DAYTON: (1) "Enjoyed the lecture. Reception excellent." (2) "Excellent reception here of fine lecture 'Government'." GENEVA: "Radio lecture 'Government' came in fine over WJAY." MARIETTA: "Message received, from Charleston, W. Va. Resolution joyfully accepted." MAUMEE: "Lecture came in wonderful. Received with 'Aye'." TIFFIN: "Program came in fine. We say 'Aye' to the resolution." TOLEDO: (1) "Send copy of radio speech. Accept congratulations on your masterly address." (2) "Reception perfect over WSPD. Comforting and inspiring. Rejoice with you in the Lord’s service.” WARREN: “Just heard lecture. Your message a comfort and Scripturally true.” YOUNGSTOWN: “Greek company heard the program. All of the Lord’s people rejoice.”
OKLAHOMA. BLAIR: “Lecture came in fine. Sixty-five assembled, adopted resolution 100 percent.” EL RENO: “Lecture came in clear. Most thrilling ever heard.” GUTHRIE: “Marvelous witness clearly heard. Stay right there.” HOMINY: “Grateful for one man who has courage to speak truth.” OKLAHOMA CITY: “With great interest we heard your world-wide broadcast. Every word clear and distinct; reception perfect. A mighty shout for Jehovah and Gideon.” PONCA CITY: “Wonderful testimony for Jehovah’s government. Heard plainly. We rejoice with you. Yes, we are for Jehovah and His King.” TULSA: “Speech fine. We join in resolution and are ready for action.”
OREGON. CORVALLIS: “Lecture and reception good. Mighty message, well delivered.” EUGENE: “Issue clear. Joy, gratitude inexpressible. In battle to finish. Love.” KLAMATH FALLS: “Most encouraging broadcast ever delivered. Sing on, brother.” PORTLAND: (1) “Lecture ‘Government’ came in clear as a bell, and your boldness and fearlessness is an inspiration to all who love the Lord and His kingdom. More power to you as you deliver His truth.” (2) “Lecture wonderful. Reception perfect.” SALEM: “Lecture heard clearly over KSLM. Message greatly appreciated by all Salem (Oreg.) publishers.”
PENNSYLVANIA. CENTRAL CITY: “God will be back.” FINLEYVILLE: “Lecture came through great. The best yet.” PITTSBURGH: (1) “Jehovah’s witnesses and others assembled at Pittsburgh express our thanks for message and heartily say ‘Aye’ in response to resolution. Reception very clear.” (2) “Greatest message ever heard.” (3) “May Jehovah strengthen and bless you. Your speech indeed comforting.” READING: (1) “Received address perfectly. We thank Jehovah for it.” (2) “Just heard your wonderful message. We are with you.” WILKES-BARRE: (1) “Lecture came in fine. Enjoyed by many.” (2) “Heard lecture and appreciate it very much. Reception fine.”
SOUTH CAROLINA. ANDERSON: “Wonderful lecture. Came in fine. We joined you in resolution.” CHARLESTON: “Charleston company Jehovah’s witnesses delighted with lecture.” GREENVILLE: (1) “Began on the dot. Clear throughout. Perfectly delivered.” (2) “Message of June 2 received over station WFBC, clear and distinct. More power to you and Jehovah’s witnesses.” SPARTANBURG: “Lecture came in fine over WSPA. Expectations fulfilled. Honor to Jehovah.”
TENNESSEE. JACKSON: “Your bold and fearless delivery of Jehovah’s message came through perfectly. Thrilled all present. It was a funeral march for the Devil and his gang.” MEMPHIS: (1) “‘Government’ message came in fine. No interruptions. Most enjoyable witness.” (2) “Euchometha plousias eulogias adelfoi.” (Greek company ‘wish you rich blessings’.)
TEXAS. ABILENE: “Reception perfect. Thirty-two attended.” COLEMAN: “Heard your inspiring lecture. Most grateful. Richest blessing for all.” DALLAS: (1) “Every word clear as a bell. More power to Jehovah’s government.” (2) “Reception of lecture perfect. Enjoyed by all.” HARLINGEN: “Your thrilling lecture appreciated. Reception perfect. About fifty approved resolution.” HOUSTON: (1) “Lecture came in fine, every word distinct. Enjoyed it very much.” (2) “Enjoyed your lecture very much.” (3) “Your wonderful message on ‘Government’ received with great clearness and was most inspiring. It was a very forceful declaration in favor of Jehovah, and we are sure His rich blessings will be upon same as well as all convention activities. Be assured of our continuous prayers and co-operation.” KILGORE: “Fine reception and a blessing.” ROSENBERG: “Company of eleven enjoyed lecture over KXYZ; distinct, wonderful.” SAN ANTONIO: “Hail Jehovah’s government.” SWEETWATER: “Your fearless lecture ‘Government’ finds keen response in our hearts. Words fail to express gratitude. Resolution enthusiastically adopted. Joining our voices with the millions of hearers throughout the earth.” TEAGUE: “Company of twenty-five heard the broadcast speech ‘Government’; reception clear.” WICHITA FALLS: “Perfect reception. Wonderful message, over KGKO, served wide area. Hallelujah.”
UTAH. SALT LAKE CITY: “May God bless you and back up today’s wonderful proclamation of God’s word of truth concerning His government and the destruction of His enemies. We had perfect reception through KSL.”
VIRGINIA. GLADSTONE: “Just heard your lecture on ‘Government’. Enjoyed it very much.” NEWPORT NEWS: “Newport News (Va.) witnesses and Jonadabs assembled send greetings. Lecture came in fine. All praise to Jehovah.” NORFOLK: “Your marvelous lecture on ‘Government’ received through WRVA, Richmond, Va.; every word distinct. We join you in furthering the message.” PETERSBURG: “Your broadcast wonderful; thoroughly enjoyed. God bless you and your works.” ROANOKE: “Your lecture ‘Government’ came in perfectly over station WDBJ; every word heard. Praise to Jehovah’s name.”
WASHINGTON. BELLINGHAM: “Greetings to all the publishers of peace assembled in Washington, D. C. The lecture on ‘Government’ came into Bellingham from KJR, Seattle, very clear and forceful. Praise to Jehovah. The local company unanimously endorse the resolution.” BREMERTON: “One hundred assembled heard with clarity and great interest your truly inspiring lecture ‘Government’. A unanimous rising vote acclaimed your resolution with much enthusiasm. May Jehovah continue to bless you with the boldness and fearlessness displayed in your remarkable address." ELMA: "Fifteen enjoyed lecture 'Government' and heartily subscribe to resolution. Hallelujah." MT. VERNON: "Lecture on 'Government' came over perfect. Unanimous support." SEATTLE: "A great number of Jehovah's witnesses, Jonadabs and people of good will heard clearly your radio message on 'Government' today at noon and now join in accepting the resolution and praying Jehovah's blessings on His kingdom work and speedy destruction of Satan's organization throughout the entire earth." SPOKANE: "Lecture, exceptionally clear, endorsed by thousands." WENATCHEE: "We, the Wenatchee company of Jehovah's witnesses, here assembled, have just heard your thrilling lecture on 'Government', from Washington, and rejoice in your bold and uncompromising stand against wickedness and Satan's organization. We reaffirm our determination to range ourselves with you in this matter and to take our stand on Jehovah's side and to continue to honor His holy name." YAKIMA: "Jehovah's government message, most wonderful, received by seventeen Jehovah's witnesses and Jonadabs; reception good. May Jehovah bless the onward march of His kingdom. By Jehovah's grace we will be with you in the fight till Satan's organization is completely destroyed and Jehovah's word and name exalted."
WEST VIRGINIA. CLARKSBURG: "Lecture came in fine, and we enjoyed it very much." FAIRMONT: "Reception clear. Most wonderful lecture of all time. Every word distinct. Praise the Lord." HUNTINGTON: "Reception good. Actually proclaimed from house-top; placed loud-speaker on comb of roof and microphone before speaker of radio. Many listeners."
WISCONSIN. DIAMOND BLUFF: "Broadcast wonderful. Congratulations on your stand for Jehovah's government. Greetings." MADISON: "Message came through very clear. Marvelous and most inspiring. 'Aye.'"
WYOMING. CASPER: "Brother Rutherford's speech marvelous. Casper company unanimously adopt resolution."
A Flood of Letters
A flood of letters followed the deluge of radiograms, cablegrams and telegrams. Two of these were published in The Golden Age, No. 411, June 19, 1935. Others appear herein, selected from the thousands received:
DENMARK. COPENHAGEN: "All were impressed by the fact that this lecture was really going 'to the ends of the earth'. The thought gripped the imagination. I have heard American broadcasts over London, but never so clear as this one."—D. B.
ENGLAND. LEICESTER: "How strange, it seemed, that it was 9 p. m. with us, but was 3 p. m. at Washington! Promptly at nine we heard the voice of the chairman making his opening announcements, and by the clarity of the speech we realized at once that our great Jehovah had once more blessed His servants. The singing of the audience came through well. . . . The lecture was grand, the audience at Birmingham joining in the enthusiastic applause with which the president's remarks were punctuated. We also joined in the mighty chorus of 'Aye' to the proposition at the close. I was much impressed with the singular lack of disturbance, sometimes caused by 'atmospherics'. There was also a pronounced absence of 'fading'. All together it was a wonderful and memorable occasion."—F. R. F.
LONDON: "You will know, of course, from the radiogram sent from here of the fine meeting we had in the [Alexandra] Palace, and of the very good reception of the lecture. I wish I had words to describe it. . . . The meeting did not begin till 9:00 p. m., but by 7:30 the hall was filling up. It was exciting to hear the electricians talking with each other of the arrangements being made. They were talking with Glasgow, Newcastle, Belfast, Manchester and Birmingham, and with Sydney, Australia, asking each other of their arrangements. It was exciting because everybody knew that nothing of the kind had been done before. It made us feel that the world was not so very big, after all. Then at about ten minutes to nine we heard the first voice from Washington, telling us that the lecture would soon be heard, that there were great crowds in the building and all around and that the day was fine. Then at a few seconds to nine there was the voice of the one who called for two verses of No. 42, and then the singing. We all felt so near as if we were there with you all. Then at once came Judge Rutherford's voice. Every word was heard distinctly, from first to last; and the audience in the Palace were with the audience in Washington; when they clapped hands, we did it too; when they cheered, we cheered. And at the end we shouted 'Aye' as quickly as in Washington. There were many wet eyes to be seen, in thankfulness for this new and great witness to our great Jehovah and for this wonderful way of speaking to all the earth, for we knew there were many other places in the earth where the same feelings were being expressed and for the same reason."—Mrs. J. H.
ESTONIA. TALLINN: "Heard very well on a short-wave receiving set. . . . It was also well heard at Tapa and at Weru. The reception was very good."
LITHUANIA. KAUNAS: "It is with great joy that we inform you that Judge Rutherford's voice was distinctly heard yesterday from what must have been RCACI 28.87 meters, San Francisco (Manila relay). Apart from almost negligible 'fading', and although full 'volume' was not used, Judge Rutherford's voice was as clear as if he had been in the same room."—L. B.
NORWAY, OSLO. "It was a wonderful event to hear Judge Rutherford's enthusiastic and forceful presentation of the message and the spontaneous applause several times during the lecture. And so we were along at Washington convention and at the close we rose up and shouted 'Aye'."
SWEDEN. STOCKHOLM: "Judge Rutherford's speech from Washington was transmitted to Stockholm, from Rugby, England, via Copenhagen, Denmark, through the various post office services. A hall was rented and it was advertised that English-speaking people could come and listen there, free. . . . The reception was good; in fact, so good that P. O. engineers stated they had never heard such good transmission across the Atlantic, and were rather surprised. . . . The publicity given to the truth and to the witness being given at Washington was very valuable, and reports are to the effect that it has been noted quite a bit among the public in various parts, and this in spite of the fact that all the papers refused to carry any other notice about it, only the paid advertisement."—W. D.
ONTARIO. FORT ERIE: "I would like to have been in the audience at Washington to applaud your speech on June 2. However, as it was, I heard it at home and enjoyed it immeasurably. I am always looking forward to your broadcasts. It is too bad that there was not more time to elucidate to greater extent on the clergy frauds. . . . I want to tell you that I was disgusted beyond measure with the management of Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto when I was there in your audience last summer, for not having the loud-speaker working. I regarded it then and now as a dirty, rotten, low-down trick; and I heard plenty of unfavorable comment in their direction from plenty of others like myself who could get only snatches of your voice and who felt that we were most unnecessarily cheated by the M. L. G. management. If it had been one of those blabbermouths whose blither monopolizes the radio there would have been every facility imaginable available to put across the program, which would likely have been some kind of self-justification for some body of religious racketeering frauds, or for some political organization or patting some poor pimp on the back who ought to be serving a sentence at hard labor; and they would have been literally under such pussyfooters' feet in their anxiety to please his sponsors. I could go on like that 'far into the night' giving vent to my disgust and contempt for such things in general of which there is a surplus. I hope to be able to help in a financial way, and expect to remit within the year fifty dollars."—B. A. E.
ARIZONA. PHOENIX: "'Thank God for Judge Rutherford and Jehovah's witnesses,' is what we said after listening to your lecture June 2 from Washington and which we received here over station KOY; reception splendid. You are doing the greatest work being done today. How I long to join in the work the witnesses are doing, but cannot on account of health, which is very bad. The lecture Sunday was just exactly according to our needs today. . . . We certainly vote 'Aye', a thousand times 'Aye'. May God's protection be over you."—Mr. and Mrs. D. F. R.
CALIFORNIA. EUREKA: "There is a radio installed and running on Sundays and holidays at the park here. The people who have no radio go there Sundays to hear Judge Rutherford at 10:30. June 2, at 12:00 noon, there were hundreds of them gathered there to hear Judge Rutherford speak on 'Government' from Washington, D. C. As nearly as I could find out there were more than a thousand, and they all stood up and shouted 'Aye'. Reception was fine."—F. B. L.
PASADENA: "I am so glad I heard you today over KNX. Thank God He has given you the power to so clearly give His law so well. I want that sermon to read and give to others who did not hear you. I hope to hear you deliver more of God's truths, and may God spare you to teach us longer. I am 81 years old, but never heard such a sermon. I can yet hear your voice, as it rang out clear as a bell and without fear of anyone who might oppose. Again, God bless and keep you."—Dr. S. L. B.
SAN FRANCISCO: "I have just listened to your wonderful lecture, broadcast from Washington, D. C., which impressed me very much. I thank God for such men as you, and may the spirit of God for ever inspire you to such constructive activities. I would like to have you mail copies of this lecture as per list, and enclose remittance to pay for mailing. I wish I were able to send you more, as I would love to contribute to the cause which you uphold. May the multitudes listen to and heed your vital, God-given messages, and may you be repaid by the voice of God saying, 'Well done, my good and faithful servant.' Best wishes to you and for you."—S. G.
Instruments of Publicity
Washington is a city of 500,000 inhabitants. Baltimore, forty miles away, is of equal size. There were few inhabitants of either city that did not know Jehovah's witnesses were in Washington, or that the Government of Jehovah would be proclaimed by radio on a stupendous scale, at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, June 2.
In Washington 40 sound cars, 18 of them with reproducing equipment, patrolled the city at all seasonable hours, calling attention to the lecture, and when the lecture was given those with reproducing equipment rebroadcast the address so that it could be heard for miles.
Persons entering or leaving Washington by any of the four principal highways were confronted with booths where traffic information was dispensed with one hand and invitations to hear the lecture with the other. Similar information was dispensed at Union Station.
Fliers were distributed for lecture reception in Classic Cinema, Belfast, Ireland; Coliseum Cinema, Glasgow, Scotland; City Hall, Newcastle-on-Tyne, England; Paramount Cinema, Manchester, England, and the Town Hall, Birmingham, England. At London, England, red and blue posters 12½ by 18½ inches were used so effectively that 4,000 listened at Alexandra Palace. The transmission throughout England was carried out by British Post Office expert engineers.
The sound cars at Washington rendered wonderful service. Not only did they extend some 9,791 verbal invitations to 'whosoever heard', but in the parks, where they performed such excellent rebroadcasts, taxi-drivers leaned over their wheels to catch every word, policemen drifted up and joined the throng, and passers-by paused, and formed a great standing army. Thousands were seated in the parks, also, and at the end it was a marvelous sight as the whole audience rose up as one man and shouted "Aye". So great was the throng that street cars were held up until the streets were cleared.
In its issue of June 5, 1935, the Washington Herald said: "Jehovah's witnesses have gone, but in Washington they left their mark." The burden of the paper's story that opens with the foregoing sentence is that the Washington police department's head ruled that sound cars are barred from the city's streets, and that the ban is a direct result of the extensive sound-car activities of Jehovah's witnesses.
The sound truck department had its headquarters across the Potomac, convenient to a pasture. Workers noted that when the speeches were broadcast it had a remarkable effect upon the domestic animals. They stretched up their necks, their ears stiffened, and the horses kicked up their heels and ran away from the sound, while the cows kicked up their heels and ran toward it.
Judge Rutherford's speech on 'Government' was sent out not only from Brussels, Berne and Amsterdam, but also from the receiving station at the League of Nations, Geneva; and one wonders what effect was produced when the sentence came over: "Jehovah has expressly declared that the League of Nations is a fraud and a snare and shall be completely destroyed." No report indicates that the lecture was cut off anywhere in Europe, but it was cut off in two places in the United States, through fear of the Roman Catholic hierarchy.
There seems to be a certain amount of liberty in the air in Switzerland. Thus, the United States consul at Berne asked the Society's representative there, and in all good faith and sincerity, "When do you think the battle of Armageddon will begin?" But the Father has kept that in His own power, and no man knows; so the consul is still waiting for his answer.
The Opening Session
When the convention opened on Thursday, May 30, the throng that had already assembled filled the large auditorium, while others continued to come, until the surrounding parks, smaller halls, passages and basement were filled. By dint of improvised 'traffic regulations' and good-natured efforts at co-operation, the jam was just a comfortably tolerable one.
Publishers naturally all wanted to get into the Auditorium, but those seated in the parks, while unable to see the speakers, had the delightful compensation of balmy breezes and clear reception in nature's pleasant surroundings. One saw a little bird hopping about on the grass directly under the chairs, seemingly sure of his safety though surrounded by thousands of people. He seemed to know he was in the right place, and was content that, for the present, other two-legged birds should share his lawn.
Jehovah's Identification of "Great Multitude"
The discourse at Washington that represented the greatest amount of careful preparation was not the public address on "Government", which traveled quite familiar ground, and it was certainly not the impromptu speech which brought down the house on Monday afternoon, June 3, a digest of which appeared in The Golden Age No. 411, beginning at page 581.
As all who were at the convention were well aware, the special treat for God's people who were gathered in the capital city was Jehovah's identification of the "great multitude" (Revelation 7:9-17) as one and the same with the "Jonadabs" (2 Kings 10:15-23) and the "millions now living that will never die".
At the discourse by Judge Rutherford Friday afternoon, May 31, 1935, at 5:00 p.m., which discourse was broadcast on a chain of stations in the East, including the Society's own station WBBR, at Staten Island, New York, this perplexing question was settled to the full satisfaction of all.
For more than fifty years it has been known that at the end of Satan's kingdom and the inauguration of Jehovah’s kingdom “a great multitude” would come into prominence that would render valiant service to earth’s new King, and many have wondered that this multitude (which it was once thought would be a spirit-begotten class) should be so slow in making its appearance.
Now the mystery is all cleared up. Though they are only now being recognized as such, the “great multitude” have been working side by side with the remnant for some years. It is as though two good friends would go into battle side by side, and together be wounded and imprisoned and released and finally go to a picnic together and there discover for the first time that they came from the same town and had really known each other for almost a lifetime, but under other names.
Some of the workers had to remain at Brooklyn headquarters to look after the broadcast of this lecture, and other matters, and after the lecture was over expressed their huge satisfaction in the following personal dispatch to Judge Rutherford:
“Jehovah’s identification ‘great multitude’ broadcast excellently by WBBR gratefully appreciated by thrilled watchers at Watchtower and Bethel.”
It is not the purpose here to attempt a digest of this epoch in the history of Jehovah’s people, further than to say that it was an eye-opener to everybody that the “great tribulation” out of which the great multitude comes is a tribulation not upon the people of God, but upon the Devil and his crowd, which tribulation is now manifest on every hand.
Every reader of The Golden Age should be a reader of The Watchtower, in which the whole subject will be discussed in a series of articles to be published sometime within the ensuing year. It is a subject which has many ramifications, and Jehovah’s people, given a foretaste of it at the Washington convention, look forward with keenest zest to what they know awaits them in The Watchtower on this highly important subject.
A Service Convention
The convention at Washington was a service convention, first, last, and all the time, and the grandest spirit of service was manifested at all times by all who were present. The first thing on the program each day was service, and many interesting items in this connection will be brought to notice. At the moment, however, attention is upon the discourses.
The Question Meeting
The question meeting was a feature much enjoyed. About forty questions were fired at Judge Rutherford, some of them stickers, too, but all answered as quickly as they were asked, many of the answers meeting with laughter and applause from his hearers, and all of them with great appreciation. The questions, previously submitted in writing, were shot at him by the chairman, M. A. Howlett.
Q. How can I decide whether I am of the Jonadab class or of the anointed?
A. Suppose you could not decide it, what difference would it make? You were in a still greater mix-up when you were in the Devil’s organization, but now you have been brought out of the kingdom of darkness and into God’s marvelous light and it should not make the slightest difference to you whether you will ultimately be in heaven or upon the earth. If you remain upon the earth it will not be long now until you will meet Abraham, David, and a few of those other good boys of whom the apostle says that ‘the world was not worthy of them’. What difference does it make what kind of an organism you have, if you are in God’s organization? If it can be said of you that you are one of those of whom the world is not worthy, praise the Lord. I think it would be rather presumptive of me to say whether you will be in the one place or in the other. I have been trying to serve the Lord consistently for 25 years at least, but it is such a happy and glorious thing to serve Jehovah God that if He should say to me, “You are going to be on the earth forever,” I would be well content. To live on the earth forever is such a privilege that it may not be described in human phrase. We who are here before the Lord know that we have made a full surrender to the Lord without any reference to the reward. One used to sometimes hear the expression “I am consecrated to death”, meaning by that that he anticipated that as a result of that kind of consecration he would be called upon to help rule the world. Such were not begotten of the spirit at all. Nor should one say, “I want to live on the earth forever.” What all should say to Jehovah is, “Whatever you want to do with me, that is the best thing that could happen.” Anyone who makes a consecration with a condition attached to it shows his selfishness. The true spirit is the spirit of our Master, “I delight to do thy will, O my God.” ‘Whatever is thy will, that will I do: I am going to serve wherever I am put.’ The spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit that we are heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ, if so be that we suffer with him.’ How may we know we have the witness of the spirit? The spirit bears this testimony in two separate and distinct ways: one, by the Word of the Lord; the other, by the way in which He deals with us. If you are willing to suffer the reproaches that came upon Christ Jesus, and to do it with a grateful heart, that is strong evidence that you are one of God's sons. This text, however, applies more particularly prior to 1918. The Jonadab class, or great multitude class, was not then in existence. Notice what the Lord says in Zephaniah 2:2, 3: 'Seek meekness, seek righteousness: it may be that ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger.' It all depends upon the conditions. One may be moved by selfishness in making a consecration, and not seek meekness and righteousness. Some may stop after receiving a knowledge of the truth, and never make any more progress. Such would not stand much of a chance of being preserved in Armageddon. That is why it says "It may be". But the wholly faithful may wholly rely upon this promise. "The Lord knoweth them that are his." It would be presumptive in me to try to draw a line of demarcation; for I do not know what the Lord has kept in His own hands. But I do know that if you have made a full and unconditional consecration to do the will of God, and your whole affection is set upon Jehovah and His kingdom, if you have entirely left the Devil's organization and unequivocally taken your stand on the side of God's organization, and are giving praise to Jehovah, then you have the testimony of the Lord that you are on His side, and happy is your lot. Why should such worry? How many think you should worry under such conditions? I saw but one hand.
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