Golden Age, October 21, 1936
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The Golden Age
A JOURNAL OF FACT HOPE AND COURAGE
in this issue
CONVENTION OF KINGDOM PUBLISHERS IN LUCERNE SWITZERLAND
PUBLIC WARNING IN GLASGOW AND LONDON
JUDGE RUTHERFORD'S TESTIMONY AT THE HARBECK TRIAL
INSTILLING "LOVE OF LIBERTY"
THE TRUTH ABOUT SPAIN
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Vol. XVIII - No. 446
October 21, 1936 CONTENTS
CONVENTION OF KINGDOM PUBLISHERS IN LUCERNE, SWITZERLAND, SEPTEMBER 4-7, 1936 35
Faithfulness of German Brethren 35
President’s Address 35
Resolution at Lucerne 36
Publishers in Catholic Territory 36
Futile Attempt to Stop Lecture 37
Publishers Standing for Lives 37
Swiss Officials Groveling Before Hierarchy 38
A Joyful and Successful Witness 39
PUBLIC WARNING AND WITNESS IN GLASGOW AND LONDON 39
Publishers Did Own Advertising 40
Glasgow Took the Message to Heart 40
Public Witness Statistics 40, 41
Kingdom Publishers’ Convention at London 40
Resolution Adopted at London 41
Third Report of European Conventions 42
JUDGE RUTHERFORD’S TESTIMONY AT THE HARBECK TRIAL AT BERNE 44
INSTILLING “LOVE OF LIBERTY” IN MINDS OF THE YOUTH OF MARYLAND 49
School Board Surrenders Its Patriotism 49
Aid and Comfort to Fanatics 50
The Legion’s New Goddess 50
PETITION PUTS HIERARCHY ON RUN 51
What the Register Discloses 51
Ante Tubam Trepidat 53
The “Right Reverend” Peter M. H. Wynhoven 53
A Sample of Real Bigotry 53
Other Catholic Press Objectors 54
Catholic Explosions vs. Debates 55
NORTHERN RHODESIAN MOFFATS WELL SCRAMBLED 56
FASCISM IN TRINIDAD, B.W.I. 56
THE ROME-CONTROLLED PRESS AND THE HONEST PRESS 57
RELIABLE NEWS ABOUT SPAIN 58
The Spanish People 58
The Pope’s Fascist Army vs. The People 59
The Roman Catholic Cult 59
Why Some “Churches” Were Burned 60
Treasures Laid Up on Earth 60
Mussolini on the Side of the Pope 61
Hitler on the Side of the Pope 61
Dishonest Press on Side of Pope 62
RESPECT TO THE FLAG 63
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The Golden Age
Volume XVIII Brooklyn, N.Y., Wednesday, October 21, 1936 Number 446
Convention of Kingdom Publishers
in Lucerne, Switzerland, Sept. 4-7, 1936 By M. C. Harbeck
THE most impressive convention of Jehovah’s witnesses ever held in Central Europe—as many expressed themselves—took place this year from September 4 to September 7 at Lucerne, Switzerland. The convention itself was a strong evidence of the fulfillment of prophecy, that Jehovah has built up Zion and that He has appeared in His glory. The Lord’s people had the use of a new wonderful building beautifully situated right on the shore of the Vierwaldstättersee in Lucerne, in the heart of Switzerland, which is populated chiefly by Catholics.
As to participants of many nations, the convention may be compared only to the international convention which took place in Paris in 1931. There were representatives at Lucerne from the following countries: United States of America, Spain, France, Belgium, Holland, England, Denmark, Danzig, Scandinavia, the Baltic States, Czechoslovakia, Yugoslavia, Hungary, Rumania, Austria, Finland and Switzerland.
By Thursday evening, September 3, a large number of visitors had arrived in Lucerne, and at the opening of the convention, Friday afternoon, the three convention halls were almost filled. The number of those taking part grew from hour to hour, until Sunday about 3,500 brethren and Jonadabs were gathered together to study Jehovah’s Word and to give an effective witness to the glory of His name. They came by special train, by autobus, by private car, by bicycle, and some traveled great distances on foot. Without question, in that large number there were many Jonadabs.
Faithfulness of German Brethren
Knowing of the great difficulties under which the German brethren labor and witness, it was very encouraging to think that several hundred German brethren had come to Lucerne in the face of danger and death. There was evidence of German spies, and even when about to enter Switzerland a number of German brethren were arrested on the frontier. The Secret Police in Germany was aware of the convention, and just before the convention a large number of German brethren were again arrested and their passports were taken away from them.
The themes of the discourses were prescribed by the Society’s office, and thus all discourses were in harmony with Watchtower articles, supplementing each other beautifully. All discourses were amplified by loud-speakers, and the most important ones were recorded on gramophone records.
Newspaper reporters were present, and several published sympathetic reports in the press. One in particular, observing the whole organization, mentioned the marvelous unity, the determination and the courage of Jehovah’s witnesses in their battle for truth and righteousness.
President’s Address to Kingdom Publishers
Sunday forenoon Judge Rutherford refreshed all who were present by many practical and Scriptural thoughts. Amongst other things, he said:
A true Christian needs not to be encouraged to serve the Lord, because he realizes the privilege to serve the Lord unselfishly. The purpose of our gathering together is to make progress in getting understanding and wisdom concerning Jehovah, in order that we may be the better equipped to keep our covenant.
He then explained the scripture, “For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.”
This Scriptural rule has reference to all of the Lord’s people, without regard to their position or to the class in which they find themselves. However, to the spirit begotten ones more is given and more is entrusted, and therefore more will be required of them.
The Lord requires three things particularly of a true Christian, namely: to do justly, to exercise mercy, and to walk obediently and humbly before the Lord. This means that we must be just to all, and if the Lord gives us an opportunity to exercise justice, we must do so with mercy.
To be loyal means that we must act exactly in harmony with the will and the interests of the Lord. It is possible for one to act in harmony with God's will and yet not to be faithful. The responsibility grows with knowledge and understanding how to be faithful. To be loyal means to carry out the assigned duty exactly. But faithfulness means more than that. It means to do all within our power and to constantly, faithfully and zealously do what Jehovah has commanded.
Our devotion to Jehovah must not be divided. It is an evidence of fear of men when we seek to please men. A fearless follower of the Lord fears neither Devil nor man. A faithful Christian will not use the soft pedal with respect to the truth and its proclamation. Faithfulness means to be fully devoted to the Lord God, first, last and all the time.
At the conclusion of the forenoon session a Resolution presented by the president of the Society was accepted with great applause, a copy of which follows:
RESOLUTION AT LUCERNE
(Adopted unanimously)
JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES now assembled in Lucerne, Switzerland, having come from many parts of the earth to worship Jehovah in spirit and in truth, take this occasion to give thanks to the Almighty God, whose name alone is Jehovah, for His manifold blessings.
Knowing full well that Jehovah always faithfully performs His promise, and that long centuries ago He promised that He would establish on earth His kingdom of righteousness with Christ Jesus as the world's rightful Ruler; and now seeing from the fulfillment of prophecy that the day of Jehovah's kingdom is here, we rejoice in the privilege of being His servants and His witnesses and we do declare our unqualified allegiance to the Almighty God and His kingdom, and delight to make known to suffering humankind that the kingdom of God under Christ is the only hope of the people.
We fully appreciate that Satan is the great enemy of all who serve Jehovah God and that Satan has used religionists at all times to oppose and persecute those who worship God in spirit and in truth. For this reason many true followers of Christ Jesus are today prevented from attending this convention, they being held in restraint in Germany and in other places, not for wrongdoing, but because they serve God and Christ Jesus and declare His Word and His kingdom as God has commanded them to do.
The law of Jehovah God is supreme. He is above all; and as Jesus and the apostles served God first, last, and all the time, and as they declared so we declare, we will obey God rather than men.
We call all good people to witness that in Germany, Austria and other places Jehovah's witnesses are cruelly persecuted, imprisoned, fiendishly abused, and many of them killed, and all such wickedness is done against them by a cruel, malicious, wicked power, incited so to do by the religious organization, to wit, the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, which for many years has deceived the people and blasphemed God's holy name. The Hitler government, aided and incited by the Jesuits of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, has inflicted and continues to inflict all manner of cruel punishment upon true Christians even as Christ Jesus and His apostles were persecuted for righteousness.
Jehovah God has commanded His servants to now give warning to such wicked ones (Ezekiel 33: 8, 9) that full responsibility may rest upon the wicked for their wrongdoing, and for that reason we now sound the warning to the rulers in Germany and to the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, and to all like organizations that cruelly persecute the true and faithful followers of Christ Jesus, that the fate of such God declares is complete destruction. (Psalm 145: 20) Jesus Christ, at Matthew 25, pronounces Jehovah's judgment against such wicked persecutors who persecute the true followers and brethren of Christ Jesus, in these words: 'Inasmuch as ye have done it to [cruelly ill-treated] the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the Devil and his angels. These shall go into everlasting destruction.'
We vigorously protest against the cruel treatment of Jehovah's witnesses by the Roman Catholic Hierarchy and its allies in Germany and in all other parts of the world, but we are delighted to leave the end thereof entirely in the hand of the Lord God, who, according to His Word, will render a full recompense.
We sound the warning to all mankind that if they would live they must refuse to give aid and support to religionists who persecute the true followers of Christ Jesus, and that they must take their stand on the side of righteousness and give heed to the words of Jehovah, to wit: 'Behold my servant, whom I have chosen . . . He shall show judgment to the nations. . . . And in His name shall the nations hope.'—Matthew 12: 18-21.
As the followers of Christ Jesus we have no part in and no interest in the political affairs of this world. Our sole purpose and commission is to make known the name and the kingdom of God under Christ, that the people may be informed and intelligently choose whom they will serve.
We send loving greetings to our persecuted brethren in Germany and bid them to be of good courage and to rely solely upon the promises of the Almighty God Jehovah, and Christ, and to remember the words of Jesus: 'Shall not God avenge His elect shortly? He shall avenge them' (Luke 18: 7, 8); and, further, the words of the Lord Jesus addressed to His faithful servants: 'Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.' (Revelation 2: 10) Blessed is your lot that you are permitted to endure all manner of suffering for the sake of the name of Jehovah and His kingdom under Christ.
The everlasting peace, joy and life of the people depend entirely upon the great "Prince of Peace", whose government will be administered in peace and righteousness.—Isaiah 9: 6, 7; 32: 1.
RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be sent to Mr. Hitler and to the pope at Vatican City as the head of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy.
Both letters were sent by registered mail, and a confirmation was received from Vatican City and also from Berlin, that both copies reached their destination.
Publishers in Catholic Territory
Monday was the day assigned to service and to the public witness in the evening. Preparations were made to cover the central part of Switzerland within a circle of 50 kilometers of Lucerne with the booklet Choosing. The original cantons of Switzerland, Uri, Schwyz, Unterwalden and Lucerne, are so-called "Catholic territory". A thousand publishers started Monday morning early. At the same time the city of Lucerne was covered with booklets and the leaflet inviting to the public lecture at night.
The president of the Society and the chairman of the convention had received a letter Saturday afternoon from the military and police department of the canton Lucerne, stating that the distribution of the literature would come under a commercial police regulation and that permission must be had.
Monday forenoon two brethren called upon the city president and also upon the cantonal authorities and gave the explanation that the literature is not to be sold and that the distribution of the booklets had already begun. The chief of the Cantonal government then received a sample of the booklet in question.
Thereupon the Cantonal government called a hurry-up meeting and decided to confiscate the booklets and to forbid the public meeting that night. This decision or official notice was then served upon the president of the Society and upon the chairman of the convention. A telegram protesting against this action was then sent to the president of Switzerland.
While the conferences with the authorities took place, the distribution of the booklets was finished in the whole of the territory provided for the occasion. Of course, the Devil was very mad about it all! Approximately 108 brethren were arrested, but all were soon released.
The first arrests took place in Ruswil, a village where the last burning of "heretics" took place in the eighteenth century. Others were arrested in Altorf, Uri, the home of William Tell, the author of the Swiss motto, "Liberty and equal rights for all!" Some had to deposit a certain sum of money in order to be released, while others were escorted to Lucerne by the police and there imprisoned.
One policeman in the canton Unterwalden committed a very outrageous act. A brother had been stopped by a civilian who asked him to show his papers. The brother requested this man to prove his authority to question him. This he refused to do, whereupon the brother drove on. Shortly thereafter the civilian came along on a motorcycle and without notice or warning fired several shots into the tires of the brother's car. The brother was then taken to the office of the cantonal police, which justified and approved the illegal action of the policeman.
In spite of the desperate efforts on the part of the clergy and the police to prevent the distribution of the booklet Choosing, more than 10,000 copies thereof were placed in the hands of the people within about an hour; 2,215 copies of this booklet were confiscated during the campaign.
From a specially Catholic village a small parcel containing the ashes of publicly burnt booklets was received here. A letter was enclosed therein, stating that the "very reverend Dean" had ordered this auto-da-fé and that if we would come again we would receive a good beating. The letter was not signed.
Futile Attempt to Stop Lecture*
Such were the events outside of Lucerne. The fight continued in the city itself. Judge Rutherford declared to the president of the city that he would give his lecture in any case and that, if they wanted to, they could proceed to arrest him and to clear out the whole building. Judge Rutherford kept his word; he gave the lecture "ARMAGEDDON".
Quite a large crowd, about 2,000, gathered outside the hall (a voice amplifier in the corridor enabled all of these to hear), and some occasionally voiced their indignation because of such unnecessary and violent measures. The people clearly gave to understand that they knew only too well who was at the back of these shameful happenings.
Some of the conventioners went among the crowd in order to find out whether the people were really of the opinion that our activity was undesirable; they were agreeably surprised to see that the contrary was true.
Judge Rutherford spoke powerfully about the Roman Catholic Hierarchy. Some of the higher police officials were in the hall and heard the lecture. When asked whether or not those things stated by the speaker were true, all the policemen admitted that they had not heard anything objectionable.
Until late in the night one could see some small groups of people standing in front of the Congress Hall discussing the illegal procedure of the Lucerne authorities. There had been no disturbance of any kind, which shows once more by what subtle means the representatives of the Hierarchy try to make the most peaceable men appear as criminals.
Publishers Standing for Their Lives
It was a treat to hear Judge Rutherford speak to the convention after the time when the convention should have been closed according to program and before the beginning of the public lecture. Among other things, he said:
* The Roman Catholic Hierarchy was so sure that its plans at Lucerne would succeed that it sent out dispatches all over the world, published in all the principal Catholic papers, that the address, actually held as advertised, was not held at all, having been forbidden by the police. Another big laugh.
For fifteen hundred years the religionists have claimed the sole right and ability to explain the Bible. Because one is a preacher or a clergyman, that is no reason to believe that he understands the Scriptures. Let us examine the facts, and then everybody will be able to see that the prophecies are being fulfilled. Ezekiel told of a great organization which would arise in the earth and which would consist of religion, politics and finance, and that these elements would work against the interests of the people.
Here in Lucerne we have today the absolute confirmation of the fulfillment of prophecy. This convention was announced four months ago. The hall was rented and paid for. The hotels kindly made the necessary arrangements in order that we might stay here, and the Society had deposited 20,000 francs as a guarantee for the payment of the bills to the hotels, so that they shouldn't suffer any damage.
No religious organization has done that so far. A church organization would first have taken up a collection. The president of the Society was to speak to the public this evening at eight o'clock. This meeting was announced ten days ago on placards, and many even 'phoned to say that they would attend the meeting.
However, it is sure that the clergy told the people to stay away from this lecture. But fearing that the people of Lucerne might take no notice of this warning, the clergy ran to the politicians of the canton and said: "There will surely be disturbances if this lecture is held." That was but a pretext; for everybody knows very well that the conventioners do not cause disturbances.
Thus the clergy caused the Cantonal government to hand us today an order prohibiting to speak publicly in this hall, for the reason that the religious susceptibilities of the people of Lucerne might be offended. That also is but a well-known excuse; because if anyone thinks that his religious susceptibilities might be hurt, he can stay at home.
I always thought that Switzerland was a free country, and it has been a good, old republic for over a thousand years. The Constitution of Switzerland guarantees religious liberty and the freedom of speech and assembly. The clergy didn't trust the people, and rightly so, and they were afraid that so many francs would no more go into their pockets.
I do not know whether I shall be able to speak tonight, but I went to see the president of the city this afternoon and I told him that I would go to the convention hall and speak there at eight o'clock. I gave it to him in writing that we had not come here to cause any disturbances; for nobody who loves the Lord will do any such thing.
It is evident that there is a conspiracy in order to fight against God and against His kingdom. We do not know now what may happen at eight o'clock; but we do know one thing, and that is that the Lucerne authorities together with the clergy are afraid that the people might learn the truth. However, we shall not injure anyone.
At your expense you have come to this convention from nearly twenty different countries. You have spent much money and your only desire and endeavor was to help your fellow man to learn something about God's purpose. My dear brethren, even if we had no other sign, we would see the fulfillment of prophecy before our eyes today.
The Cantonal government may do something this evening in order to prevent the public meeting. If it does, it denies the Constitution of Switzerland, it takes away from the people the right and freedom of assembly, and then it shall also bear the responsibility. In his own good time the Lord will repay to all, for the truth is powerful and will be victorious.
Concluding, I will but say this: By the grace of the Lord I shall be here at eight o'clock. I ask you to remain quiet and not to leave the hall. Be respectful, even if the police should try to clear out the hall. I am very glad that this happened, for it will all contribute to a much stronger witness than might have been possible otherwise. The decision of the government to prohibit the lecture of this evening will make more people see the truth than anything else.
Then go home to your country with the firm determination to proclaim the truth more than ever and to trust in the Lord. I hope that the police now hear what I say and that they tell the clergy about it. Tonight I shall only say that which is written in God's Word, and the Lord will do the rest.
Swiss Officials Groveling Before the Harlot
After the decision of the government had been communicated to the press, the papers did not fail to declare themselves against it. Practically all the daily papers discussing the happenings in Lucerne wrote of their astonishment at such a measure of the Lucerne government.
A leading Swiss paper, Die Neue Zürcher Zeitung, even wrote that it was regrettable that Judge Rutherford could not speak, because his lecture would have afforded an opportunity to get better acquainted with the aims of this man and of the movement as a whole.
How much this measure of the Lucerne authorities is like those taken by the German Police State is seen in the order of prohibition of all public meetings organized by Jehovah's witnesses, which order the Lucerne government issued after the convention.
The smaller hall of the Congress building had been rented by contract for follow-up meetings, and the government having in its written order only prohibited Judge Rutherford to speak, we advertised the first follow-up lecture in the papers. This lecture was to take place Thursday, September 10.
However, when the advertisement was published in the papers, the Lucerne City administration told our office here on the 'phone that this lecture in the Congress Hall was prohibited as well. Immediately the local company of Jehovah's witnesses rented another hall, and in the evening the numerous people who came to the Congress Hall were directed to the newly rented place. However, when we arrived there, there was a detective who told us orally that this meeting was not allowed to be held either.
When asked to produce a written motivation of this order, he showed the written prohibition of the town council, according to which Jehovah's witnesses are forbidden all further activity in the canton of Lucerne. Then there arrived 72 policemen.
Many people who stood before the building were very angry when they learned the reason for this order of the town council. They said that they now saw their real enemies. Even policemen stated that they were very sorry that they had to proceed against us in this way, for they said that our cause was a good one and that they were interested in it.
A Joyful and Successful Witness
The brethren were very joyful because of these events in Lucerne and they all stated that they would carry on the fight with even greater energy than heretofore. A fire has been lighted which surely cannot be put out any more. The whole population must be informed about this wrong and unjust procedure of the authorities.
Closing, we would mention that our stay in Lucerne generally made a very good impression. This we have been told by civic authorities as well as by the Hotel Association and private people who had let rooms to us. They said that our people had left everything in the best order, that they were kind and considerate. We were pleased to hear this as well from a lawyer who came in touch with well-known men of the city. 'The spirit witnesses with our spirit that we are God's children.' This word of the apostle is surely appropriate in this connection. However, Lucerne has not been aware of the fact that under the influence of its religious leaders it has done a great wrong to God's faithful servants.
Judge Rutherford's lectures were all recorded, and also the adoption of the Resolution. Copies will be made, and thus the lecture and all the wonderful proceedings will be made to re-echo in all the valleys of Switzerland.
Kind provision was also made for the pioneers and the Lord's poor. Eight hundred free lunches were provided. Thus both the spiritual and the physical needs were amply taken care of, and all went home with joy and thanksgiving, determined to press the battle to the gate.
Public Warning and Witness in Glasgow and London By M. A. Howlett
IT IS becoming more clearly apparent that the Roman Catholic Hierarchy is desperately trying to gain control of the British Empire. In Scotland, the home of sturdy and vigorous Protestants of bygone years, there is now very little protest. Within the last few years the Hierarchy has made rapid strides. Glasgow, one of the largest cities in Scotland, is now a stronghold of Catholic Action. Under the circumstances, what was more fitting than that a warning be delivered and a witness given in that city?
From July 31 to August 3, 1936, there gathered in convention in Glasgow about 3,500 of Jehovah's witnesses. The main feature of the convention was the public witness. The speaker was Judge Rutherford; his timely topic, "ARMAGEDDON." So great was the interest stirred up by the extensive advertising that it was quickly seen there was no single hall large enough to accommodate those who wanted to hear this topic discussed. Judge Rutherford has always been listened to with much interest in Glasgow, but never with greater enthusiasm than on this occasion.
The largest available auditorium, the Coliseum, was first obtained. It became apparent a second hall would be necessary. The Bedford, a close-by cinema theater was procured. The speech was advertised well in advance. The people of Glasgow began to talk and make inquiries, until it was seen a third hall would be necessary, and so the City Grand Hall was obtained. Never before has Glasgow had such a public witness.
Publishers Did Their Own Advertising
One most noticeable and remarkable fact was that the entire campaign of advertising this important speech was conducted by Jehovah’s witnesses themselves. On the two days of Saturday and Sunday, immediately preceding the big public witness, over a hundred automobiles paraded through the city constantly with large placards.
Groups of Jehovah’s people themselves, ranging from thirty, fifty, seventy-five, and up to a hundred, paraded as “sandwich men”, going through the streets of Glasgow, thus calling attention to the important message to be delivered. Nearly a thousand of such witnesses participated in this means of advertising the Kingdom message. The hundreds of thousands of people in the busy streets of Glasgow were greatly impressed with the zeal of the Kingdom publishers. The Hierarchy got busy, the “Catholic population” was warned not to attend this meeting. As a result many hundreds of honest Catholics came. Satan thus overreached himself. Two hours before the Coliseum opened its doors a queue began to form.
Three thousand two hundred filled the auditorium to overflowing in a few minutes; others hurried to the Bedford adjoining. Two thousand one hundred packed out this theater very quickly. Still the crowds came. Eighteen hundred walked a matter of many blocks to the City Grand Hall, filling that, and many were unable to obtain admission.
Judge Rutherford spoke in the Coliseum, and his speech was carried by the British Post Office telephone lines to the Bedford and the City Grand Hall; thus the 7,100 people who were able to obtain admission listened eagerly to the message of warning delivered at that time.
Glasgow Took the Message to Heart
The speaker, in plain, simple, easily understood language, made it clear that to all people of good will the message would bring hope, comfort and consolation, and yet at the same time a warning would have to be declared placing the responsibility squarely upon the shoulders of those who were opposing the kingdom of Jehovah.
It was shown that the Roman Catholic Hierarchy was the most powerful agent ever used by Satan to besmirch the name of Jehovah, and to actually turn the people away from serving Jehovah God. It was apparent that the major portion of the audience were happy to hear the message of Jehovah’s Word so clearly, forcefully and fearlessly declared. They whistled, they stamped, they clapped, they shouted. This was the grandest witness Scotland had ever had.
One honest Catholic was heard to say: “I’m a Catholic. I was always led to believe that Judge Rutherford was a faker. Tonight I came here prejudiced, but I thank the Lord I have my eyes open now. That man has done more good here in the city of Glasgow tonight than the Orangemen have done in the last twenty-five years.”
Another honest Catholic approached one of Jehovah’s witnesses and said: “I’m sorry to admit it, but I burned the books of Judge Rutherford’s I had at the advice of the priest. After hearing that message tonight, I want to know where I can procure all the judge has written, so that I may learn how to take my stand on the side of Jehovah and His kingdom.” Her face shone; she was happy. There were many such expressions. Glasgow will remember that witness.
GLASGOW CONVENTION STATISTICS
July 31 to August 3, 1936
Publishers: Leaflets, 780; literature, 1,765. Hours, 2,944. Obtainers, 2,812. Books, 857; three-book units, 278; booklets, 7,076; booklet units, 1,373. Sound: Machines, 39; hours, 103; attendance, 3,205.
Car parades: Saturday, 60 cars (approximated); Sunday, 100 cars (approximated).
“Sandwich” men and women on parade: Saturday, approximately 950 (including 350 out more than once); Sunday, approximately 120.
Public meeting, August 2. Coliseum, Bedford, and City Grand Hall. Attendance reported, 7,100. Several hundred turned away at Coliseum and Bedford who did not go on to City Grand Hall. Names of interested handed in on Sunday evening, 173; names of interested received at meeting, handed in on Monday and Tuesday, 103; total, 276. Also reported: 17 book units (51 books) placed by publishers at the public meeting with interested members of the public.
Kingdom Publishers’ Convention at London
On Sunday, September 13, the message of warning was again delivered, this time in London. Alexandra Palace is a huge auditorium, comfortably seating ten thousand people. Through the means of a modern system of amplification, employing a large number of speakers, run at low level, the speech could be heard perfectly in every part of the auditorium.
Again Judge Rutherford delivered his stirring message, warning the people of the British Isles of the approach of "Armageddon". Emphasis was laid on the fact that for many centuries a great organization with its headquarters in Vatican City had spread its God-dishonoring doctrines of "religion" into practically every country of earth. Clearly it was shown the striking difference between religion and Christianity. The audience of approximately 12,000, some of whom were served by powerful loud-speakers on the outside of the building, quickly caught the point of distinction made by the speaker.
Englishmen are more or less conservative in their expression, but as the various points were clearly made, the enthusiasm mounted high and thunderous applause greeted each point. The seething caldron of unrest in Central Europe is giving much concern to all thinking people; especially was this apparent at the Alexandra Palace.
When the speaker showed from the Scriptures and the physical facts that the great Roman Catholic Hierarchy was behind all this disturbance and that the Hierarchy was spreading its tentacles into the various departments of the British Empire, all English conservatism was thrown aside and the whole audience clapped and cheered.
Once more the great metropolis of the British Empire had the message of warning. The appeal was made for all people of good will to forsake the organizations of hypocritical religion and take their stand on the side of Jehovah and His kingdom. London can never plead ignorance of the coming Battle of Armageddon. The warning has been delivered.
LONDON PUBLIC WITNESS STATISTICS
September 12 and 13, 1936
Public meeting: Attendance: Inside, 6,000; outside, 3,000 (including 2,500 brethren). Names and addresses left, 131. Catalogues distributed to public, 1,891.
Publicity: Folders distributed, 750,000, including 40,000 special invitations. Window cards, 1,000. Posters at Palace, 100. Advertisements in trams and buses, 39. Outdoor sites, 3 (in London city). Brethren distributing folders, 1,150. Brethren in "sandwich board" parades: Saturday, 550; Sunday, 1,050. Cars parading with banners or microphone announcements, or both (over ten-mile radius), 132. Loud-speakers: Inside, 29; outside, 2 (1 3/4-mile radius).
Assembly: Attendance, 2,500. Companies represented, 168. Pioneers, 41. Immersion candidates, 151 (male, 48; female, 103).
At the conclusion of the London convention the vast audience adopted unanimously the resolution below:
RESOLUTION.
(Unanimously adopted at London)
JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES now assembled at London, the capital city of the seventh world power, there to worship Jehovah in spirit and in truth, take this occasion to give thanks to the Almighty God, whose name alone is Jehovah, for His manifold blessings.
Knowing full well that Jehovah God always faithfully performs His promise, and that long centuries ago He promised He would establish on earth His kingdom of righteousness with Christ Jesus as the world's rightful Ruler; and now seeing from the fulfillment of prophecy that the day of Jehovah's kingdom is here, we rejoice in the privilege of being His servants and His witnesses and we do declare our unqualified allegiance to the Almighty God and His kingdom and we delight to make known to suffering humankind that the kingdom of God under Christ is their only hope.
We fully appreciate that Satan the Devil is the great enemy of all who serve Jehovah God, and that Satan has used and still uses religionists as his agencies to oppose and persecute those who worship God in spirit and in truth.
The law of Jehovah God is supreme, which should be obeyed by all persons, and by His grace we will obey the law of Jehovah God, and not the law of man when such is contrary to God's law.
We direct attention to the clear distinction between religion and Christianity. Religion is a form of worship based upon the traditions of men, which forms of worship Satan has caused men to adopt and teach, thereby deceiving and misleading millions of sincere persons. Christianity is the true worship of Almighty God by keeping or obeying His commandments. We delight to declare ourselves the followers of Christ Jesus and that we are therefore Christians.
In obedience to God's law as written at Ezekiel thirty-three and other places in the Bible, we sound the warning concerning His purpose to destroy all the wicked and those who willfully violate His law.
True to and in fulfillment of Jehovah's prophecy there has arisen and yet exists in the world a powerful religious organization with its headquarters at Vatican City, Italy, and which designates itself as the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, and which official body rules, dominates and misleads millions of sincere persons, who by it are designated as "the Catholic population", but which persons are not members of the so-called "Catholic church". That aforesaid religious organization falsely claims to be a Christian organization, whereas in truth and in fact it is a political organization, against the kingdom of God under Christ. Contrary to the Word of God the Roman Catholic Hierarchy participates in the political affairs of all nations of earth and desperately attempts to rule all nations by cruel dictators. Their methods today are the same as employed by that organization during the wicked Inquisition.
We call all good people to witness that in Germany, Austria and other places Jehovah's witnesses and true worshipers of Almighty God are cruelly persecuted, imprisoned, fiendishly abused and many of them killed, and that all such wickedness and persecution is done against them by a cruel, malicious, wicked power, incited so to do by religionists, led by the Roman Catholic Hierarchy. It is now boldly announced by the public press that the Hitler government and the Roman Catholic Hierarchy are in full accord. The Hitler government, aided and incited by said religious organization, has inflicted and continues to inflict all manner of cruel punishment upon Christians, even as Christ Jesus and His apostles were persecuted for righteousness' sake.
Jehovah God has commanded His servants to proclaim His warning, that full responsibility may rest upon the wicked for their wrongdoing; and for that reason we now sound the warning to the rulers in Germany and in other places, and particularly to the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, and to all like organizations that cruelly persecute the true and faithful followers of Christ Jesus and who oppose the publication of Jehovah's kingdom message. God declares that the fate of such wicked ones is complete destruction. (Psalm 145:20) Jesus Christ has declared that He counts His faithful followers a part of himself, and at Matthew twenty-five He pronounces Jehovah's judgment against those who persecute the true followers of Christ Jesus, employing these words: ‘Inasmuch as ye have done it to [cruelly ill-treated] the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me. Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the Devil and his angels. These shall go into everlasting destruction.’
We vigorously protest against the cruel treatment of Jehovah’s witnesses by the Roman Catholic Hierarchy and its allies in Germany and in all other parts of the world, but we are delighted to leave the end thereof entirely in the hand of the Almighty God, who, according to His Word, will render to them a full recompense.
We call attention to the indisputable truth that the world’s greatest crisis is at the door, and we sound the warning to all mankind according to God’s Word that those who would live must refuse to give aid and support to religionists who oppose Jehovah’s kingdom and persecute the true followers of Christ Jesus, and that they must take their stand on the side of righteousness and give heed to and obey the words of Jehovah God, to wit: ‘Behold my servant, whom I have chosen . . . He shall show judgment to the nations . . . And in His name shall the nations hope.’
As the followers of Christ Jesus we have no part in and no interest in the political affairs of this world. Our sole purpose and commission is to make known the name and the kingdom of God under Christ, that the people may be informed and intelligently choose whom they will serve.
We send loving greetings to our persecuted brethren in Germany and other parts of the earth, and bid them to be of good courage and to rely solely upon the promises of the Almighty God Jehovah, and Christ, and to remember the words of Jesus: ‘Shall not God avenge His own elect? He will avenge them speedily’ (Luke 18:7, 8); and, further, to give heed to the words of the Lord Jesus addressed to His faithful servants: ‘Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.’ (Revelation 2:10) Blessed is the lot of those who are permitted to endure all manner of suffering for the sake of the name of Jehovah and His kingdom under Christ.—Matthew 5:10-12.
The everlasting peace, joy and life of the people depend entirely upon the great ‘Prince of Peace’, whose government will be administered in peace and righteousness.—Isaiah 9:6, 7; 32:1.
Resolved that a copy of this resolution be sent to Mr. Hitler and to the pope at Vatican City as the head of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, and be freely published throughout the earth.
September 13, 1936.
A Belated Third Report of the European Conventions
“This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations.” Jehovah’s witnesses are to be found everywhere fulfilling this commission. No matter in what country the witness is being given; no matter what language is used, the same spirit of earnest zeal is seen. Judge Rutherford was greatly used by Jehovah to give probably the most effective public witness and warning yet given in some of the European countries. Great opposition was manifested by the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, but to no avail. The physical facts are so clearly seen today that Armageddon is rapidly approaching, that there is no excuse for slacking the hand in this day of battle. Jehovah’s witnesses in the European countries are not so favorably situated as in America. The countries there are comparatively small and hemmed in by very strict national and international regulations. This applies particularly to such countries as Germany, Austria, Bavaria. In the British Isles freedom of speech has always been the heritage of the people, but this is likely to be taken away shortly. Scotland used to be the home of sturdy Protestants, but, like all other countries, is being gradually invaded by “the great harlot”, the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, as she seeks to seduce every country under the sun.
Within the last decade, the city of Glasgow has increased its “Catholic population” until now there are as many Catholics as Protestants. Judge Rutherford delivered the message of warning in that city on August 2, 1936. So great was the interest that it required three auditoriums to hold the people that came. “Armageddon” was the subject used, and the message was received with greater enthusiasm than at any other time in Scotland. Over 7,000 people crowded into the auditoriums and many were unable to gain admission. Of course, the Hierarchy was busy warning its “population” not to attend meetings, but this only served to make a large number of honest Catholics come. They came, and many were the expressions of disgust with the priests as these honest Catholics saw they had been hoodwinked by that wicked bunch. One Catholic woman said she had previously burned the books of Judge Rutherford because her priest had told her to, but after she heard the witness she wanted everything she could get hold of, so that she might learn how to take her stand on the side of Jehovah. Jehovah’s witnesses attending the convention in Glasgow threw themselves into advertising the big public witness. Over 1,000 participated in the “sandwich” parades. Groups of witnesses, in numbers of 35 up to 100 in a group, walked up and down the busy streets of Glasgow announcing in this very effective way the public meeting. Over one hundred autos covered the city and outlying districts with banners and placards. On Sunday, September 13, 1936, London was awakened to the fact and warned of the near approach of Armageddon. Jehovah’s witnesses moved on that city from all parts of the country. About 3,000 joined in publicizing the big witness. Here, too, over a thousand joined in the “sandwich board” parades. People were greatly impressed with the unusual sight of seeing quiet, earnest, cleanly dressed men and women, with happy smiling faces, calling their attention to the coming witness in the Alexandra Palace in this unique way. Strange, but none ridiculed; many, however, said they were glad to see some people with the courage of their convictions. Crowds came to the Alexandra Palace; some got in, many heard on the outside. Powerful loud-speakers served from the roof of the building. The speaker’s voice was thus carried a great distance from the Palace into the densely populated area. It would be impossible to estimate how many people heard in this way. A mighty shout also went up when the audience of approximately 12,000 joined in lustily shouting “Aye”, at the conclusion of the reading of a resolution calling for all people of good will to take a firm stand on the side of Jehovah and His kingdom. Never has Great Britain had such a witness in two of its largest cities.
Switzerland is the oldest republic in existence, being over a thousand years old. On beautiful Lake Lucerne, nestling between the towering peaks of the Swiss Alps, lies the ancient city of Lucerne. It was on the shores of this lake, within a short distance of the city, where William Tell, of ‘the arrow and apple’ fame, made his bold bid for freedom from the oppressive yoke of a kingdom dominated by the Roman Catholic Hierarchy. At that time the Swiss republic was established. On September 4, 1936, there gathered in this beautiful and historic city a convention of Jehovah’s witnesses. On Monday, September 7, there was to be a large public witness. Quiet, earnest, happy and determined came over 3,500 publishers of the Kingdom message, from twenty-one different countries. One motive, one thought, dominated all: the honoring of the name of the great Jehovah and His King, Christ Jesus. Some had traveled far on foot; others had come a journey of many days on bicycles. Many endured great hardships to get there. One Kingdom publisher, a cripple, hardly able to walk, and poor in this world’s goods, propelled himself in his wheel chair over the country roads a distance of nearly 200 miles; but he got there. And was he happy! This cripple was from Germany. Nearly 300 Jehovah’s witnesses and Jonadabs courageously journeyed across the German border into Switzerland in the face of the possibility of arrest and imprisonment in a concentration camp. There were those of many languages in Lucerne, but only one mind pervaded the whole. Satan came also, as he usually does.
A large municipal building housed the convention. Here was to be the large public witness. The “harlot” got busy. She began to allure and seduce the police officials. Lucerne is mostly Catholic. Catholics have votes; police officials need votes to keep them in office. And so the “whore” prevailed. Judge Rutherford was served with a notice from the city president that arrest would follow any attempt to hold the meeting. Judge Rutherford in turn served notice personally upon the president that he would be at the auditorium at eight o’clock that evening and that the meeting would be held. He placed the responsibility of any trouble squarely upon the shoulders of this city official. Two hours before the meeting the hall was packed. A large crowd gathered outside. The police came and surrounded the building with the purpose of keeping the people out, but the auditorium was filled long before the police got there. Judge Rutherford stepped to the platform on time and a tremendous applause rang out. The people wanted to hear the message. As the message was carried to the outside through loud-speakers placed in the lobby of the auditorium, the crowds there cheered and shouted “Bravo! Bravo!” Needless to say, it was clearly pointed out “who was behind this attempted stopping of the witness; and from the comments heard throughout the entire audience it was seen that an even greater witness had been effected. Satan always overreaches himself. Jehovah always prevails. Some few disgruntled ones on the outside demanded that the police officer in charge have the loud-speakers shut off that were serving the people on the outside. The officer said: “I have no authority to do any such thing. I am only here to carry out the orders I have. That speaker can stay on just as long as it likes; I’m not going to touch it”; and he said this with a smile. Copies of the Resolution were handed out to the police who were forming a cordon around the building, and many read it with much interest. A more docile-looking bunch of men could not be found. Most of them were ashamed to be there.
The spirit of Jehovah came mightily upon Judge Rutherford, and never was he heard to greater advantage. This was undoubtedly the grandest witness ever given in this day. “The sword of Jehovah and of Gideon” was the battle shout. “We ask no quarter; we give no quarter. There shall be no compromise,” was the theme of the whole convention.
A public witness was also delivered in the capital cities of Scandinavia. Copenhagen in Denmark, Stockholm in Sweden, Oslo in Norway, and Helsingfors in Finland, received the Kingdom message. A representative of the Society visited these countries and delivered the message of “Separating the Nations” contained in the Choosing booklet. Great interest was manifested, and much literature placed, showing a definite division now taking place among the people.
Judicial Insanity in Chicago
THE flag-saluting cult is again on the job. Not satisfied with expelling children from school, sentencing them to public institutions, choking, beating and maltreating them, it has now branched out to broader fields. It has taken on adults, and proposes to do great things in support of its idol.
Mary Schlachetka, one of Jehovah’s witnesses, was fined by Judge Joseph Hermes of the Women’s Court, 1121 South State St., Chicago, the sum of $200 with $10 costs on a charge of disorderly conduct. The disorderly conduct consisted in refusing to salute the flag.
It is evident that the members of the “salute or go to jail” denomination are insane. Insanity has been defined as a disease of the mind which causes a person not to know the nature or quality of the act he is doing. They say much about preserving liberty and respect for the flag, but their minds are so warped, and twisted with devotion to their patriotic ritual, that they cannot see they are desecrating the principles of freedom for which the flag of America has stood.
Judge Hermes’ decision puts him in the class of the Massachusetts judge that sentenced three children to a reformatory because they dared to adhere to the Scriptures, Exodus 20: 3-5, and stand upon their rights, acknowledged by the fundamental law of every state in the Union and of the United States itself.
Judge Hermes may get a little cheap publicity out of the Hearst rags, and kindred spoilers of paper pulp, but he should see what the reputable press of the United States thinks of that Massachusetts episode. It will not be long now before it is in the hands of the readers of The Golden Age. They would have had it long ago, but too many other things pressed for space.
Judge Hermes would have been a good tool for the inquisitors a few hundred years ago, and will doubtless be a good one for the inquisitors that are even now straining at their leashes and yelping in chorus to get at their prey.
Just as sure as the descending sun gives evidence that the darkness of night is close at hand, so do the actions of the flag-saluting sect supported by decisions of judges like Judge Hermes prove that the liberties of the American people are fast going into oblivion.
The usual custom has been to lock up the insane people in places where they cannot injure anybody. Now it appears that the crazy ones are going to run and boss the world for a while.
Madame Liberty is in for a tough time. Her statue in New York harbor will probably serve as a grave-marker, soon.
Judge Rutherford’s Testimony at the Harbeck Trial at Berne
Mr. Boris Tödtli, Gewerbestrasse 31, Bern, represented by the undersigned lawyer,
Complainant,
against
1. Mr. M. C. Harbeck, Allmendstrasse 39, Bern,
2. Mr. Franz Zürcher, Allmendstrasse 39, Bern,
Defendants,
to the
Richteramt IV of Bern:
Mr. President:
BY PERMISSION of the Court J. F. Rutherford makes the following statement under oath:
I am a resident of Brooklyn, New York, United States of America; I am the writer of some of the literature concerning which the accused are charged; I am president of the organization with which the accused are associated and represent, the work of which organization is devoted to the preaching of the gospel as commanded by the Lord and which is for the benefit of the people. That this learned Court might have a better view of the matter pertaining to the accusations laid against Messrs. Harbeck and Zürcher, and the work in which they are engaged, the following statement, by the permission of the Court, is made:
I am a native-born American citizen of Scotch parentage, and am in no wise related to the Hebrew people. I have nothing in common with or nothing against any person because he is a Jew.
ORGANIZATION: Three legally constituted corporations operate together and are, to wit: the WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY, organized under the laws of the State of Pennsylvania; the PEOPLES PULPIT ASSOCIATION, organized under the laws of the State of New York; and the INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION, incorporated under the laws of Great Britain. I am and since 1917 have been the president of these corporations. Said incorporated organizations operate as publishers of Jehovah’s witnesses, the latter name meaning all persons who are wholly devoted to the Almighty God and to Christ Jesus. For more than sixty years this organization has carried forward its Christian work.
The sole purpose of the organization represented here by the accused is to aid the people to gain a knowledge of the Holy Scriptures, and that free from all prejudice, and to this end its publications appear, to wit, in seventy languages and dialects, and its operations extend throughout the nations of the earth. It has no desire and makes no effort whatsoever to participate in the political affairs of the nations of the world.
MONEY: The money to carry forward the work of this Christian organization is supplied by the voluntary contributions made by persons who are unselfishly and deeply interested in the enlightenment and uplift of the human race. No money has ever been contributed by or received from any person who is a Jew and used to carry on this work. The charge that the organization and its work is financed by Jews is entirely false and made without any excuse or justification.
TEACHINGS: It is charged that the accused Harbeck and Zürcher distributed “trash literature”, which is in violation of the law, and which literature is published by the aforesaid organization. The charge is utterly false and without any foundation in fact. The organization, as shown by its literature distributed, does not adopt or follow the teachings of any man. It publishes the teachings of the Holy Scriptures only. In brief, the Scripture teaching, as promulgated by the literature distributed, is:
THAT the Creator of heaven and earth, the supreme power of the universe, is the Almighty God, the Most High, whose name alone is Jehovah; that Christ Jesus is the Son of God, and the Chief One of Jehovah’s great organization, and that Jehovah and Christ Jesus together constitute the “Higher Powers” as that term is used in the Scriptures; that all true followers of Christ Jesus are servants of Jehovah God and commissioned and commanded by Jehovah to bear testimony to the people (Isaiah 61:1, 2), and therefore these people are properly and Scripturally called Jehovah’s witnesses. (Isaiah 43:10-12) Christ Jesus is the great “Faithful and True Witness” of Jehovah God, and He declares that every one who is of the truth is obedient to the commandments of the Lord. Christ Jesus being the first and the head of Jehovah’s great organization, He became the founder of Christianity more than 1900 years ago, and the term “Christian” is properly applied only to those who are the true and faithful followers of Christ Jesus, obeying God’s commandments as Jesus obeyed. The organization of which the accused are a part is not against, but wholly for Christianity.
There is a wide distinction between religion and Christianity, and that distinction is made clear by the words of Christ Jesus as appear below.
Religion consists of any teaching and formalism practiced and based upon the traditions of men, and which recognize some deity or superior power.
Christianity is based solely upon the commandments of the Almighty God, Jehovah. The Jewish clergy of old designated in the Scriptures as scribes and Pharisees were duty-bound to obey God’s commandments, but they abandoned His commandments and substituted therefore the traditions of men. Those clergymen approached Jesus and said to Him: “Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? . . . But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandments of God by your tradition? . . . Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.” (Matthew 15:1-6) Any religion that is named “Christian religion” is improperly named. There are many religions. There is but one Christianity.
Many centuries before the coming of Jesus Christ to the earth the Devil organized religion with Nimrod as the chief visible one, and which religion defamed God’s holy name. Thereafter various heathen nations organized or adopted a religion to suit their desires, all of which were against the Almighty God. The nation of Israel, although bound by covenant to obey God’s commandment and to avoid intercourse with the heathen nations because of the religion of the heathen, yet openly abandoned God’s commandments and adopted a religion based upon the traditions of men, and for that reason the nation of Israel was destroyed. Everywhere in the Bible God expresses himself as against religion because it tends to turn the people away from Jehovah.
It was the religious Jews that opposed and persecuted Christ Jesus, and for that reason He told them that they were the children of the Devil, thus clearly establishing the author of “religion”. (John 8:42-44) Paul, once known as Saul, practiced the Jews’ religion and persecuted Christians; but when God revealed to him the truth and he became a Christian he immediately turned about and served God in spirit and in truth. His own testimony upon this point is conclusive: “For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it; and profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood.” —Galatians 1:13-16.
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