Open Side Menu Search Icon

    Index Downloading...

    Awake!, June 8, 1962

    Download: PDF — Awake!, June 8, 1962

    Awake!—1962

    Pray for Right Things

    Our Changing World Map

    Watch Your Weight

    Auto Care Means Money Saved

    JUNE 8. 1962

    THE MISSION OF THIS JOURNAL

    News sources that are able to keep you awake to the vital issues of our times must be unfettered by censorship and selfish interests. "Awake!" hos no fetters. It recognizes facts, faces facts, is free to publish facts. It is not bound by political ambitions or obligations; it is unhampered by advertisers whose toes must not be trodden on; it is unprejudiced by traditional creeds. This journal keeps itself free that it may speak freely to you. But it does not abuse its freedom. It maintains integrity to truth.

    "Awake!" uses the regular news channels, but is not dependent on them. Its own correspondents are on all continents, in scores of nations. From the four corners of the earth their uncensored, on-the-scenes reports come ta you through these columns. This journal's viewpoint is not narrow, but is international. It is read in many nations, in many languages, by persons of all ages. Through its pages many fields of knowledge pass in review—government, commerce, religion, history, geography, science, social conditions, natural wonders—why, its coverage is as broad as the earth and as high as the heavens.

    "Awake!" pledges itself ta righteous principles, to exposing hidden foes and subtle dangers, to championing freedom for all, ta comforting mourners and . strengthening those disheartened by the failures of a delinquent world, reflecting sure hope for the establishment of a righteous New World.

    Get acquainted with “Awake!" Keep awake by reading "Awake!"

    Published Simultaneously in the United States by the watchtower bible and tract society of new york, inc. 117 Adams Street Brooklyn 1, N.Y., U.S.A.

    and in England by

    WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY

    Watch Tower House, The Ridgeway London N.W. 7, England

    N. H. Knorr, President Grant Suiter, Secretary

    Printing this issue: 3,600,000 4d a copy (Australia, Bd; South Africa, 3/2c)

    "Awake I" I, published In the toltowlno 25 languages: RemltteneM for siibscriptlum should be eent to the affine Semimonthly—Afrikaans, Clnyanja, Danish, Duteh, Eoit- In your country. Otherwise send jour remittance to Hah, Finnish, French, German, Crock, Italian, Japanese, London. HMIh of tn pl rat ion is sent at least two issues Nurwesiall, PortiiKuese, Spanish, Sweulsli, TapaloK, Zulu, hstore subscription eaplres.

    Monthly.....Oebu-Vlsayan, Chlliuse, Harano, Korean, Mala- '

    yalam, Bolish, Tamil, Ukrainian, Yearly subscript!

    tn rates editions

    *1 R/-

    *1

    V-

    1 7/-

    7Or , Entered as second-class matter at Brooklyn, N.Y.

    CHANGES GF ADDRESS should reach at thirty <ayi before ytmr moving date, Gltv ■£ your old and now address (if possible, your old address label). Watch Tower, Watch Tow Kmh, The ffldpmy, Lindon N.W. 7, England,

    Offices for semimmitllly

    America, U.S., 11" Adams St,, Brenkb'P 1. N.Y. A astral I a, 11 Beresford till-, Strathfielrl, N.HW. Canada, 150 Hr i li gel and Ave,, Toronto 10, Ont. Eni I and, Watch Tower House, The Ridgeway, London N.W. 7 Haw Zealand, 021 New North Rd., Auckland. S.W. South Africa, Private Bag, Elandsfonfeln, Tri,

    Monthly editions cost halt the abort: rates. Printed In England

    The Bible translation used In “Awal When other translations are

    AS - American SUndard Version AT - An American Traiislat.inn AV - Authorized Versfon (1G1L) JJg - J. N. Darby's

    dJ" Is the Now World Translation used the following symbols will

    -Dy - Catholic Dauay version jSZ? - The b’mi)hat.ic! uiaglott JP - Jewiah Puhllcatlon Hoc-Le - Isaac Letter's version

    Of the Holy Scriptures, 1961 edition, appear behind the citations: Afo - dames Moffatt's veniuli Ro - J. B. Rotherham's version J?S - Revised Standard Version Ff? - Robert Yoims s version

    C ON TENTS

    Guard Against Self-Deception

    Pray for Right Things

    Our Changing World Map

    Watch Your Weight

    Rx for Physicians

    Twin Arts

    Thimble and Thread

    —Do They Inspire You?

    Nonstop Service

    Appreciation for Awake! Articles

    Auto Care Means Money Saved

    Religious Rites

    An Assembly in the Solomon Islands

    "Your Word Is Truth”

    Hell—the Common Grave of Mankind

    Watching the World

    Volum* XLIII London, England, June 8, 1962 Number 11

    IT IS natural for one to love him

    self. In fact, there

    would be something wrong with him if he did not. But at times this love of self causes one to err. It accounts for one’s resorting to shallow but apparently plausible reasons for what he did or wants to do. A modern name for this kind of self-deception is “rationalizing.” While this term has many technical meanings, its most common meaning is: “to devise superficially rational, or plausible, explanations or excuses (for one’s acts, beliefs, desires, etc.,) usually without being aware that they are not the real motives.” ■

    The lower animals do not rationalize, for they have neither the capacity for reason nor a conscience whose prickings cause one to rationalize. But men, even men without knowledge of God’s law, indulge in it— they make excuses for themselves—as the apostle Paul shows; They “demonstrate the matter of the law to be written in their hearts, while their conscience is bearing witness with them and, between their own thoughts, they are being accused or even excused.”—Rom. 2:15.

    How prone human nature is to rationalize can be seen by the plausible excuses

    that children invent for wanting to do or not to do something. To their little minds these reasons are sound enough, but not so to mature minds. Rationalizing may therefore be said to be a sign of immaturity.

    A clear-cut example of rationalizing is that furnished by subjects acting out posthypnotic suggestions. As is well known, a subject may be placed in a deep hypnotic trance and while in it be told that upon coming out of it he will do a certain thing, say, put on his overcoat when he sees the hypnotist rub his nose. The subject is akn assured that he will not remember having received this command, and then he is awakened. After a while the hypnotist rubs his nose and, sure enough, the subject finds himself distressed and can get no relief until he gets his overcoat and puts it on. But the room is warm and so there obviously is no reason for his putting on his overcoat. So he begins to rationalize. Asked why he did it, he will say that it was because he felt a chill, or he wanted to see how it fit, oft he wanted to attract attention—all plausible excuses to him, all apparently made in good faith, but all ra-tionalizings because he himself is not aware of the real reason, the posthypnotic suggestion.

    The Bible shows that Eve indulged in rationalization when presented with the temptation to eat of the forbidden fruit. She thought of reasons for doing what she wanted to do in spite of the prickings of her conscience: "Consequently the woman saw that the tree’s fruit was good for food and that it was something to be longed for to the eyes, yes, the tree was desirable to look upon. So she began taking of its fruit and eating it.’’ The serpent having persuaded her, she thought of reasons for doing what she wanted to do.—Gen. 3:6.

    God’s Word also tells us how the lazy man rationalizes: "The lazy one has said: 'There is a lion outside! In the midst of the public squares I shall be murdered.’ ” Yes, too lazy to leave his bed to go out to work, so he invents excuses to remain inside.—Prov. 22:13.

    Today there are many persons who do not want to obey the principles found in the Bible and so they rationalize. They say that they do not believe the Bible accounts of creation and the Flood; so they can give no weight to Bible principles. Or they rationalize that the Bible was written when people used oxcarts and so it cannot be applied in this jet or space age.

    Rationalizing takes on many forms. When we cannot get what we want and we use the proverbial excuse, “Sour grapes,” like the fox who could not reach certain grapes (that is, we did not really want it after all), then we are rationalizing.

    Or, if we have acted upon impulse we may then try to justify our course by plausible reasons. A salesman may flatter us, causing us to purchase s«nething that we did not need or could not afford. When questioned as to why we bought it, we give plausible reasons: it was a bargain, we needed something to bolster our ego, and so forth.

    Another form of rationalization that is common involves deeds of chivalry. A man may flatter himself upon being courteous or chivalrous, but his wife may know that her husband would not have been so attentive had the recipient been a plain old woman!

    On this subject a textbook discerningly states: “Rationalization is so prevalent a reaction to situations involving conflict that it cannot be regarded as abnormal. It is something excused on the ground that it reduces qualms of conscience or misgivings which all of us suffer from time to time. Some assert that ‘if we did not rationalize, we’d go crazy.’ There is at least a grain of truth in such assertions, but they are themselves largely rationalizations. There is no good substitute for facing life squarely and meeting difficulties realistically.”—Psychology, L. N. Munn.

    Helping us to face life realistically is the Bible, the Word of God. It shows human nature just as it is: “The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate, Who can know it? I, Jehovah, am searching the heart, examining the kidneys [the deepest emotions], even to give to each one according to his ways, according to the fruitage of his dealings."—Jer. 17:9,10.

    And that Guide also sets before us the ideal standard, the life of Jesus Christ, and gives us right governing principles. It helps us to avoid rationalizing by teaching us to reason. Pointing out its penetrating capacity and helping us to guard against selfdeception or rationalization, the apostle Paul wrote: “The word of God is alive and exerts power and is sharper than any two-edged sword and pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit [between what appear to be the motives, between what appears on the outside, and that which we actually are], and of joints and their marrow, and is able to discern thoughts and intentions of the heart.”—Heb. 4:12.

    WHETHER your prayers are effective or useless depends to a great extent upon the things for which you pray. Perhaps you have discovered this without fully realizing it. It may be that you have prayed to win when prizes have been given away at raffles or in contests, but despite , your prayers you lost Or you may have placed a wager on a horse, bought a lottery ticket or played bingo and prayed to win, only to end up losing. Possibly the one who did win was not as religious or respectable as you are. Has this puzzled you?

    Some persons pray for

    THINGS

    Prayer is a means by which man can express worship and love for his Creator. The purpose of prayer is to communicate what is in your heart to the heavenly Father, humbly manifesting your dependence upon him and your interest in his purposes. “Trust in him at all times, O people. Before him pour out your heart.” (Ps. 62:8) When doing so you can properly ask for a number of things that are in harmony with his will.

    Matters of First

    Importance

    Near the close of the seventy-year desolation of to our kings, to our princes and to our forefathers, because we have sinned against you. Incline your ear, O my God, and hear. Do open your eyes and see our desolated conditions and the city that has been called by your name; for not according to our righteous acts are we letting our entreaties fall before you, but according to your many mercies. O Jehovah, do hear. O Jehovah, do forgive. O Jehovah, do pay attention and act. Do not delay, for your own sake, O my God, for your own name has been called upon your city and upon your people.”—Dan. 9:5, 8, 18, 19.

    a job that is much sought after, for success in getting a big business .order when competitors seek.Jtt. or for victory in a sports contest. In such competitions why should God favor one person above another? When a ball team prays before a game and wins, can it be said that God gave them the victory? What about the times when they pray and do not win?

    Pointing out that many people have a wrong view of prayer, the Bible wj’it£iLjIam^-JSXQi£l. “You (jo ask, and yet you do not receive, because you are askinsLfor.a wrong purpose, that, you may expend it upon your cravings for sensual pleasure.” (Jas. 4:3) The great Creator is not a god of chance. He is not the servant of man. He is not like the fabled jinni of Aladdin’s lamp, waiting to do man’s bidding. Persons who pray as if they think he is miss the entire purpose of prayer.

    Whffs metkfjt

    f ' /V W.' H/A / r ft fr ! A

    bi: i ’

    J?/-.'

    Jerusalem, while the Israelites were still in captivity in Babylon, Daniel used prayer properly, making an effective request for right things. He poured out his heart to the heavenly Father, confessing the wrong the Israelites had done, acknowledging God’s righteousness, asking his forgiveness and requesting that his favor might shine once again upon the city of Jerusalem, where his sanctuary had been located. By desiring to see the rebuilding of that sanctuary Daniel had the honoring of Jehovah’s name and the advancement of his worship foremost in mind. His was not a selfish prayer.

    In heartfelt repentance Daniel confessed in prayer; “We have sinned and done wrong and acted wickedly and rebelled; and there has been a turning aside from your commandments and from your judicial decisions. Jehovah, to us belongs the shame of face,

    This sincere prayer was answered by the release of the Israelites from captivity, by the rebuilding of Jehovah’s sanctuary at Jerusalem and by the reestablishing of his worship there. Daniel manifested the right attitude by expressing concern over the reproach that was coming upon Jehovah’s name. His effective prayer shows that God’s interests should predominate in a prayer and not the selfish interests of the one praying. Jesus made this evident in the model prayer he gave his followers.

    When Jesus taught his followers the proper way to pray, he opened the prayer by putting the sanctifying of Jehovah’s name first. Like Daniel, he knew that effective prayer should show concern for the vindicating of God’s name against the reproach heaped upon it by the world. He said: “You must pray, then, this way: ‘Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified.’ ” What he placed as next in importance are things concerning God’s purposes. “Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth.” In the remainder of the prayer personal things are asked for, such as daily bread, forgiveness of debts to God, not beingTed into temptation, and deliverance from the wicked one. These are right things for which to pray.—Matt. 6:9, 10.

    Personal Needs

    Not all personal needs for which a person may pray make his prayer selfish and ineffective. In the model prayer Jesus showed that it is proper to pray for the daily food we need to keep alive. Asking for essential food, not luxuries or more than is needed, is a suitable prayer. In harmony with such prayers Jehovah’s blessing can be expected on sincere and honest efforts to obtain basic needs. But the request for such things should be made with the expressed desire to be of service to God. Aside from praying for basic material needs a person must continually pray for forgiveness of his sins.

    As Daniel confessed the sins of the Israelites to God in prayer, so we should confess our sins to God. It is important to seek his forgiveness for the sins we commit because of our imperfections and foolishness. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous so as to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) Along with our prayer for forgiveness we can properly, ask for strength to maintain integrity to God. It is not easy to hold fast to true^ worship and divine laws while living in an unrighteous world. Praying for strength is praying for a right thing. “God is for us a refuge and strength, a help that is readily to be found during distresses.” (Ps. 46:1) The same can be said of wisdom.

    When Solomon prayed for wisdom it was granted to him. God was pleased that he asked for that rather than selfishly requesting material things. It is not the wisdom of the world that God gives to those asking for wisdom but the wisdom from above. He provides it through his written Word and through his theocratic organization. This is wisdom that satisfies a person’s spiritual need, guiding him along a path of life that is best for him in every way.—Prov. 2:1-9; Jas. 1:5; 3:17.

    Praying for Others

    Repeated expressions by Bible writers point out the propriety of praying for other persons. The object is not to pray for the material prosperity of others or for miraculous cures but for them to be spiritually benefited and strengthened. In his letter to the Colossians, Paul said that he prayed for them to “be filled with the accurate knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual discernment.” (Col. 1:9) To the Corinthians he said: “We pray to God that you may do nothing wrong." (2 Cor, 13:7) In his second letter to the

    COMING IN THE NEXT ISSUE

    0 Do You Triumph over Trifles?

    S Two Kinda of Religion.

    • What About Aluminum Cooking Utensils?

    Thessalonians he requested them to pray for him and his traveling companions. “Finally, brothers, carry on prayer for us, that the word of Jehovah may keep moving speedily and being glorified just as it is in fact with you.” (2 Thess. 3:1) Note that he requested them to pray for him and his companions to be successful in spreading the Word of truth. Praying for others to be spiritually fruitful, strengthened, united and instructed is praying for right things. Jesus himself did it.

    In the stirring prayer Jesus gave in the presence of his apostles at the evening meal just before his death, he prayed for them and for others who were not as yet his followers. “I make request, not concerning these only, but also concerning those putting faith in me through their word; in order that they may ail be one, just as you, Father, are in union with me and I am in union with you, that they also may be in union with us, in order that the world may believe that you sent me forth.” (John 17: 20, 21) When we pray for persons of goodwill toward God as he did, it helps to bind us close to them in loving unity no matter where they may live on earth. This interest in others who are in the faith contributes to the peace of the worldwide Christian congregation. How much more acceptable to God are these prayers than those that petition him to bless efforts to destroy one’s fellowmen because of political wars between worldly governments!

    When praying for others it is proper to pray for their welfare, their spiritual health, their growth in Scriptural wisdom and knowledge, their spiritual strength, their Christian unity, their prosperity in serving God and for other things that contribute to a peaceful and spiritually fruitful life. It is even proper to pray for worldly rulers, that they may be discreet and just when dealing with God’s servants. Paul said: “I therefore exhort, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, offerings of thanks, be made concerning all sorts of men, concerning kings and all those who are in high station; in order that we may go on leading a calm and quiet life with full godly devotion and seriousness.” (1 Tim. 2:1, 2) Your prayers for the spiritual welfare of others are expressions of neighbor love.

    Love is the basis for effective prayers —love for God and love for neighbor. Out of love for God our prayers should center on things that pertain to him and his purposes. Out of love for neighbor our prayers should manifest concern for the spiritual welfare of others. The reason “a righteous man’s supplication, when it is at work, has much force” is that he has faith and that he prays for right things.—Jas. 5:16.

    TIE swift invasion of the Portuguese territories of Goa, Damao and Diu by the armed forces of India in December, 1961, brought a sudden change in the appearance of India on world maps. It threw all existing world maps out of date. This surprising annexation of these enclaves on the west coast of India served as a reminder of the many changes map makers have had to make since the turn of the century. Through wars and the rising tide of nationalism the appearance of world maps today is radically different from what it was then. To improve our awareness of the historical happenings of this turbulent century, let us see how the present world map has changed.

    The twentieth century began with the principal powers of the world maintaining far-flung colonial empires. In Africa, Asia, the islands of the Pacific and the Americas their flags waved over their territories, and millions upon millions of people lived in subjection to their authority. In Europe the boundaries of many of the present countries took in more territory than they do today. Some countries existing today were' not existing then and some that were existing then do not exist today. This can be seen by comparing a recent world map with one that was printed before World War I.

    A map of 1910, for example, will show Germany stretching unbroken from France to Russia. On her southern border appeared the Hapsburg Empire of Austria-Hungary that reached from Switzerland to the border of Russia. South of Austria-

    Hungary were the tiny countries of Montenegro and Serbia, which no longer exist. Romania formed the southeastern border. To the south of Romania lay the country of Bulgaria. These small countries to the south of Austria-Hungary came out of the Turkish Empire.

    At the beginning of the twentieth century Turkey still held some territory in Europe. It came to the southern borders of Montenegro, Serbia and Bulgaria, reached as far as the Adriatic Sea on the west, took in Macedonia on the south and bordered the Black Sea on the east. The main body of the Turkish Empire sprawled over the Middle East, taking in Asia Minor, stretching south to Arabia and then swinging as a wide strip down the entire length of the west coast of Arabia. On the eastern side of Arabia it reached, as a narrow strip, halfway down the coast. Today the appearance of Turkey is radically changed.

    To the north of Turkey the vast Russian Empire came to the border of Sweden and followed the shore of the Baltic Sea to the eastern boundary of Germany. The remainder of its western border was next to

    Austria-Hungary and Romania. The countries of Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland were nonexistent at that time.

    Their territories were part of the Russian Empire. It was war that brought a sweeping change to the world map as it appeared at the turn of the century.

    Effect of World War /

    At the conclusion of the first world war, the representatives of the principal victorious nations began carving up the vanquished. Germany lost her many colonies to various members of the Allied nations, and her home territory was cut up. A slice off the western part consisting of Alsace-Lorraine was given to France, and bits were given to Belgium and Denmark. It was on Germany’s eastern border that the largest section was carved out.

    A generous piece of Germany was joined with a portion of Russia to form the new state of Poland, which had not existed since it was divided up by Russia, Germany and Austria-Hungary in the eighteenth century. In the process East Prussia was severed from the main body of German territory by a territorial corridor that gave Poland access to the Baltic Sea. Hie southern part of Poland was formed by a chunk of territory from what had belonged to Austria-Hungary.

    Under the territorial knives of the Allies, Austria-Hungary was thoroughly carved up. Out of this former Hapsburg Empire the countries of Austria, Hungary and Czechoslovakia were formed, and, as we have noted, a portion in the north went to Poland. In the south a large portion was joined with Montenegro, Serbia and small pieces of Bulgaria to form the new state of Yugoslavia. In the east, a big slice known as Transylvania went to Romania, which also acquired a portion of territory from Russia known as Bessarabia.

    Besides losing Bessarabia and the large portion that went toward the formation of Poland, Russia lost the territory that went to form the new country of Finland. Along the coast of the Baltic Sea she lost still more territory when the tiny Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania joined Finland in declaring their independence.

    After World War I the Allies changed the map of the'Middle East by cutting up the Turkish Empire. Turkey had lost practically everything she held In Europe before the war started, and now she was due to lose the major portion of her territory in the Middle East. What was south of Asia Minor was partitioned into a number of sections. The northern part was called Syria and was made a mandated territory of France until its independence in 1944. The same was true of Lebanon, Palestine became a mandated territory of Great Britain as well as the territory east of it to the border of Persia, now called Iran. This territory and Palestine are now divided into the three independent states— Israel, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and Iraq.

    After World War II

    The second world war saw many changes in the world map. The alterations in territorial boundaries that Hitler made were only temporary, being changed when the war ended. The Soviet Union expanded its territory in Europe by annexing Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. It also took northern Bukovina and Bessarabia from Romania. In addition to this it added parts of Finland, Poland and East Prussia to its territory. Besides making these additions to its territory it extended its sphere of influence over the countries of Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Czechoslovakia and Poland. It was Soviet influence in East Germany that resulted in Germany’s being divided, causing maps to show a divided Germany.

    The total territory of East and West Germany is now considerably smaller than what Germany possessed following her defeat in World War I. This is due mainly to the annexing by Poland of a portion of East Prussia as well as a generous piece of eastern Germany. In the Far East the world map was experiencing additional changes.

    Prior to the war Japan had possession of Formosa, Korea and Manchuria and was attempting to swallow China. During the war she had extended her sphere of influence over three million square miles of the Far East. This aggressive expansion brought temporary changes in the world map until Japan was stripped of her territories at the end of the war. Manchuria, which was called Manchukuo while held by the Japanese, was taken over by China after Soviet troops were withdrawn. Korea was occupied jointly by the United States and the Soviet Union. As in Germany, this joint occupation resulted in a divided Korea with the formation of separate independent governments.

    Nationalism Brings Changes

    A considerable change in world maps during this twentieth century can be attributed to the rising tide of nationalism. The cry of subject people for independence has caused the great colonial empires that girdled the earth at the beginning of the century to crumble into a myriad inde- ■ pendent pieces held together by a loose union.

    At the present time world attention is focused on Africa, where the struggle for independence has resulted In frequent eruptions of bloody violence. One by one the territorial holdings of European powers have been breaking the grip of colonial rule and have been setting up independent states. How strikingly this has changed the appearance of Africa is best seen by comparing the most recent map of Africa with one published prior to World War I.

    On a map of 1910, for example, a great strip of territory that began with Egypt and ran south to Lake Victoria, near the center of Africa, and east to the Indian Ocean was indicated as a British possession. Today this strip has a very different appearance. Egypt was cut out of it when she obtained independence in 1922. What Was then called the Anglo-Egyptian Sudan gained independence in 1956 and is now called the Sudan. British East Africa appeared on a piece of territory bordering the Indian Ocean. Today, although it is still held by Great Britain, it is called Kenya. It and Uganda to the west of it are the remnants that Britain still holds of that huge strip of territory that was once hers. These also expect early independence.

    To the south of Kenya is the newly independent, once British-administered trusteeship of Tanganyika that appeared on the map of 1910 as German East Africa. It was one of the German colonies given to Great Britain as a mandated territory following World War I. To the southwest of Tanganyika there is another British territory called Rhodesia on the old maps but now labeled, since 1953, the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland. It consists of the British protectorates of Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland along with the independent territory of Southern Rhodesia. To the north of this federation lies a large section of central Africa that recently has undergone a change resulting in a painful sore for the world.

    Bloody strife has torn at the vitals of the Republic of the Congo ever since it received its independence from Belgium on June 30, 1960. It is a large area, equal in size to the land area that lies east of the Mississippi in the United States. On the map of 1910 it was called the Kongo. Kaier maps labeled it the Belgian Congo. To its west this old map showed a wide section of territory that ran from the Atlantic Ocean deep into the heart of Africa, swinging north into the Sahara desert and expanding north to the Mediterranean Sea and west to the Atlantic Ocean. This huge chunk of Africa was held*by the French. Today it is divided up into many independent states that are loosely united in what is called the French Community.

    What was the French Kongo on a map of 1910 is now the two independent states of the Republic of Congo, a name similar to its strife-tom neighbor, and Gabon. The French and British mandated territory of Cameroun (a former German colony) on the northern border of Gabon is also an independent country now. The remainder of the once-giant French African holding is partitioned into the independent states of the Central African Republic, Chad, Niger, Mali, Upper Volta, Dahomey, Togo, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Senegal, Mauritania, Tunisia and Morocco. Now Algeria is on the verge of independence. Another French possession, the island of Madagascar, off the east coast of Africa, became an independent country in 1958. Since then map makers have had to change their maps for this territory from Madagascar to Malagasy Republic.

    A British territory on the west coast of Africa is shown on a map of 1910 as the Gold Coast, but this name no longer appears on up-to-date maps. Since it became self-governing in 1957 the Gold Coast has been known as Ghana. Near to Ghana is another former British possession, the Federation of Nigeria. This new state, which received its independence in 1960, consists of three distinct autonomous regions. On the opposite side of Africa an old map showed the British and Italian colonies of the British Somali Coast and Italian Somaliland. These are now joined to form the Republic of Somalia, which was born in 1960. In north Africa the former Italian possession of Tripoli was enlarged to form the constitutional monarchy of Libya. Thus the persistent forces of nationalism have been changing the face of Africa, particularly since World War II; but not only Africa. They have made changes in other parts of the world as well.

    Under the pressure of nationalism India was granted independence in 1947, but that same pressure caused it to become divided into the separate states of India and Pakistan. Its appearance today is very different from what it was on a map of 1910. At that time India and neighboring Burma were shown as one country because both were held by Great Britain. Today they are separated, with the territory divided still more by the formation of Pakistan. A somewhat similar fate came to French Indochina. On old maps it was shown as one French possession, but now it is partitioned into four independent states— Cambodia, Laos, South Vietnam and North Vietnam. The force of nationalism has also brought a change to what were the Netherlands East Indies, a group of islands lying to the south of former French Indochina. They now form the independent state of Indonesia. Thus the pressure of nationalism has been instrumental in changing the old picture of vast colonial empires to one of numerous selfdetermining states.

    The recent action by India to annex Portuguese territories is only a small incident in the many map-changing happenings caused by nationalism and war. Comparing our world map today with what it was before World War I can help to increase our awareness of the significant changes in this exceptional period of human history.

    WlJGm-WATCHIN

    ^:W?omin« mare and these

    days, and rightly SQ,Thf* sooner people realize Jhai>0^ity is a threat arid not a joking mtter, the better off they will be. Whether you are plump or pleasingly ' thin, there are good reasons why you should watch your weight This does not mean you should become a food faddist or make your concern over health your dominant interest, but it is simply good sense to care for a resource that is as important as one’s health. According to lifeinsurance records, for every ten lean persons who live to be eighty, only one fat person makes it. In the 20-29 age bracket, obese adult males have an 80-percent higher death rate than the nonobese males of the same age group. If you are thirty years

    of age or older and you weigh twenty pounds above average, your likelihood of dying soon is 10 percent higher than for others your age. If you are twenty-five pounds above average, your chances of dying soon are 25 percent higher; if fifty pounds above, your odds are 50 to 75 percent higher. However, among stout people who reduce and stay that way for ten years, the death rates drop to normal. Obviously, the desire to stay alive is one good reason to watch your weight, but it is not the only reason.

    Fat can cause other harm besides killing you outright. Not only are fat people poor surgical risks, but they are more likely to suffer from heart and kidney diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, gallstones, spinal deformities, bronchitis, asthma, circulatory complications and flat feet. Obesity can also interfere with conception, cause complicated pregnancies and result in fewer healthy infants. Interestingly, Dr. Harry J. Johnson, president of the Life Extension Foundation, expressed the belief that “overweight is the outstanding health hazard today.”

    A Threat to You?

    A quick survey of yourself may convey a false sense of security in this matter. Even if your present weight is “perfect,” it is wisdom on your part to keep it that way as far as possible. Doctors suspect that growing fat may be more dangerous than being fat. There is evidence to show that in the process of putting on excessive weight, damage is done to the blood vessels, particularly the blood vessels of your heart. If this is really so, there is ample reason for people who are prone to gain weight to watch their weight.

    But how can you determine whether your present weight is satisfactory or not? Checking the scale and chart at the local drugstore may not be the answer. The “average” weight usually shown on such charts is not necessarily your most desirable weight. For example, it is known that many persons thirty years of age and up are, on the average, twenty pounds above their most desirable weight—the weight that would mean longest life expectancy. Yet, by ordinary standards,

    they might consider themselves of average weight. Then, too, very muscular people tend to be overweight, by usual standards, for their height. Yet their bodies may contain very little fat. The problem is not so much your body weight, but the amount of excess fat in the body. This is a different matter.

    You can get a general idea of your own situation by pinching the flesh below your ribs with your thumb and index finger. If your thumb and finger are mpre than an inch apart you may suspect that unnecessary fat is present. Another simple test is to lie on your back and observe if your midsection is higher than your chest. If weight reduction seems advisable in your case, it is a good idea to verify your conclusion with your physician before undertaking a weight-reduction program. If you are inclined toward heart disease, diabetes or a kidney ailment, a reducing program could cause complications.

    Drugs and Fat Profits

    The growing public interest in weight control has tempted manufacturers to flood the field with a great variety of drugs and gadgets that promise wonders. Every year hundreds of millions of dollars are exchanged for pills, pads, pillows, pastes, creams, bath s salts, candy, gum, automatic rollers, couches, reducing belts, girdles, drugs that stimulate metabolism and drugs that depress the appetite. So far, medical science has not come up with a simple, safe drug, food or device that will bring about weight loss. At best, drugs are sometimes helpful as temporary aids in a weight-reducing program.

    Many reducing agents are actually food supplements that have no effect on food intake. Purgatives and diuretics provide only temporary weight loss through dehydration. Some products base their claims on the substitution of water or air for nutrients, according to Dr. H. Amphlett Williams of London. Doctors say that some “pep pills” are actually habit-forming; others may cause vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dizziness, heartburn, depression, excitement or restlessness. Any drug that increases your body’s chemical activity may also increase your appetite. Many appetite curbers are simply powdered milk, sugars and pleasant flavoring that raise your level of blood sugar. You can get the same result for less money by eating a piece of cheese or hard candy. Of course, there are other competitors for the public’s attention, such as diet fads and formula foods. These bear watching too.

    Diet Fads

    Through the years many diet fads have been tried. Recently some teen-agers have been endangering their health by the lack-of-sleep diet, the starvation diet and the cigarette-and-coffee diet. Weight-conscious youths even have revived the disgusting ancient Roman custom of forced regurgitation—a practice that may cause exhaustion, nervousness and anemia. The diet fads adopted by many adults are not satisfactory either, because the very word “diet" implies a new, short-term eating program that will end. When the diet is over, the weight returns.

    In the last two years over a hundred liquid and ready-mix reducing aids have hit the market, along with reducing soups, candies, cookies and frozen desserts in 300-calorie portions. These formula diets unquestionably are convenient because they eliminate the bother of planning a calorie-measured meal. However, an outstanding weakness of these formula foods is their monotony. You could not expect to get the enjoyment out of a liquid meal that you would from a regular meal of equal caloric value. Staying on a monotonous diet is difficult. It is reported that some formula faddists even have believed that they could eat as much as they wanted to and still lose weight, so long as they were loyal to the formula diet.

    Dr. Philip L. White, secretary of the American Medical Association’s Council on Foods and Nutrition, pointed out another serious objection to the formula foods. He warned: “If the user of a formula diet consumed no other fluids, dehydration of his body could result.” A big drawback to formula diets and crash diets of any kind is their failure to change the consumer’s basic eating habits on a permanent basis. As Dr. Stanley A. Tauber, of Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, pointed out: “It is unlikely that a patient who loses weight on a liquid diet will then . . . suddenly and miraculously begin to eat a normal, wholesome, well-balanced diet and maintain the weight loss.” Frequent losing and regaining of weight is not desirable either if it is true that the process of gaining excessive weight can have harmful effects on the blood vessels. It is not difficult to understand why many doctors say the only satisfactory program of weight control is one that results in permanent weight loss and lifetime control of weight. But where can weight-watchers find such a program?

    Calories or Carbohydrates?

    Current medical opinion seems to offer you a choice of the low-calorie or the low-carbohydrate approach to -weight control. If one method does not help you, the other may give the desired results. It seems that for most people the problem is basically one of food supply, energy demand and self-control. (Heredity or glandular problems are factors in less than 10 percent of all cases of overweight.) The low-calorie method is based on the knowledge that a pound of body fat burned as energy equals about 3,500 calories. A calorie is the unit of measurement used to determine the amount of energy produced by the food you eat. When you are past twenty-five your body does not burn up calories as rapidly as it used to and, consequently, you require less food. If you eat just a little more than your body requires—as many people do—that surplus will be stored in your body as fat. However, if you reduce your weekly food intake by 3,500 calories you may expect to lose a pound.

    Many doctors recommend the low-calorie program. Said Dr. Herbert Pollack, of the American Diabetes Association: “The whole point ought to be to re-educate people’s eating habits—to eat two pancakes instead of six.” England's Dr. Hugh M. Sinclair, director of Oxford University’s Laboratory of Human Nutrition, likewise declared that “a sincere change in habits is needed.” Dr. Fredrick J. Stare, director of Harvard University’s Department of Nutrition, put it this way: “Probably the biggest change in our dietary habits is the development of this concept that the important thing in a diet is to cut down on the intake of all foods, with the possible exception of proteins, rather than to cut things out. . . . The main principle of good nutrition, whether we’re talking about diets for weight reduction or weight gain, is to eat a variety of foods—a variety of vegetables, a variety of fruits. Now, if you want to try to lose weight, the thing to do is to eat less but still have the variety.”

    While moderation is the rule in the low-calorie method, it does not mean that snacks between meals are completely out. If snacks are used in moderation to decrease the size of regular meals by making you less hungry at mealtime, then snacks may not be objectionable. Likewise, going above the desirable intake of food on any particular day can be adjusted by eating that much less the next day. Increased walking, standing or other physical activity each day is also beneficial because it helps you bum up calories. Be careful, however, that too much activity does not stimulate your appetite!

    In a number of cases where the low-calorie program has failed, the low-carbohydrate method is' said to have brought happy results. This alternate approach allows free intake of protein and fat whenever and in whatever quantity desired, but it strictly limits your intake of sugars and starches. This means you can eat a wide variety of meats, but you must avoid bread, cake, rolls, pies, crackers, doughnuts, sweets and certain fruits and vegetables with high carbohydrate content. Advocates of this program believe that some people get fat, not because of overeating, but simply because their bodies cannot handle sugars and starches. Even advocates of the low-calorie approach urge weight-watchers to “get enough fats.” Fat contains more than twice as many calories as other foods of equal weight, but it has the desirable effect of delaying hunger because the body absorbs it slowly.

    Self-Examination

    The health hazard alone is sufficient reason why you should watch your weight, but there are other very desirable motives as well. Weight-reduction can mean new energy, a more youthful appearance, smaller grocery bills, freedom from unnecessary embarrassments and a real sense of accomplishment. If you overeat because of unhappiness, boredom, nervousness, insecurity or similar reason, take steps to improve your spiritual outlook on life and the future. Then eat well, but wisely, as you watch your weight. And remember: the food that can kill your happiness—and you—is not worth eating.

    Rx for Physicians

    “The Handwriting Foundation in Washington,’’ reports the magazine Medical World News, “has set out to establish a program to cure medical cacography, which is reaching epidemic levels. Cacography is a disease of the hand better known as illegible handwriting. (In France it is also known as the Pattes de

    Mouche syndrome because the affected handwriting presents a striking resemblance to tracks left on paper by a fly that has dipped its legs in ink.) Poor handwriting is so common among physicians, according to the Foundation, that once a narcotics addict was caught forging a prescription because he wrote it too clearly; ‘The pharmacist knew it couldn't have been done by a doctor.' ”

    Twin Arts

    It is significant, states The Encyclopedia Americana, "that the terms brewing and bread originated from the same root, a reflection of the fact that in antiquity baking and brewing were twin arts, performed by the same skilled craftsmen. As they grew into big industries, baking and brewing have, of course, gone their own ways of specialized development, but their twin relationship has remained essentially unchanged; both use cereals and cereal products as their principal raw materials; both depend on enzyme activities and employ yeast for fermentation in which alcohol, carbon dioxide, aromatic and flavoring substances, and heat energy are produced; and both furnish important items of diet to most peoples."

    Thimble (^Thread

    THIMBLE and thread, two of the oldest tools—do they inspire you to action? Some persons could be no happier than when given a piece of fabric, thimble, thread and scissors and the chance to go to work with an idea that will bring out something “just right.” Sometimes a new party dress is the goal. More often, practical school clothing for the children is

    the reason. Perhaps new slip covers for the furniture are needed, or the kitchen curtains are faded and require replacing. A dozen more ideas can stimulate one to reach for the thimble and thread. But are you considering sewing?

    First, consider the reasons, and there are many. Some enjoy it as a hobby; they find it relaxing and get satisfaction from doing something creative. Then there are many who sew simply to save money; and if you have growing children and an average income, you can see the practicalness of this. Also, it is a matter of necessity in those countries where ready-made clothes are not generally available. For those who are hard to fit, the answer often is for them to make their own clothes. Some who want or need to supplement the family income find it a good part-time job; they can be at home and work when they have the time convenient. Neither should it be overlooked as full-time employment. The reason for sewing affects the work involved

    By *'Awak*|" correspondent in th* Bahama*

    and the results wanted.

    Sewing in this modern age clearly has advantages. Compared with grandmother’s problems of sewing, we have an easy time. With the wash-and-wear and crease-resistant fabrics and the wide range of designs to choose from, we may take some time to decide just what we want. Grandmother was more apt to get her cloth from a flour sack or from a small selection of materials at the general store. Now there are many good patterns available, and some of these are especially marked and designed for the beginner. Sewing machines are practical and within the reach of averageincome families in many countries; if not electric machines, at least hand-turning or foot-treadle ones. Often classes are available at convenient times so that you can learn under the guidance of an experienced teacher. If you want instructions, it will be no trouble to get a book or save articles of instruction found in magazines.

    A Few Tips

    But how should you personally decide whether to sew at home? It would be wise to consider the country in which you live, from the viewpoint of what is available in the way of material and equipment. In some areas it is just as economical to buy clothing as to make it yourself, so there is no financial advantage. However, if you are choosing it for a hobby, the money spent may be justified. But it is wise to consider how involved in terms of time and money you can afford to become. Remember, just because modern, efficient, do-everything machines are available, that does not mean you cannot do good work on the older types, especially if you already have one. Make your investment fit your circumstances. If you are thinking of sewing to help the budget, then you might defeat your purpose if you spend too much for the most modem machine. However, if you plan to engage in it steadily, you may feel the investment worthwhile. How much time do you have to spend? If you have a full-time job, you may not have sufficient time. What are the results you want?—a relaxing hobby? keeping the family tidy on a limited income? employment? or what?

    You may benefit from a few hints if you are new at sewing. Most of these are just good sense, time-tested ideas that will make sewing more enjoyable for you. If an average woman wants the satisfaction of a well-finished garment, she will probably have to use a pattern. Of course, this is not always the case; some do well without a pattern, but they are usually those with an aptitude to foresee the finished product. You may be in tears after your first dress if you try this and do not have a knack, for it. For most, shortcuts cause disappointments.

    If you have done sewing before and felt the necklines and shoulders were gaping or big, it may be you should switch to a pattern a size smaller. You can more easily adjust the bust, waist and hips a little to compensate, and it is not as discouraging as trying to adjust necklines that are too large or armholes that are too deep. Sleeves and collars are especially discouraging if you try to take a shortcut from the instructions. You must baste (hand sew with long stitches to keep temporarily in place) the collar and sleeves into place before machine sewing if you want them to ease in properly. Clip the curved neckline and sleeve curving by cutting out small “v” shapes of material so that they will flatten without looking twisted. Trim the three layers of material around the neckline in graduated widths and then it won’t be bulky.

    It is wise to buy strong, long scissors for cutting out the fabric, and you may want to use pinking or scalloping shears to keep the edges from raveling. These should be used after the seams are sewn together and before you press them open. Ironing as you go is one of the secrets of good dressmakers. Press underarm darts down and seams open.

    To stretch wardrobe dollars, make a simple, basic pattern and suppress the urge to dress it up too much. Then a change of scarf, belt, beads, or collar and cuffs and you have a new dress. If you do decide to add trimming, a word of caution—check the price of materials for these finishing touches before purchasing or you may spend more for trimming than for fabric for the entire garment. However, trimming wisely chosen can give you a smart garment with the flourish that just suits you. If you make fewer outfits that are better finished, then change of styles will not cause so much waste. Avoid impulse selection of fabric or style of pattern or you may have a closet full of dresses you don’t wear often because you are not really pleased with them. If you sew as a hobby and money is not of too much concern to you, then you may enjoy trying all the new styles. Otherwise, the basic proportions of keeping the waistline at the waist and following other natural body lines will keep you looking nice on a budget.

    Most seamstresses suggest that, to begin sewing, you pick a floral print in a cotton fabric, as that material is easier to handle for inexperienced hands, and the floral print will not expose your first minor errors for all the world to see. If your pocketbook is the reason for sewing, don’t be afraid to attempt altering a wrong size or style that has been given to you. A little ingenuity and courage and you will have a dress that looks as though it were made just for you. In lowering hems for children or letting out seams, you can add a little inexpensive trim to cover a faded line; put some to match on the collar, yoke or sleeves and a child will get joy out of the added wear.

    Many women dislike making something over, and would rather sew a garment from the beginning. I suppose we all prefer that, but if it is either do over a hand-me-down garment or have none at all, you will soon develop a special satisfaction in meeting the challenge.

    Experienced Hands

    Here in the Bahamas, as in countless other places, many women have set up small places of business, some even in a corner of their own house. In many cases, these women work without the help of electric machines, yes, even without a pattern. The customer may simply describe the style of dress she wants or point out a pretty design in a magazine. After taking the needed measurements, the seamstress is ready to cut and stitch.

    The result is far from plain, often including insets of lace or other fancy trim. The loyalty of customers to their seamstresses testifies to the fact that the work is good and the service prompt.

    Of course, you cannot expect to sew like that when you first begin. Skill comes with experience. The first question is, Do you want to sew?

    Your husband might really appreciate your making clothes for the children, and in this way helping with expenses, but the advantages in this regard depend much on where you live. On the other hand, you may be looking for a job that allows you to make your own schedule so you will have time free for other interests. Sewing may be the answer. Or you may simply find that it is a constructive, satisfying hobby, but be careful that it does not encroach on time that you need for more important things.

    All things considered—thimble and thread, do they inspire you?

    t~YlonPtop iS

    erfice

    ♦ In an age of jet travel amazing things can happen, as Jean Kerr tells about in McCall’s of February, 1960; “A businessman I know, who toils in New York City, had to rush to Chicago to conclude an important business deal. He sped out to the airport and was delighted to secure a seat on a jet bound for San Francisco that had a stopover in Chicago. He was almost there, and congratulating himself that the jet had saved him almost an hour in time, when word came back from the pilot that, due to fog conditio ns in Chicago, the plane was proceeding directly to San Francisco. Shortly afterward (these jets are swift), he found himself at the airport in San Francisco. After making a series of loud, intemperate remarks . . . , he struck up an acquaintance with a number of airline executives, who were distressed—nay, distrait—to discover his predicament, . . . Red tape disappeared as though by magic, as the management went into action. Within an hour, they had bundled him onto the last precious seat of a jet bound for New York with a stopover in Chicago. Such are the wonders of jet speed that he found himself approaching Chicago before you could say Jack Robinson, and also before the fog had lifted. Naturally, the plane kept right on going to New York. . . . He landed there, having flown from coast to coast and back without ever having seen Chicago.”

    ^appreciation ^or

    FIREMEN

    A man in the State of Washington writes on the letterhead of an insurance company: "About last July the Awake! published an article entitled 'The Valiant Fire Fighters.’ [June 22, 1961] Enclosed find 25c for another issue of the magazine which carried that article. I lost the issue containing the article in question which I had read many times to various gatherings of firemen. I hope you can supply me with another.”

    POLICEMEN

    One of Jehovah’s witnesses in California, an invalid, wrote a letter to the local chief of police, sending him a copy of Awake! with the article "The Policeman’s Fight to Stay Honest” and a previous issue with an article about policewomen. The chief of police wrote a letter in reply; "Thank you very much for the copies of Awake! containing the interesting articles on policemen and their work. I have read them very carefully and agree with the thoughts expressed. I shall pass these magazines around for the members of the force to read.”

    TEACHERS

    While visiting a business school in Texas, a Witness observed an Awake! magazine lying on the desk in the main office. The school official noticed the look of surprise on his face and explained why it was there. A teacher had obtained the magazine and had discovered the article "Mathematical Short Cuts.” She took it to the school officials, who were delighted with this unique method. The school official went on to explain how they were going to teach the students this method. They were going to copy the information from the Awake! onto cards and hand them out to each student.

    A youthful Witness in Missouri relates her experience: "One evening at our school all the parents were invited to attend and see some of the teaching methods. My mother attended and imagine her surprise when the teacher began reading to all the children and parents an article from Awake! My mother did not know I had brought my teacher the Awake! that morning because I thought the

    »;• article about the Armadillo, ‘Nature’s Ar-| mored Tank,’ would fit in with the program | because we were studying about the animals I of the tropical rain forest of South America.

    She held up Awake! for all the parents to see and commented how appropriate the name was for the magazine and for one hour read and commented from Awake! She said: ‘I’m sure the parents enjoyed this article as well as the children.’ The next day I brought her two more copies, but before I could say anything she asked me if she could subscribe for Awake!”

    PRINTERS

    A letter from a man in Illinois on a university "printing service” letterhead reads: “Your article ‘Printing.—the Revolutionary Invention’ in the April 8 issue of Awake! is the best that I have ever read. I would like to obtain ten copies of this for classroom use.”

    DOCTORS

    A medical doctor in Indiana writes: "A good friend and patient of mine recently . presented me with a copy of the February 8, 1962, edition of Awake! I would like to express | my personal appreciation and congratulations 1 to the editors on their insight and a well I written article entitled ‘Meet the General I Practitioner.’ I am pleased to note that in this | day and age where we are becoming rapidly | ‘speciality’ minded in many fields of living I that there are those who still recognize and understand the continued need for a general practice family doctor in the field of medicine. I should like very much to receive reprints of this article, if at all possible, that I might j distribute them among my patients and 1’ others.”

    Another doctor, one m Abilene, Texas, writes: "One of my patients gave me the Feb? ruary 8, 1962, issue of Awake! and asked me ! to read ‘Meet the General Practitioner.’ I I would like to commend you highly for this I fine and well written article. I find it to be I very accurate and feel that you have done Ime a personal favor by writing and publishing it. It gives me a good feeling to read an article that has the pen slanted in the direc-j tion of the truth. I take my hat off to you in i sincere appreciation.”

    …