The Watchtower, December 15, 1933

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PUBLIC LECTURES BY TRANSCRIPTION

Jehovah’s blessing has been markedly upon the use of the portable transcription machine. He has plainly manifested that this machine meets the need of the hour, when the enemy, under Gog, is seeking to curtail the use of the radio by God’s anointed and when the people’s ears are eager to hear, not man’s message, but God's. The transcription machine has increased the power of Jehovah’s witnesses afield to preach His truth manyfold, so that the desire for the literature is stimulated and study classes of many interested hearers are being formed. Besides more than 300 such machines in the United States alone, great numbers are now being effectively used in countries near and afar. For more information, write the Society.

THE 1934 CALENDAR

The Society’s calendar for 1934 will be a beautiful adornment and help in the homes of all interested in Jehovah’s purposes at this time. Not only is the year’s text set forth, but a magnificent picture expressive thereof, and also a special message from the president of the Society. The date pad indicates the periods of special world-wide witnessing arranged for the year. The Calendar may be had at 25c a copy; or, in lots of 5 or more, at 20c apiece. Members of companies may avail themselves of this latter rate by placing their orders with their stockkeeper.

YEAR BOOK

The Year Book for 1934 is now in course of preparation. It is hoped to begin mailing it in time for Jehovah’s witnesses to be using it promptly with the opening of the new calendar year. The Society has had the grandest and most intense and effective service year of its history, and the annual report thereon as compiled by the president will be sure to delight all who have the kingdom interests at heart. Also, there will be a pointed discussion of the 1934 year text, and a text and appropriate comment for each day of the year. The book is offered at 50c a copy, mailed anywhere.

Remittance to cover should accompany each order. Company members will place their orders with the local stockkeeper, that he may send in a group order. This will reduce the shipping costs and also expedite the filling of orders here.

ANNOUNCING COMPANY MEETINGS

Many hearers of radio transcription lectures have the desire to meet with Jehovah’s witnesses and to study his Word with them. Hence wherever the kingdom message is radiocast, the time and place of meeting of the local company of Jehovah’s witnesses should be announced after the transcription. The time on the air being paid for, the station manager ought to readily grant your request to make such announcement.

Vol. LIV

DECEMBER 15, 1933

No. 24

REFUGE

“I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from mine enemies.” — Ps. 18:1-3.

JEHOVAH has provided complete refuge for those who love him, but for no others. These “last days’’ are strenuous and fraught with great danger, because the climax is at hand. The enemy is bending every effort to accomplish the destruction of those who serve God. Rather than see any human serve Jehovah, Satan would now destroy the entire human race. His wrath is especially directed against Jehovah’s witnesses because they are bringing the testimony of the truth to the people in obedience to God’s commandment.

2 Almost all of the nation of Israel turned away from God because that people did not love God; and necessarily the nation suffered destruction. “Christendom” is against Jehovah God because it does not love him; and it shall suffer destruction. Only the true Judeans can now sing with sincerity the words of the eighteenth Psalm. These singers in spiritual Israel know that the name of Jehovah is a strong tower of refuge for them, and into which they run for safety. It is in these latter days that we have come to appreciate that “whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope”. (Rom. 15:4) Long ago Jehovah purposed that the prophecies should be for the comfort and hope of his remnant people, and now he is giving to the faithful an understanding of his prophecies; and those who understand and obey him are the ones who take a wise course. The one thing that the wise do and will continue to do is to love Jehovah .

COMMANDMENT

3 The great commandment, which is first in time and first in importance, is that the creature must love Jehovah God. This question was propounded to Jesus: “Master, which is the great commandment in the law?” The answer of Jesus proves that there is one primary commandment: “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Matt. 22: 36-40) This commandment Jehovah made of paramount importance, and it is emphasized by the wicked challenge flung into the face of Jehovah by Satan the Devil. When God had led Israel out of Egypt he gave this commandment to his people, that they must love him if they would live, and then added: ‘Ye shall not go after other gods, as ye shall be diligent to keep the commandments of the Lord thy God.’ (Deut. 6: 5-17) Secondary to the great commandment Jesus says: “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself”; no more and no less. All the law and the prophets depend upon these commandments, because a failure to keep these would make the keeping of others of no real value.

4 Often the phrase is used, “We must love God supremely.” That expression is unscriptural, for the reason that there is no qualification or limitation to the love of the creature for Jehovah. Love means to be unselfishly and wholly devoted to Jehovah God without qualification or compromise. There can be no division of one’s love, part being given to Jehovah, and part to a creature. If one’s own self stands in his way or interferes with his love for Jehovah, then self must be put on the side. If one’s neighbor or any creature stands in the way of complete devotion to Jehovah, that neighbor or other creature must be put aside. No one can please God who permits love for husband, wife, parents, children or others to interfere with complete devotion to Jehovah God. No one can have a part in the vindication of Jehovah’s name unless that person loves Jehovah; and only those who vindicate Jehovah’s name shall live. The followers of Christ must love their brethren. But how? As one loves himself, Jesus answers. That means to deal justly with your brother, doing good unto him even as you would have him to do good unto you. Jesus thus defined that second commandment. “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.” (Matt. 7:12) Men often permit selfishness, or love for self, to stand in their way of full devotion to and service to Jehovah. This should no more be permitted than to permit love for any other creature to stand in the way of service to Jehovah. The true disciple of Jesus Christ must take the same course that Jesus took as a man; which was unqualified devotion to the Almighty God. “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?’’ (Matt. 16:25,26) “He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.’’ (John 12:25) These texts show that there can be no words of qualification added to the word love when applied to Jehovah.

OPINION

5 Frequently one who is in a covenant with Jehovah finds himself disturbed by the opinion expressed of him by other creatures. If the follower of Christ desires the approval of men he is certain to become disturbed and discouraged. What man’s opinion is of and concerning another is wholly immaterial. Whatsoever is God’s finding concerning the creature is of all importance to him. The approval of Jehovah is the only thing worth while. If one is wholly devoted to God he will not become discouraged by reason of what others may say or think of him. To hold the office of “elective elder’’ was a great desire of many, not so much that they might serve God better, but that their brethren might highly esteem them and honor them. When the Lord revealed to his people recently that elders in fact are not so made by votes of men but by their maturity in Christ, the election of elders ceased. Thereafter some who had held the office of “elective elder’’ concluded that their brethren in the company or congregation did not regard them as highly as they should be regarded, and that state of mind or condition brought grief to the one who desired to be esteemed. One might say: ‘‘My brethren have set me aside and do not give me opportunities to discourse before the company as once I did, and I am in sorrow by reason thereof.” Such is entirely a wrong view of the matter. Rather one should ask: “Has the Lord opened a way for me to serve? and if so, I shall gladly embrace such opportunities, that I may please my God. ’ ’ When one knows he is diligent in obeying God’s commandments, and that he has the approval of Jehovah, the esteem or lack of esteem in which others hold him is wholly immaterial. “That which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” (Luke 16:15) The reason is this: Satan has undertaken to turn all men against Jehovah, declaring that no man will be wholly faithful and true to Jehovah God; and therefore devotion or high esteem of the creature is to that extent a support of Satan’s side of the controversy. The approval of God is what one must have in order to be safe.

6 These are perilous days, because the end of the world has come, and the great question of supremacy must shortly be settled. Only those who love Jehovah God will escape and find a complete refuge under the Almighty’s protection. Those who love God and who are of the temple know that all things shall work together for their good. (Rom. 8: 28) No others know that comforting truth.

LOVE OF MONEY

7 With divine authority the apostle wrote: “The love of money is the root of all evil.” Money is a medium for the measuring of value or for carrying on merchandise. The merchant or trader is one who traffics in material things for selfish gain. The definition of the word money cannot be properly limited to the coin of the realm or to the thing which is used as a medium of exchange or measure of value. “Money,” within the meaning of the scripture, is that which is a measure of personal gain or which brings gain to the person. It may be gold and silver or the approval and honor of men, or the gain of influence and power over others. One who is moved by a desire for selfish gain is avaricious and covetous; which is contrary to the spirit of God and is the expression of the spirit of the Devil.

EXAMPLES

8 Adam was selfish. He did not love God; otherwise he would have obeyed him. He did not love Eve, because it was his selfish desire to have and retain that which pleased him that induced him to selfishly join her in the transgression; and for that reason he was not deceived. The fact that he disobeyed God’s commandment is conclusive proof of his selfishness or lack of love for Jehovah.

9 Lucifer did not love Jehovah God. He was selfish, avaricious and covetous. (Jer. 51:13) His selfish desire for personal gain induced him to sin and to further defy the Almighty God. He had no fear for Jehovah God, and therefore he did not even begin to be wise according to divine wisdom. He challenged Jehovah God to put a man on earth who would remain true to God under adverse conditions, and he wickedly said to Jehovah that man under stress would curse God to his face. Jehovah permitted Satan to try his hand in carrying out his boastful challenge, and His primary purpose in so doing was and is the vindication of the holy name of Jehovah before all creatures. All, therefore, must have an opportunity to know Jehovah.

10 It was the love for money or that which money represents that started Satan on his wicked course. Satan began to make merchandise of the human race for his own personal gain, and therefore that was the beginning or root of evil. He foresaw rising from the fountain of perfect man and woman a sea of human creatures, and he determined to use them for his own personal gain; hence he commercialized and trafficked in the human race. When mankind had grown in numbers Satan brooded over that symbolic sea of human creatures and brought forth the wicked beastly organization by which he has since ruled the world. In his organization he has made prominent three elements, to wit, commerce, religion and politics; and with this organization, all of which is mercantile, Satan has filled the earth with violence.

RELIGION COMMERCIAL

11 All religious organizations of the world are commercial, for the reason that all such organizations are created and carried on for the personal gain of Satan and his dupes and to turn the people away from Jehovah God. Beginning on the plains of Shinar Satan organized a religion the express purpose of which was selfish gain to Satan and to the people, and to the turning of man away from God. (Gen. 11:1-9) The religion of the world is commercial, for the reason that it is a primary means employed by Satan to traffic in human flesh and blood. Selfishness, or love for self and self-gain, led the people at Shinar into Satan’s trap. From that day until now every religion of the world, regardless of the name of it, has been organized and carried forward for the selfish gain of creatures, and therefore all such religions are commercial and employed as instruments by Satan. This is corroborative proof that “the love of money [or selfish gain] is the root of all evil”.

12 The desire for selfish gain, or love for money, has caused the earth to be filled with violence. When God created Lucifer and made him the overlord of man Lucifer was perfect, and that perfection continued until iniquity came into his mind. That iniquity was love for money or selfish gain; and he prosecuted his enterprise by all mercantile and commercial means. God caused his prophet to make a record thereof in these words: “Thou wast perfect in thy ways from the day that thou wast created, till iniquity was found in thee. By the multitude of thy merchandise they have filled the midst of thee with violence, and thou hast sinned: therefore I will cast thee as profane out of the mountain of God; and I will destroy thee, 0 covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Thou hast defiled thy sanctuaries by the multitude of thine iniquities, by the iniquity of thy traffic; therefore will I bring forth a fire from the midst of thee, it shall devour thee; and I will bring thee to ashes upon the earth, in the sight of all them that behold thee.” (Ezek. 28:15,16,18) Instead of love being manifest by Lucifer for Jehovah, selfish gain or the love of money moved him into action.

13 The sanctuaries of Lucifer, both invisible and visible to human eyes, he defiled by his wicked acts induced by his desire for selfish gain. He has trafficked in angels and men, and by so doing he has surrounded himself with and filled his organization with violence and has defamed Jehovah’s name; and all this he has done because of his insatiable desire for personal gain.

VIOLENCE

14 All the violence of earth may be properly laid to commercial religion, for the reason that all world religions have been used for the selfish gain of creatures, and not one of them for the honor of Jehovah’s name. Wherever commerce itself has gone there has been a form of religion accompanying it to furnish a sanctimonious screen behind which Satan has operated. Of course, Jehovah foreknew that the only safety for his chosen people Israel was for them to love him. Therefore he commanded them: ‘‘And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” (Deut. 6:5) Had they strictly obeyed that commandment, that people would have been safe.

15 Ancient Tyre was a great stronghold of the sea, that is to say, a strong commercial organization that controlled the traffic amongst the peoples of the earth, on the sea as well as on land. (Isa. 23: 4, R.V.) The king of Tyre represented the Devil in person, while the princes of Tyre stood symbolically for the earthly leaders in Satan’s visible organization. The chosen people of Jehovah, the Israelites, instead of remaining true and faithful to Jehovah God and to their covenant with him, fell away from God and followed in the way of commercial Tyre, and this they did for selfish gain. Even to this day the Jews are the greatest merchants in the earth, and it is selfish gain that leads them in that course and causes them to ignore Jehovah and his Word. The turning away of the Jews from Jehovah and the turning to the Devil brought great violence upon themselves as well as upon others.

16 In due time Christ Jesus came to the earth as the servant of Jehovah and the great Witness of the Almighty, and to be the vindicator of Jehovah’s name. He taught the Jews and established amongst them the true worship of Jehovah God. The Jews, instead of receiving the Son of God in a proper way, heaped great violence and abuse upon Christ Jesus and upon his faithful apostles, and in doing this they were prompted or moved by the desire for selfish gain. Satan led them into selfishness and completely away from God and their covenant.

17 In the days of the apostles no one was called pope, but all who faithfully served God and his beloved Son recognized Christ Jesus as the Head over his church, which is his body. (Eph. 1: 22, 23) Years after the passing away of the apostles there was organized a religion which was falsely labeled “the Christian religion”, otherwise called “the Christian church”, and an imperfect man was made the head of it and he was called “pope” or “father”, contrary to the Scriptures; and such organization has claimed to be the greatest religious organization ever on earth. The papal or Catholic religion was not organized nor has it been carried on for the purpose of giving honor and glory to the name of Jehovah God, but solely for the purpose of selfish gain of creatures. Its leaders boast that its numbers are counted by the millions. It counts its numbers and its property which it has as “godliness”. The papal religion at all times has been and is a commercial instrument of Satan, and has filled the earth with great violence, and this has been done because of its love for money or selfish gain. The cruel and wicked persecution of others, the loathsome and wicked inquisition, and the blasphemous boasting of the leaders in that organization are all manifestations of wickedness, violence and extreme selfishness.

18 In later years another religious organization came upon the scene, assumed the name of God and Christ, and labeled itself ‘ ‘ the Protestant Christian religion ’ ’. Regardless of how many sincere men have been and are in that organization, it has never been used to the glory and honor of Jehovah’s name, but always for a selfish purpose or selfish gain. Like the Papacy, it has taught and teaches the people that Jehovah God has prepared a lake of burning fire wherein he will torment millions of his creatures, but that those who believe on Christ and unite themselves with the Protestant church will escape such eternal torment and find life in heaven. Such doctrines are selfish, because they look only to the benefit of the creature. Nothing is done to the honor and vindication of the Creator. On the contrary, such doctrines as above mentioned are a defamation of God’s holy name and turn honest men away from him. Satan has used the Catholic and the Protestant church organizations to fill the earth with violence and oppression, and the root of all such wickedness has been and is the love for money or the desire for personal gain. The many wars that have been fought between Catholics and Protestants were not intended for the honor of Jehovah’s name, but for the selfish gain of creatures.

ELIJAH PERIOD

19 From about 1874 to 1918 is known amongst God’s people as “the Elijah period of the church”. Within that period of time the true followers of Christ Jesus preached chiefly the doctrines: “No place of eternal torment; a ransom for all made sure by the shed blood of Jesus Christ; and the restoration of the masses of mankind to perfection on earth.’’ But let it be noted that the name of Jesus was magnified more than that of Jehovah and the doctrines brought to the fore looked to the benefit of the creature. In addition to the above the doctrine, which is true, of course, was magnified, to wit: That God is selecting his church from amongst men, which in due time would be highly rewarded by immortality and reign with Christ Jesus for the purpose of blessing all the families of the earth. This was magnified for the benefit of the creature, and to that degree was selfish. The name of Jehovah God and the vindication thereof was not even considered. The net result was that within that period of time two classes of persons walked side by side by claiming to serve God and Christ. One of these classes stressed the importance of “character development”, deeming that to be great gain and therefore godliness, because ‘it would insure the developer a place in heaven’. The other class, meek and humble, was made up of those anxious to serve God and Christ and to do with their might whatsoever their hands found to be done, desiring only to please the Lord; and while these looked forward also to a place in heaven, and that properly, their chief and great desire was to serve Jehovah and Christ Jesus.

JUDGMENT DAY

20 Now God’s people discern that in 1918 Christ Jesus, the great Judge and executive officer of Jehovah, came to the temple for judgment. Then and there the two classes began to be made manifest, to wit, the class that had been moved by selfishness, and which class quickly developed into the “evil servant” class; and the other, moved by unselfish devotion to God and to his kingdom, and which class Jesus formed into the “faithful and wise servant”. It is to this faithful class that the Lord has committed his testimony on earth, and he invites them to enter into his joy, which is the joy of the vindication of Jehovah’s name.

21 The words of the Lord Jesus Christ at all times are to the honor of Jehovah’s name. When on earth he refused to speak anything except as the instrument of his Father, and that to the honor of his Father. His doctrines at all times are according to godliness, that is to say, always to the vindication of Jehovah God’s Word and name, which means a course of complete righteousness. Those who during the Elijah period of the church claimed to be followers of Christ Jesus and to teach the truth and who are moved by selfishness, such as character development and honor amongst men, have now fully rejected the doctrine concerning the coming of Christ Jesus to the temple in 1918. They claim that the “faithful and wise servant’’ is one man, and they prefer to follow the teachings of one man rather than to take the Word of God as He reveals it to men. They indulge in severe criticism of the remnant, and they oppose the work of the Lord’s servant class in delivering the message of the kingdom and therefore have specifically rejected the words of Jesus that this gospel of the kingdom must be preached as a witness to the nations. (Matt. 24:14) They pride themselves on adhering only to what they learned prior to 1916, and they continue to dote on questions concerning chronology, the development of character, and their importance in helping Jehovah run the universe, presuming that their selfish gain in these personal attainments, including such things as meekness and quietness, “good words and fair speeches,” and sanctimonious appearance, “is godliness.” Manifestly such are moved by the selfish desire for selfish gain rather than the desire for a part in the vindication of Jehovah’s name. That selfish desire for personal gain makes all religions and professions of religions commercial things. Both the facts and the Scriptures therefore show that the religion of the world is a commercial instrument in Satan’s hands to defame Jehovah and turn men away from him.

22 The spirit of selfishness was apparent in the days of the apostles; and in the present time selfishness is more rampant than ever, and concerning which the apostle wrote: “ If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that GAIN is GODLINESS : from such withdraw thyself.” (1 Tim. 6:3-5) The words of the apostles have applied since written, but with stronger force is their application at the present day.

23 In the above text the apostle admonishes all who will please God and find complete refuge in him that they must separate themselves from all who are moved by a desire for selfish gain, whether that selfish gain be the accumulation of earthly wealth and power or a gain that comes by the honor, plaudits and approval of men and causes the gainer to shine amongst men. The apostle therefore distinctly points out that those who will receive God’s approval and find in his name a complete refuge must separate themselves from all others that pursue a selfish course; and thus the faithful ones mark themselves as Jehovah’s witnesses and the targets of the enemy.

24 After the Lord revealed to his people that the cleansing of his sanctuary means the removal of all who profess his name but who are prompted or actuated by selfishness, there still come forward some who insist that they should be elected as elders in the congregation or company and be permitted to parade their personal virtues before their brethren of the congregation. They consider such to be gain to them by having the approval of the company manifested by their votes and thus giving to them a preferential position, and they consider such gain is evidence of “godliness”. The apostle positively negatives the claim that personal gain at any time is godliness. Then he adds: “But godliness with contentment is great gain.’’ 1 Tim. 6: 6.

25 “Godliness” means to be entirely and wholly devoted to the cause of the gospel, the purpose of which is the vindication of Jehovah’s holy name. If the child of God finds himself devoting himself in obedience to God’s commandment to that which will vindicate the name of the Most High, and that he is doing so unselfishly, and that he is contented with that which the Lord has given him, such to him is GREAT GAIN, because it is to such that Jehovah promises complete refuge in the time of stress and ultimately a share in the blessings of life everlasting. One who seeks these things from a selfish viewpoint is not pleasing to God, but one who unselfishly seeks to please God will personally benefit from God’s blessing.

EVIL

26 What, then, is the root of all such evil or lawlessness? The inspired writer replies: “For the love of money is the root of all evil; which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Tim. 6:10) That which will satisfy the desire for personal gain is the root of all evil. Now looking back over the history of the human race we see that the words of the apostle apply to all who have selfishly taken a position in opposition to Jehovah’s declared purpose. For the creature to ignore the Creator and pursue a course that he hopes will bring him personal gain means to pursue an evil course.

27 The desire for personal gain is a temptation and a snare, often resulting in destruction. When a man is called of the Lord God and assigned to a place in his service he has received a great favor at the hands of Jehovah. He is now in a covenant to do the will of God, which means to use his faculties in the service of the Most High. If now he is moved by a selfish desire for greater personal ease for himself or others and, to realize this desire, he leaves the Lord’s service and engages in a worldly business or enterprise, he walks right into the snare of the enemy, which often causes the one taking this course to be ‘drowned in the sea’. By “the sea” is meant the peoples of earth alienated from God, which bear up and give support to Satan’s organization; and where one of his own volition leaves the service of the Lord, when the Lord has assigned him to a place, and returns to the commercial pursuits in Satan’s organization, he is almost certain to be ‘drowned in the sea’. This is the class referred to that will not be awakened until the end of the thousand years. (Rev. 20:13) That which lies at the root of all evil and evil results to those who have once started in the way of serving God is the “love of money”, that is to say, the desire for selfish gain, regardless of what that gain may be. If the truth finds a man with the obligation on his hands of supporting his family by engaging in some commercial pursuit, he is justified in remaining in that position, provided he can do no better to make provision for the things decent and honest for those dependent upon him. (1 Cor. 7:20; Rom. 12:17; 1 Tim. 5:8) But if the Lord provides for him and those dependent upon him and at the same time puts him in a position of service to the Lord, then faithfulness to the Lord would mean that he must remain steadfastly in the service of the Lord and not take a contrary course to satisfy some selfish desire.

WARFARE

28 The remnant of God’s people on earth, which constitute the “faithful and wise servant” class, must continue to preach the gospel, because unto them this privilege has been committed by the Lord. For this reason Satan goes forth to make war against the remnant and to seek their destruction. (Rev. 12:17) This is another evidence that Jehovah’s witnesses have the approval of the Lord God and that all religions, religious workers and other agencies that oppose the work of Jehovah’s witnesses in giving testimony to the kingdom are commercial organizations and are carried forward under the deceptive influence and direction of Satan for the purpose of defaming Jehovah’s name and turning men away from God. Now the facts show beyond all question of doubt that the Papal religious system, the Protestant religious organization, the “evil servant’’ class or “man of sin’’, and all other institutions of Satan’s commercial organization, are in a conspiracy against Jehovah’s “faithful servant” class. The Devil knows that the “faithful servant” class are God’s representatives and prospective members of Jehovah’s new nation. Therefore Satan seeks to prevent such from becoming a nation. This was foretold by the prophet of Jehovah in these words: “For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult; and they that hate thee have lifted up the head. They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones. They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. For they have consulted together with one consent; they are confederate against thee.” (Ps. 83:2-5) That wicked conspiracy is led by Gog, the chief agent of the Devil, and in time the conspiracy is certain to fail. Jehovah has given his word that Satan, who by his iniquity of traffic has filled the earth with violence, together with all of his agents and organization, shall fall at the battle of the great day of God Almighty. The violence revealed against Jehovah’s witnesses at the present time by the combined forces of Satan will not discourage the faithful ones. On the contrary, it is to the enemy a token of perdition, but unto the faithful a token of salvation and full protection at the hands of Jehovah God.—Phil. 1:28, 29.

29 The persecution of Jehovah’s witnesses is carried on particularly in those countries that claim to be Christian, and by means of organizations and the action of men who profess to be followers of Christ. Why, then, does Jehovah permit his anointed thus to suffer persecution ? Manifestly there are two separate and distinct reasons: one is, to give those who are opposing God’s kingdom an opportunity to identify and to mark themselves, even as Jehu caused the Baal worshipers in his day to identify themselves; another reason is that such persecution affords the opportunity to Jehovah’s witnesses to prove their love and complete devotion to Jehovah. Christ Jesus, the Head of the anointed One, suffered the contradiction of sinners, and likewise the faithful remnant must suffer. Otherwise they could have no part in the vindication of his name and the carrying out of Jehovah’s purposes. - 2 Tim. 2:11, 12.

30 The issue is joined and must now be finally settled. Jehovah has builded up Zion, and so now he declares that the fight is on and will continue to the end. “For Zion’s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth.” (Isa. 62:1) This conflict causes one division of the human race to identify themselves as against God, and others to prove their integrity toward God and to take their respective places before Armageddon. It is at the present time that the words of Jehovah apply to the faithful remnant, to wit: ‘‘Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.” (Isa. 62:3) The kingdom of heaven is here, because Christ has begun his reign. Those of the remnant still on the earth must expect tribulation, because it is written that “we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God”. (Acts 14:22) But those who have taken the name of Jehovah and who prove their love for him by joyfully keeping his commandments shall not fall, but shall gain the victory through Christ. The honor of his name Jehovah has conferred upon the temple company of which Christ Jesus is the Head, and to all such “the name of Jehovah is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it, and is safe”. That means that the promise of refuge and safety is to the anointed and that safety is in the name of Jehovah. His precious promises were written particularly for the comfort of the remnant, and among these promises the words of the prophet apply to the remnant, to wit: “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge, and my fortress; my God; in him will I trust. Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the Most High, thy habitation, there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.”—Ps. 91:1, 2, 9-11.

JONADAB

31 The people of good will now on earth who have a desire to know and to obey God were foreshadowed by Jonadab, who accompanied Jehu that he might observe the zeal of Jehu for Jehovah. Jonadab rode with Jehu in his chariot, foreshadowing the fact that the Jonadab class now join Jehovah’s organization and thus identify themselves as being on the Lord's side. (2 Ki. 10:15, 16) Jonadab was not an Israelite. He was a Rechabite of the Kenites of the tribe of Midian, which people entered the land of Canaan with the Israelites. To them the Devil worship was offensive. They showed much more zeal and faith in God than many professed Israelites did, and this foreshadowed that the present-day people of good will have more faith in God than the professed ones in the so-called “Christian” organization, (Jer. 35:2-16) The faithfulness and devotion of Jehovah’s witnesses in delivering the testimony concerning the kingdom is partly for the benefit of the Jonadab class, and these should be invited to join in the work of proclaiming the name of Jehovah. Remember the words of Jesus: “Let him that heareth say, Come.” (Rev. 22:17) Whenever those of the Jonadab class wish to have a part in bearing testimony to the truth encourage them so to do.

32 David was a type of the anointed of Jehovah, which necessarily includes the faithful remnant. He fought the enemies of God, and God gave him the victory over the enemy. In that he was a type of Christ Jesus, the great Warrior who will shortly engage the enemy in final conflict and gain a complete victory. There were giants who fought against David and against his servants and whom David and his servants destroyed. The last of those giants was “a man of great stature, that had on every hand six fingers, and on every foot six toes, four and twenty in number”. (2 Sam. 21: 20) That giant symbolically represented Satan and his imperfect organization now marching against Jehovah’s anointed, and the result will be the destruction of the enemy, even as the giant was destroyed. The eighteenth Psalm is a song of triumph, recounting first the efforts of the enemy to destroy God’s anointed, and then Jehovah’s protection and deliverance of those who love him. The anointed are permitted to have an appreciation of this Psalm just before the great battle is fought, and therefore the anointed remnant sing: “In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even into his ears. Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because he was wroth. There went up a smoke out of his nostrils, and fire out of his mouth devoured; coals were kindled by it. He bowed the heavens also, and came down; and darkness was under his feet. And he rode upon a cherub, and did fly; yea, he did fly upon the wings of the wind.” (Psalm 18: 6-10) The prophetic song then shows the deliverance of the anointed from the enemy and the reason why Jehovah exercises his power in their behalf: “The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me. For I have kept the ways of the Lord, and have not wickedly departed from my God.” Ps. 18:20, 21.

33 The hands of the anointed cannot remain clean if they ‘touch the unclean thing’, that is to say, Satan’s organization. There can be nothing in common between the Lord's people and the enemy organization. The witnesses of Jehovah are God’s people taken out for his name, and they must remain true and faithful to his name. Their love for him can have no qualification or limitation. They must and will give Jehovah all their love. Thus the apostle expresses it in behalf of himself and his brethren, who are devoted to Jehovah: “As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” —Rom. 8: 36-39.

34 Let Jehovah's witnesses be of good courage and continue to rejoice regardless of all the persecution and tribulation that comes upon them, keeping in mind always that they are the servants of the Almighty God and that he is their refuge. Those who keep the one great commandment now are certain to find in him a place of complete refuge and safety: “There is none like unto the God of Jeshurun, who rideth upon the heaven in thy help, and in his excellency on the sky. The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms; and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.” (Deut. 33:26,27) The victory is with Jehovah and his beloved Son, and those who are now faithful shall see it and rejoice.

QUESTIONS FOR STUDY

1, 2. For whom has Jehovah provided the refuge here described? Account for his so clearly revealing such provision at this time.

3, 4. What is required (a) in the “first and great commandment’’ in the law? (b) In the “second’’?

5, 6. Should one in a covenant with Jehovah be solicitous of approval? Why? Why is it important that this be clearly seen and appreciated now?

7-10. What is meant by the word “money’’ as used in 1 Timothy 6:10? Give examples illustrating the outcome of selfishness and covetousness.

11-13. Point out the close relationship which has always existed between the religious organizations and the commercial system, showing the origin and the evident direction and design of all the controlling institutions of the world.

14-16. What particularly evil part has religion played in the world? Show that the controlling influence of commercialism has dominated the Jewish people even from ancient days to the present time.

17, 18. Point out the origin and purpose (a) of the Catholic religion. (b) Of the Protestant religious organization. How do their doctrines prove that these systems have represented Satan and not Jehovah God?

19, 20. Account for the manifestation in 1918 of two classes Scripturally identified as the “evil servant” and the “faithful and wise servant’’.

21, 23. Show that the position taken by those opposing the work of the Lord's servant class is the outcome of a desire for personal gain. How does the apostle describe those thus opposing? Those who would receive God’s approval will take what position concerning all those that pursue a selfish course?

24, 25. Explain the apostle’s statement that “godliness with contentment is great gam’’, and whether that fact has been duly appreciated.

26, 27. Show that the line can be clearly drawn in applying the apostle’s instruction given in Romans 12:17, 1 Corinthians 7: 20 and 1 Timothy 5: 8 and his statement in 1 Timothy 6: 10.

28, 29. What is the evidence that Psalm 83: 2-5 is now in course of fulfilment? What twofold purpose is served in Jehovah’s permitting this persecution?

30. Point out the time and manner of fulfilment of Isaiah 62: 1, 3, and the result of such fulfilment.

31, 32. Who was Jonadab? What was foreshadowed in that which is recorded of him, and how? Explain the prophetic picture of David’s victory over Goliath. Also that winch is recorded at Psalm 18: 6-10.

33. Under what condition can any of the anointed apply on his own behalf the apostle’s words of Romans 8: 36-39?

34. Account for the array of assurance from Jehovah’s Word now placed before his witnesses. How only is his protection available to those for whom it is provided?

KINGS, TYPICAL AND TRUE

IN THE providence of Jehovah their God the children of Israel, the Jews, sojourned many years in the land of Egypt. For a time they were well treated. Then a wicked king arose who basely oppressed them. When matters came to their worst Jehovah God raised up his prophet Moses to act as the visible deliverer of the Jews.

All this furnished a prophetic picture foreshadowing a portion of the divine purposes. Egypt under the rule of a wicked king pictures or represents the world of mankind in darkness under the rule of the unrighteous one, Satan, who is the god of this world. The Israelites in Egypt picture the people of God and those who shall ultimately come into harmony with him; while Moses was a type foreshadowing the great Messiah, who is to deliver all mankind from the bondage of sin and death.

Moses was a prophet of God; and God spoke through Moses, using him as a mouthpiece or messenger. After the Lord had delivered the children of Israel from Egypt by the hand of Moses, he spoke through Moses, who prophesied unto Israel, saying: “The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken.” (Deut. 18:15; Acts 3: 22) From that time forward the Israelites watched and waited for the coming of the great Prophet, Priest and King who should be like unto Moses and of whom Moses was a picture or a type. They knew that such a one must come from the house of Judah, because God had promised as much. David was a direct descendant of Judah. — Luke 3.

From time to time God’s prophets gave utterance to words which kept alive in the minds of the Israelites the hope that God would send them a mighty One, through whom the promise made to their forefather Abraham would be fulfilled. In time this promise was specifically limited to the house of King David, the Lord causing his prophet to write thus, in Psalm one hundred thirty-two, verses eleven and twelve: “The Lord hath sworn in truth unto David, he will not turn from it; Of the fruit of thy body will I set upon thy throne. If thy children will keep my covenant, and my testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit upon thy throne for evermore.”

David himself was a prophet of Jehovah, and the Lord spoke through him with reference to the heir of the Abrahamic promise who should be king over Israel. The annals as set forth in First Chronicles, chapter twenty-eight, verses two to seven, read: “Then David the king stood upon his feet, and said, Hear me, my brethren, and my people: As for me, I had in mine heart to build an house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and for the footstool of our God, and had made ready for the building: but God said unto me, Thou shalt not build an house for my name, because thou hast been a man of war, and hast shed blood. Howbeit the Lord God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel for ever: for he hath chosen Judah to be the ruler; and of the house of Judah, the house of my father; and among the sons of my father he liked me, to make me king over all Israel: and of all my sons (for the Lord hath given me many sons) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel. And he said unto me, Solomon thy son, he shall build my house and my courts: for I have chosen him to be my son, and I will be his father. Moreover, I will establish his kingdom for ever, if he be constant to do my commandments and my judgments, as at this day.”

Thus far the divine record definitely establishes the fact that the great heir or king of Israel, the seed through which the blessings of God would be bestowed, must come through David’s line; and that also it should come through Solomon, provided, of course, the conditions laid upon Solomon were fulfilled. In any event, it must come through David’s line, and through his son Solomon, provided Solomon met the requirements. We repeat the words for emphasis: “Moreover, I will establish his kingdom for ever, if he be constant to do my commandments and my judgments, as at this day.” And then David said: “And thou, Solomon my son, know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart, and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee; but if thou forsake him, he will cast thee off for ever.’’ — 1 Chron. 28: 9.

The question is, Did Solomon receive the approval of the Lord? If so, the great Messiah must come through his line. If not, then he could not come through Solomon. This question is answered by the Scriptures, First Kings, chapter eleven, verses four and nine to thirteen, as follows: “For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father. And the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the Lord God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice, and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods: but he kept not that which the Lord commanded. Wherefore the Lord said unto Solomon, Forasmuch as this is done of thee, and thou hast not kept my covenant and my statutes, which I have commanded thee, I will surely rend the kingdom from thee, and will give it to thy servant. Notwithstanding, in thy days I will not do it, for David thy father’s sake: but I will rend it out of the hand of thy son. Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant’s sake, and for Jerusalem’s sake, which I have chosen.’’

After Solomon’s death the nation of Israel was divided. The last three kings of Solomon’s line to rule over Israel were Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin (also called Coniah) and Zedekiah. Zedekiah became a wicked ruler and of him it is recorded: “And thou, profane wicked prince of Israel, whose day is come, when iniquity shall have an end, Thus saith the Lord God, Remove the diadem, and take off the crown; this shall not be the same: exalt him that is low, and abase him that is high. I will overturn, overturn, overturn it; and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it [to] him.” (Ezek. 21: 25-27) This shows a complete overthrowing of the line of Solomon and definitely settles the proposition that Messiah could not be counted through the line of Solomon, but must be some other way. Seemingly God’s promise to bring the mighty Deliverer through the line of David had failed, because of Solomon’s failure. But not so. David had another son, whom the Lord used. Solomon’s line had been exalted. Now this line must be abased, and the lower line must be exalted. The obscure line of David was his son Nathan. Mary, the mother of Jesus, was a direct descendant of Nathan of the house of David.

Jeremiah prophesied concerning the coming of Messiah, as follows: “Behold the day is coming, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous branch and a king shall reign and prosper. ... In his day Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely; and this is the name that Jehovah proclaimeth him, Our Righteousness.”—Jer. 23:5,6, Young’s translation.

Mary, the mother-to-be of Jesus, was approached by the angel of the Lord, who said to her: “Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: and he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? And the angel answered and said unto her, The holy spirit shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee; therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.” —Luke 1: 30-35.

Then Mary, seemingly directed by the power of Jehovah, said: “My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed. For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name. And his mercy is on them that fear him, from generation to generation. He hath shewed strength with his arm; he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.” (Luke 1:46-52) Her words draw the contrast between the once favored family of Solomon and the humbler family of Nathan, Solomon’s family being abased and Nathan’s now exalted. Thus the proof is brought forth that the Lord did raise up unto David a righteous branch.

The promise made to Abraham, which was subsequently repeated to others, thoroughly impressed the minds of the devout Israelites with the thought that at some future time there would be born of a woman of the Jewish people a holy child, and that in some way not understood to them this child would be the means of blessing all the families and nations of the earth. They expected God’s chosen people to become the greatest nation of earth, and looked for all other nations to flow unto it, be subservient to it and receive their blessings through it. These conclusions they based upon the words of the prophets, even though they did not fully understand the meaning of those prophecies. To them the prophet Isaiah had said: “And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it. And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob: and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.” (Isa. 2: 2, 3) And again: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice, from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.”—Isa. 9: 6, 7.

The prophet Zechariah said: “And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem, shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles. And it shall be that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain.”—Zech. 14: 16, 17.

These prophecies, while relating in a measure to the birth of Jesus, had only a partial or miniature fulfilment at that time. Their far greater fulfilment is yet future, but nigh at hand.

LETTERS

THE DAY OF JEHOVAH

DEAR BROTHER RUTHERFORD:

I am deeply grateful to Jehovah our God for giving us the book Preparation.

I received the book on the 6th of October, at 4:00 p.m., and read the 14th chapter of Zechariah with the comments. It thrilled me through and through. That night, by His grace, I sang the glad song to a company of witnesses. Indeed they were glad to know that the interest of Jehovah’s government shall no more be defeated and overpowered by the “beast”; and that Zechariah 14: 1, 2 is a fulfilled prophecy, hence it cannot apply to the future. Thus the deck is cleared for action, and victory is sure and certain for Jehovah’s witnesses. Our great Field Marshal has inspected the enemy positions and surveyed every part thereof. Now Jehovah’s militant invisible organization is approaching the mighty enemy, and very shortly the entire devilish, effete system of wickedness shall be ground to powder, and shall never be any more.

I finished reading the book Preparation; thankful I am to our God and to you his faithful servant. The time has come for greater action. Shall we not during this year scatter two million of these “coals of fire” upon the American continent? In order to do this, every available volunteer should be mustered into the visible contingent of the Lord’s army and placed in the front ranks. Lately, many of the “people of good will” have joined the ranks, and there are many more who will be glad to do so if they get a little “lift” into the “chariot”. Every company director, sharpshooter, auxiliary, pioneer, regional director and every witness should encourage and help those around them who show interest in the kingdom message. Additionally, all the children of Jehovah’s witnesses and Jonadabs should be encouraged to join in the ranks of witnesses. By the Lord’s grace this work is being carried out in the western coast states. There are several of these junior companies of Jehovah’s witnesses organized for service. It is very gratifying to see their zeal for Jehovah. Thus, if all give a “lift” the number of the witnesses will be doubled to the praise of his name.

The “day of Jehovah” is the most important part of the history of the universe; because in this “day” the name and the word of Jehovah shall be vindicated. It is more important than the restoration of the entire human family and 1000- year reign of Christ. The entire Bible is written for those living in this very period and who are his witnesses. Those who appreciate these facts are fired with zeal peculiar to the house of God.

Happy is our lot! “Let every thing that hath breath praise Jehovah."

May Jehovah God continue to richly bless you and use you as a vessel unto honor, for ever.

With fervent love, I am

Your brother and fellow servant, by His grace,

S. H. TOUTJIAN.

HEARERS THRILLED

DEAR BROTHER RUTHERFORD:

You will be glad to learn that the 16 days’ tour Brother Chapman and I made with a demonstration set resulted in 16 orders for machines being placed with us. There are now 91 machines actually in operation in the country, and we have 32 on order, and inquiries from 12 other companies. In addition to the above I can see prospects of at least another 30 companies with whom we are arranging demonstrations and who are likely to order.

Experience shows that the outdoor work is going to be much more effective than in halls. The following is an extract from a letter received from one in Aberdeen who recently purchased a machine:

“Being a calm, clear night we gave the E.T. machine a trial outside this evening in a fairly quiet open space in the city with wonderfully satisfactory results for the first attempt in the open. In addition to a moving attendance it was estimated that from 20 to 25 gave an attentive hearing from beginning to end. The title of the lecture was ‘The Way of Escape’. About 30 pieces of literature were distributed, and several waited to converse.”

The outside work is very much less expensive, because there is no advertising necessary, merely two placards: one carrying the words, “This machine is broadcasting Judge Rutherford by means of electrical transcription. Come near and hear.” The other carries the words, “This lecture may be obtained in printed form; price 2d. Get one before you leave.”

It is not necessary to wait until the summer for outdoor work. We find that in the evening, between 7: 30 and 8: 30, there are large numbers of people in the open who will stand and listen to the message of truth.

There is still a certain amount of opposition in some parts of the country, usually from some of the old ‘‘elective elders’’. A demonstration, however, thrills the brethren who hear it and the opposition is overcome. Of course, it means I have to devote most week-ends to this work; but I certainly enjoy the experience and I believe the results justify the efforts made.

With Christian love,

Your brother and servant by His grace,

R. GRAHAM BURTON, England.

JEHOVAH’S PROVISION OF GOOD

DEAR BROTHER RUTHERFORD:

After studying through the book Preparation our hearts are so full of gratitude that we feel we just must express our thanks to the heavenly Father for this another expression of his loving provision of good for those who love him.

We also desire to thank you for the gift, which we deeply appreciate.

Surely this book is the best yet and throws a clear light on many points heretofore obscure.

After reading Preparation surely there is no room for doubt as to what is the full duty of those who are in line for the kingdom, and none of Jehovah’s witnesses will hesitate to press the battle to the gate.

…