The Watchtower, January 1, 1949
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"They shall know that I am Jehovah.”
-Ezekiel 35:15.
Vol. LXX
Semimonthly
No.
JANUARY 1, 1949
CONTENTS
Ministers to Uphold the Issue in 1949 Time of Settling the Issue Deferred .... Modern Organization ..............................
The 1948 Field Service Report
of Jehovah’s witnesses World-wide ..
The Analysis of the Report ................
Return Visits, Public Meetings,
Relief Work ........................................
Jehovah’s witnesses’ Gifts for Relief ....12 Where Jehovah’s witnesses
'•‘If i
Sent Relief Gifts ..........
Determined to Praise Him
More and More ............
The Rock Foundation of the Church 13
Nahum Foresees Nineveh’s Doom ......
“Blameless Ministry” Testimony
Period ____________________________________________________
“Watchtower” Studies ............................
1949 Yearbook of Jehovah’s witnesses 1949 Calendar ............................................
2 2
Published Semimonthly By
WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY 117 Adams Street - - Brooklyn 1, N.Y., U.S A.
Officers
N. H. ELnorb, President Grant Suiter, Secretary
"And all thy children shall be taught of Jehovah; and great shall be the peace of thy children.” - Isaiah 54:13.
THE BIBLE CLEARLY TEACHES
THAT JEHOVAH Is the only true God, from everlasting to everlasting, and is the Maker of heaven and earth and Giver of life to his creatures; that the Word or Logos was the beginning of his creation and his active agent in creating all other things; and that the creature Lucifer rebelled against Jehovah and raised the issue of His universal sovereignty;
THAT GOD created the earth for man, made perfect man for the earth and placed him upon it; that man yielded to unfaithful Lucifer, or Satan, and willfully disobeyed God’s law and was sentenced to death; that by reason of Adam’s wrong act all men are born sinners and without the right to life;
THAT THE LOGOS was made human as the man Jesus and suffered death in order to produce the ransom or redemptive price for obedient men; that God raised up Christ Jesus divine and exalted him to heaven above every other creature and clothed him with all power and authority as head of God's new capital organization;
THAT GOD’S CAPITAL ORGANIZATION is a Theocracy called Zion, and that Christ Jesus is the Chief Officer thereof and is the rightful King of the new world; that the faithful anointed followers of Christ Jesus are Zion’s children, members of Jehovah’s organization, and are His witnesses whose duty and privilege it is to testify to Jehovah’s supremacy and declare his purposes toward mankind as expressed in the Bible;
THAT THE OLD WORLD, or Satan’s uninterrupted rule, ended AD. 1914, and Christ Jesus has been placed by Jehovah upon the throne, has ousted Satan from heaven, and now proceeds to vindicate His name and establish the “new earth”;
THAT THE RELIEF and blessings of the peoples can come only by Jehovah’s kingdom under Christ, which has begun; that His next great act is to destroy Satan’s organization and establish righteousness completely in the earth ; and that under the Kingdom the people of good-will surviving Armageddon will carry out the divine mandate to ‘‘fill the earth” with righteous offspring, and that the human dead in the graves will be raised to opportunities of life on earth.
“BLAMELESS MINISTRY” TESTIMONY PERIOD
The ministry of God's Word must be carried forward through cold and heat for God’s ministers not to be blamed. Hence February will experience no stoppage of the proclamation of His kingdom publicly and from door to door. The service calendar announces it as “Blameless Ministry” Testimony Period, and it will be the second month of the 1949 campaign for subscriptions for the Watchtower Society’s magazines. The offer that all those who talk God’s kingdom will therefore make to all their contacts will be a year’s subscription for both The Watchtower and Awake! together with the premium of a bound book and a booklet, at just $2 (American money) for the full set. Preferably the latest book, “Let God Be True”, and one of the latest booklets, The Joy of All the People or Permanent Governor of All Nations, should be offered as the premium Whether in the Northern or in the Southern Hemisphere, February is a difficult month to pull through, but faithful ministers will not come under blame for slacking the hand. Watchtower readers will not want to come under blame for failure regarding the ministry of God’s Word, and so we invite their inquiries and requests as to a share in it. May your report at the end of the Testimony Period prove you blameless.
“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES
Week of February 6: “Ministers to Uphold the Issue in 1949,” fl 1-22 inclusive, The Watchtower January 1, 1949.
Week of February 13: “Ministers to Uphold the Issue in 1949,” fl 23-46 inclusive, The Watchtower January 1, 1949.
ITS MISSION
HIS journal Is published for the purpose of enabling the people to know Jehovah God and his purposes as expressed in the Bible. It publishes Bible instruction specifically designed to aid Jehovah’s witnesses and all people of good-wilL
It arranges systematic Bible study for its readers and the Society supplies other literature to aid in such studies. It publishes suitable material for radio broadcasting and for other means of public instruction in the Scriptures.
It adheres strictly to the Bible as authority for its utterances. It is entirely free and separate from all religion, parties, sects or other worldly organizations. It is wholly and without reservation for the kingdom of Jehovah God under Christ his beloved King. It is not dogmatic, but invites careful and critical examination of its contents in the light of the Scriptures. It does not indulge in controversy, and its columns are not open to personalities.
Notice to Subscribers: Remittances should -be sent to office in your country in compliance with regulations to guarantee safe delivery of money. Remittances are accepted at Brooklyn from countries where no office is located, by international money order only. Subscription rates in different countries are stated below in local currency. Notice of expuation (with renewal blank) is sent at least two issues before subscription expires. Chance of address when sent to our office may be expected effective within one month. Send your old as well as new address.
Please address the Watch Tower Society in every case.
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Translations of this journal appear In many languages.
ALL SINCERE STUDENTS OF THE BIBLE who by reason of infirmity, poverty or adversity are unable to pay the subscription pilce may have The Watchtower Iree upon written application to the publishers, made once each year, stating the reason for so requesting it Ue are glad to thus aid the needy, but the written application once each year is required by the postal regulations.
Printed in the United States of America
Entered as second-class matter at the post office at Brooklyn, N. T , under the Act of March S, ISIS.
1949 YEARBOOK OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES
With gratitude to God for accomplishing through his servants the greatest service achievement during this past year, the Society now releases the 1949 Yearbook of Jehovah’s witnesses. It will be really a stirring experience, and not a dull review of data and figures, for you to read the president’s report at length on the year’s activities of Jehovah’s witnesses in more than ninety lands. Also, introduced by his own special comment on the 1949 yeartext, the texts and comments drawn from the latest Watchtower issues provide you with a choice thought for each day of the year. Orders for copies of the 1949 Yearbook, bound in peach-color cloth, with more than 350 pages, should be accompanied by remittances at 50c a copy. Companies should send in combined orders to minimize our work of handling and shipping.
1949 CALENDAR
Again the Lord provides us with a new service calendar, for the year 1949, the text for which is, “I . . . will yet praise thee more and more.” (Ps. 71:14) The picture embellishing it steps into the field of realism by exhibiting under the year’s text a bird’s-eye view of that now world-famous missionary school, Gilead, m its environs, in four colors, and which is mightily aiding today in praising Jehovah more and more. Under the picture the date pad presents the six special testimony periods of 1949 and the alternative months, together with the service theme for each such month. Orders may now be sent in, with remittance to cover, at 25c a calendar, or $1.00 for five mailed to one address.
ANNOUNCING JEHOVAH’S KINGDOM
Vol. LXX Januaby 1, 1949 No. 1
MINISTERS TO UPHOLD THE ISSUE IN 1949
"Bless Jehovah, all ye his hosts, ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure." —Ps. 103:21, Am. Stan. Ver.
TEHOVAH, the Sovereign Ruler of the universe, I has always had ministers in the earth to uphold J his cause. His good purpose must be proclaimed. His prophet Isaiah said: “Ye shall be named the priests of Jehovah; men shall call you the ministers of our God/’ (Isa. 61:6, Am. Stan. Ver.) His ministers are his witnesses to the worldly nations and peoples. Said one of his prominent witnesses to the nations, the apostle Paul: “I should be a minister of Christ Jesus unto the nations, ministering the gospel of God.” (Rom. 15:16, Am. Stan. Ver., margin) Paul knew his responsibility as a representative of the Most High God, and so he imitated Christ Jesus, who showed the manner of work that was to be done by God’s ministers. “Jesus went about in all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom.”—Matt. 4:23, A.S.V.
2 The historical record reveals that Jehovah has had his ministers uphold and keep alive the right answer to the paramount issue, Who is the Supreme One? and who will rule the universe? To all nations they have proclaimed that Jehovah is alone the true God of all the universe, the Creator of all things in heaven and earth, the Great Spirit, that is, the almighty, intelligent, active Personage, invisible to man but made discernible to man by His wondrous visible works of creation. This is tire Supreme One, rightfully ruling all the universe. But very few on earth recognize and act in harmony with his supremacy and universal sovereignty. Little do they realize that “blessed is the nation whose God is Jehovah”. —Ps. 33:12, A.S.V.
3 Now, more than ever before, the big issue in the minds of all the “great men” of the nations is, “Who shall rule?” Will it be the United Nations organization? Will it be some totalitarian power? or will it be some bloc of nations that will get control of this earth? These questions trouble the minds of all of the groaning creation. Every creature in the earth is ruled and influenced by some power. All the ruling influences which control individuals can be classified under three main headings. The influential ruling
1, 2. What issue have Jehovah’s ministers kept alive, and bow? 3 Whit three ruling factors vie with one another, and why? power is either religious or political or commercial. These Big Three are determined to control the lives of all the peoples in the world. Some religious rulers even go so far as to claim control of persons after death. These three powers are constantly vying for positions of rulership. Occasionally they co-operate, but just as often they will stab one another in the back if it proves to be to their advantage. All three have identical aims: Power! Influence 1 Supremacy I
1 The record of the rise and fall of nations under the control of religion, politics and big business makes up our history books. Often the cause for change in government has been the dissatisfaction of the people with their rulers, necessitating the bringing forth of a new political power to take charge. When this happens it does not take long for religion and big business to get in the saddle with the new political party. A more frequent reason for change in rulership is the desire of a strong power to take in all the territories within reach, seeking greater domination or even world rule. There has been a constant struggle between the nations for generations and centuries, as long as man can remember and as far back as recorded history chronicles the struggle. Why cannot men get along at peace? Why cannot they get rid of war and its evils? First of all, man does not acknowledge God as supreme. He refuses to follow Jehovah’s counsel and is so proud of his own achievements that he has become blinded in his lust for power. Man does not love his neighbor as he loves himself; otherwise he would let his fellow man live and try to help him. Man’s activity in all parts of the earth shows he is a selfish creature, and he is led by selfish rulers. Jesus said concerning the religious rulers in his day: “They are blind guides. And if the blind guide the blind, both shall fall into a pit.”—Matt. 15:14, Am. Stan. Ver.
3 One living in the more civilized nations of the world where the children get an education knows of the efforts of the people to better their conditions and how great advances have been brought about in
4 . Why all the changes in government, and the series of wars?
5 Why, despite civilization, do all men live selfishly? housing, sanitation, communication, travel, and all the sciences. But even in such countries where advance in knowledge has been great, man has not been able to live above his selfish way. It should be clear to everyone that man is born in sin and shaped in iniquity, and, no matter how great his achievements, even to the extent of controlling the atom, he uses his great power and knowledge selfishly to harm and destroy his fellow man. What ruler on earth has the right to say, what man or group of men, even though it be the rulers, has the right to say that millions of people can ruthlessly be blotted off of the face of the earth? Yet men have assumed such right, taking to themselves such power, and in a few short years of war whole cities have been destroyed along with their civilization.
6 Within this present generation two great world wars have swept the earth. This gives us reason to change the maps in the geography books. The masses did not want the change; it was the desire of some individuals who wanted supreme rulership. But the millions of people in various countries of the earth backed up such selfish rulers only to find their own and other countries left in ruin and despair. The first World War was fought to “make the world safe for democracy”; but selfish men would not have it so. Neither the rulers of religion nor the rulers of politics nor the rulers of commerce could make it so, whether through their United Nations organization or any other form of government. They can never bring peace and prosperity and eternal happiness to the peoples who inhabit this earth.
7 Beautifully worded ideas put into charters for all nations to sign will not change the hearts and minds of the people. Written declarations will not remove the many diverse religious organizations that are working against one another: Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Mohammedan, and hundreds of others. Agreements will not remove the big business monopolies, the cartels, powerful steel industries, shipping combines, influential newspapers, nor stop their all-out fight to get to the top and be supreme. The United Nations Charter will never remove the kings, the prime ministers, the dictators, the presidents nor the men behind the scenes who are grasping for power and world rule. As long as man carries on with his selfish desire to be supreme and to rule and domineer over his fellow man, ignoring God, he will have no success in achieving peace and happiness.
8 Jehovah’s witnesses as God’s ordained ministers are declaring to the nations and their peoples that now is the time to forsake their evil ways and turn
0. Why the two world wars, but no “world safe for democracy”?
7. Why do beautifully worded charters and declarations not help mankind to achieve peace and happiness?
8, 9. Why are Jehovah’s witnesses directing people to the Bible? to Jehovah, the Almighty One, for proper instruction in righteousness. The psalmist David gave wise counsel to rulers of today, when he said, “Now therefore be wise, 0 ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. Serve Jehovah with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the son, lest he be angry, and ye perish in the way, for his wrath will soon be kindled.” —Ps. 2:10-12, Am. Stan. Ver.
’These are the reasons why Jehovah’s witnesses of today are so busy preaching the good tidings of God’s kingdom and directing the minds of the people to the study of God’s Word, the Bible. There the people can find the truth and can plan a life for themselves based on the principles of truth and righteousness. They need have no part with this old, dying world, but should line up with the “new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness”. (2 Pet. 3:13) The Supreme Ruler of the universe will settle the issue without any difficulty when the time comes for a settlement of the controversy as to who shall rule the world. He has not ordained man to rule, either through religious or through political or commercial organizations. He has appointed His glorified Son, Jesus Christ, to do that, and the Son shall reign until he has put all enemies under his feet, including death, the last enemy to be destroyed.—1 Cor. 15:25,26.
TIME OF SETTLING THE ISSUE DEFERRED
10 God has permitted men to rule under the “god of this world”, Satan the Devil, until Jehovah chooses to show His supremacy. (2 Cor. 4:4) The Scriptures are clear on the point that Satan is the invisible ruler of this present evil world. That is why he is also referred to as “the prince of this world”. But in due time he shall be cast out of his ruling position. (John 12:31; Eph. 2:2) The time to settle the issue of world supremacy is very near, and Revelation, chapter 12, shows us the birth of God’s kingdom at the world’s end, where we plainly are now.
11 The issue of supremacy had its beginning in the Garden of Eden after the creation of Adam. Lucifer, who later became Satan the Devil, was made the covering cherub over humankind; but, after being honored with this exalted position by God, he declared his avowed purpose to become like the Most High himself and set his throne “in the sides of the north”. (Isa. 14:12-14) Lucifer fell from his lofty position in God’s universal organization because of bringing sin and consequently death into the world. Adam and Eve chose to follow Satan the liar rather than the only true God, Jehovah, their Creator, and it was at that time that the issue was raised: Who shall rule? Jehovah decreed that He would allow Satan to remain as controller of earth’s affairs and
10. Under whom does God permit men to rule, and until when? 11. When was the issue raised? What did God decree as to Satan? as the god of this world so that Jehovah God could show forth His power in the “last days”, in which we now live.—Ex. 9:16; Rom. 9:17.
12 That unhappy day was nearly six thousand years ago, and since then nations have come and gone. Groups of people have risen to power and have either chosen or had forced upon them kings, presidents, dictators, premiers, parliaments and senates; but for the people it has only meant strife and war, distress and struggle, because Satan “the god of this world hath blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should not dawn upon them”. (2 Cor. 4:4, Am. Stan. Ver.) Despite Satan’s uninterrupted rule, he has failed in his attempt to bring all persons under his domination. Jehovah’s witnesses world-wide have stood aloof to his offers to be a part of this world. They choose to be God’s ministers.
13 Jehovah considers the nations as but a “drop of a bucket, and ... as the small dust of the balance”; and when the time comes for their destruction, he can easily accomplish it. (Isa. 40:15) According to Jehovah’s own word, he has reserved the nations of the earth for destruction, because he classes them as vessels not worthy of existence. The nations are in his hands as soft ‘clay in the potter’s hand’. (Jer. 18:6) As the apostle Paul pointed out, “Hath not the potter a right over the clay, from the same lump to make one part a vessel unto honor, and another unto dishonor? What if God, willing to show his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering vessels of wrath fitted unto destruction: and that he might make known the riches of his glory upon vessels of mercy, which he afore prepared unto glory?” (Rom. 9:21-23, Am. Stan. Ver.) The nations have ignored and refused his Word. They have not acknowledged him as God, and they do not declare his name unto all the peoples. Jehovah has no reason or obligation to keep these God-dishonoring nations in existence.
14 Jehovah’s witnesses, on the other hand, have accepted this responsibility of announcing Jehovah’s supremacy, and each and every one declares: “I will sing praises unto thee among the nations.” (Ps. 57:9) They do not mean just joining some church and attending once in a while, either; they mean being real, active announcers of God’s kingdom, the only hope for the world. They have the same spirit about this preaching work as David had when he said: “I . . . will praise thee yet more and more.” (Ps. 71:14, Am. Stan. Ver.) They mean just that, all of that, not less, and the 1949 Yearbook of Jehovah’s witnesses proves it. They have rejected and will not
12. During bls uninterrupted rule, in what has Satan failed?
13. Why is Jehovah not obligated to preserve the nations?
14. What do they mean by determining to praise God “yet more’? represent this old world, proclaiming and supporting its schemes, but have chosen to be Jehovah’s witnesses, God’s ordained ministers. Therefore they fearlessly and joyfully announce the incoming new world of righteousness for which Christians have been taught to pray to God: “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, in earth as it is in heaven.” This they will do uncompromisingly.
15 Some people say, “It is no wonder Jehovah’s witnesses are everywhere looked upon as undesirables.” But still people are forced to admit that they are peace-loving people. In every country wherein they reside it is impossible to distinguish them from other people as far as customs and general living habits are concerned. What is it, then, that makes them so peculiar and sets them apart as a group some people want to avoid? What have they done, and what are their current activities? They claim to be God’s ordained ministers, but are they any different from any other so-called religious organization? They certainly are not orthodox. Has it not been said that they are booksellers and magazine distributors? Are not Jehovah’s witnesses in this work because of commercialism? Have not they been called the opposers of all religions? Have not people said they are Communists? Fascists? Zionists? These and hundreds of other questions have been asked about them, and Jehovah’s witnesses have been accused of being just such. But all these mentioned political groups have denied any support of or association with Jehovah’s witnesses and have in fact persecuted them in the countries dominated by these powers.
16 The true answer to all of these questions is so simple that it is difficult for people to understand. Individuals who are seeking truth and who have faith in God and his written Word can find out the real answer by some careful Bible study and by association with Jehovah’s witnesses themselves. Many such students have changed their minds about these ministers. Simply stated, Jehovah’s witnesses are supporting God’s kingdom as the only hope for men to gain eternal life. Paul said: “Now then we are ambassadors for Christ.” (2 Cor. 5:20) If Jehovah’s witnesses are ambassadors of God’s kingdom, they cannot serve another kingdom, any more than the representative of one of the nations in this world could stand up and speak in favor of another nation and against his own government. He would lose his citizenship and position. Jehovah’s witnesses have entered into a covenant to represent the kingdom of heaven, and they know “covenantbreakers . . . are worthy of death”. (Rom. 1:31,32) But they love life! Therefore they will defend, work for, support and preach the kingdom of God. "Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel
15. What features about them raise questions and denials?
16. Why, really, are they looked upon as undesirables world-wide?
should live of the gospel. . . . for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!” (1 Cor. 9:14-16) Because of taking such an unequivocal stand for God’s kingdom they are hated of all nations. “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” (John 15:19) Yes, Jehovah’s witnesses are looked upon as undesirables because they preach God’s kingdom, and because of this they are accused of all manner of evil. “Ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.” —Matt. 10:18.
17 Centuries ago Jehovah inspired men to write books which we now have compiled into one volume called the Bible. These faithful men were servants of God and foretold the good news of God’s kingdom. Paul the apostle was “set apart to declare God’s good news, which he promised long ago through his prophets in the holy Scriptures”. (Bom. 1:1-3, An Amer. Trans.) You can turn to the eleventh chapter of Hebrews and there find a list of men who lived in olden times whom God used in promulgating true worship. They were witnesses of Jehovah, but they were not loved by the world. “They were stoned to death, they were tortured to death, they were sawed in two, they were killed with the sw’ord. . . . they were driven from place to place, destitute, persecuted, misused—men of whom the world was not worthy.” (Heb. 11:37, 38, An Amer. Trans.) So Jehovah’s witnesses of more than 2,000 years ago were looked upon as undesirables, too!
18 After these men foretold the coming of the Messiah and the new world, Jehovah sent his Son into the world that ‘whosoever believeth on him might gain eternal life’. His Son, Christ Jesus, during his ministry upon the earth preached the greatest message of all time: “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” This is a message which the nations of the earth as a whole, the religious organizations and the men of commerce of these nations have completely ignored down through the 1900 years that have passed since the death of Christ, and right up to the present time. Jesus himself said, “My kingdom is not of this world,” and correspondingly the world rulers have shown they will have none of this Kingdom, but rather they are determined to rule the world themselves, they will be the supreme rulers. They have not accepted and will not accept the King chosen by Jehovah, His beloved Son, Christ Jesus, who proved himself worthy of that high position of kingship over this earth. Speaking of the nations, Jehovah says, “Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth 17. Who also were looked upon as undesirables over 2,000 years ago? IS. Bow is Jesus Christ classed as an undesirable to this day*’
Brooklyn, N. Y. set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed.” The Anointed One or Messiah was looked upon as an undesirable, and the people cried out, “Crucify him, crucify him!” But the Almighty God declares, “Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.”—Ps. 2:1, 2, 6.
19 Christ Jesus was one of Jehovah’s witnesses. He is now and ever will be “the faithful and true witness”. (Rev. 3:14) The apostles, Peter, John, Paul and the others, and the thousands of disciples who followed Jesus 1900 years ago, were Jehovah’s witnesses,_preaching the same message. Then came the early church which received persecution at the hands of the Jews, Greeks and Romans. Some were stoned to death; others were thrown to the lions. Many were forced to hide in eaves and in the wilderness. But as they fled from place to place they continued to preach the gospel of the Kingdom. During the Dark Ages righteous men broke away from the Roman Catholic Church and other religious organizations of Christendom because the doctrines taught by them were so intermingled with pagan teachings. The Bible truths were hidden; in fact, the Catholic Church made every effort to keep the Bible from the people. But right down through the centuries Jehovah God has had witnesses to minister the message of the Kingdom despite all the opposition to make them quit such talk. Now as we draw nearer to the new world of righteousness Jehovah has raised up more witnesses and blessed them in carrying this good news to others, but they have never become popular.
MODERN ORGANIZATION
50 It was back in the year 18S4 that a group of Christian men and women in America came together and drew up a charter of a Society which set out as its purpose the dissemination of Bible truths. But even before this, as far back as 1870, these lovers of God’s Word were studying it diligently. They were looking for the complete establishment of God’s kingdom, and from 1874 to 1877 they published a booklet, The Object and Manner of the Lord’s Return. Bible classes were started in and about Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and these folk made a careful study of the Bible truth concerning the three worlds: the one overflowed by water in Noah’s day, the “present evil world” and how it would come to its end; and the third world, the world without end, “wherein dwelleth righteousness.” (2 Peter 3) Then in July, 1879, the first issue of Zion’s Watchtower was published, and it has been continued to this day, a magazine “announcing Jehovah’s kingdom”. Seventy years have passed, and The Watchtower has now, in 1949, a circulation of 600,000 copies on the 1st and 15th of every
19 What shows his disciples were not popular for 1900 years?
20. What activities preceded organizing the Watch Tower Society?
month, in more than a score of languages. However, in order to reach more people than by the magazine, tracts were printed and distributed free. Some were called Old Theology Quarterly and others Food for Thinking Christians. Expansion of the work resulted, and in 1884 Zion's Watch Tower Tract Society was organized and given a charter by the State of Pennsylvania in the United States of America.
21 The One these Christians looked to as the supreme and rightful Ruler of the universe is Jehovah God. He has decreed through his Word that a government of righteousness shall be established to bring peace and prosperity to all people desiring to serve him in spirit and in truth. The Kingdom teachings of these Christians associated with what is today the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society were different from those taught by the recognized religious organizations. From the early days the clergy objected to laymen’s studying the Bible and teaching others from it. They felt that their profession should not be invaded by “unlearned men”. One thing the Watch Tower Society did was to direct the attention of the people to the Bible, not to manmade creeds and traditions. Bible study brought to the fore again the good news of God’s kingdom, which was the big thing foretold by the ancient prophets and preached by Jesus and his apostles. That the earth was made for obedient man to live upon under the Kingdom was clearly seen in the study of God’s Word. Man is to be the keeper of the earth and make it beautiful. The earth, and not hell, or purgatory or heaven, is man’s home. Teaching such a thing was certainly contrary to the creeds of Christendom; but, being proved true by the Bible, it must be proclaimed.
22 This good news was preached by word of mouth by those associated with the Watch Tower Society, besides which millions of tracts were printed for free distribution and personal home study. From 1886 to 1893 these Christians distributed 2,459,609 tracts. As time went on they intensified their distribution work to put out one, two, three, yes, four million tracts a year. They delivered them from door to door, to those going to Christendom’s churches or coming out of the churches. The message they contained was truly “food for thinking Christians”. Finally the tract distribution grew to more than twenty -million yearly in 1910, and the record shows that by 1918 a grand total of at least 324,000,000 copies of tracts had been distributed by these early workers with the Watch Tower Society. Up until 1918, according to reports available, 8,993,166 bound hooks also were distributed, and these were used in home Bible studies. Additionally, millions of book-
21. Notably, how did the Society’s teaching differ from the clergy’s? 22. In what ways and to what extent was this message preached, from 1886 to 1918? lets and pamphlets were placed with the people by these witnesses of Jehovah.
23 In 1896 the name of the Society was changed from Zion’s Watch Tower Tract Society to Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. It has surely been a Bible and tract society since its incorporation, because it has laid great stress on home Bible study. Following the Scriptural admonition to preach “publicly, and from house to house”, the Society’s first president, right on down to his death, in 1916, went on lecture tours throughout the United States and various parts of the world. He introduced the “colporteur work”, today known as the “pioneer service”. He established congregations in many places and arranged for conventions of God’s consecrated people. The “pilgrim” work he organized for traveling lecturers to visit all congregations, and under him the “Bible House” or first Bethel home was built in Pittsburgh in 1898. The first Branch office was established in 1900, namely, in London, England, and in 1909 a New York corporation was brought into existence to do business better in New York State. By the year 1910 there was so much interest in the Bible lectures of the Society’s president that newspapers began to syndicate his sermons. It started with just a few newspapers in 1910, but by 1914 more than 1,000 newspapers in various parts of the world were publishing his sermons. As Jehovah’s witnesses look back over the years from 1884 to 1914 they see that many things happened in preparing the way before the Lord God of hosts, who began his reign in 1914. The Scriptures foretold this preparing work, at Malachi 3:1: “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.”
21 Now the time had arrived for Christ Jesus to receive his royal power and begin to reign. This he did as described in Revelation, the 12th chapter. Furthermore, the “times of the Gentiles” ended in 1914, World War I supporting the chronology of the Bible and proving that what Jehovah’s witnesses had for years prophesied was really true. (See Daniel chapter 4 and Luke 21 : 24.) Also the physical facts proved that the end of the Devil’s rule without any interruption or interference had been reached. Matthew, the 24th chapter, sets out the Lord’s answer to the apostles’ questions as to the end of the world and Jesus’ second presence. All these things took place, but for detailed proof on the subject see the book "Let God Be True".
25 Jehovah’s witnesses could not and did not con-
23. How did the Society’s first president promote preparatory work? 24. What did 1914 mark, as proved by Scripture and fact?
25. What has become the slogan of Jehovah’s witnesses, and why? elude that the great work of honoring Jehovah’s name before the final end comes had been finished by 1914. No, the Scriptures pointed out that before the Devil’s organization and the nations under “the god of this world” are destroyed a great, final witness must be given. Jesus said ‘this gospel of the Kingdom must be preached unto all nations before the end comes’. That meant more work from 1914, and especially from 1918, onward. “Other sheep I have,” Jesus said, and these must be gathered, too, before the battle of the great day of God Almighty. (John 10:16) This meant expansion, and the slogan of Jehovah’s witnesses became “Advertise, advertise, advertise the King and the Kingdom!”
26 To do this it required organization world-wide, and it meant putting to use all the instruments that could be used to further the gospel-preaching. Jehovah’s witnesses of today still use the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society as a servant organization to carry on their work throughout the whole world. This Pennsylvania corporation is not the only Society used by Jehovah’s witnesses. The New York corporation, established in 1909, known now as the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, Inc., serves Jehovah’s witnesses in the United States of America. Another association, known as the International Bible Students Association, in London, England, is a servant to Jehovah’s witnesses in the British Isles, and a similar society exists in Canada. Other corpo-2G. For world-wide organization, what ha\e been established? rations of Jehovah’s witnesses have been formed in the various countries of Europe and in South America. But all of these corporations work to the same end, namely, preaching “this gospel of the kingdom”.
27 In 1944 the charter of the Pennsylvania corporation was amended, and under the second article it is shown that the purposes of the Society are, “To act as the servant of and the legal world-wide governing agency for that body of Christian persons known as Jehovah’s ■witnesses,” which function it is fulfilling; further, “to preach the gospel of God’s kingdom under Christ Jesus unto all nations as a witness to the name, word and supremacy of Almighty God JEHOVAH.” For proof that Jehovah’s witnesses are doing this, read the Society’s yearly reports of activity, particularly from 1918 onward. The reader will see that Jehovah’s witnesses have diligently and without hesitation put forth every effort to preach the gospel of God’s kingdom, making known Jehovah’s name and word, and that year by year they have expanded that witness, reaching even to the ends of the world.
28 Never before in all history has the announcement been made so publicly, so persistently, and on such a world-wide scale as is now being done by Jehovah’s witnesses. Let the report for 1948 speak for itself, as published below.
27. According to charter purposes, bow has the Society served? 28, 29. As to Kingdom publication, what does the chart show?
THE 1948 FIELD SERVICE REPORT OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES WORLD-WIDE
Per-
No.
Av
Country
Av.
Av
cent
Peak
Com-
Total
Total
New
Individual
Book
Pubs.
Pubs
Incr.
Pubs.
panies
Literature
Hours
Subs.
Magazines
Back-Calls
Studies
U. S. of America
67,630
72.945
7%
78,666
2.901
8.383.231
16.964.919
230.278
6,486,766
4.590.198
51,023
Alaska
80%
8,066
11.361
6,661
3,630
Bahamas
94%
8.3^«
13.969
2.304
6.123
Bermuda
50%
2,44b
4.858
3,056
Cameroun
New
6.854
1.177
Ecuador
110%
2.328
14.047
1,637
4.401
Fr. Equ. Africa
New
Guadeloupe
120%
o
7,797
1,373
8L
Iceland
i
3 107
1,628
1,003
Liberia
200%
i
2.236
5,629
1,935
Neth W Ind.
30%
15,321
12.591
8.373
4.514
Palestine
175%
1,774
5,398
Peru
85%
19,642
22,494
1,854
8.175
Portugal
New
2.381
1,180
Sierra Leone
10%
1,899
4,162
1,183
Spain
New
4.916
1,407
Syria-Lebanon
10%
8.981
26.856
4,462
7.481
Virgin Islands
90%
8,358
8.353
2.226
4,580
Argentina
36%
1,033
135,672
224.369
1,992
44.064
64,701
Australia
3,234
3,503
6%
3,723
240,881
728,440
6,162
321,328
202,689
2,041
Fiji
11%
7,471
5,619
2,189
1,902
Java
1,182
Singapore
66%
1,352
3,817
1,397
Austria
1,286
71%
1,552
247.572
281,000
4.394
106,031
126.706
Belgium
1,177
34%
1,367
184,757
295,585
1,693
54,225
60,434
Luxembourg
2,776
12.866
10,040
4,153
Bolivia
125%
9,263
25.493
2,492
8,184
Brazil
1,077
66 %
1,319
391,400
397,329
3.601
48.300
88,555
British Guiana
30%
19,298
63.650
20.978
16,914
British Honduras
2,309
11,907
3.911
3,886
British Isles
12,149
14,676
20%
15,555
2,038.777
3.986.753
56,387
351,586
1,241,320
8.104
Eire
40%
15,022
45.206
1,194
11,736
Malta
2.032
British West Indies
40%
1,071
54,381
254,073
1,501
70.638
70,941
Burma
90%
20,714
16,727
3,372
6,619
Canada
11,224
12,603
12%
14,219
558,229
2.315.951
23,087
840,003
524,593
5,209
Chile
40%
43,177
69,425
13,828
19,583
China
177%
12,619
9.952
1,428
2,479
Colombia
21,752
19.608
3,856
7,064
Costa Rica
41%
27.W
150.935
21.468
37.346
January 1, 1949
SHeWATCHTOWEFL
Per-
No.
Av
Country
Av.
Av.
cent
Peak
Com-
Total
Total
New
Individual
Book
Pubs.
Pubs.
Incr.
Pubs.
panies
Literature
Hours
Subs.
Magazines
Back-Calls
Studies
Cuba.
8,199
4,352
36%
4,782
144,121
905,160
2,321
92,919
194.117
2.513
Cyprus
60%
83.605
20,306
3.490
5,052
Czechoslovakia
1.257
1,581
25%
1.991
254.283
284.198
3,813
77.599
98,596
Denmark
2.724
3,260
17%
3,485
278,288
504,358
7,712
836.762
137,200
1,023
Dominican Republic
116%
19,876
52,448
8,488
21,017
Egypt
41%
8,871
27.718
4,441
6,858
EI Salvador
88%
9,931
38.696
7.617
11,921
Finland
2.281
2.610
14%
3,075
395,705
597.466
13.290
214.919
123.454
1,167
France
2,184
2.627
20%
2,854
265,057
468,733
6,043
73,979
105,978
1,102
Saar
New
4,009
57,539
35,086
Germany
15.856
29,172
83%
36,526
1,609
36.199
6,099,153
45,000
28.608
3.227,093
13,512
Gold Coast
104%
1,134
19.326
167,491
4,398
14,737
Greece
1,891
2,338
23%
2,642
92,930
271,869
3,500
78,168
80,351
Albania
New
Turkey
100%
1,825
1.807
Guatemala
61%
17,276
52.763
11.257
18.095
Haiti
125%
8,115
21.437
2,457
7,348
Hawaii
20%
46.201
57,757
2,394
16,194
18.912
Honduras
164%
9,344
29.000
8,236
8.533
Hungary
1,346
36%
1.647
161.683
267,342
24,148
106.469
India
34%
19.286
81,792
1,221
15.6B0
18,463
Ceylon
108%
4,485
14,071
5,871
5.123
Iran
100%
1,143
1,018
Pakistan
New
6.833
12,381
3,147
2.829
Italy
116%
68,631
59,251
1,100
3,521
19,089
Jamaica
1,185
1,465
23%
1.739
56.802
336.175
1.082
51.196
81.713
1,424
Mexico
4,125
4,711
14%
5,708
218.3S6
956,127
4,683
113.386
177,329
2.8'>3
Netherlands
3,764
4,190
11%
4.394
135,254
943,550
4,076
123,484
175,905
1,735
Newfoundland
57%
20,406
28.922
8,042
9.416
New Zealand
17%
83,273
192,412
3,410
107,831
48,550
Nicaragua
100%
4,851
20,638
3,580
7,182
Nigeria
8,710
5,511
48%
6,825
54.993
1,481,775
37,188
77,598
B50
Dahomey
New
6,755
Norway
24%
1,145
200.321
191,433
4,645
117.938
59,990
Panama
28%
32.349
75,286
1,155
32,651
31.363
Paraguay
38%
8.129
16,781
4.467
4.921
Philippine Republic
2.471
3.589
45%
4,073
227.669
645.148
2,334
43,091
78,453
Poland
6.334
9,048
42%
10,385
316.667
1,363.612
S.150
172.467
333.676
3,367
Puerto Rjco
82%
30,783
47,952
1,080
12,208
17,044
Rumania
1,990
1,992
1,992
327,302
292.661
63,062
81,096
3,812
Russia
3,498
8,000
128%
8,000
Siam
128%
18.120
18.219
6,364
4.657
South Africa
3,843
4,440
15%
4,831
268,143
1,360,377
7,113
195,196
239,325
3.391
Belgian Congo
New
2,966
Northern Rhodesia
6,114
9,873
61%
11,606
11,695
2.314,625
224.785
4.038
Nyasaland
8.542
4.918
38%
5,626
13,441
1,347.221
309.322
5,219
Portuguese E. Africa
81%
102.536
25,6^5
St. Helena
Southern Rhodesia
2,572
3.599
40%
4,232
65,288
897.235
11,730
118.127
2.231
Tanganyika
39.140
4.302
Surinam
41%
9,949
23.139
5,475
7.057
French Guiana
100%
1.080
Sweden
2,894
3,231
11%
3,509
237.854
603,584
12.106
478.081
158.575
1,102
Switzerland
1,512
1,660
10%
1.776
177.905
274.982
3.416
311.669
79.589
Bi5
Uruguay
42%
31,298
87.925
19,272
29,480
Venezuela
75%
15,862
26,323
5.685
6,015
Yugoslavia
TOTALS
181,071
230,532
37%
260.756
11,714
17,031,901
49,832,205
483.092
11,380,767
13,807.920
130,281
THE ANALYSIS OF THE REPORT
29 The charter further provides for the Society “to print and distribute Bibles and to disseminate Bible truths in various languages by means of making and publishing literature containing information and comment explaining Bible truths and prophecy concerning establishment of Jehovah’s kingdom under Christ Jesus”. In the last year alone the Society and its associates made and distributed Bibles, bound books and pamphlets to the number of 17,031,901 copies in 96 different nations, colonies, isles of the sea and territories of nations. Not only this, but they have also placed magazines in the hands of the people to the extent of 11,380,767 copies. These magazines were The Watchtower and Awake! as published in the principal languages of the earth. Hundreds of thousands of subscriptions were also taken for these magazines so that the publications could go directly into the homes of the people for careful study and reading. Since 1920, Bibles, books (ranging from 300 to 400 pages each) and booklets (of 32 or 64 pages) have been distributed to the grand total of 530,218,352 copies.
s0 Still neither the Society nor Jehovah’s witnesses are “booksellers”. What Jehovah’s witnesses offer to the peoples of the world in various languages are printed sermons, Bible information. After talking personally to the people and arousing their interest in Bible study, Jehovah’s witnesses leave literature with them for private study. If the person so benefited wishes to make a contribution to cover the cost of printing and distribution, he may do so, and most persons do. However, millions of booklets are left each year with the people who want to read but who feel unable to make a small contribution at the time. None of the thousands of Jehovah’s witnesses going from door to door ever receive a salary for
30. Nevertheless, why are Jehovah’s witnesses not “booksellers”? doing the work of preaching. They do their work because they are consecrated to promote true worship of Jehovah God and to give a witness concerning God’s kingdom. Their oral sermon is first; placing literature is secondary. It is an aid to further study of God’s Word.
81 The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society is also authorized to “appoint agents, servants, employees, teachers, instructors, evangelists, missionaries and ministers to go forth to all the world publicly and from house to house to preach and teach Bible truths to persons willing to listen, by leaving with such persons said literature and by conducting Bible studies thereon”. This Jehovah’s witnesses have very definitely done during the past service year, as their field service record shows. The report we publish is not one of members, for Jehovah’s witnesses do not have enrolled congregations. But it is of the heap of witness that was piled up by the workers in the congregations world-wide. This is truly a Society of evangelists, missionaries and ministers who are located in 96 different parts of the earth. There are now 230,532 ambassadors for the kingdom of God engaging in preaching the gospel every month, to compare with 181,071 for the service year of 1947. That means that there are now 49,461 more ministers who have been instructed and properly taught through Bible study the truth from God’s Word so they, too, could be authorized and appointed as servants, teachers, and ministers and assigned to go forth in some territory and publicly preach this good news of God’s kingdom from house to house.
32 The glad tidings that these 230,532 ministers are carrying to the ends of the earth were so happily received by thousands that by the end of the year even greater numbers were receiving special training to “go . . . make disciples of all the nations”. (Matt. 28:19, Am. Stan. Ver.) This new interest added to the average monthly number brought the total to 260,756 in a particular month, to compare with 1947’s all-time high peak of 207,552 ministers. This was an increase of 53,204 more persons advertising the Kingdom than ever before. This is “marvelous in our eyes”, and we trust and pray that all of those who have taken their stand for the Kingdom and have made a consecration to serve the Most High God will continue faithfully throughout 1949 and to the end, .preaching this good news. That is the covenant all of them have made, to preach “publicly, and from house to house” these Bible truths to persons who are willing to listen. This we sincerely believe they will do, and the Supreme One of all the universe will pour upon them His blessing as they continue to serve. These new ministers recognize Jehovah’s
31. True to charter purposes, whom has the Society trained to date? 32. What Increase in number of ministers marked 194S, and why? supremacy and choose to serve Him rather than this dying old world.
88 It was suggested last year that every company organization throughout the world try to increase its organization by 10 percent in the number of publishers carrying this good news to the people. By so doing a greater witness could be given. The chartered purpose of the Society is to prepare such teachers, instructors and evangelists, and so it is only proper that every group of Christians put forth diligent effort to carry on such Bible instruction in their Kingdom Halls and in private home Biblestudy classes. During the 1947 service year there was an increase of 14 percent over 1946 in gathering instructors together; but 1948 showed an unusual increase, of 27 percent, in the average number of publishers monthly engaging in Kingdom work. The local company organizations throughout the world have done splendid work in preparing ministers. Do you work with such a company of Jehovah’s witnesses, and did your company share in this increase ? Are you prepared during 1949 to welcome the stranger of good-will into your midst and help him to know Jehovah?
34 One of the chartered purposes of the Society is: “To improve men, women and children mentally and morally by Christian missionary work and by charitable and benevolent instruction of the people on the Bible and incidental scientific, historical and literary subjects; to establish and maintain private Bible schools and classes for gratuitous instruction of men and women in the Bible, Bible literature and Bible history”. The charter further provides that we shall “teach, train, prepare and equip men and women as ministers, missionaries, evangelists, preachers, teachers and lecturers”. So that this can be accomplished in a regular and systematic manner, Jehovah’s witnesses have weekly study periods for the benefit of all who are desirous of taking up the ministry. There are three weekly meetings that every minister and every person preparing for the ministry should attend: the Watchtower study, the service meeting, and the Theocratic ministry school. There are other Bible studies with the help of Watch Tower publications that can be attended, too, but the three mentioned are essential to proper training and advancement in knowledge and wisdom in God’s Word. Actually, during 1948, 49,461 more students prepared themselves to be lecturers, teachers and ministers and engaged in the preaching ■work every month so as to improve others mentally and morally by their Christian missionary work. A goodly number of this group have taken up the full-time service, known as “pioneer service”. There are now 8,994 pioneers in the full-time work, 33. To what extent was the percentage of increase aimed at met*’ 34. For mental and moral improvement, what meetings are held" to compare with the 1947 total of 7,017; which means an increase of 1,977.
RETURN VISITS, PUBLIC MEETINGS, RELIEF WORK
” Answering specifically the question as to what Jehovah’s witnesses are doing today, it can be stated that they are preaching the message of God's kingdom from house to house and publicly, following the example set by Christ Jesus. Nor is this being done in a limited way, for these 230,532 regular monthly publishers of the Kingdom have devoted 49,832,205 hours in ministerial activity. This is an increase of almost six million hours above the previous year. During these millions of hours they have endeavored to instruct, train, prepare and equip men and women by helping them to a better understanding of the Bible. This has been done, not by gathering a congregation to their church building, but by going from house to house. Then by going back to the homes of the people where they placed literature they were able to give them further instruction and help. The number of such calls made was 13,807,920. These we term “back-calls”, and they are made on all persons showing interest in Bible study, persons from all religions and walks of life. Not all of these calls develop into studies where careful scrutiny can be given to the Bible and its teachings, but Jehovah's witnesses conducted on the average 130,281 Bible studies in the homes of interested people every week of the past year. If there were only an average of four persons attending each of these studies, it would mean more than a half million people who were being taught by Jehovah’s witnesses every week. That would make quite a congregation of regular students in addition to the millions of persons visited daily in the regular house-to-house work.
30 Jehovah’s witnesses not only provide for these home Bible studies, but they also give instruction in public meetings held in parks, auditoriums, halls, schools, playgrounds, in fact, almost anywhere that the people will assemble. Last year 133,634 such advertised public meetings were arranged for in all parts of the earth.
37 At the Memorial season of each year Jehovah’s witnesses and people interested in their work assemble to celebrate the death of the Lord Jesus Christ; and 376,393 persons were in attendance Thursday night, March 25, 1948. Of this number, 25,395 partook of the bread and wine, which indicated their belief that they had been invited to the high calling with Christ Jesus in his heavenly kingdom. The others professed to be his “other sheep” with prospects of everlasting life on this earth under the kingdom of heaven. This yearly Memorial service was 35, 30. What about time spent, back-calls, Bible studies, public meetings? 37. What about the annual Memorial service and company meetings? arranged for by the 11,714 company organizations throughout the world. These company organizations also hold regular studies in The Watchtower, as well as conduct service meetings and Theocratic ministry schools. All these services are free, and no collections are ever taken. It is all part of the gratuitous education carried on by Jehovah’s witnesses world-wide on behalf of all peoples.
38 This tremendous volume of work, preaching the gospel of God’s kingdom unto the ends of the earth, is not done with any political ambition in mind, nor are Jehovah’s witnesses trying to influence the policies of the governments. They have no “lobby” in the capitals of the different nations; they are not trying to establish some religious order, nor is there any pecuniary gain in it for any individuals. Anyone who observes Jehovah’s witnesses in any of the lands reported on in the table on pages 8-9 will know they are not engaged in any of those endeavors. They have one thing to do, and that is to preach the message of God’s kingdom. Christ Jesus directed that “this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness” until the end comes; and that Jehovah’s witnesses are definitely trying to do as ambassadors in the 96 countries on which reports are given.
39 The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society is a nonprofit organization, and what monies it receives it uses for the spreading of the gospel unto the ends of the earth. During the 1948 service year the Brooklyn office sent money and literature to its Branch offices valued at $488,821.22. In addition to that, for foreign service or expansion work in various countries where Branches are not established, assistance was required to the amount of $110,851.11. Literature and supplies were sent to some countries as gifts, and this amounted to $118,608.04. This meant a total outlay of $718,280.37 to assist the preaching of the gospel outside the United States. A few of the large Branches were able to remit to the Brooklyn office to cover the cost of some of the shipments made, and these remittances amounted to $296,119.58. That left a balance of $422,170.79 that the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society paid out during 1948 for the expansion work in territories outside the United States of America.
40 Knowing the needs of Jehovah’s witnesses in other countries, the Society as the servant to Jehovah’s witnesses also arranged to send food and clothing for relief to their brethren. Jehovah’s witnesses in the United States, Canada, Switzerland, Norway, Sweden and Denmark were in position to gather together clothing, food and other necessary supplies to aid their fellow ministers in war-torn lands. The
38. In all this volume of work, what Is their objective?
39. What financial report shows the Society a nonprofit organization? 40. What material relief work has the Society done since 194G’ large quantities of food were purchased with money contributed for that purpose; and clothing, shoes, bedding and other supplies were freely donated to the Society for shipment to various parts of the earth where needed. The total value of the food, clothing and the shipping costs for relief only from January, 1946, up to and including August, 1948, amounted to $1,322,406.90. This figure does not include the value of any time spent on the part of the brethren in gathering the clothing from all parts of the United States, Canada and other countries and then packing it, shipping it to Brooklyn, rehandling it at Brooklyn, or distributing it in other lands. This service was an additional free gift on their part and a joyful service which enabled Jehovah’s witnesses to help their brethren in other parts of the world.
41 The Society, too, wishes to express through these columns its appreciation for the hearty co-operation on the part of all these earnest and hard workers, as well as to pass along the sincere gratitude of the recipients of these gifts to those who gave them. This has certainly been an expression of love one toward another. We know all the brethren did this as an honor to the Lord, having in mind that this material assistance would help some to carry on their true worship; and so they esteemed it a great privilege to be able to serve their brethren in this manner. This act of kindness to their neighbors is just another proof that Jehovah’s witnesses are not in this work for any commercial gain.
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES’ GIFTS FOR RELIEF January, 1946, to August, 1948
Pounds of Clothing
Value
Pounds of Food
Cost
Total Value
United States 919,302 Mise
9898,481.16
537,995
J208.416.76
$1,106,897.92
6,709.46
Canada Denmark Norway
72,807
80,699.88
87,913
2.949
24,000
36,084 90
1,407.14
12,000.00
116,784.78
1,407 14
12,000.00
Switzerland Mise.
57,584
42,400.00
40,682
13,754.00
56,154.00
3,851.00
Sweden Mise.
6,554
9,776.10
25,334
8,702.50
18,478.60
121.00
TOTALS
1,056,247 $1,031,357.14
718.873
$280,365.30
$1,322,406.90
WHERE JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES SENT RELIEF GIFTS
Pounds of Clothing
Pairs of Shoes
Pounds of Food
Pounds of Mise. Supplies
Austria
39,304
4,118
43.675
Belgium
28,113
2,576
1.397
Bulgaria
China
Czechoslovakia
33,458
2,435
6,450
Denmark
35,219
3,832
Englund
21,160
1,786
31,970
Finland
23,973
1.944
6,450
France
39,545
3,948
6,450
Germany
544,749
72,804
564,025
80,459
Greece
17,888
2.813
2,lo0
Hungary
32,054
3,349
21,500
Italy
9,266
4,300
Netherlands
122,533
11,494
7,958
Norway
20,514
2,244
Philippine Republic
10,594
2.239
Poland
77,324
7,888
11,411
Rumania
10,750
TOTALS
1,056,247
124,110
718,873
80,710
41. In behalf of this work, what expression does the Society make?
DETERMINED TO PRAISE HIM MORE AND MORE
42 Men and women who really want to know the truth about Jehovah’s witnesses will look at their work, their teachings and their service to Jehovah’s kingdom with clear vision not blurred by gossip, false statements and prejudice. When one sees the truth, he will want more of it and in time will become a real minister. Once in a while you hear a person say, “I am afraid to study ■with Jehovah’s witnesses. When I get to believing everything that you do, I’ll lose all my old friends. I might become involved in something, and I don’t want to take on the responsibility of going from house to house the way you do. I would be ridiculed and maybe persecuted as you are.” This is entirely the wrong attitude for any individual to take. One cannot straddle the fence. Individuals must take a stand for Jehovah’s new world or stick with the old one. The Scriptures clearly point out that you cannot serve God and the Devil. You must be either hot or cold; you must be either for or against the Lord. Persons who are desirous of engaging in the political, commercial or religious affairs of the world, supporting them even as they support one another in opposition to the supremacy of the Almighty God, will have to go down with that old world organization when it is destroyed at the battle of Armageddon. The decision must be made now in these last days of the old world. It pays to serve Jehovah. He alone can give you life, while the wages sin pays is death.—Rom. 6: 23.
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