The Watchtower, June 1, 1972

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The Watchtower — June 1, 1972

Source: jw.org

Contents

Christendom’s Days Are Numbered!

They Are Leaving the Churches

Never “Too Busy to Pray”

Take Time to Pray Every Day

Their Prayers Were Answered

Current Events in the Light of the Bible

Singapore Suppresses Christian Minority

Who Was “Darius the Mede”?

Questions From Readers

An Easily Read Bible

Christendom’s Days Are Numbered!

Christendom’s Days Are Numbered!

SINCE the fourth century C.E., or for 1,600 years, the section of nations known as Christendom has dominated the earth. But in recent times Christendom has been thrown into fear by the rise of Communism. This godless ideology has gained strength as a serious threat to Christendom’s continued existence.

Additionally, right in Christendom’s own realm she is disintegrating. Church membership has decreased, and in some instances attendance has fallen so low that church buildings have been closed. Men are leaving the priesthood and the ministry. Faced with these and other significant evidences, the pastor of the largest church in Denver, Colorado, said:

“The truth is, in spite of the heritage and goodwill of the church, it is currently in a state of decline.”

A minister in Ontario remarked: “The times are tough and will no doubt get tougher for the men who wear round collars and preach sermons.”

Nevertheless, some may say, ‘Yes, but the churches will ride out the storm. Look at Christendom’s antiquity. True, it is a test on the church, but God will pull it through.’ Roman Catholic Archbishop James V. Casey looks for an early recovery: “I can’t help but feel,” he says, “the church will come out stronger in the 1970s than it was before.” And the Ontario minister who saw tough times ahead for the clergy added: “But they are exciting and challenging too.”

Is the rather halfhearted optimism expressed by such clergymen justified? If the final outcome were left in the hands of men, they might possibly see some ray of hope for Christendom’s survival. But it is really to God that Christendom has to account. The apostle Paul writes to those professing Christianity, pointing out to them that it is God “with whom we have an accounting.” (Heb. 4:13) Has Christendom come to her time to face God in an accounting?

Yes, the signs indicate that the days of Christendom’s churches are numbered, and the Bible points to that fact even more definitely. How does the Bible reveal this shocking truth?

AN ACCURATE PICTORIAL EXAMPLE

Well, besides saying much in the Christian Scriptures about the destruction of hypocritical false religion, the Bible tells us that things that occurred during Jerusalem’s ancient history were typical, and were recorded as a warning. They correspond with the things that would take place near the end of the present system of things. (Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 10:11) This God-inspired record sets before us as a parallel of Christendom the case of Jerusalem. Jerusalem, as Christendom, professed to serve God, and her religious leaders also prophesied survival for her.

We go back to a time only about six years before Jerusalem was destroyed​—very close to its end. Certainly a warning to Jerusalem’s inhabitants then would be timely and extremely urgent. God kindly provided it. In Jerusalem, God’s prophet Jeremiah was busy warning the people, while among the exiled Jews in Babylon Ezekiel was given a vision actually numbering the greatly shortened days of Jerusalem’s existence. In the vision, Ezekiel was shown that Jerusalem would face its accounting with God exactly three hundred and ninety years from the time that the division of Israel into two kingdoms had occurred. Alarming! Why? Because already three hundred and eighty-four years of that time had passed (997-613 B.C.E.). In 607 B.C.E. Jerusalem’s end would come!

What is there about Jerusalem’s position that should concern us now? This: that Christendom has come to the same corrupt condition that Jerusalem had then reached. Moreover, the same Ezekiel-like warning has been given to Christendom for more than fifty years now. By whom? Who acts as a modern-day “Ezekiel”? It is the association composed of true Christians, Christ’s spiritual brothers who are on earth today. In this work they have been assisted by thousands of others who have taken up the warning message and are carrying it to the people. These anointed spiritual brothers of Christ, as a body, serve as a “prophet” for God, and are witnesses for Jehovah.

The Ezekiel-like warning they give emphasizes the nearness of Christendom’s end. And it consists of information, not only from Ezekiel’s prophecy, but also from other parts of God’s Word the Bible. Bible chronology and the things fulfilling prophecy before our eyes make certain the early destruction of Christendom. Briefly the Bible gives us the following picture:

In the fall of 1914 C.E. the “Gentile Times” ended. These “times” embraced the period from the fall of God’s typical kingdom in 607 B.C.E. until 1914 C.E. (2,520 years). During this period the Gentile nations ruled as they pleased without interference from any kingdom representing God, either on earth or in heaven. But 1914 marked the time of the enthronement of Christ on the heavenly throne.a Christendom has been on judgment, especially since then, and since 1914 her record has been more bloodstained than in all her past history. She is responsible for two world wars, fought within her own realm, and nothing seems to deter her from preparing for a third one. Her sins of bloodshed, immorality, crime, delinquency, revolution, idolatry and spiritism are so great that, like Jerusalem, there is no longer any justification for her existence. She has proved to be a fighter against God and his Messianic kingdom.

When you read what God said about Jerusalem, notice how accurately it describes Christendom’s condition. God said to Ezekiel:

“This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah has said, ‘This is Jerusalem. In the midst of the nations I have set her, with lands all around her. And she proceeded to behave rebelliously against my judicial decisions in wickedness more than the nations, and against my statutes more than the lands that are all around her, for my judicial decisions they rejected and, as for my statutes, they did not walk in them.’

“Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah has said, ‘For the reason that you people were more turbulent than the nations that are all around you, in my statutes you did not walk and my judicial decisions you did not perform; but according to the judicial decisions of the nations that are all around you, you performed, did you not? Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah has said: “Here I am against you, O city, even I, and I will execute in the midst of you judicial decisions in the eyes of the nations. And I will do in you that which I have not done and the like of which I shall not do anymore by reason of all your detestable things.”’”​—Ezek. 5:5-9.

BAD FOOD AND HEALTH CONDITIONS

Now, with Christendom more than fifty years in her “time of the end,” and in view of her internal state of affairs, it is evident that Christendom’s days must indeed be numbered. When these days end, then what? Jehovah told Ezekiel what would occur in the typical pattern, Jerusalem:

“And as for you, take for yourself wheat and barley and broad beans and lentils and millet and spelt, and you must put them in one utensil and make them into bread for you [such mixture of ingredients would be unclean to a law-abiding Jew. (Compare Leviticus 19:19.)], for the number of the days that you are lying upon your side; three hundred and ninety days you will eat it. And your food that you will eat will be by weight [as in a famine]​—twenty shekels a day [slightly over eight ounces]. From time to time you will eat it. And water you will drink merely by measure, the sixth part of a hin [about a pint]. From time to time you will drink.”​—Ezek. 4:9-11.

A starvation shortage that would bring on pestilence! But even more horrible things would occur:

“‘Therefore fathers themselves will eat sons in the midst of you, and sons themselves will eat their fathers, and I will execute in you acts of judgment and scatter all the remainder of you to every wind. Therefore as I am alive,’ is the utterance of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah, ‘surely for the reason that it was my sanctuary that you defiled with all your disgusting things and with all your detestable things, I myself also am the One that will diminish you and my eye will not feel sorry and I myself also will not show compassion. A third of you​—by the pestilence they will die, and by famine they will come to their end in the midst of you.”’​—Ezek. 5:10-12.

Then Jehovah showed Ezekiel that conditions in Jerusalem would get so bad that food would be almost nonexistent, and that they might even have to use dung as fuel. When Jehovah, in order to emphasize the extreme hardships that would develop, told Ezekiel to use human excrement as fuel, as the son of a priest he was horrified. The thought was revolting; so God allowed him to use cattle manure. Just as horrified as Ezekiel was about this, so the Jews would be at the conditions they would experience during Jerusalem’s siege by the Babylonians. Jehovah said:

“Son of man, here I am breaking the rods around which ring-shaped loaves are suspended, in Jerusalem, and they will have to eat bread by weight and in anxious care, and it will be by measure and in horror that they will drink water itself, to the intent that they may be lacking bread and water and they may look astonished at one another and rot away in their error.”​—Ezek. 4:16, 17.

What about the survivors of the famine and pestilence? To show what would happen to them, Ezekiel was told to shave off his hair and his beard and to weigh it out in three portions. A third was to be burned with fire, another part struck with the sword and the last portion scattered to the wind.​—Ezek. 5:1-4.

The third to be burned in the midst of the city would stand for those dying by famine and pestilence.​—Ezek. 5:12.

The third of the hair struck with the sword would represent the portion of the people not dying by pestilence, but who would be killed with the sword of warfare.

The last third would symbolize the survivors of Jerusalem’s fall, who would suffer dispersal among the Gentile nations, as the hair that was scattered to the wind. They were scattered, not for a peaceful life in exile, but, as Jehovah said: “I shall draw out a sword itself after them.”​—Ezek. 5:2.

Ezekiel evidently was to take a part of this last third of his hair and use it in two ways. God commanded him: “And you must take therefrom a few in number and wrap them up in your skirts. And others of them you will take and you must pitch them into the midst of the fire and incinerate them in the fire.”​—Ezek. 5:3, 4.

By God’s undeserved kindness, the situation was therefore not absolutely hopeless for all Jerusalem’s inhabitants. The few hairs bound up in Ezekiel’s skirts would represent a remnant from among those taken captive. These would go into exile also, but they (or their offspring) would come back from the dispersion to take up a purified worship of Jehovah after the land of Judah had lain desolate for seventy years.

Nonetheless, for the captives in general, it would be a very hard, sad experience. The consuming fire of Jehovah’s anger would be against them, for God said of those represented by the hairs from the last third pitched into the fire: “From one a fire will go forth to all the house of Israel.” Like human hair, they would be very combustible and would not enjoy Jehovah’s protection.​—Ezek. 5:4.

NO SURVIVAL TO BETTER TIMES FOR CHRISTENDOM

Are such terrible things coming upon Christendom? Well, already we see that declining church attendance is causing churches and related seminaries and other institutions to begin to suffer and perish from lack of contributions and patronage. This is because the clergy have not fed the people true spiritual food from God’s Word. Many have not read the Bible and an increasing number are losing all belief in it and even in God. Like Israel, “the whole head is in a sick condition, and the whole heart is feeble.” (Isa. 1:5) Those who do not bother themselves to discern this fact now will find it too late when Christendom’s days run out. All the signs show this time is dangerously near.

Consequently, just as Jerusalem was turned over to the full fury of the Babylonian armies, so Christendom will not escape devastation at the hands of disgusted worldly elements. God will not pull her through, for it is God himself that is directing her execution. Any associated with Christendom who survive the destruction of false religion in the “great tribulation” will not come through to any improved, long-lived future. They will experience only the fire of Jehovah’s anger and his symbolic “sword” of judicial execution in the final part of the “great tribulation,” the “war of the great day of God the Almighty” at the world situation called Har–Magedon.​—Rev. 16:14-16; 19:11-21.

What is the value of considering all these things? It is of the greatest value to you. For there is a way to escape Christendom’s execution. Recall the few hairs that Ezekiel wrapped up in his skirts. It is not yet too late for those associated with Christendom’s churches to listen to the Ezekiel-like warning now being proclaimed by Jehovah’s Christian witnesses, and find the place that He has kindly provided for refuge from his burning anger. How can we be assured that there is such a place of refuge?

We can be sure because God has stated his purpose to have a “new earth,” a righteous human society upon this earth. He does not purpose to leave a religious vacuum. To the contrary, his very purpose in destroying false religion is to have pure worship unrivaled and undisputed in the earth.​—Gen. 1:28; 2 Pet. 3:13.

Therefore the people who will survive the “great tribulation” are those who will not let themselves continue to be deceived and fooled by the hypocritical, lying claims of religious clergymen. They must also be people who care about what is happening, not only to themselves, but also to others. They must think and reason. They must realize that there is TRUTH in the earth, and that Jehovah is the God of truth. They must recognize, as did a few in ancient Jerusalem, the life-or-death need to “set matters straight” with Jehovah to avoid being ‘eaten up’ by the sword of execution.​—Isa. 1:18-20; compare John 8:32.

Since Christendom’s days are fast running out, it means that immediate, definite, decisive action must be taken by all who want to live. The coming “great tribulation” will not be easy for anyone, for, as the apostle Peter wrote: “If the righteous man is being saved with difficulty, where will the ungodly man and the sinner make a showing?” But he also said: “Jehovah knows how to deliver people of godly devotion out of trial.”​—1 Pet. 4:18; 2 Pet. 2:9; Matt. 24:21, 22.

[Footnotes]

See the book The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life, chapter 10, published by Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, Brooklyn, New York.

They Are Leaving the Churches

They Are Leaving the Churches

AMONG those leaving the churches of Christendom today are people who have a real love of righteousness. Not only are they disturbed by the hypocrisy they have witnessed in the churches, but they are very much interested in learning about the Bible. Many of these sincere people are now enjoying a study of the Holy Scriptures with Jehovah’s Christian witnesses. They are also eager to tell others about the good things they have learned.

● In Shillong, India, a college student began studying the Bible with Jehovah’s witnesses. Later he returned to his village. There he built a Kingdom Hall and began holding regular meetings. Recently one of Jehovah’s witnesses from Shillong visited the village. To his great surprise, eighteen persons were assembled with the former college student. Their deep interest in the Bible was evident from their many questions. Twelve of those present had already severed their ties with the Lutheran church. Included in this group was a seventy-year-old man who had been a preacher in the Lutheran church for sixteen years. His leaving the church meant being deprived of his livelihood. But with joy he exclaimed: “I have come out of Babylon the Great and now I am in God’s organization.”

● In yet another village of India, where a new church was being constructed, Jehovah’s witnesses began building a modest Kingdom Hall. Eventually church attendance dwindled and attendance at the Kingdom Hall increased. The number of those sharing the Bible’s message with others in the village increased to twenty-eight. Recently, when a traveling minister of Jehovah’s witnesses gave a public discourse on Sunday at the Kingdom Hall, 149 persons attended. But only five people were seen at the church that Sunday.

The fine attendance at the Kingdom Hall was despite the fact that the church secretary had hired a man to go round the village, beating a drum and calling the people to church. Church members even got a man to throw dung into the hut where the traveling minister of Jehovah’s witnesses was staying.

According to the latest information, the church secretary has left that church and the treasurer is seriously thinking about doing so. The thought among those who are still church members is that Jehovah’s witnesses will soon be using the church building as their Kingdom Hall.

Never “Too Busy to Pray”

Never “Too Busy to Pray”

“Pray incessantly.”​—1 Thess. 5:17.

1, 2. (a) What is prayer? (b) What danger is there is not praying?

SPEECH is the natural bridge to understanding and friendship between men. Prayer is the spiritual bridge to understanding and friendship between man and Jehovah God. It is described as a precious privilege, but is so often neglected. Are you at a loss for words as to what to say and how to say it to your Father in heaven? In the pursuit of life and happiness it is not wise to forget to talk to the Source of life, our Creator and God, Jehovah.

2 Did you forget to talk to God today? Do you find yourself overwhelmed by circumstances so that you overlook the need to pray? We are living in the midst of an ungrateful world. There is an ever-present danger of becoming a forgetter of God, saying in effect that you have no need of him. What impression are you giving to the “Hearer of prayer,” the One to whom all people should come?​—Ps. 65:2.

3. When “too busy” to pray, what may one actually be saying?

3 Your prayers mirror your dependence on the Life-Giver. Can anyone really “be too busy” to pray and actually ignore God? By your silence it may be that you are saying in effect, There is no God, or he is dead or not interested in man. Modern science has accomplished much, but gives little or no credit to the Creator of all things. Should we let their accomplishments and their products distract us from talking to God? Of all times, today we need to stay awake to our privilege of prayer.​—Luke 21:34-36.

4. Should prayers be repetitious, or what should they reveal?

4 By your requests God knows what is on your mind, what concerns you most. He knows whether you keenly desire the things asked for or if you merely recite words. We are admonished in Matthew 6:7: “But when praying, do not say the same things over and over again.” Some may find it difficult to talk to someone they never saw; others may feel they have nothing to say to the One who already knows everything. But should a Christian reason that way?

5. (a) Give examples of men of prayer. (b) Who is our best example?

5 The Bible, the book of prayer, tells of outstanding men of prayer such as Moses, Daniel and David. King Solomon asked for wisdom and discernment so as to judge properly. Daniel used prayer very effectively in Babylon. (Dan. 9:4, 5, 18, 19) Although we could point to many men of prayer, we can with surety say that no man appreciated prayer like Christ Jesus. Prayer was a prominent part of his life. Even with supernatural powers at his disposal, he always looked to his Father in heaven for wisdom and strength, as well as voicing praise and thanksgiving.​—John 5:19, 30.

6. (a) What pattern for prayer is there? (b) How should prayer be viewed?

6 We have the simplest yet the greatest pattern of prayer in the sermon on the mountain. (Matt. 6:9-13) The master teacher talked to his disciples about prayer, and he himself found quiet places to meditate and commune with Jehovah. He was not careless about prayer nor was he ever too busy to pray, even in his active life. He emphasized the need always to pray and never to give up. (Luke 18:1) The apostles likewise stressed the subject. (Eph. 6:18; 1 Pet. 4:7) With all the Scriptural emphasis, we should appreciate the value of talking with our heavenly Father. Is it your desire to reach the lofty throne of Jehovah often with your voice of thanks, praise and petition? What a wonderful gift to man, this privilege of prayer! Day and night in any language you can speak to God, accepting his invitation to approach him, telling him what is on your heart and mind.

REASONS TO KEEP PRAYING

7. How can decisions be made in harmony with Jehovah’s will?

7 Prayer helps you to stop and think when making decisions. Remember, Jesus spent a whole night in prayer prior to choosing his apostles. (Luke 6:12, 13) Daily you are faced with decisions that affect yourself, your family, your brothers and your relation to God. It is appropriate to ask for direction to do God’s will. Then when you know what is pleasing to him, act decisively and with confidence that you are doing what is right.

8. How is prayer a protection, and what might you ask for?

8 Included in the model prayer is the request to be delivered from the wicked one. (Matt. 6:13) Keep asking for God’s help to be strong and endure temptation, so that you might have the courage to say No to deceptive desires, trends, and snares of the old system. (1 Cor. 10:13, 14) We should pray for one another to be on guard against the one who wants to bring Jehovah’s people down to defeat. (2 Thess. 2:9-11) If we practice badness, the Hearer of prayer will not be listening to our petitions. (Prov. 15:29) Thinking on divine principles and laws will help us to see the approved way to go. Ask that you might recall scriptures and Bible examples of faithfulness to keep you away from the borderline of compromise and temptation.

9. (a) What will help in maintaining spiritually? (b) What is often neglected?

9 Never hesitate to pray to keep spiritually alive. Our expressing ourselves in this vein will keep us alert to ways to maintain our spirituality. You are aware of your physical needs such as food, sleep, work and recreation. However, the spiritual needs can easily be neglected, such as the need to pray, to study God’s Word and to share it with others. (Matt. 5:3) As a minister of God, to fulfill your objective in life, rather than taking a natural view of things, endeavor to obtain Jehovah’s elevated viewpoint, to the end of fully pleasing him.​—Col. 1:9, 10.

10. (a) Why should we ask for Jehovah’s spirit? (b) What will it aid us to do?

10 To be alive and alert to privileges of serving the only true God, it is vital to have his holy spirit. Do you find yourself asking for it? Christ Jesus recommended doing just that: “How much more so will the Father in heaven give holy spirit to those asking him!” (Luke 11:13) Pray for it, rely on it, work for the fruitage of the spirit, for it will motivate you to preach the Kingdom good news. (Luke 4:18, 19) Just think what would be accomplished by a free flow of the holy spirit in each one’s life, helping one to grow in love, goodness and righteousness, and protecting one from being infected with the spirit of the world.​—1 Cor. 2:12.

11. (a) What three things can we request? (b) And why are they needed?

11 Our prayer should also be for Bible knowledge, understanding and wisdom. As the human body takes in food, water and air to function, so the mind must be supplied with spiritual food and provisions of divine knowledge and instruction to enable us to cope with problems of life and to accomplish God’s will in our life. The apostle Paul continued praying that the love of the brothers “may abound yet more and more with accurate knowledge and full discernment.” (Phil. 1:9) There is a need for understanding; this can be sought after, as well as wisdom. Never be too busy so as not to pray that you might make the best possible use of your time and talents and resources. We are encouraged by James: “If any one of you is lacking in wisdom, let him keep on asking God, for he gives generously to all.”​—Jas. 1:5.

12. If we want God to listen to our prayers which must we do?

12 Our sincerity in prayer is shown by the effort made to learn what God says to us. By regularly studying His Word we are listening to him, letting him talk to us. We need to heed and listen to God’s counsel as the Israelites were encouraged to do. (Deut. 28:15) When going before an earthly ruler, would it be polite to dominate the conversation, doing all the talking? It is only reasonable that, if we want Jehovah to listen to our prayers, we must pay attention to how we listen to him.​—Prov. 28:9.

KEEP AWAKE FOR SERVICE

13. How can one keep alert to witness to others?

13 Having come to a knowledge of the truth, the generous person will be ready to share it with others. Why not pray daily for opportunities to witness. When pausing for water at a well, Christ Jesus witnessed, and as a result many became believers. (John 4:5-42) We can petition God that we might be found in a proper frame of mind to tell the good news anytime, anywhere, as a guest in someone’s home, in the routine of daily activity or in the actual public preaching work.

14. (a) What should accompany our petitions to God? (b) How could our talking to him be in vain?

14 We are obligated to work in harmony with our prayers. As we practice forgiving we can ask for forgiveness. (Matt. 6:12) When asking God to bless the increase of his organization, requesting him to make it grow, then we should plant and water. (1 Cor. 3:6, 7) We should busy ourselves in his ministry. Prayer is not a substitute for honest effort. Certainly God will not do for us what we can do ourselves. If we want to grow to maturity, then we ought to study diligently and carefully obey the good news. You will talk to Jehovah in vain if you do not work in accord with your prayers to him.

15, 16. How can a person prove he is for God’s kingdom?

15 There is a grand witness work to be done today. Jesus said: “Also, in all the nations the good news has to be preached first.” (Mark 13:10) Are you thankful for the privilege to represent the Kingdom government, recommending it to others? We should pray to be useful to the Sovereign Lord that we might prove to be zealous witnesses, talking to others, as well as to him, using his spirit to help us to preach.

16 Prayer improves the heart attitude and the mental appreciation for what counts the most in God’s sight. That is why Paul prayed that the brothers might “make sure of the more important things.” (Phil. 1:9, 10) In the model prayer of Jesus we have emphasized the universal triumph of righteousness in vindication of Jehovah’s name and sovereignty by means of his kingdom. (Matt. 6:9, 10) Why should anything or anybody loom up more importantly in a Christian’s mind than doing God’s will and placing His great name and kingdom foremost?

YOUR PRAYERS TELL ON YOU

17. What will prayers reveal as to pride and humility?

17 Your daily prayers mirror your humility and closeness to God. By calling him Father you acknowledge an inferior position for yourself. Only the humble will talk to Jehovah out of the abundance of the heart; others will find it hurtful to their pride to confess their sins and need of protection. (Luke 18:10-14) Our communication with the loving Creator should display childlike simplicity, sincerity and reverence. It is a joy to talk with one you love and shows true friendship to confide in him, revealing what concerns you most, where your interests are, telling him your desires and regrets.

18, 19. Expressing ourselves to God is a good reminder of what? How can our prayers show maturity?

18 Expressing ourselves in petitions to God is a daily reminder that what we have, comes from the Giver of every good gift. How beautifully the scripture says: “Every good gift and every perfect present is from above.” (Jas. 1:17) Living as we do in the midst of a proud, haughty world with its improper value of treasures, it is good to acknowledge our contentment with what we have, requesting: “Give me neither poverty nor riches.”​—Prov. 30:8; 1 Tim. 6:6-10.

19 If we always try to reflect God’s glory, then our sincere and humble requests will show our maturity and protect us from boasting. Christ Jesus always pointed to his Father, turning attention to him. Following his example will make us careful not to attract attention to ourselves. (Mark 10:17, 18) Ever drawing close to Jehovah in prayer can save us from the snare of overconfidence, keeping our hearts in tune with our God.​—Jas. 4:8-10.

20. (a) On whom should we always rely? (b) By our taking what course will there be no later regrets?

20 It is important regularly to recognize our dependence on God for what we have and need. Tell him what is in your heart as you express appreciation for the measure of health and life you enjoy. Follow the instruction of the psalmist: “Before him pour out your heart.” (Ps. 62:8) By your prayers you show that you are not relying solely on your own strength and ingenuity. Ask that you might use your ‘all’ wisely in the Kingdom’s interests so that later there will be no regrets of wasted days or years when little can be shown for any real progress or results in Kingdom service.

21. (a) How does one become a minister? (b) How is the best progress made thereafter?

21 It is probably the exception that any of Jehovah’s witnesses planned on being a minister. However, who can question the ability of God to make a minister out of anyone? By accepting the teaching and training available through the Bible and publications provided by the Watch Tower Society and regularly attending the Kingdom Hall congregational meetings, one can progress rapidly from a student to a teacher of God’s Word. (2 Tim. 3:16, 17) What a privilege to let Jehovah use you to minister the truth to others! This is something to work for and pray for.

22. Who should get the credit for progress made?

22 When you consider the progress you have already made, it is proper and fitting to give Jehovah the credit. Did the success of Christ Jesus go to his head? No, he himself said when inviting others: “Take my yoke upon you and become my disciples, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart.” (Matt. 11:29) The gifted apostle Paul credited God for making things grow. (1 Cor. 3:5-7; 2 Thess. 3:1) Your prayers should show your acknowledgment that what success you have enjoyed in the ministry has been dependent on God’s blessing.

23. (a) What is a good indication of faith? (b) If we are not meeting with success, what can be done?

23 One of the best indications that the Christian has faith in God is prayer. Always be on the lookout for indications of his blessing. Ask for God’s direction and help. Be sure to correct your course when not meeting with success. What seems best is not better than what Jehovah says. Display your complete trust in your heavenly Provider, not leaning on your own ideas. (Prov. 3:5, 6) Then you will want to rejoice when you see his hand with you in giving the witness. Our prayers can express our heartfelt desire to be of service to the Most High God. In view of the fact that our enemies are stronger than we are, it is good to show appreciation for the divine protection we have. That we are alive and busy in the ministry is evidence of divine approval and God’s protecting hand. Be sure to use every form of prayer along with the spiritual armor that has been provided in order to stand firm.​—Eph. 6:18.

EXPRESS APPRECIATION ALWAYS

24. For what should we be always thankful, and why should we pray incessantly?

24 Prayer should include expressions of praise and thanksgiving. Life is so valuable that no one can set a price on it. Prayer can be said to be a yardstick of our gratefulness for life. Giving thanks to the Life-Giver aids us to count our blessings. There are many occasions daily to say ‘Thank you’ silently to our heavenly Provider. The grateful heart appreciates the small things as well as the big ones. Readily recognize the Source of all goodness, as the psalmist David did: “You are opening your hand and satisfying the desire of every living thing.” (Ps. 145:16) Follow the advice in First Thessalonians 5:17, 18: “Pray incessantly. In connection with everything give thanks.”

25, 26. Who can be copied in giving? What can be given to others?

25 Living in a selfish world where people think there is more happiness in getting, we need to copy our God, the Great Giver. Also we should keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus: “There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” (Acts 20:35) After our having come to a knowledge of the truth it is not intended that it be hoarded selfishly but it is to be used like a wonderful trust, wisely in Kingdom service. We can often thank our Maker, who gave us the gift of speech so that we are able to talk and tell others the wonderful truths learned from the Bible. Neighbor love will move you to be hospitable with what you know. Then it would be most appropriate to thank Jehovah for the good experiences enjoyed in going from door to door preaching and in calling back on interested ones.

26 Sharing the message of God’s Word with others, visiting them in their homes, helping them to search the Scriptures is a joyful work. It is a pleasure to feed starving people the word of life. (Amos 8:11; Matt. 4:4) If you are timid about expressing your faith to others, pray for boldness and courage to preach. (Acts 4:29) It is not a religious drudgery to be an active witness to Jehovah’s kingdom, but genuine joy comes from being a loving extrovert, cheerfully helping others on the way to life.​—2 Cor. 9:7.

THE NEED FOR DIRECTION

27. (a) Is it proper in prayer to ask for miracles? (b) What can be requested?

27 In an age of growing self-indulgence, fallen moral standards, a materialistic generation, the Christian needs continual divine guidance for protection. (Jer. 10:23) We should not expect a miracle every time we pray, but it is good to ask for wisdom to cope with our problems. Our petition can be for Jehovah’s spirit too, for it guides us in the right direction, in safe paths so that we might bring our whole life pattern into conformity with God’s will for us. (Col. 3:10) God’s guidance is a supplement to and not a substitute for action on our part. An earthly father expects his son to show initiative when given a task, so God expects his people to come to him mainly with problems they cannot solve themselves. By listening to him daily we will receive wisdom to stay well within the safe bounds of his laws and Scriptural principles.​—Eccl. 7:12.

28. (a) How can we be more useful to the Creator? (b) What is the advantage of meditating on God’s Word?

28 It is the course of wisdom to qualify our petitions to God: ‘If it be your will.’ (Jas. 4:13-15) If we claim to be Christian, following Christ Jesus, we should not be doing things of our own initiative that run contrary to God’s will for us. Our continual request should be to do the divine will, to be sensitive to God’s direction. If we want our prayers to be heard we must be doing the all-important will of our Father in heaven. As recorded in John 9:31, a man healed by Jesus said very fitting words along this line: “But if anyone is God-fearing and does his will, he listens to this one.” It is fine to meditate on what you study and learn from the Bible, the inspired Word of God, keeping your mind and heart filled to brimming; then out of the abundance of your heart you will witness readily to those you meet.​—1 Pet. 3:15.

29. How can we aid our brothers in prayer?

29 As we approach the universal war of Armageddon it is vital to stay close to Jehovah’s mighty organization. Jehovah’s witnesses by means of 27,254 congregations throughout the world are bound together in love and unity. We should pray for that organization and those in it, that our brothers might stay solid in the faith. (1 Pet. 5:9) We would be easy targets for the Devil if we were to forsake the association of God’s people and try to go it alone.

30. Where should we remain for safety?

30 Your prayers tell how much you appreciate the organization that brought you the truth and that feeds you regularly, as through the columns of the Watchtower magazine. How foolish to wander off now to other pastures and think you can come back later if you choose to do so. One elderly brother who had been in the truth, active and busy for many years, when asked how he stayed faithful and true for so long replied to the effect that if you stay in the middle of a flock of sheep you cannot get lost. May our daily prayer be that we may also always be found in the midst of Jehovah’s people. Never be too busy to pray like that.

Take Time to Pray Every Day

Take Time to Pray Every Day

1. What is a good practice before eating?

WHEN the family comes together for their meals each day it is a fine practice to pause first and express appreciation for the provision of food. Do you stop and thank God for the food you eat? Yes, it may have been your money that bought it and perhaps your hands that cultivated it or prepared it for serving, but, when you think about it, was it not our grand Creator who made the wonderful provision of food in the first place, as explained in the book of Genesis: “Here I have given to you all vegetation bearing seed which is on the surface of the whole earth and every tree on which there is the fruit of a tree bearing seed. To you let it serve as food”?​—Gen. 1:29.

2. (a) Should we be too busy to recognize the Giver of food? (b) What confidence did David and Christ Jesus express?

2 Jehovah wonderfully designed the vast and delicious variety of things to eat, such as grains, vegetables, fruits and meats. How can anyone be too busy to remember the Giver of anything so vital as the food we eat and need for daily nourishment. It does not take many words to show appreciation and recognition that is due God in this regard. Here again we can imitate Christ Jesus, who taught us to pray: “Give us today our bread for this day.” (Matt. 6:11) When he fed thousands miraculously he said a blessing. (Matt. 14:14-21) We can have faith that Jehovah will not let his people go hungry. David had that confidence when he wrote: “A young man I used to be, I have also grown old, and yet I have not seen anyone righteous left entirely, nor his offspring looking for bread.”​—Ps. 37:25; Matt. 6:31-33.

3. (a) What is an important part of our worship? (b) Why should we come in time for the opening of our meetings?

3 Congregational prayer is a vital part of our worship. It shows proper respect to be at the meetings arranged for the congregation in time to be seated so as to listen carefully to the opening prayer. One dedicated brother is chosen to represent the group in prayer. Listen to what he says, expressing himself in prayer to God. If you are in agreement with the thoughts that are expressed, you can say from the heart, ‘Amen’ (a Hebrew word that means “surely”).​—1 Cor. 14:16.

4. What does prayer do for those attending a meeting?

4 It is stimulating to hear warm expressions of praise, thanksgiving to Jehovah, the Hearer of prayer, and requests for his spirit and guidance. How fitting it is to pray at the start and the closing of our meetings for Bible study and training. It aids the attender to dismiss distracting thoughts and lends an air of seriousness to the arrangement. Both young and old can listen and learn to fear and obey God as they gather together. (Deut. 31:12) Truly the precious provision of prayer at our meetings binds our brothers together in love and unity and helps us to keep in mind those unable to attend. (Acts 12:5) Praying together binds a congregation together and, along with other spiritual blessings of the meetings, incites all to love and fine works.​—Heb. 10:24, 25.

PERSONAL PRAYERS

5, 6. (a) Is there some special position or formality required when prayer is offered? (b) Why will kneeling aid?

5 Talking with God should not be limited to mealtime and the congregational meetings. We can find many occasions daily to commune with our Father in heaven. There is no special position necessary or formality to follow. The apostle Paul follows up a description of our spiritual armor with these words: “While with every form of prayer and supplication you carry on prayer on every occasion in spirit.”​—Eph. 6:18.

6 Kneeling when praying helps one to have the right mental attitude. It is a most respectful way to approach the Sovereign of the universe. (Eph. 3:14) In some lands it is customary to bow to people. It is most proper to bow to the Greatest Person alive. The invitation of Psalm 95:6 is: “O come in, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before Jehovah our Maker.” It is just marvelous to think that no appointment is needed; anytime or anywhere a brief request or expression of gratitude can be made through the channel, Christ Jesus, to God.​—John 16:23.

7. (a) Name two vital things to consider in talking to God. (b) Why is it good to be in a quiet place?

7 Talking with God is a matter of the heart as well as the mind. The psalmist emphasized this point, saying: “I have called with my whole heart. Answer me, O Jehovah.” (Ps. 119:145) Rather than a special physical position or a place to pray, it is what you say and the motive behind the words that count. Do not say the same things over repetitiously. Some think that prayer is more effective this way. But that is not what Jesus recommended. (Matt. 6:7) It is not good to memorize words for this purpose. In sincere prayer it is the ideas and thoughts that mean the most. Worship must be from the heart, not only the lips. (Matt. 15:8) It is beneficial and aids in concentration to seek out a quiet place to talk to God.​—See Matthew 6:6; Mark 1:35; Luke 9:18.

8. Why should a confession of sins be made? On what basis?

8 Aside from your basic needs and other petitions, do you confess your sins in the Scriptural way? On the basis of Jehovah’s loving-kindness and mercy we can now plead for forgiveness of our sins by means of Christ’s sacrifice. (Num. 14:17-19) There is one mediator, Christ Jesus, the appointed way to approach God. (1 John 1:9; 1 Tim. 2:5) Of course, if we want forgiveness we in turn must be forgiving, as shown in Luke 11:4. It is well to remember that, no matter how much you forgive others, you will never equal the extent to which God has forgiven you.

9. (a) What follow-through is necessary for mercy to be shown? (b) Describe a loving provision for help.

9 An earnest confession of sins and error aids one to go forward with a better conscience. (Ps. 32:5) However, do not confess your sins at night and ask to be forgiven if the next day you fail to put forth the proper effort to overcome the particular weakness. The proverb wisely states: “He that is covering over his transgressions will not succeed, but he that is confessing and leaving them will be shown mercy.” (Prov. 28:13) At times it is necessary also to ask help from older men in the congregation, requesting their prayers on one’s behalf, as shown in James 5:14-16. This loving arrangement is another fine provision for our spiritual well-being.

10. What benefits are there from making prayer a habit?

10 When coming to an accurate knowledge of the Bible, one will form new habits as one puts on the new personality. (Col. 3:9, 10) One of these habits should be that of regular prayer. It is good to raise your heart and, where convenient, your voice to Jehovah and talk to him. It does not require an abundance of words. When, starting out the day, you want to accomplish much, let him know that. When, tiring out during the day, you need added strength, ask for it. At the end of a day of accomplishment, there is some satisfaction; express your appreciation for it. All day long keep in touch, expressing yourself. Make it a habit to confide in your heavenly Father; then gradually prayer will become a part of your life. You will enjoy this privilege to the full. “Be vigilant with a view to prayers.” “Pray incessantly.” Establish the fine habit of talking with God.​—1 Pet. 4:7; 1 Thess. 5:17.

11. What is supplication, and when is it necessary?

11 The Bible speaks of supplication along with prayer, supplication being a more intense form of humble entreaty to God. (Phil. 4:6) Christ Jesus prayed for Peter so his faith would not give out. (Luke 22:32) Jehovah stood ready to help his own Son in time of need. (Heb. 5:7) There are times when a person needs help​—when his physical strength runs out, when his mental powers are exhausted and when serious problems need to be solved. This is the time to lean on your God for help, direction, wisdom and strength. It is comforting to learn that “the eyes of Jehovah are toward the righteous ones, and his ears are toward their cry for help.”​—Ps. 34:15.

12. What did Jehovah provide to aid in our warfare?

12 In view of the fact that our enemies are more powerful than we are, it is not possible to stand alone, without outside aid. There is the vital spiritual armor from God described in Ephesians 6:11-17, along with prayer and supplication (Eph 6 vs. 18), to enable us to stand firm against the Devil and the demons. Through diligent study, prayer, meditation and regular association with our Christian brothers and a desire to share the good news with others, we can be healthy in the faith, strong and determined to stay in the truth. As we daily draw close to our heavenly Protector we will be reminded to keep up our guard so as to wage the right kind of warfare.​—1 Tim. 6:12.

13. What wonderful relief can be had from daily burdens?

13 If you take time, not being too busy to pray, you can receive much comfort, knowing that Jehovah helps in many ways with our problems and the things that tend to weigh us down. We are invited to throw our burdens and anxieties upon him, for he assures us that he cares for us. (Ps. 55:22; 1 Pet. 5:7) After having prayed about a matter we do well to have the faith that God will take care of it, that is, if we work in harmony with what we asked of him. We are commanded not to be anxious over anything. (Phil. 4:6) Why not relieve your mind of that which may trouble you. With prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God.

OVERCOMERS WITH PRAYER

14. (a) How can we win in tests of faith? (b) How should we view the time spent in talking with God?

14 We have reached a time when we are facing the greatest crisis in world history. There are tests of faith now and more ahead. It is wise to pay constant attention to ourselves and to our teaching. (1 Tim. 4:16) It is no time to take chances. Not only must we be in the race but we must obey the rules for life. One rule is to be “vigilant with a view to prayers.” In prosperous lands it is easy to get ensnared with the love of things that you can own or possess and find yourself putting earthly treasures ahead of heavenly ones. It is very easy also to get contaminated with worldly ways. Ask Jehovah for strength to speak out the truth when necessary and strength to keep quiet when you might betray a trust. The most precious moments every day can be when you approach God, asking him to help you and that he might guard your steps in his way. (Ps. 37:34) Pray not only to win through trials and temptations but also to gain divine approval.

15. (a) Why can we expect God to listen to us? (b) Should we express ourselves freely to him?

15 The fact that God commands us to pray and fills his Word with examples of men of prayer should convince us that we can expect him to listen to our petitions. Pray to be on the safe side, Jehovah’s side of the great issue, and that you might keep a deep-seated joy of true friendship and understanding with him. If you want to enjoy the blessed close relationship with God, then you must be consistent and live in strict harmony with what you tell him. When decisions must be made, choose the course that will keep your trained Christian conscience clear and clean. (1 Tim. 1:5, 19) You should not reason that, since God already knows our inmost thoughts, it is not necessary to tell him anything. You should want to express yourself freely to him because of a heartfelt desire to enjoy the best of relations with him at all times.

16. (a) What attitude should the Christian maintain? (b) Should one talk with God and serve his enemy?

16 Our request should also be to maintain a theocratic attitude so we will not be talking to God and actually be serving his chief enemy. One who is dedicated and baptized to do God’s will should not be doing enemy thinking or acting. The Bible rule is that one cannot be serving two masters. (Matt. 6:24) Nor can we be limping between two opinions, dividing our worship and service between Jehovah’s organization and Satan’s. (1 Cor. 7:23) Some may not openly argue against the truth or God’s way of doing things but on the other hand they may refuse to act on the good things learned and thus resist the direction to move ahead. By maintaining an intimate relationship to God, using that spiritual bridge of prayer, a person will be more apt to keep in mind his always staying loyal and faithful to God.

17. (a) How is a person able to accomplish more than he thinks he can? (b) What source of strength should be tapped?

17 Your prayer habits should never deteriorate into a mere routine or formality. Continue to approach the Most High God in full faith and ask always in line with his will. (1 John 5:14, 15) Faith is not a quality only to be assigned to men of Bible times. We can pray for more faith so as to accomplish more than ‘we think we can.’ Reading the scripture at Ephesians 3:20 should encourage us to tap more regularly this unseen reservoir of unlimited help to carry out God’s will for us: “Now to the one who can, according to his power which is operating in us, do more than superabundantly beyond all the things we ask or conceive . . .” Feel free to ask for physical needs, spiritual blessings and the triumph of righteousness, and to be a better and stronger witness, giving a fine, logical explanation of the truth at a moment’s notice.

18. (a) Should we forget to pray? (b) Why do we need prayer?

18 With the principles of faithfulness and loyalty to Jehovah’s interests ingrained in our minds and hearts, may we stay strong in the faith, persevering in prayer so that we may never swerve from the path of righteousness. (Rom. 12:12) It should be unthinkable to chase Jehovah God out of our mind even for one day of our dedicated life. Consider for a moment the joy, the strength, the confidence and poise Jehovah’s name people have because they know how to reach their Father in heaven via prayer. (John 16:24) We need to think about our precious privilege of prayer often so that we will be riveted to our assigned places in Jehovah’s ever-expanding organization. We want to be ever ready to accept all that is lovingly provided to maintain our whole-souled devotion to the Hearer of prayer.

19. What excuse is heard in the field ministry, and can we properly use such excuse for not praying?

19 When presenting the Kingdom message to others, the reply is often heard: “I’m too busy.” It is hard to fathom why people are too busy to listen to a Bible message. However, on the other hand, do we find in our own course of action that we are saying in effect we are too busy to talk to God or to listen to his Word by a regular study of it? Be careful not to get caught in a whirlpool of activity that will stealthily drown your appreciation of communing with God. In other words, never let collapse that spiritual bridge to true understanding and friendship with Jehovah God.

20. What invitation should we accept daily?

20 May we be always happy for the divine invitation to pray: “Jehovah is near to all those calling upon him, to all those who call upon him in trueness.” (Ps. 145:18) Be assured that through the miracle of prayer Jehovah is able to listen to you. Speaking with him is truly a most sacred and treasured privilege. If you appreciate that fact, you will pray. Take time to do it every day.

Their Prayers Were Answered

Their Prayers Were Answered

MANY who are Jehovah’s witnesses today started a new way of life because their prayers, or prayers in their behalf, were answered.

● From the United States comes this experience: “One day in April of 1970, I went to God in prayer, really pouring out my heart to him. I remember saying, ‘Dear God, help me. If my church is right, increase my faith. If it is not, please send me the truth.’

“Two days later my prayer was answered when I found a Watchtower magazine in my door. [The magazine had been left by a Witness because no one had been at home.] I read it and the next day sent away for the book The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life. Soon thereafter I began studying the Bible with one of Jehovah’s witnesses.”

Today this woman and her two teen-age daughters are baptized witnesses of Jehovah. They are finding real joy in sharing Bible truth with others.

● In Guadeloupe two fleshly sisters became estranged when one of them became a witness of Jehovah. Each time the Witness tried to explain her Bible-based hope to her sister, her sister became angry. On one occasion she took another Witness along to speak with her sister. She hoped that this Witness might be able to get through to her sister. But, as things turned out, her sister conducted herself in an even worse manner than at other times. It seemed as if the efforts of the Witness to help her sister to gain an accurate knowledge of the Bible were all in vain. Then she decided to have a subscription for the Awake! magazine sent as a gift to her sister. Meanwhile the Witness did not stop praying that members of her family might come to view things differently.

Finally things did change. The Witness relates: “One day, while my husband and I were getting ready to attend our meeting at the Kingdom Hall, there was a knock at the door. Who was there? My fleshly sister! Yes, she wanted to have a Bible study. Imagine our joy! She told me, ‘I’m truly confused by what is taking place in the Catholic church; now I want to know.”’

Since that time the sister began attending the meetings of Jehovah’s witnesses at the Kingdom Hall with her children. Her husband was delighted with the changes she was making by applying the counsel of the Bible in her life.

Other relatives of the Witness, including her mother and a brother, have also begun to study the Bible.

Truly this can be a source of encouragement to heed the inspired admonition of the apostle Paul: “I therefore exhort, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, offerings of thanks, be made concerning all sorts of men . . . This is fine and acceptable in the sight of our Savior, God, whose will is that all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.”​—1 Tim. 2:1-4.

Current Events in the Light of the Bible

Current Events in the Light of the Bible

MANY informed persons are disturbed by news reports of worsening world conditions. They wonder why the situation continues to deteriorate despite efforts to correct matters. What is the meaning behind it all?

AN AGE OF WAR

“A half-century of conflict​—turbulence, war, revolution, desolation, and ruin.” “The century of Total War.” That is how historians describe our times. Even since 1945, some fifty-five wars have been fought.

Still fresh in the minds of many is the recent India-Pakistan war. The Middle East continues to rumble ominously. Skirmishes there threaten to precipitate an outbreak of hostilities at any moment. Indochina is a raging, bloody battlefield, and in April the newspapers reported a step-up in retaliatory bombing raids in Vietnam.

Centuries ago Jesus Christ foretold a significant time when “nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom.” Does not the world scene today fit that description?​—Matt. 24:7.

FOOD SHORTAGES THREATEN MANY

Malnutrition is taking a very heavy toll in the health and lives of people in many lands. One would think that modern equipment, improved farming methods and rapid shipping would have prevented food shortages a long time ago.

Yet a year ago it was reported that “pockets of hunger remain in the hollows of Appalachia [United States] despite the Nixon Administration’s pledge to put an end to hunger and malnutrition, and after nearly a decade of massive Federal aid to the distressed region.”​—New York “Times,” June 18, 1971.

This same paper on March 30, 1972, told of a food crisis now threatening Bangladesh. Not long before this crisis, a severe storm struck that part of the world. Thousands died of starvation.

Compare this with Jesus’ further warning that, along with wars, there would be, at the time of which he spoke, “food shortages . . . in one place after another.”​—Matt. 24:7.

EARTHQUAKES IN VARIOUS PLACES

Each year earthquakes continue to wreak havoc. Those that hit Yugoslavia, Turkey, Peru, Alaska and California in recent times may still be fresh in your mind.

Then on April 9, 1972, came Iran’s worst earthquake since 1968, striking the southern part of that country. Unofficial sources estimated that up to 4,000 persons died. Countless others were made homeless.

Was this to be expected? Yes. For, speaking prophetically about our day, Jesus said, “there will be earthquakes in one place after another.”​—Mark 13:8; Matt. 24:7; Luke 21:11.

DISEASES AND MORAL BREAKDOWN TAKE THEIR TOLL

War has helped to spread disease. Indirectly, its violence has broken down morals, and this, too, has contributed to the increase of disease. Also pollution of land, sea, air and food undermines health. Coupled with this are the pressures and insecurity characteristic of this system of things. As foretold by Jesus, “men become faint out of fear,” their hearts literally failing them. (Luke 21:26) Interestingly, among Americans, “the death rate from heart attacks among young men age 25 to 44 has risen 14 per cent . . . since 1950.”​—New York “Times,” April 4, 1972.

The moral breakdown has resulted in a phenomenal rise in venereal disease. Gonorrhea in the United States “is truly epidemic,” according to Dr. J. Donald Millar, a director of the Center for Disease Control in Atlanta, Georgia. It is estimated that “there are over 2 1⁄2 million cases occurring each year now.”​—Atlanta “Constitution,” February 14, 1972.

The Los Angeles “Times” of March 16, 1972, reported that “the incidence of venereal disease in Brazil is soaring with the spread of sexual freedom and the increasing use of birth control pills.” It was noted that “in one big city in the northeast of Brazil, the number of reported cases of gonorrhea among women is almost seven times what it was a generation ago.”

Drug abuse also continues to be a top moral problem. The “Medical Tribune,” March 1, 1972, said that “an increasing number of children, adolescents, and young adults from all socioeconomic levels in North America are succumbing each year to the ‘allure of a chemically induced paradise [resulting from taking drugs].”’ The number of American college students trying marijuana has climbed to 51 percent in a five-year period, a tenfold increase in that short time!​—Boston “Sunday Globe,” February 6, 1972.

All this has been brought on by the general rejection of God’s laws and moral standards. The love of many for God has grown cold. And this is exactly what Jesus said was going to happen in this time of man’s history. “Because of the increasing of lawlessness the love of the greater number will cool off.”​—Matt. 24:12.

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