WATCHTOWER.

Published Semi-Monthly By

WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY 117 Adams Street - Brooklyn, N. Y., U. S. A.

OFFICERS

J. F. Rutherford President "W. E. Van Amburgh Secretary "And all thy children shall be taught of Jehovah; and great shall be the peace of thy children.”Isaiah 34:13.

THE SCRIPTURES CLEARLY TEACH

THAT JEHOVAH is the only true God, is from everlasting to everlasting, the Maker of heaven and earth and the Giver of life to his creatures; that the Logos was the beginning of his creation and his active agent in the creation of all things; that the Logos is now the Lord Jesus Christ in glory, clothed with all power in heaven and earth, and the Chief Executive Officer of Jehovah.

THAT GOD created the earth for man, created perfect man for the earth and placed him upon it; that man wilfully 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 JESUS was made human, and the man Jesus suffered death in order to produce the ransom or redemptivo price for all mankind; that God raised up Jesus divine and exalted him to heaven above every creature and above every namo and clothed him with all power and authority.

THAT JEHOVAH’S ORGANIZATION is called Zion, and that Christ Jesus is the Chief Officer thereof and is the rightful King of the world; that the anointed and faithful followers of Christ Jesus are children of Zion, members of Jehovah’s organization, and are his witnesses whose duty and privilege it is to testify to the supremacy of Jehovah, declare his purposes toward mankind as expressed in the Bible, and to bear the fruits of the kingdom before all who will hear.

THAT THE WORLD has ended, and the Lord Jesus Christ has been placed by Jehovah upon his throne of authority, has ousted Satan from heaven and is proceeding to the establishment of God’s kingdom on earth.

THAT THE RELIEF and blessings of the peoples of earth can come only by and through Jehovah’s kingdom under Christ which has now begun; that the Lord’s next great act is the destruction of Satan’s organization and the establishment of righteousness in the earth, and that under the kingdom all those who will obey its righteous laws shall be restored and live on earth forever.

“JEHOVAH”

With deep gratitude to the great Revealer of his own name The Watchtower announces the publication of a new book. All faithful witnesses of God and Jonadabs will thrill to know the book bears the title “Jehovah”, and that its contents set forth, as does no previous publication, the glorious name, the marvelous works and dealings, past, present and future, and the sure covenant purposes, of the Most High God. The book’s beautifully embossed cover holds within it 384 pages of text matter, color illustrations, and complete index. The author’s edition also contains a facsimile letter in the author’s own handwriting, specially written for and addressed to the Lord’s anointed ones (and the Jonadab brethren). It is now ready and may be had at 50c a copy, this to help offset the heavy original costs of publication. Jehovah’s faithful witnesses and true Jonadabs will not fail to read this new book and thereby to arm themselves for future service in placing it before the whole world, by his grace. Those wishing a copy should place their order through the director or vvitli the sharpshooter. If not associated with a company, then order direct from the Society.

PHONOGRAPHS

In his own chosen time, and when his enemies are desperately trying to limit his witnesses on earth in getting the truth to the people, Jehovah has provided another effective instrument for the kingdom proclamation, to wit, a portable phonograph equipped with electrically transcribed records of 44-minute speeches by Brother Rutherford on vital Bible topics. Reports

ITS MISSION

THIS 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’. It arranges systematic Bible study for its readers and 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 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 aro not open to personalities.

Yearly Subscription Price

United States, $1.00; Canada and Miscellaneous Foreign, $1.50; Great Britain, Australasia, and South Africa, 7s. American remittances should be made by Express or Postal Money Order, or by Bank Draft. Canadian, British, South African and Australasian remittances should be made direct to the respective branch ollices. Remittances from countries other limn those mentioned may be mnda to the Brooklyn office, but by international Postal Money Order only.

Foreign Offices

British .......... 34 Craven Terrace, London, W. 2, England Canadian ....... 40 Irwin Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Australasian . . 7 Beresford Road, Strathfield, N. 8. W., Australia South African .... Boston House, Cape Town; South Africa Please address the Society In every cose.

(Translations of this journal appear in several languages.)

All sincere students of the Bible who by reason of infirmity, poverty or adversity are unable to pay the subscription price may have The Watchtower free upon written application to the publishers, made once each year, stating the reason for so requesting it. We are glad to thus aid the needy, but the written application once each year is required by the postal regulations. Eotice to Subscribers: Acknowledgment cf a new or a renewal subscription will be sent only when requested. Change of address, when requested, may be expected to appear on address label within one month. A renewal blank (carrying notice of expiration) will be sent with the journal one month before the subscription expires. Entered as Second Class Mail Matter at Brooklyn, N. Y., Bostofflce.

Act of March 3, 1913.

to date from pioneers and others already equipped with and using this phonograph attest the success and potency of this method of introducing and driving home the Lord’s message. The machine is manufactured by the Society at its Brooklyn factory, and is specially designed for its work, and is the best available for the purpose. Sttong, compact, with a powerful spring-wound motor, and carrying space for several discs, it weighs 21 pounds with six discs bearing twelve recordings. To cover the bare cost the phonograph, with 18 recordings, may be had for $19.25. AU orders therefor, remittance accompanying, should be sent to the Brooklyn office of the Society.

ATLANTA CONVENTION

The Atlanta service convention will be on November 23, 21 and 25; headquarters Ansley Hotel, roof garden. Meetings Saturday and Sunday will be held in the City Auditorium. These meetings will be addressed by various brethren, including the president of the Society.

It is hoped that many of the pioneers in the south may be able to attend. Sleeping quarters are being provided for a hundred, or more pioneers. Pioneers will make no arrangements for quarters until seeing convention committee. A credit of $25 will be allowed to each pioneer on book account to help pay- expenses to the convention. Let all the Lord’s people present this matter before the throne of grace for his blessing that there may be a splendid witness to the honor of his name. Address all communications to Clifton R. Thomas, Chairman Convention Committee, 1391 Belmont Ave., S.W., Atlanta, Ga.

Vol. LV

November 15, 1934

No. 22

FEAST OF CONSPIRATORS

“For they eat the bread of wickedness, and drink the wine of violence.”—Prov. 4:17.

PART 2

JEHOVAH had Daniel in Babylon to bear testimony to II is name. Daniel stood out separate and distinct from all men of Babylon. Jehovah has taken out from the world (which is antitypieal Babylon) men and women whom he has anointed and appointed to be his witnesses, and these must stand out separate and distinct from all men of the world. It is the name of Jehovah God that is involved, and the vindication of his name was the paramount issue in Daniel’s day. That is still the paramount issue, and which issue must now be definitely settled in the right way. Men are of little importance, but the name of Jehovah is all-important; hence all divine prophecy should be examined with this thought in mind: that the principal reason for these prophetic pictures and the fulfilment thereof is the vindication of Jehovah’s name, and what men have to do therewith and what is the result to men arc of secondary importance.

• ² Daniel had been in Babylon for several years, and in that time had proved himself a faithful and true witness to the name of God. He was of good old age, and still the Lord God would use him to bear testimony. I’’or approximately 1,900 years God has been taking out from the world his church and using those thus selected to be his witnesses, and now, even in the old age of the church, in these last days the faithful arc having greater opportunities of bearing testimony to Jehovah’s name. The picture made in connection with the appearing of Daniel before the king of Babylon strongly indicates that the remnant would in these last days be given a greater privilege and responsibility to be witnesses to the name of the Most High and to bear before rulers of this world testimony to Jehovah’s name and to his kingdom. The mother queen had concluded her speech before his royal majesty, and the king, giving heed thereto, had Daniel brought before him. “Then was Daniel brought in before the king. And the king spake and said unto Daniel, Art thou that Daniel, which art of the childien of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Jewry ?” (Dan. 5:13) The bringing of Daniel before the king was a last resort of Belshazzar, and after his wise men had utterly failed.

The so-called “wise men” of the present day, including the “brain trust”, have utterly failed to suggest a method that will effectually bring peace and prosperity to the people. The prophecy indicates that the remnant of the church yet on earth must as a last resort serve notice and warning of such utter failure upon the earthly rulers of Satan’s organization called Babylon and that this notice must be served shortly preceding the overthrow of the wicked organization by Jehovah’s great Executive Olliccr. Jehovah has brought forth his witnesses for the purpose of giving such notice. The miserable failure of the clergy to tell the truth to the people makes it necessary for Jehovah God to employ the remnant to give notice and warning to the rulers of the world. It was in 1925 that God revealed to his people on earth the meaning of the two great signs or wonders appearing in heaven. (Rev. 12:1,3) Those great signs or venders disclose to God’s people the organization of the enemy Satan, and the greater organization of Jehovah God, the explanation of which appears in The Watchtower, 1925, page 67 on. On September 27, 1930, the books Light, explaining The Revelation, including the two great signs and wondersand the seven last plagues, were released to the public, and a wide distribution of these books followed, and which were placed in the hands of many of the ruling class. Thereafter the importance of giving testimony was emphasized, and God’s organization on earth fixed a quota for the year 1931 of the amount of literature that it was hoped would be placed; and during each year from that time forward a like course has been taken and a greater testimony than ever given to the name of the Lord. It then became apparent that such is “the testimony of Jesus Christ”, and the remnant understood more fully than before that the Lord has committed to his anointed ones on earth the obligation of delivering this testimony and that they must deliver it regardless of all opposition. The remnant are the witnesses for Jehovah.

• ³ No longer, therefore, could the faithful remnant be identified as merely “Bible Students”; because anyone claiming faith in God, and accepting the Bible as his Word, might be thus designated. When Daniel appeared before Belshazzar the king inquired of him : ‘Arc you Daniel of Jewry?’ That question required Daniel to identify himself as a Jew, that is, one of the people of Jehovah God who gives praise to Jehovah’s name and who was at that time in Satan’s world, Babylon, but who was not a part thereof. Corresponding to this, in the year 1931, Jehovah caused his faithful people to come up before the rulers of the world and to, boldly confess their identity, that is, that they arc those who give praise and service to Jehovah God and therefore arc true Judeans. This does not at all mean that they have any relation whatsoever with the so-called commercial “Jews” or selfish Yiddish people who make gold their god; but it does mean that these oi the remnant are entirely devoted to Jehovah and his kingdom. The faithful remnant representatively in a body accepted the gracious gift of Jehovah God, to wit, the new name given to them by Jehovah, and adopted that new name which he had revealed to them, that is to say, Jehovah’s xcitnesscs, and from that time forward they have been known as “Jehovah’s witnesses”. In the resolution adopted at that time, to wit, July 26, 1931, reference was made to the period of the work of the church foreshadowed by the prophet Elijah and the names by which the faithful followers of the Lord Jesus had been known during that period, and then the resolution said: “We arc servants of Jehovah God, commissioned to do a work in his name, and, in obedience to his commandment, to deliver the testimony of Jesus Christ, and to make known to the people that Jehovah is the true and almighty God; therefore we joyfully embrace and take the name which the mouth of the Lord God has named, and we desire to be known as and called by the name, to wit, Jehovah’s witnesses.” (The Watchtower, 1931, page 279, paragraph 5) Since then the anointed have been known as and called “Jehovah’s witnesses”, meaning Judeans in fact, that is, those who are wholly devoted to the praise and service of Jehovah God.

  333

  
  

* Belshazzar, after having Daniel identify himself, then said: “I hate even heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and that light, and understanding, and excellent wisdom, is found in thee.” (Dan. 5:14) It is certain that he had not heard of Daniel from his wise men, because they would consider it best to keep Daniel’s name in the dark. Likewise the -world rulers have had no favorable report from the modern clergymen and their “wise” associates about Jehovah’s witnesses, because such “wise men” prefer to have Jehovah’s witnesses entirely discredited. Whatever report is made about them is adverse. The clergy and their allies go even to the point of preventing the people from hearing the testimony delivered by Jehovah’s witnesses; and in this they are ablv supported by Big Business, who own many radio facilities, and who deliberately prevent Jehovah's witnesses from using the radio to proclaim God’s message of truth. It was the queen mother who brought the information to Belshazzar, and it is the honest and fair-minded men of the world today, foreshadowed by the que< n, that bring testimony to the higher rulers concerning the witnesses of Jehovah; and these honest men have had to do with opening the way for Jehovah's witnesses to be heard before the higher governmental officials, recently at Washington, D.C.

• ⁵ The prophecy of The Revelation, among other things, says: “And I beheld, and heard an angel Hying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe, to the inhabiters of the earth, by reason of the oilier voices of the trumpet of the three angels, which are yet to sound!” (Rev. 8:13) Woes were pronounced by the. Lord in his message delivered and proclaimed at London in 1926 ; Toronto in 1927; Detroit in 1928; and the clergy had b-en unable to explain to their coconspirators the meaning of those woes. When Belshazzar had Daniel before .him, continuing to address Daniel he said: “And now the wise mon, the astrologers, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known unto me the interpretation thereof: but they could not shew the interpretation of the thing.” (Dan. 5:15) The king acknowledged the utter inability of his wise men to make known the interpretation of the handwriting on the wall. Their failure v.as due to the fact that such wise men were the sons of the Devil and his servants, and they could not tell the truth, and hence they lied. (John 8:44) Likewise, ■when the “woes” were pronounced, as above stated, and which corresponded to the three woes shown by the handwriting on the wall in Belshazzar’s least room, the clergy or “wise men” of modern Babylon lied to the other rulers and insisted that what the “pestiferous Bible Students named Jehovah’s witnesses” called ‘signs from Jehovah God’ were not from God at all, but that these men and women who were going about promulgating a message which they claim to be God's message concerning his great signs and wonders are in fact impostors. These clergynun have gone to the point of saying that Jehovah's witnesses are seditionists, pacifists, unpatriotic, against the government, socialists and communists, uncompromising foes of Christianity, hawkers, peddlers, and many other like names. Therefore they have insisted before the higher rulers that no credence should be given to the ‘prattle’ of these witnesses. But the clergy, or modern “wise men”, have not been able to allay the fears of the higher rulers, nor have these lying servants of .Satan been able to keep the real and true interpretation of present-day events from getting to the ears of the ruling class, ami especially 'to those of the ruling class who have a desire to see fair play. The message of the kingdom and the vengeance of our God against Satan's organization, in printed form, has gone into the hands of the .rulers of “Christendom” and has been widely broadcast by radio throughout the land. The rulers Cue bron served with notice and warning, as contained in God's message of the truth, and have been plainly told what they may expect to come upon the world organization.

• ⁶ If Belshazzar had been satisfied with the answers given to him by his wise men he would not have continued to be in great trouble as the Scriptures declare he was. He hoped to get some satisfactory answer from Daniel, and therefore said to him: “And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now, if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and have a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.” (Dan. 5:16) The opinion of man, unsupported by authoritative proof, only tends to raise doubts in the minds of thoughtful men. Belshazzar was in much doubt as to what he had heard from his wise men, and now he wanted to be informed of the truth. Today the clergymen boastfully express their opinion concerning the present-day events, but their opinions thus expressed are not supported by any real authority and carry no conviction to thoughtful men. The word of God used by Jehovah’s witnesses, the remnant, is not the message of any man, nor the expressed opinion of man, but is the authoritative truth of God’s Word, and does away with all doubt as to the final solution of the world situation. Those w'ho believe and rely upon God’s Word know what is coming to pass shortly; and when they speak thereof they speak with authority from the Lord.

• ⁷ Daniel was told that if he could give an honest and satisfactory explanation and interpretation of the handwriting on the wall he would receive great honor and distinction in the realm of the king. But Daniel was not before the king for selfish gain; and this is shown by his answer to the king, to wit: ‘ ‘ Then Daniel answered and said before the king, Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; yet I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation.” (Dan. 5:17) In presenting Jehovah’s message before the rulers of the earth at this present time, and announcing his judgments against Satan’s organization, Jehovah’s witnesses are not doing so for selfish gain. They are not asking, nor are they expecting, to receive any favor from worldly source. Let the rulers of this world favor their own; which they will do, of course. This is made manifest on every occasion when the questions concerning the truth, are presented before the rulers by Jehovah’s witnesses. Recently a petition was presented to the Congress of the United States relative to the use of the radio, which petition was signed by many persons of good will. Some persons have foolishly said that the presentation of such petition was ‘going to Egypt’, that is, to the world, for help. That conclusion was not only foolish, but very erroneous. The petition asked for no favor from anyone, but does demand that the rights of God’s people be respected and that they be permitted to go on with their work without let or hindrance from any part of the Devil’s representatives or organization. The occasion of this petition was similar to what God directed Moses and Aaron to do in Egypt when appearing before Pharaoh. Such is a witness against the world powers and to the name of Jehovah.

• ⁸ Those whom Daniel foreshadowed at this point, namely, Jehovah’s witnesses, began to give answer before “the king”, that is to say, the ruling powers of the world, particularly from July 26, 1931, and forward, and to do so in an effective manner by serving upon them the message contained in the Kingdom booklet, the distribution of which began on the fourteenth day of September, 1931, and was world-wide. The clergy were first served with that booklet, and then their allies, the political and financial element. Now modern Babylon’s “wise men” cannot truthfully charge Jehovah’s witnesses as being peddlers and hawkers engaged in a commercial enterprise, particularly with reference to the foregoing booklet, because that was given to them, and many of the clergy viciously tore the booklet to pieces and used abusive language against those who brought it to them. Jehovah’s witnesses are not peddlers and hawkers in delivering any part of Jehovah’s message, and the clergy know that when they charge them with such their charges are wholly false. Jehovah’s witnesses are doing their work in obedience to the command given to them. When before the king Daniel appreciated the fact that Jehovah had ‘raised him up for that very time’, and hence he took advantage of the occasion to make known the judgments of Jehovah God; and this he did unselfishly and without fear, favor, or hope or promise of reward.

• ⁹ In this day only Jehovah’s witnesses identify “the higher powers” properly. They know and publicly declare that the “higher powers” consist of Jehovah God and Christ Jesus. They point to the supremacy of Jehovah, and prove their contention by the historical facts as well as the inspired Word of God. Anyone who holds that a man or company of men or any organization on earth constitutes any part of the “higher powers” mentioned by the apostle in Romans 13:1 shows that he does not understand and does not appreciate God’s Word. The faithful anointed remnant well know that Jehovah is supreme and that his Chief Executive Officer at the temple is directing the work of God’s organization on earth, and that no man is entitled to credit or honor therefor. As did Daniel, so do they give all honor, credit and praise to the Most High.

• ¹⁰ In a few words Daniel covered much of the history of man from the time of Eden onward: “ 0 thou king, the most high God gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father a kingdom, and majesty, and glory, and honour.” (Dan. 5:18) Nebuchadnezzar here mentioned represented Lucifer, to whom was given the overlordship of the earth prior to his rebellion in Eden. It was to Lucifer that God committed the rulership of the world; and becoming wicked, he was thenceforth known as "that old serpent”, "the devil,” ‘the father of lies,’ and his offspring are designated the ‘seed of the Serpent’, and which seed of the Serpent was represented by Belshazzar and his Jords and wise men and others of his official organization. After the rebellion of Satan Jehovah gave nothing to Satan nor to his seed; hence verse eighteen, above quoted, applies specifically prior to the rebellion in Eden. On a previous occasion Daniel had said to Nebuchadnezzar: "It is thou, O king, that art grown and become strong [like a great tree in the midst of the earth] : for thy greatness is grown, and reacheth unto heaven, and thy dominion to the end of the earth.” (Dan. 4:22) Daniel had also stated to Nebuchadnezzar: "Thou, 0 king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory. And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field, and the fowls of the heaven, hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art tiiis head of gold.” (Dan. 2;37,38) Thus Daniel had spoken of Lucifer as he had appeared at the beginning and before the rebellion. Lucifer, now Satan, turned his organization into wickedness, and at the point of the prophecy concerning the feast of Belshazzar the king Belshazzar there represented the ‘seed of the Serpent’.

• ¹¹ Lucifer had been entrusted with the power of death, which power, of eour.se, was to bo used in harmony with the will of God and against those willfully disobeying God. (Heb. 2:14) Lucifer did not use his power as authorized ; likewise his representative Nebuchadnezzar improperly used his authority: "And, for the majesty that he gave him, all people, nations, and languages, trembled and feared before him: whom he would he slew, and whom he would he kept alive, and whom he would he set up, and whom he would he put down.” (Dan. 5:19) Satan was never authorized to use his power tyrannically; nor has any man been authorized to be a tyrant. Now there are many who tremble before the debased Lucifer, who is Satan, and which people are, because of fear, Devil worshipers. Jehovah's servants do not tremble before the Devil, but they fear and worship Jehovah God. God does not permit the Devil to do as he would against men who are faithful to Jehovah; and this is shown by the experiences of Job. (Job 1:12; 2:4-6; John 19:10,11) Satan has used his power autocratically and despotically in his attempt to be like the Most High and to turn people away from Jehovah. It is true that Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem; but he did so only by permission of Jehovah and as an instrument employed by Jehovah to accomplish His purpose in executing His righteous judgment against a rebellious people. (Jer. 25:8,9) Pride with prosperity always leads to disaster. That was true in Nebuchadnezzar’s case. Hence said Daniel concerning him: "But when his heart was lifted up, and his mind hardened in pride [and his spirit was hardened that he dealt proudly, R.V.], he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him.” (Dan. 5:20) Nebuchadnezzar continued in his selfish and proud schemes for such a long time that he concluded that he was master of his own destiny and that his actions were not subject to Jehovah’s permission or disapproval. That was exactly the spirit of Lucifer, and which led to his downfall. Another example of pride and prosperity was that of Uzziah, one of the kings of Israel, who also met disaster. (2 Chron. 26:11-23) Nebuchadnezzar brought his beastly insanity upon himself by his wrongful course. God was in no wise responsible for that madness, any more than God is responsible for the beastly madness of the modern rulers of "Christendom”. (Dan. 4:29-37; Luke 21:24) Jehovah did not say, as his message delivered by Daniel shows, "I will create in him a beast’s heart,” but he did say, "Let a beast’s heart be given unto him [by another].” (Dan. 4:16) Doubtless God permitted a wicked spirit, a part of Satan’s organization, to take control of Nebuchadnezzar, just as he permitted wicked .spirits to get control of the herd of swine. (2 Chron. 18:18-22; Matt. 8:28-32) God has permitted the same crowd of wicked spirits associated with Satan to imprison the "sons of God” who sinned in Noah's day. By reason of his own fall Nebuchadnezzar found himself in a shameful and insane condition, and when his heart was lifted up ami he was hardened in pride God took away his throne from him.

• ¹² Nebuchadnezzar was like a wild beast, and Daniel called this to the attention of Bels'mzzar: "And he. was driven from the sons of men; and his heart was make like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses; they fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven ; till he knew that the most high God ruled in the kingdom of men, and that he appointed: over it whomsoever he will.” (Dan. 5:21) At the end of the seven years described Nebuchadnezzar came to know that' Jehovah, "the most high God,” is the ruler; but Belshazzar his son had failed to learn that great truth, and Daniel was reminding him of that fact. The "seven times” of the Gentiles ended in 1914, and, like Belshazzar, the visible rulers of the world failed to then learn the vital truth that Jehovah is God, although they had been told of it time and time again. Had they learned this great and all-important truth they would not have held a modern feast, such as Belshazzar held, and which present-day world carousal was foreshadowed by his feast. The modern rulers failed to give heed to the fact that Jehovah sets up whomsoever he wills, and in due time debases those who go contrary to bis will. God did not "set up” the selfish rulers of the earth, nor did he set up the proud and self-exalted pope, the clergy, and other like austere men. God sets up what the world considers the "basest” or lowest, that is to say, Christ, who abased himself, and whom Jehovah God has exalted even as lie had caused to be foretold by his prophets. (Ezek. 21: 26, 27 ; Dan.

4: 17) In 1931 Jehovah God by his witnesses brought this great fact to the attention of the rulers of this world, but they failed to give heed thereto or to learn any part of such great and important truths.—The Walcltljwcr, 1931, pages 277, 278.

¹³ The proud failed to take warning, and refined to humble themselves before the mighty hand of God, just as Belshazzar failed to take warning ami humble himself before God. Therefore said Daniel: “And thou his son, 0 Belshazzar, hast not humbled thine heart, though thou knewest all this.” (Dan. 5:22) When the World War came the rulers were told that that was in fulfilment of prophecy, marking the end of Satan's power and rule, and the end of their own power and rule, and that God’s kingdom was now at hand; but they failed and refused to give heed thereto. Since 1918 the purpose of Jehovah to destroy the organization of this wicked world has been repeatedly told to the rulers as a notice and warning to them; hence they can never plead ignorance concerning Jehovah's King and his kingdom. With the completion of the ‘pouring out of the seventh vial’, which pouring out began in 1928, “Christendom” has received full notice that, she is weighed in the balance, is found wanting, and is going to be destroyed. It is the handwriting on the wall; ami the rulers, although being informed, refuse to repent and refuse to cease interfering with Jehovah’s witnesses in carrying the message of truth to the people. They show their stubbornness and disregard of God’s Word by continuing to oppose the delivering of the testimony by .Jehovah’s witnesses. These facts have recently been presented to the Congress of the United States, at the hearing of which Big Business, the clergy, and the political representatives were present; and instead of giving heed to the message and acknowledging Jehovah God as supremo, such rulers, like Belshazzar, appealed to their own “wise men”, including the clergy, and ignore Jehovah’s witnesses and His message of truth, and by their course of action they continue to reproach the name of Jehovah the Most High. They have heard the truth and have had full opportunity to know what course to take, but, like Belshazzar, they spurn the truth.

¹¹ The Lord Jesus at the temple as Jehovah’s Chief Executive Officer has caused the warning to be given to “Christendom” time and again. As evidence of such warning there is here cited the “Warning” resolution of July 1931. above referred to, also the Kinf/dom booklet, the Crisis booklet, and other like booklets since distributed. Instead of giving hei<1 to this me-sage of warning from the Lord the rulers of the world foreshadowed by Belshazzar have ridiculed, reproached and persecuted Jehovah’s witnesses, and held them up to scorn before others, and have thus lifted up themselves against Jehovah even as did Belshazzar. Said Daniel: “But hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of his house before thee, and thou, and thy lords, thy wives, and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them ; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, word, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know: and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified.” (Dan. 5:23) The wicked conduct of the modern rulers of “Christendom” in persecuting Jehovah's- witnesses is in fact against “the Lord of heaven”, because these witnesses bring not their own message, but the message from the Lord God. These matters have been plainly stated before the rulers of the present day in the publications above mentioned, and also in Vindication, Books Oue, Two, and Three. The rulers, instead of giving heed to God’s message, have, continued to drink the wine of Babylon, make tinir.s-elves drunk, and use Jehovah’s witnesses in a disgraceful way to amuse themselves.

It was ‘the finger of Almighty God’, that is to say, his beloved Son Christ Jesus, that did the writing upon Belshazzar’s banquet hall: “Then was the part of the hand sent from him ; and this writing was written.” (Dan. 5:2-1) Sir.ee Jehovah has poured out his spirit upon all bis faithful witnesses he has sent forth these witnesses and used them to write his message of truth ‘upon the wall’ of reveling “Christendom”, but the rulers have ignored and despised the message and wickedly persecuted the messengers.

^I,; Belshazzar’s feast of wine-drinking and debauchery (lid not eease after the handwriting appeared; on the contrary, the misuse of (he golden vessels of the temple continued. Likewise during the time the antitypical plagm-s were being poured out upon the world, trom 1926 to 1929, the carousal of “Christendom” has continued and those participating therein have increased their hatred and bitterness toward Jehovah’s witnesses. During recent years the faithful remnant, under the direction of Jehovah's Chief Officer, have continued to boldly, plainly and fearlessly inform '■Christendom” that this world organization is that of the Devil. That message delivered, and the reaction of “Christendom” thereto, is all well summed up in the words of Jehovah’s prophet Daniel spoken to Belshazzar on the occasion of his feast, to wit: “And this is the writing that was written, MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UP1IARS1N.” (Dan. 5:25) From an authority on oriental literature the following is quoted: “These mysterious words are Aramaic. They are rendered on the margin of R.V. ‘Numbered, numbered, weighed, and divisions’; Pharsin being the plural of the noun pcres, Mene being the regular passive participle of its verb in the Peal species, and Tekel being regarded as likewise a passive participle, with the realization which is traditionally given to it changed from tekil to tekel to conform to the sound of mene’. These letters were not vocalized as written on the wall, i nd might have bcm pronounced in a variety of ways. Even if the correct pronunciation had occurred to me of the wise men as among several possibilities, he Lad no means of establishing the correctness of his reading or of interpreting the words.*’—Davis Dictionary of the Bible, page 491. (Sec also McClintock & Strong's Cyclopaedia, Vol. VI, page 89.)

” The king and his company of revelers had seen the handwriting on the wall in this strange language, and now they must be told what it meant. Had they been entirely sober they might have been able to read the words, even though they did not get an understanding thereof. Daniel, who foreshadowed Jehovah’s witnesses, God now used to both read and interpret the strange words. Likewise “Christendom” had heard the words concerning God’s kingdom and the fall of Satan's organization at Armageddon, and had heard these words repeated time and again. Had “Christendom” been sober her wise men might have read them with some understanding; but, being drunk with the wine of Babylon, they neither properly read nor understood. But it is the will of God that “Christendom” must be told concerning the words and the meaning of the “handwriting on the wall”, particularly as from 1926 to 1929, whin this message was delivered to “Christendom” in fulfilment of these words. The interval between 1929 and 1930 afforded the rulers time to investigate and learn, and time to determine what attitude they would take toward God and 1 is people, and their work being done on earth. In the booklet Freedom for the People, distributed in 1927, Big Business, conscienceless politicians and hypocritical religion were exposed, and, among other things, these words were used: “The Word of God's nd the physical facts prove that ‘organized Christianity’ or ‘Christendom’ is a failure,” that is to say, i:i weighed in the balance and found wanting. The metropolitan press took notice of the message in fulfilment of the “handwriting on the wall” and denounced Jehovah’s witnesses who delivered the message as the ‘uncompromising foes of organized Christianity’. Seven years later, to wit, in 1934, before a Congressional committee at Washington, D.C., one of the representatives of “organized Christianity” placed in evidence before such Congressional committee the booklet Freedom far the People, containing the message of warning, and called attention to that message r.s the reason for refusing Jehovah’s witnesses the use of radio facilities to proclaim God’s Word of truth. Thus “Christendom's” representatives admit that they have seen the “handwriting on the wall” and that they saw it in 1927. “Christendom” and her representatives are therefore estopped from ever being heard to say that they did not sec the “handwriting on the wall”. They admit that they saw it; but now, how about the interpretation ?

• ¹⁸ Daniel, by the grace of God, was used to give the interpretation of the mystic words, as he said, “This is the interpretation of the thing” (vs. 26) ; which message the king and his revelers had seen, but they were too drunk and blind to appreciate the meaning thereof. Likewise the rulers of “Christendom”, drunken with the wine of Satan's organization, were and are dull-eyed and cruel of heart and slow of understanding. They read the words, but they understand not. It was in 1918 that the great Judge, Christ Jesus, came to the temple and began judgment. Concerning the clergy of “Christendom” and their allies the words of Jehovah’s prophet now apply, which words Jesus quoted, to wit: “Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, He [Jehovah] hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. These things said Esaias, when he saw his glory [Jehovah’s glory in the temple], and spake of him.” (John 12:39-41; Isa. 6:9,10) The fulfilment of the interpretation began upon “Christendom” and began to be told to “Christendom” on July 26, 1931, when the message contained in the booklet The Kingdom, the Hope, of the World, accompanied by the resolution of “Warning”, was spoken and widely broadcast, and later distributed throughout “Christendom”, and especially among the rulers of “Christendom”. Then was made known for the first time the “new name” that Jehovah gave to his people and by which name, that is, Jehovah’s witnesses, they arc now known and recognized by the rulers of “Christendom”.

WHOM DANIEL FORESHADOWED

• ¹⁹ Daniel gave the interpretation, which foreshadowed the interpretation of Jehovah’s message of the present day. Meno means “numbered”. The repeating of the word or writing upon the wail twice, as stated in the text, shows two numberings. Daniel knew that God had numbered Babylon, Ihc world power, and this he had learned from the prophecy of Jehovah uttered by Jeremiah; and Daniel so states. (Dan. 9:1, 2; Jer. 25:11-13) Jehovah numbered not only typical Babylon, but also Satan’s organization, the Greater Babylon, symbolized by his woman. The divine statement at Genesis 3:15 discloses that Jehovah then fixed a time certain during which he would not interfere with Satan and his efforts to turn men away from the true God but would abide his own due time to raise up a seed by which he would destioy Satan and his organization. The words written upon the wall and interpreted by Daniel show two separate and distinct numberings, the first “mene” of the numbering of Babylon fixed the end of the “times of the Gentiles” or beginning of “the time of the end” for Babylon, and this time is fixed as at A.D. 1914. The seven symbolic times, each of 360 years, beginning with the destruction of Jerusalem by typical Babylon in the year 606 B.C., would necessarily end 2,520 years thereafter, to wit, A.D. 1914, at which time also the prophecy uttered by Christ Jesus began to be fulfilled.—Lev. 26:18,21. 24; Dan. 12:4; Afatt. 24: 3-8.

• ²⁰ The second “mene” would apply to the finishing, or ending, of Satan’s organization: “And finished it,” or, according to the Revised Version, “and brought it to an end.” The final end comes at Armageddon and just before which the witness work must be completed. (Matt. 24:14,21,22; see Rev. 18:10,17,19) The message first promulgated at the Columbus (Ohio) convention July 26, 1931, and which appears in the booklet The Kingdom, the Hope of the World, gave forth the notice and warning to the rulers of “Christendom” similar to the interpretation which Daniel gave before Belshazzar.

• ²¹ The word tckel that appeared written on the wall means “weighed”. It is from the verb meaning “to balance ”, and was used by Job: “Let me be weighed in'an even balance, that God may know mine integrity. If my step hath turned out of the way, and mine heart walked after mine eyes, and if any blot hath cleaved to mine hands.” (Job 31:6,7) Jehovah’s prophet Daniel informed Belshazzar that his kingdom was done for and the reason thereof was, as Daniel stated: “TEKELj.Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.” (Vs. 27) The uninterrupted reign of great Babylon, Satan’s organization, came to an end in 1914. It was then weighed in the balance and found wholly wanting. The weighing consumes time, which weighing began when the official Weighmaster, Christ Jesus, appeared at the temple of Jehovah, and he continues weighing until the enforcement of the second “inene”, when it is completely finished, marking the final end, and which final end is after the finishing of ‘the preaching of this gospel of the kingdom’, at which time the final end comes in the great tribulation. “For her [Babylon’s] sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities.” (Rev. 18:5) By his prophet Jehovah says: “We would have healed Babylon [while being weighed], but she is’not healed: forsake her, and let us go every one into his own country; for her judgment rcacheth unto heaven, and is lifted up even to the skies.” (Jer. 51:9) She is weighed in the divine balances, which are impartial and absolutely true and accurate. “A just weight and balance arc the Lord’s; all the weights of the bag arc his work.” (Prov. 16:11) “Surely men of low degree are vanity, and men of high degree arc a lie: to be laid in the balance, they arc altogether lighter than vanity.” (Ps. 62:9) It is during the weighing of Babylon by the Lord Jesus Christ that the ruling elements of the earth, pictured by Belshazzar, his wives, concubines, lords and other officers, put on the vestments or garments by which they identify themselves as anti-God, antikingdom, and as Devil worshipers, hence deserving to be slaughtered at Armageddon as Jehu slaughtered the Devil’s typical crowd.—2 Ki. 10:18-26.

• ²² While the weighing progresses Jehovah’s witnesses in obedience to commandment go through “Christendom” and mark those whom God would save from the slaughter. (Ezek. 9: 3-10) Concerning “Christendom” Jehovah says, “Thou art found wanting.” The message of truth, delivered by Jehovah’s witnesses, is God's message, and he directs its preparation and furnishes the means of delivery; and in doing so he uses radio stations, transcription recording machines, and a little army of faithful men and women who go from house to house delivering the message which other machines have printed. The message of the Lord declares concerning “Christendom” that she is ‘weighed in the balances and found wanting’; and this message is particularly contained in such as “Can the American Government Endure?” “America’s End,” in The Crisis and in like booklets which are distributed throughout the land called “Christendom”, and also in “heathen” lands, so called, where few Christians reside. Modern Babylon has been told that “the world is sick unto death and is going to die”. The rulers in “Christendom” are wanting in fear of God, and this is shown by the fact that they spurn his message of truth and continue to profane the “vessels” of God, that is, Jehovah’s witnesses. “Christendom” is wanting in love for. God and for his kingdom, and ’they show this bj’ continuing the persecution of Jehovah’s witnesses, thus disclosing that they are acting under the direction of Gog, Satan’s chief officer. (Ezek. 38:1,2) “Christendom,” which is part of Babylon, the Devil’s organization, has defamed the name of Jehovah and desecrated his temple; hence “his device is against Babylon, to destroy it; because it is the vengeance of the Lord, the vengeance of his temple”.—Jer. 51:11.

• ²³ At Armageddon the rulership of the world will be snatched away from Satan and taken over by Christ Jesus. Foreshadowing this, Daniel’s interpretation continues in these words: “PERES; Thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.” (Dan. 5:28) In verse twenty-five the word “Pharsin” or “Upharsin” is used, and which is the plural form of the verb Peres or Peras, meaning “to split up”, “to deal,” “tt' distribute.” (Isa. 58:7; Lev. 11:3,4) In verse twenty-five the plural “Pharsin” calls attention to two dividings or dealings-out, that is to say, the dealing out of Babylon to Christ in 1914, when the Devil and his crowd were cast out of heaven, an I the second dealing-out, which takes place at the battle of Armageddon, when the organization of Satan is destroyed and the ruling of the world completely taken over by Christ Jesus. Daniel’s use of the word “Peres”, in the singular in verse twenty-eight above quoted, seems to apply specifically to the final dividing or splitting-up, at Armageddon.

• ²⁴ Satan combines all his forces in his organization that are on the earth; hence the words “thy kingdom is divided” do not mean Satan’s organization falls by reason of internal dissension and division. This is not the ‘dividing’ mentioned in Revelation 16:17-19. The rule of the world will be forcibly snatched away from Satan at Armageddon by Christ Jesus the Conqueror; and concerning this the prophet Daniel records his vision which he had in the first year of the reign of Belshazzar, to wit: “I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed. And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.”—Dan. 7:1.3, 14, 27.

²¹ The rulcrship taken from Babylon, as the record states, was “given to the Medes and Persians”. The dividing of the kingdom seems to support the conclusion that there are two divisions of the conquering forces, to wit, the unseen and the seen. These two divisions of conquering forces seem to be symbolized by the ram’s “two horns” mentioned by the prophet: “The ram which thou rawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia.” (Dan. 8: 20) The Scriptures always give precedence to the Medes. They are mentioned as a very ancient people, the sons of Ja-pheth. The Medes seem to symbolically represent the invisible organization of the Lord Dod, which includes cherubim, seraphim and angels. Persians are Scrip-turally mentioned as picturing Christ Jesus; hence in the prophecy of Daniel the Persian ruler seems to more particularly picture the anointed ones of Jehovah on earth, members of the Christ, to wit, the remnant.—Isa. 45:1-3.

²⁸ It is the invisible army of Jehovah, led by Christ Jesus, that will destroy Satan’s organization. “The burden of Babylon, which Isaiah the son of Amoz did see. Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, which shall not regarel silver; and as for gold, they shall not delight in it. Their bows also shall dash the young men to pieces; and they shall have no pity on the fruit of the womb; their eye shall not spare children. And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees’ excellency, shall be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah.” (Isa. 13:1,17-19) “Make bright the arrows; gather the shields: the Lord hath raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medvs: for his device is against Babylon, to destroj’ it; because it is the vengeance of the Lord, the vengeance of his temple. . . . They are vanity, the work of errors: in the time of their visitation they shall perish.” (Jcr. 51:11-18) In the execution of Jehovah’s judgment against Satan’s organization ‘all the saints’ have a part. (Ps. 149: 6-9) The part to be performed by the division of God’s army on earth is merely that of declaring the day of the vengeance of our God, calling attention to the “handwriting on the wall”, and announcing Jehovah’s purpose to destroy Satan’s rule and give the rulership of the world to Chrht Jesus. Such is the very part the remnant have been having and doing particularly since 1926. The ‘handwriting on the wall’ has been explained to the rulers, and now' the remnant is engaged in telling the people of good will what is about to come to pass and in instructing them in the way of the Lord. Now Jehovah's witnesses are engaged in a world-wide distribution of the message “Dividing the People”, that those of good will may see the right way and have opportunity to take it in order that they may receive the favor of Jehovah in the greatest of all crises, just ahead.

^2T Belshazzar the king had given his word that the one who could show the meaning of the handwriting on the wall should be rewarded. (Dan. 5:7) Probably Belshazzar did not enjoy the divine message v.'Hirk Daniel delivered in response to his question. Probably he did not then believe what Daniel said, but, having given his word, he would keep it: “Then commanded BeLhazzar and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and put a chain ol‘ gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.” (Dan. 5:29) While it is true that the king Belshazzar decreed that Daniil should be made “third ruler in the kingdom”, Daniel did not assume the duties of that office during the reign of Belshazzar, because Belshazzar was slain that very night. Daniel satisfactorily explained the handwriting on the wall, and his exaltation by Belshazzar surely brought great chagrin to Babylon’s wise-men. This seems to clearly correspond to Haman’s being compelled to lead a horse on which Mordecai rode through the public streets and to announce to the people that, Mordecai was one honored by the king. (Esther 6:4-12; see Preservation, page 132) Just what relationship this particular part of the prophecy nmy bcai- to Jehovah’s witnesses and to Iheir position in the near future would be a mere guess, and Imnce the guess would better not be made.

²⁸ On that same day that Babylon fell Darius the Mede became the ruler of the nations of the world; and the Scriptures show Darius pictured the supreme ruler. Darius carried out the decree that Belshazzar had announced, and made Daniel the third ruler in the kingdom, this being the order: first ruler, Darius; second, Cyrus; and third, Daniel. (Dan. 6:1-3) Corresponding to this, at the complete fall of Babylon, which is Satan’s organization, including “Christendom”, the order of the rulers of the world will be this, to wit: first, or supreme ruler, Jehovah; second, Jesus Christ; third, the members of the body of Christ, and hence the “faithful and wise servant” ch-r-s, whom Daniel foreshadowed.—1 Cor. 3:21.

²⁰ While Belshazzar and his lords were feasting handwriting appeared on the wall, and shortly thereafter Belshazzar and his revelers were slain. Tim ‘handwriting’ has now appeared on the wall of “Christendom”, and her doom is sealed. It is certain that Satan’s seed, that is, those who now rule the earth, will be destroyed. “In that night was Belshazzar ll.e king of the Chaldeans slain.” (Dan. 5:30) The Bible does not disclose who slew Belshazzar. What profane history has to say about it deserves no considered ion.

It was the agency of Jehovah that did the slaying; hence there is pictured the work of Jehovah’s Executioner enforcing the divine judgment, which is already written against Satan’s organization. At Armageddon those who have long ruled the world in wickedness, and have oppressed the human race and shamefully dishonored God’s holy name and his kingdom, will come to an end, and Christ Jesus will do the executing of all the wicked ones.

• ³⁰ At this point in the world’s history embraced within the prophecy Babylon as a world power ceased, and the rule of the Medes and Persians there began: “And Darius the Median took the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old.” (Dan. 5:31) The name “Darius” means “coercer, or, conservator”. In fact, Darius did coerce Babylon completely and preserved or conserved Daniel the faithful servant and prophet of Jehovah God. It is said that Darius was a kinsman, that is, the uncle, of Cyrus, and probably Cyrus was the heir of Darius. This seems to suggest that Darius the Mede pictures the supreme power, Jehovah himself, the Most High. He began his reign as the world ruler at the fall of Babylon, which corresponds or pictures the fall of Satan’s organization, and Darius there pictures Jehovah, who is, of course, the First Ruler in the great universal kingdom. Cyrus, the second ruler, pictures Jehovah’s “heir of all things”, that is, Christ Jesus, to whom Jehovah gives the kingdom and all the nations of the earth as a possession. (Ps. 2: 8) He is the one with whom Jehovah associates himself in the destruction .of Satan’s organization. The fact that the scripture tells that Darius was about sixty-two years old when he became the first ruler of the world power would further indicate that he there pictured Jehovah, “the Ancient of days.”—Dan. 7 : 9.

• ³¹ At the fall of Babylon Darius the Mede, rather than Cyrus the Persian, is made foremost; and this would seem to say that as the result of the battle of Armageddon Jehovah the great King, who is the Supreme One, is made known to all creation that lives, and that his name is fully vindicated, and he is seen to be above every creature, including his beloved Son, Christ Jesus, the world’s King. All secular historians have difficulty in identifying Darius the Mede, and do not mention him by name, but do give prominence to Cyrus the Persian. The Bible makes known Darius •. and this corresponds to the. further fact that the rulers in this world do not know Jehovah God, and that they make mention of his name only in derision, while at the same time they give prominence to the name of Jesus Christ, even though they do so for a selfish reason. After Armageddon all shall know Jehovah.

• ³² Jehovah, by permitting his people to have some understanding of the prophecy at this time, is further manifesting his loving-kindness toward his anointed and thus he brings great comfort to them even as he has in his Word given promise to do. (Rom. 15:4) The fact that Daniel survived the fall of Babylon and lived even unto the third year of the reign of Cyrus the Persian king (Dan. 10:1) would suggest that the Greater Darius (The Conservator, Jehovah) will keep alive at least a part of the remnant during the battle of Armageddon and grant to them some service on earth after the battle, which service will be to the honor and glory of Jehovah's name. “Great is Jehovah, and greatly to be praised, in the city of our God, in his holy mountain. Beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole earth, is mount Zion, on the sides of the north, the city of the great King. God hath made himself known in her palaces for a refuge.” —Ps. 48:1-3, A.R.V.

QUESTIONS FOR STUDY

U 1. Account for Daniel’s being in Babylon at the time of the event here under consideration. Show that the record of bis integrity and experience is a prophecy.

If 2, 3. Explain the prophetic significance here of Daniel’s being brought before the king, and of the inquiry made by the king concerning Daniel’s identity.

• 4. What information imd come to the king concerning Daniel, and how had it reached him? What is foreshown therein?

• 5, 0. Relate the facts which show that, in fulfilment of versts 15 and 15, the modern 'wise men and astrologers' have been given an opportunity to read the handwriting and to interpret it, but have been unable to do so. Account tor their failure, and describe the methods employed by them to conceal their lack of wisdom.

D 7, 8. How did the king’s offer of reward appeal to Daniel? What has taken place to show that at that point as Daniel foreshadowed Jehovah's witnesses of the present time?

V 9, 10. When and how does verse 18 apply? Point out other statements by Daniel which support that conclusion.

U 11-15. In verses 18-21, of whom was Daniel speaking? Compare Lucifer and Nebuchadnezzar, according to this record, in points of position, source of authority, course of action, and result of such course. Why did Daniel call Belshazzar’s attention to those fan’s concerning Nebuchadnezzar, and to the further facts declared in verses 22 and 23 J Show that the rulers of "Christendom’’ have received notice and warning and that they have failed to use their privilege or to meet the responsibility brought to their attention.

V 1(5-18. How, in fulfilment of the prophetic picture, is it shown that the revelry continued even after the appearing of the writing on the wall? Was this justified, and why, in view’ of the faet that they were unable to read and understand the writing? What was the writing, and the interpretation thereof, as revealed by God to Daniel and by him made known to the king? What are the facts which show that the ‘handwriting on the wall’ and "ts interpretation’ have been made known to the rulers of "Christendom’’, and the further facts which clearly disclose why they have failed to profit thereby?

K 19-25. With illustrative related scriptures, explain the meaning and application then, and the iirophetia meaning and application, (a) of "mhne”, and of its being repeated, (b) Of "TEKEL". (c) Of "UPHARSIN", or (as in verse 28) ‘' PERES ’ ’.

K 26. What is herein clearly seen as to whom Daniel foreshadowed and what was foreshown by his reading the writing on the wall and making known its interpretation as revealed to him by Jehovah?

$ 27, 28. Was Belshazzar’s word fulfilled concerning reward to the one who could read and interpret the handwriting on the wall? What is foreshown therein?

• 29. What further even' took place that night? By whom was it accomplished? and what is pictured therein?

• 30. What is the prophetic significance of the recorded statement of verse 31, and of the relationship and position of Cyrus and of Daniel in that kingdom ?

f 31. Compare the Scriptural record and secular history in point of prominence given to Darius the Mede and to Cyrus the Persian, and account for the contrast.

H 32. What does Daniel 10: 1 suggest in regard to the remnant during and after Armageddon?

TEMPTATION AND FALL OF ECCLESIASTIC1SM

THE term “ecclesiasticism” applies to all denominations, Catholic and Protestant, which have united with the financial and political elements of the earth to form the governing or controlling factors to ru’e the world. To these ecclesiastics the Devil presented the three great temptations. These temptations he had also presented to Eve in the garden of Eden. She yielded and fell. The same three temptations were presented to Jesus by the Devil, and Jesus resisted all of them and gained the victory. And now mark how they were presented to the ecclesiastical systems and how these have all fallen to the wiles of the Devil and have become a part of his organization, the evil world.

The Scriptures declare that God does not tempt anyone. The apostle James (1:13-15) writes: “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: but every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.” It was the desire of these ecclesiastical leaders for honor and power that led them into temptation.

Jesus Christ is the great Shepherd of the flock of God. (Ileb. 13:20; 1 Pet. 2:25) In the organization of the church the Lord provided for undershepherds, designating them as overseers and teachers. Upon these is enjoined the duty and obligation of feeding the flock of God, to unselfishly look well to the interest of such (1 Pet. 5: 2-4), and not to lord it over the people of the Lord. Contrary to the Word of God, the elective elders or shepherds of the denominational churches in earlier centuries organized councils, synods, presbyteries, and like bodies politic, elected their own members to the high offices of popes, cardinals, bishops, doctors of divinity, reverends, and so forth, and thus formed and created what are properly termed the ecclesiastics of “Christendom”, the high personages in the denominational churches, Catholic and Protestant. God did not tempt these men so to do. Of their own desire were they led to these steps; and thereby they laid themselves open to the great Tempter, who promptly presented to them temptations similar to those which were presented to Eve and Adam and later to Jesus Christ; namely, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eye, and the pride of life.—1 John 2:15-17.

Consider, first, the lust of the flesh (or body): The power gained by the ecclesiastics in the church, by reason of their position, they have used for their own selfish purposes. They have fed themselves and let the flock of God go without attention. (Ezek. 34:8) Selfishly they have advanced their own private interests, permitted the people to go without spiritual food, and thereby have caused a famine in the land for the hearing of the Word of God. Yielding to the temptation to use their powers for selfish purposes, they fell.—Araos 8:11.

Second, Just of the eyes (dr mind) : Desiring to possess the seductive things of this world, and to be admired by men rather than be approved of God, the clergy have yielded to the lust of the eyes; they have clothed themselves in scarlet and long, flowing robes, decked themselves with jewels, and have arrogantly assumed a form of godliness while denying the power thereof. They fell ready victims to this temptation. —2 Tim. 3: 5.

Third, pride of life: Jesus instructed his representatives to preach the gospel of his kingdom and to awa.it patiently his second coming, when he would establish the kingdom. He admonished them to keep themselves separate from the world. The ecclesiastics, or clergy, have boldly assumed to represent the Lord on the earth. Satan held before them the temptation that, as the Lord's representatives, they could establish the kingdom of God on earth without waiting for the second coming of Christ; the condition being that they should join hands with the commercial and political powers of earth, which were already under the control of Satan. This appealed to their “pride of life”. To them it was a wonderful thing to bring the capitalists and the politicians into the church, They yielded to this seductive temptation; they set about immediatcl.v to obtain control and rulcrship of the world, without the aid of the Lord and contrary to his Word.

The clergy met the conditions and they have failed. They have worshiped the Devil, sanctified war, for pay have acted as military recruiting officers, and have resorted to other devilish methods to gain their selfish and ambitious ends. They have ignored God and the Lord Jesus, and have waxed rich anil powerful, while being associated with their allies and under the direction of the super-mind of the god of this world. They have fallen to the temptation, and have carried out their part of the Devil’s arrangi-ment to blind the people to God's purposes. They stand self-confessedly guilty before God and man.

The ecclesiastics, to wit, popes, cardinals, bishops, reverends, doctors of divinity, and theological professors, have claimed the exclusive right and authority to interpret the Scriptures, and presumptuously deny the right of anyone to preach the gospel except such as are ordained by them. They have set aside the pure doctrines of God’s Word and through their various organizations have constituted themselves the fountains of doctrines, which doctrines they have sent forth as a river, claiming such to be a life-giving stream for the benefit of the people, whereas in truth and in fact theirs has been a message of fraud and deceit and a stream of sickness and death. By these false and deceptive doctrines the people have been blinded to the purposes of God, and his great provision for salvation has been hid from their eyes.

Claiming for themselves the exclusive authority to interpret the Scriptures, for a long time the ecclesiastics kept the people in ignorance of the tent of the

Bible by discouraging them in studying it; but now in this day of greater education, when the people might read and understand the Scriptures, these ecclesiastical leaders boldly and flippantly deny the inspiration of the Word of (tod. Foreknowing that they would take this course, God caused his prophet Jeremiah to write concerning them: ‘‘They have foisaken me, the fountain of living waters [source of life and truth], and hewed them out cisterns [man-made systems and doctrines], broken cisterns, that can hold no water [really contain no life-giving truth].”—Jer. 2:13.

For the purpose of turning the minds of the people away from the true God and blinding them the ecclesiastics have taught false doctrines, of which the following are a few, and which are set out here in contrast with the truth for the purpose of comparison, to wit:

The Bible teaches that man was created perfect, and that because of sin he was sentenced to death, thereby losing perfection of organism and the right to life.

Modern ecclesiastics teach that man is a creature of evolution; that he never fell, and never lost the right to life by reason of sin.

The Bible plainly states that man is mortal, and that because of Adam's sin all arc born sinners subject to death.

Ecclesiastics teach that all men have immortal souls, which cannot die, which doctrine is supported only by Satan’s great lie, namely, ‘There is no death.’—Gen. 3:4; John 8: 44.

The Bible plainly teaches that the wages of sin is death, and that death and destruction is the punishment of the willfully wicked.

Ecclesiastics teaeh that there is no real death, and that the punishment of the selfish and wicked is conscious torment, eternal in duration; and that to escape such terrible punishment the people must join their church denominations.

The Scriptures plainly teach that Jehovah is God, the great First Cause; and that Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, is the I’cdeemer of mankind.

Ecclesiastics teach the unscriptural, God-dishonoring doctrine of the trinity.

The inspired Word of God declares that Jesus Christ is the ransomer of all; and that all members of the human race shall, in due time, have an opportunity to know about the ransom and receive its benefits.

Ecclesiastical teachings of evolution, human immortality, eternal torment and the trinity are denials of the ransom by implication; and now the chiefest among them deny that J<sus was any more than an ordinary man, deny that there is any value in his sacrifice, deny the only Lord God and the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ by which mankind is redeemed.

The Scriptures teach that Christ Jesus is King, the only One who has the right and authority to rule the earth in God’s due time.

Ecclesiastics teach the divine right of earthly kings, who are made by big business, to rule the people; and the ecclesiastics have joined hands with big business and big politicians to enforce this rule and to control the peoples of the earth because, they say, it is the divine arrangement for them to rule.

Jesus constituted his apostles as the foundation of the Kingdom, and the Scriptures teach that the apostles have no successors.

Ecclesiastics have fraudulently claimed to be successors of the apostles, and thereby have arrogated to themselves great authority and have attempted to deceive, and have deceived the people.

The Bible teaches and emphasizes the second coming of Christ, the great Prince of Peace, that he will take unto himself his power to reign; it admonishes all the followers of the Lord to faithfully proclaim this message of his coming kingdom, and to advocate and follow peace with all men.

The ecclesiastics teaeh and advocate war; they have sanctified war and wrest the Scriptures to justify their conclusion; they have repeatedly had their portraits made with, and exhibited with, great warriors of the world; they have turned their church edifices into recruiting stations; they have received and accepted filthy lucre in consideration of rendering service for recruiting young men for the war, and have willfully preached them into the trenches. And now when the evidence is plain and conclusive that the old world has ended, that the Lord for the second time is present and that the kingdom of heaven is at hand, the ecclesiastics ignore the proof, ami scorn, ridicule and persecute those who dare tell the truth to the people. Instead of bidding welcome to the King of glory, and telling the people of his kingdom and the blessings it will bring they openly unite with the Devil in his schemes to control the peoples of the earth in a compact designated as the League of Nations; and piously and fraudulently they declare it to be the ‘‘political expression of the kingdom of God on earth”.

Thus ccclesiasticism throughout ‘‘Christendom” has undeniably fallen to the temptations which Satan has placed in its path, and now Jehovah God's time is at hand to clear ccclesiasticism off the face of the earth that the people of all lands may know that he is Jehovah, the only true and living God, the Almighty and Most High One, in whom is no lie or fraud or hypocrisy or injustice or anything selfish.

GOD

standeth in the congregation of the. mighty: he judg-eth among the gods. . . . Arise, 0 God, judge the earth: for thou shalt inherit all nations.—Psalm 82.

THE ISSUE AND THE WITNESSES

NEVER was it so important as now that the people know the truth. Mankind’s great enemy, Satan, is putting forth all his efforts to prevent the people from knowing the truth. Many of the rulers are deceived and blinded by Satan, and likewise the people are blind to the truth. What, then, shall bo done that the people may know the truth?

God, whose name is Jehovah, does not execute his purpose in secret. ITe gives due notice of his purposes. It was but a brief space of time after the expulsion of man from Eden that Satan formed a company of men ami caused them to hypocritically call themselves by the name of the Lord. The book of Genesis, chapter four, verse twenty-six (margin), testifies to this fact. Men hurried down the road to wickedness. Satan also led many of the spirit creatures of God into wickedness, causing them to leave their first estate in God’s organization, take on human form as nephilim and fill the earth with violence. Because of this wickedness God determined to destroy that wicked generation. (Gen. 6:7) Before doing so, he sent Noah to bear witness concerning his purpose. (2 Pet. 2:5; 1 Pet. 3:20) That which Noah did was prophetic and foretold what would come to pass at the end of the world. Of this there is not the slightest doubt, because Jesus so declared.—Matt. 24:37.

When God would deliver his people from the oppressive hand of the ruler of Egypt, he sent Moses and his brother Aaron to give testimony before that ruler and the people,-of and concerning his purpose. (Ex. 3:18; 4:16; 5:1-4; see also Exodus 6 to 12) That what was there done by Moses and Aaron, and what followed thereafter with the Israelites, was prophetic and foretold similar things which would come to pass at the end of the world, is also certain. (1 Cor. 10:11) The prophecies fulfilled disclose two mighty organizations, to wit, God’s organization and Satan’s organization, which are at enmity and between which the war in heaven has been fought, and between which there is yet a great war to be fought, involving all the peoples of earth. It should be expected that Jehovah God would give due notice of that approaching conflict by having testimony given in his own good way, of and concerning his purposes.

The great question at issue for early determination by all creatures is, Who is the Almighty God? That issue must and will have a final determination, because God has so declared it. When the mighty hunter Nimrod, under the supervision of Satan, built the tower of Ba-bel, the purpose was to prove that Satan was equal to Jehovah God, if not greater. Jehovah destroyed that tower and confused the speech of that people that they might learn that he is the Almighty God.

When Egypt’s king became arrogant and oppressed God’s chosen people, the issue then was, Who is the supreme God'? Jehovah demonstrated his supreme power at that time, that his name and his supremacy might be kept before his people for good, and to demonstrate to Egypt that Jehovah is God.—2 Sam. 7:23.

When the king of Assyria appeared with arrogance before the ancient city of Jerusalem the issue raised by him then was, Who is the supreme God? Jehovah destroyed the Assyrian army that the people might sec who is supreme.—Isa. 36:18; 37:36-38.

Today the world powers of combined “Christendom” give allegiance to Satan the Devil, and cast reproach upon Jehovah, while hypocritically claiming to be followers of Christ; and now the great issue is, Who is the Almighty God, and whom shall we obey? Jehovah has expressed his determination that the issue shall be settled, and that shortly; but before doing so, he will cause testimony to be given before the nations and peoples of the world of and concerning his purpose, to the end that the rulers and the people may have an opportunity to know the truth; and further, that all mouths will be for ever stopped from saying that they had no opportunity to know. That the giving of such testimony should immediately precede the final determination of the great issue is made sure by the words of Jesus Christ, the great Prophet of Jehovah God, when he said: “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations: and then shall the end come. For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.”—Matt. 24:14, 21.

The fact that God would have this testimony given before the great time of trouble is proof that he would thereby furnish a warning to, as well as an opportunity for, those who hear to profit by the facts, break away from Satan’s organization, and seek safety under the power and protection of Jehovah. It is equally certain that Satan would do everything within his power to keep the rulers and the people from hearing the testimony, to the end that he might hold them in his organization.

Testimony is given by witnesses, detailing certain facts that bear upon the issue. Who will be witnesses on the earth to testify to the name of Jehovah God as the Almighty One? That question can be determined by ascertaining whom God has used on former occasions when he would bring his name before creation. Jehovah puts his spirit upon men whom he sends to deliver his message of truth. That means that they are authorized to speak in his name. He endows such with power from on high to act as witnesses for him. His spirit is his invisible power operating according to his sovereign will. (2 Pet. 1:21) It is quite evident that God caused a record to be made of what he did in the past, to enable men to better understand what he will do in the future.

When God organized the nation of Israel into his prophetic organization, he provided the priesthood to

serve that people, and he caused the priests to be anointed with holy oil, thus indicating authority and approval from Jehovah. The holy oil was a representation of the holy spirit of God with which he anoints those who act in his behalf. Among other duties that must be performed by the priests of that time was that they were required to teach the people by informing them concerning God’s law and his purposes. (Alai. 2:7) The priests of that organization prophetically foretold a similar class that would serve his real organization ‘when Zion is builded up’.

Through his prophet God foretold the coming of his mighty Son Christ Jesus, the great Prophet of Jehovah. Concerning the work that lie was to do, the prophet Isaiah (61:1,2) wrote: “The spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek: he hath sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn.” When Jesus began his earthly work he took up the book containing that prophecy, read it in the hearing of others, and applied it to himself.

He first read: “The .spirit of the Lord is upon me, because ho hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent ine to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that arc bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in jour cars.” (Luke 4:18,19,21) The fact that, in reading the prophecy at that time, Jesus omitted the words, “and the day of vengeance of our God,” must be significant.

He know that he would come again, and that at his second coming and the end of the world the “vengeance of our God” should be told to the people before that great and terrible day; and this conclusion is fullj- supported by what he subsequently said to his disciples. (Matt. 24:14,21) In the period of time elapsing from Pentecost (A.D. 33) until the coming of the Lord to his temple and the building up of Zion or God’s organization, his body members, that is to say, the members of the body of Christ, would be selected and gathered unto him. The last of these members on earth would constitute “the feet of him”, as the prophet Isaiah (52: 7, 8) terms them, and they must therefore perform the duties designated by the authority of their anointing.

For three and one-half years Jesus gave testimony before the people and the rulers, telling of God's purposes. When he stood before the Roman governor Pilate and responded to the question concerning his mission on the earth and as to whether he was a king or not, he said: “To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth hearcth my voice.” (John 18:37) Thus he proved his mission to be that of the great Witness or Prophet of God, and that all who are really of the truth must hear and obey his voice and must be witnesses-together with him.—Luke 24: 48.

One of the titles given unto Jesus by Jehovah God is “the faithful and true witness”. (Rev. 3:14) It is also stated that his body members must be like him. (Rom. 8:29) This likeness must of necessity consist in this, that bis body members would be wholly and unreservedly devoted to Jehovah God and delight in keeping his commandments. That would mean that they must be witnesses for Jehovah.

Jehovah’s purpose in having the gospel preached from the time of Pentecost, fifty days after Jesus’ resurrection, until the coming of Christ Jesus to his temple was to take out from among men “a people for his name”. The wily enemy Satan early began to carry on his campaign to offset God’s purpose. Well knowing that he must operate by fraud and deceit, he projected into the minds of the leaders in the earthly organization of the church the conclusion that the mission of the church is to convert the world and to robe it in glory and beauty in preparation for the second coming of Christ Jesus. Satan knew that men could not do such a thing, but that to follow that course would keep them busy and would hide Gou’s real purpose from their understanding.

When ancient Rome adopted a religion and named it the “Christian religion”, the leaders then began to carry on a great campaign to compel the people to become members of that church. That meant that Satan had gotten control of the organization and had made that organization the “religion” of his organization, therefore had made it a part of his organization which is called “Babylon”. Those who would not, yield to this influence were subjected to all manner of cruel treatment and torture.

The real purpose of the church was entirely lost to the sight of honest persons, and such was the result of Satan’s wicked influence. As the Jewish Pharisees were blind guides of the blind people when Jesus was on earth, even so the clergy, who are the counterparts of the Pharisees, became the blind guides of the people in the church, who likewise were blinded to the truth by Satan’s course of action.

When the conditions in the Roman church became intolerable, some of the more honest ones broke away to form what is known as the Protestant church. The Protestants also fell under the seductive influence of Satan, misconceived the purpose of the church, and believed it to be their duty to convert the world to Protestantism. As a result of. this, many bloody wars followed, especially in Europe, between the Catholic and Protestant church organizations. Both of these great organizations participated freely in the politics of the world and really became a part of the ruling factors. The truth was hid to them. This condition of misconception of the purpose of the church continued until the Lord began preparing the way before Jehovah and the restoration of the fundamental doctrines of the truth of God’s Word.—Mal. 3:1; 4: 5, G; Mark 9:11,12.

True Christianity means the faithful following by men in the footsteps of Christ Jesus, the Anointed of God. (1 Pet. 2:21) That means entire devotion to Jehovah God, and not to any man or to any worldly organization directed by man. It means that the true Christians or followers of Christ Jesus must be witnesses to the majesty and supremacy of Jehovah God and bear testimony to the truth of God’s Word. (John 18:37) In order to give testimony of the truth it is necessary for one to study and to understand the Word of God, the Holy Scriptures, which is the truth. —John 17:17.

“Organized Christian religionists” have entirely overlooked the Scriptural meaning of the second coming of Christ Jesus and his kingdom. The Bible testimony is all one way, to wit, that the coming of Christ Jesus and his kingdom is to vindicate Jehovah’s name by proving that Jehovah is the supreme and true God, that he is the God of wisdom, justice, love and power, and from whom all life and blessings How. The Bible testimony further is that the kingdom of God under Christ is a righteous government, which kingdom or government will vindicate Jehovah’s name and is the only hone of the peoples of the world. In this year of 1934, when the nations and peoples all over the earth are in great distress and perplexity, “organized Christian religionists” entirely ignore the Scriptural testimony as to the cause of this trouble, and how the world can be brought out of this depression, and in the place and stead of the Scriptures they follow the theories of men and join in all man-made schemes to relieve mankind. These religionists not only entirely ignore the cause of the trouble, but appear to be entirely blind to the divine remedy.

The clergj- and the politicians pose before the people as followers of Christ and by word of mouth say, “We implicitly believe in divine guidance,” and at the same time entirely ignore the Word of the divine God, who is-Jehovah the Most High. No one who is truly devoted to Jehovah God and his kingdom can have any part in the political affairs of this world. If these men, as they say, did implicitly believe and trust in the divine God, then they would follow his Word and would see that the great climax of trouble and wickedness is now upon the earth because of Satan, and that soon God will destroy this wicked organization, and in its place there shall follow a rule of complete righteousness; and they would teach the people these truths, and inform them that the kingdom of God alone will, bring relief and blessings. Any persons who would join forces with socialists or communists or any other political organization in this day would thereby furnish the conclusive proof that they arc not the servants of Jehovah God, and do not see the issue.

SERVICE APPOINTMENTS

Danville. Ill...............Dec. 2

Champaign, Ill...........”

Sheflield, Hl..............."

Rochelle, III.................”

Moline. Ill...................”

Cedar Rapids, Iowa....*’

Kirksville. Mo.............”

Frankford. Mo...........”

Moberly, Mo.................”

Bucklin, Mo.................”