Open Side Menu Search Icon
thumbnailpdf View PDF
The content displayed below is for educational and archival purposes only.
Unless stated otherwise, content is © Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania
1939_Informant.pdf

“But they shall not prevail against thee.”—Jer. 1: 19.

BROOKLYN, N. Y.


JULY, 1939

Brother Rutherford Delivers Stirring Lectures to the World

Catholic Action Tries to Stop Public Meeting


Fascist Attempts Fail

“Salvation” Simultaneously Released at All Conventions

Jehovah Blesses

World-wide Broadcast

By far the most blessed and enthusiastic convention of the Lord’s people to date has come and gone in the General Convention emanating from New York, June 23-25. The high points were so numerous that it is impossible for us to cover all of them in the Informant.

Brother Rutherford’s public address of Sunday afternoon was the high point. This speech was delivered under most tense and dramatic circumstances and will not be forgotten by those who were privileged to witness the event and hear the talk.

Madison Square Garden Packed

Visualize, if you can, an immense auditorium such as Madison Square Garden with close to 20,000 people packed into it, and a powerful witness for Jehovah and against the Devil being delivered. Then some three hundred fanatical Catholics in one section of the upper balcony tried to break up the meeting. Another small group in another section tried to do likewise. However, the Lord directed the handling of this situation so that not only were their efforts unsuccessful, but the Lord, maneuvering the enemy’s forces as well as his own, caused the entire setup to work to the glory of His name and for the blessing of his people and the confusion of the enemy. The enthusiastic applause with which the mighty audience received each point of Brother Rutherford's speech struck terror to the hearts of the hoodlum disturbers. The results of the upheaval were—

  • 1. To cause Brother Rutherford to determine by God’s grace to drive the message he had to deliver into the microphone at any cost. This he did with a force and authority never equaled in the past.

  • 2. The attack established a background for everything Brother Rutherford said, and by their own words and actions they stand condemned of doing the very things that the Lord reveals they have been doing and which Brother Rutherford was telling the audience about at that particular time.

  • 3. Many honest Catholics in the Madison Square Garden, and those attending the other assemblies, and those listening to the radio, have indicated that they are heartily disgusted with and ashamed of the disgraceful tactics of Catholic Action. Evidently this is also percolating through to the Hierarchy; for they are breaking their necks now to discountenance what happened, claiming that it was radical Coughlinites that were responsible and that these are only a minor faction of Catholicism and do not properly represent their organization.

However, they waited too long. The facts got out and exposed their true position before they could be stopped, and honest people are getting their eyes opened. Not only that, but the whole disgraceful action on their part has, under the Lord’s direction, been recorded and will encircle the earth again when this is reproduced in the homes of the people by the phonographs of tens of thousands of Jehovah’s witnesses. This honor have all his saints and also their companions.

"Victory”

Another high point was Brother Rutherford’s speech on Saturday afternoon, entitled “Victory”, clearly proving that we have come to the time when the Lord’s people are to take aggressive action; that the people of God are to go forward like locusts; not killing the people physically, but destroying the provender which the religionists have dished up for the people.

"Salvation”

Another high point was the release of the new book Salvation, which is a very important step in the progression of the Lord’s arrangement, particularly in providing for the great multitude.

All through the convention the brethren had before them on the program “Salvation belongeth unto Jehovah”; so when Brother Rutherford introduced and released the book, the significance of the quotation came to all. Surely “Salvation belongeth unto Jehovah”, the knowledge of which he has committed to his people that they may publish It abroad to the glory of his name and to the blessing of the people of good will.

Saltation was simultaneously released in all convention cities at the same time, In Australia, the British Isles, Canada, Hawaii and the United States, each point receiving its respective consignment on time. The brethren eagerly devoured its pages between sessions —reluctant to waste one precious second.

World-wide Broadcast

Another remarkable indication of the Lord’s supervision of the entire convention was the unanimous reports from all parts of the earth that the reception was excellent.

Both lectures circled this planet. Reports have come from every part of the world indicating unusual reception. One engineer handling the overseas service said, “You people are always lucky.” We know that Jehovah supervises these arrangements to His praise.

The key city for this convention was New York. There the convention opened in Manhattan Center. This spacious auditorium was well filled by Friday evening. By Saturday it was crowded out, and some 2,500 to 3,000 could not get in to hear Brother Rutherford at all on Saturday afternoon. Saturday night the convention moved into Madison Square Garden without confusion or commotion. Sunday morning the brethren assembled there for the final day’s services.

Information marches were another outstanding feature of the convention. Between 3,000 and 4,000 brethren participated in these marches, giving New York City the greatest witness it has ever had, and one which it will not soon forget. There was much enthusiasm and joy manifested by the brethren who participated in this most effective means of advertising.

The enthusiastic and thrilling Declaration meetings indicated the Lord’s blessings were many upon his people. Space will not permit us to go more into detail here. Read it all in The Messenger.

Remember, “Salvation belongeth unto Jehovah.” He has entrusted us with the job of taking the facts concerning it in print to the people. Let everybody be ready for the “Divine Mandate” Testimony Period, commencing August 1.

The Messenger

All of Jehovah’s people will desire The Messenger, giving a complete report of the world-wide convention, not only that they may be informed of the happenings at each of the convention cities, but also that they may place it In the hands of those of good will at back-calls and model studies and mall it to their friends and relatives. Orders for The Messenger should be placed by the company servant for all publishers asso-

Forty Thousand Publishers During “Divine Mandate”!


Reach the Goal in August

In April, 1939, by Jehovah’s grace, we reached a new high peak of publishers of 38,835, which was an increase of almost 5,000 over the previous month, and 8,000 over April 1938. It is Jehovah’s time to bring in the increase, and he is bringing it, by Christ Jesus.

At the world-wide convention, many participated in advertising the Kingdom for the first time, either in actual door-to-door service or in information marches; and these were appreciative of the opportunity of thus serving their God. The instruction provided by Jehovah in the various discourses, and especially in that by Brother Rutherford on “Victory”, was thrilling beyond description, as Jehovah’s people saw that the only way to have protection and blessing from the Lord was to engage in “His strange work”, as all who spurned this privilege now would be engulfed in “His strange act”. The “recruits”, along with the “seasoned warriors” in the Lord’s army, were thrilled at the prospects of being on the Victor’s side, knowing beyond question that, although the Devil’s forces would bring every Instrument into play elated with the company. The cost is five cents per copy. Remit with order.

Salvation Autographed Edition Released

It was a thrill to all who attended one of the convention cities, or who attended “by radio”, when Brother Rutherford, at the conclusion of his address on “Victory”, held aloft the new book Salvation and announced that this new book was being released. Not only were these books released at the New York City convention, but every convention city was supplied with sufficient copies of the Autographed Edition, so that all who desired a copy could obtain one.

The “food convenient” contained therein is right “up to the minute”, provided now by the Lord for his people, and especially for the “great multitude”.

Those who were unable to attend, or who failed to obtain a copy at the convention, should order now. The Autographed Edition is fifty cents per copy. Obtain one for your own use, so you can begin your study immediately. Many with whom you are holding model studies and back-calls will desire one. Have these in mind when placing your orders. Those associated with a company organization should place their orders through the company. All orders for literature or other supplies by a company should always be SIGNED BY THE COMPANY SERVANT.

As outlined elsewhere in this Informant, August 1 marks the time for general distribution of Salvation to begin.

against the Lord’s people, “they shall not prevail.”

The information contained In the various addresses, and particularly’ in “Victory” and “Government and Peace”, was for a purpose. This wasn’t just “another convention”. It wasn’t a time to meet “old friends”, nor a time for “fellowship” as we once applied the term. It was a period of instruction and preparation for the battle ahead. Representatives from the enemy’s eamp were there—both of the Hierarchy and of those once posing as our brethren. They heard what was said about the manner in which Jehovah’s witnesses will hereafter ‘push the battle to the gate (of the enemy)’ with intense activity and without compromise. Now let’s prove TO THEM THAT WE MEAN BUSINESS.

There is every reason why "all [spiritual] Israel” and alt, “strangers [Jonadabs]” should zealously and determinedly take hold on and advance the Kingdom interests by taking the message of Jehovah’s government of peace to others of good will, thus affording them the opportunity of accepting the King-(Continued on page 2, column 4)

“Divine Mandate” Period Is World-wide


“Salvation,” “A Text-Book for the Jonadabs” To Be Offered on Contribution of 25c


40,000 Publishers in the United States

Greatly thrilled and encouraged by having some participation in the grandest convention ever, Jehovah’s witnesses and their companions eagerly look forward to the “Divine Mandate” Testimony Period beginning August 1 and continuing throughout the month of August. Appropriately, during this timely testimony period Salvation is to be offered to the peoples of all English-speaking countries of the world. Like a swarm of locusts, those who love Jehovah and righteousness will unitedly descend upon “Christendom” with Salvation. Filled with zeal by the forcible messages which were heralded by Brother Rutherford in “Victory” and “Government and Peace”, the witnesses everywhere are determined to show their appreciation to the Lord, more than ever devoting their time and energy toward publishing Jehovah’s name and his kingdom. Satan and all his visible representatives are now viciously and desperately fighting against the witnesses of Jehovah; but they cannot prevail, for the King now rules in the midst of His enemies and victory is certain to all who are on Jehovah’s side.

Waste No Time

Everything should be in readiness to commence the campaign Tuesday, August 1. Publishers should be well stocked with the book Salvation. The brethren at the factory have been working day and night to get out sufficient of Salvation, and as this Informant goes to press over 400,000 copies have already been printed. Consignments of Saltation are now under way to all companies, and these should be on hand in plenty of time before the campaign. All publishers should know beforehand just what territory they are going to work during the campaign. As all territory becomes “new" for Salvation, the territory servant can eas

Study the “Order of Trial”


It is apparent from correspondence that conies to Brooklyn that many publishers have not studied their Order of Trial. It is especially noticeable with reference to Section Three. That section tells what to do in the case of assault and riot, but the publishers write in daily reporting such assaults and riots and wind up with “What shall we do next?”

This form of religious action is increasing in various parts of the country, and it therefore appears necessary to restate the course of action for publishers to follow. Hence, BEAD, STUDY and PRESERVE the following :

  • 1. Study your Order of Trial. This applies to the publisher individually and to the company as a group. Study it by yourself and in your company gatherings. In your study pay particular attention to Section Three and determine in advance what course of action to take when assaulted or mobbed.

  • 2. As part of your study, ascertain in advance how to secure a warrant for the arrest of a person who has unlawfully interfered with your Kingdom activity. Delegate a member of the company to investi-

Have You Considered Pioneer Service?

ily arrange adequate and convenient territory for the publishers. Get to your territory as early as you can, and work there as long as possible, being sure to take along with you a good supply of Salvation.

Bookmarks and Back-Calls

By August 1 all companies who ordered should have received their bookmarks. The publishers should be sure to see that a bookmark is given to each one who takes the book Salvation. The company should immediately arrange for a midweek study of Salvation at their Kingdom hall; and the publishers should tell the people about this study, so that as many as possible can attend. The people should be encouraged not only to read Salvation, but as well study it with others at the Kingdom hall meeting.

This is also a propitious time to get all the people of good will already on your list to come regularly to a meeting of the company. The back-call servant should see that all the names he has on his back-call list are called upon soon with Salvation. It would be well for the publishers, when calling on these interested ones, to take along the autographed edition also; for many will want to contribute 50c and thus enjoy a share in bearing a part of the initial cost in the printing of this new book. Such back-calls, of course, should be made in the evenings.

New Publishers

The convention has stirred up many of the newly interested ones to the point where they realize the necessity and privilege of taking an active stand for the Kingdom. The publishers should take these out with them in the field and show them how they can most effectively’ sing the praises of Jehovah. There is no testimony card provided for Salvation. However, all will find it to their advantage to use the remarks made by Brother Rutherford in his gate this subject and report clearly to the company the exact steps required and the place to go to secure a warrant.

  • 3. Self-defense is justifiable under the laws of man and the laws of God. Don’t let any Papal subject or other religionist maul you in the dirt or beat you up without such resistance as you are able to give.

  • 4. Prepare for trial. If you are assaulted and unlawfully beaten or struck by one or more persons, get the name and address of each of such persons; also get the name and address of each one who witnessed the affair. Talk with these witnesses and have each one write out a statement (or you write it out for him) as to what happened, and let each witness sign his or her name to it. Keep these statements for your own use. If necessary to furnish the facts in such statements to the prosecutor or other official, furnish him with a copy, but you keep the originals. Send a copy of each statement to Brooklyn, marked “Legal Desk”.

  • 5. Get a warrant for the arrest of each of the lawbreakers. The place to get the warrant is determined by your local conditions. It may be from a justice of the peace, from the police court, or from a letter in the Autographed Edition. This letter makes an excellent testimony. Study it carefully. If each zone servant, each servant of the company, each publisher, performs his assigned duty, there is every reason to expect at least 40,000 publishers active in the field during the "Divine Mandate” Testimony Period. Be sure that you do your part.

The Goal of Each Company

The “Divine Mandate” Testimony Period should result in the largest number of publishers of each company being active in the field; more than in any other previous month.

Each publisher should strive to reach the 60-hour goal during this month.

Also, each publisher should endeavor to place eight of the book Salvation during this month, and in view of the tremendous interest aroused by the reading of Face the Facts, Fascism or Freedom, and the Watchtower and Consolation magazines, and by information marches, and the publicity given by the newspapers of the unsuccessful attempt of the Catholic Hierarchy to break up tlie Madison Square Garden meeting, this goal is well within the reach of every active Kingdom publisher. With more publishers in the field, and putting in more time, we confidently expect the “Divine Mandate” Testimony Period to produce the greatest witness with a bound ’ book that has thus far been given in any one month.

This work must be done speedily if the people of good will are to be properly warned so as to take their stand wholly on the side of the King and his kingdom. Graciously Jehovah provides us with suitable equipment to successfully carry out our


commission, and now with Salvation added to our ever-increasing weap-

ons of warfare, there is every reason to joyfully go forth in the face of all the opposition and obstacles the Devil may bring about. Confidently, courageously and boldly, then, let , each one faithfully engage in this Jehovah’s “strange work”, keeping, ever in mind the promise, ‘They shall not prevail against you,’ Don't forget WATCHTOWER and


CONSOLATION subscriptions

municipal court, or it may be necessary for you to see the district attorney, or the city or county prosecutor. As suggested above, find out in advance the exact procedure. Inform each publisher.

  • 6. Sue them for damages. If you are seriously injured or property is destroyed as a result of such assault, follow up the criminal proceeding with a civil action for damages.

  • 7. Publicity. Evil-doers hate publicity. They prefer to work in the dark. It is our privilege and duty to drag their evil deeds out into the open where all may see and consider. Therefore, when an aggravated assault or mob action takes place, give the matter as much prompt publicity as possible. Ix-t the world know ail about it. especially if the Hierarchy or its allied organizations are mixed up in the affair. Write out the facts clearly in narrative form, making several copies, and then turn such over to the editor of each local newspaper. Value of such publicity hinges largely upon accuracy of the points embodied in the published story: hence the need for preparing promptly and carefully that which is released to the press.

  • 8. Send full reports. Report these events as quickly as they occur. In reporting, give complete name and address of each participant, as falas possible. When you have interviewed officials, such as a chief of police, sheriff, or judge, give the

Use Bookmarks with “Salvation”

the Society will supply the compa-


As outlined in the June Informant, nies with a bookmark, attractively printed in two colors (a sample of , which accompanied the June Informant'), in lots of a thousand or more at $2.00 per thousand; 500 for $1.25; or 250 for 75c; remittance to accompany all orders.

Now that we shall have a new book—Salvation—to place with the people, a bookmark should be left in every book, showing the location of your headquarters and where they may meet with you to study the hook. Arrangements should be made to take up a study of Salvation, in addition to the Watchtower study.

Order your bookmarks immediately and START USING THEM.

Pioneers to Order Salvation

Will Not Be Consigned

As already announced by post card, the pioneers are to order Salvation; these will not be consigned to them. All orders should be sent in to this office as quickly as possible, so that they can be shipped in time for the “Divine Mandate” Testimony Period. Orders should be in at least ten days before the 22d of July. Be sure to order plenty. We hope that, on an average, each pioneer will be able to place 60 Salvation during the Testimony-Period.

Factory Closed

As announced in The Watchtoioer, the Brooklyn factory and office will be closed for the two weeks beginning July 22 and ending August 6. In order for all companies and pioneers to be supplied with all literature required to carry on during this period and until the end of August, orders should be sent in not later than July 12, in order to insure shipment before the factory closes.

Don’t Forget Subscriptions

(Continued from page 1, column 4) dom and definitely aligning themselves therewith before it is too late, and incidentally calling the dare of religionists and their co-eonspirators. There is every reason, with no excuse, why every one of Jehovah’s people should thus engage in Jehovah’s “strange work”.

Therefore, let all who have ever had a part in the service, and now those for the first time realizing their Kingdom privileges, determine to have, by the Lord’s grace, a full share in boldly declaring the Lord’s judgments.

Remember our goal is 40,000 publishers in the field this year. We need 1,165 more than participated during April, to reach this goal. All those who attended the Memorial of Joy should be ‘about their Father's business’. If every company in the I'nited States helps at least one inactive or new one to see the neees-sity of taking a bold stand for the truth and having a share in the only work worth engaging in, this goal will be realized ! If you do your part, we shall exceed this during the "Divine Mandate” Testimony Period.

For those who can devote full time in field service there is the pioneer work. Write the Society for further details.

name and address of each of such likewise. With such information at hand Society’s counsel may then be in position to render special co-operation and assistance.

KEEP these instructions. Study them. Be prepared. When a modern-day Philistine hits you with a brick, don’t write and ask "What shall I do?” Go ahead and do it. Report fully.

Have You Considered Pioneer Service?