be printed again right away, but a personal answer will be sent and, in many cases, reference will be made to the Watch Tower publications that discussed the point in question.

However, it is the policy of the Watch Tower Society never to answer correspondence that does not bear the name of the inquirer. So let all that wish to avail themselves of the help that the publishers of The Watchtower give in providing Scriptural answers to questions of a personal or a doctrinal nature give their name (not merely initials) and address so that they may be certain to get direct and personal attention.

● Will there be earthquakes in the new world?—D.S., U.S.A.

Today it is held that the majority of earthquakes are caused by slipping of large sections of the earth along faults or cracks in the earth, while others are due to volcanic activity or the collapse of limestone caverns. Among the theories advanced to account for the slippage of faults is the strain caused by contraction due to the cooling of the earth. In view of this natural cause we are not to think that either Jehovah God or Satan the Devil causes the earthquakes of today.

Earthquakes are repeatedly mentioned in the Scriptures. It is apparent that some of these were caused by Jehovah, or timed by him. Among these can be numbered the one that swallowed up the households of Korah, Dathan and Abiram, and the ones that occurred at the time of Jesus’ death and resurrection.—Num. 16:31-33; Matt. 27:51-54; 28:2.

Jesus, who shared in creation, doubtless foresaw the settling of the earth’s crust and the build-up of pressures within that would seek escape. As a Master Worker he may well have known that this time of the end would be the time for an increase in such disturbances.—Matt. 24:7.

However, there is no reason to fear the possibility of such an occurrence in the new world. Jesus Christ, Jehovah’s Master Worker and the one of whom it is said that “all things came into existence through him,” has been enthroned in heaven as the immortal king of the new world. (Prov. 8:30; John 1:3) With loving concern, he will see that no harm comes to his new world subjects from the forces of nature, even as he once calmed the turbulent waters of the Sea of Galilee when a boat was “close to being swamped.” (Mark 4:37-41) Knowing well the structure of the earth, he may see to it that internal pressures find their outlet in unpopulated parts of the earth or under the ocean so as to cause no harm to man, or he may make it possible for men to move out of such areas before any disturbance occurs. Of this we can be certain: no one will be harmed by any such phenomena in the new world. And, no doubt, when the entire earth has been made a paradise, earthquakes will cease.

Announcements

FIELD MINISTRY

Exercising practical wisdom in a doomed world calls for separateness from old-world aims and activities, and wholehearted devotion to New World activities. Throughout November such New World activities will include offering the Bible-study aids From Paradise Lost to Paradise Regained and “Let God Be True,” along with two booklets, for $1.25.

WHAT IS GOD’S PROVISION FOR YOU?

Have you ever thought: “How wonderful it would be really to understand the Bible”? If you have, then you will be delighted with the two Bible-study aids From Paradise Lost to Paradise Regained and “Let God Be True.” Already millions of copies of these two popular hard-bound books have been placed in the homes of grateful persons interested in God’s Word. The simple yet comprehensive message from the Bible that they contain will thrill you and give you renewed hope for your future in God’s loving provision for all obedient mankind. Send only $1.25 today and receive free two timely booklets on Bible subjects.

“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES FOR THE WEEKS

December 4: Marriage in Paradise, ¶1-27. Page 649.

December 11: Marriage in Paradise, ¶28-34, and Marriage Outside Paradise. Page 656.