the nations being separated into two classes, not three. The goats headed for everlasting cutting-off are not just those who persecuted Christ’s brothers. The parable upbraids the goats, not for what they did, but for what they failed to do, for their indifference toward and lack of interest in his brothers.—Matt. 25:45.

Many who never come in touch with the anointed remnant nevertheless subscribe to what others do in persecuting or fail to do in the way of giving help. The Bible shows a communal responsibility, where a community upholds rulers who persecute Jehovah’s people. Did not the Egyptians suffer the plagues because of Pharaoh’s hardheartedness? Did not the Amalekites suffer for generations afterward because of Amalek’s opposition to Israel in the wilderness? Were not the entire households, including little children, of Korah and Dathan and Abiram swallowed up in destruction because of the rebellion of the household heads? Did not Achan by his greed bring death not only to himself but to his sons and daughters as well? Even King David brought death upon his people by his own transgressions. (Ex. 5:1, 2; 9:13-16; 17:8, 14, 16; 20:5, 6; Num. 16:23-33; Josh. 7:24, 25; 2 Sam. 24:10-17) Now, who will be rash and commit the folly of posing as more just than God by saying He was wrong in such procedures?—Deut. 32:4.

In harmony with the parable of the sheep and goats, Ezekiel chapter 9 shows but two classes, those marked for preservation and the unmarked ones appointed to destruction. And in this latter class note that little children were included, to be slain without pity. This is a prophetic picture of the destruction at Armageddon. At a time of judgment Jesus said: “If the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.” That means not only clergy and laity but also parent and child. If a parent chooses to sin against the holy spirit despite the eternal interests of his offspring, that then becomes the responsibility of the parent. In that same time of judgment Paul and Barnabas said to the Jews: “It was necessary for the word of God to be spoken first to you. Since you are thrusting it away from you and do not judge yourselves worthy of everlasting life, look! we turn to the nations.” (Acts 13:46, NW) Those Jews became responsible for the fate of their offspring, not Paul and Barnabas.

Parents devoted to their children will in the interests of their offspring shun wrong ways, taking instead right paths so as to put their children in the way of preservation. “Jehovah knows those who belong to him,” and that also means little children at Armageddon whose parents belong to Jehovah and who try to rear them according to God’s Word. (Deut. 6:6, 7; Eph. 6:4; 2 Tim. 2:19, NW) To Christian parents of young children the promise is: “Otherwise, your children would really be unclean, but now they are holy.”—1 Cor. 7:14, NW.

Announcements

“PURE LANGUAGE” TESTIMONY PERIOD

To enable many to learn the pure language of God’s truth, June has been set aside as the “Pure Language” Testimony Period. (Zeph. 3:9) Help others to learn it by offering them the book “This Means Everlasting Life” and a 32-page booklet, on a contribution of 35c. Then report your activity to us.

1951 DISTRICT ASSEMBLIES—U. S. AND CANADA

Chicago, Ill., May 18-20, International Amphitheatre, 43rd and South Halsted Sts.

Dallas, Texas (White & Col.), May 1820, Fair Park Automobile Bldg., State Fair Park.

Minneapolis, Minn., May 18-20, Minneapolis Armory, 6th Ave. S. and 6th St. S.

Toronto, Ont., May 18-20, Varsity Arena, 275 Bloor St. W. and Maple Leaf Gardens, Carlton and Church Sts.

Denver, Colo., May 25-27, City Auditorium, 14th and Curtis Sts.

Montreal, Que., May 25-27, The Auditorium, 4110 Lasalle Blvd., Verdun.

Winnipeg, Man., May 25-27, Amphitheatre Rink. Atlantic City, N. J., June 1-3, City Convention Hall.

San Francisco, Calif., June 1-3, Cow Palace, Geneva Ave. and Rio Verde St.

Saint John, N.B., June 1-3, Curling: Rink, Lansdowne Ave.

Vancouver, B.C., June 1-3, Forum Building, Pacific National Exhibition.

Atlanta, Ga., June 8-10, Atlanta. Municipal Auditorium, Courtland and Gilmer Sts.

Atlanta, Ga. (Colored), June 8-10, Sunset Casino, 690 Magnolia St. N. W.

Edmonton, Alta., June 8-10, Edmonton Gardens, Exhibition Grounds.

“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES

Week of June 3: Divine Healing for Perfect Life.

Week of June 10: The Prayer of Faith During Sickness.