cause. The survivors who gained the victory vindicated themselves before Jehovah God and before all the readers of his Word. This vindication was worth the cost, and the nation of Israel was purged of a very degrading moral evil.

● How should a dedicated Christian Scripturally view labor unions and participation in their activities?—S. B., U.S.A.

The Scriptures counsel Christians to “provide the right things in the sight of all men.” “Certainly if anyone does not provide for those who are his own, and especially for those who are members of his household, he has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith.” These texts have a bearing on labor unionism, because to obey them it may be necessary to join a labor union. An analogy might be drawn between one’s duties as a member of a labor union and those he has as a citizen of a country. For benefits received from the government the Christian pays taxes; similarly, he could properly pay union dues, since such would in effect be job insurance. There can, therefore, be no objection to a Christian’s merely belonging to a labor union, paying the dues and heeding the call to stop work in the event of a strike.—Rom. 12:17; 1 Tim. 5:8.

However, a Christian should not get involved in union activity to the extent of holding an official position in the union. Nor, in the event of a strike, should he take part in picketing or in other ways agitate for the cause of the strike. Above all, he should not engage in violence in labor disputes, for “a slave of the Lord does not need to fight.” “If possible, as far as it depends upon you, be peaceable with all men.” Just as a Christian is neutral regarding politics and wars of his country, so the union member who is a Christian does not get involved in the governing activities and economic warfare of the union but must remain neutral.—2 Tim. 2:24; Rom. 12:18.

Announcements

FIELD MINISTRY

To safeguard our thinking ability for effective service of God is of great importance. Study of the Bible is necessary to do this. During February Jehovah’s witnesses will call on people everywhere with a Bible-study aid of real worth, The Watchtower, offering a year’s subscription and three booklets on a contribution of $1.

DO YOU BELIEVE THE LORD’S PRAYER?

When you say the Lord’s Prayer do you consider what its fulfillment will mean? “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” If that were to be accomplished suddenly, say tomorrow, what drastic changes would it mean for this world’s affairs? What would you have to do to share in its blessings? That day will come in our generation. Would you like Bible proof? Send for and read “Your Will Be Done on Earth.” It is only 50c.

1961 ASSEMBLY NOTICE

All of Jehovah’s witnesses and many persons of good will are talking about the 1961 assemblies, and many are beginning to make their plans to attend. The list of assembly cities was published in the February 1 issue of The Watchtower. However, we are glad to say that the arrangements for an assembly in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for August 22 to 27, are now definite; also, an assembly is scheduled for Omaha, Nebraska, August 15 to 20. Spanish programs are being arranged for the assemblies in New York city, San Francisco, California; Houston, Texas, and Paris, France.

Further information on rooming accommodations, both in America and for the European assemblies, will be provided through the congregations in ample time. In the past those who have taken accommodations in private homes have found that they were able to do much more to help persons in the assembly city to benefit from the convention. When it comes time to request rooms this year, no doubt the majority of assembly delegates will want to ask for such accommodations.

“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES FOR THE WEEKS

March 26: Finding Joy for Everlasting Life. Page 101.

April 2: Hold Fast Your Joy! Page 109.