41. As the modern-day rout has gained momentum, what increases have come, and why such increase?

⁴¹ Thereafter the rout of the modern-day Midianites gained momentum, and during the 1930’s the “other sheep” joined in the fight, to bring the publisher figure up to 47,143 in 1938. In ever-increasing numbers they came during the next ten years, till in 1948 there were 230,532 reporting service regularly. In 1949 the figure climbed to 279,421, with a peak for one month of 317,877. For all of this prosperity Jehovah’s witnesses thank God, and give credit therefor to no visible agencies. Jehovah God foretold this abundant increase coming from all nations, like flocks, like clouds of doves that darken the sky for multitude. Into Jehovah’s organizational arrangement they come, and the gates are open to receive them, shut neither day nor night. And why the ever-increasing tempo of ingathering now? Is it due to any brilliant human minds in the visible organization? or to efficient methods or procedures practiced? No; the “other sheep” of the Lord now flock in abundantly because it is God’s time to hasten their coming: “The little one shall become a thousand, and the small one a strong nation: I, Jehovah, will hasten it in its time.”—Isa. 60:1-22, Am. Stan. Ver.

42. To what is the increase dedicated? and how are new ones fitted therefor?

⁴² As the visible organization increases, the new strength of numbers is dedicated to Jehovah’s honor. They are not held under as a laity class to bear up and support a clergy class. There are no class distinctions or discriminations or respect of persons shown in the visible organization; all are under God and Christ. (Matt. 23:8; Acts 10:34) Like the anointed remnant before them, the incoming “other sheep” study God’s Word privately and in groups, to purge their mind of false religious contaminations. They heed the counsel in the Bible, and welcome instruction from the visible organization. Then as they take places in the ranks of field publishers, marching shoulder to shoulder with the anointed remnant, they take comfort from these words: “Blessed be Jehovah my rock, who teacheth my hands to war, and my fingers to fight: my loving-kindness, and my fortress, my high tower, and my deliverer; my shield, and he in whom I take refuge.”—Ps. 144:1, 2, Am. Stan. Ver.

43. What will all Jehovah’s ministers on earth now say and do? and what will their battle-cry advertise?

⁴³ So taught from above, all Jehovah’s ministers on earth can say: “Wisdom is better than strength”; “Wisdom is better than weapons of war.” Without carnal weapons they will encircle this religionized old world that lies in darkness, and loves it. (John 3:19-21) They will let the truth torch shine, lift up their voice like a trumpet, shout out the praises of God and courageously wield the “sword of the spirit, which is the word of God”. (Eph. 6:17) Their place is not with the 22,000 scared ones who went home, is not with the 9,700 greedy and lazy ones who were indifferent to the fight. Their place is with the three hundred faithful fighters and the reinforcements that joined them in pursuing the routed enemy. And as they press on in the warfare their battle-cry advertises the ones to whom the victory is dedicated: “For Jehovah and for the Greater Gideon Christ Jesus!”

International Assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses

TO MEET AT YANKEE STADIUM IN NEW YORK CITY JULY 30 TO AUGUST 6 INCLUSIVE

THE attention of Jehovah’s witnesses throughout the world has been focused on this most outstanding event scheduled for 1950. The assembly’s being in New York city does not make it an American assembly, but it is an international gathering of Jehovah’s witnesses, for they are coming from the ends of the earth. At this writing reports are to hand from fifty-five different nations saying they are sending representatives. More than 2,000 delegates will come from other countries to assemble along with their American and Canadian brethren at this great feast, to be held for eight days in the world’s second-largest city.

The place selected for the holding of this great gathering of Jehovah’s witnesses is the famous Yankee Stadium, situated at River avenue and East 161st street in the borough of Bronx, New York city, and it is anticipated that this tremendous stadium will be practically filled from the very opening of the convention on July 30. Not only Jehovah’s witnesses are invited to attend, but all Watchtower readers, as well as the general public in New York who are interested in Bible study. All sessions are open to the public, seats are free, and no collections will be taken at any meeting. If you have not planned to be in New York between the days of July 30 and August 6 but you do have some occasion to come to New York, make it your business to be in the city sometime during this period, for you will receive a rich blessing by attending this gathering of the Lord’s people.

THE OPENING DAY ATTRACTION

The first day of the convention will be known as “Gilead Graduation Day”, and the program opens at 9:30 in the morning with songs. Jehovah’s witnesses will not have to bring their old songbooks with them, because the Society will be releasing a new songbook Sunday morning early. Many new songs have been added, but we will not tell you any more about it until you join with us in singing the songs of praise. The music and words that will be sung at the assembly will not match the old songbook.

The chairman of the convention will give the opening