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Questions From ReadersThe Watchtower—1954 | May 1
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by a wild beast, whether a native or a temporary resident, he must in that case wash his garments and bathe in water and be unclean until the evening. Then he must be clean. But if he will not wash them and will not bathe his flesh, then he must answer for his iniquity.” (Lev. 17:15, 16, NW) A body that dies of itself or of wounds inflicted by another animal would not be properly drained of blood, and hence was not to be eaten. Penalty for deliberate violation of the commandment to eat no blood is death, but in the last-mentioned case guilt could be erased by a ceremony of purification, which indicates it was a case where the commandment was violated innocently, unknowingly, as might happen when someone purchased or bartered for meat, or when eating as a guest of someone else. Now, as in Israel’s day, one who violates the command concerning blood accidentally, without knowing it, not doing so deliberately, can gain forgiveness by repentance and avoiding a recurrence of the trespass.
Basing our position on the Bible, we shall have a balanced view, neither fanatically opposing all killing of animals, nor wantonly hunting them for sport. Jesus ate meat, both fish and lamb. He directed a successful fishing operation using a net, and also instructed that a fish be caught with a hook. (Luke 24:42, 43; Ex. 12:3, 8; Matt. 26:17-21; Luke 5:4-6; Matt. 17:27) Apparently fish required no special attention in bleeding, since there is no instruction concerning them; but the requirements relative to game birds and animals are specific and must be followed by theocratic hunters seeking to vary their meat diet with some wild game. Bullet wounds of today, like arrow wounds or fang-and-claw wounds from beasts of prey during the time of application of the Mosaic law, seldom effect adequate drainage of blood. Hence the hunter must make it complete by using his knife, whether it spoils a trophy or not.
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AnnouncementsThe Watchtower—1954 | May 1
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Announcements
FINDING THE GREATER HAPPINESS IN GIVING
In giving to others our desire should be to give that which we treasure most. This presents no problem for even the materially poor of God’s servants, for their greatest treasure is the truth. It was freely given to them and they, in turn, give it freely to others. As this is obediently done in accord with Jesus’ instructions they become happier and richer, for “there is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” (Acts 20:35, NW) All the gold and silver in the world will not buy life. The truth makes everlasting life possible. No wonder, then, that all of Jehovah’s witnesses and persons desiring to be happy during May will arrange to spend many hours enjoying the greater happiness of giving the truth to others. The Bible study aid “New Heavens and a New Earth”, along with the booklet After Armageddon—God’s New World, will be presented on a contribution of 50 cents. Enjoy the greater happiness during May by giving what you treasure most—the truth.
SEEKING EVERLASTING LIFE?
Just what is required for obtaining everlasting life? The answer is found clearly stated at Proverbs 2:1-5: “My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; so that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasure; then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.” To aid seekers of everlasting life to “understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God,” the Watchtower Society has published the 384-page Bible study aid book “New Heavens and a New Earth”. A copy of it and the most interesting 32-page booklet After Armageddon-God’s New World may be obtained on the small contribution of 50 cents. Inquire at the nearest Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s witnesses or send your order to us.
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