language, even more important was their being able to teach their brothers in the Christian congregation. At times, he said, they may need to be firm with those who contradict, but at all times they must be patient and kind. As an aid to remaining qualified, he counseled the students to pray as did David, “Make me walk in your truth,” “Teach me to do your will.” Yes, pray, ‘Make me to do your will.’—Ps. 25:4, 5, 9; 143:10.

At the conclusion of President Knorr’s remarks the students received their assignments. They were being sent to 64 different lands, to serve in many different capacities, such as special pioneers, missionaries, circuit, district, branch or zone servants. Then one of the students, Alexander Tharp, read a Resolution that the class had adopted that voiced their thanks to Jehovah and to all others that had contributed in any way to make their training at Gilead possible or profitable. It was indeed a warm expression of appreciation, and this class had special reason therefor, because in addition to the regular missionary course they daily received training in the operation of Bethel homes, branch offices and printing plants.

There was an intermission from 5:45 to 7:30 for the enjoyment of a fine farewell dinner, and then the program was resumed. It began with a condensed study of the week’s Watchtower lesson, “Take Courage—God’s Kingdom Is at Hand!” selected students furnishing the comments. After this some forty of the students had opportunity to relate experiences and impressions and express individually their appreciation for the training received. A closing song, “O Walk with God,” and a prayer by Brother Knorr brought the joyous and highly upbuilding program to a close at 11:30 p.m.

Questions From Readers

● Is it wrong to have a pet operated on so as to prevent its having offspring?—R. M., United States.

The law of Moses specifically forbade the Israelites to offer any animal as a sacrifice that had been operated on in this way: “A bull or a sheep . . . having the testicles squeezed or crushed or pulled off or cut off you must not present to Jehovah, and in your land you should not render them up.” While that law did not entirely forbid the Israelites to perform such an operation on their domestic animals, the voice of Jewish tradition indicates that this law was so construed. And that may well be, because the fact that such an animal could not be offered as a sacrifice might serve as a deterrent. Interestingly, in this connection, when some translations of the Bible refer to the ox as an animal for sacrifice, it is a mistranslation, since the ox is a castrated animal. The proper rendering is “bull.”—Lev. 22:23, 24; 7:23, 25; 27:26; Deut. 18:3.

However, what the Israelites did is not necessarily binding upon Christians, since Christians are not under law but under undeserved kindness. (Rom. 6:14) Man has dominion over the lower animals and, while he may not abuse that dominion, either by killing them for sport or causing them to suffer needlessly, it is for him to determine just how they can best serve him, dead or alive, with or without their reproductive powers.—Gen. 1:28.

● Does the statement at Ephesians 3:10 mean that God teaches the heavenly governments and authorities, the angels, through the members of the Christian congregation while they still are on earth?—B. F.

No, that is not what the apostle was referring to. Examine the context and note that what is under consideration is, not a knowledge of all the purposes of God, but his purpose to take from among men a group to be joint heirs with Christ in heavenly glory.

Beginning with verse 5, we read: “In other generations this secret was not made known to the sons of men as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by spirit, namely, that people of the nations should be joint heirs and fellow members of the body and partakers with us of the promise in union with Christ Jesus through the good news. . . . To me, a man less than the least of all holy ones, this undeserved kindness was given, that I should declare to the nations the good news