● When I was in an orthodox church the minister forbade picture shows, and I vowed never to go to one. Since I have now come into the truth, am I still bound by that vow, and would it be wrong to go to a show occasionally?—H. M., Canada.

Respecting your vow in a denominational religious system: If you now discern that you were misled by clergy influence and acted upon a misunderstanding and without being consecrated to God, then your conscience may allow you to view that vow as something that you forsook when you turned from the political, commercial, falsely religious world and devoted yourself to the living and true God. However, vows taken when one has come into the truth and made in sincerity before God are not to be taken lightly.—Eccl. 5:2, 4-6.

As to the matter of shows, the Society does not establish any rules and regulations to govern its ministers on the matter of attending shows, athletic events, etc. We leave that up to each individual’s conscience as to whether to attend such things or not, and if they do attend, then the exercise of their sound judgment. Each one has to determine for himself why he wants to go to such things and how they will affect him spiritually or put him in a perilous position where he ought not to be, and then he must take personal responsibility for his course of action and for what happens as a consequence. But it is not our province to criticize another person’s course, which he thinks reasonable and in which he has exercised discrimination and careful selection. So we must leave the matter up to you, neither encouraging nor discouraging you about going. What you do becomes your responsibility before God, and you must be watchful to see what results from the course you take, and whether to continue in it or discontinue it.

Announcements

“DROOP NOT YOUR HANDS” TESTIMONY PERIOD

This is the Testimony Period for the month of April. It was an encouraging command first uttered by the prophet Zephaniah to a people bearing the name of Jehovah and doing a work of praise. Today, as then, there is a people doing a like work of praising their Creator. This work is publishing the Kingdom message, “a pure language,” to all nations before the world’s destruction at Armageddon. All Bible prophecy calls for fearless action in this work, “Fear not, droop not your hands.” (Zeph. 3:16, Mo) Do you want to put your hands to this work? If so, a ready implement is at hand; offer the Watchtower magazine subscription to others for $1 a year. To new subscribers during the month the booklets Evolution versus The New World, Can You Live Forever in Happiness on Earth? and one other will be given free.

DEFENDING AND LEGALLY ESTABLISHING THE GOOD NEWS

The record of the fight by Jehovah’s witnesses to maintain freedom for true worship is well known to all. Their legal battles in the courts during the past years have resulted in many victories not only in their own behalf but for the benefit of all citizens to exercise their civil rights, and to establish as law the right to worship and preach as God has commanded. How these liberties have been defended, established and written into the law of the land is made clear in the 96-page booklet Defending and Legally Establishing the Good News. It will be sent on a 10c contribution.

1951 DISTRICT ASSEMBLIES

Dates and locations of the North American district assemblies for 1951 are as follows

Chicago, Ill. May 18-20

Dallas, Texas (White & Col.) May 18-20

Minneapolis, Minn. May 18-20

Denver, Colo. May 25-27

Atlantic City, N.J. June 1-3

San Francisco, Calif. June 1-3

Atlanta, Ga. June 8-10

Atlanta, Ga. (Col.) June 8:10

Toronto, Ont., Canada May 18-20

Montreal, Que., Canada May 25-27

Winnipeg, Man., Canada May 25-27

St. John, N.B., Canada June 1-3

Vancouver, B.C., Canada June 1-3

Edmonton, Alta., Canada June 8-10

Plan now to attend. Watch for further announcements.

“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES

Week of April 22: Stability and Permanence During World Change; and Early Help for Surviving the World’s End, ¶1-4.

Week of April 29: Early Help for Surviving the World’s End, ¶5-26.