. . . Jehovah will create over the whole habitation of mount Zion, and over her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for over all the glory shall be spread a covering. And there shall be a pavilion for a shade in the day-time from the heat, and for a refuge and for a covert from storm and from rain.”—Isa. 4:4-6, AS.

19. Why does world tribulation leave Jehovah’s people unshaken?

¹⁹ Oh the joy and blessedness of those who are dwelling in the presence of Jehovah God! They are in a holy place. The storms of opposition and the heat of persecution will come, also the troubles on earth will increase with perplexity. But none of these troubles will harm those in the pavilion of Jehovah. You want to remain there forever, do you not? Or, if you have not yet entered into association with Jehovah’s people, blessings await you. One of God’s promises states: “For in the day of trouble he will keep me secretly in his pavilion: . . . he will lift me up upon a rock.” “In the covert of thy presence wilt thou hide them from the plottings of man: thou wilt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.” “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of Jehovah, He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in whom I trust. . . . I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.”—Pss. 27:5; 31:20; 91:1, 2, 14, AS.

20. Jehovah’s people are a guarantee of what, and why?

²⁰ Let all hurry to go up to the organization of Jehovah and abide there. Seek his blessing while it is obtainable. Do not hesitate. Look to the faithful course of God’s anointed in these last days and know for a certainty that what Jehovah God has done for them he will do for you. The mercies of God will not be given to you if you remain in this evil world, neither will you be in the way to receive his goodness by standing still. You must move forward in faith born of the abundant testimony now before you. The promise is: “I, Jehovah, have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thy hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles.” (Isa. 42:6, AS) Yes, Jehovah’s people are a guarantee for your light and security.

21. What blessed promise should it be our aim to obtain?

²¹ All must be faithful, holding responsibility in the fear of Jehovah, guarding well this beautiful trust and giving a good account of our stewardship. Thereby may we gain his approval by increasing our privileges, and finally hear: “Well done, good and faithful slave! You were faithful over a few things. I will appoint you over many things. Enter into the joy of your master.”—Matt. 25:21, NW.

Why Christendom Starves Spiritually

● In Christianity and Crisis (edited by U.S. Protestantism’s most renowned theologian, Reinhold Niebuhr) Congregational Minister Clarence Kilde defends three Wisconsin pastors who were tried for doubting some Lutheran dogma. Preacher Kilde suggests that the three might not have got into trouble if they had been “more concerned with building financial and membership statistics. After all, a sister synod of the Midwest, the Evangelical Lutheran Church, has reported establishing a new parish every 18 days. . . . Go ahead and repeat the Apostles’ Creed, but be sure to be oblivious to people’s inarticulate disturbance over the meaning of the creed. At denominational headquarters it is statistics that are important, not spiritual sincerity or theological integrity.”—Time, January 2, 1956.