salvation. In chapter 12 he urges us to make our minds over to be able to serve God in an acceptable manner and to have tender affection for one another.

Then, in chapter thirteen, Paul gives compelling reason for obeying secular authorities, such as in paying taxes. Again he warns against judging others, this time in regard to food; for the kingdom of God does not mean eating and drinking. Rather, we should be concerned with doing what is right and living in peace with one another. Are we strong? Then let us patiently put up with those whose consciences are weak. Further, he reminds us that God’s Word was recorded for our instruction, that through its comfort and our endurance we might have hope. (Rom. 15:1-4) And in conclusion he warns against selfish men that would cause divisions, and he counsels us to be wise as to what is good but innocent as to what is evil. Truly, all of it is fine admonition!

May we today benefit likewise as we read this letter and seek to apply it in our lives!

Missionaries Sent Out​—by Whom?

‘YOU are being sent out as representatives of whom?’ was the question that Milton Henschel posed to the twenty-five missionaries of the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead’s 60th class, at their graduation exercises held in New York city on Sunday, March 7.

Henschel, the third of six featured speakers, answered his own question for the benefit of the graduates and their hundreds of well-wishers present. He pointed to the example of the Chief Missionary, Jesus Christ, who said: “I know [God], because I am a representative from him, and that One sent me forth.”​—John 7:29.

The speaker called attention to Jesus’ being sent out from the realms of heaven. He came down to live amidst imperfect humans, whose thinking and practices were foreign to God’s thinking. (Isa. 55:8) Jesus never complained, nor did he exalt himself as God’s missionary, but glorified the One who sent him.

Theodore Jaracz, chairman for the occasion, opened by noting that a number of relatives of the graduates were present from overseas. He remarked that this class was young, averaging about twenty-eight years, but had, on the average, been serving as witnesses of Jehovah for thirteen years, nearly half their lives.

Jaracz then called on U. V. Glass, Gilead instructor, for a few parting words to the students. Glass called attention to the human ear with its ability to distinguish even slight differences in the tone and quality of a sound. The Christian, he pointed out, knows the “sound,” the exact “tone” of the truth from God’s Word​—the voice of the Fine Shepherd. (John 10:2-5) He counseled the students to be alert to reject false or counterfeit “tones” that could decoy them from their true objective as missionaries.

John C. Booth, the next speaker, had been in a position to become acquainted with nearly all of the more than 5,000 graduates of Gilead from its beginning in 1943. Booth encouraged the graduates by first asking, “Do you qualify to be sent out as missionaries?” He called attention to the fifty-nine previous classes. Are not the increases in praisers of God in lands where missionaries have been sent living proof that they qualified?

Following this talk there was an interval of relaxation during which the audience stood as the School Registrar, E. A. Dunlap, read telegrams from near and far, expressing appreciation for the School and good wishes for the graduates in their assignments.

“Beware that You Do Not Become a Dropout,” was the theme developed by Lyman Swingle. Reminding the graduates that they had been Bible students before coming to Gilead School, he added that while at School they had learned much more. But they were now actually only beginning to learn. To believe otherwise would lead to their loss of spirituality and eventual dropping out from the missionary ranks. Indeed, even undesirable circumstances, which one might use as an excuse for becoming a dropout, could actually become another lesson imparting strength.