And not only was the true Christian congregation to be unpopular, and no part of this world, but it was to be violently persecuted: “All those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted.” It follows, then, that all who mix in with the world’s politics and business schemes and who are well thought of by it could not be the true congregation.—2 Tim. 3:12, NW.

Christ Jesus while on earth preached the good news of God’s kingdom and he foretold that at the time of his return and the end of this wicked old system of things “this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for the purpose of a witness to all the nations.” This eliminates from the claimants to being the true Christian congregation all those who hold out the governments of man as God’s kingdom or who look to such schemes as the United Nations organization or the World Federalist movement to bring about righteous and peaceful conditions upon earth. And it would also eliminate any whose message is not being preached in all the world.—Matt. 24:14, NW.

And finally, the true Christian congregation must have evidence of God’s blessing upon it. It must grow and prosper in quality and numbers in spite of all the temptations and pressures that the Devil and the world can bring against it. As Gamaliel well said to his associates in the Sanhedrin: “If this scheme and this work is from men, it will be overthrown; but if it is from God, you will not be able to overthrow them.” Yes, far from seeking special favors from worldly governments the true Christian congregation will thrive in spite of persecution by such governments.—Acts 5:38, 39, NW.

Having noted the nature of the structure of the true Christian congregation, how it is chosen, its origin, purpose and destiny, and how it can be identified, it is the responsibility of each one who would have God’s approval and gain everlasting life to determine which professed Christian organization “is the congregation of the living God, a pillar and support of the truth.”—1 Tim. 3:15, NW.

“Please Cancel Our Subscription”

In March, 1954, a Mrs. W———— wrote the Watchtower Society requesting her subscription for The Watchtower to be canceled as some of its articles were “not exactly to our liking.” In reply the Society observed that if she could be more specific about her objections it might be able to make explanations and then she doubtless “would be glad to continue to receive our magazine. Since the purpose of our magazine is to be of help we do not like to cancel any subscriptions.” In December, 1954, the Society was glad to receive the following letter:

“Some time ago (about six months), I wrote you a letter requesting that The Watchtower no longer be sent to us as our views differed so greatly. At that time you folks sent me a wonderful letter and some fine literature which I studied.

“It has taken quite some while to ‘uproot’ my Catholic belief and traditions; but now I feel I can write you a letter of sincere thanks and gratitude, not only for myself, but also for my husband and two children. Our sincere desire is to keep learning more and more of Jehovah’s wonderful truths and be able to tell others the glorious good news and the happiness it brings into our everyday living.

“Thank you again for your wonderful publications and the opportunity of being able to share in the truth of Jehovah’s kingdom.

Very sincerely, [signed]”