to the small door, a little over 2 feet square, in the large heavy gate of a Walled city. This mars the figure without materially altering the meaning, and receives no justification from the language and traditions of Palestine.”

It is reasonable that Jesus Christ meant a literal sewing needle and a literal camel and used these to illustrate the impossibility of the thing mentioned. The New World Translation is based on the actual language of Jesus Christ and his disciple Luke rather than on tradition. As far as sewing needles are concerned, both bone and metal needles of ancient origin have been discovered in the Holy Land, showing that they were common household objects.

● What is the Scriptural view of the use of birthstones?​—M. O., U.S.A.

Whether a Christian will wear a ring with a certain gem in it is a matter for personal decision. Bible principles can aid one to make a wise decision. The Bible admonishes us: “More than all else that is to be guarded, safeguard your heart, for out of it are the sources of life.” (Prov. 4:23) So, in making this decision, the Christian ought to examine his heart to see what his motive is. Is it simply that the gem that appeals to one happens also to be a so-called birthstone? Or is one, somehow, affected by the superstitious view that certain persons have attached to them?

Many people of ancient times believed that a birthstone would bring “good luck” to the wearer. Does the Christian believe this? No, he knows that Jehovah condemns those who trust in “the god of Good Luck.” (Isa. 65:11) It was also thought by some that the birthstone would influence one’s personality for the better. Does the Christian believe that? No, he knows that “the new personality” is obtained by applying Scriptural principles. (Eph. 4:22-24) During the Middle Ages fortune-tellers selected a gem for each month, and it was this group that encouraged people to wear the gem of their birthday month to keep them from harm. But the Bible condemns those who seek omens and professional foretellers of events, so it would not be appropriate for Christians to follow their leading. (Deut. 18:9-12) Nor would it be appropriate for a Christian to attach special significance to the fact that a ring had a “birthstone,” since the Christian witnesses of Jehovah do not celebrate birthdays, pagans being the only ones mentioned in the Bible as celebrating birthdays.​—Gen. 40:20; Matt. 14:6-10.

Having these points in mind, each one can examine his own motive, consider the effects of his course both on himself and on other persons, and then make a personal decision.

Announcements

FIELD MINISTRY

The thirty-second chapter of Isaiah calls attention to God’s Kingdom rule as the means that will bring peace. Even now, as foretold in that chapter, peace exists among the Christian congregations of Jehovah’s witnesses. They are desirous of preserving their possession of Christian peace and inviting others to share it with them. To extend this invitation to others, during September Jehovah’s witnesses will be offering in their house-to-house ministry the fine Bible-study books Life Everlasting​—in Freedom of the Sons of God and “Things in Which It Is Impossible for God to Lie,” either one, along with a booklet, for 50c.

NEW AND REVISED

A revised edition of the fine book Qualified to Be Ministers was released this summer at the “Disciple-making” District Assemblies and is now available for general distribution. It contains all the enlightening material of the original edition as to speech preparation and delivery, how to study, meetings of the congregation and ministerial and congregational activity. Now, in addition, it contains material on Progressive Speech Training for use in the congregation Theocratic Ministry Schools. Do you have your copy? Send today. Only 50c

“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES FOR THE WEEKS

October 8: God’s Spirit and Word​—Divine Provisions for Life. Page 553. Songs to Be Used: 66, 68.

October 15: Recognizing the Part Played by Jehovah’s Organization. Page 559. Songs to Be Used: 89, 49.