parent, Christian principles also govern the course he must take. The unbeliever may still insist that the child attend church, and the minor child, properly subject to his parent, would be obliged to do so; but at church he could not conscientiously participate in the idolatrous ceremonies, and when discussion periods give him opportunity to do so, he will defend the Word of his heavenly Father. When required by an unbelieving parent to do something that would directly violate the law of Jehovah God, the child would be guided by the counsel in the Bible: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men.” “He that has greater affection for father or mother than for me is not worthy of me.” “Children, be obedient to your parents in union with the Lord, for this is righteous.”—Acts 5:29; Matt. 10:37; Eph. 6:1.

Thus in all situations dedicated members of divided households show proper evaluation of their circumstances. They recognize that their first responsibility is to God, and, consistent with this, they comply with the God-given instructions on recognition of headship within the household and show the love and deep respect that are due.

● Do Jehovah’s ministers perform marriage ceremonies between two persons who have not made a dedication?—L.S., U.S.A.

Whether a Christian minister of Jehovah performs a marriage ceremony between two undedicated persons or not is up to the discretion of the minister, depending upon the circumstances. He may well reason that a good witness could be given to the truth, that the high principles of the New World society could be made known, and that the two persons could be given proper Scriptural counsel on the seriousness and obligations of the wedded state.

However, before performing such a ceremony the Christian minister of Jehovah should first make certain that both parties are Scripturally free to marry. More than that, they should also be honorable persons, having a good report among people on the outside. But even when these conditions are met, it is up to the minister as to whether he chooses to perform the ceremony or not. He is not obligated to do so.

As for the use of the local Kingdom Hall on such an occasion, this would be up to the congregation committee to decide.

Announcements

FIELD MINISTRY

‘Pursuing peace in the love of life’ is our service theme for December. (1 Pet. 3:10, 11) Appropriately, in the field ministry we will offer the peace-promoting information contained in the books From Paradise Lost to Paradise Regained and “Let God Be True,” with two booklets on Bible subjects, on a contribution of $1.25.

WHAT IS YOUR FUTURE?

Do you know what the next few years will bring? No man can know all things that will take place, but what the final outcome will be is no secret. That is because God’s Word contains the answer. Your future is a part of that answer. Find your place there. Read the two hard-bound books From Paradise Lost to Paradise Regained and “New Heavens and a New Earth.” Send $1.25 now and receive free the two comforting and thought-provoking booklets Healing of the Nations Has Drawn Near and God’s Kingdom Rules—Is the World’s End Near?

“WATCHTOWER” STUDIES FOR THE WEEKS

January 1: Married Believers Called to Peace and Salvation, ¶1-22. Page 713.

January 8: Married Believers Called to Peace and Salvation, ¶23-41. Page 718.

January 15: Separation and Divorce for the Sake of Peace, Page 723.