RICHES

CHAPTER VII

PHILISTINES

JEHOVAH took Abraham out of the land of his nativity and led him into a strange land, which he promised to give Abraham. (Genesis 12:1-7) That was the land of Canaan. There Isaac was born to Abraham and Sarah, and thereafter Abraham, Sarah and Isaac, and their descendants, played parts in a great prophetic drama that covers a period of years and by which the development of the kingdom of God was pictured. Years later Abraham's descendants were in Egypt, and Jehovah, by the hand of Moses and Joshua, led them out, and they journeyed to the land of Canaan, which God had promised to Abraham. The descendants of Abraham were God's chosen people and pictured those of the present time who are on the side of Jehovah and Christ. When the Israelites, the descendants of Abraham, reached the promised land they found dwelling there the Philistines, who had built their strongholds along the coast of the Mediterranean sea. The Philistines greatly oppressed the Israelites, and in due time God destroyed that nation. Long after that nation of the Philistines was destroyed Jehovah caused his prophet to write the following prophecy: "Woe unto the inhabitants of the sea coast, the nation of the Cherethites! the word of the Lord is against you; 0 Canaan, the land of the Philistines, I will even destroy thee, that there shall be no inhabitant." — Zephaniah 2:5.

Jehovah knew the end from the beginning; as it is written: "Known unto God are all his works, from the beginning of the world." (Acts 15:18) Knowing that Satan would build a mighty organization which would reproach the name of Jehovah and do violence to those faithfully devoted to God, He foretold the same in cryptic language, which could not be understood by men until God's due time to make it plain. That time is now here. Nothing is here written for the purpose of offending or holding up persons to ridicule because of their religion or for any other reason. The sole purpose is to call to the attention of the people the truth of God's Word, to the end that those who desire to be enlightened may have that blessing. There are millions of sincere persons on the earth who are designated "Catholic population" and who are entitled to hold their views. Those persons are not at all responsible for the false doctrines held forth by the Catholic organization known as "the Hierarchy". There are millions of sincere people holding other religious views but who are not responsible for the origin or teaching of such. All sincere persons desire the truth, because these want the truth that will make them free and lead them in the right way. The truth is to be found in God's Word, and in no other place that is contrary to God's Word. Christ Jesus, the great Prophet, breaks the prison bars, opens the blind eyes, and leads those of good will into the glorious light.

Jehovah caused the foregoing prophecy to be written by Zephaniah manifestly for the purpose of foretelling a great and destructive work to be done by His hand at the end of Satan's world and when God's

King is enthroned and comes to the temple for judgment. That wonderful work when performed will be a vindication of Jehovah's name. The creatures against whom that marvelous work will be done are God's enemies, which enemies must be the ones that have greatly defamed the name of the Most High. They are enemies that have knowingly done wrong to gratify a selfish desire, and are therefore designated in the Word of God as "wicked": "But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs; they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away." (Psalm 37:20) Such enemies are the ones that have cruelly persecuted God's anointed people because such anointed tell the truth of and concerning God and his kingdom. It seems due time for those who love and serve Jehovah to receive from his gracious hand some clear knowledge of and concerning the destruction of the enemies that now persecute them. The matter is now of peculiar interest to the remnant, and the understanding thereof will bring to them comfort and increase their hope. (Romans 15:4) "God shall let me see my desire upon mine enemies," is an assured promise to the anointed remnant. (Psalm 59:10) "Mine eye also shall see my desire on mine enemies; and mine ears shall hear my desire of the wicked that rise up against me. The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree; he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon." — Psalm 92:11,12.

The desire of God's faithful people is to see Jehovah's enemies completely destroyed in vindication of his name. Prophetically these words recorded in the Scriptures refer to the present time: "For he hath delivered me out of all trouble: and mine eye hath

seen his desire upon mine enemies." (Psalm 54:7) Again says the prophet of the Lord: "But God shall wound the head of his enemies, and the hairy scalp of such an one as goeth on still in his trespasses." (Psalm 68: 21) Here the words "hairy scalp" seem to picture a class of enemies that have hypocritically claimed to do the will of God but at all times have been the representatives of the Devil. Those enemies "shall lick the dust". — Psalm 72: 9.

WHAT ENEMIES?

The Philistines' acting in conjunction with the Israelites foreshadowed greater things to come to pass at the end of the world, and this is definitely settled by the inspired words: "Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples; and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." (1 Corinthians 10:11) The Philistines were therefore a prophetic people foretelling specific enemies of God that would be active after the coming of the Lord Jesus to the temple, and that especially engage in the persecution of those who serve Jehovah. David had been anointed and made king of all Israel; and Abner, who had represented the northern tribes and who was manifestly carrying out the Lord's direction to bring all the Israelites unto David under the direction of the Lord, uttered these words, to wit:

"And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you; now then do it; for the Lord hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their

enemies." (2 Samuel 3:17,18) This prophecy clearly shows that the Philistines prophetically foretold some enemies against whom God would take positive and forceful action at the end of the world. David, the king, was a type of Christ Jesus, the beloved of Jehovah, who is now upon his throne and at the temple for judgment. Who, then, are the antitypical Philistines, the specific enemies of God and of his anointed?

The answer in brief is, that the Philistines pictured or foreshadowed the Roman Catholic Hierarchy. This, of course, includes all creatures that knowingly render aid and support to the Hierarchy in carrying on the wicked work of that wicked organization. At the present time it would necessarily include practically all the official part of the religious organizations of so-called "Christendom". There are three separate and distinct elements of Satan's organization, to wit, religious, commercial and political, and these three elements were pictured by the three nations of Moab, Ammon and Mount Seir. (2 Chronicles 20:1, 22, 23) The Philistines stand out particularly as the religious element of Satan's organization, which element takes the lead in the persecution of God's people. Because this religious element professes to serve God and does not, they are hypocrites and are despicable in the sight of Jehovah.

The prophetic drama in which Samson played a most important part emphasizes the necessity and importance of complete faithfulness to God on the part of his anointed, their faithfulness continuing even unto death. The chief point to be considered here is concerning the Philistines and the persecution of the anointed of God by the antitypical Philistines, and

God's work to be done and accomplished concerning the same. The following facts, therefore, should be carefully considered by those who love God, that they may take courage and increase their hope.

The Philistines were descendants of Ham, through Mizraim. (Genesis 10:6,13,14; Amos 9:7) They were worshipers of the Devil, their deities being the fish-god Dagon and Baal-zebub. (Judges 16:23; 1 Samuel 31:8-10; 2 Kings 1:2,3) God denounces the Philistines in his Word as "soothsayers", which means that they were Devil worshipers and practiced the Devil religion. (Isaiah 2:6) The Philistines migrated from Egypt, which is a type of Satan's organization. They moved into and took possession of a part of Palestine along the coast of the Mediterranean sea, which territory God assigned to the tribe of Judah. They were at all times the enemies and willful oppressors of God's chosen people. They therefore pictured a class of people that pretend to have come out of or forsaken Satan's organization, and pretend to worship God, but who in fact serve and worship the Devil.

The Roman Catholic Hierarchy is the official government that controls and rules the religion of so-called "Christendom". What was at one time known as "Protestantism" is now dead, and the so-called "Protestants" are dominated and controlled by the Roman Catholic Hierarchy. Protestantism exists only in name, not in fact. The Roman Catholic Hierarchy is defined in its own publications as follows: "The Catholic Hierarchy, or the governing body of the Catholic Church, consists of His Holiness the Supreme Pontiff, assisted by the Sacred College of Cardinals and by several

Sacred Congregations, or permanent ecclesiastical committees, of which the Cardinals are the chief members; by the Patriarchs, Archbishops and Bishops; by the Apostolic Nuncios and Delegates, Vicars and Prefects, and by certain Abbots and other Prelates." (See The Official Catholic Directory, 1935.)

The Roman Catholic Hierarchy by improper means controls the thoughts and course of action of millions of people of good will, which people are ignorant of the truth. By keeping those people in ignorance the Roman Catholic Hierarchy has deceived them. The time has now come for those people of good will to be liberated from the wrongful influence of the Hierarchy, and doubtless that is the reason why Jehovah will now make known to all who love God the truth of and concerning his purpose relative to the Roman Catholic Hierarchy.

Jehovah's purpose which he has carried forward from the beginning is to establish a government or kingdom under Christ Jesus that shall rule the world in righteousness. Until that kingdom is established and in full operation in the earth Satan is the invisible ruler or "god" of the nations of the earth. For that reason Jesus said: "My kingdom is not of this world." — John 18:36.

Jesus laid down the rule that all his true followers must separate themselves from the world. Because Jesus chooses and takes out of the world those who become his true followers and are devoted to him, such ones so taken out are the objects of persecution by Satan and his visible seed on the earth. (John 15:18-20) The true followers of Christ Jesus are represented in the tribe of Judah, meaning those who

serve and praise Jehovah God. Egypt, in the Bible, pictures Satan's organization or the wicked world out of which the true followers of Christ Jesus must and do come.

Others claim to have come out of the world, and to be followers of Christ Jesus, but the indisputable facts show that many of such are still a part of the world of Satan. The Roman Catholic organization claims to have come out of the world and assumes that position before man and claims to represent God and Christ, but the indisputable facts show that such claims are false and that the Roman Catholic Hierarchy is an integral part of Satan's world. The nominal head of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy is the pope, and the claim is that the first pope was the apostle Peter, and that all other so-called "popes" are the successors of Peter, which claims are absolutely without truth and are directly contradicted by the Scriptures and every fact in history. The apostle Peter was the true and faithful follower of Christ Jesus and he kept himself wholly and entirely separate from the world; whereas every pope of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy has claimed temporal power and has exercised that power, when possible, and has taken a part in the financial and political affairs of this world. The apostle Peter had no successor, and therefore it was impossible for any man to have ever thereafter filled his position. He was never a pope.

The brief statement of facts concerning the development of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy is this: Satan, pursuing his fixed policy of fraud and deceit, and for the purpose of turning men away from God and Christ, set about to build up a religious organi-

zation, named it "Christianity", and uses it for the purpose of deceiving men and reproaching Jehovah. After the death of the twelve apostles of Christ Jesus Satan stealthily and gradually built up an organization or religious system, which has ever since been known as "Christian". Each church or local division of the organization at the beginning and thereafter had its bishop, but by the time the first pope was selected and installed as pope by the Hierarchy there were approximately 1,800 bishops serving different parts of the Catholic organization. The bishop of the organization at Rome was selected as the first pope. Says a well-known authority: "Pope is an ecclesiastical title now used exclusively to designate the head of the Roman Catholic Church. In the fourth and fifth centuries it was frequently used in the West of any bishop; but it gradually came to be reserved to the bishop of Rome, becoming his official title." —Encyclopedia Britannica, Volume 22, page 81.

If there were any other evidence required to negative the claim that the pope was a successor of the apostle Peter, the above historical fact would be sufficient for that purpose. For more than 300 years after the death of the apostle Peter there was no pope, but there were many men in the Catholic organization called "bishop". By what authority could any body of men determine that the bishop at Rome should succeed the apostle Peter in office? Who could determine authoritatively which one of the 1,800 self-styled "bishops" was the successor of Peter, if it were possible for Peter to have a successor? Since the apostle Peter was never a pope and never had a successor, it is clear that the claims by the papacy are entirely

false. Such a claim is absurd and without the slightest proof in support thereof. Since the time the Roman Catholic organization started in the pope business, and began to have popes, a vacancy occurs from time to time, and such vacancy in that office is filled by the vote of the college of cardinals by voting into office one of their own number. Men without any authority whatsoever from God or Christ Jesus formed and continue to operate the Roman Catholic system or organization. The father of that organization is Satan the Devil. It is the fruit of the Devil's successful scheme to defraud men and reproach God, and by that organization the Devil has succeeded in blinding millions of honest persons who have been drawn to the Roman Catholic organization and who have been induced to believe that such organization is a servant of Christ, when in fact that organization serves and supports the Devil. Good people who have supported the organization have unwittingly been serving and supporting the Devil's servants. The Hierarchy is the masterpiece of the Devil's organization schemes to defame the name of Jehovah God and Christ Jesus and to turn men away from Jehovah.

HISTORICAL

A brief reference to the history of the Roman Catholic system is here appropriate. From a history written by a man by the name of Lord and called "Old Roman World" the following excerpts are quoted: "In the First Century not many wise or noble were called. . . . In the Second Century ... it was a disgrace to be a Christian in the eye of fashion or power. . . . The church . . . was a small body of pure and

blameless men who did not aspire to control society. But they had attracted the notice of the government and were of sufficient consequence to be persecuted." During the second century "bishops had become influential, not in society, but among the Christians". Then "ecclesiastical centralization commenced; . . . The Church was laying the foundation of its future polity and power".

It is certain that the Lord God had not marked out such a policy. It is equally certain that it was the Devil who was planting and cultivating the seeds of selfishness to accomplish his wicked purpose. The historian above mentioned continues: "The Third Century saw the Church more powerful as an institution. . . . Doctrines were systematized [into creeds and confusion], . . . Great bishops ruled the growing church. . . . The Church was rapidly advancing to a position which extorted attention of mankind [of the world, to be sure]. It was not till the Fourth Century — when imperial persecution had stopped, when Constantine [the emperor of Pagan Rome] was converted; when the Church was allied with the State, when the early faith was itself corrupted, when superstition and vain philosophy [prompted by the Devil] had entered the ranks of the faithful; . . . when synods were brought under political influence; . . . when politics and dogmatics went hand in hand, . . . that men of rank entered the church. When Christianity became the religion of the court and of the fashionable classes, it was used to support the very evils against which it originally protested. The Church was not only impregnated with the errors of Pagan philosophy, but it adopted many of the ceremonies of oriental [Devil]

worship,... The clergy, ambitious and worldly, sought rank and distinction. . . . They became lazy, arrogant and independent. The people were shut out of the government of the church. The bishop became a grand personage who controlled and appointed his clergy. . . . The mission of the [true] Church was lost sight of in a degrading alliance with the State." (Also see Studies in the Scriptures, Volume Two, page 284 et seq.)

It was at this stage of a degenerate organization of the church called "Christian" that the Roman Catholic system had its birth and beginning by selecting out of the numerous bishops one, to wit, the bishop of Rome, as the first pope. From then till now the Roman Catholic system, otherwise called "the Roman Catholic Hierarchy", has ruled millions of people by means of superstition, fear and false doctrines. The ancient Philistines migrated from Egypt and came into the land of Palestine. Ancient Egypt is repeatedly used in the Scriptures as representing Satan's world or organization. The Christian church began by men coming out from the world and making themselves separate and distinct from the world, that is, out of antitypical Egypt. (Revelation 11: 8) By subtlety and fraud Satan planted within the midst of those Christians ambitious men who got control of the organization. Then the organization became corrupt and continued corrupt, and from that time till now every attempt to reform it has failed. Honest men and dishonest ones have been in the church systems, side by side, but in Jehovah's providence the time has come now for those people of honesty and good will to hear and know the truth and to have opportunity to separate themselves from the wicked organi-

zation that defames Jehovah's name and to fully unite themselves with the organization under Christ.

LAND OF JUDAH

When Jehovah led his chosen people, the Israelites, out of Egypt and into the land of Palestine by the hand of Joshua, He caused the land to be divided between the tribes; and to the tribe of Judah was assigned all that land of the south, from the Dead sea to the Mediterranean sea. (Joshua 15:1-47) They found the Philistines already there, who had also come out of Egypt. The land of Palestine divided between the tribes was symbolic. The tribe of Judah stands for those who serve and praise Jehovah God and Christ Jesus. The Lord Jesus Christ is of that tribe, and one of his titles is "The Lion of the tribe of Juda". (Revelation 5:5) Long thereafter one of the popes of Rome assumed that title, and since then he has been wrongfully known as "the Lion of the tribe of Juda". The Philistines, although in the land of Judah, did not serve and praise Jehovah God. Their position would indicate that they should do so, but their course was exactly the contrary. Likewise the Roman Catholic system has assumed the place amongst men of those who are devoted to Jehovah and his King, but that system does not serve Jehovah and his King. It is selfish in the extreme, attempts to control the things of this wicked world, forms a part of this wicked world, and without any question of doubt is the servant of the Devil: "Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?" — Romans 6:16.

Because the Roman Catholic Hierarchy pose before the peoples of earth as the representatives and servants of God, but in fact are the servants of the Devil, they are the grossest hypocrites. The Philistines were ruled by five kings or nobles, and they were held together by means of a confederacy or an agreement between them. The modern Philistines, to wit, the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, are a government or rule formed and held together by a confederacy of "patriarchs, metropolitans, archbishops, bishops and priests". (Shipley) The members of the Hierarchy are regarded by themselves and others as nobles, similar to the nobles or rulers of the Philistines.

The land which Jehovah promised (by his oath binding that promise) to give to his chosen people is his kingdom under his beloved Son, Christ Jesus. (Genesis 13:15; 17:8; Luke 22:29,30) The Philistines were in the land before God's chosen people arrived there. Likewise the modern Philistines, the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, occupied the place or condition claimed by them as a divine provision for that organization, before God's faithful ones are taken out of the world and anointed of the Lord. Jehovah declared that he left the Philistines in the land of Palestine to prove his chosen people. "Now these are the nations which the Lord left, to prove Israel by them; even as many of Israel as had not known all the wars of Canaan; namely, five lords of the Philistines, and all the Canaanites, and the Sidonians, and the Hivites that dwelt in mount Lebanon, from mount Baal-hermon unto the entering in of Hamath. And they were to prove Israel by them, to know whether they would hearken unto the commandments of the

Lord, which he commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses." — Judges 3:1, 3, 4.

Likewise Jehovah has permitted the Roman Catholic Hierarchy organization to occupy the place wherein they claim to represent God until he selected and anointed his people, and in order that he might prove that his people love God and prove it by unselfish obedience to his commandments under stress. These faithful ones maintain their integrity toward Jehovah, and they must do it in the face of wicked opposition.

As further evidence that the Roman Catholic Hierarchy have assumed the place that properly belongs to the Judeans or those who truly praise and serve Jehovah, note that the claim is made that the bishop of Rome, otherwise called "the pope", is the vicegerent of Christ. The claim of that institution is that the Roman Catholic Hierarchy is a divine institution and that it is a counterpart of the heavenly organization of Jehovah God: "At the council of Trent, in which anathema is pronounced upon all who deny the existence within the Catholic church of a hierarchy instituted by divine appointment." — Encyclopedia Britannica, Volume 13, page 453.

It is the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, the modern Philistines, that claim infallibility for the pope. Such infallibility, however, was not openly claimed until A.D. 1870. Thus it is seen that the Devil stealthily and subtly led the people by fraud and deceit into a position where they might be induced to believe that a man is infallible in matters pertaining to the course of life that men should follow. This claim is made in the face of the inspired Word of Jehovah God, which says that all men are born in sin and shapen

in iniquity; which includes the pope. (Romans 5:12; Psalm 51: 5) Does it not seem strange that a period of 1,800 years was required by the Catholic organization to reach the conclusion of the infallibility of its head? A pronouncement by the Vatican Council says: "We teach and define as a divinely revealed dogma, that the Roman Pontiff, when he speaks ex cathedra — i.e. when, in, his character as Pastor and Doctor of all Christians, and in virtue of his supreme apostolic authority, he lays down that a certain doctrine concerning faith or morals is binding upon the universal Church, — possesses, by the Divine assistance which was promised to him in the person of the blessed Saint Peter, that same infallibility with which the Divine Redeemer thought fit to endow His Church, to define its doctrine with regard to faith and morals; and, consequently, that these definitions of the Roman Pontiff are irreformable in themselves, and not in eon-sequence of the consent of the Church." — Encyclopedia Britannica, Volume 14, page 511.

Not one word is found in the Scriptures to warrant any such conclusion by any man or body of men as above stated. Thus it is seen that a small body of self-constituted rulers set up their own doctrines contrary to and in defiance of the inspired Word of Jehovah God. By this means they induce millions of people to believe the doctrines of the Roman Catholic church, and they take away from them the Bible so they cannot learn the truth.

DEVIL'S REPRESENTATIVES

That the ancient Philistines were the representatives of the Devil there is not the slightest doubt in

the mind of anyone who believes the Bible is God's Word. The Philistines practiced the Devil religion. Their national god or deity was Dagon, the fish-god. When the Philistines seized the ark of Jehovah's covenant, and carried it away to their own place, Jehovah expressed his anger against the Philistines, as it is written: "And the Philistines took the ark of God, and brought it from Eben-ezer unto Ashdod. When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon, and set it by Dagon. And when they of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the earth before the ark of the LORD. And they took Dagon, and set him in his place again. And when they arose early on the morrow morning, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the ground before the ark of the Lord; and the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off upon the threshold: only the stump of Dagon was left to him. Therefore neither the priests of Dagon, nor any that come into Dagon's house, tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod unto this day. But the hand of the Lord was heavy upon them of Ashdod; and he destroyed them, and smote them with emerods, even Ashdod, and the coasts thereof. And when the men of Ashdod saw that it was so, they said, The ark of the God of Israel shall not abide with us: for his hand is sore upon us, and upon Dagon our god. They sent, therefore, and gathered all the lords of the Philistines unto them, and said, What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel? And they answered, Let the ark of the God of Israel be carried about unto Gath. And they carried the ark of the God of Israel about thither. And

it was so, that, after they had carried it about, the hand of the Lord was against the city with a very great destruction; and he smote the men of the city, both small and great, and they had emerods in their secret parts." (1 Samuel 5:1-9) The Philistines were offering sacrifice unto their Devil-god Dagon at the time Samson pulled down the building upon them, killing thousands.

Jehovah caused these facts to be written and recorded in the Scriptures for the purpose of foreshadowing the modern-day enemies of his people. (1 Corinthians 10:11; Hebrews 10:1) The Philistines were the mortal enemies of Jehovah's chosen people, the Israelites, and therefore foreshadowed the mortal enemies of Jehovah's witnesses now on the earth. The chiefest among such enemies, who hypocritically claim to represent God, are those of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy. The Philistines caused their fish-god to wear a miter showing that his chief or head was the Devil, whom he represented amongst the Philistines. When the pope, the head of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, sits on the high altar of Rome to receive adulation he wears a miter identical with that worn by the fish-god Dagon. Thus the pope shows by this symbol what god he represents in fact. The following historical fact is cited in support of the foregoing:

"As the pope bears the key of Janus, so he wears the mitre of Dagon. The excavations of Nineveh have put this beyond all possibility of doubt. The Papal mitre is entirely different from the mitre of Aaron and the Jewish high priests. That mitre was a turban. The two-horned mitre, which the Pope wears, when he sits on the high altar at Rome and receives the

adoration of the Cardinals, is the very mitre worn by Dagon, the fish-god of the Philistines and Babylonians. . . . The gaping jaws of the fish surmounting the head of the man at Nineveh are the unmistakable counterpart of the horns of the Pope's mitre at Rome."  — Hislop's The Two Babylons, page 215.

There can be no doubt that Dagon the visible god of the ancient Philistines foreshadowed the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, of which the pope is chief. The Scriptural and the historical evidence fully agree upon this point. The miter similar to that worn by the fish-god Dagon, and by the pope, is also worn by other bishops of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy. This further supports the conclusion that the Philistines foreshadowed the Roman Catholic Hierarchy. Manifestly the Lord is now revealing to those who love him these facts that they may have a proper vision of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy and know for a certainty what fate awaits the enemies that now reproach Jehovah's name and persecute his anointed ones.

DOMINION

The Philistines had dominion over Israel, due to the fact that the Israelites had been unfaithful to their covenant. (Judges 13:1; 14:1,4) There were few exceptions amongst the Israelites, such as Gideon, Samson and others, which men were faithful and true to Jehovah God. Due to the fact that almost all professed Christians during the past 1,800 years have been unfaithful to God, the Roman Catholic Hierarchy has had dominion over "Christendom" in matters pertaining to religion, politics and commerce.

The Roman Catholic Hierarchy claims the right and power to control and rule the world, and it exercises this rule over almost all of "Christendom". The faithful amongst the Israelites, such as Gideon, Samson, Samuel, and David, represented the anointed and faithful followers of Christ Jesus now on the earth, and who refuse to bow to the dictates or rules of the modern Philistines.

For centuries the Roman Catholic organization has claimed the divine right to rule the nations of the earth, and based upon such false claim that wicked organization has attempted to control the political affairs of all the nations of earth. Its rise to temporal power began in the sixth century, and it continued to increase and to exercise that power for a thousand years. The Roman Catholic organization falsely claims that the thousand years of its "successful" reign is the thousand years mentioned in Revelation the twentieth chapter, when Christ and his saints reign, and that the period of time from 1800 down to the present time is the "little season" mentioned in the same chapter of Revelation. Of course, their claim is false. But that "little season" will end in the destruction of the Devil and his agents. The end and destruction of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy is near at hand.

For many centuries the Hierarchy, acting by its official head the pope, claims the right to crown and unseat kings and to generally dictate the policy of the governments of the earth. Otherwise stated, the Roman Catholic Hierarchy seeks to be an absolute dictator in utter disregard of the rights of the people. Today in every nation where a dictator exists and

rules it Is the Hierarchy that is behind the dictator and in fact dictating the policy of such government.

PERSECUTION

The Philistines were the oppressors and persecutors of the Israelites who were of God's chosen people. In the days of Samson, Eli and Samuel the Philistines attempted to get all the "milk and honey" of the land of Palestine. Likewise for centuries the Roman Catholic organization has attempted to get all the riches and sweetness of the earth. It is a noticeable fact that they have selected the most beautiful spots on earth to erect their buildings and places of official action. The Philistines oppressed the Israelites for many years. They imprisoned Samson and put out his eyes. They fought against the Israelites time and again and tried to destroy David when he was anointed and installed as king of Israel. Likewise the Roman Catholic Hierarchy organization at all times has oppressed and persecuted the followers of Christ Jesus, and now centers its persecution upon Jehovah's witnesses. The pages of history covering a period of approximately 1,500 years record many of the most wicked deeds committed by the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, and which deeds and crimes find no parallel in any other organization ever on the earth. Reference here is made to only a few of the terrible crimes committed by the Hierarchy and its agents, and the purpose of citing even such is to show that the Hierarchy is the antitype of the Philistines, and the relation that the Hierarchy bears to Jehovah's witnesses.

The Philistines enriched themselves by laying tribute and other burdens upon the Israelites. For many centuries the Roman Catholic Hierarchy has enriched itself by laying grievous burdens upon the people of all nations of "Christendom". For many years that hypocritical organization has engaged in the collection of money tribute from the dupes of the Catholic organization. Hooded female agents, garbed like black birds of prey, make regular visits to the many factories and offices on payday and collect, from the fearful and superstitious, money which the laborers so much need for the support of themselves and their families. Thus by the practice of fraud and deceit millions of dollars are extracted from the pockets of the people, and particularly those of the needy, and this money is used to enrich the Hierarchy and to satisfy the beastly desires of wicked and selfish men.

Tribute money is collected from the living, whose friends have died, and this upon the pretext that some priest of the Catholic organization may utter a prayer for the dead and thus benefit the dead. Such is an oppressive fraud practiced upon the superstitious and fearful. The Scriptures, without exception, teach that those who die are no longer alive, but are dead, unconscious and "know not any thing"; that none of the dead are in purgatory or in torment; and the claim that men may utter prayers in behalf of the dead and render them benefit is wholly false and fraudulent and is a great burden and oppression to trustful people. For many years tribute money has been collected from the people of the nations of "Christendom" and sent to the Vatican at Rome to fill the

coffers of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, and this has been greatly to the oppression and detriment of the people. In Mexico alone for many years the Hierarchy extracted from the pockets of the common people annually thirty million dollars, which money was sent to the treasurer of the Hierarchy at Rome. It was in Mexico where an agent of the Catholic organization compelled the natives to build in one small town many so-called "church buildings" and there installed priests of the Hierarchy that they might collect from the poor natives practically all they earned. The ancient Philistines attempted to get all the riches of the Israelites; and likewise the modern Philistines attempt to get and control all the riches of the world called "Christendom".

INQUISITION

The followers of Christ Jesus were persecuted to some extent by Pagan Rome. But such persecution did not begin to compare with the wicked persecution of Christians by the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, or what is otherwise known as "Papal Rome". The Roman Catholic Hierarchy instituted and prosecuted a system of fiendish persecution, the like of which was never before known, and there has been nothing to compare with it since. The doctrines promulgated and taught by selfish men, and which originated with the Devil, were entirely contrary to the truth as taught by Christ Jesus and the prophets of Jehovah, and yet these false doctrines were thrust upon the people. The Roman Catholic organization, claiming the sole right to determine what the people should hear and believe, has kept the Bible away from the common people and

compelled them to hear and to believe the false doctrines based upon superstition and fear, which are taught by men. This wicked organization has induced millions of people to utter the name of Christ but at the same time to believe and follow the precepts of men. Therefore God has recorded in his Word: "Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder." — Isaiah 29:13,14.

If anyone dared to express his opinion contrary to the doctrines taught by the clergy of the Roman Catholic organization, that one was straightway charged with heresy. Early in the eleventh century many persons charged with heresy because they dared hold or express an opinion contrary to the Roman Catholic organization were executed by burning or strangling.

The Inquisition was instituted for the purpose of detecting and punishing all persons guilty of any offense against the Roman Catholic orthodoxy. By the time of the thirteenth century it was in full sway. Popes appointed commissioners who traveled from place to place, spying out the people. Arriving in a district, those commissioners called upon the people to confess if they were heretics or to denounce those whom they believed to be heretics, and many were arrested and punished merely upon such denunciation. The bishops assumed the responsibility of providing the prisons and other means of punishment.

Cruel torture was employed to force confessions from persons charged with heresy. All manner of fiendish instruments were employed in such torture. The following were some of the means of torture employed: The victim's feet were seared with red-hot irons; he was required to put on an iron boot which was poured full of red-hot lead; the body of the victim was placed in a machine that pulled his joints out of place; others were placed under a machine containing knives and the victims were slowly cut in pieces. Any lawyer who dared to appear in defense of a person charged with heresy was himself held guilty of the crime of heresy, and thus the victims were without any means of defense or aid. The Inquisition was prosecuted with malice and vigor in Italy, Spain, the Balkan States, Ireland, England, Germany, France, Mexico, Cuba, and, in fact, in almost all countries known as "Christendom ".

Two features of the Inquisition stand out prominently, to wit: Prosecution for speech, and suppression and destruction of books. The manifest purpose of such prosecution and the destruction of books was and is to keep the people in ignorance and to hide from them the frauds of the Roman Catholic organization. Says the historian: "All books had to pass through the hands of the bishops" for the purpose of deleting anything that might appear to be against the Roman Catholic organization. That organization then would not permit anything to be published that might "shock their religious susceptibilities", and they still continue to raise the same cry. Every crime known to the criminal calendar was committed by the leaders of the Inquisition, The common people were kept at

all times in fear and dread. Many of them were forced to denounce their neighbors and cause their execution, hoping thereby to save themselves from the wrath of the Hierarchy's inquisition. It was not possible for the people to gain any knowledge concerning Jehovah and his gracious provision for the human race, because the modern Philistines, the Catholic Hierarchy, prevented them from gaining such knowledge. No books bearing upon the Scriptures were permitted to get into the hands of the people. (See Encyclopedia Britannica — "Inquisition.") The gross and flagrant crimes of the Hierarchy and its agents had somewhat of a setback about the year 1800, and thereafter the Hierarchy adopted a more refined method of the coin-mission of crime. To this very day that wicked institution continues to suppress the publication of books that teach the truth of God's Word, and causes many of such books to be burned, and this is particularly true with reference to the books published by the WATCH TOWER BIBLE & TRACT SOCIETY. The common people that have been induced to support the Catholic organization are forbidden by the priests to read such books explaining the truth of God's Word. All organizations that have ever been on earth have not done as much as the Roman Catholic organization to oppress the people and to keep them in ignorance of God's Word. That organization, therefore, constitutes the worst visible enemies of God and his anointed people. They now harass, persecute and imprison those who teach the truth, and they do this out of spite.

The Philistines were "soothsayers". (Isaiah 2:6) That means that they were the practicers of Devil religion. Likewise the Roman Catholic system is made

up of soothsayers. The following prophecy specifically applies to them: "Their land [the position they occupy amongst men] also is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hands, that which their own fingers have made [thus, as a means of obtaining revenue, they induce the common people to buy their images, to use these in their worship]: and the mean man boweth down, and the great man humbleth himself." — Isaiah 2:8,9.

In the Catholic organization the meanest man bows before the Catholic prelate, even as the Lord foretold. Even at this day the Roman Catholic Hierarchy cause to be exhibited upon the screens at the theaters moving pictures showing Roman Catholic priests performing senseless ceremonies, claiming thereby to bless automobiles and thus prevent accidents to the riders therein, and this regardless of how bad the riders or drivers might be. This also furnishes the Hierarchy a means of fraudulently obtaining money by playing upon the credulity of a fearful and superstitious people. The foregoing is a statement of a few of the wicked deeds and crimes of the Hierarchy, and such is the crowd that claims to be the divine successor of the apostle Peter. Surely when the people know the truth they will separate themselves completely from such hypocrites.

POLITICAL

The Philistines were in a political confederacy that carried on wars of conquest for the avowed purpose of controlling and ruling the people. Likewise the Roman Catholic organization, the modern Philistines, while operating fraudulently and falsely under the name of Christ, is a confederacy of selfish men or-

ganized and carried on purely for political and financial and other selfish purposes. The political agents of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy operate in every nation of earth. That wicked organization dominates the political offices of all the nations of "Christendom". Heretofore the Hierarchy has found it rather difficult to get control of the United States, but at the present time it is making more progress in that way. Otherwise stated, the American republic, which is supposed to be a free nation, is now practically under the domination of a foreign power, and that foreign power is the modern Philistines, and has its main office of operation at Vatican City, Rome. Take notice of some of the historical facts that now follow:

In the seventeenth century the Roman Catholic organization gained a real foothold on the American Continent by the founding of the province of Maryland by the family of Lord Baltimore. Today it is the strongest political organization in America. Its Official Directory of 1935, a book containing more than a thousand pages, a book that is ten and one-half by seven inches, is filled merely with the record of the officers of the Hierarchy and its agents. The covetous ambition of that organization has been to get complete control of the United States. On September 26, 1900, a federation of all Catholic societies in America was formed, to wit, "for the avowed purpose of influencing legislation and securing what the Catholics claim are their rights" in America.

"At the annual meeting of the Catholic Young Men's National Union in Brooklyn, September 26, a resolution was adopted to form a great federation of all the societies of the Roman Catholic church in the

United States for political purposes. Last spring Bishop McFaul of Trenton, N. J., told the Ancient Order of Hibernians that the Roman Catholics of America were fools not to organize into one solid mass and make their power felt in the politics of this country; there were 2,000,000 Roman Catholic voters, and if they were united for political action they could make this country a Roman Catholic nation.

"This federation has now been formed by the following societies: The Knights of Columbus, the Knights of St. John, the Catholic Benevolent Legion, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Irish Catholic Benevolent Union, the Irish-American Societies, the German-American Societies, the Catholic Knights of America, the Catholic Total Abstinence Union of America; . . . Besides these organizations there are scores of others of less prominence.

"The federation is formed for the avowed purpose of influencing legislation and securing what the Catholics claim are their rights.

"The convention, which met in the Park Theater, Brooklyn, was the largest gathering in the history of the Young Men's National Union, and it was addressed by leading priests and laymen from all parts of the country. . . . The convention unanimously approved the plan of federation and appointed committees to carry it into effect. By this means tens of thousands of men of the Catholic faith will be brought under one national head, and this stalwart body of men will have a strong influence on national legislation."  — Brooklyn Eagle.

"Having possession of the cities, the Romanists now reach out to gain control in national affairs. 'We must

make America Catholic,' said Archbishop Ireland at the hundredth anniversary of the establishment of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy in the United States, which was held in Baltimore, November 10, 1889. 'We must make America Catholic. As we love our church, it suffices to mention the work and our cry shall be, God wills it, and our hearts shall leap towards it with Crusader enthusiasm.' . . . 'Why should we fear or hesitate?' he continued, with glowing fervor and proud boasting. 'We number ten millions — a powerful army if the forces be well marshaled and their latent strength be brought into action. Catholics in America are loyal to their church and devoted to her leaders. Their labors and their victories in the first century of their history show what they are capable of in the coming century, when they are conscious of their power and are under complete hierarchical organization.' " — The Converted Catholic of New York.

Says The National Catholic Register: "It is God's plan that the Holy Father of Rome should be the temporal and spiritual head of his kingdom on earth." Like the ancient Philistines, this is a bold claim by the Hierarchy of the position or the place of "Judea", which properly is the place of those who truly worship and serve Jehovah God and Christ Jesus. The president of the United States, in 1916, made one Tumulty, a Roman Catholic Knight of Columbus, his private secretary, concerning which The National Catholic Register said: "Next to the President . . . Tumulty . . . wields the greatest political power of any man in America." It was under the administration of President Wilson and Tumulty that Jehovah's witnesses were sentenced to eighty years' imprisonment for tell-

ing the truth, and the agents of the Hierarchy brought about that result.

Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected president in 1932. His campaign manager, and now his chief cabinet officer, is a Roman Catholic, more interested in the Hierarchy than in the peoples of America. In the Roosevelt political organization there are more Catholics than of any other professed religion. In April, 1933, the pope inaugurated the so-called "holy year", which received the endorsement of the president of the United States and his official family. The Roman Catholic organization for the past few years has carried forward a campaign of wicked libel and slander against Jehovah's witnesses, attempting to drive them from the radio and thus prevent the people from hearing the truth. A petition of two and one-half million American citizens was filed with the government, demanding that the government use measures to prevent this unwarranted interference with the people's receiving the truth. But the Roosevelt administration refused to do anything. Persecution of Jehovah's witnesses by the Hierarchy increases, and many harmless men and women are imprisoned because they bear testimony to the Word of God.

On March 8, 1934, the New York Sun published a special dispatch from Rome reporting that 'a definite agreement had been reached between President Roosevelt and the Vatican to the effect that diplomatic relations shall be established between the United States and the Holy See as soon as public opinion in America might be brought around to it'. In other words, the president of the United States agreed to support the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, a foreign power, and to

openly do so as soon as the public could be blinded enough to come around to it. The Hierarchy then pushed its campaign to bring the American people around to this very point. On March 17, 1935, there was a mobilization of all Catholic Societies in America, representing every state in the Union, the announced purpose of which is to educate the American people to submit to political, diplomatic relationship between the Vatican and the United States, that is, to receive political ambassadors of the Vatican at American political councils at Washington. The foreign power, the Roman Catholic Hierarchy organization, already maintains at Washington an "apostolic delegate". Says the Official Catholic Directory for 1935: "The apostolic delegate to the United States is Amleto Giovanni Cicognani, born in Italy February 24, 1883, . . . appointed apostolic delegate to the United States and Titular Archbishop of Laodicea, March 17, 1933"; that is to say, after Mr. Roosevelt became the president.

At the instance of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy Jehovah's witnesses are now being cruelly persecuted in all parts of "Christendom", and particularly in Austria, Germany, Estonia, Quebec and New Jersey. In the above-mentioned foreign countries books of the WATCH TOWER SOCIETY, because they explain the Bible, have been seized and destroyed, and many of Jehovah's witnesses, the true followers of Christ Jesus, are charged with "seditious conspiracy" and thrown into prison because they had in possession or distributed such books, and all this wicked persecution of faithful witnesses of Jehovah is done by those who claim to be the "successors of the apostle Peter" and the official representatives of God and Christ on earth.

Amazing hypocrisy! This persecution the modern Philistines carry on against Jehovah's witnesses "by revenge" and "with a despiteful heart" and "hatred", exactly as the ancient Philistines did against God's chosen people in Palestine. — Ezekiel 25:15.

"AGREEMENT WITH HELL"

Although the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, the modern Philistines, have induced millions of people to believe that such institution represents God and Christ on earth, yet that wicked organization proceeds exactly contrary to the Word of God. Jehovah's prophets warned the peoples of earth concerning the day of Armageddon and what great destruction the Lord will bring upon the wicked at that time. The Hierarchy, with pious face and sanctimonious words, harangue the people and claim that these prophecies concerning Armageddon are not true, and especially with reference to the Catholic organization. As an example the Catholic Freeman's Journal of May 1935, published at Sydney, Australia, says concerning these prophets and of Jehovah's witnesses: "The burden of their message is that all political and ecclesiastical organizations are under the control of Satan, Catholics being the more under the diabolical thumb than Protestants; that God is about to smite the lot, Catholic and Protestant; to escape ultimate annihilation men have to become Jehovah's witnesses. ... I could scarcely blame the people if they preferred ultimate annihilation. However, there is no need to choose either; in fact ultimate annihilation is an impossibility."

The prophecies of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Amos concerning the Philistines were written long

after the ancient Philistines, as a nation, were destroyed; which is conclusive proof that those prophecies refer to the people whom the ancient Philistines foreshadowed or pictured. The overwhelming evidence shows that the Roman Catholic Hierarchy exactly fits the picture made by the ancient Philistines; otherwise stated, the Hierarchy constitutes the modern Philistines. Pretending to have come out of the world and onto the side of the Lord, and to be consecrated to God and Christ Jesus, they are in fact assuming the false position or place of the followers of Christ Jesus who are hence symbolically in the "land of Judah".

Circumcision, as used under the law of God, is a symbol of full consecration and devotion to Jehovah. The Scriptures frequently denounce in terms of contempt the Philistines as "the uncircumcised". (See Judges 14: 3; 15:18; 1 Samuel 14: 6; 17: 26; 2 Samuel 1: 20.) This is proof that the Philistines pictured a class of people or organization doomed to disgrace. The Philistines furthermore pictured a class marked for disgrace, in this, that God smote the Philistines with a disease of emerods, which in modern language means hemorrhoids, that is to say, tumors in the hinder parts. "And it was so, that, after they had carried it about, the hand of the Lord was against the city with a very great destruction; and he smote the men of the city, both small and great, and they had emerods in their secret parts. [(Septuagint and Vulgate) And the men of Gath (consulted together and) made themselves seats (of skins).] " — 1 Samuel 5: 9.

The uncircumcised Philistines wanted to keep the Israelites in subjection in order to get pecuniary gain. The modern uncircumcised Philistines, the Roman

Catholic organization, wants to destroy God's people and keep all the other people in subjection in order to reap pecuniary gain.

The claim that the pope is the successor of the apostle Peter is false as the Devil himself. Christ Jesus says: "My kingdom is not of this world." The Roman Catholic Hierarchy says, "It is our right to rule and control this world." Jesus said that Satan is the ruler or invisible prince of this world, and this shows that the Roman Catholic Hierarchy is the agent of Satan. (John 12:31; 2 Corinthians 4:4) The Roman Catholic Hierarchy not only is a friend of the world of Satan, but forms an integral part thereof, and for that reason alone that wicked organization could not represent God, but is in fact God's enemy. The words of the apostle James specifically apply to that wicked organization: "Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God." (James 4:4) 'Adultery,' as used in this text, means illicit relationship between church and state, by men of an organization who claim to represent God and who at the same time are consorting with and forming a part of the wicked political world. That the Roman Catholic Hierarchy constitutes the modern Philistines, and is the chief enemy of God and his kingdom, there is not the slightest doubt, and God's promise is that by the hand of the antitypical David, Christ Jesus, He will save his people out of the hands of these enemies. (2 Samuel 3:18) What, then, is the fate or complete end of the modern Philistines? This question is now of greatest importance to all who love Jehovah.

Jehovah permitted the Philistines to remain in the land of Judah in order to put the Israelites to a test. The Philistines, therefore, were used by Jehovah to make a picture concerning a greater test that would come upon his chosen people, looking to the vindication of his name. Likewise God permitted Satan to continue on earth after being sentenced to death, that a witness might be given to His name on the earth and that Jehovah might in due time exhibit his supreme power to the vindication of his name. (Exodus 9:16) For the same reason Jehovah has permitted the modern Philistines, the Roman Catholic organization called "Christian", to assume the place properly assigned to those who are devoted to him, and permitted that unholy organization to persecute his people in order that his anointed and devoted ones might prove their integrity toward him, and at the same time give a witness to the people concerning God's name.

In these last days of peril Jehovah has made all needed provision to comfort his people and to strengthen their hope, and from time to time he unfolds his prophecies to them for this very purpose. Jehovah and Christ Jesus are now the teachers of those who have devoted themselves to him and his kingdom, and these devoted ones need no man to teach them. (Isaiah 30:20) To his faithful witnesses Jehovah has given his promise: "And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear." (Isaiah 65: 24) True to his promise, Jehovah is now showing his people what the prophecy concerning the Philistines means. In this hour of great stress, when the enemy is cruelly persecuting God's people on earth, it is a great consolation to have Jehovah

inform them as to why he permits such persecution, and what will be the final result. As God's faithful people study and consider these prophecies concerning the Philistines, both ancient and modern, they will receive great comfort, and it at once becomes the privilege and duty of each one who does receive such comfort to carry that message of consolation to others who desire to be comforted. (2 Corinthians 1:3-5) It seems certain that there are millions of persons of good will now under the dominating influence of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, as well as others, whose eyes must be opened, and that these will become a part of the "great multitude" called "Jonadabs".  — Revelation 7:9-17.

Jehovah has made it plain that he will locate all his enemies and render unto them a just recompense for all the wickedness committed by them: "Thine hand shall find out all thine enemies: thy right hand shall find out those that hate thee. Thou shalt make them as a fiery oven in the time of thine anger: the Lord shall swallow them up in his wrath, and the fire shall devour them. Their fruit shalt thou destroy from the earth, and their seed from among the children of men. For they intended evil against thee; they imagined a mischievous device, which they are not able to perform." — Psalm 21:8-11.

The evidence herein submitted conclusively shows that the Roman Catholic Hierarchy is the chief enemy on earth of God and of his anointed people, and that the ancient Philistines and their relationship with the Israelites foreshadowed this very thing. In the prophecy concerning the conspiracy to cut off his people from being a nation the Philistines are specifi-

cally named by the Lord as being in that conspiracy. (Psalm 83:7) At Isaiah 28:21 it is written: "For the Lord shall rise up as in mount Perazim, he shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that he may do his work, his strange work; and bring to pass his act, his strange act." The context clearly proves that the fulfillment of this prophecy takes place after Christ Jesus is enthroned and comes to the temple of Jehovah for judgment.

The Roman Catholic Hierarchy, and all those religionists who now willingly take their stand with that wicked organization and against God's anointed, are the ones who claim to have made a covenant with death and hell to the end that the "gates of hell" cannot prevail against that organization. It is that religious-political institution that claims that there is no such thing as death, but that all persons at death go either to purgatory or to torment. Further, the Roman Catholic system claims to be a divine institution and that those who are Catholics are not subjected to the denunciation uttered by Jehovah against the wicked. Those claims are, of course, false. Jesus used these words: "And the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18) The Roman Catholic Hierarchy has seized upon these words and misapplied them in its effort to prove that the Catholic institution shall stand forever. The above-quoted words of Jesus are not subject to any such construction, and it is apparent that the Catholic claim of the meaning of such words is wholly false and finds no foundation whatsoever in truth. As set out in chapter five, the meaning of the words of Jesus above quoted is: That Christ Jesus himself, and not the apostle

Peter, is the one referred to as the Rock, and that the church of God, of which Christ is Head, is the church mentioned, and not the Catholic church.

When the people are told of Jehovah's purpose to destroy Satan's organization, both visible and invisible, the Roman Catholic Hierarchy says: "Those scriptures do not apply to us, because we have made a covenant with death and with hell and are at agreement therewith. Hell cannot prevail against us." Now, in view of the facts, which cannot be controverted, we can see why Jehovah caused his prophet to write to the modern Philistines, the Roman Catholic organization that is controlled and dominated by scornful men, the following words of the prophecy, to wit: "Wherefore hear the word of the Lord, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem ['Christendom']: Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves." (Isaiah 28:14,15) Thus the Lord declares that the modern Philistine organization is the offspring of Satan. The fifteenth verse of the foregoing prophecy states exactly what the Roman Catholic Hierarchy claims for itself. The refuge or hiding place of the entire Roman Catholic scheme is, as God states, a great mass of lies. Is it the purpose of Jehovah God to destroy that refuge of lies, and if so, when?

Jehovah by his prophet answers that question in the very next verse, to wit: "Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure

foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste." (Isaiah 28:16) The words of this verse are addressed to his faithful anointed ones, who fully trust in and serve Jehovah. These are told that if they are devoted to God they need not make haste, not be unduly excited and disposed to run ahead of the Lord, but to wait upon the Lord, that in due time he will act, and his action in this behalf will take place after he has laid in Zion his Stone, the precious Corner Stone, the Sure Foundation, that is to say, Christ Jesus the King enthroned, and then he will take positive and unequivocal action against the liars. It was in 1918 that Jehovah laid in his royal organization the Chief Corner Stone and Foundation Stone, Christ Jesus. It was then that he builded up Zion, placing that precious Stone, Christ Jesus, his enthroned King, at the head; that is the same great and mighty precious Stone, the King, that becomes the 'stumbling stone' to all those hypocritical pretenders, the religionists. (Isaiah 8:14,15) The chief amongst these hypocritical ones who claim to serve Jehovah God, and who in fact serve the Devil, is the Roman Catholic Hierarchy. The laying of this Corner Stone fixes the time when the Lord would begin to take account with that wicked institution.

Jehovah foretold that the hypocritical religious organizations would reject Christ as King, and that such rejection would be particularly marked at the time The Stone was laid in the building up of Zion. "The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner." (Psalm 118: 22, 23) Jesus quoted this Psalm and applied it to the pretenders. (Matthew 21:42) The fulfillment of this prophecy takes

place in the day of Jehovah, the day which Jehovah has made, the beginning of which is the setting his King upon his throne, in A.D. 1914, and sending him to the temple for judgment. The incontrovertible proof is that the Roman Catholic Hierarchy has rejected Christ the King of the world. Although claiming to be the representative of God and Christ on earth, when Christ Jesus the King comes to the temple the Roman Catholic Hierarchy not only refuses to accept him as King but continues to insist that it is the divine right of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy to rule the nations of the earth. Jehovah sends forth his witnesses to make known to the nations that he is God, that Christ is King, and that the kingdom is here; and the Roman Catholic Hierarchy violently oppose the message and the messengers, and induce the other political rulers of the world to join with them in the persecution of Jehovah's messengers. They enter into a conspiracy to destroy all those who are for Jehovah and his King, and to thus prevent the anointed of God from becoming a part of his kingdom. (Psalm 2:2,3) "They have consulted together with one eon-sent: they are confederate against thee," says the prophet; and then in that same prophecy the Lord specifically names the Philistines and those associated with them as being in the conspiracy to resist the kingdom tinder Christ Jesus. (Psalm 83:2-7) The Roman Catholic Hierarchy specifically denies that Christ shall rule the world, but insists that the Roman Catholic Hierarchy shall rule; and this is another great lie.

In the prophecy of Isaiah Jehovah definitely fixes the time for the fulfillment of his judgment. The com-

ing of the Lord to the temple for judgment was in 1918, and judgment began with the house of God and thereafter follows upon other institutions. (Malachi 3:1-3; Matthew 24:31-40) To the statement of the modern Philistines, as set forth in Isaiah 28:15, that "we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves", Jehovah answers in these words, to wit: "Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet; and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place." (Isaiah 28:17) At the judgment of the house of God the approved ones are anointed, given the name of Jehovah, and sent forth as his witnesses to declare the day of the vengeance of our God. (1 Peter 4:17; Isaiah 43: 9-12; 61:1, 2) This is God's time for causing the truth concerning himself and his kingdom to be declared, and his message of truth is like a great hailstorm, which tears off the vail and sweeps away the refuge or hiding place of lies, and fully exposes the hiding place thereof to the plain view of honest people. — Revelation 16:21; Exodus 9:22-26.

During the past few years Jehovah's witnesses have, by the Lord's grace, been doing this very work under the direction and commandment of the Lord. If these witnesses were declaring these things merely to do injury to others, that would be contrary to the will of God; but they are declaring these divine truths because it is the time when God has afforded the people the opportunity to know that he is the only true God, that Christ is King, and that the Kingdom is the only hope of the world, and that it is in vain for man to put his trust in imperfect men or organiza-

tions. It is the time when God will permit the people to know that the Roman Catholic Hierarchy is hidden behind a great mountain of lies. In order to be faithful to Jehovah his witnesses must now declare the truth that exposes the wicked Roman Catholic Hierarchy, the modern Philistines. As these truths are declared, and the wicked ones exposed, they become very angry, and the Devil and his chief marshal Gog assemble the Catholic Hierarchy and its agents all over the earth and send them forth in a campaign of wicked persecution against God and against his anointed. — Ezekiel 38:1-14.

The prophecy of Jehovah is then addressed to the modern Philistines, the Roman Catholic Hierarchy and the adherents thereto, to wit: "And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agree-

ment with hell shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it." (Isaiah 28:18) This positive declaration of Jehovah is that the Roman Catholic Hierarchy has made with death and hell a covenant which shall not stand but shall fail, and that he will bring upon that institution a great scourge that will expose them and destroy them and that institution shall be completely annihilated. From the time the message of God's vengeance goes forth against the hypocritical organization that message constitutes a great vexation to them. Why is it that the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, in every country, is bitterly opposing Jehovah's message of the kingdom? The answer is, because that devilish institution is vexed at the message of God's Word, which is being declared by his witnesses and which exposes its very hiding place, which is the great mountain of lies: "From the time that it goeth forth it shall take you: for morning by morning shall it pass over, by day and by night: and it shall be a vexation only to understand the report. For the bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it; and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it." (Isaiah 28:19, 20) The bed, which the Hierarchy has made for itself, and the covering of lies used to hide its nefarious work, are entirely inadequate for that purpose, says the Lord. The refuge of lies of that wicked organization shall be completely swept away. Heretofore no opposition to the Roman Catholic organization has been able to stand. Now it is God's due time to take action, and no part of the Roman Catholic organization, the modern Philistines, shall stand.

"RISE UP"

The work of Jehovah's witnesses is merely to declare the message of God. The real work must be and will be done by Jehovah in his own good way. No human institution could possibly wreck the Roman Catholic Hierarchy. God will completely wreck it; and concerning this he says: "For the Lord shall rise up as in mount Perazim, he shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that he may do his work, his strange work; and bring to pass his act, his strange act." — Isaiah 28:21.

How may we determine that this prophecy applies to the modern Philistines, the Roman Catholic Hierarchy? The evidence shows conclusively that the Philistines prophetically foreshadowed the Roman Catholic organization. What took place at Mount Perazim and at Gibeon, according to the prophecy itself, foretells exactly what is to come to pass, and this the Lord makes known to his people in advance that they might receive consolation and increase their hope. Bear in mind that it is the Lord's work and whatsoever he begins he accomplishes. The present-day persecution of Jehovah's witnesses by the Roman Catholic Hierarchy would, in time, necessarily result in the complete destruction of Jehovah's witnesses and their work unless God himself intervenes; and he gives his word that he will rise up and do that very thing. While the wicked persecution of Jehovah's witnesses continues throughout the earth, the faithful will take great courage in the understanding of this prophecy of Isaiah.

The prophecy of Isaiah 28:21 specifically refers to what is recorded by the Lord at 2 Samuel 5:17-25

and at 1 Chronicles 14: 8-17. A brief reference to that record is here appropriate.

Saul had been king of Israel for some time, but because of his unfaithfulness God removed the kingdom from him and caused David to be anointed king over Israel. 'The spirit of the Lord came upon David from that very day, but the spirit of the Lord departed from Saul.' (1 Samuel 16:13,14) David, with his headquarters at Hebron, ruled over the southern tribes of Judah and Benjamin, and for several years there was war between the southern and northern tribes. Abner, who was the chief man in the northern tribes, made overtures to bring about the union of all the tribes of Israel under David the king, and hence it is written: "And Abner had communication with the elders of Israel, saying, Ye sought for David in times past to be king over you. Now then do it; for the Lord hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines, and out of the hand of all their enemies." — 2 Samuel 3:17,18.

David was thereafter installed as king over all Israel and proceeded to establish himself as king at Jerusalem. The division of the tribes and the war between the north and the south exactly suited the Philistines, and on the death of Saul the Philistines continued to exact tribute from the tribes in the northern portion.

They were afraid of David. The unity of all of the tribes of Israel under David, and his being made king over all of them, alarmed the Philistines, and they made ready to attack David: "But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over

Israel, all the Philistines came up to seek David; and David heard of it, and went down to the hold."  — 2 Samuel 5:17.

The five kings that ruled the Philistines were in full harmony to destroy David because he was God's anointed one, under whom Israel was united. The Philistines knew of the song of the Israelites, which had been composed and sung by them to the effect, 'Saul has slain his thousands, but David his ten thousands.' (1 Samuel 18:7) They wanted David and would feel safe only when he was destroyed, and so they went after him. David is a type of Jehovah's beloved anointed One, Christ Jesus the King, and includes all the anointed of the temple or royal house of God, who are now Jehovah's witnesses.

When the Lord cleansed the temple he brought all his people into unity under Christ Jesus, the Head over the church and of the temple. (Ephesians 4:13) From and after that time the faithful anointed witnesses of Jehovah have declared his message against the wicked rulers of "Christendom", and particularly against the Roman Catholic Hierarchy. As the ancient Philistines wanted to get David, so now the effort of the modern Philistines, the Roman Catholic Hierarchy and their allies, is to bring about the destruction of God's "hidden ones", the anointed remnant on earth.  — Psalm 83:3.

The Philistines assembled their entire army and went on the march toward Jerusalem, where they expected to find David and destroy him. "The Philistines also came and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim." (2 Samuel 5:18) Rephaim appears to be the country lying south of Jerusalem and west of

Bethlehem. It means 'the place of the giants'. Doubtless David had his watchmen on the lookout, and when he was informed of the movement of the Philistines he began movement. He was too wise to be bottled up at Jerusalem; therefore he withdrew his little army and "went down to the hold", which was in a rough part of the country south and west of Bethlehem. David had taken refuge at the same place on two former occasions when Saul was attempting his destruction. (1 Samuel 22: 4, 5; 24: 22) David was not now fleeing from the Philistines, but he was putting his men in a position of strategy that he might make a surprise attack upon the enemy. The Philistines, of course, greatly outnumbered David's army, and the country that David had to traverse in order to make the attack was very difficult. The stage was set, and the prophetic picture now was made as to what shall befall the modern Philistines, the Roman Catholic Hierarchy.

"BAAL-PERAZIM"

The place where the battle took place was named by David "Baal-perazim". (The word Perazim means "a breach" or "breaking forth"; Baal having reference to Devil worship.) It means the place of the Lord's breaking forth against Devil worshipers, the soothsayers, the Philistines, ancient and modern. The breaking forth of the Lord there was like waters breaking their bounds and rushing like a torrent to destroy everything in their way. This same place is mentioned in Isaiah 28: 21 and is there called "mount Perazim"; therefore the prophecy definitely fixes the battle illustrating the destruction of the Roman Cath-

olic Hierarchy. Before David began his attack, he inquired of Jehovah as to what he should do: "And David inquired of the Lord, saying, Shall I go up to the Philistines? wilt thou deliver them into mine hand? And the Lord said unto David, Go up; for I will doubtless deliver the Philistines into thine hand." (2 Samuel 5:19) David would not attempt to attack except on command of the Lord. The anointed of Jehovah trust in him with all their heart, and they have a full assurance that he will direct their paths. (Proverbs 3:5, 6) The Greater David is Christ Jesus, the chief officer of Jehovah God, and includes His anointed associates. The attack of David upon the Philistines, therefore, foretells the attack of Jehovah by the hand of Christ Jesus against the enemy, the modern Philistines.

David advanced on the rear of the enemy when the Lord had assured him that "doubtless" he would deliver the enemy into David's hands: "And David came to Baal-perazim, and David smote them there, and said, The Lord hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the breach of waters. Therefore he called the name of that place Baal-perazim. And there they left their images, and David and his men burned them." — 2 Samuel 5:20,21.

The rout of the Philistines there was complete. The illustration of the attack as given by the words of the text is that of a mighty flood of waters breaking forth and sweeping everything before it. The Philistines were utterly helpless to withstand the onrush of the great flood of power that Jehovah turned loose on them. Their rout was so complete that they fled, leaving behind them their much cherished images repre-

senting the object of Devil worship, which images David destroyed. The Roman Hierarchy not only has images in all its ceremonies, but largely advertises its images to sell them to obtain revenue. (See advertisements in the Catholic Directory, 1935.) That battle, it is true, was fought by David, but only in the strength of the Lord, and it was typical, and foreshadowed something of far greater importance to come to pass under the Greater David, Christ Jesus. The description of the battle shows the hand of the Lord in it, and this is strongly supported by the words of the record, when Jehovah says: "For the Lord shall rise up as in mount Perazim." — Isaiah 28:21.

GIBEON

There was a second fight between David and the Philistines, as described in the second book of Samuel. Again the ancient Philistines assembled themselves in the same place: "And the Philistines came up yet again, and spread themselves in the valley of Rephaim." (2 Samuel 5:22) Doubtless the Philistines reasoned that David would again try to attack them in the same manner as on the previous occasion, and that this time they would be ready for David. While the Scriptures do not say that David at this time had taken his position at the hold, the presumption may be indulged that he was there and proceeded from that point to the attack: "And when David inquired of the Lord, he said, Thou shalt not go up; but fetch a compass behind them, and come upon them over against the mulberry trees." — 2 Samuel 5: 23.

The words "fetch a compass behind" would indicate that David was commanded to so employ his army

that they would be on the enemy's flank, as well as on the rear. This seems to be the first mention of flank movement in warfare. Here again the Philistines were outmaneuvered, which shows the hand of the Lord in the matter. He directed David to make the attack from a certain point indicated by the "mulberry trees". Just what is meant by "mulberry trees" is not clear. Biblical lexicographers define the word in this manner: "Weeping; the weeping tree." It might well picture the point at which comes a calamity upon the enemy that causes them to weep. With his army in position David must wait to receive the signal from the Lord. This proves that David was there solely at the command of Jehovah and what he did prophetically foreshadowed greater things to come to pass under Christ Jesus. This is the only place in the Scriptures where "mulberry trees" are mentioned, and therefore they have a specific application to the Philistines, ancient and modern.

David waited for orders from Jehovah, and Jehovah told him how he might know it was time for him to 'bestir himself, that is, to be on the alert and then move forward to the attack: "And let it be, when thou hearest the sound of a going in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then thou shalt bestir thyself: for then shall the Lord go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines." — 2 Samuel 5: 24.

'The sound of going' (according to Rotherham: "The sound of marching") in the mulberry trees not only seems to have furnished a signal for David to act, but clearly indicates that Jehovah's unseen host of holy angels there participated and led the assault against the enemy. This would clearly foreshadow that

when Christ Jesus, the Greater David, engages in the fight against the enemy, pictured by the Philistines, his armies in heaven will take part in the fight. (Revelation 19:14) The fight took place, with a disastrous result upon the Philistines, "And David did so, as the Lord had commanded him; and smote the Philistines from Geba until thou come to Gazer." — 2 Samuel 5:25.

There is no reason to doubt that these two battles between David and the Philistines are the same as those referred to in Isaiah 28:21. It is true that in the account given at 2 Samuel 5: 25 the word "Geba" is used to denote the place. In the margin the word "Gibeon" is used to denote the same place. Also in the record of the same fight set forth at 1 Chronicles 14:16 the place is named Gibeon. "David therefore did as God commanded him: and they smote the host of the Philistines from Gibeon even to Gazer." (1 Chronicles 14:16) Thus is shown that the prophecy of Isaiah 28: 21 refers to the destruction of the Philistines, who were the chief enemies of God's chosen people Israel. The fact that the Scriptural account is of two fights, to wit, Perazim and Gibeon, does not necessarily mean that the Lord will make two separate and distinct fights against modern Philistines. The . point of paramount importance here is that 'the Lord shall rise up AS at Mount Perazim and shall be wroth AS at Gibeon'. In other words, what took place at Mount Perazim and Gibeon foreshadows what the Lord will do against the antitypical Philistines.

Concerning Mount Perazim the record is: "David smote them there, and [David] said, The Lord hath broken forth upon mine enemies before me, as the

breach of waters." This is proof conclusive that whatever David accomplished in that fight he did it not in his own strength but in the strength and at the command of Jehovah God; and this foretells that the fight against the antitypical enemy, the modern Philistines, will be by the Greater David at the command of Jehovah. It was Jehovah who brought the victory to David, and this foreshadows that the antitypical battle is not the battle of creatures against modern Philistines, but is the battle of Jehovah. The words "breach of waters" mean the breaking forth or bursting out of waters, such as the onrush of a mighty flood which scatters and disperses and destroys everything in its path. Compare this with the language of Isaiah's prophecy in the preceding verses: "Hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place." This seems to indicate that God would cause his message of hard and smiting truths to rush down upon the enemy, and this accompanied by the exercise of his great power, in which he will destroy the refuge of lies behind which modern Philistines have hidden and carried on their work and will completely wipe out that organization. In his judgment against the modern Philistines, the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, not only shall the lying schemes and wickedness of that organization be exposed to view to honest people, but the organization will be brought into disgrace and completely destroyed.

But note that at Gibeon the violent indignation of God is plainly mentioned: "He shall be wroth [that is, express violently his indignation] as in the valley of Gibeon." It was immediately following the sign which Jehovah gave to David that David bestirred

himself; and then the record follows: "Then shall the Lord go out before thee, to smite the host of the Philistines." The Lord did there smite them, and this prophecy foreshadows that when God rises up in his anger, as described by the prophet Isaiah, he will put an end to the modern Philistines by completely putting them out of business, and all their activity shall end.

"STRANGE WORK"

That which came to pass at Mount Perazim and at Gibeon was not the work of man, but was the work of Jehovah God, and therefore clearly foreshadows or prophetically foretells some greater work to be done by Jehovah thereafter. That future work is described by Isaiah's prophecy as 'God's work', "his strange work," "his act," "his strange act." The importance of that work is emphasized by the fact that the words are repeated in the Scriptures: "his work, his strange work"; "his act, his strange act." The word "strange" here used means "foreign; extraordinary; wonderful; marvelous; unusual; that which is not expected". In this connection note what God through his prophet says concerning the hypocritical crowd that draw near to him with their mouths, which without a doubt refers to the modern Philistines, the Roman Catholic organization: "Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men: therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work, and a wonder: for the wisdom of

their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid. Woe unto them that seek deep to hide their counsel from the Lord, and their works are in the dark, and they say, Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?" — Isaiah 29:13-15.

It is the Catholic Hierarchy that has induced the people to fear and to give up their hard-earned money, and it is their "wise" men who hypocritically pose before the people as representatives of God, and who say: "Who seeth us? and who knoweth us?" Jehovah had left the Philistines in the land of Judah to prove the Israelites, to know whether they would hearken to his commandments. (Judges 3:1-4) The Philistines had used the Israelites to suit their own convenience and pleasure. The prophetic drama of Samson shows how God's people must be faithful even unto death. The prophetic picture of David's conflict with the Philistines shows a different thing. Jehovah had installed David as king over all Israel, and now the Philistines attempted to thwart God's purpose. The Philistines had for many years been the oppressors of the Israelites, and now God's time had come to deliver his people from the hand of their oppressors. Therefore what took place at Mount Perazim and Gibeon was Jehovah's first demonstration of his power in behalf of his kingdom. It was the first kingdom conflict, and gives the absolute assurance that Jehovah will fight for his kingdom. As soon as David was at Jerusalem as king the five Philistine lords entered into a conspiracy to crush David and to thus prevent God from accomplishing his purpose. God took a hand and prevented the accomplishment of that wicked purpose.

The record is: "All the Philistines came up to seek David." That must have been a tremendous horde of people, all marching out to make away with one man in particular, and his little army. It seems quite probable that this movement of the Philistines against David induced the prophet to write the second Psalm, wherein the enemy is represented as saying: "Let us break their bands asunder [that is, the bands binding together the Israelites in unity under King David and hindering the operations of the Philistines], and cast away their cords from us." Their conclusion would be amusing to the Lord, and therefore the psalmist continues: "He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh; the Lord shall have them in derision. Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure." — Psalm 2:3-5.

The prophecy is now having a fulfillment on a far greater scale. We know that all true followers of Christ Jesus are now united under the King, the Greater David, and that these are loudly proclaiming Jehovah, his King, and his kingdom. Heretofore the Roman Catholic Hierarchy has had its own way. It has been a great test to the true followers of Christ Jesus. That wicked organization, acting under the pretext of being God's representatives on earth, has crushed every organization that has ever risen against it. Now Christ is on his throne and God's time has come to put his kingdom completely in control of the world. During the past few years, and since the union of the church tinder Christ, the Roman Catholic Hierarchy has begun and carries on its assaults against God's true people. In every country of earth the Hierarchy carries forward this wicked persecution of Jehovah's witness-

es and, as stated by Jehovah's prophet, the Hierarchy now says: "Let us break their bands [their unity under Christ which operates as a restraint to us] asunder." In this the Hierarchy induces the political and financial elements of Satan's organization, together with the Judas class, to join with it. Furthermore the prophet of God describes the Hierarchy: "For, lo, thine enemies make a tumult: and they that hate thee have lifted up the head. They have taken crafty counsel against thy people, and consulted against thy hidden ones. They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance. For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee." — Psalm 83:2-5.

Will not the Lord Jehovah now laugh and hold these presumptuous ones in derision 1 Is it not about Jehovah's due time to "speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure"? And why? Because, says the Lord, 'I have set my king upon my holy hill of Zion' to rule the world, and God will permit nothing to interfere with the accomplishment of his purposes. To his King, the Greater David, he now says: "Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel."  — Psalm 2:9.

Clearly this seems to be the due time when Jehovah will "rise up" and assert himself, as he did in behalf of his people at Mount Perazim and Gibeon. Surely the prophecy shows that we are at the time when Jehovah will cause his hail to sweep away the refuge of lies, and his waters to overflow the enemy, disclos-

ing their wickedness, and this to be followed by his work of destruction.

But how can it be said that such would be Jehovah's "strange work" or "strange act"? The fact that Jehovah fought the battle in behalf of his king David would not be at all strange to David, because David knew that he was an instrument in the hands of Jehovah to deliver the Israelites out of the enemy's hands. Certainly David knew what is recorded in 2 Samuel 3:18, to wit: "For the Lord hath spoken of David, saying, By the hand of my servant David I will save my people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines." David's inquiring of the Lord what he should do is further proof that what took place was no surprise to David, but does show his complete confidence in Jehovah. For these reasons the work of Jehovah upon the Philistines was not at all strange to those who were devoted to God. To the Philistines, however, it must have seemed very strange, for the reason that they had carried on against the Israelites for years to suit their own pleasure and they had done so by permission of Jehovah, and now to have Jehovah cause them to be stricken by the Israelites, and completely routed, would seem passing strange to them.

Mark how well the prophetic picture fits the reality of the present time. For a long while the Roman Catholic Hierarchy has had its own way. It is the most powerful organization under the sun, and its power and influence are exercised in every land on earth. The members of the Hierarchy are heady, high-minded, austere, and scornful men. The Catholic Hierarchy is comparatively a small body of men, and the great multitude of Catholic people that support the organiza-

tion are not members of the Catholic church, but are called "children of the church" or "Catholic population". The Hierarchy numbers its "population" or adherents by the millions. The Hierarchy now is desperately attempting to destroy Jehovah's witnesses, that there may be no hindrance whatsoever to continuing its work to control the affairs of the nations of the earth. The Hierarchy confidently expects to shortly rid the earth of these "pestiferous witnesses", and on every hand they are heard to say, in effect, that "this crowd of Jehovah's witnesses will not last long".

When the time comes, however, for Jehovah to rise up as he did at Mount Perazim and Gibeon, and to express his righteous indignation against his enemies that have persecuted his chosen people, and when he brings about the downfall of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, that will be so wonderful, so unusual, so tremendous and so completely foreign to what has ever before come to pass, that millions of people who have been supporters of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy will exclaim: "How strange that God should destroy that organization!" They will see that the work is not the work of man, but must be the work of the Almighty, and it is to such that this work will seem "strange". It may be confidently expected, therefore, that the survivors will say, in substance: "How strange that this mighty organization, which for centuries has acted as if the representative of God and Christ on earth, should now be destroyed by the Lord! It is foreign to anything that has ever come to pass, and we cannot understand it." The work of Jehovah here mentioned will appear strange to every one who

docs not understand it, and only those will understand it who are wholly devoted to Jehovah and his kingdom. To the anointed Jehovah's work will not appear at all strange, for the reason that they have been instructed of the Lord by his Word as to what shall come to pass, and having been instructed they follow his Word and obey his commandments. They now have the information that Jehovah is going to destroy the wicked Roman Catholic Hierarchy, and they know that Jehovah's purpose will be accomplished. — Isaiah 46:11.

All over the earth now the faithful are being persecuted by the Roman Catholic Hierarchy. This persecution is so terrible and powerful that the faithful know that no human power could successfully resist the wicked organization. Anyone not having full confidence and faith in God and his promises would not dare tell the truth about the wicked organization of the Hierarchy, but the faithful have taken their stand wholly on the side of the Lord and him they will serve, and not man. They know that their God will intervene in their behalf. They know that the Roman Catholic Hierarchy is the Devil's chief visible agent on earth and that God will search out and destroy all his enemies, including the Hierarchy. Having this knowledge and assurance from the Word of God, the faithful with confidence pray God to hasten the day when the enemy shall perish from the earth, and they continue with joyful words to sing Jehovah's praises, knowing that the enemy can do nothing worse than to kill them. The salvation of God's people he will accomplish by the hand of the antitypical David, Christ Jesus, the Beloved One of Jehovah, and the

great King says to these faithful anointed ones: "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life." (Revelation 2:10, A.R.V.) The anointed, therefore, confidently rest in the promises of Jehovah, and for that reason they rejoice in the tribulation that comes upon them because of their faithfulness. Seeing the fulfillment of Jehovah's prophecies, and knowing that his King is on the throne and at the temple for judgment, they look up and lift up their heads, because they know that the day of deliverance is at hand.

WHY?

Why would Jehovah "rise up" and smite the Philistines, seeing that they had by him been permitted to have dominion over the Israelites for years? The same question may be asked, and the same answer given, relative to the modern Philistines, the Roman Catholic Hierarchy. The Philistines were privileged to be in the land that God had assigned to his chosen people, and they tried to thwart God's purpose to set up his typical kingdom there. Likewise for centuries the Roman Catholic Hierarchy has been suffered by Jehovah to occupy the place of his people on earth and has assumed to occupy the favored place of Jehovah; at the same time it vigorously attempts to prevent Jehovah's carrying out his purpose concerning his faithful and anointed ones and concerning the setting up of his kingdom. It acts with revenge and cruel hatred against all who are devoted to Jehovah. No one can be fully and intelligently serving Jehovah without opposing the wickedness of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, and hence they are hated by the Hier-

archy. Long after the ancient Philistines were destroyed as a nation God caused his prophet to write the prophecy in answer to the foregoing question as to why he will rise up, and that answer is recorded in these words, to wit: "Thus saith the Lord God: Because the Philistines have dealt by revenge, and have taken vengeance with a despiteful heart, to destroy it for the old hatred: therefore thus saith the Lord God: Behold, I will stretch out mine hand upon the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethims, and destroy the remnant of the sea coast. And I will execute great vengeance upon them with furious rebukes; and they shall know that I am the Lord, when I shall lay my vengeance upon them." — Ezekiel 25:15-17.

From the time of Isaac the ancient Philistines opposed God's people and ill-treated them. From the time of the antitypical Isaac Satan's agents persecuted Jesus and his true followers. Particularly the Roman Catholic Hierarchy have opposed and ill-treated God's chosen people. (Genesis 26:15-22) It is the decree of Jehovah, written long after the ancient Philistines as a nation had ceased to exist, that he would destroy the Philistines, and therefore without a question of doubt the prophecy refers to the modern Philistines, the Roman Catholic Hierarchy and all its conspiring lords. The day of the destruction of that wicked institution, the Roman Catholic Hierarchy, is at hand. "And I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod, and him that holdeth the sceptre from Ashkelon, and I will turn mine hand against Ekron; and the remnant of the Philistines shall perish, saith the Lord God." (Amos 1:8) "For Gaza shall be forsaken, and Ashkelon a desolation: they shall drive out

Ashdod at the noon day, and Ekron shall be rooted up. Woe unto the inhabitants of the sea coast, the nation of the Cherethites! the word of the Lord is against you; 0 Canaan, the land of the Philistines, I will even destroy thee, that there shall be no inhabitant." (Zephaniah 2:4, 5) The pride of the modern Philistines shall cease. (Zechariah 9:6) The combined hypocritical and wicked religionists shall be destroyed; and this information is now given for the benefit of the remnant and for the benefit of the Jonadabs or "great multitude". (See Preparation, page 150.)

The Scriptures seem fully to support the conclusion that the destruction of the religionists under the lead of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy will be the first part, or the beginning, of Armageddon. The Devil religion, mislabeled "Christianity", was first put forward under the name of the Church of Rome, out of which grew the Roman Catholic Hierarchy. That organization is mentioned prophetically in the Scriptures under the unpleasant title of 'the old whore'. There was a period of time when in the world there was an organization known as "Protestantism", and which opposed the Roman Catholic organization; but about the time of the World War the "Protestant" (so called) organization ceased and went over, bag and baggage, to the Hierarchy, and now the entire lot constitutes "the great whore". This crowd of public gangsters and enemies of God set up the League of Nations as a substitute for God's kingdom. Anything with them to turn the people away from Jehovah and his King. These, pretending to stand for God, in fact stand for and represent the Devil, and this whole bunch composes an integral part of the beastly rule of the earth.

'And the ten horns which thou sawest upon the beast, these shall hate the whore, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh, and burn her with fire. For God hath inclined their hearts to do his purpose, even to execute one purpose.' (Revelation 17:16,17) (See Light, Book Two, pages 80-114.) This is exactly in harmony with Isaiah's prophecy. Jehovah's storm of hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies and fully expose to all mankind the duplicity of "the old whore", and her destruction shall precede the destruction of "the beast" and of "the false prophet". (Revelation 19:19-21) The wicked modern Philistines shall be ensnared in their own work of their own hands. — Psalm 9:15,16; see also Preservation, pages 139-143.

Aside from what the Scriptures state, it would be presumptuous for any man to say how God will accomplish "his work, his strange work", "his act, his strange act." Whatsoever the means used by the Lord to accomplish this purpose, it will be the work and act of God just the same, even though he uses some human agencies to accomplish his purpose, as he used David at Mount Perazim. Let the faithful now rest in the fact that just as certainly as the Roman Catholic Hierarchy is at the present time engaged in the persecution of those who serve Jehovah, just so certainly will Jehovah rise up and smite the Roman Catholic Hierarchy to the dust. Therefore let the faithful proceed with their work without fear and regardless of the acts of the wicked. God has shown that the Hierarchy is the Devil's chief wicked, visible organization, and He has declared in no uncertain terms that all the wicked shall perish.

Armageddon is the work of Jehovah, because the Scriptures emphatically declare so, that God will do his work at Armageddon by the hand of Christ Jesus. The fact, however, that Jehovah by his prophet speaks of "his work, his strange work", "his act, his strange act," repeating the words, seems clearly to indicate two distinctive parts of Armageddon: (1) That which accomplishes the destruction of hypocritical religionists; and (2) that which accomplishes the complete destruction of all of Satan's organization. Armageddon, therefore, as a whole is the work and act of Jehovah, but that part of Armageddon which he says is "his strange work", "his strange act," would seem clearly to refer to something that would appear to many creatures as very strange. The final conflict would not appear to be strange, for the reason that all professed Christians have been informed by the Scriptures and otherwise of Armageddon as one great time of trouble.

But now consider the fact that there is one great religious organization that has been kept prominently before the people for many centuries, and which organization has repeatedly declared itself to be the special representative of God on earth and which millions of people have been induced to believe is a divine organization. Such people are not expecting the destruction of that organization. That great religious organization is the Roman Catholic system, ruled by its Hierarchy, and to which there is attached a "Catholic population" of millions of persons. All the nations of "Christendom" tacitly admit that the Catholic Church system is the representative of "god", but, of course, they do not understand which god.

Now when Jehovah singles out this particular Roman Catholic organization and brings it into disgrace and humiliation, as illustrated by uncircumcision and by 'emerods in the secret parts' of the Philistines, and then sweeps away the refuge of lies under which the Roman Catholic Hierarchy has long hid its nefarious work, and exposes the hypocrisy of that organization and then completely destroys the Roman Catholic organization, such will clearly appear to be a "strange work" and "strange act" of the Almighty God; and the millions of people left on earth, and who will see that marvelous work and act, will no doubt in great astonishment cry out: "How strange that the Almighty God would destroy that organization against which we have been taught that nothing, not even hell, can prevail!"

Hypocrisy is despicable in the sight of Jehovah. He says: "The vile person will speak villany, and his heart will work iniquity, to practice hypocrisy, and to utter error against the Lord, to make empty the soul of the hungry." (Isaiah 32:6) There the Lord clearly describes the Roman Catholic Hierarchy. The greatest hypocrisy ever practiced amongst men is that practiced by the Hierarchy, and the end of such is annihilation. Saul became a hypocrite. (1 Samuel 15:1-23) He was made king at the instance of the people, and he illustrates those who were once in line for the kingdom but were moved by selfishness that they might have personal gain, and receive life and power and honor. (1 Samuel 8:4-22; 10:17-25) When the spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, he acted with the Philistines in the continuous effort to destroy David, God's anointed. Saul seems clearly to

picture the "evil servant" class, whom the Lord Jesus described. These were once in line for the kingdom. Moved by selfishness, being rejected by the Lord at his temple judgment, these 'began to smite their fellow servants', and concerning such Jesus said: "The lord . . . shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites." (Matthew 24:48-51) God will permit no one to successfully interfere with the establishment of his kingdom under Christ.

HONEST CATHOLICS

Honest persons have often been deceived and led into a trap. The Catholic organization boasts to this effect: "Give us a child until it is seven years old and it will not depart from the Catholic faith." A child brought up in ignorance of God and of his Word, and into the mind of which child there is instilled the teaching of men, the Catholic doctrine, which is contrary to the Word of God, and which child is constantly warned under the penalty of purgatory and hell to avoid reading anything that is not first approved by the Catholic priest, is almost certain to continue in ignorance concerning Jehovah God. For this reason, by means of fear and the precepts of men, millions have been held in bondage and in ignorance. The great mass of people that support the Catholic church organization are in no wise members of the church and have nothing whatsoever to do with the government thereof, and are designated by the Hierarchy, and as set forth in the publications of that organization, as "Catholic population". (See Official Catholic Directory, 1935.) There are millions of such who are conscientiously obeying the commands of the Roman Cath-

olic Hierarchy, and who are totally ignorant of the fact that they are going contrary to the Word of God.

The members of the Hierarchy chuckle in their glee and say: "We have made lies our refuge, and under falsehoods we have hid ourselves. Who knoweth us? and who can see us? We pretend to pray and the dupes will pay." By reason thereof they have been enabled to keep the mass of the Catholic population in ignorance of God and his kingdom, and to continue them in their ignorance is the reason why they warn Catholics to read none of the publications of the WATCH TOWER. Let those who desire righteousness be assured that God will, according to his promise, sweep away the refuge of lies behind which the Hierarchy hides, and will thus open the eyes of all honest people to the truth. Honest Catholics will then enjoy the opportunity of understanding the truth and will come to know that God and his kingdom under Christ are the only hope of the human race. With the Hierarchy disgraced and destroyed, the honest people, including the "Catholic population", will seek Zion, which is God's organization. Concerning what took place at Mount Perazim and at Gibeon, which marked the victory under David, the record reads (1 Chronicles 14:17): "And the fame of David went out into all lands; and the Lord brought the fear of him upon all nations." Here again David represents Christ Jesus, the beloved of Jehovah, and the fear of Christ Jesus, the Greater David, clearly means the release of millions of "Catholic population" from the bondage of the wicked Hierarchy.

When the Jonadabs take a firm stand on the side of Jehovah God and his kingdom, and in obedience

to God's commandments continue to seek meekness and righteousness, they will suffer reproach at the hands of any and all of Satan's agents remaining on earth, particularly those pictured by "the beast" and "the false prophet". They will suffer because they are companions of those who have been and are persistently announcing the kingdom of God under Christ. (Hebrews 10: 32-35) Let all those who love God and his King now have full assurance of faith that Jehovah's time to establish his kingdom is here and has begun and all opponents that the Devil can muster cannot possibly prevent its complete establishment. Jehovah has demonstrated and plainly shown his people that soon he will rise up and fight the battles of his people who are for his kingdom, and he is certain to rid the earth of the Roman Catholic Hierarchy and all the representatives of the Devil. The purpose of this is the vindication of Jehovah's name; and by his prophet he says concerning the infliction of this drastic punishment upon the modern Philistines: "And they shall know that I am Jehovah, when I shall lay my vengeance upon them." — Ezekiel 25:17, A.R.V.

The Roman Catholic Hierarchy is now conducting a vigorous campaign in all parts of the earth in its attempt to force the people into the Catholic organization. The Hierarchy is proceeding upon the theory that there are just two general classes of people, to wit, Communists and Roman Catholic, and that all who do not line up with the Roman Catholic side are therefore necessarily to be classed as Communists. Clearly this is the Devil's effort to separate the people and checkmate the work that the Lord Jesus is doing. Christ Jesus is now separating the persons of good

will, who are called the "sheep" class, from those that are wicked, whom he designates as the "goat" class. (Matthew 25:32-46) The Devil, operating through the Hierarchy, is trying to offset the Lord's work by separating the people into the classes of Communists and Roman Catholic.

The Roman Catholic Hierarchy and its political and financial dupes and allies have suppressed the WATCH TOWER SOCIETY and confiscated its property in the countries of Austria and Germany and other parts of "Christendom". It has recently caused many countries and states to enact laws for the purpose of suppressing speech and publication of the truth. It has caused many of the faithful to be persecuted unmercifully, ill-treated, and thrown into prison, and continues its wicked work. These modern Philistines deal by revenge and with a despiteful heart, and the Lord's faithful people continue to suffer. Many have wondered why God permits this. Let none of the faithful be disturbed. Let all who love God and Christ Jesus now fully rest in faith and with greater determination than ever go on with the service of the Lord, knowing this, that God's announced purpose to rise up and smash the enemy will soon take place and every one who continues faithful to the Lord amidst all these trials shall receive the everlasting blessing of Jehovah, which makes such exceeding rich. Surely Jesus had in mind just such times when he said: "He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." (Matthew 24:13) Our God, whom we serve, will save and deliver his people to the honor and glory of his name. The time is at hand and, behold, the "great multitude" appears.