Theocratic Aid To Kingdom Publishers

Lesson 49

STREET GOSPEL-PREACHING

The streets of cities, towns and villages are proper places for preaching the gospel of God's kingdom. The Supreme

Court of the United States honors and recognizes this age-old avenue of free expression. "The streets are natural and proper places for the dissemination of information and opinion; and one is not to have the exercise of his liberty of expression in appropriate places abridged on the plea that it may be exercised in some other place." Schneider v. State, 308 U.S. 147 (1939). "Wherever the title of streets and parks may rest, they have immemorially been held in trust for the use of the public and, time out of mind, have been used for purposes of assembly, communicating thoughts between citizens, and discussing public questions. Such use of the streets and public places has, from ancient times, been a part of the privileges, immunities, rights, and liberties of citizens." Hague v. C.I.O., 307 U. S. 496, 515 (1939).

Scriptural precedent and divine injunction for street gospel-preaching is abundant. Jesus Christ the great Gospel-preacher tramped from place to place preaching and teaching in places of public concourse. His disciples did likewise. Of Paul it is recorded, "So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and the devout persons, and in the marketplace [public square, Goodspeed] every day with them that met him." (Acts 17:17, A.S.V.) The King's instruction in the parable of the marriage feast was, "Go, therefore into the public roads . , . And those servants went out into the roads, and brought together all that they met, good and bad." —Matt. 22:9,10, Diag.

Centuries before the public preaching by Jesus, Jehovah's faithful prophets cried aloud in their witnessing in market places, noisy streets and public squares.. "Wisdom crieth aloud in the street; she uttereth her voice in the broad places [squares]; she crieth in the chief place of concourse [at the head of the noisy streets, margin]; at the entrance of the gates." (Prov. 1:20,21, A.S.V.) Even so the truth of God's majestic purposes was publicly proclaimed as true wisdom for those who would heed. To the prophet Jeremiah Jehovah said: "Run ye to and fro

through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in the broad places thereof." "Proclaim all these words in the cities of Judah, and in the streets of Jerusalem, saying, Hear ye the words of this covenant, and do them." —Jer. 5:1; 11: 6, A.S.V.

As the faithful prophets and apostles of old, Jehovah's witnesses today "are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men". (1 Cor. 4:9) Today the whole world is one vast stage and not just Palestine, as in ancient times. All mankind are the audience and spectators. Jehovah's witnesses now, as in times past, are the actors or spectacles publicly demonstrating in plain sight of all men their hope in Jehovah's new world and their condemnation of the Devil's dying old world. As a result of worldwide public display in the theater of the nations many who hear and see Jehovah's witnesses join them by also letting their light shine as street publishers.

In February, 1940, the street-corner witnessing with the Watchtower and Consolation magazines was inaugurated as a regular service assignment. Thereafter street gospel-preaching was undertaken regularly by all companies of Jehovah's witnesses and has borne rich fruits. How does the street gospel-preacher equip himself? First and foremost he ever carries a Bible with him. He is always 'ready to give an answer to every man that asketh him for a reason of the hope that is in him with meekness and fear'. (1 Pet. 3:15) He carries with him also a copy of Jehovah's Servants Defended, in case any officer of the law challenges his right as a gospel-preacher. He will have, in addition to the current magazines, a testimony card, the latest bound book and booklet, and subscription blanks. The street publisher will be clean and neatly attired, wearing a clean magazine bag.

Our demeanor on the streets will ever be that of law-abiding citizens, friendly, polite, kind, and considerate of all whom we meet. None will be cringing or apologetic in attitude. Each one will wear a bright Kingdom smile

radiating his enthusiasm and joy as to the great hope of The Theocracy. Each publisher works alone, eagerly serving the people that pass. Regularity in serving an assigned corner is most effective. If one is there week in and week out at the same time a real impression is made upon persons accustomed to pass at those stated times. Curiosity is aroused and eventually persons take courage to obtain a magazine or stop to have a brief chat. They feel they know the publisher, having seen him there weekly.

In calling out to the people that pass, do not be unreasonably loud, but with sufficient volume call out proper slogans which will arrest attention. Take the initiative and kindly approach persons standing on the street or sitting in parked cars near by. Do not stand mum or idle, but be busy in preaching. Subjects of articles in The Watchtower or Consolation may be used around which to build up slogans. General slogans have been given in the Informant.

The street gospel-preacher will have need for argumentation and the giving of impromptu comments on problems of a wide range which may be put to him by passers-by who sincerely desire to be informed. It is well for each publisher to have read over the particular Watchtower or Consolation he displays. Seize hold of two or three good talking points in each issue of the magazine and be prepared to interest persons in taking copies. Be prepared to read from the magazine a few extracts supporting interesting points. However, extended discussions on the street should be avoided and all controversy shunned. If troublemakers seek to disturb, move a few steps away and resume calling out the slogans to passers-by. Avoid gathering crowds. Theocratic tactfulness is very important in the street work.

By fearlessness and diligence in street-publishing one will be a living spectacle in condemnation of this wicked, dying and perverse generation.