What Is Man?…

What Is Man?

Sea Of Galilee. "And the Lord ... breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul." Gen. 2:7.

1. In what condition was man created?

“Thou madest him a little lower than the angels.” Ps. 8:5.

2. What will be the final condition of the righteous?

“Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.” Luke 20:35, 36.

3. What are angels called?

“And of the angels He saith, Who maketh His angels spirits, and His ministers a flame of fire.” Heb. 1:7.

4. What is the difference between the two Adams?

“The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.” 1 Cor. 15:45.

5. Are our present bodies natural or spiritual?

“Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.” Verse 46.

6. When will the righteous have spiritual bodies?

“It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.” Verse 44.

7. To what does the sowing here spoken of refer?

“That which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die.” Verse 36.

NOTE.—Man does not now possess the undying, spiritual nature of the angels, except as he holds it by faith in Christ; nor will he until the resurrection. Then, if righteous, he will be made immortal, and he cannot die any more (Luke 20:36), because he will be “equal unto the angels.”

8. How is man’s nature defined?

“Shall mortal man be more just than God?” Job 4:17.

Mortal: “Subject to death.”—Webster.

9. What is God’s nature?

“Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” 1 Tim. 1:17.

Immortal: “Exempt from liability to die.”—Webster.

10. Of what was man formed in the beginning?

“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground.” Gen. 2:7, first part.

11. What act made him a living soul?

“And [God] breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” Same verse, last part.

NOTES.—The living soul was not put into the man; but the breath of life which was put into man, made him—the man, made of the earth—a living soul, or creature.

The original for “living soul” in this text is nephesh chaiyah. On the use of this expression in Gen. 1:24, translated “living creature,” Dr. Adam Clarke says: “A general term to express all creatures endued with animal life, in any of its infinitely varied gradations, from the half-reasoning elephant down to the stupid potto, or lower still, to the polyp, which seems equally to share the vegetable and animal life.”

12. Are other creatures besides man called “living souls”?

“And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.” Rev. 16:3. See also Gen. 1:30, margin.

13. Do others besides man have the “breath of life”?

“And all flesh died that moved upon the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth, and every man: all in whose nostrils was the breath of life.” Gen. 7:21, 22.

14. Is their breath the same as man’s?

“As the one dieth, so dieth the other; yea, they have all one breath; so that a man hath no preeminence above a beast: for all is vanity.” Eccl. 3:19.

NOTE.—That is, here men, as well as beasts, die. This present life, with them, as with the rest of the animal creation, is dependent upon their breath. When this is gone, they, the same as beasts, die. In this respect they have no preeminence over beasts. But men have a future unending life held out before them, and may, if they will, die in hope of eternal life, which is a very great preeminence over the rest of the animal creation.

15. What does Job call that which God breathed into man’s nostrils?

“All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils.” Job 27:3.

16. When man gives up this spirit, what becomes of it?

“Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.” Eccl. 12:7.

NOTE.—That is, the spirit of life by which man lives, and which is only lent him of God, at death goes back to the great Author of life. Having come from Him, it belongs to God, and man can have it eternally only as a gift from God, through Jesus Christ. Rom. 6:23. When the spirit goes back to God, the dust, from which man was made a “living soul” in the beginning, goes back as it was, to the earth, and the individual no longer exists as a living, conscious, thinking being, except as he exists in the mind, plan, and purpose of God through Christ and the resurrection. In this sense “all live unto Him” (Luke 20:38), for all are to be raised from the dead. See John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15; Rom. 4:17.

17. Who only have hold of the life eternal?

“He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” 1 John 5:12.

NOTE.—The veriest sinner has this temporal life; but when he yields up this life, he has no prospect nor promise of the life eternal. That can be received only through Christ.

18. Why was Adam driven from the garden of Eden and excluded from the tree of life?

“And now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever.” Gen. 3:22.

19. What was done to keep man away from the tree of life?

“So He drove out the man; and He placed at the east of the garden of Eden cherubim, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.” Verse 24.

20. How are all men in the natural state regarded?

“We all ... were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.” Eph. 2:3.

21. If the wrath of God abides on a person, of what does it deprive him?

“He that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” John 3:36.

22. Through whom is the sinner saved from wrath?

“Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” Rom. 5:9.

23. With whom is the Christian’s future life hid?

“For ye are dead [to sin], and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Col. 3:3.

24. When will this life be bestowed upon the believer?

“When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory.” Verse 4.

NOTE.—The word immortal occurs but once in the English Bible (1 Tim. 1:17), and is there applied to God.

25. Who only possesses inherent immortality?

“Who is the blessed and only potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; who only hath immortality.” 1 Tim. 6:15, 16.

NOTE.—God is the only Being who possesses original life or immortality in Himself. All others must receive it from God. See John 5:26; 6:27; 10:10, 27, 28; Rom. 6:23; 1 John 5:11.

26. Through whom has immortality been brought to light?

“But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.” 2 Tim. 1:10.

27. To whom is eternal life promised?

“To them who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life.” Rom. 2:7.

NOTE.—One does not need to seek for a thing which he already possesses. The fact that we are to seek for immortality is proof in itself that we do not now possess it.

28. When will the faithful be changed to immortality?

“Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” 1 Cor. 15:51, 52.

29. What is then to be swallowed up?

“So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.” Verse 54. See verse 57.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

Life Only In Christ

Moses Smiting The Rock. "They drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them." 1 Cor. 10:4.

1. What is the wages of sin?

“The wages of sin is death.” Rom. 6:23.

2. Through whom only is there salvation from sin?

“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” Acts 4:12.

NOTE.—If men do not die, why should Christ die to save them from death? And what need of the resurrection and the second advent?

3. Why did God send His only begotten Son to this world?

“That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

4. What does Christ declare Himself to be?

“I am the way, the truth, and the life.” John 14:6.

5. What does He say He gives to those who follow Him?

“My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.” John 10:27, 28.

6. Upon what is the possession of this life conditioned?

“Except ye eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink His blood, ye have no life in you.” John 6:53.

7. In whom is the life eternal?

“And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.” 1 John 5:11.

8. Who only have this life?

“He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.” Verse 12. “He that heareth My word, and believeth on Him that sent Me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.” John 5:24.

9. What is Christ therefore fittingly called?

“When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with Him in glory.” Col. 3:4.

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

There is a fountain filled with blood, Drawn from Immanuel’s veins; And sinners plunged beneath that flood Lose all their guilty stains.

The dying thief rejoiced to see That fountain in his day; And there may I, though vile as he, Wash all my sins away.

Thou dying Lamb! Thy precious blood Shall never lose its power, Till all the ransomed church of God Are saved, to sin no more.

E’er since by faith I saw the stream Thy flowing wounds supply, Redeeming love has been my theme, And shall be till I die.

Lord, I believe Thou hast prepared, Unworthy though I be, For me a blood-bought, free reward— Eternal life for me.

There in a nobler, sweeter song, I’ll sing Thy power to save, When this poor lisping, stam’ring tongue Is ransomed from the grave.

WILLIAM COWPER.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

The Intermediate State

The Burial Of Sarah. "If I wait, the grave is mine house." Job 17:13.

1. By what figure does the Bible represent death?

“But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.” 1 Thess. 4:13. See also 1 Cor. 15:18, 20; John 11:11-14.

NOTE.—In sound sleep one is wholly lost to consciousness; time goes by unmeasured; and the mental functions which are active during consciousness are suspended for the time being.

2. Where do the dead sleep?

“And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake.” Dan. 12:2. See also Eccl. 3:20; 9:10.

3. How long will they sleep there?

“So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep.” Job 14:12.

4. For what did Job say he would wait after death?

“If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.” Verse 14.

5. Where did he say he would wait?

“If I wait, the grave is mine house: I have made my bed in the darkness.” Job 17:13.

6. While in this condition, how much does one know about those he has left behind?

“His sons come to honor, and he knoweth it not; and they are brought low, but he perceiveth it not of them.” Job 14:21.

7. What becomes of man’s thoughts at death?

“His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.” Ps. 146:4.

8. Do the dead know anything?

“For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not anything, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten.” Eccl. 9:5.

9. Do they take any part in earthly things?

“Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion forever in anything that is done under the sun.” Verse 6.

NOTE.—If one continued in consciousness after death, he would know of the promotion or dishonor of his sons. But Job says he does not know this. Not only so, but in death one loses all the attributes of mind,—love, hatred, envy, etc. Thus it is plain that his thoughts have perished, and that he can have nothing more to do with the things of this world. But if, as taught and held by some, man’s powers of thought continue after death, he lives; and if he lives, he must be somewhere. Where is he? Is he in heaven, or in hell? If he goes to either place at death, what then is the need of a future judgment, or of a resurrection, or of the second coming of Christ? If the judgment does not take place at death, but men go to their reward at death, then their rewards precede their awards, and there would arise the possibility that some have at death gone to the wrong place, and must needs be sent to the other, after having been in bliss or torment for ages, perhaps.

10. What does the psalmist say about the dead praising God?

“The dead praise not the Lord, neither any that go down into silence.” Ps. 115:17.

11. How much does one know of God when dead?

“For in death there is no remembrance of Thee.” Ps. 6:5.

NOTE.—There is not even a remembrance of God. As already seen, the Bible everywhere represents the dead as asleep. If they were in heaven or in hell, would it be fitting to represent them thus? Was Lazarus, whom Jesus loved, in heaven when the Saviour said, “Our friend Lazarus sleepeth”? John 11:11. If so, calling him to life was really robbing him of the bliss of heaven that rightly belonged to him. The parable of the rich man and Lazarus, recorded in Luke 16, was given to teach, not consciousness in death, but that in the judgment riches will avail nothing unless rightly and beneficently used, and that poverty will not keep one out of heaven.

12. But are not the righteous dead in heaven?

“For David is not ascended into the heavens.” Acts 2:34.

13. What must take place before the dead can praise God?

“Thy dead men shall live, together with My dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.” Isa. 26:19.

14. When did David say he would be satisfied?

“As for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness.” Ps. 17:15.

15. Were there to be no resurrection of the dead, what would be the condition of those fallen asleep in Christ?

“For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.” 1 Cor. 15:16-18.

16. When is the resurrection of the righteous to take place?

“For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.” 1 Thess. 4:16.

NOTES.—If, as stated in Eccl. 9:5, the dead know not anything, then they have no knowledge of the lapse of time. “Six thousand years in the grave to a dead man is no more than a wink of the eye to the living.” To them, consciousness, our only means of measuring time, is gone; and it will seem to them when they awake that absolutely no time has elapsed. And herein lies a most comforting thought in the Bible doctrine of the sleep of the dead, that in death there is no consciousness of the passing of time. To those who sleep in Jesus, their sleep, whether long or short, whether one year, one thousand years, or six thousand years, will be but as if the moment of sad parting were followed instantly by the glad reunion in the presence of Jesus at His glorious appearing and the resurrection of the just.

It ought also to be a comforting thought to those whose lives have been filled with anxiety and grief for deceased loved ones who persisted in sin, to know that they are not now suffering in torments, but, with all the rest of the dead, are quietly sleeping in their graves. Job 3:17.

Again, it would mar the felicity of one’s enjoyment in heaven could he look upon earth and see his friends and relatives suffering from persecution, want, cold, or hunger, or sorrowing for the dead. God’s way is best,—that all sentient life, animation, activity, thought, and consciousness should cease at death, and that all should wait till the resurrection for their future life and eternal reward. See Heb. 11:39, 40.

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

Sleep on, beloved! sleep, and take thy rest; Lay down thy head upon thy Saviour’s breast. We love thee well, but Jesus loves thee best— Good night.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

The Two Resurrections

Christ’s Second Coming. Descent Of The Holy City.

1. What comes to all men as the result of the fall?

“In Adam all die.” 1 Cor. 15:22. See also Rom. 5:12.

2. Where do all go at death?

“All go unto one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again.” Eccl. 3:20.

3. In what condition is man while in the grave?

“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” Eccl. 9:10.

NOTE.—That is, man, when dead, has no use of the powers of mind or body. He cannot, therefore, while in the grave, praise God, or even think of Him (Ps. 6:5); for in the day he dies his thoughts perish. Ps. 146:2-4. See preceding reading.

4. What has been promised in order that man may be redeemed from this condition?

“I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death: O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction.” Hosea 13:14.

5. Through whom will come this redemption from the grave?

“For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.” 1 Cor. 15:21, 22.

6. What would have been the result to the dead had not Christ procured their release from the grave?

“For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: and if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.” Verses 16-18.

7. Why did God give His only begotten Son to the world?

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

8. What did the Sadducees in Christ’s time deny?

“Then came to Him certain of the Sadducees, which deny that there is any resurrection.” Luke 20:27.

9. How did Christ, from the Old Testament Scriptures, prove the resurrection?

“Now that the dead are raised, even Moses showed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. For He is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto Him.” Verses 37, 38.

NOTE.—That is, in view of the resurrection—of the fact that there is to be a resurrection—all live unto God. In His purpose, all are alive. It is in this sense that Paul speaks of God as the one “who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.” Rom. 4:17.

10. Under what illustration from nature are the resurrection and the final salvation of the righteous taught?

“That which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die.” 1 Cor. 15:36. “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit.” John 12:24.

NOTES.—The seed dies to spring forth into new life. In this we are taught the lesson of the resurrection. All who love God will spring forth to life, and live again through endless ages in the earth made new.

The Open Grave.—The truth of the resurrection has been forcibly illustrated by the following incident: In the city of Hanover, Germany, is a grave known as “The open grave.” It is that of a woman, an infidel German princess, who died over one hundred years ago, and who, on her death-bed, gave orders that her grave should be covered with a great marble slab, weighing perhaps a ton, surmounting solid blocks of stone firmly bound together with clasps of iron, with this inscription placed on the lowermost stone of the tomb: “This grave purchased for eternity, must never be opened.” But no human device can thwart the plans of God, or hinder the workings of life from Him. It happened, providentially no doubt, that a birch-tree seed was buried with the princess. Soon it began to sprout. Its tiny shoot, soft and pliable at first, found its way up through the ponderous stones of the massive masonry. Slowly and imperceptibly, but with irresistible power, it grew, until at last it burst the bands of iron asunder, and opened this never-to-be-opened grave, leaving not a single stone in its original position. See illustration on page 498. What a rebuke to infidelity! and what a mute but striking promise that, erelong, in God’s own time, all graves shall be opened, and the sleeping ones awake from their dusty beds!

The Raising Of Lazarus. "I am the Resurrection, and the Life." John 11:25.

11. Where are the dead when they hear the voice of Christ calling them to life?

“Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, and shall come forth.” John 5:28, 29.

12. How many distinct classes will have a resurrection?

“There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.” Acts 24:15.

13. By what terms did Christ refer to the two resurrections?

“All that are in the graves shall hear His voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.” John 5:28, 29.

14. When will the resurrection of the just occur?

“For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first.” 1 Thess. 4:16. See also 1 Cor. 15:23.

15. When are the righteous to be recompensed?

“For thou shalt be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.” Luke 14:14.

16. In what condition did David expect to rise?

“As for me, I will behold Thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with Thy likeness.” Ps. 17:15.

17. What great contrast will be seen between the present body and the one to be put on in the resurrection?

“So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption: it is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power: it is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body.” 1 Cor. 15:42-44.

18. After whose body will these resurrected ones be fashioned?

“We look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ: who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto His glorious body.” Phil. 3:20, 21.

19. What will the righteous do upon rising from the grave?

“Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.” Isa. 26:19.

20. In what words will their triumph over death and the grave be expressed?

“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” 1 Cor. 15:55.

21. How long will they live?

“Neither can they die any more: for they are equal unto the angels; and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.” Luke 20:36.

22. How long do the other class wait after the first resurrection before they are raised?

“And they [the righteous] lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished.” Rev. 20:4, 5.

23. What is to be their fate?

“And fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.” Verse 9.

24. Who are to share this fate?

“But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.” Rev. 21:8.

25. What is the last enemy to be destroyed?

“The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.” 1 Cor. 15:26. See Rev. 20:13, 14.

26. How will the righteous ever afterward appear?

“Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.” Matt. 13:43.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

Fate Of The Transgressor

The Giving Of The Law. "Sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death." James 1:15.

1. What question does Peter ask regarding the wicked?

“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” 1 Peter 4:17.

2. What does the Bible say is the wages of sin?

“For the wages of sin is death.” Rom. 6:23. “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” Eze. 18:4.

Die: “To pass from physical life; to suffer a total and irreparable loss of action of the vital functions; to become dead; to expire; perish.”—Webster.

3. What will be the character of this death?

“Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of His power.” 2 Thess. 1:9.

Destroy: “To unbuild; to break up the structure and organic existence of; to demolish; to spoil utterly; to bring to naught; to put an end to; to annihilate.”—Webster.

4. How complete will be the destruction of the wicked?

“Fear Him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matt. 10:28.

5. What does Christ say will befall those who do not repent?

“Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” Luke 13:3.

Perish: “To be destroyed; to pass away; to become nothing; to be lost; to waste away; to die.”—Webster.

6. How does the apostle Peter say they shall perish?

“But these, as natural brute beasts, made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they understand not; and shall utterly perish in their own corruption.” 2 Peter 2:12.

7. To what are the wicked in their punishment compared?

“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.” Ps. 37:20.

Consume: “To destroy; as by decomposition, dissipation, waste, or fire.”—Webster.

8. How does John the Baptist describe the destruction of the wicked?

“He that cometh after me is mightier than I, ... whose fan is in His hand, and He will throughly purge His floor, and gather His wheat into the garner; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” Matt. 3:11, 12.

9. For whom does Christ say the fire which will finally destroy the wicked was originally prepared?

“Then shall He say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.” Matt. 25:41.

NOTE.—This fire is called “everlasting” because of the character of the work it does; just as it is called “unquenchable” because it cannot be put out, and not because it will not go out when it has done its work.

10. What will be the result of this punishment?

“As the whirlwind passeth, so is the wicked no more: but the righteous is an everlasting foundation.” Prov. 10:25.

11. Will any part of the wicked be left?

“For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.” Mal. 4:1.

12. What will then be their condition?

“For as ye have drunk upon My holy mountain, so shall all the heathen drink continually, yea, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down, and they shall be as though they had not been.” Obadiah 16.

13. Where will the place of the wicked then be?

“For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be; yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.” Ps. 37:10.

NOTE.—It would be difficult to keep the wicked in eternal torment without any place for them, even, in which to exist.

14. Where are both the righteous and the wicked to be recompensed?

“Behold, the righteous shall be recompensed in the earth: much more the wicked and the sinner.” Prov. 11:31.

15. Do the wicked go directly to their punishment at death, or wait till the day of judgment?

“The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished.” 2 Peter 2:9.

16. To what are the present heavens and earth reserved?

“But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men.” 2 Peter 3:7.

NOTE.—Both the present heavens and earth and sinners await the fires of the last day.

17. What will be the result of the fires of the last day?

“Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat.” “The earth also, and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” Verses 12, 10.

18. By what means does Christ say His kingdom is to be cleansed from sin and sinners?

“The Son of man shall send forth His angels, and they shall gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire.” Matt. 13:41, 42.

NOTE.—Satan and the wicked now have this world as their “place.” In due time Christ will have it. He will cleanse it from sin and sinners, and restore it, that He may give it to the saints of the Most High for an everlasting possession. See Dan. 7:18, 22, 27.

19. When are the wicked dead to be raised to receive their final punishment?

“But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished.” Rev. 20:5.

20. Whence will come the fire that will destroy them?

“And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.” Verse 9.

NOTE.—This is called God’s “strange act” and His “strange work,”—the work of destruction. Isa. 28:21. But by this means God will once and forever cleanse the universe of sin and all its sad results. Death itself will then be at an end—cast into the lake of fire. Rev. 20:14.

21. To what will this fire reduce the wicked?

“And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts.” Mal. 4:3.

NOTE.—The wicked are to be utterly destroyed—consumed away into smoke, brought to ashes. Having inseparably allied themselves with sin, they have forfeited the right to life and an immortal existence, and chosen the way of death and destruction. By their choice they have proved themselves worthless. For this reason they are compared to chaff, briers, thorns, etc. Their destruction will consequently be no real loss. They will themselves have lost their opportunity to obtain eternal life; but by the way in which they used their probationary time they proved themselves unworthy of it. Their destruction will, in fact, be an act of love and mercy on the part of God; for to perpetuate their lives would only be to perpetuate sin, sorrow, suffering, and misery. Terrible, therefore, as this judgment will be, there will, in consequence of it, be nothing of value lost,—nothing lost worth saving. The experiment of sin will be over, and God’s original plan of peopling the earth with a race of holy, happy beings will be carried out. 2 Peter 3:13.

22. What is this final destruction of the wicked called?

“This is the second death.” Rev. 20:14.

23. After the burning day, what will appear?

“Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.” 2 Peter 3:13.

24. Where will the righteous then be found?

“Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father.” Matt. 13:43.

25. What promise of the Saviour will then be fulfilled?

“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” Matt. 5:5. See also Ps. 37:11, 29; Isa. 65:17-25; Dan. 7:18.

26. What universal song of praise will then be sung?

“And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb forever and ever.” Rev. 5:13.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

The Ministration Of Good Angels

Moses On The Nile. "He shall give His angels charge over thee." Ps. 91:11.

1. Of what family does Paul speak in Ephesians?

“For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named.” Eph. 3:14, 15.

2. By what name are the members of this family called?

“Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord.” Job 1:6. “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God.” 1 John 3:1.

3. By what name are those composing the family in heaven commonly known to us?

“And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne.” Rev. 5:11.

4. Did angels exist before the death of any of the human family?

“So He drove out the man; and He placed at the east of the garden of Eden cherubim.” Gen. 3:24.

Cherub: “A creature of a sacred and celestial nature.”—Gesenius.

5. Who witnessed the laying of the foundations of the earth?

“Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner-stone thereof; when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?” Job 38:6, 7.

6. How many of these beings did John see around the throne?

“And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne; ... and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands.” Rev. 5:11.

7. What does Paul say of their number?

“But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels.” Heb. 12:22. See also Dan. 7:10.

8. Are angels of a higher order of beings than man?

“Thou hast made him a little lower than the angels.” Ps. 8:5.

NOTES.—There are different orders of angels: “Cherubim” (Gen. 3:24); “Seraphim” (Isa. 6:2, 6); “Archangel” (1 Thess. 4:16; Jude 9).

Some of their names are: “Michael” (Dan. 10:13, 21; 12:1; Jude 9); “Gabriel” (Dan. 8:16; 9:21; Luke 1:19); “Uriel” (2 Esdras [Apocrypha] 4:1, 36; 5:20. See 1 Chron. 15:5); “Ariel” (doubtless of angelic origin. See Ezra 8:16).

Michael means, “Who is like God,” and hence is a fit title for Christ. Gabriel signifies, “The strength of God,” an appropriate name for the angel or being who stands next to Christ (Dan. 10:21). Uriel means, “The light of God;” Ariel, “The lion of God.”

9. Is Christ ever called an angel?

“Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.” Ex. 23:20. See verse 23; Acts 7:38; and margin of 1 Cor. 10:4. “The Angel of His presence saved them.” Isa. 63:9. “Michael the Archangel.” Jude 9. See also Dan. 12:1; 1 Thess. 4:16.

NOTE.—Angel means messenger. In Mal. 3:1, Christ is called “the messenger of the covenant.”

10. What is said of the strength and character of the angels?

“Bless the Lord, ye His angels, that excel in strength, that do His commandments, harkening unto the voice of His word.” Ps. 103:20.

11. What description is given of Gabriel in Daniel?

“His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in color to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.” Dan. 10:6.

NOTE.—Similar descriptions are given of God, the “Ancient of days,” in Dan 7:9; and of Christ, “the Son of man,” in Rev. 1:13-15

12. What was the appearance of the angel that rolled away the stone from the sepulcher at the resurrection of Christ?

“His countenance was like lightning, and his raiment white as snow.” Matt. 28:3.

13. What shows that the angels sent to Abraham and Lot were real beings?

“And he [Abraham] took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.” “And he [Lot] made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.” Gen. 18:8; 19:3.

14. What reason does Paul give to encourage us to entertain strangers?

“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Heb. 13:2.

15. In his dream at Bethel, what did Jacob see?

“And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it.” Gen. 28:12.

16. To whose authority are the angels subject?

“Jesus Christ: who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto Him.” 1 Peter 3:21, 22.

NOTE.—In Joshua 5:13-15, Christ is called “captain of the Lord’s host.”

17. In what work are angels engaged?

“Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation?” Heb. 1:14.

18. What scripture indicates that each child of God has an accompanying angel?

“Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of My Father which is in heaven.” Matt. 18:10.

NOTE.—Another has said: “Christians who live in the light of God’s countenance are always accompanied by unseen angels, and these holy beings leave behind them a blessing in our homes.”

19. How is their watch-care over God’s people expressed?

“The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them.” Ps. 34:7.

Daniel In The Lions’ Den. "The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them." Ps. 34:7.

20. By what means were the three Hebrews protected while in the fiery furnace?

“I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.... Then Nebuchadnezzar spake, and said, Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, who hath sent His angel, and delivered His servants that trusted in Him.” Dan. 3:25-28.

21. When cast into the lions’ den, how did Daniel say he had been saved from death?

“My God hath sent His angel, and hath shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me: forasmuch as before Him innocency was found in me.” Dan. 6:22.

22. When surrounded by the Syrian host, what did Elisha say, and for what did he pray, to encourage his frightened servant?

“And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.” 2 Kings 6:16, 17.

23. What does the psalmist say of the chariots of God?

“The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels.” Ps. 68:17.

24. By what means were the apostles delivered from prison?

“The angel of the Lord by night opened the prison doors, and brought them forth.” Acts 5:19.

25. How was Peter delivered later?

“The angel of the Lord came upon him, and a light shined in the prison: and he smote Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, Arise up quickly. And his chains fell off from his hands.... And he saith unto him, Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.... They came unto the iron gate that leadeth unto the city; which opened to them of his own accord: and they went out, and passed on through one street; and forthwith the angel departed from him.” Acts 12:7-10.

NOTE.—“What we call physical law is no obstruction to angelic ministrations. Bolts and bars and prison gates disappear at their volition, and dungeons like palaces shine in their presence. No place can be so dismal, no cavern so deep and dark, no Inquisition cell so hidden and fetid, no fortress so strongly guarded, that they cannot find quick and easy access, if a child of God is there.”—_“__Footprints of Angels in Fields of Revelation,__”__ by E. A. Stockman, pages 74, 75._

26. When Elijah was about to take a forty days’ journey, how was he strengthened for it?

“And the angel of the Lord came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee. And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.” 1 Kings 19:7, 8.

27. After His forty days’ fast and temptation in the wilderness, how was Christ strengthened?

“Then the devil leaveth Him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto Him.” Matt. 4:11.

28. How was Christ strengthened while suffering in the garden of Gethsemane?

“And there appeared an angel unto Him from heaven, strengthening Him.” Luke 22:43.

29. Are the angels interested in the plan of salvation?

“Which things the angels desire to look into.” 1 Peter 1:12.

30. Are they interested in the conversion of men?

“Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.” Luke 15:10.

31. Before whom are we said to speak?

“Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay. Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error: wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?” Eccl. 5:5, 6.

32. For what must men give account in the judgment?

“But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.” Matt. 12:36. See also Eccl. 12:13, 14.

33. Out of what will they be judged?

“And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” Rev. 20:12.

34. What shows that the actions of men are recorded?

“And the Lord harkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name.” Mal. 3:16. See also Isa. 65:6; Jer. 2:22.

35. In the judgment how many angels minister before God?

“A fiery stream issued and came forth from before Him: thousand thousands ministered unto Him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.” Dan. 7:10.

NOTE.—Since the angels are our ministering spirits, and our lives are open before them, it is reasonable to infer that they make the record of our lives. Then when the books are examined, they will of necessity be present, to minister before God.

36. What does Christ promise overcomers?

“He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels.” Rev. 3:5.

37. What protection has God promised His people during the seven last plagues?

“There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.” Ps. 91:10-12.

38. When Christ comes, who will come with Him, and what will they do?

“For the Son of man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels.” “And they shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” Matt. 16:27; 24:31.

39. Where will all the saints then go?

“Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” 1 Thess. 4:17.

NOTE.—We shall then have the privilege of seeing and conversing not only with the good and blest of all ages, but with the angels who have ministered to us during our earthly pilgrimage.

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

O, may Thine angels, while I sleep, Around my bed their vigils keep; Their love angelical instil, Stop every avenue of ill! May they celestial joys rehearse, And thought to thought with me converse.

BISHOP KENT.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

The Dark Ministries Of Bad Angels

Satan’s Entrance To Eden. "The prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in Me." John 14:30.

1. Against whom do we wrestle?

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness [margin, wicked spirits] in high places [margin, heavenly places].” Eph. 6:12.

NOTE.—“The facts of history concur with the statements of revelation in forcing upon us the unwelcome conviction that the human race is subject to the malevolent influence of an organized and all-pervading demonism. Alike in the career of nations and in the phenomena of personal destiny the presence of demoniacal skill and power is often prominent, frequently dominant, always evil.”—_“__Footprints of Angels in Fields of Revelation__”__ by E. A. Stockman, page 2._

2. To what place were the angels that sinned cast?

“For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell [Greek, tartarus, a place of darkness], and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment.” 2 Peter 2:4.

3. What is Satan himself called?

“The god of this world.” 2 Cor. 4:4. “The prince of this world.” John 14:30. “The prince of the power of the air.” Eph. 2:2.

4. How numerous are these wicked spirits, or fallen angels?

“And He asked him, What is thy name? And he answered, saying, My name is Legion: for we are many.” Mark 5:9.

5. What is the chief occupation of Satan and his angels?

“And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted of Satan.” Mark 1:13. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8. See Rev. 12:9, 12; 16:14.

NOTES.—“In undiminished possession of their intelligence and strength, they constantly assault us in every weakness, through every avenue, by every means, by methods foul or fair.... Whom they cannot destroy they cease not to worry, torment. They inspire evil tempers; arouse dark passions; instil ill will; beget malice, envy; impose care, fear, distrust; suggest deceit, fraud, and all the forms of crime.” “Supremely do they revel in the criminal domain. They foster falsehood, incite revenge, fan jealousy, beget quarrels, help on thefts, robbery, and arson, further divorces, plan defalcations, instigate murders. They run the saloons and edit the Police News.”—_“__Footprints of Angels in Fields of Revelation,__”__ pages 9, 10, 22._

6. What are we admonished not to do?

“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: neither give place to the devil.” Eph. 4:26, 27.

NOTE.—Those who give vent to anger or retain old grudges, who parley with temptation or tamper with vice, who indulge in intemperance, pride, foolishness, or levity, or give way to any other weakness, give place to the devil; that is, they give the devil an opportunity to work through them—give him an advantage over them. We should therefore close every avenue to Satan and his angels. We should suppress anger, be sober and watchful, and nip in the bud every prompting to sin.

7. What spirits stand ever ready to deceive and ruin those who are off guard or bent on going astray?

“And the Lord said, Who shall persuade [margin, deceive] Ahab, that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?... And there came forth a spirit, and stood before the Lord, and said, I will persuade him. And the Lord said unto him, Wherewith? And he said, I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets. And He said, Thou shalt persuade him, and prevail also: go forth, and do so.” 1 Kings 22:20-22. See 2 Thess. 2:10, 11.

8. With what were many possessed in Christ’s time?

“And they brought unto Him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and torments, and those which were possessed with devils.” Matt. 4:24.

NOTE.—Vampire-like, evil angels take possession of, and make their abode with, all over whose minds and bodies they can gain control. Only through Christ can this demoniacal captivity be broken. Until this is done, one in this condition is led captive by Satan “at his will.” His self-control and power to resist temptation are gone. See 2 Tim. 2:26.

9. How do evil spirits sometimes treat those thus possessed?

“And as he was yet a coming, the devil threw him down, and tare him.” Luke 9:42.

NOTE.—Those under demoniacal control are simply the sport and plaything of the evil spirits possessing and controlling them.

10. As we near the closing scenes of human probation, why may we expect an increase in demoniacal manifestations?

“Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” Rev. 12:12.

NOTE.—Acquainted, as they are, with the laws of nature, Satan and his angels raise storms and scatter disease and death as far as lies within their power; and, as enemies of God, they likewise pervert the truth and disseminate error as far as possible. Far better, also, than the inhabitants of the world, do they know that the end of all things is fast approaching, and that their time to work is short.

11. Concerning what have we been definitely informed?

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” 1 Tim. 4:1.

12. What class of God’s servants have evil angels, through wicked men, seemed to make special objects of attack?

“Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted?” Acts 7:52.

NOTES.—“Of all classes of men employed by the Heavenly Father in the work of redemption, none are more fiercely hated by the wicked angels than the whole line of the prophets; for from the first to the last they foretell the final and eternal overthrow and utter extinction of the ‘powers of darkness,’ the ‘spirits of disobedience.’ ”—_“__Footprints of Angels in Fields of Revelation,__”__ page 14._

Evil angels also incite men and nations to war, and by this means divert their attention from things pertaining to the kingdom of God, and so take peace from the earth. Rev. 16:14. This will end in Armageddon.

“Familiar with the laws which govern mental conditions, the fallen hosts ply all their specious arts to excite personal suspicions and animosities, and to create national resentments and bloody conflicts, their chief delight being to compass the destruction of peace and the banishment of concord from the earth, to embitter the poor children of sin and sorrow against each other, and turn our world into an arena of strife and crime.”—Id., page 22.

13. What will be the final doom of Satan and his angels?

“Then shall He say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from Me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels.” Matt. 25:41. “And the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.” Mal. 4:1. See Rev. 20:9.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

Spiritualism

Saul And The Witch Of Endor. "They are the spirits of devils, working miracles." Rev. 16:14.

1. What is Spiritualism defined to be?

“A belief that departed spirits hold intercourse with mortals by means of physical phenomena, as by rapping, or during abnormal mental states, as in trances, or the like, commonly manifested through a medium; spiritism.”—Webster.

Spiritism: “The theory that mediumistic phenomena are caused by spirits of the dead.”—Webster.

NOTE.—“The very central truth of Spiritualism is the power and possibility of spirit return, under certain conditions, to communicate with those in the material form.”—N. F. Ravlin, Spiritualistic lecturer, of California.

2. Did this doctrine exist in ancient times?

“Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the Lord your God.” Lev. 19:31.

NOTE.—“The phenomenal aspect of modern Spiritualism reproduces all essential principles of the magic, witchcraft, and sorcery of the past. The same powers are involved, the same intelligences are operating.”—_F. F. Morse, in __“__Practical Occultism,__”_ page 85.

3. How does God regard sorcerers?

“And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers.” Mal. 3:5

4. What does He say of the teachings of enchanters and sorcerers?

“Therefore harken not ye to ... your enchanters, nor to your sorcerers, ... for they prophesy a lie unto you, to remove you far from your land.” Jer. 27:9,10.

NOTES.—Rev. F. B. Meyer, of England, gives the following warning against dabbling in Spiritualism: “I have known several families that have been cursed by having recourse to clairvoyants and mediums. There are grave dangers in these things; and when occult powers are used for selfish ends, it is possible for men and women to be filled with evil spirits, as was the girl at Philippi. People are fools to play with the dregs of the spirit world.”—Present Truth, Sept. 7, 1911.

“I am perfectly certain that the whole movement known as modern Spiritualism is in the hands and under the direction of the father of evil spirits; in other words, is thoroughly and unmistakably diabolical.”—Dr. C. Williams, of London, England.

5. Before their entrance into Canaan, what instruction did Moses give Israel concerning these things?

“When thou art come into the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those nations. There shall not be found among you any one that maketh his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or that useth divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. For all that do these things are an abomination unto the Lord: and because of these abominations the Lord thy God doth drive them out from before thee. Thou shalt be perfect with the Lord thy God.” Deut. 18:9-13.

NOTES.—Whoever consults or has to do with mediums or any who profess to receive instruction or communications from the spirits of the dead, disregards this plain instruction, and places himself upon the enemy’s ground. Ever since Satan told that first lie in Eden, when he denied that death would be the result of sin, in the very face of death itself, he, working upon man’s natural dread of death and upon his distress at the thought of being separated from loved ones, has been endeavoring to persuade men to believe that the dead are not dead, and that men do not die. Idolatry, heathenism, Spiritualism, occultism, and the whole brood of false isms of this kind, it will be noticed, deal very largely with death. This, of itself, indicates their origin, and should be a warning to all to let them alone—to have nothing whatever to do with them. They are from beneath, and not from above. However promising or pleasing they may be at first, they are downward and destructive in their tendency, and ultimately lead away from God, into unbelief of His Word and into sin. They promise life by denying death, and apparently “make good” Satan’s lie in Eden, through the ministration and manifestations of evil angels representing themselves to be the spirits of the dead.

In a sermon on “Spiritualism an Imposture,” Rev. T. De Witt Talmage said: “Spiritualism takes advantage of those who are weak and morbid with trouble. We lose a friend. The house is dark, the world is dark, the future seems dark. If we had, in our rebellion and weakness, the power to marshal a host and recapture our loved one, we should marshal the host. Spiritualism comes in at that moment, when we are all worn out by watching,—all worn out, body, mind, and soul,—and says: ‘Now I will open that door; you shall hear the voices. Take your places around the table; all be quiet now.’ ... O, I hate Spiritualism, because it takes advantage of people when they are weak, and worn out, and morbid under life’s bereavements and sorrows!... If Spiritualism had its way, it would turn the world into a pandemonium of carnality. It is an unclean and adulterous system.”

6. Under the theocracy of Israel, what was the law concerning witches and those who had familiar spirits?

“Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live.” Ex. 22:18. “A man also or woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death.” Lev. 20:27.

NOTE.—This shows how dangerous and deadly everything of this character is in God’s sight.

7. With what is witchcraft classed by Paul, and what does he say to those who are guilty of such things?

“Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies.... I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Gal. 5:20-23.

8. What should one do if asked to inquire of a familiar spirit?

“And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?” Isa. 8:19.

NOTE.—Giving the sense of this passage, Dr. Adam Clarke says: “Should not a nation seek unto its God? Why should you seek unto the dead concerning the living?” But this is exactly what Spiritualism teaches men to do,—to seek unto the dead concerning the living.

9. What instruction does the apostle John give touching this subject?

“Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God.” 1 John 4:1.

10. By what are we to try them?

“To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” Isa. 8:20.

11. Should we allow ourselves to be influenced by signs or wonders performed by those who would try to lead us away from God and His law?

“If there arise among you a prophet, or a dreamer of dreams, and giveth thee a sign or a wonder, and the sign or the wonder come to pass, whereof he spake unto thee, saying, Let us go after other gods, which thou hast not known, and let us serve them; thou shalt not harken unto the words of that prophet; or that dreamer of dreams: for the Lord your God proveth you, to know whether ye love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Ye shall walk after the Lord your God, and fear Him, and keep His commandments, and obey His voice.” Deut. 13:1-4.

12. How much do the dead know of what is going on among men?

“Thou changest his countenance, and sendest him away. His sons come to honor, and he knoweth it not; and they are brought low, but he perceiveth it not of them.” Job 14:20, 21.

13. Do the dead know anything?

“For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not anything.” Eccl. 9:5. “His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.” Ps. 146:4.

14. What scripture forever precludes the idea that the dead come back to earth to communicate with the living?

“Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a portion forever in anything that is done under the sun.” Eccl. 9:6.

15. Then when miracles are performed by spirits purporting to be those of our dead friends, to what shall we attribute them?

“For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles.” Rev. 16:14.

16. What will be one characteristic of last-day apostasies?

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.” 1 Tim. 4:1.

NOTES.—The following items illustrate a condition widely prevalent:—

“ ‘A lawyer with a national reputation, well known to me,’ said J. L. Hall, of New York, ‘never begins the preparation of a difficult case without getting “advice from the other side,” as he describes the search.... Another distinguished man of New York City once asserted to me that he had his familiar spirit with which he talked as freely as with a human companion,’ ”—Washington Herald, May 8, 1911.

A noted Brooklyn divine some years ago, not realizing that he was voicing Spiritualistic views, gave expression to the following: “What are our departed Christian friends, who in this world had their joy in the healing art, doing now?—Busy at their old business. No sickness in heaven, but plenty of sickness on earth.”—Christian Herald, July 8, 1882.

Writing concerning “Communion With the Departed,” General Booth, of the Salvation Army, said: “Through all my history, my personal intercourse with the spirit world has been but limited. I have not been favored with many visions, and it is but seldom that I dream dreams that impart either pleasure or profit; and yet I have a spiritual communion with the departed saints that is not without both satisfaction and service. And especially of late the memories of those with whom my heart has had the choicest communion in the past, if not the very beings themselves, have come in upon me as I have sat at my desk or lain wakeful on my bed in the night-season. Amongst these, one form, true to her mission, comes more frequently than all besides, assuring me of her continued partnership in my struggle for the temporal and eternal salvation of the multitudes—and that is my blessed, my beautiful wife!”—War Cry, Nov. 27, 1897.

“Dr. Joseph Parker, of the City Temple, London, has openly declared that he prayed to his departed wife every day. He said that he never came to the City Temple to preach without asking her to come with him. He further says: I encourage my friend to pray to his wife, and to pray God to ask her to come to his help. She will be more to him than twelve legions of unknown angels.”—The Living Church, Nov. 14, 1899.

“The emperor Nicholas ... has fallen under the influence of a Spiritualist named Philipp, who rules the emperor to such an extent that His Majesty makes no important decision, even in relation to family life, without consulting his Spiritualistic guide.”—Melbourne Age, Nov. 15, 1902.

In a statement given put Dec. 20, 1910, soon after the death of Mrs. Eddy, the founder of Christian Science, Mrs. Amelia Stetson, one of the leaders of the Christian Science Church of New York City, said: “Mrs. Eddy, who was the female Christ, will return to earth. I am watching and waiting for the manifestation of Mrs. Eddy in the semblance of human form. It may come today, it may come next week, it may not come for ten years, but it will surely come.... The millennium is at hand. Mrs. Eddy is not dead. She is still alive, and when she appears again on earth, it will be as herself—as Mary Baker Eddy.”

“A message purporting to come from Mrs. Mary Baker Eddy, the founder of Christian Science, through Mr. William T. Stead, the noted English journalist, shortly after the former’s death, says, ‘There is no death; all is life; all is freedom,’ ”—Signs of the Times, Feb. 28, 1911.

And soon after Mr. Stead himself went down on the “Titanic,” April 15, 1912, Spiritualists in different parts of the world received numerous messages purporting to have come from him.

17. How does Satan deceive the people?

“And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” 2 Cor. 11:14.

18. What role do his agents assume?

“Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness.” Verse 15.

19. Will Satan and his agents attempt to counterfeit the coming of Christ, and work signs and wonders to confirm their pretentious claims?

“Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there; believe it not. For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” Matt. 24:23, 24.

20. What will be one of the last great signs performed by this means, to fasten men in deception?

“And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, and deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live.” Rev. 13:13, 14.

21. What scripture shows that Satan is to work with special power and deceptive wonders just before Christ’s second coming?

“Whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish.” 2 Thess. 2:9, 10. See also Rev. 12:12.

22. While many will be deceived by these wonders, and accept of the false Christs that appear, what will those say who have maintained their love for the truth, and patiently waited for Christ’s return?

“And it shall be said in that day, _Lo, __THIS__ is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us: __THIS__ is the Lord; we have waited for Him, we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation_.” Isa. 25: 9.

23. What warning has been given us through the apostle Peter?

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour,” 1 Peter 5: 8.

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

Wicked spirits gather round thee, Legions of those foes to God— Principalities most mighty— Walk unseen the earth abroad; They are gathering to the battle, Strengthened for the last deep strife; Christian, arm! be watchful, ready. Struggle manfully for life.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

XII. CHRISTIAN GROWTH AND EXPERIENCE

Jacob Going Down Into Egypt. "God Almighty appeared unto me ... and blessed me." Gen 48:3.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

Growth In Grace

Gideon Choosing His Army. "Whosoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart." Judges 7:3.

1. How does the apostle Peter close his second epistle?

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18.

2. How may grace and peace be multiplied in believers?

“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord.” 2 Peter 1:2.

3. What is implied in a knowledge of God and Jesus Christ?

“And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” John 17:3.

4. By what may we be partakers of the divine nature?

“Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.” 2 Peter 1:4.

5. What graces are we to add in our character building?

“Add to your faith virtue [courage]; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance [self-control]; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.” Verses 5-7.

NOTES.—Faith is the first round in the Christian ladder, the first step Godward. “He that cometh to God must believe.” Heb. 11:6.

But an inoperative faith is useless. “Faith without works is dead.” James 2:20. To be of value, there must be coupled with faith that virtue, or courage of conviction, which impels to action.

To courage there needs to be added knowledge; otherwise, like the stumbling Jews, one may have a zeal, “but not according to knowledge.” Rom. 10:2. Fanaticism is the result of such courage, or zeal. Knowledge, therefore, is an essential to healthy Christian growth.

To knowledge there needs to be added temperance, or self-control—self-government. See Acts 24:25, American Standard Version, and margin of Revised Version. To know to do good, and not do it, is as useless as is faith without works. See James 4:17. Instead of temperance, the Twentieth Century New Testament invariably says self-control.

Patience naturally follows temperance. It is well-nigh impossible for an intemperate person to be patient.

Having gained control of oneself, and become patient, one is in a condition to manifest godliness, or God-likeness.

Having become godly, kindness toward the brethren, or brotherly kindness, naturally follows.

Charity, or love for all, even our enemies, is the crowning grace, the highest step, the eighth round, in the Christian ladder.

The arrangement in this enumeration of graces is by no means accidental or haphazard, but logical and sequential, each following the other in natural, necessary order. The finger of Inspiration is seen here.

6. What is said of charity in the Scriptures?

“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; ... thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” 1 Cor. 13:4-7. “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8. “Love covereth all sins.” Prov. 10:12.

7. What is charity called?

“And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” Col. 3:14.

8. What is the result of cultivating these eight graces?

“For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:8.

9. What is the condition of one who lacks these graces?

“But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.” Verse 9.

10. What is promised those who add grace to grace?

“If ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” Verse 10.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

The Christian Armor

Midianites Put To Flight. "The weapons of our warfare are not carnal." 2 Cor. 10:4.

1. What power was to make war upon the remnant church prior to the second advent?

“And the dragon [Satan] was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Rev. 12:17.

2. What reward is promised to the overcomer?

“To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” Rev. 2:7. See also Rev. 2:11, 17, 26-28; 3:5, 12, 21. “He that overcometh shall inherit all things.” Rev. 21:7.

3. Through whom are we able to conquer?

“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.” Rom. 8:37.

4. Who was the invisible leader of the armies of Israel?

“Behold, there stood a man over against him with His sword drawn in His hand: and Joshua went unto Him, and said unto Him, Art thou for us, or for our adversaries? And He said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come.” Joshua 5:13, 14. See also 1 Cor. 10:1-4.

5. What is the character of the Christian’s weapons of warfare?

“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.” 2 Cor. 10:4.

6. What are these weapons able to conquer?

“Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ.” Verse 5.

7. What are we to put on?

“Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.” Eph. 6:11.

8. With what kind of forces do we have to contend?

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Verse 12.

NOTE.—The margin says, “wicked spirits” in “heavenly” places.

9. What are the first essentials of the needed armor?

“Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness.” Verse 14.

10. What is the truth with which one’s loins should be girded?

“Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy word is truth.” “I am the way, the truth.” John 17:17; 14:6.

11. What is meant by having the loins girded?

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind.” 1 Peter 1:13.

12. What is the righteousness of which the breastplate is composed?

“My tongue shall speak of Thy word: for all Thy commandments are righteousness.” Ps. 119:172. “And this is His name whereby He shall be called, The Lord Our Righteousness.” Jer. 23:6. See Rom. 13:14; 1 Thess. 5:8.

13. With what are the feet to be shod?

“And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace.” Eph. 6:15. See also Eph. 2:14; James 3:18.

14. What piece of armor is next mentioned as necessary?

“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.” Eph. 6:16. See 1 John 5:4; Heb. 11:6.

15. What armor is to be put on as a protection to the head?

“And take the helmet of salvation.” Eph. 6:17.

NOTE.—In 1 Thess. 5:8 the helmet is called “the hope of salvation.” The helmet was worn to protect the head. So the hope of salvation will preserve the courage, and thus aid in protecting the spiritual life of the Christian pilgrim when beset by the enemy of righteousness.

16. With what sword is the Christian soldier to be armed?

“The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” Eph. 6:17.

NOTE.—By this Christ defeated the enemy. See Matt. 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13. But no one can use this sword who does not know it. Hence, the importance of studying and knowing the Bible.

17. In what words are the courage, faithfulness, and loyalty of the remnant church expressed?

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” Rev. 12:11.

18. Will Christ’s loyal soldiers be victorious under Him?

“And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.” Rev. 15:2.

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

Soldiers of Christ, arise, And put your armor on; Fight, for the battle will be ours; We fight to win a crown.

We fight not against flesh, We wrestle not with blood; But principalities and powers, And for the truth of God.

With wicked spirits, too, That in high places stand, Perverting oft the Word of God, And say ’tis by command.

Put all the armor on, Like valiant soldiers stand; Let all your loins be girt with truth, Waiting our Lord’s command.

While Jesus is our friend, And His rich grace supplies, We’ll march like valiant soldiers on: We’re sure to win the prize.

The battle’s almost o’er; The race is nearly run; Then with our glorious, conquering King We’ll sit down on His throne.

CHARLES WESLEY.

Paul At Ephesus. "Many ... which used curious arts brought their books, ... and burned them." Acts 19:19.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

Walking In The Light

Abraham’s Journey To Canaan. "By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out, ... obeyed." Heb. 11:8.

1. How important is it that we walk in the light when it comes to us?

“Walk while ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you: for he that walketh in darkness knoweth not whither he goeth.” John 12:35.

NOTE.—It is important to settle a plain question of duty at once, and not delay obedience under the excuse of waiting for more light. To do as did Balaam—ask God again concerning that which He has plainly and expressly spoken—is dangerous. Nor should we, like the unbelieving Jews, seek a sign from heaven to convince us that we ought to obey the written Word. Has God spoken? Is it His word? Then obey. Do not insult Heaven with the question whether it is right to obey. If one gets an answer to such prayers, it will more than likely be a permission to have one’s own chosen way of continuing in disobedience, the end of which is death. See 1 Kings 22:1-36; Eze. 14:1-5.

2. Upon what condition are we promised cleansing from sin?

“But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.

3. How long may the just expect increased light to shine upon their pathway?

“But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” Prov. 4:18.

4. For whom is light sown?

“Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.” Ps. 97:11.

NOTE.—The more earnestly one desires to know the will of God, while living up to all the light he has, the more light and truth from God will shine upon his pathway. The fact that one has the evidence of his acceptance with God, is no proof that he has all the light there is for him. If light is sown for the righteous, such are the very ones who may expect advanced light to come to them, and to see new duties presented to them from a study of the Word of God.

5. Who was told by an angel of God that his ways pleased the Lord?

“He saw in a vision evidently about the ninth hour of the day an angel of God coming in to him, and saying unto him, Cornelius. And when he looked on him, he was afraid, and said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.” Acts 10:3, 4.

6. Because Cornelius’s ways pleased the Lord, was this evidence that he had nothing more to learn or do?

“And now send men to Joppa, and call for one Simon, whose surname is Peter: he lodgeth with one Simon a tanner, whose house is by the seaside: he shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do.” Verses 5, 6.

NOTE.—The reason why the Lord favored Cornelius with a visit from one of His angels, was not because Cornelius knew the way of salvation perfectly, but because the Lord saw in him a sincere desire for more light, and a willing mind to comply with every known requirement. That spirit was pleasing to God, and He therefore opened the way for Cornelius to learn the whole truth from Peter, that he might be saved. God never changes. He does the same now with sincere, devoted persons. All may now receive advanced light, if, like Cornelius, they seek it, and are willing to walk in it when it comes to them. If it is neglected, they are guilty before God, and will be left to the buffetings of the enemy.

7. What will become of the light which one has if he fails to walk in it?

“The light of the body is the eye: therefore when thine eye is single, thy whole body also is full of light; but when thine eye is evil, thy body also is full of darkness. Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.” Luke 11:34, 35.

8. Why did Christ say that the sin of those who rejected Him remained?

“Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.” John 9:41. See also John 15:22.

NOTE.—With advanced light comes increased responsibility. Duty is always in proportion to one’s light and privileges. Present truth always brings with it present duty. See reading on “Present Truth,” page 131.

9. Why are those condemned that do not come to the light?

“And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.” John 3:19.

10. If one is really seeking for truth, what will he do?

“But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.” Verse 21.

11. What will those who reject light and truth, finally be led to believe?

“And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: that they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” 2 Thess. 2:11, 12.

NOTE.—The opposite of light is darkness; the opposite of truth is a lie. For those who reject light and truth, only darkness and error remain. God is sometimes in the Scriptures represented as sending that which he permits to come. See Ps. 81:12; 1 Kings 22:20-23; Rom. 1:21-28.

12. Who is the light of the world?

“I am the light of the world: he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12.

13. How are we to walk in Christ?

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in Him.” Col. 2:6.

14. What has God given to guide our feet aright in the path of truth and duty?

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Ps. 119:105. See Prov. 6:23.

15. What does the entrance of God’s word give?

“The entrance of Thy word giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple.” Ps. 119:130.

16. Who does Christ say will be blessed through the prophecies of the book of Revelation?

“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein.” Rev. 1:3.

NOTE.—We are in the last days, in the generation that is to hear the final warning message contained in this book. See Rev. 14:6-10; 18:1-5. Those who accept this message are described as keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. See Rev. 12:17; 14:12; 22:14; and readings on pages 251-263. Now especially this book should be studied.

17. May those who have once been led of God, be rejected by Him on account of unbelief?

“I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.” Jude 5.

18. Upon what condition only may we be made partakers of Christ?

“For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.” Heb. 3:14. See Matt. 10: 22; 24:12, 13; Heb. 10:35-39.

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

Walk in the light! so shalt thou know That fellowship of love His Spirit only can bestow Who reigns in light above.

Walk in the light! and thou shalt own Thy darkness passed away; Because that light on thee hath shone In which is perfect day.

Walk in the light! and e’en the tomb No fearful shade shall wear; Glory shall chase away its gloom, For Christ hath conquered there.

Walk in the light! and thine shall be A path, though thorny, bright; For God, by grace, shall dwell in thee, And God Himself is light.

BERNARD BARTON.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

Saving Faith

Jesus Walking On The Sea. "Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God." Rom. 10:17.

1. What is faith?

“Faith is the substance [margin, ground, or confidence] of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Heb. 11:1.

2. How important is faith?

“Without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Verse 6.

3. How only can we truly know God?

“Neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal Him.” Matt. 11:27.

4. In whom must we believe in order to be saved?

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

5. What challenge does the apostle James make as to the evidence that one has genuine faith?

“Show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.” James 2:18.

6. How did Abraham show that he had perfect faith in God?

“Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?” Verses 21, 22.

7. By what practical example does the apostle illustrate the difference between genuine, living faith, and a dead faith?

“If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?” Verses 15, 16.

8. How necessary are works in maintaining living faith?

“But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?... For as the body without the spirit [margin, breath] is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” Verses 20-26.

NOTES.—The apostle was not here arguing for justification or salvation by faith and works, but for a living faith—a faith that works.

“There are two errors against which the children of God—particularly those who have just come to trust in His grace—especially need to guard. The first ... is that of looking to their own works, trusting to anything they can do, to bring themselves into harmony with God. He who is trying to become holy by his own works in keeping the law, is attempting an impossibility. All that man can do without Christ is polluted with selfishness and sin. It is the grace of Christ alone, through faith, that can make us holy. The opposite and no less dangerous error is that belief in Christ releases men from keeping the law of God; that since by faith alone we become partakers of the grace of Christ, our works have nothing to do with our redemption.... Obedience—the service and allegiance of love—is the true sign of discipleship.... Instead of releasing man from obedience, it is faith, and faith only, that makes us partakers of the grace of Christ, which enables us to render obedience. We do not earn salvation by our obedience; for salvation is the free gift of God, to be received by faith. But obedience is the fruit of faith.... That so-called faith in Christ which professes to release men from the obligation of obedience to God, is not faith, but presumption.”—_“__Steps to Christ,__”__ pages 64-66._

Says Luther: “If Christ alone takes away sin, we cannot do so by all our works. But good works follow redemption as surely as fruit appears upon a living tree.”—_D’Aubigne’s __“__History of the Reformation,__”_ book 2, chap. 6.

9. What does the hope of salvation lead one to do?

“And every man that hath this hope in Him purifieth himself, even as He is pure.” 1 John 3:3.

10. Upon what condition are we made partakers of Christ?

“For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast unto the end.” Heb. 3:14.

11. Upon what conditions has God promised us cleansing and the forgiveness of our sins?

“But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin.... If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:7-9.

NOTE.—Intelligent faith as to what God will do for us touching any matter must be gained by what God’s Word says concerning that point. No one can consistently hope for that which God has not promised. To expect that God will do that which He has never promised to do is only presumption. Faith is distinct from presumption. To have abiding confidence in the promise of God is faith; but presumption may rest entirely on feeling or desire. Feeling cannot therefore be relied on in the matter of faith. Faith is a pure belief, a confiding trust, in the promises of God, irrespective of feeling. This perfect trust enables one to surmount difficulties under the most trying circumstances, even when the feelings are depressed or well-nigh crushed.

12. Upon what, then, is genuine, saving faith based?

“Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Rom. 10:17.

13. What was the cause of Peter’s sinking after he had started to meet the Saviour on the stormy sea?

“And immediately Jesus stretched forth His hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?” Matt. 14:31.

NOTE.—The boisterous sea caused Peter to doubt the strength of Christ’s word, “Come.”

14. With what is it our privilege to be filled?

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” Rom. 15:13.

NOTE.—Faith may be strengthened by daily exercise. It is not some great thing, done once for all, that gives an individual faith; but an every-day, simple, childlike trust in God, and an implicit obedience to His Word. Some make faith a more difficult matter than God would have them, because they try to embrace too much at one time. They take on the burdens of tomorrow or next week, when the Lord supplies strength only for today. When tomorrow comes, grapple with its duties, but not until it does come. We should remember the precious promise, “As thy days, so shall thy strength be.” Deut. 33:25.

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

Away, my unbelieving fear! Fear shall in me no more have place: My Saviour doth not yet appear, He hides the brightness of His face; But shall I therefore let Him go, And basely to the tempter yield?— No, in the strength of Jesus, no; I never will give up my shield.

CHARLES WESLEY.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

Trials And Their Object

Job Hearing Of His Losses. "Tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope." Rom. 5:3, 4.

1. What does the apostle Peter say concerning the trials through which every believer must pass?

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.” 1 Peter 4:12, 13.

2. How important is the trial of our faith?

“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:7.

NOTES.—“When David was fleeing through the wilderness, pursued by his own son, he was being prepared to become the sweet singer of Israel. The pit and the dungeon were the best schools at which Joseph ever graduated. The hurricane that upset the tent and killed Job’s children prepared the man of Uz to write the magnificent poem that has astonished the ages. There is no way to get the wheat out of the straw but to thresh it out. There is no way to purify the gold but to burn it.”—_Talmage’s __“__One Thousand Gems,__”__ page 83._

Nothing “happens” to the Christian. Everything that enters his life is sent or permitted to come by an all-wise and all-loving Heavenly Father, and is designed for the perfection of character, and the fitting up and the enlargement of capacity for service. The rocks and rough places on the mountainside are the things we climb on. Even failures, if taken rightly, may become stepping-stones to higher ground.

3. What reason did Paul give for glorying in tribulations?

“We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope: and hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” Rom. 5:3-5.

4. What, according to the prophecy of Daniel, was to befall the people of God down through the ages?

“And they that understand among the people shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil, many days.” Dan. 11:33.

5. Why was this to be?

“And some of them of understanding shall fall, to try them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end.” Verse 35.

6. Looking forward to the conflicts through which His followers must pass, what cheering message did Christ send them through the revelator?

“Fear none of those things which thou shall suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; ... be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.... He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.” Rev. 2:10, 11. See notes on pages 282, 314.

7. What description does Paul give of the sufferings endured by some of God’s people in former ages?

“Others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: and others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth.” Heb. 11:35-38.

8. How many does Paul say will suffer persecution?

“Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” 2 Tim. 3:12.

9. Does God willingly afflict the children of men?

“For the Lord will not cast off forever: but though He cause grief, yet will He have compassion according to the multitude of His mercies. For He doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.” Lam. 3:31-33.

10. Why, then, does God permit the chastening rod to fall?

“For they [parents] verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but He for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness.” Heb. 12:10.

11. Referring to Peter’s coming sore trial, for what did Christ say He had prayed?

“Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.” Luke 22:31, 32.

12. What cheering promise is made to those who endure the trials and temptations of this life?

“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love Him.” James 1:12.

NOTE.—Says a Christian writer: “Our sorrows do not spring out of the ground. God ‘doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.’ When He permits trials and afflictions, it is ‘for our profit, that we might be partakers of His holiness.’ If received in faith, the trial that seems so bitter and hard to bear will prove a blessing. The cruel blow that blights the joys of earth will be the means of turning our eyes to heaven. How many there are who would never have known Jesus had not sorrow led them to seek comfort in Him! The trials of life are God’s workmen, to remove the impurities and roughness from our character. Their hewing, squaring, and chiseling, and their burnishing and polishing, is a painful process. It is hard to be pressed down to the grinding-wheel. But the stone is brought forth prepared to fill its place in the heavenly temple.”

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

There’s never a night but is followed by day, And the darkest to dawn must give place: There’s never a sorrow that crosses our way But is sent with a message of grace. It comes to the peasant, it comes to the king, It comes in our pleasures and pain; It comes from the Father of mercies, to bring To His fold His own stray ones again. O soul! is thy burden too heavy to bear? Does the load seem too weighty for one? There’s a Helper at hand all thy sorrows to share, ’Tis thy Father’s own well-beloved Son. Then cast every burden on Jesus thy Lord, And thy troubles will quickly depart; Make every sweet promise in His precious Word An entrance to His loving heart.

REV. JOHN WILLIAMS.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

Overcoming

Meeting Of Jacob And Esau. "But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 Cor. 15:57.

1. What overcomes the world?

“For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world.” 1 John 5:4, first part.

2. In whose victory may the Christian ever rejoice and take courage?

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.

3. Who is it that overcomes?

“Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?” 1 John 5:5.

4. Through what, then, is the victory gained in the work of overcoming?

“And this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” Verse 4. last part.

5. Through whom do we obtain the victory?

“But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor. 15:57. “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us.” Rom. 8:37.

6. How did Christ overcome when tempted?

By the Word of God. See Matt. 4:1-11.

7. How do the Scriptures say the saints overcame the enemy?

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” Rev. 12:11.

8. With what does the apostle Paul tell us to overcome evil?

“Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” Rom. 12:21.

9. Why was Jacob’s name changed to Israel?

“And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.” Gen. 32:28.

Exceeding Great And Precious Promises

“To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” Rev. 2:7.

“He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.” Verse 11.

“To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna.” Verse 17.

“He that overcometh, and keepeth My works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations.” Verse 26.

“He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father, and before His angels.” Rev. 3:5.

“Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of My God.” Verse 12.

“To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with Me in My throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne.” Verse 21.

“He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be My son.” Rev. 21:7.

Jacob Wrestling With The Angel. "And he said, I will not let Thee go, except Thou bless me.... And He blessed him there." Gen. 32:26-28.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

The Ministry Of Sorrow

Gethsemane. "He doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men." Lam. 3:33.

1. Why is it better to go to the house of mourning than to the house of feasting?

“It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.” Eccl. 7:2.

2. What did David ask God to teach him?

“Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is, that I may know how frail I am.” Ps. 39:4. See also Ps. 90:12.

3. Why is sorrow better than laughter?

“Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made better.” Eccl. 7:3.

NOTE.—“Many of the loveliest songs of peace and trust and hope which God’s children sing in this world they have been taught in the hushed and darkened chambers of sorrow.... Afflictions, sanctified, soften the asperities of life. They tame the wildness of nature. They temper human ambitions. They burn out the dross of selfishness and worldliness. They humble pride. They quell fierce passions. They reveal to men their own hearts, their own weakness, faults, blemishes, and perils. They teach patience and submission. They discipline unruly spirits. They deepen and enrich our experience.”—_“__Week-Day Religion,__”__ by J. R. Miller, D. D., pages 92, 93._

4. Are the righteous freed from afflictions in this world?

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” Ps. 34:19.

5. Does God delight to afflict any?

“For the Lord will not cast off forever: but though He cause grief, yet will He have compassion according to the multitude of His mercies. For He doth not afflict willingly nor grieve the children of men.” Lam. 3:31-33.

6. Does He afflict to leave the one chastened in despair?

“Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: for He maketh sore, and bindeth up: He woundeth, and His hands make whole.” Job 5:17, 18.

7. In what language is the same truth again expressed?

“Come, and let us return unto the Lord: for He hath torn, and He will heal us; He hath smitten, and He will bind us up.” Hosea 6:1. See also Isa. 61:1-3.

8. Whom does the Lord chasten?

“For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth.” Heb. 12:6.

9. Is this, for the time being, a source of pleasure?

“Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” Verse 11.

NOTE.—“Many of the sweetest joys of Christian hearts are songs which have been learned in the bitterness of trial.” “Many a cold, icy nature is made warm and tender by the grief that crushes it.”—_“__Week-Day Religion,__”_ by J. R. Miller, D. D., pages 91, 93.

10. What, aside from sin, causes more sorrow than all else?

Death, or the loss of loved ones.

11. Does death bring to Christians unassuaged sorrow?

“I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.” 1 Thess. 4:13.

NOTE.—The loss of loved ones God often uses as a means of conversion, and of severing the ties which bind to earth. Persecution; sickness; the loss of sight, hearing, or limb; the loss of property; or other calamities, may likewise be instrumental in drawing us nearer to God. See Ps. 119:71; Isa. 26:9.

12. What do our transient afflictions do for us?

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” 2 Cor. 4:17. See Rom. 8:28.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

Comfort In Affliction

David Mourning For Absalom. "When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee." Isa. 43:2.

1. Are God’s people free from affliction?

“Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” Ps. 34:19.

2. How does God regard the afflicted?

“He heareth the cry of the afflicted.” Job 34:28.

3. What has He promised to be to those in trouble?

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Ps. 46:1.

4. With what feelings does the Lord look upon His children?

“Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him.” Ps. 103:13.

5. What does He know and remember?

“For He knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust.” Verse 14.

6. What has the Lord promised to be to the oppressed?

“The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.” Ps. 9:9.

7. What has God promised His children when passing through trials and afflictions?

“When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.” Isa. 43:2.

8. What did David say with reference to his being afflicted?

“It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn Thy statutes.” Ps. 119:71.

9. When afflicted, for what did he pray?

“Look upon my affliction and my pain; and forgive all my sins.” Ps. 25:18.

10. Before he was afflicted, what did he do?

“Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept Thy word.” Ps. 119:67.

11. What did Christ learn through suffering?

“Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered.” Heb. 5:8.

12. In perfecting character, what must come to all?

“And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord; nor faint when thou art rebuked of Him: for whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom He receiveth.” Heb. 12:5, 6.

13. Is this chastening a pleasant experience?

“Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.” Verse 11.

14. What courage and strength, therefore, should come to us even in the hour of affliction?

“Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees.” Verse 12. See also Job 4:3, 4; Isa. 35:3.

15. What did Job say in the midst of his afflictions?

“Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.” Job 13:15.

16. What is God called in the Scriptures?

“The God of all comfort.” 2 Cor. 1:3.

17. Whom does God comfort?

“God, that comforteth those that are cast down.” 2 Cor. 7:6.

Christ The Consoler. "Come unto Me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest." Matt. 11:28.

18. What promise is made to those that mourn?

“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.” Matt. 5:4.

19. Why does God comfort us in tribulation?

“Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort where-*with we ourselves are comforted of God.” 2 Cor. 1:4.

NOTE.—One who has passed through trouble and affliction himself, and received comfort from God, is better able to minister comfort to others.

20. How should we sympathize with others in their sorrows?

“Weep with them that weep.” Rom. 12:15. “To him that is afflicted pity should be showed from his friend.” Job 6:14.

21. Does Jesus sympathize with us in our afflictions?

“For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are.” Heb. 4:15.

22. How did He manifest His sympathy in the case of Mary and her friends weeping over the death of Lazarus?

“When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, He groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, and said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto Him, Lord, come and see. Jesus wept.” John 11:33-35.

NOTE.—Not alone for Mary and her friends did Jesus weep. Looking down through the ages, He saw the tears and the heartaches which death would bring to mankind in this sin-stricken world. His heart was touched with human woe, and He wept with those that wept.

23. Whatever may come, what blessed assurance has every one who loves God?

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.” Rom. 8:28.

NOTE.—If one loves God, he may rest assured that out of every trial and affliction good will come.

24. In bereavement, like whom should we not sorrow?

“As others which have no hope.” 1 Thess. 4:13.

25. When our friends fall asleep in death, with what words are we told to comfort one another?

“For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him.... For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.” Verses 14-18.

26. What promise has God made to bereaved mothers?

“Thus saith the Lord; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the Lord; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy.” Jer. 31:16.

27. What did Christ say would be the experience of His people in this world?

“In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” “Ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.” John 16:33, 20.

28. In what respect is the reaping of God’s people to differ from their sowing?

“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.” Ps. 126:5, 6.

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

Sometime when all life’s lessons have been learned, And sun and moon forevermore have set, The things that our weak judgments here have spurned, The things o’er which we grieved with lashes wet, Will flash before us, out of life’s dark night, As stars shine most in deepest tints of blue, And we shall see how all God’s ways were right, And how what seemed reproof was love most true.

MAY RILEY SMITH.

Be of good cheer! I know sometime Life’s song will run in perfect rhyme. Somewhere, I know, all things will be Attuned to perfect harmony. Sometime, somewhere, each sad refrain Shall be its own surcease of pain. The compensation love will send Will be in bringing friend to friend; And all the heartaches that we bore, In God’s good time will be no more.

ROBERT LEE WALDEN.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

Trusting In Jesus

Peter’s Deliverance. "In Him shall the Gentiles trust." Rom. 15:12.

1. What did the prophet Isaiah predict of Christ?

“And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and His rest shall be glorious.” Isa. 11:10.

NOTE.—Paul renders this, “In Him shall the Gentiles trust.” Rom. 15:12.

2. Why does God wish us to trust in Jesus?

“That we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ.” Eph. 1:12.

3. What did the Ephesians do upon hearing the gospel?

“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation.” Verse 13, first part.

4. What experience followed this trust in Jesus?

“In whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise.” Verse 13, last part.

NOTE.—To trust in Jesus is to believe in Him, to have abiding and unbounded confidence in Him. When such trust exists, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit of promise.

5. What is the gospel to every one that believes?

“I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believeth.” Rom. 1:16.

6. How does God regard one who abandons his faith?

“Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back My soul shall have no pleasure in him.” Heb. 10:38.

7. Is there danger of believers losing their hold on Christ?

“And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” Matt. 24:12.

8. By what does one gain the victory over the world?

“This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” 1 John 5:4.

9. What encouragement does Jesus give us to meet cheerfully the troubles and trials of life?

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.

10. What has this firm trust in Jesus led many to do?

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.” Rev. 12:11. “And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (of whom the world was not worthy).” Heb. 11:36-38.

11. What did it lead Moses to do?

“By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter; choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.” Verses 24-26.

12. What is promised those who trust in Jesus?

“There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for My sake, and the gospel’s, but he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.” Mark 10:29, 30.

13. What is Jesus able to do?

“Now unto Him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory.” Jude 24.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

Patience

Job And His Friends. "Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord." James 5:11.

1. What has the Bible to say concerning patience?

“The patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” Eccl. 7:8. “Be patient toward all men.” 1 Thess. 5:14. “In your patience possess ye your souls.” Luke 21:19.

2. What contrast is drawn between the patient and the hasty in spirit?

“He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.” Prov. 14:29.

3. Who are cited as examples of patience?

“Take, my brethren, the prophets ... for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.... Ye have heard of the patience of Job.” James 5:10, 11.

4. What is said of those who endure?

“Behold, we count them happy which endure.” Verse 11. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation.” James 1:12. “He that endureth to the end shall be saved.” Matt. 10:22.

5. What does the trying of faith work?

“Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.” James 1:3. “Not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience.” Rom. 5:3.

6. What grace is to be added to temperance, or self-control?

“And to temperance patience.” 2 Peter 1:6.

NOTE.—Patience naturally follows temperance. Hence the importance of right living,—of gaining control over the appetites and passions.

7. Why are we exhorted to patience?

“But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:4.

8. What important test of perfection of character is given?

“If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.” James 3:2.

9. How are we exhorted to run the Christian race?

“Let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” Heb. 12:1, 2.

10. For what glorious event are we bidden patiently to wait?

“And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.” 2 Thess. 3:5. “Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord.... Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” James 5:7, 8.

11. What will be one characteristic of the remnant church?

“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Rev. 14:12.

12. What should be the language of every heart?

“I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in His word do I hope.” Ps. 130:5.

13. When Christ comes, what will His people say?

“And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for Him, we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.” Isa. 25:9.

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

The home where changes never come, Nor pain nor sorrow, toil nor care; Yes! ’tis a bright and blessed home; Who would not fain be resting there?

Yet when bowed down beneath the load By heaven allowed, thine earthly lot, Thou yearn’st to reach that blest abode, Wait, meekly wait, and murmur not.

W. H. BELLAMY.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

Contentment

Sea Of Tiberias. "I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content." Phil. 4:11.

1. What does the apostle say is great gain?

“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.” 1 Tim. 6:6, 7.

2. With what are we exhorted to be content?

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for He hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Heb. 13:5. “And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.” 1 Tim. 6:8.

3. Concerning what does Christ tell us not to be anxious?

“Be not therefore anxious, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? For after all these things do the Gentiles seek; for your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.” Matt. 6:31, 32, R. V.

NOTE.—“Live not in careful suspense.” Luke 12:29, margin.

4. What evils befall those who are determined to be rich?

“But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” 1 Tim. 6:9, 10.

5. By what illustrations did Christ teach contentment?

“Consider the ravens: for they neither sow nor reap; which neither have storehouse nor barn; and God feedeth them: how much more are ye better than the fowls?... Consider the lilies how they grow: they toil not, they spin not; and yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. If then God so clothe the grass, which is today in the field, and tomorrow is cast into the oven; how much more will He clothe you, O ye of little faith?” Luke 12:24-28.

6. What lesson in contentment did Paul say he had learned?

“I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Phil. 4:11.

7. What ancient promise should lead to contentment?

“While the earth remaineth, seed-time and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” Gen. 8:22.

8. Upon whom should we cast all our care?

“Casting all your care upon Him [God]; for He careth for you.” 1 Peter 5:7.

NOTES.—“Contentment produces, in some measure, all those effects which the alchemist usually ascribes to what he calls the philosopher’s stone. If it does not bring riches, it does the same thing by banishing the desire for them. If it cannot remove the disquietudes arising from a man’s mind, body, or fortune, it makes him easy under them.”—Addison.

A contented mind sees something good in everything,—fair weather in every wind, blessings in every storm.

“If we cannot get what we like, we should try to like what we get.”

“There is no malady more severe than habitual discontent.”—Fleming.

“If you cannot frame your circumstances in accordance with your wishes, frame your will in harmony with your circumstances.”—Epictetus.

“A contented mind is a continual feast.”

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

God holds the future in His hand. O heart of mine, be still! His love will plan the best for thee. The best, or light or dark it be: Then rest ye in His will.

God holds the future in His hand, Why should I shrink or fear? Through every dark and cloudy day— Yea, all along my pilgrim way— His love will bless and cheer.

God holds the future in His hand. And I can trust His love. The past declares His faithfulness; His eye will guide, His heart will bless Till I am safe above.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

Cheerfulness

The Daughters Of Israel. "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine." Prov. 17:22.

1. Before leaving His disciples, what did Jesus say to them?

“These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.

2. What were some of the cheering words He said to them?

“Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” John 14:1-3.

3. In what spirit should we serve the Lord?

“Serve the Lord with gladness: come before His presence with singing.” Ps. 100:2.

4. What is sown for the upright in heart?

“Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.” Ps. 97:11.

5. What effect has a merry heart?

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.” Prov. 17:22.

NOTE.—From this we may learn the influence which the mind has over the body. Cheerfulness is conducive to life and health; sorrow, care, anxiety, and worry tend to disease and death.

6. What effect do helpful, cheerful words have upon the heart?

“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.” Prov. 12:25.

7. By what temporal blessings does God fill men’s hearts with gladness?

“Nevertheless He left not Himself without witness, in that He did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” Acts 14:17.

8. Why and for what may every child of God rejoice?

“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, He hath covered me with the robe of righteousness.” Isa. 61:10.

9. Against what are Christians warned?

“Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.” 1 Cor. 10:10.

NOTES.—“There are those who take to gloom as a bat to darkness or as a vulture to carrion. They would rather nurse a misery than cherish a joy. They always find the dark side of everything, if there is a dark side to be found. They appear to be conscientious grumblers, as if it were their duty to extract some essence of misery from every circumstance.... On the other hand, there are rare spirits who always take cheerful views of life. They look at the bright side. They find some joy and beauty everywhere.... In the most faulty picture they see some bit of beauty which charms them. In the most disagreeable person they discover some kindly trait or some bud of promise. In the most disheartening circumstances they find something for which to be thankful, some gleam of cheer breaking through the thick gloom.... When a ray of sunlight streamed through a crack in the shutter and made a bright patch on the floor in the darkened room, the little dog rose from his dark corner and went and lay down in the one sunny spot; and these people live in the same philosophical way. If there is one beam of cheer or hope anywhere in their lot, they will find it.... We have no right to project the gloom of our discontent over any other life. Our ministry is to be ever toward joy. There is nothing so depressing in its effects upon others as morbidness.... Discontent helps nothing.... One never feels better for complaining.”—_“__Week-Day Religion,__”_ by J. R. Miller, D. D., pages 236-241.

“How many people,” says Jeremy Taylor, “are busy in the world gathering together a handful of thorns to sit upon.”

“As a little girl was eating, the sun dashed upon her spoon, and she cried, ‘O mama, I have swallowed a spoonful of sunshine!’ Would God that we all might indulge in the same beverage!”—_Talmage’s __“__One Thousand Gems,__”_ page 56.

10. Even when persecuted, what are we told to do, and why?

“Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven.” Luke 6:22, 23.

11. When beaten by the Jewish rulers for preaching Christ, what did the apostles do?

“And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name.” Acts 5:41.

12. After receiving “many stripes,” with their feet made fast in the stocks, what did Paul and Silas do while in prison?

“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.” Acts 16:25.

13. What assurance is given that the child of God may bravely endure every trial and hardship of life?

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Rom. 8:28.

14. How constant should our rejoicing be?

“Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” Phil. 4:4.

NOTE.—“Good cheer is the hall-mark of a brave and healthy soul. To give way to gloomy thoughts, otherwise the ‘blues,’ is a sign of weakness. This isn’t asserting that no one but weaklings is attacked by the blues; but it is one thing to be attacked and another to rout the disturber. And that is what the brave soul does. There may be a very real and tangible reason why the heart faints and halts, for life is serious, and the world full of unexpected trials; but to sit and brood over a trouble only makes it look larger and larger until it finally obscures the horizon line, and darkness descends upon the soul. Wherefore, the thing to do is to cast aside all thoughts of worry for a moment,—just say to yourself, It is only for a moment,—and when you return to it again you will be surprised to find it has lessened in size and importance.”—The New World.

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

When things don’t go to suit you, And the world seems upside down, Don’t waste your time in fretting, But drive away that frown; Since life is oft perplexing, ’Tis much the wisest plan To bear all trials bravely, And smile whene’er you can.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

Christian Courtesy

Moses Defending The Maidens. "But Moses stood up and helped them, and watered their flock." Ex. 2:17.

1. What should be our conduct one toward another?

“Love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous.” 1 Peter 3:8.

2. How many should we honor?

“Honor all men. Love the brotherhood.” 1 Peter 2:17.

3. Whom should we salute?

“If ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?” Matt. 5:47.

4. What respect should be shown the aged?

“Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honor the face of the old man.” Lev. 19:32. See 2 Kings 2:23, 24.

5. Whom especially should children honor?

“Honor thy father and thy mother.” Ex. 20:12.

6. How should faithful gospel ministers be regarded?

“Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor.” 1 Tim. 5:17.

7. What is the basis of true Christian courtesy?

“Charity [love] ... is kind; . . . charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own.” 1 Cor. 13:4, 5.

NOTE.—Genuine Christian courtesy is the outgrowth of love, and manifests itself in thoughtful consideration for others.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

Confessing Faults And Forgiving One Another

Joseph Forgiving His Brethren. "Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." Matt. 6:12.

1. What has God promised to do when we confess our sins?

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.

2. How has it been made possible for sins to be forgiven?

“If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and He is the propitiation for our sins.” 1 John 2:1, 2.

3. To whom should sins be confessed, and why?

“Against Thee, Thee only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Thy sight.” Ps. 51:4. See Gen. 39:9.

4. What instruction is given concerning confession of faults?

“Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed.” James 5:16.

NOTES.—The Bible makes a distinction between a sin and a fault. We sin against God; for sin is the transgression of His law. 1 John 3:4.

We trespass one against another. These offenses, while involving sin, are called faults, and should be corrected by confession and forgiveness. The only remedy for either pointed out in the Word of God is heartfelt confession. One writer aptly says: “Confess your sins to God, who only can forgive them, and your faults to one another. If you have given offense to your friend or neighbor, you are to acknowledge your wrong, and it is his duty freely to forgive you. Then you are to seek the forgiveness of God, because the brother you have wounded is the property of God, and in injuring him you sinned against his Creator and Redeemer.”

To confess one’s faults is not an easy thing to do; in fact, it is one of the hardest lessons to learn, for it requires the grace of humility as well as that of sorrow and true repentance. It has been said that the four hardest words to pronounce in the English language are, “I made a mistake.” Frederick the Great wrote to the Prussian senate, “I have just lost a battle, and it is my own fault.” Concerning this Goldsmith says, “His confession shows more greatness than his victories.”

The confession should not only be complete, but it should be as broad and as public as was the offense. Private offenses should be confessed in private.

5. When we do wrong, what is the natural thing for us to do?

Excuse it, seek to hide it, or blame some one else for it. See Gen. 3:12, 13; 4:9.

6. After David’s great sin had been pointed out to him, what did he say?

“I have sinned.” 2 Sam. 12:13. “I acknowledge my transgressions.” Ps. 51:3.

7. When David in contrition of heart confessed his sin, what was God’s word to him by Nathan, the prophet?

“And David said unto Nathan, I have sinned against the Lord. And Nathan said unto David, The Lord also hath put away thy sin; thou shalt not die.” 2 Sam. 12:13.

NOTE.—This scripture is especially encouraging. God hates sin. He wants us likewise to hate it and shun it, because it invariably gets us into trouble, causes sorrow of heart, and in the end brings death. But when involved in it, as was David, as soon as it is acknowledged and sincerely confessed, that very moment it is forgiven. David said, “I have sinned.” The immediate answer was returned, “The Lord also hath put away thy sin.”

8. Is it ever right to tell a brother of his faults?

“If thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.” Matt. 18:15. “Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbor, and not suffer sin upon him.” Lev. 19:17.

9. In what spirit should this kind of work be done?

“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Gal. 6:1.

NOTE.—It is much easier to tell some one else of a brother’s faults than it is to tell him of them himself; but this is not the Christian way to proceed. The first efforts should be made with the offender in person, and alone. But it is easier even to tell a brother of his faults than it is to confess to him our own. This, again, let it be noted, is the one very difficult lesson to learn, the one Christian duty difficult to perform. Only humility and the grace of God will enable one to do it.

10. When we pray, what does Christ tell us to do, and why?

“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” Mark 11:25.

11. If we do not forgive others, what will God not do?

“But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” Verse 26. See, for illustration, Christ’s parable recorded in Matt. 18:23-35.

12. What words of Joseph to his brethren show that he forgave them for selling him into Egypt?

“Now therefore be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither: for God did send me before you to preserve life.... So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God.” Gen. 45:5-8.

13. What was Christ’s reply to Peter’s question as to the number of times we should forgive one another?

“Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” Matt. 18:21, 22.

NOTE.—That is, an unlimited number. We must pardon offenses against us though ever so often done; we must forgive to the end.

14. What spirit did Jesus manifest toward those who nailed Him to the cross?

“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34.

15. How did Stephen manifest the same spirit toward those who stoned him?

“And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, ... and he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge.” Acts 7:59, 60. See 1 Peter 4:8.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

The Duty Of Encouragement

The Father Forgiving His Son. "His father ... had compassion, and ... fell on his neck, and kissed him." Luke 15:20.

1. When the ten spies brought back an evil report from the land of Canaan, what did Caleb say?

“And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it.” Num. 13:30.

2. What did the ten spies say?

“But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we.” Verse 31.

3. What effect did this evil report have upon the people?

“And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness!... And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.” Num. 14:1-4.

4. With what words did Moses seek to encourage Joshua?

“And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage.... The Lord, He it is that doth go before thee; He will be with thee, He will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.” Deut. 31:7, 8.

5. In his final charge to Joshua, what did Moses, speaking for God, say to him?

“And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee.” Verse 23.

6. After Moses’ death, how did the Lord encourage Joshua?

“The Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying, ... There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. Be strong and of a good courage.” Joshua 1:1-6.

7. When Sennacherib, king of Assyria, came against Jerusalem, what did King Hezekiah say to Israel?

“Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: with him is an army of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles.” 2 Chron. 32:7, 8.

8. What effect did these words have upon the people?

“And the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.” Verse 8.

9. How did Josiah seek to promote the worship of God?

“And he set the priests in their charges, and encouraged them to the service of the house of the Lord.” 2 Chron. 35:2.

10. By what message, through the prophet Haggai, did God seek to encourage the people to rebuild the temple?

“Be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the Lord; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the Lord, and work: for I am with you, saith the Lord of hosts.” Haggai 2:4.

11. What encouraging message has Christ left us?

“Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.

NOTES.—A dispirited man, like a discouraged horse, is powerless to perform his task.

“What men need most in this world’s struggle and strife is not usually direct help, but cheer.... Many men have fainted and succumbed in the great struggles whom one word of cheer would have made strong to overcome. We should never, then, lose an opportunity to say an inspiring word. We know not how much it is needed, nor how great and far-reaching its consequences may be.”—_“__Week-Day Religion,__”__ by J. R. Miller, D. D., page 170._

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

Unity Of Believers

Bethlehem. "That they may be one, even as We are one." John 17:22.

1. What relation do the Father and the Son sustain to each other?

“I and My Father are one.” John 10:30.

2. In what does this oneness consist?

“I seek not Mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent Me.” John 5:30.

NOTE.—Their oneness, therefore, consists in their having the same mind, will, and purpose.

3. What did Christ pray the Father in behalf of His disciples?

“That they may be one, even as We are one.” John 17:22. See also verses 11 and 23.

4. Why did Christ desire this oneness, or unity, to exist among His followers?

“That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me.” Verse 21.

5. By what did Christ say all men should know His disciples?

“By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, if ye have love one to another.” John 13:35.

NOTE.—“God has united believers in church capacity in order that one may strengthen another in good and righteous endeavor. The church on earth would indeed be a symbol of the church in heaven if its members were of one mind and of one faith. It is those who are not moved by the Holy Spirit that mar God’s plan, and cause division, and strengthen the forces of darkness. Those who are sanctified by the blood of Christ will not counterwork God’s work, nor perpetuate division in the church. When there is disunion among believers, the world concludes that they cannot be the people of God because they are working against one another. When believers are one with Christ, they will be united among themselves.”

6. How did Paul show his concern in this matter?

“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” 1 Cor. 1:10.

7. What was a prominent cause of division in the early church?

“For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” Acts 20:29, 30.

8. What was already at work in the church in Paul’s day?

“For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth [hindereth] will let, until he be taken out of the way.” 2 Thess. 2:7.

9. Before Christ should come, what did Paul say was to take place?

“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” Verses 3, 4.

NOTE.—The huge system of error now fostered in the papal church is the result of the falling away here referred to. Says Wylie in his “History of Protestantism,” Vol. III, page 25: “Rome manifestly was the schismatic; she it was that abandoned what was once the common faith of Christendom, leaving by that step to all who remained on the old ground the indisputably valid title of the true church.”

10. Together, what do believers in Christ form?

“Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.” 1 Cor. 12:27.

11. Being members of Christ’s body, of what else do we become members?

“So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.” Rom. 12:5.

12. As members of one another, what is the duty of each?

“That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.” 1 Cor. 12:25.

13. What should they endeavor to keep?

“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.” Eph. 4:1-3.

14. What unity of faith is finally to exist among God’s watchmen?

“Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion.” Isa. 52:8.

15. What solemn message, just before the Lord’s coming, will unite God’s people in bonds of faith and love?

“Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.... Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.... If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God.” Rev. 14:7-10. See Rev. 18:1-5.

16. How are those who receive this message described?

“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” Verse 12.

17. When the Lord comes, what will be the united cry of God’s people?

“And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He will save us: this is the Lord; we have waited for Him, we will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.” Isa. 25:9.

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

How blest the sacred tie that binds In sweet communion kindred minds! How swift the heavenly course they run Whose hearts, whose faith, whose hopes, are one.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

Meekness And Humility

Jesus Scourged. "He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not His mouth." Isa. 53:7.

1. What promise is made to the meek?

“Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.” Matt. 5:5.

Meek: “Mild of temper; not easily provoked or irritated; forbearing; submissive; humble.”—Webster.

2. What did Christ say of His own character?

“Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for I am meek and lowly of heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Matt. 11:29.

3. What is said of the character of Moses?

“Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.” Num. 12:3.

4. Whom has God promised to guide in judgment?

“The meek will He guide in judgment: and the meek will He teach His way.” Ps. 25:9.

5. Of what is meekness a fruit?

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.” Gal. 5:22, 23.

Christ In The Garden. "Nevertheless not My will, but Thine, be done." Luke 22:42.

6. What does Christ say of those who exalt themselves?

“For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Luke 14:11.

NOTE.—The spirit of self-exaltation is of Satan. See Isa. 14:12-14; Eze. 28:17. Christ humbled Himself, made Himself of no reputation, and became obedient even to the death on the cross. See Phil. 2:5-8.

7. By what means did Jesus illustrate true humility?

“And Jesus called a little child unto Him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, ... Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child; the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” Matt. 18:2-4.

NOTES.—Humility is “freedom from pride and arrogance; lowliness of mind; a modest estimate of one’s own worth.” It implies a sense of one’s own unworthiness through imperfection and sinfulness, and consists in rating our claims low, in being willing to waive our rights, and to take a lower place than might be our due. It does not require that we under-rate ourselves or our life-work. The humility of Christ was perfect, yet He had a true sense of the importance of His life and mission.

“Humility is like a tree, whose root, when it sets deepest in the earth, rises higher, and spreads fairer, and stands surer, and lasts longer, and every step of its descent is like a rib of iron.”—Bishop Taylor.

8. How will humility lead us to esteem others?

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” Phil. 2:3.

9. With whom does God dwell?

“I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” Isa. 57:15.

10. When asked a reason for our hope, in what spirit should we answer?

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” 1 Peter 3:15.

11. Who should labor for one overtaken in a fault, and in what spirit?

“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.” Gal. 6:1.

12. With what should Christian women adorn themselves?

“Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” 1 Peter 3:3, 4.

NOTE.—The instruction given here, in principle applies with equal force to men professing godliness. It is the needless display of apparel and outward adornment that is here condemned. God desires the ornaments within, displayed in the heart and life, rather than those without, simply to be seen of men. Needless outward adornment, therefore, may generally be taken as an indication that the inward adornment, so precious in the sight of God, is lacking. Neatness in dress is not here discouraged.

13. Why are we exhorted to humble ourselves?

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time.” 1 Peter 5:6.

NOTE.—“The higher a man is in grace, the lower he will be in his own esteem.”—Spurgeon.

14. With what has the Lord promised to beautify the meek?

“For the Lord taketh pleasure in His people: He will beautify the meek with salvation.” Ps. 149:4.

15. What are the meek exhorted to seek?

“Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought His judgment; seek righteousness, seek meekness: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger.” Zeph. 2:3.

NOTE.—The fact that the meek are exhorted to seek meekness, is evidence that the meek themselves should cherish and cultivate meekness, and that sanctification, or the development of a perfect character, is a progressive work.

16. What inheritance is promised the meek?

“For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace.” Ps. 37:10, 11.

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

I count this thing to be grandly true: That a noble deed is a step toward God, Lifting the soul from the common clod To a purer air and a broader view.

We rise by the things that are under our feet; By what we have mastered of good and gain; By the pride deposed and the passion slain, And the vanquished ills that we hourly meet. J. G. HOLLAND.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

Sobriety

Joseph Interpreting Pharaoh’s Dream. "Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded." Titus 2:6.

1. To what extent did Solomon test the pleasures of this world?

“Whatsoever mine eyes desired I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from any joy.” “I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with mirth, therefore enjoy pleasure.” Eccl. 2:10, 1.

2. How much true enjoyment did such a course afford?

“Behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit.” Verse 11.

3. Of what does Solomon bid the young, in the buoyancy of youth, to be mindful?

“Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes; but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment.” Eccl. 11:9.

4. How does the grace of God teach us that we should live?

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” Titus 2:11, 12.

5. What classes of individuals are admonished to be sober?

“That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The aged women likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, ... that they may teach the young women to be sober.... Young men likewise exhort to be sober-minded.” Verses 2-6.

NOTE.—These four classes include all. All should be sober.

6. What similar advice is given in the epistle to the Romans?

“Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.” Rom. 13:13.

7. What testimony does the apostle Peter bear on this point?

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:13.

8. Why are foolish talking and jesting to be avoided?

“Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient.” Eph. 5:4.

NOTE.—To indulge in such things is not becoming a Christian. Life, with all its responsibilities and great issues at stake, is too serious a matter to be spent in such vanities.

9. What is the thought of foolishness declared to be?

“The thought of foolishness is sin.” Prov. 24:9.

NOTE.—Levity, foolishness, light and loose talking, throw us off our guard, and open the way to temptation and sin. To avoid sin, we must be sober and constantly on guard.

10. Why are sobriety and vigilance especially necessary?

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8.

11. What other consideration should lead us to sobriety and watchfulness?

“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.” 1 Peter 4:7.

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

How vain are all things here below! How false, and yet how fair! Each pleasure hath its poison, too, And every sweet a snare. ISAAC WATTS.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

Wisdom

Wisdom Of Solomon. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Ps. 111:10.

1. Why are we told to get wisdom?

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom.” Prov. 4:7.

NOTE.—Wisdom implies the ability to judge soundly and deal sagaciously. It is knowledge, with the capacity to make due use of it. One may have abundance of knowledge, and at the same time possess little wisdom.

2. Of how much value is wisdom?

“She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.” Prov. 3:15.

3. What blessings follow the acquisition of wisdom?

“Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honor, when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.” Prov. 4:8, 9.

4. Who gives wisdom?

“For the Lord giveth wisdom.” Prov. 2:6.

5. How may it be obtained?

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5.

6. When Solomon became king, what did he ask the Lord to give him?

“Give me now wisdom and knowledge.” 2 Chron. 1:10.

7. How did the Lord regard this request?

“And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked this thing.” 1 Kings 3:10.

8. How was Solomon’s prayer answered?

“And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; ... behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart.... And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honor.” Verses 11-13.

9. Are great men always wise?

“Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.” Job 32:9.

10. What is the beginning of wisdom?

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do His commandments.” Ps. 111:10.

11. By what means was the psalmist made wiser than his enemies?

“Thou through Thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.” Ps. 119:98.

12. Why did his understanding excel that of his teachers?

“I have more understanding than all my teachers: for Thy testimonies are my meditation.” Verse 99.

13. What effect does wisdom have upon the countenance?

“A man’s wisdom maketh his face to shine.” Eccl. 8:1.

14. In what did Christ say the children of this world excel the children of light?

“For the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.” Luke 16:8.

NOTE.—That is, they show more prudence, more cunning, and more intelligence about their business than do Christians concerning the things of God’s kingdom. “They show more skill, study more plans, contrive more ways, to provide for themselves than the children of light do to promote the interests of religion.”—Dr. Albert Barnes.

15. In what did the apostle say he would have us wise, and in what simple?

“I would have you wise unto that which is good, and simple concerning evil.” Rom. 16:19.

16. How many kinds of wisdom are there?

“Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world.... But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory.” 1 Cor. 2:6, 7.

17. How is worldly wisdom regarded by God?

“For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.” 1 Cor. 3:19.

18. What is the character of that wisdom which comes from God?

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” James 3:17.

19. What wisdom are the Scriptures able to give?

“And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Tim. 3:15.

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

Broad is the road that leads to death, And thousands walk together there; But wisdom shows a narrow path, With here and there a traveler.

Deny thyself, and take thy cross, Is thy Redeemer’s great command; Nature must count her gold but dross, If she would gain that heavenly land.

The fearful soul that tries and faints, And walks the ways of God no more, Is but esteemed almost a saint, And makes his own destruction sure. ISAAC WATTS.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

Diligence

Reading God’s Word. "Give diligence to make your calling and election sure." 2 Peter 1:10.

1. What general command has God given concerning labor?

“Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work.” Ex. 20:9.

2. Instead of living upon the earnings of others, what instruction is given?

“Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.” Eph. 4:28.

3. What general rule does Paul lay down upon this subject?

“For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.” 2 Thess. 3:10.

4. In what language does he condemn idleness?

“For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.” Verses 11, 12.

5. What example did the apostle himself set in this matter?

“Neither did we eat any man’s bread for naught; but wrought with labor and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you.” Verse 8.

6. What labor was appointed man in consequence of the fall?

“In the sweat of thy face shall thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground.” Gen. 3:19.

NOTE.—A life of laborious and perpetual toil, in a world cursed with weeds, thorns, and thistles, was appointed to man in consequence of the entrance of sin. This was a part of the curse. And yet even this was appointed in love, and, under existing circumstances, is a blessing in disguise. It was a discipline rendered necessary because of sin, to place a check upon the indulgence of appetite and passion, to develop habits of industry and self-control, and to teach lessons on overcoming evil. Were not man called to labor thus, his sins and miseries would be multiplied manyfold.

7. What are some of the results of industry?

“He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread.” Prov. 28:19. “The hand of the diligent maketh rich.” Prov. 10:4. “The soul of the diligent shall be made fat.” Prov. 13:4.

8. What results from slackness and indolence in business?

“He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand.” Prov. 10:4. “The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing.” Prov. 13:4.

9. What does Solomon say concerning diligence in business?

“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.” Eccl. 9:10. “Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.” Prov. 27:23. “He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.” Prov. 10:5.

NOTE.—“The way to wealth, if you desire it, is as plain as the way to market. It depends chiefly on two words—industry and frugality; that is, waste neither time nor money, but make the best of both. Without industry and frugality nothing will do, and with them everything.”—Benjamin Franklin.

10. What does Solomon say of the industrious woman?

“She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.” Prov. 31:27, 28.

11. What has Paul said of the professed Christian who does not provide for his own family?

“But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.” 1 Tim. 5:8.

12. What picture has Solomon given of the slothful man?

“I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; and, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.” Prov. 24:30, 31.

NOTES.—“An indolent man draweth his breath, but does not live.”—Cicero.

“The parent who does not teach his child a trade, teaches him to be a thief.”—Brahmanic Proverb.

“When tillage begins, other arts follow. The farmers therefore are the founders of human civilization.”—Daniel Webster.

“If a man be indolent, the best discipline to which he can be subjected is to suffer the evils of penury.”—Wayland.

“Nothing can be done with a man who will not work. We have in our scheme of government no room for the man who does not wish to pay his way through life by what he does.... Capacity for work is absolutely necessary, and no man can be said to live in the true sense of the word if he does not work.”—Theodore Roosevelt.

“Luck is waiting for something to turn up. Labor, with keen eyes and strong will, will turn up something. Luck whines. Labor whistles. Luck relies on chances. Labor, on character. Luck slips down to indigence. Labor strides upward to independence. Luck lies in bed, and wishes the postman would bring him news of a legacy. Labor turns out at six o’ clock, and with busy pen or ringing hammer lays the foundation of a competence.”—Cobden.

13. In spiritual matters, what is also necessary?

“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge.... Give diligence to make your calling and election sure.” 2 Peter 1:5-10.

NOTE.—In temporal matters the difference between a prosperous man and a sluggard lies principally in the improvement of opportunities. One grasps these, while the other is too indolent to do so. In the gaining of eternal life this same principle applies. God has placed salvation within the reach of all. None need be lost. Christ died for all, but all will not be saved, for some do not care enough for eternal life diligently to lay hold of it.

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

Neat be your farm; ’tis long confessed The neatest farmer is the best; Each bog and marsh industrious drain, Nor let vile balks deform the plain, Nor bushes on your headland grow, Nor briers a sloven culture show. Neat be your barns, your houses sweet; Your paths be clean, your dooryards neat; No moss the sheltering roof enshroud, No wooden panes the windows cloud; No sink drains should above ground flow, Nor weeds with rankling poison grow; But flowers expand, and fruit-trees bloom, And fragrant shrubs exhale perfume. Neatly enclose your garden round; Smooth, enrich, and clear the ground; For if to taste and profit you incline, Beauty and use you always should combine.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

Perfection Of Character

Paul Shipwrecked. "In all these things we are more than conqueror through Him that loved us." Rom. 8:37.

1. Why are we exhorted to patience?

“But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting [lacking] nothing.” James 1:4.

2. How perfect does Christ tell us to be?

“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.” Matt. 5:48.

3. In whom are we complete?

“And ye are complete in Him.” Col. 2:10.

4. After accepting Christ, what are we to do?

“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection.” Heb. 6:1.

5. In what is the Christian to grow?

“But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18.

6. How may one grow in grace?

“Giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; ... knowledge; ... temperance; ... patience; ... godliness; ... brotherly kindness; ... charity.” 2 Peter 1:5-8.

7. Why does Christ desire this growth in His followers?

“That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Eph. 5:27.

8. What will cause the Christian to grow?

“As new-born babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.” 1 Peter 2:2.

9. In order to grow by the word of God, what must one do?

“Thy words were found, and I did eat them.” Jer. 15:16. “Thy word have I hid in mine heart.” Ps. 119:11. See Col. 3:16.

10. What does God’s word then become to the believer?

“Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart.” Jer. 15:16, last part.

11. Why are the Scriptures given?

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Tim. 3:16, 17.

12. How may the lack of wisdom be supplied?

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” James 1:5.

13. In how many things may we ask help from God?

“Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Phil. 4:6.

14. What is an evidence of perfection?

“If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.” James 3:2.

15. What is the bond of perfection?

“And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” Col. 3:14. See Phil. 3:13, 14; Heb. 12:14.

16. How perfect would God have us become?

“And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thess. 5:23.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

Sowing And Reaping

Jacob’s Dream. "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Gal. 6:7.

1. What does Paul say regarding sowing and reaping?

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” Gal. 6:7.

2. How is the same truth expressed by Christ?

“Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” Luke 6:37, 38.

NOTES.—A man’s deeds, good or evil, usually return to bless or curse him. A farmer who sold butter to a village storekeeper and took sugar in exchange, complained that he was getting short weight. “Look here,” said he to the merchant, “it seems to me you’re giving me short weight sugar.” “No,” replied the storekeeper, “that cannot be, for in measuring out that sugar of yours I always use a pound of your butter as a weight.”

“Good and evil come back.... God made the universe on the plan of the circle. Isa. 40:22.... We ourselves start the circle of good or bad actions, and it will surely come around again to us unless by divine intervention it be hindered. Those bad or good actions may make the circuit of many years; but come back to us they will as certainly as that God sits on the circle of the earth.... What a stupendous thought that the good and the evil we start come back to us! Do you know that the judgment-day will be only the point at which the circle joins, the good and the bad we have done coming back to us, unless divine intervention hinders,—coming back to us, welcome of delight or curse of condemnation?”—T. DeWitt Talmage.

3. On what condition does Christ say God will forgive us?

“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matt. 6: 14, 15. See also Matt. 18:23-35.

4. According to what principle does God deal with men?

“With the merciful Thou wilt show Thyself merciful; with an upright man Thou wilt show Thyself upright; with the pure Thou wilt show Thyself pure; and with the froward Thou wilt show Thyself froward.” Ps. 18:25, 26.

5. How is the same truth again taught touching the wicked?

“As he loved cursing, so let it come unto him: as he delighted not in blessing, so let it be far from him.” Ps. 109:17.

6. According to what was judgment called upon Babylon?

“Recompense her according to her works; according to all that she hath done, do unto her.” Jer. 50:29.

7. Why did Christ tell Peter to put up his sword?

“Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.” Matt. 26:52.

8. Why was the Papacy to go into captivity?

“He that leadeth into captivity shall go into captivity: he that killeth with the sword must be killed with the sword.” Rev. 13:10. See Lev. 25:10; Jer. 34:17.

9. What is to be the punishment of spiritual Babylon?

“Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double unto her double according to her works.” Rev. 18:6.

10. What does the psalmist say will come to the persecutor?

“His mischief shall return upon his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down upon his own pate.” Ps. 7:16.

NOTE.—In his letter addressed to the Jews, dated Nov. 16, 1905, President Roosevelt said: “I feel very strongly that if any people are oppressed anywhere, the wrong inevitably reacts in the end on those who oppress them; for it is an immutable law in the spiritual world that no one can wrong others and yet in the end himself escape unhurt.”

11. What befell Haman, who sought to slay all the Jews?

“So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai.” Esther 7:10. See Ps. 9:15.

12. If one would have friends, what must he do?

“A man that hath friends must show himself friendly.” Prov. 18:24.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

XIII. PRAYER AND PUBLIC WORSHIP

The Groves Were God’s First Temples. "It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto Thy name, O Most High." Ps. 92:1.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

Importance Of Prayer

Ezra In Prayer. "Men ought always to pray, and not to faint." Luke 18:1.

1. By what title does the psalmist address God?

“O Thou that hearest prayer, unto Thee shall all flesh come.” Ps. 65:2.

2. Of whom does the Bible teach that God is a rewarder?

“A rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” Heb. 11:6.

3. How willing is God to hear and answer prayer?

“If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him?” Matt. 7:11.

4. What above all else shows God’s willingness to do this?

“He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” Rom. 8:32.

5. Upon what conditions are we promised needed blessings?

“Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: for every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.” Matt. 7:7, 8.

NOTES.—“Prayer is not the overcoming of God’s reluctance; it is the taking hold of God’s willingness.” “Prayer is the opening of the heart to God as to a friend.” Prayer does not change God; but it does change us and our relation to God. It places us in the channel of blessings, and in that frame of mind in which God can consistently and safely grant our requests.

“How shall we pray so as to be heard and to receive help? For one thing, there must be a real desire in our hearts. Forms of words do not make prayer: we must want something, and must realize our dependence upon God for it.”—J. R. Miller, D. D.

6. From whom do all good and perfect gifts come?

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” James 1:17.

7. If one lacks wisdom, what is he told to do?

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” Verse 5.

8. How must one ask in order to receive?

“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive anything of the Lord.” Verses 6, 7. See Mark 11:24.

NOTE.—“Prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse, where are treasured the boundless resources of Omnipotence.”

9. Under what condition does the Lord not hear prayer?

“If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me.” Ps. 66:18. See Isa. 59:1, 2; James 4:3.

10. Whose prayers does Solomon say are an abomination?

“He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.” Prov. 28:9.

NOTE.—Contention and discord quench the spirit of prayer. 1 Peter 3:1-7. Many grieve the Spirit and drive Christ from their homes by giving way to impatience and passion. Angels of God flee from homes where there are unkind words, contention, and strife.

11. What did Christ say concerning secret prayer?

“But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” Matt. 6:6.

12. To what place did Jesus retire for secret devotion?

“And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up into a mountain apart to pray: and when the evening was come, He was there alone.” Matt. 14:23.

13. For whom did Christ teach us to pray?

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.” Matt. 5:44.

NOTE.—We cannot hate those for whom we pray.

14. When praying, what must we do in order to be forgiven?

“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” Mark 11:25.

15. With what should our prayers be mingled?

“Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Phil. 4:6.

16. How often should we pray?

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.” Eph. 6:18. “Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thess. 5:17. “Every day will I bless Thee; and I will praise Thy name forever and ever.” Ps. 145:2.

17. How often did David say he would pray?

“Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and He shall hear my voice.” Ps. 55:17. See Dan. 6:10.

18. What is said of Cornelius and his family?

“A devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway.” Acts 10:2.

19. In whose name did Christ teach us to pray?

“And whatsoever ye shall ask in My name, that will I do.” John 14:13.

20. Why did the unjust judge answer the widow’s prayer?

“Though I fear not God, nor regard man; yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.” Luke 18:4, 5.

NOTE.—The lesson of the parable is that “men ought always to pray, and not to faint.” Verse 1. If this woman, by her persistence in asking, obtained her request from such a man, surely God, who is just, will answer the earnest, persistent prayers of His people, though the answer may be long delayed.

Jesus Teaching The Woman Of Samaria. "God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth." John 4:24.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

Meditation And Prayer

Secret Prayer. "My meditation of Him shall be sweet." Ps. 104:34.

1. What was one of Paul’s injunctions to Timothy?

“Meditate upon these things; give thyself wholly to them.” 1 Tim. 4:15.

NOTE.—Meditation is to the soul what digestion is to the body. It assimilates, appropriates, and makes personal and practical that which has been seen, heard, or read.

2. When did David say he would praise God with joyful lips?

“When I remember Thee upon my bed, and meditate on Thee in the night-watches.” Ps. 63:6.

3. How will such meditation be to one who loves God?

“My meditation of Him shall be sweet.” Ps. 104:34.

4. In what does the psalmist say the man who is blessed delights and meditates?

“His delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His law doth he meditate day and night.” Ps. 1:2.

5. With what adversary do we constantly have to contend?

“Be sober, be vigilant: because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Peter 5:8.

6. When is a man tempted?

“But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.” James 1:14.

7. That we may not be overcome, what are we told to do?

“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matt. 26:41.

8. How constantly should we pray?

“Pray without ceasing.” 1 Thess. 5:17. “Continuing instant in prayer.” Rom. 12:12.

NOTE.—This does not mean that we should be constantly bowed before God in prayer, but that we should not neglect prayer, and that we should ever be in a prayerful frame of mind, even when walking by the way or engaged in the duties of life,—ever ready to send up our petitions to heaven for help in time of need.

9. That we might be prepared for His coming, what admonition did Christ give?

“Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.... And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.” Mark 13:33-37. See also Luke 21:36.

10. Why are watchfulness and prayer especially imperative in the last days?

“Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” Rev. 12:12.

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

Lord, what a change within us one short hour Spent in Thy presence will prevail to make! What heavy burdens from our bosoms take! What parched grounds refresh, as with a shower! We kneel, and all around us seems to lower! We rise, and all, the distant and the near, Stands forth in sunny outline, brave and clear. We kneel, how weak! we rise, how full of power! Why, therefore, should we do ourselves this wrong, Or others, that we are not always strong, That we are ever overborne with care, That we should ever weak or heartless be, Anxious or troubled, when with us is prayer, And joy and strength and courage are with Thee? ARCHBISHOP TRENCH.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us

Watching Unto Prayer

Rock Of Ages. "Simply to Thy cross I cling."—Toplady.

1. Unto what are we exhorted to watch?

“But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.” 1 Peter 4:7.

2. What is one of the petitions of the Lord’s prayer?

“Lead us not into temptation.” Matt. 6:13.

3. By what means can we escape temptation?

“Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Matt. 26:41.

NOTE.—We should couple with our prayers a spirit of watchfulness, thus cooperating with God in answering them. This is watching unto prayer.

4. How is this duty again expressed?

“Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.” Col. 4:2.

5. How faithful should we be in this matter?

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” Eph. 6:18.

6. When did Israel prevail in battle?

“And it came to pass, _when Moses held up his hand, that Israel __ prevailed_: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed.” Ex. 17:11.

7. When the householder ceased watching, what happened?

“But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.” Matt. 24:43.

8. What experience comes to those who wait upon the Lord?

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Isa. 40:31.

9. For what did Habakkuk say he would watch?

“I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what He will say unto me.” Hab. 2:1.

NOTE.—Some are very anxious that God should hear them when they pray, but are quite indifferent as to what He says in reply.

10. How may we escape the evils coming on the world?

“Watch ye, therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21:36.

NOTE.—Vigilance, as well as prayer, is necessary if we would escape the evils, delusions, and calamities of the last days.

11. What will be the result of not watching?

“But and if that servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to beat the men servants and maidens, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken, the lord of that servant will come in a day when he looketh not for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in sunder, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.” Luke 12:45, 46.

12. What will Christ’s servants be doing when He comes?

“Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching.” Verses 35-37.

13. How general is the command to watch?

“And what I say unto you I say unto all, WATCH.” Mark 13:37.

Spotted a typo or a problem in this chapter? Tell us