the bible - Holy Bible Institute

LESSON No.1Keep this Bible Course in Your Bible and Use DailyTHEThe scriptures are not printed, as one ofthe purposes of this course is to encourageeverybody to bring his own Bible. Studentsplease bring your Bibles each week.Lesson ThemeBIBLEn Tim. 3:16, Ps. 119:105, Rev. 22:18-19.Teachers, encourage the use of the Bible byhaving the scr-ipture references read inclass. Give out the references before voustart teaching. .KEY WORD-"SALVATION." KEY VERSE-JOHN 3:16.KEY PHRASE-"HOW A LOST WORLD MAY HAVE EVERLASTING LIFE."Read the folIowing passages at home theweek preceding the lesson:Sunday-ScrLpture was given by God, 2Tim. 3:10-17.Monday-Treasuring God's ·Word. Deut.11:1-9.Tuesday--lHiding God's Word. 's. 119:9-18.Wednesday_Gad's Word a Lamp. Ps.119:105-117.Thursday-Scdptures as Food. Is. 55:1-11.Friday_Scri,pturewlII be Fulfilled. Luke24:36-45.Saturday-Nothing to be added. Rev.22: 8-·21.* * *NAME-The word "Bible" fro m theGreek word "Biblos" means "Book." Christ-Ians reverently calI it "Holy Bible." OurLord calId it "The Scriptures," Matt. 22:29. Paul called it the "Holy Scriptures,"Rom. 1: 2. also "The Word of God," 2 Cor.4:2.The word "Testament" means "Covenant,"so we have the Old Testament whichcontains the Covenant and its outworkings,w'hich God gave to Israel, and the NewTestament which contains the Covenant ofGrace which came through Jesus Christ.The Old Testament was written mostly inHebrew, and the New Testament whofly inGreek.WRITERS---At least 40 (from the timeof Moses 1500 B. C. to John the Apostle 97A. D.) and the authorship is wonderful. Itwas written by 'kings and emperors, princesand poets, sages and 'philosophers, fishermenand statesmen. By men learned in thewisdom of Egypt. educated in the schoolsof Babylon, trained at the feet of rabhis inJerusalem, It was written by men in exile,in the desert, an-d in shepherds' tents, amidgreen pastures and beside still waters. Theman who wr-ote one book had no communicationwith the men who wrote the otherbooks. 'How did these men, writing independently,produce such a book. 2 Peter1: 21. Obher books get out af date in fiftyYears. Why does this book Ilve on throughthe ages and keep abreast of mightiestthought? Mark 13:31.PURPOSE OF THE BIBLE: To recordthe divine religlon which God gave to man.Particularly to reveal the sinfulness ofman, the holiness and love of God and thesupreme revelation of that love III JesusChrist. Also to reveal the eternal doomthat awaits the wicked ana the everlastingstate of glory that awaits the redeemed.Great Facts.I. Books. II. Inspiration. III. Plan.Great Fact I. The Books of the Bible.There are 39 boo]

2 THE BIBLEinspired. Matt. 22: 29. 2 Tim. 3: 16. Thespirit of the inspiration breathes In everypage.a nd illuminates every word. "Behindand beneath the Bible, above and beyondthe Bible is the God of the Bible."The Spi: it of God so influenced the mindsof the writers that they recorded withouterror a prog resstve revelation from God toman.That the Bible is fully inspired, andtherefore divine, is seen from the followingfacts:1. Hundreds of tablets and ancient recordsunearthed in Bi'ble lands testify to the accuracyof Bible history.2. No other sacre-d writings give such asatisfying scheme O'f redemption, and sUcha scientific account of creatlon. In thewords "God hangeth the world upon not'hing," Jab 26:7, scripture teaches thatthis earth is a planet, floating in space,whereas in the writings of the Hindus t!Ieyclaim that the earth rests upon the backsof four huge elephants, and they upon thebacke of four huge turtles, and they uponthe 'backs of four huge snakes, so _it iswhen either of these shake themselves that'We get earthquakes! Many similar illustrattonscould be given!3. Scripture is a testimony to Itself, Is.8: 20. That the very words of the originalGreek or Hebrew were inspired, is assertedagaln an-d again. 2 Pet. 1: 21. 2 Tim. 3:'16.Matt. 5: 18. Also there are no less than 333prophecies in the O. T. concerning theearthly life of Christ. These were writtencenturies berore they were fUlfilled. Whata ridiculous display of human ignorancethey would have revealed if they had notbeen inspired! As a contnast, take the manypredictions as to the end of the age, madein recent years.4. The testimony of Christ. He spent thewhole of his ministry expounding the O.T. scriptures. That He believe-d them to beinspired and without error is seen fromMatt. 5:18, John 10:35. Furthermore, it isgenerally admitted that no set of men couldhave written such a wonderful life in theGospels of an imaginary Christ. He mustha ve IiI'Cr! and been all that the Bible picturesHim to be. But if He did live, thenthe Bible is true for Christ and the Biblestand or fall together!* * * *Great Fact m The Plan all through theBible.(F'ol lowlng Collett.)1. The Bible begins, as we would expectit to, with God, Gen. 1: I, 'but It ends withman, the last of God's creations. Rev. 22:21. But in the middle verse of the Bible,Ps, 118: 8, God and man separated by sin sofar a-part, are brought together. This indicatesthat the purpose of the written Word,is the same as that of the LiVing Word(Chrlst ), to bring God and man together.2. The Old Testament begins with God,Gen. 1: 1. The New Testament ,begins withChrist, Matt. 1: 1.3. In the Old Testament we have chieflya revelation of God the Father, In the Gospels.of Gcd the Son; in the Acts, of Godthe Holy Spirit; and in the Epistles, of thefull Trinity, Father, Son and Holy Sptrlt.4. The History of the Bible takes us backinto what woul-dotherwise be the unknownpast. The prophecies take us forward intowhat would otherwise be the unknown future.The spiritual teaching of the Bibleleads us into what would otherwise 'be anunknown salvation and character.5. From Adam to Abraham we have thehistory of the human race, Ifrom Abrai:!amto Chrfst, the history of the chosen race;but from Ghrist on, we have the history ofneither the human race, nor the chosenrace, but of the churches of the Ilvtng God.6. In E-denwe had one law given to man.-jbut it was broken. At Sinal the wholelaw was given to man--Jbut was 'broken.However, the God-man came to earth andperfectly kept the law for man, so that atthe judgment it should not be a witnessagainst him.7. The Old Testament deals chiefly withthe law, yet it nevertheless contains muchof grace Is. 53. The New Testament dealschiefly with grace. yet it establishesLaw. Rom. 3:31.the8. The law came ,by Moses, but gracecame by Jesus Christ. John 1: 17. In !keePingwith this first miracle of Moses wasthe turning of the water into blood, 'a typeof death. Ex. 7: 19. While the first miracleof Christ was the turning of the water intowine. John 2: 1-11, a type of life andstrength.9. There is a distinct iplan in the individualbooks of the Bible, for example: InGenesis we have the sacrifice tor the individual-Abel.In Exodus, for the household-the Passover, In Levlt icus, for the nation.In John, for the world. -10. There is progress also in the teachingsof the gospels, for Matthew closeswith the Resurrection, Mark with the Asoenslon,Luke with the ,promise of theSpirit, and John speaks of His Second Coming.11. There is a divine order In the epistles,for James Is the epistle of WORKS,Pau l's of FAITH, Peter's ('f HOPE, andJohn's of LOVE!12. Comparing the beginning of theBible with the end, we have:

EXODUS 5Second in order that God might have achannel through whom the promised Delivere:'might came.Third, in erder that his chosen peoplemig-ht be a witness on earth to the othernationsGoo made a sevenfold covenant withAbr-aham that he should be the father ofa great nation and a company of nationsand be a blessing to all the world. Gen.12:1-4; 48:19.By faith Abraham was about to offer upIsaac as sacrfflce but God miraculouslydeli ve red Issac,Isaac's son Jacob succeeded his father inthe Covenant relationshIp with God. Hisname was changed to Israel because of hisfaith and power in prayer. Thus we get thename .by which God's chosen people werecall e-d, viz: Israelites.God permitted Jacob's son Joseph to besold into Egypt, 'and J'acob's family tolater follow him there in order that when agreat tamtne prevailed, the Israelttesmight find food, and at the same time, keepthemselves as a separate people for God touse later.LESSON. God is choosing some and settingaside others.Idolators are put behind God's back b'utbelievers 'are traine-d in His hand for noblerservice.Questions on the Lesson (Genesis)1. What does the name Genesis mean?2. Why was it given this name?3. Were there any inspired writingsprier to Moses?4. By whom, when, and where wasGenesis written?5. Gi\'e the key 'Word and Key Verse.6. Name the Great Facts.7. Tell in your own words the story ofthe book.8. How long a period does the bookcover?9. W,hat does creation teach about Godand man?10. Who was the author of sin and whatwas its nature?11. What scripture tells us that Godsent a Deliverer according to the covenantHe made with man?12. How were Noah and his family savedbom the flood?13. W,hat lesson does the Ark teach?14. How do you account for the originof different nations and languages?15. Give the names of Noah's sons 'andthe races of which they were the ancestors.16. \Vho were the four patr larchs t ,17. Why did God choose a special people?1S. After whom were the Israelitesnamed?Lesson No, 3-Make this course your daily Bible guide.Lesson ThemeEXODUSExodus 1 :7-14.KEY WORD-"REDEMPTION." KEY VERSE-EXODUS 3: 10.KEY PHRASE-MAN IS REDEEMED OtTTOF THE WORLD:'Home Readings.Read the whole of Exodus this week. Ifnot then the .following selections:Sunday-Bondage, Ex. 1: 7-22.Monday-Moses Call, 3: 1-10.Tuesdav-First Plague, 7: 14-25.WedI1e~day- Passover, 12:1-14.Thursday-Ten Commandments, 20:1-17.Friday-Tabernacle. 25: 1-9.Saturday-High Priest, 28: 1-14.* * * *NAME means DEPARTURE, or goingout. The book is given this name becauseit relates the dellverance of the chiInrenof Israel from bcnrln ge in Egypt. Theyhad been in l

6 EXODUSbe destroved and they hid Moses threemonths. Afte~being raised as the son' ofPha:oah's daughter, Moses forsook Egypt,went tc the Arabian desert as a shepherd,and after 40 years there he was oalled atthe Burning Bush to lead Israel out ofEgypt. Because of the obstinacy of Pharoah,power was given Moses to send 10plagues on Egypt. The tenth plague wasthe climax when the first born ef man andbeast was 'destroyw among the Egyptians.The Israelites, to commemorate their mercifuldeliverance instituted the Passoverfeast. The Israelites were led through alltheir difficulties to Sinai. and God 'providedmanna and clothing fer His people in thewilderness. At Sinai God gives the TenCommandments, the Ceremonial Laws andcertain civil laws that were to be the basisof their social life. God also instructs themin the building of the Tabernacle, and setsup the Priesthood.* * * *Great Facts. I. Bondage, Chs. 1 and 2,The Israelites entered Egypt while theirkinsman Joseph, was a r-uler there. Whilehe Iived they were happy and prosperous,but later, a change of dynasty took place,an-I the new government viewed their increasingnumbers with alarm and jealousy.They were oppressed in every way by hardlabor and cruel taskmasters. They wereused as slaves to construct .great monumentalbufldtngs and cities, the ruins of whichmay Ibe seen today. An attempt was madeto destroy all male children of the Israelites.Sata n who is a murderer from the'beginning shewed his cunning and vowerthis way. He desired to destroy the seedof Abraham, so 'as to make the coming ofthe Promised One Imposstble. T,he murderof Abel was the first attempt. Here is aneffort on R larger scale, which was followedby many others.LESSON-Egypt is a type of the world.Pharoah is a type of the pr inee of thisworld. The bondage of sinners still undeliveredis 'pictured .here, God is ever listening,for the sighs for dellvere.nce, A hatredof bondage opens the way for redemptionby blood and power.* * * *Great Fact II. The Birth and Call of Moses,Chs. 3 and 4.Moses was a descendant of Levi, thethird son of Jacob. Moses was in dangerof death, but his mother prepared an Arkof bulrushes, which reminds us of the salvationprovided 'by Noah's Ark. Thus Mosesis saved by faith which depended uponGod's Word and God's ilower. Name Mosesmeans "Saved from water."The devil is foiled again, {or while Satanwas using Pharoah to destroy Israel, Godwas using Pha roah's daughter to Daise upa delivererAfte:' 40 years in Egypt, Moses becamean eXile in the desert of Midian, and in thequietness of the desert, and beneath themajesty of the mountains, he was preparedto 'be a vessel fit for the Mastera use.Thus all great men in communion withtheir Lord, are trained for servtce,At Burning Bush near Sinai, God calledMoses to be the deliverer of Israel. It wasa thorn bush, and thorns being the resultaif sin it typifies the sinfulness and worthlessnessof the 'people. Fire is a symbol oftheir suffering and trbbulatfon, All the flresof persecution could not consume Israel.This is true of the Bible, the church andthe Christian.* * * *Great Fact III. The Plagues, Chs. 7-11.Because of Pharoah's refusal to let God'speople gO, and because he hardened hisheart, God sent 10 plagues upon him lUIfollows: .1. Water turned into blood. 2. Frogs. 3.Lice. 4. Flies. 5. Mrurr-ain. 6. Boils. 7. Hail.8. Locusts. 9. Darknss for three days. 10.Death of first-born.The book of Revelation tells us that, after,believers have 'been caught 'UJP atChrist's second coming that another stateof plagues will come upon the earth-alsothat the rejectors of Christ. like Pharoah,will harden their hearts, and thus ripen forthe day of wrath.* * * *Great Fact IV. The Passover, Ch. 12.[n the dreadful night when the angel destroyedthe flrst-iborn of man and beastamong the Egyptians, the blood of a slainlamb en the door-posts of the Israeliteswas the sign for the death-angel to passover and spare those homes. In commemorationof this merciful deliverance, ISraelever afterwlar'dscele'brated the PassoverFeast.It is the ful.lest tY'peof Redemption in theOld Testament. It meant: 1. Escape fromdeath. 2,. Deliverance from ibondllige.3. Entranceinto Canaan-symbolizing our salvation,both from the guilt and power ofsin, and rest in the lliullness. of Christ. ItWas not character, but the wpplication ofthe blood, that was required. Titus 3: 5.* * * *Great Fact V. The Law, ca. 19-24.Israel, numbel'ing two million souls, nowassembles in the wilderness at Sinai to worshipJehovah, and to receive the law.The Law is divided into three parts: 1.The Moral Law in the Ten Commandments.2, The Ceremonial Law in the ordinanceand priesthood. Together they formone religious system, calted the Law.The Ceremonial Law was a provlsio~ of

8 LEVITICUSNAtvn,-The hook is called Leviticus becauseIt gives fu lIy the functions of theLe vi tosnacle.who ministered about the Taber-As soen as the Law, which shuts out manf;om God was given ; provlsion was madefor access t o God apart from the Law altogether.In this book the way of access isset before us. Therefore it might also becaIled "the book of access to God."AUTHOR-God is the author of thisbook through Moses. More than any otherbook in the Bible it consists of the words ofGoo. Fifty-six times in the twenty-sevenchapters in the declaration made, "AndGod spoke to Moses."Time of writing, about 1490 B. C. Writtenat SInai. Covers a period of a month,when Israel was at Sinai.'PURPOSE-To record the iaws concerningthe sacrifices and crdtnances, whichwere to govern the priests in the serviceof the Tabernacle. Ceremonies were ,prescribedthat were to teach the guilt' ofman. and the holiness of Goo. The food andsanitary regulations were to be -distinctivemarks cf a chosen people. Everything inthe ;book has a spiritual significance. TheEpistle to the Hebrews should be read' inconnection with it. for there we learn thatthe ,Law was a shadow of good things tocome.L, the Gospel realities!STORY OF THE BOOK-Here the Lordgives His people instructions concerningthe different sacrifices and offerings. Anaccount is given of the consecration ofAaron and his feIlow priests. and howthey began their priestly 'functions. Thencomes the juodgmenet upon Nadad andAbihu for presenting strange fire-a sin ofpresumption. God demands holiness !fromHis redeemed people, so the record is givenof the Day of Atonement, Differentfeasts are divinely appointed, and the Sabbath.Sa,bbatic Year and the Jubilee Yearare instituted.* * * *Great Facts. I. Sacrifices. II. Consecration.III. Holiness. IV. Feasts. V. Institutions.Great Fact. I. Sacrifices. Chs. 1·7.The Burnt, Meal, Peace, Sin and TrespassOfferings.1. The Burnt offering presented the ideaof an atonement, and provided the way forreconciliation with God.2. The Meal offering was a Thanksgiving'offering.3. The Peace offering repersented fellowshipand communion with God.4. The Sin offering suggests Christ onthe Cross in the sinner's stead.5. T'he Trespass offering reminds 'liS thatChrist also atoned for the trespasses wecommit against others.All of the offerings of the Old Testamentfall under one of these five heads. The ot-Ierin g of buttock, sheep. 'goat, turtle dovecor pigeon. was determined by the ability ofthe offerer.These sacrifices did not in themselvessatisfy God. They were object lessons to a.people in spiritual youth, and .poiuted tothe .person and sacrfftca of the Lord JesusChrist.LESSON-Because cf the holiness of Godman in his sin is excluded from His presenceand can be accepted only on theground of the shed blood of the divine sacrifice.* * * *Great Fact n. The Consecration of thePriests. Chs. 8-10.No one was perrnttt.ed to bring his ownoffe~ing to God. it was necessary for apriest to stand between man and God.Neither could the priest consecrate themsetves. it was done by Moses. acting ,forGod. All that the priests could do was topresent themselves. So with 'us, see Romans12: 1.When the prfeata presented themselvesthey were cleansed. clothed, annointed,their hands fiIIed, and fOOd given themthe very experience of the believer. 'LESSON_Christ is not on~y our Savior,but OUrHi,gh Priest. He and He alone, Isthe only one a,ppointed to stand betweenthe sinner and God. We approach God to--day, not by means of any Ipriest on earth,but through our great High Priest, evenJesus, who is now at the right hand of theFather.* * * *Great Fact m. Holiness Demanded.Chs. 11-22.The wore "Holy" occurs 87 times, andhas reference to 1. Food, 2. Disease, 3. PersonalHabits.One reason for those laws concerned theihealth 'and morals of the people. Only thatwhich was clean in the divine estimate wasto be their toed. So God presertbes HisWord as the most suita.ble spiritual foodfor His redeemed people.Another reason points to the design ofGcd to keep Israel a separate nation. TheHoly One demands that His people, WhomHe has redeemed and made high, must bea holy people.Chapter 16 is the great Atonement ohamterof the Bible. On the Day of Atonementand only on this day of the year, the HighPriest entered the Holy of Holies, He alsotransferred the sins of the people to thescapegoat, Which bore them away into thewilderne,s-, a, type of the work of Christ.He not only lays down his Ilfe Ifor our sins,but .hears them away. so that they can nevermorehe round, Isaiah 43: 25.

Great Fact IV. The Feasts, Ch. 23.Feasts of Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles,and Trumpets.The Passover was nel-t in the sprlng, andcommemorated the saving of the first-bornin Egypt. It Iaste-I one day and was rmmedtat.elyfollowed by the feast of UnleavenedBread (seven days). making togatherone feast of eight days.The Passover typifies redemption, andthe Unleavened Bread a Holy walk, Gal.5: 7-9.Pentecost was observed 50 nays after thePassover. and was a hind of Harvest Homeservice. The first-fruits were then laidupon the altar, 25: 21. It was 50 days af.tarChrist's resurrection, that the early Christianhad the Day of P'entecost. when theHoly Spirit came upon the church.The Feast of Trumpets was the NewYear's day of the civil year, and began a-bout the first of October. This feast is 'propheti,caland points to the ,~uture regatheringof dispersed Israel.The Feast of TaJbernacles was held in theFall and lasted 7 days. It commemoratedthe 40 years spent in the wttdemess. Itwas observed illy living outdoors in ~)oothsand huts, and by special offerings. Thefeast looked forward to the Mlllenium,when Israel will keep the feast with rejoicing,Zecharia.h 14.• * * •Great Fact V. The Institutions. Ch. 25.1. The Sa1bbath was the seventh day. ofthe weok, and was a day of rest 'and worship,celelbrating the finished work of creation.Christians keep the first day of theweek. ,beca:useour Lord rose from the deadon that day, we thus celebrate the finishedwork of redemption.2. The Sabbatic Year was every seventhLesson No.5-GodNUMBERS 9year, which was to be a sabbath of restfor the land. 25: 4. It did the land good tolie tallow one year in seven. It remindedIsrael of Go·d's ownership and their stewardship.It qutckened their trust andt hauksg ivlng. The neglect of this law wascne of the c~\U;;esof captivity.3. The .Jubilee Year was every fiftiethyear, 25: 10. Individuals who had gotten intobondage were freed and land that hadbeen seized from its right,ful owner fordebt had to be returned. No syndicate wasto own vast tracts of land.This typifies the final restoration of Israel,thei7 lands, and the restitution of allthings at the eoming of the Lord, Acts3: 21.ALL THROUGH THIS WONDERFULBOOK we see that sacrifice alone is thebasis and .holtness the garment necessaryfor the sinner in his approach to God.* * * •Questions on the Book.1. Why was the book given the name o.fLeviticus?2. By whom. when and where wrltten'l3. Nnme the Key Verse and Key Word.4. Have you read your Home Readings?5. Name the Great Facts.G. Name the tl ve o,rferfn~s.7. To whom did t.he sacrifice ,point?8. What lessons do we learn from thesacrifices?9, Could a man bring his own sacrifice?11. What does God presertbe as spiritualfcod? -12. Tell what you know about the Dayof Atonement. .13. Name the Institutions.14. Why do we celebrate the first dayof the week?15. Tell about the Sabbatic year.16. What is the Jubflee Year, and whatdoes it typify?expects you to know your Bible.Lesson ThemeNUMBERSNumbers 1 :18-20.KEY WORD-"JOURNEYINGS." KEY VERSE-32:2.KEY PHRASE-"MAN' GOES TO SCHOOL TO GOD."Home Readings. tel' one, and arterwarrls at Moab, Cha.pterThe whole book of Numbers or:26. It is also the book of the wildernessSunllay--9: 15-23, The Guiding Cloud. journeyings of Israel. It is the story fromMonday-13:Tuesday-16:26-33. Reports of Spies.1-11 Gainsaying.Sinai to the plains of Moab.AUTHOR--Moses. Time or writing aboutWednesday-20:1-13. 'Wate!' Ifrom Rock. 1450 B. C. Coven, period from 1490 toThursday-21:1-19. Brazen Serpent. 1450 B, C. About 40 years.Frioday-22:1-12. Balaam. PUHPOSE_Tog!\'e an account of theSa.turday-35: 6-15. Cities of Hefuge. p:'nvirlentta l care or the Almighty over theNAl\1E--This book Is called Numbers Ibe- I~raelit"s during their wanderings in thecause It is 'an account of the double num!b- wilderness and the temptations and mUTeringor the people, first at Sinai, Chap- murings t licre, hy which they Iprovoked and

NUMBEllS 11Great Fact IV. Water from the Rock.Ch.20.Israel gets in distress because cf theshortage of water and b.itterly murmured,against Moses and Aaron. God recoc nlzedtheir need and bade Moses to speak to arook and it should give forth water. Moses,however, stung by the reproaches of thepeople, and in fit of anger and unbelief,called the people rebels and smote therock He therefore was rorbidden too enterthe land of Canaan and died later on Mt,Nebo..LESSON-Even saints do not standevery test, the best of men make mistakes,but God is so impartia,l that even "friendflof God" like Moses are punished for theiralns, Christ, like the rock, was once smfttenfor our sin and like this rock needsnot 'be smitten again....* * ...Great Fact V. The Brazen Serpent. Ch. 21.Irael now battles with the Canaanites,and fretful 'because they have to marcharound the land ()

12 DEUTERONOMYLesson No.6-Bringyour Bible to Bible class lor leading the Scriptures.Lesson ThemeDEUTERONOMYDeut. 11 :18·28.KEY WORD-"OBEDIENCE." KEY VERSE-ll :26-28.KEY PHRASE-"BLESSINGS COME THROUGH OBEDIENCE."Home Readings.Whcle of Deuteronomy or:Sunday-c-Orders to March, Deut. 1: 6-13.MondaY-Gad's Care, Deut. 1: 29-40.Tuesday-c-Instructton, Deut. 6: 6-18.Wednesday--8eparatiol'l, 7: 1-8.Thursday_Gad's Requirements, 10:12-22.Frid'ay-The Covenant, 30:1-10.SaturdaY-Song of Moses, 32:1-10.* * * *NAME-Means Second LawaI" secondgiving of the Law. It Isa, summary of thewhole law and wisdom of Israel, Ibut omittingthe things which relate to the priestsand Levltes, includes only such things asthe people generally are required to know.The beak might be caned the Book of Review.Deuteronomy is noteworthy becauseit furnished our Lord with the three scr1ptureswith which He defeated Satan in Hiswilderness temptation. (Matt. 4:4) viz:Deut. 8:3, 6:16, 10:20.Author-Moses. (The last chapter relatingMoses' death is by Joshua.) Place:The Plains of Moab. Date about 1450 B.C. Time covered in the .book is about twomonths, including thirty days O'f mourningfor Moses. .The first five bocks of the Old Testamentare called the Pentateuch, meaningfive books. They were all written 1500-1450 B. C. Moses was the writer but notthe author. Over five hundred times in thePentateuch occur such expressions as "TheLord spoke." and "God said," etc. The divineauthor was the Holy Spirit.PURPOSE~To review the journeyingsof the children of Israel to a new generationof the people, to rehearse the covenantlaws and to impress upon the peoplethe blessing of obedience and the curse ofdisobedience.* * * *Great Facts. I. Remembrance. II, Teaching.III, Pleading, IV. Covenant, V. Farewell.Great Fact I. Remembrance. Chs. 1·3.Israel is stilI in the wilderness. hut theforty years of wanderings are almost ended.In a month they are to cross over theJordan. Moses realizing that he must soondie. called the people togther and gavethem five wonderful addresses to preparethem for 'possessing the land.In the first address Moses reviews tlieirwanderings and reminds them of God'sfaithfulness in that the Lord God has beenwith them and that2:7.they laeked nothing,In tender language he likens God to aFather and a nurse who cal'lried His childrenas little ones, lest they should Ibe hurtin the wiloderness, inj'ured Iby the heat orlost in the darkness. Thus to them Godwas a cloud by da.y and 'a Ipillar of fire byntght, In spite of their frequent faults 'andfailures, God's constant care embracedevery need of their lives for He led, fed,clothed, kept, and !brought them to theirdesired haven,LESSON-No one can review the historyof Israel wlthoutbelng iIlllPressedwiththis thought. How man tries God and howGod Ibears with man.Precious verses: 1:11; 1:3-31; 2:7; 4:2.* * * *Great Fact II. Teaching the Law, Ch. 4-26.In M02es' second address he teaches theTen Commandments to the new generationand Shows that they are the basis of rightltvtng (chapters 5 and 6). He then impressesthe duty to avoid 'all idolatry andthe need of humbleness before God thatthey may not fall into the sin of self-righteousnessand be destroyed as were theirfathers, (,chapters 7 to 11). He then -remindsthe people that there is only onesanctuary and warns them against falseprophets. Laws as to clean animals andtithing are given. Feasts of the Passoverand the Talberna,cles are emphasized becausethey SlPeakof the redemption' andregathering of God's people.,The priest's due from the 'people is given,18:3, Rules as to who should go to war. inquests,divorce, social and domestic relations,and as to crimes against society areall proclaimed.LESSON-The world could not be run'wit,hout God and His Iaws, So long as Israelsought to keep God's law He wate}ledover them Ifor good land prospered them,God's. Iaws are meant to keep us fromharming ourselves and hurting others.Obedience to them creates moral and eptr-Hual uprightness and 'gives peace, hop.and power.

JOSHUA 13Great Fact III. Pleading forObedience, Chs. 27-28.In Moses' t h lrd address he pleads forobedience because, 1. It will ma1gnify andlPerpetuate God's law; 2. Enable them toenter into a larger inheritance. Every daythey tarried outside the land there weremore enemies to overcome and more blessingswould be missed; 3. Provide cause "forrejoicing. "Thou shalt rejoice before theLord thy God." Active co-operation withthe divine will is necessary to our soul'ssalvation.LESSON-Gad's obedient people have aclear conscience, they know they 'are pleasingGod. They enjoy what they have as theloving gifts of 'a father's hand. They de-Ught to use what they have for Him. The,yknow that .betng shaped by His providencethey are becoming better, wiSer and holier.* * * *Great Fact IV. The PalestineCovenant, Chs. 29-30.iMoses now reminds the people of thecovenant, God gave to A1braham and renewedat SInai, that they should inherit theland. !However, he warns them, and foretellsthat dtsobedlence would ibring nisl,?erslons,but if when dispersed among the na,ttons, they should repent, then God wouldgather them again. The can version of theJews and the restoration of their land lireboth guaranteed in the covenant, and jud,gmentwill 'be meted out to Israel's oppressorsand natural prosperity restored to Israel.All of this at our Lord's secon-d coming,Acts 15:16.LESSON~Let us pray for the restorationof God's people to their land. Watchthe movements of Gon's province andheed the cautions of Rom. 11:12-15. Thecasting off of Israel has meant the reconciliationof the world, but the Gentilesmust exercise humble faith or they 'toomay be cast off.Great Fact* * * *V. Moses' Farewell andBenediction, Chs. 31-34.The nnal words of Moses are full cf tendernessand affection. He stood. a hundredan-I twenty years old, a witness to thegrace of God. His eye was not dlm nOI hadhe any marks of

14 JOSHUANAME-~hls book Is named for its author,th e -principal character-Joshua. Hewas born In Egypt in slavery and carne outat the Exodus, All through the Journey-Ings he was the co-laborer of Moses, everloyal to his leader, and one Gf his mosttrusted and valiant captains.AUTHOR-Joshua. The elders who outlivedhim wrote the account of his death.Time of writing about 1425 B. C. Eventscover pe;-iod 1450-1425 B. C.-25 yeal's.From the crossing of the Jordan to thedeath of Joshua and the dtvidtng of theland among the tribes.PURPOS'E-To give an account of thesettlement of the chil-dren of Israel in Canaanthus proving the faitMulness of GodIn fulfilling the covenant with Abraham,that his seed should ,possess the landIt stands in somewhat the same relationto the Pentateuch as The Acts OIfthe A~os.ties to the Gospels While the Pentateuchgives the origin and principles of Judaismand the Gospels those of Christianity, inthe books of Joshua and of Acts we seethess principles in action.* * * *Great Facts. I. Spying. II. Crossing. m.Conquering. IV. Retreating. V. Renewing.VI. Dividing.LESSON-The scarlet line epea3!;11ofsafety through sacriffce, Hebrew 9: 19-22.Rahab livimg in a condemned city was notsaved by her charaetar but 'by her faith.* * * *Great Fact II. Crossing the Jordan,Chs. 3-4.Guided now, not ,by the pillar of fire, but'by the Ark (Goo's presence remains withthem although the sign of It has been withdrawn).Israelptepares to cross the Jordaninto the Promised Land. It was a momentouscrlsla in her history, so God, as at theRed Sea, dams back the water and the peoplepass over dry shod. As a memoriai ofthis divtne favor, Joshua. commanded a manof each tribe to take a rock from the !bedofthe river and set up the stones us a monumentalfthanksgtvtng,LESSON-Gratitude in the Old Testamentwas testified 'by outward signs. Therewas circumcision, Passover, etc.-all memorlalsof God's love. Memorials stir UJPquestions and prevent past history fromsinking Into oblivion. Thus our Independenceland Thanksgiving davs. The Lord'sSupper Is our spiritualstone of remembrance.It was ordained to refresh ourmemories of, and warm our cold hearts" to,Calvary.* * * *Great Fact m. Conquering Enemies.Chs.5-8.Great Fact I. Spying the Land. Before advancing on Jericho, IS1"aelwasChs.I-2.commanded to renew the covenant of circumcisionwith Jehovah, land to keep theAfter 40 years of wandering in the wildernessbecause of unbelief, the Israelites this feast must have assured them 'of Goo'.Passover. How the Iblessed memories ofcame to the east si-deof the Jordan, and are !presence and power against their presentabout to cross over and ,possess the bind. foes. Jericho is now beseiged for sevenJoshua has succeeded Moses and is Ill. man days. Each day for six d'ays the .city wasof -great 'faith. courage land fidelity in "the marched around by the ,fighting men precededby the A1"kearrted !by the priests.discharge of his leadership.The Canaanites were the descendants of On the seventh -day the city was c0IDil!assedseven times. The priests blew the trum-Oanaan, one of the Sons of Ham. Tp.eyoceupted Canaan and were utterly wicked pets, the people shouted, the walls of theand depraved and had fallen into heathenismand vice. God warned them in the de-were destroyed except Rahab and her fami-city fell down and all of the inhabitantsstruction of Sodom and Gomorrah but they ly. All.Israel did was to carry out simplydid not heed. He is now about to destroy and faIthfUlly the directions of God andthem and give their land to ISMel. Tilleir they won a corn:plete Victory.destruction was both a punishment to them LESSON-SpiritUialvictories are won byand a protection to other peooplesaround ways and means that seem utterly :foolishthem.to the wisdom of the world, 1 Cor. 1: 17-29.Joshua, who had bsen one of the twelve The wa;1lsof Jericho like thehindroances inspies, now sends two spies to view the land OIUrlife are terrifying but they cannotand particularly Jericho. Rahab, who had withstand the Lord and CHispower.heard of the wonderful miracles W"rQ'UIght!for Israel, prayed for mercy for herself and* * * *her 'father's house, hid the spies, helped Great Fact IV. Retreating from Ai.them over the .city walls and -placed searletrope in .her window so that her homeChs.7-8.might be Identified and spared when the Joshua now sends his men against acity was destroyed.much smaller and weaiker place--Ai onlyto retreat in sore confusion. T.here 18 •traitor in the camp-Achan who aJthoughforbidden to ~o 80, had taken' a goodly

JOSHUA . 15Bahylontsh garment, 200 shekels cit silverand a wedge of gold from the apolls ot Jer-Icho, bringing disaster upon himself andothers.LESSON-Unjudged and unforglven sinin the believer or in the churches causesmuch weakness and Injury, We need topray, Ps. 139: 23-24.* * * •Great Fact V. Renewing the War.Chs.9-12.The second time in battle, Israel triumphsover Ai, .makes a treaty with theGibeonites who ,played a trick on them, androuts the alIied army of five kings with thehelp of a great hail storm and miraculously-prolonged daylight. When Joshua said theBun stood still it is his way of stating thephenomenon that, in answer to the prayer,God stopped the earth from rotating on itsaxis ror 24 hours. Prof. Totten of Yale haspublished calculations to show that oneday in the earth's history was 48 hourslong. Mark 11: 23-24.The name Jerusalem Is mentioned for theItlrst time in the Bible. It has since becomethe most famous place in the world and theCrusaders shed rivers of blood trying tocapture it.The kings of the north formed a secondconfederacy but in divine might Joshuaovercomes them all, and the land restedfrom war.LESSON-The destruction of the Canaanitesis a forshadowing of the greatdestruction that shall surely come upon thewicked.• * * •Great Fact VI, Dividing the Land.Chs. 12-24.Nine and one-half tribes have their ':1201'-tion on the west side of the Jordan, and,two and one-half on the east side. (Reu-Ilenites and Gadites and half tribe of Mannaseh.)The Cities of Refuge mentioned in Numbersand Deutoronomy are now set up."Then the Lord -gave them rest and "vlctOI"Y."There failed not ought of any goodthing the Lord had spoken." All God'spromises wlII in due time be made good.After eight years rest in the land Joshua,knowtng the time of his departure is athand, calls the people together and exhortsthem to be faithfUl, and warns themof the results of anostacy.The covenant is again renewed, and JoshuaIn memorable words calls upon Iuael"To choose you this day whom you willserve."He stands a noble and sublime figureamong them, and gives his testimony"That as for me and my house, we willserve the Lord." At the age of 110 Joshuadied. What a tribute to him that it is said"and Israel served the Lord all the daysof Joshua."LESSON-In view of all that God hasdone for us we ought reverently and heartilyto pledge ourselves to serve the Lord.Canaan with all its treasures speak to usof the Christian's present inheritance. Victorymust come before enjoyment.• ... ... *Questions on the Lesson.1. Why was this book named Joshua?2. WJ1erewas he born, and in what capacitydid he serve Jesus?3. Give the purpose of the book,4. How much of the 'book did you readlast week?5. Tell the relationship of the book ofJoshua to the Pentateuch.6. Give the key word and key verse.7. Name the great facts.8. What two ends were served by thedestruction 'of the Canaanites.9. What did Rahab do ifor the twospies?10.11.12.13.O. T.Of what does the scarlet line speak?By what is Israel now guided?What sort of memorial was Slit up?How was gratitude expressed in the14. What is our spiritual stone of remembrance?15. Tell how Jericho was beselged.16. How are scriptural victories oftenwon?17. Who was a traitor at AI, and whatdid he do?18. Could the God who made the sunmake it give prolonged light?19. What city Is now mentioned for thefirst time?20. How many tr lbes settled on east,and which on west?~l.What tribute was paid to Joshua?22. What ought we to ·pledge ourselvesto do?

16 JUDGESLesson No. 8 Bring your Bible to Bible Class for reading the Scriptures.KEYLesson ThemeJUDGESJudges 1 :16-23.WORD-"SERVITUDE." KEY VERSE-17:6 (Mentioned five times).KEY PHRASE-"ISRAEL'S BACKSLIDING FROM GOD."Home Readings.Whole of Judges or:Sunoday-Incomplete Victory, 1: 21-28.MondaY-Institution of Judges, 2: 16-23.Tuesday-Deborah and Barak, 4:4-24.We~lnesdaY-Gideon's Victory, 7: 16-25.Thursday-Jephthah's Vow, 11: 30-40.FridaY-·Samson·s wo-x. 15:14-20.Saturday-Micah's seie.wm. 17:1-6.* * * •NAME-The name was given to the 15judges who ruled Israel from the death ofJoshua to Saul the first 'kin'g of Israel. Twoof them Eli und Samuel, are not mentionedin this' 'book but in First Samuel. Sincecoming out o,f Egypt Israel had 'been underthe leadership of two great men-Mosesand Joshua. The tribes had common intrestsand met their common dangersunitedly. After the two :great leaders died,the tribes were scattered over the landand faced their problems and foes separately.Then as emergencies arose God wouldraise up Judges who would rally the peOlPleagainst their enemies. The Judge was acomb.nation of a military leader and re!ig~ious reformer. Often he led just a few of thetribes sometimes more than one Judge ruledat the same time. In this Ibook,the tribesrather than the nation are the view.AUTHOR-Samuel. Time of writingabout 1100 B. C. Events cover period 1425-1100 B. C., or 325 yars.PURPOSE-To give the' history of Israelduring the Dank Ages and to prove (hatthe troubles through which the people wentwere the consequences of their unfaith~ulnessto the covenant. Judges also ~etsforth the readiness of God to accept rep.en.tance and to grant deliverance.Two facts stand out-the frequent Ibacksltdrngsof Israel and the constant ,grace ofGod.'" * * '"Great Facts. I. Omission. U. Commission.III. Discipline, IV. Deliverance.Great Fact 1. Omission, Chs. 1-3.Six times it is declared that Israel drovenot ort the Canaanites. Through a lack ofvigorous effort and strict obedience to thecommand of God they failed to exterminatethese wicked people of the land. They toleratedtheir corrupt life, haihlts and reltgion,although they were out of harmonywith God's law. Toleration was folIowedin a rewvears by admiration, which was inturn followed by imitation. The Canaaniteswere a cause of future trouble and aconstant temptation to idolatry and immorality.Isrnel went to the land like a farmerestablishing himself on uncleared soil.He velears just enough to support himslfat 'first, leaving the rest as it was. When atribe was caught off its guard, these nativesswept down taking it capttvs andplacing it under bondage.LESSON_We must not neglect God'swill for worldly conveniences. It is dangrousto associate with evil company whenwe can avoid it. Ps. 1:1. The Canaanitesremaining in the land are a type o~ sinsremaining in the heart of the Christian.They IUI1kin the corners of life. By theHoly Spirit's 'presence and ,help let us drivethem aLIout.• * * '"Great Fact n. Commission of Sin ofIdolatry, Chs. 3-16.The sin of ommission is followed 'by thesin of commission, for the book recordsseven Ibac'kslidings, seven servitudes sandseven deliverances. Israel intermarried withthe heathen, worshipped their idols andfll'racticed their Vices. The one land thatshould have been free from idol 'groves andlheathen altars and corruption was in dangel'of being en,g'Ulfed.The very ,people who were called out byGod to end these abominattons were perpetuatingthem,LESSON-Social failure is rooted in religiousbackslidings.Israel's abandonmentof God was Ipunishw by God's 'aJbandonmentof Israel. This may seem a smallthing at first sight, but we see that withina short time their enemies overran the landand had them completely at theirmercy."Ve do not re 0 0gniZe as we should that weare guided and guarded by Divln-egoodnesshour by hour.• * * '"Great Fact Ill. Discipline in Servitude.God's diseipline of Israel was severe. Thehighways weI' e deserted, lawlessness

RUTH 17abounded, so that men had to find theirway 'by stealth to evade the highway robberswho fiUed the land. Some took re,fugein the caves, some were hunted upon themountains. Israel had bent its neek to thelow religion of the heathen, now it wasccm.pe lled to ];wnd its neck to the rule ofthe heathen.LESSON-Gad's punishments are alwayscurative, aimed at bringing people back toa consciousness of sin and of God. It issaid of the eagle, that when her youngones are full fledged and yet would preferto linger in downy ease, she breaks up thenest twig by twig, to urge her young toleave the nest and soar high amid the sanshineof heaven. Thy must fly or dIe.Thus God takes aWlay our comforts whenthey lead to our spiritual loss.• * • *Great Fact IV. Deliverance from Foes.The Judges were rough and rugged heroes.The seven greater were:Othniel who delivered the Israelites fromthe Mesopotamians.Ehud, who delivered the IsraeUtes fromthe Moabites.Shamgar, who delivered the Israelitesfrom the Phtllstlnes, -Debora.h and Barak, who delivered theIsralites from the 'Canaanites.Gideon, who delivered the Israelites fromthe Midianites.Jepthah, who delivered the Israelitesfrom the Ammonites.Samson, who delivered the IsraeUtes fromthe Philistines.Gideon was afraid of .himself ibut whenassured that God was on his side he thenwith 300 men, lamps and pitchers andtrumpets, gallantly triumphed over theg rca t a rrny of his enemies.Samson was the Hebrew Hercules. Hishirt h was announced by an angel. He wasa "azarite who constantly broke his sellarationvows, lIe was called of God to judgeIsrael yet did no abiding work because ofhis lack of consecration. He was, however,a. man of mighty faith in difficult times.LESSOX-Hepentance always brings deliverance.Over ('\'ery dark chasm swingsthe rope of salvation.Deliverance is the keynote in the "NewSong" of all the blood-bought millions onea: th and in heaven.• * * *Questions on the Lesson.1. \Vhy was this name given and howmany jud'ges were there?2. Who were Israel's two great leaders?3. What was a judge?4. Who wrote the book and how manyyears do the events cover?5. Give the 'purpose of the 'book.6. Give the key word and key verse.7. How much of the book did you readlast week?8. Name the great facts.9. What did Israel fail to do?10. Of what were the Canaanites acause?11. or what were the Oanaanltesmaining In the land a type,re-12. How many 'baekalldfnga and the results?13. In what Is social failure rooted?14. What do we often fall to recognize?15. At what are God's punishmentsaimed?16. What always brings deliverance?17. w;hy did. Samson fail to do anY'a'bldlng work?Lesson No. 9--Take your Bible to BIble class for reading the Scriptures.Lesson ThemeRUTHRuth 1 :6-18.KEY WORD-"DECISION." KEY VERSE-l :16.KEY PHRASE-"DECIDING FOR GOD."Home Readings.Sunday-----Choosing. Ruth, Chapter 1.Monday-Gleaning, Chapter 2.Tuesday-Resting, Chapter 3.'Vednesday-Hejoicing, Chapter 4.Thursday-Birth of Samuel, 1 Samuel1: 20-28.Fr idav-v-Samual In the Tabernacle, 1Bam. 3:1-18.Saturday-Ark taken, 1 Sam. 4:1-11.NAME-The book Is named for Its chiefcharacter-Ruth, a woman of Moab, whobecame an ancestress of the Messiah."AUTIlOR---SamueJ. Time of writing1100 n. C. T,he events probably occurredduring the rule of Gideon, 1249 B. C.T'h ls churrulng story should be connectedwith the ear ly chanters of Judges as itg lvs us II picture of life In Israel 'at thattime.

18RU'l'HPlJRPOSJ~-l. To estanllah the lineageof David. the ancester of ChrIst. 2. Theadoption of Ruth into the family of Israelis a prophecy of the adoption of the Gentilesinto Christ's family. The Moabite,shut out by law, is admitted by grace.3. To show t hat God knows all aboutour private affairs, and that "the steps ofthe righteous are ordered of the Lord,"* * * *Great Facts, I. Choosing. II, Gleaning,III. Resting. IV. Rejoicing.STORY OF THE BOOK. In the dayswhen the Judges ruled, a severe droughtdrove Elimelech and Naomi and their twosons from their home in Bethlehem, acrossthe Jo;'dan to the land of Moab. Here tlleirsens married Ruth and Orpah, women ofMoab. Elimelech and his sons died, leavingthe women to widowhood. In her lone-Iienss, Naomi returned to her native land.Before doing so she badea tender farewellto her daughters-in-law. and urged them toreturn to their fathers' homes. Orpah didthis, but Ruth, who had ibecorne '8. worship,per of the true God, replied in the matchlesswords of Ruth. 1: 16.Naomi and Ruth go to live In Bethlehem,a nd Ruth gleans in the wheat and barleyfield of Benz Later on, Boaz falls in lovewith Ruth and marries her. To the unionwas born Obe

could help, and this .grace is blessedly seenin Bouz. Great are the rejoicings of therighteous when they enter into all theprivileges cf redemption.'" * * ..Questions on the Lesson.1. After whom was the book named?why?2. By whom and when was the bookwritten?3. Give the three purposes of the book?4. Name the key word and key verse.5. Give the great tacts.6. Have yau read your Home Readings?I SAMUEL 197. What was Ruth at Ii:st. nnd whomdid she choose to serve?8. Ought we bid farewell to the world",hen we welcome the Senior?9. What did Boaz do to show kindnessto Ruth?10. How can we glean?11. Where is the only place of rest?12. Of what was plucking off the shoea tcken?13. Who was born to Ruth and Boaz,and what relation was he to David?14. Of what was the powe: less Redeemera type?15. What is a cause of rejoicing?Lesson No. lo-Everyone should read and study the whole Bible.Lesson ThemeI SAMUELI Samuel 8 :7-22.KEY WORD....J"MONARCHY," KEY VERSE-I SAM. 8 :5.KEY :PHRASE-"A KINGDOM FOR GOD."Home :Readings. only gently chided them for their greedAll ot First Samuel or: and immorality. He was therefore warnedSunday-Ark brought :blJiCk,1 Sam. 7: of the downfall of his house. Durfng the1-8. next Invasion of the Philistines. the Israel-Monday--Saul Annotnted, 10:1-7. Ites were !badly defeated. the Ark of GodTuesday-Samuel's Stewardship, 12:1- was captured and his sons both killed.15. When Ell learned this news. the shockWednesday- Saul'", self-will, 13: 1-10. killed him and he died at the age of 98.Thursday-David's Victory, 17: 31-51. He was a. good man and full of humil1tyFriday_Jonathan and Davtd, 18: 1-14. and Igentleness, Ibut weakand too indulgent.LESSON--Jnd'ulgent parents are cruel toSaturday-Jon'athan protects David, 20: themselves and to their children. National1-24. lite is grounded on the development ot theNAME-The two books of Samuel con- life of the family, theretore 'Parents shouldstitute one story and receive their name exercise due restraint over their children,trom Samuel because he is the iProminentand children should SUbmit to the restraintfigure and author of the first few chapters. at their parents. This will produce indus-AUTHOR-Samuel of the first 24 chap- try, virtue, contentment and success, in theters, and the prophets Nathan and Gad of Indtvldual Ufe and in the nation. Ex. 30: 12.the remainder. The writing was concluded '" * * •soon after Solomon's death aJbout 940 B. C. Great Men Il- Samuel, Chs, 3-16.Events cover period from 110'0-1017 B.C.,or 83 years.Samuel, a descendant of Levi, was bornPURPOSE-To .give the history of Israel at Ramah in answer to prayer. and wasunder the last two Judges--Eli and Sam- consecrated to God by his mother. He wasuel, and under their first king, Sa.ul. and the last of the judges and first ot the p_ro~to show why the government was changed phets. He was upright and fearless in histo a monarchy. administration. was founder of the school• *. of the prophets and of the monarchy. H·e is* one of the noblest figures in the Old Testa-Great Characters, I. Eli. Il- Samuel. ment, whose prtvate and public record wasill. Saul. IV. Jonathan. V. David. not marred bY one unworthy act. Mosesunder God was tounder of the Theocracy,Great Men, I. Eli. Samuel was the 'founder of the MonarchvThe ibook opens with Eli as both judge God had intended that Israel should 'beandpriest, the first time the offices ih-ad come a great nation under His own immedbeencombined in the history of Isreal. He iate reign. but Israel wanted to be likejudged the people for 40 years. His SODa the nations around them and have an earth-Hophni and Phlnehas, also 'priests. acted Jy king. The evil conduct of Samuel's sons.so outraaeouslr. that they excited the deep- who were deputy judges. encouraged thisest disgust. Eli did not sternly rebuke, but ambition. Samuel convened the nation at

20 I SAMUELMlzpeh. The Ark is returned to Israel after20 years. Saul is proclaimed king, and Samuelgives an account of his administrationand charges the people to fear the Lord.LESSON-Samuel's exalted characterwas due to his being established in reltgiousprinciples in early life. He became amodel of integrity in office. He never enrichedhimself nor sought the praise. ofmen.Let us always choose men for public officewho have a like standard of honor andjustice. .* * * •Great Men III. Saul, Chs. 9-31.It was prophesied in Deut. 17: 14-20 thatIsrael should have a king. God, however,did not intend him to 'be an autocratic buta theocratic king, acting always under divineguidance. Saul. to Israel, was a manafter Israel's own heart, so after Samuel union of !feeling on all subjects, accompanledby appreciation and affection.had annointed him ,privately, he was acceptedpublcly, He was a tall, brave, modestman and made a splendid start. He soonDavid's life will 'be considered in thenext lesson.however, manifested much of self-will, for• * * •he intruded on the priest's office and dis- Questions on the Lesson.obediently spared the spoils of the Amale- 1. Why did the booikreceive its name?kites, and therefore was rejected of God. 2. Who were the authors, when writ-An evil spirit now troubles Saul so that ten, how many years covered?in stubbornness and jealousy he seeks the 3. What the purpose?life of David. In a IlJoattlewith the PhiUs- 4. Give the key word and key verse.tines. Saul and his sons were killed. Thus 5. Name the great characters of thecloses under a shadow a life that had a book.glorious promise. . 6. What was Eli's fault?LESSON-In ,proportion as a man lives 7. Tell how indulgent 'parents are act·for himself or for God, he becomes weak, ing unwisely.sinful and mfserable, or strong, ;holy and 8. What does parential restraint prohappy.Natural qualities must be sanctl- duce?fiedfor them to be a, power for good. 9. How much of the book did you readDivine grace when 'persistently resisted last week?is withdrawn, leaving the soul to be trou- 10. Did God intend that Israel shouldbled by an evil spirit. Wihengrace is hum- halVe a king?bly and faithfully received, it is followed 11. In what way was Samuel a model fOJby more grace. Think of the end of Sa:ul pulblic men?and be wise! Think of the end of Saul ofTarsus and be happy.\Vith only an armor-bearer, Jonathan surpriseda Phillstine outpost at Gibeah whichled to complete victory for Israel. However.he came near being put to death byhis father for eating before evening againstan edict of the king, Jonathan is bestknown for his devoted friendship withDavid. which led him, not only to takeDavid's part against Saul, !but also madehim willing to surrender his own claim tothe throne of Israel. In the battle withthe Philistines he fell with his father .•Jonathan was one of the finest spiritswho ever lived. So brave and unselfish andsuch a friend to David, that he is one ofthe knights of chivalry that we should allimitate. David and Jonathan were one inlove of virtue and the fear of God. It isnatural for men to set up social ties, but inreal 'friendship there must be a complete12. Tell what ,yOU know about Saul.13. What lessons do we learn Ifrom Saul'!• * * • life? -Great Men IV. Jonathan. Ohs. 14-20. 14. Tell what you know about Jonathan15. What must there Ibe in real friend'Jonathan was the eldest son of Saul, and ship?bis father's right hand in all his battles. 16. Willyshould we imitate him?Lesson No. ll-Take your Bible to class for reading the Scriptures.Lesson ThemeII SAMUELn Samuel 7:4-17.KEY WORD-I'KINGLINESS." KEY VERSE-ll SAM. 3 :18.KEY PHRASE-"DAVID A TYPF OF THE MESSIAH KING."Home Readings. WednesdaY-Davidic Covenant. 7: 4-17Sunday-Da.vid mourns the Death of ThursdaY_David's Repentance. 12:1-13Saul and Jona~han. 1: 17-27. FridaY-Song of Deliverance. 22: 21-36Monday-KIng over Judah. 2:1-11. SaturdaY-Numberfng of the People 24:Tuesda.y-King over Israel. 5: 1-12. 1-14. .

II SAMUEL 21NAME-Named like First Samuel, atterSamuel the last of the Judges and thefir~t of the prophets.AUTHOR-The .prophats, Nathan andGad. Time of writing 940 B. C. Covers theperiod form 1017 to 977 B. :ehim at Ramah,19:20. 5. Went to RamahlJimself after David, 19:23-24. Saul alsoflung a spear at Jonathan in his rage attheir friendship.LESSON-David was delivered from allthese dangers and wrote the 59th psalmand many others like it testifying that Godwas his defense and refuge in those days oftrouble. 'When we read these sterm Psalmswe must remember that danger and treasonwere all around him So that he was mightlyst lrrnd, As the farmer waits for the harvestlet us rest in the Lord and wait ,patientlyfor Him, for evil-doers shall be cutoff. Read Psalm 37, Which is the goodman's medicine for .hard times and hardplaces and the antidote for impatience.* * * •Great Fact III. David, the Exile.I Bam., Chs. 21-31.He fiew to Nob where he wrongly persuadedthe high priest to give him theshewibread. Went westward to Gath wherehe ,pretended to be crazy and was drivenout by the king. Psalm 34 records thisescapade. Returning to the land of Judahhe takes refuge in the cave of Adullum andbecomes a captain of troops of sympathizers.Psalms 52, 57 and 142 hear thisdate. At Engerti David finds Saul asleepand f nst.ead of kfllirig him only cut off part(Ofhis robe, This generous ad of mercytouches S:lU!'Rheart for a time.At Carmel, David threatens but afterwardsspares the life of greedy Nahel whomhe bad protected from robbers, but whowouldn't give him rood. After this timeSamuel dies and Psalm No. 63 is written.David spares Saul's life the second timeand goes to live among the PhlIlstines for16 months. Psalm 56 was written. Sauland his three sons having been klIled bythe Philistines. David's exlIe ends.LESSON-Dul'ing these bitter experiencesDavid learned his own weakness andgained a spirit of humble ,prayer and perfecttrust. Good men will have their fearsat times, but what should that man ,:fearwho .pleases a God who can crush all hisadversaries? A ,bride received a present of15.000 dollars and was unhappy, fearingto be robbed before she placed it in thebank. Then she was perfectly at ease in hermind. So let us place our affairs in thehands of the Savior and live a life of constanttrust.* * * *Great Fact IV. David the King. 2 Sam.For seven and one-half years David reigonsoverJudah in the south with Heronas the capital. When a new dynasty cameto the t.hrone it was t.he custom to put thefamily of the predecessor to death. David,however. .hnd different religious principles.However. 8nul's son. Ishbosheth, would notgin' up the throne without a struggle. 110nroclaf med hlmself king in the north and

22 1 AND II KINGSfor seven and one-half years held thenorthern l:'ibes against David. At last Davidcaptures Jerusalem. makes It the capitaland removes the Ark to that place. Nowthoroughly established on the throne,David ea rnest ly desires to build a templefor the Ark an-I fer the Lord to dwell In.Because he was a man of war God did notgrant this desire. but makes Messianiccovenant with David that through Christhe should have an everlasting .kingdom. 2Samuel 7:4-16. David had many foreignwars, committed the sin of adultry andmurder, which he deeply repented. Ps. 61and 32. He had many family troubles whichculminated in the rebellion of his son Absolom,which was quelled. His sin in numberingthe people and the land was punishedwith a three-day pestilence. He gathtrsgreat stores of material for the bUildingof the temple and directs his son Solomonto build it. David dies at the age of seventyyears.LESSON-David is one of the untguemen of the world, ranking with Abraham,Moses and Paul. His relLgious experiencesas told In the Psalms hava endeared him toall. In character he was unseItlsh, in o;bilitya great soldier and ruler, as a sacredpoet and hymn writer he is unequaled inall times. He is also 'a more complete typeof Christ than any other for he was shepherdand king, lion and lamb, a man of sorrows,then crowned with glory and honor.Let us, like David, have right conceptionsof the almightiness and righteousness ofGod, confidence In the mercy of God, and adesire to do the will of God.Questions on the Lesson.1. After whom is Second Samuelnamed?2. Who wrote the book and how manyyears does it cover?3. What the purpose?4. Name the key word and ,key verse.5. Have 'you read your Home Readln,gs?6. What did David's shepherd llife developin him?7. Of what use are former deliverances?8. How many times did Saul try to IklllDavid and why?9. What Psalm is .good medicine forIbard times and hard ,places?10. Why was David an exile?11. What did David learn at this time?12. How long did David reign in Judah,and in 'all?13. What city became the capital of David'skingdom, and what the ,greatest eventof all time that afterwards happened there?14.. What .did Davfi,d desire to bluild,and who did Ibuild It?15. Wh'at covenant did God make withDavid?16. In what way was David a type ofChrist?17. What ideas of God. and what desireconcerning God's will, did David have?18. GIve your esttmatj, of David's character.Lesson No, 12-Life's worthiest ambition is to know the Bible,I ANDLessonThemeII KINGSI Kings 8:22-29.KEY WORD-"TEMPLE." KEY VERSE-I KINGS 8 :27.KEY PHRASE-" A GLORY-FILLED HOUSE."Home Readings. AUTHOR-JeremiaJ1. Time of writingRead this lesson through and the books duriug the Exile 588-538 B. C. History reofKings this week or: corded covers about 400 years from 977-Sunday-Building of the Temple. 1 677 B. C. (From the accession of SolomonKings 6: 1-14. to the BaJbylonian ClllJPtivity and the des-Monday-v-Dedlcatton Prayer. 8: 22-63. truction of the temple.)Tuesday-Folly of Solomon's Son, 12: PURPOSE.-To give the history of the1-11 glorious kingdom of Solomon, of the divid-W~nesdaY-Elljah. 1 Kings 17: 1-16. ed kingdom and the captivvity. The south-Thursday-Translation of Elijah, 2 ern kingdom (Judah) had 2:0 kings in 390Kings 2: 1-13. years (977-587), and the northern kingdomFr-iday-c-Isruel Carried into Captivity. 2 (Israel) had 19 kings in, 266 years (977-Kings 17:7-23. 721), which ended In the Assyrian cap-Sat urday-c--dud ah Carried Into Captivity. tivity.2 Kin gs 2s : 1- 21. Great Facts. I. Solomon. n. Kings.NAME-First and Second Kings is one m Prophetsstory intended to be a continuation of the "books of Samuel. They derive their name Great F8(lt I. Solomon's Reign. I Kings,from the fact that they record the events Chs. 1.10.of the re~gn oif King Solomon and of the Solomon was the son of DllIvfd and rekingsof Israel and Judah. ceived his religious trainin,g from prophet

Nathan. He succeeded hts father at a favora'hletime and was approved by God undaccepted by the people. His kingdom embraced60,000 square mlles, 10 times morethan his father inherited; this shows theachievements of David. Solomon's reignbegan with a 'blaze of glory n:>utit ended ina division of the kingdom. His greatest'work was the bullding of the Temple at Mt.Moriah, the eastern hill of Jerusalem. Thetemple was very magnificent, the materials!being of the very best and overlaid withgold, sllver and precious stones, so that amoderate estimate of its cost is $600,000,-000.00. It was 90 feet long by 30 feet wideby 45 .feet high.It contained the outer court of the Gentiles,and the i:~mercourt of the Jews, thecourt of the prtests wher-e daily sacrificeswere oflfered up, the Holy Place and theHoly of Holies, the walls of which werecovered with ,pure gold, :In the Holy ofHolies was the Ark with the mercy seat,overshadowed by the Cherubim and the supernaturatShekinah, If.ght, the sYIll!bolofthe 'presence of God. None but the H'ighPriest, and he only on the Day of Atonementonce a year with the blood of his offering,could enter the Holy of Holies. Thetemple was dedicated with great pomp andsolemnity and Solomon's ser-mon 'and prayerwere masterpieces.Solomon maintained a wise and strongadmtntstr-atton or home affairs, erectedmany bullding and fort~ficatlons. Foundleisure ,for wrfting the Proverbs and Songof Solomon and Eoclesiastes. Formed allianceswith foreign nations. Became so famousthat the Queen of Sheba visited himand declared upon seeing his 'glories thatthe half had not 'been toIdher. His declineset in because he married many heathenWives who introduced idolatry. Because ofhis baeksl ldtng God raised u,p enemies tovex Solomon. Ecclesiastes descrtbea the bitternessof Solomon's heart 'at this time. Solomonreigned 40 years.LESSON-We must be wary of success.Not only as to how we get it, /but as tohow we stand it, To succeed, we mustbuild on a good foundation, must connectwith right things and big things, not over-lookingsmall things and then consecrateit all to God's ,glory,• * * •Great Fact IT. Kings of the DiVidedKingdom.I Kings, 11 to IT Kings 25.During Solomon's reign the countr-ygroaned under an intolerable burden oftaxes. Luxury, vice and idolatry brokedown integrity, and the religious principlesof the people. There ha-d long beenjealousy [between the northern kingdom(Israel) and the southern kingdom (Judah) , so when Solomon's son Rehoboam,I AND II KINGS 23

24 I AND II CHRONICLES----_._--------------------at l\lt. Carmel, brought rain down from 7. How much more territory did SolomontIeaven, trained Elisha as his successor and inherit than did David?ascen rlerl into heaven in a chariot of fire. 8. What was the greatest work of Solomon'slife?Elijah is the most romantic character ofthe Dible.LESSON-In the midst of the Dark Agesthe prophets of God have always bornewitness to the fact that God lives. When awoman whose husband ha-ddied was full ordespair and weeping her little girl cameup, and looking up into her tear-stainedface, said, "1\lother, is God dead?" Puttingher arms about the child, the woman sai-d,"Darling, you are His messenger to me.""The Lord reigneth." So, when the outlookis dreary, let us say again, "God is notdead; the Lord reigneth."* * * *Questions on the Lesson.1. How do these books get their name?2. Who was the author? When? Howmany years covered?3. What purposes?4. What is the key word and key verse?5. Name the great facts.6. How much of the book did you readlast week?Lesson No. 13-Take9. What the size and ccst of the temple?10. What did the temple contain ?11. Tell of the dedicat.lon.12. What books of the Dible did Solomonwrite?13. Why did his decline set in?14. ,What must we do to suceeed t15. \Vhy was there a revolt after thedeath of Solomon?16. How many kings in Israel and timecovere-d?17. Who were the prophets of Israel?18. How many kings in Judah 'and qmecovered?19. Who were the prophets of Judah?20. Who took Israel caettve and wheretaken?21. Who took Judah captive and wheretaken?22. Who was the outstanding prophet?23. In dark

LESSON-There are many factors thatlead to the success of one, and the absenceof which leads to t.he failure of another.Among these are purity, honesty, in-dustry,courage, shrewdness and politeness. Butsuccess will be short-Iived and superficblunless it comes as "the heritage of themthatloved the Lord."* * * *Great Fact II. God Overthrowing Saul.I Chron., Ch. 10.Ezra did not give us the history of Saul'sreign, but only his overthrow, throughwhich David comes to the throne.In a battle with the Philistines Saul isfatally defeated, and 10: 13 tells us thereason of it was "his transgressionsagainst the Lord."No man's greatness can exempt him fromthe judgment of God.Saul .had .been a igood son, and a braveand modest king in the early part of hisreign. However, rebellion against God,stubborness against Goo's will, and jealousyof Dav id, wrecked his whole career.He who often conquered the Philistinescould not conquer himself.LESSON-Likelihoods are not certainties.Our careers may have every prospectof being useful and happy. Wbether ornot the prospect will be realized, dependsupon whether we choose our own time andour own way. or whether our wills are masteredby the Master. No man can resistGoo 'and 'prosper. The God-domlnafedheart and mind, presaing through the openhl'gsthat God provides, is the only onewho is really useful and happy.* * * *I AND II CHRONICLES 25ot hor historical book in the Old Testaiucnt •LESSON-What God did for Davld andSolomon he will do for every good man.God is ever looking for wholly dedicatedmen whom He may exalt to places of highestusefulness. Take 'William Booth, founderof the Salvation Army. The fact thatGod established and owned the work of hishands was due to the utter abandonmentof self and of selfish motives and to 'hisone desire that God should have alL thatthere was of him.Great Fact IV. Dividing the Kingdom.II Chron., Chs. 11-36.The second division of Chronicles tells ushow the ten northern tribes revolted andchose Jereboamas their 'king, and howthey rejected the worship of Jehovah.In the south, Judah kept the forms ofthe true religion, although there was agreat lack of warm spiritual worship, andsuch a disregard of God's law and God'smessengers that the people were taken captiveto Babylon, and the termpte was burneddown.LESSON-A formal religion has no'Power In the nfe of a nation. A glorioustemple wll1 not t3Jke the place 01' themighty Spirit of Good. What made the Puritansso mighty was not their rules andregulations, but their sulbllme hold uponGod.* * * *Great Fact V. Judah Sometimes Reforming.Great Fact III. God Establishing David and Under Asa, Jehoshaphat, Joash, Rezeklah,and Josiah, reformations and revivalsSolomon.were attemnted. Fasts were proclaimed,I Ohron., Ch. l1-n Chron., Ch. 10. idols removed, the law was read an-d thepeople were called to prayer,Chronicles here gives us an account ofthe crowning of David at Hebron by united At ene time religious enthusiasm ran soIsrael. 'I'ells us of David's mighty men Who high that they threatened to put to deathwere doulbtless made great by their leader's every 'Person who did not seek the Lord,greatness. Tells us of the capture of Jerusalemandthe bringing of the Ark to that hearts, He was found of them"-an-d gave"'and when they sought him with all theirplace. It is sometimes called the city of them rest!Da:vid,because he made it the center or The true path of blessing is found inIsrael's life and glory.learning, beltevlng and obeying;The account is next given of the making The self-wrlled man is not happy! Whenof Solomon king, the !preparations of site, a man proudly says, "I am my own master,"the answer is, "Could you have amaterIals 'and label' ,for the temple, and theorganization of the Levites, priests and worse?" Self-wlll is .captivity and ruin, butsingers for the service of the temple and loving obedience to the will of God With itskingdom.self-control and self-dental is health andChronicles deals nartrcutartv with the tIl 'ace. Human goodness and human noblenessconsist in self-forgetfUlness the ais-glorious periods of the theocracy, deptet-Ing its bright scenes and treating as /brief_ regard of presonal Indulgence, and Of personaladvantages. At their best, David anefly as 'possible those of the opposite character.Solomon were great men, an-d did a greatFor this reason the book contains moreWOI'k because they had a great God. Ourgood cheer for the downcast than any conception of God controls everything.

26 EZRAQuestions on the Lesson.10. What makes a man useful and happy?11. With what does Chronicles deal par.tlcularly?12. Show why Chronicles contains goodcheer.13. Will God do for us what He did forDavid?14. Will a glorious temple take the placeof the Spirit?15. What happened when the ,peoplesought the Lord?16. In what Is the true path of bless-Ing?1. Why Is this book so named?2. How do Chronicles differ fromKings?It3. Who was the author and when wrrtten?4. What was the purpose?5. Name the great facts. '6. How are men made or ruined?7 Name some factors In success.8: Are great men exempt from God'sjudgments?9. Wlhat wrecked Saul's career?Lesson No.l4-Make This Ccurse Your Daily Bible Guide.Lesson ThemeEZRAEzra 9:5·9.KEY WORD--"RESTORATION." KEY THE LAND, THE TEMPLE, AND THEKEY PHRASE-"THE RESTORATIONOF VERSE-3 :8, "Set forward the work."SCRIPTURES,,'Home Readings.to the land of their~athers, but what becameof the ten trllbes asa w,hole is aRead this lesson and then the whole question of tremendous interest. There 11book of Ezra. Resolve to rea-d the whole a vast deal of evidence that .the Anglo-Bible through in 'Connection with this Saxons are the dIrect deseendants of theCourse. The following selections are for Ten Tribes, and this author fully dtscusthefamily altar. ses this question In his book, "The ChosenSunday-Decree of Restoration. Ezra Nation."1: 1-11. From this time, owing to the predoml-Monday-Altar Set Up. 3: 1-8. ance of the tribe of Judah, the people areTuesday-Enemies Seek to Hinder, 4: known as "the Jew."1-10. TIME OF WRITING--About 444 B. C.'Wednesday-Enemies' Letter to the The first six chapters covers 23 years, andKing, 4: 11-24. mark the return of 50,'OiOO under Zeruib-Thursday_Prophets Encourwge the 'babel B. C. 536. Between the sixth andWo11k,5: 1-12. seventh chapters there is an Interval of 57Friday-Temple Finished. 6: 15-22. years during which the incidents of theSaturday-Ezra-'s WOl'k 8: 21-36. ibookof Esther occur then Ezra at the head* * * * of 6 00'0 exiles retu~ned, B. C. 458. (TheNAME-This book was named for Its au- book covers 80 years in all.) T.hirteen yearsthor. Ezra, the priest, teacher and reform- later Nehemiah arrived at Jerusalem toer, who was from one of the best Jewish build the walls of the city. 445 B. C.families, and who could trace his line back* * * •to Aaron. lIe was, the first of the scrtbea, Great Facts. I. Return. n Rebuilding.who, in our Lord s time, had degenerated ill M' 'stry IV Separation.so that they were odiously connected with . rot • ,the Pharisees. He was called a scribe be- Great Fact I. The Return from Babylon.cause he was a teacher, and copier of the Chs. 1.2.Law of Moses, and because he compiled the The Babylonian captivity did not bringlist of inspired bocks of the Ol-dTestament. the Jews to national repentance, and there-He also instituted synwgogues for the first fore did not lead to national restoration.time 'for the local worship of the people. The Babylonians had been conquered b1PURPOSE-To grve an account of one of the Medes and Persians. When CYrus, theirthe most Important events in Jewish hls- king, gave permission to the captives to reotory-the return of the people of Judah turn to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple,(the southern klngdcm) from the Babylon- only 50,0'00 avatled themselves of tlhe prtvi.ian ,captivity. The northern ten tribeS who lege, and they never did regain their 'pollt.were carried away captive to Assyria never cal Independence, ibut were sUbject to Genreturned.Some of the people dOUbtless tile rulers. God stirred up Cyrus to let Hilconformed their lives and rel1gion to the people gO, and he gave Into the hands 01standards of the nations around them. A Zerubbnbel 5,400 vessela of gold and silverfaithful few likely found their way back which Nebuchadnezzar had ta.kenfrom thl

temple when he captured Jerusalem. Besidesthis the people took with them a greatstore of ;goods. The genealegies had beencarefully kept during the captivity. Theynow set forth on the long journey, whichoccupied about four months ever the 700miles from Babylon to Jerusalem. Fromthe first deportation of the Jews to the returnwas exactly 70 years, and there was areason why it shnuld be just 70. 1s::ael hadnot kept every seventh year as a Sabbathyear of rest for the land. Seventy sabbat lcyears were desecrated, so it took seventyyears of captivity to atone for the sin. Norwas the discipline in vatn. The Jews werecured of idolatry; they have never sinceobserved the religion of their heathenneighbors. They showed a new devotion towardsthe Sanctuary, and learned the valueof the scriptures as never before. ThusGod overruled the capttvtty for their good.LESSON-Trouble will sometimes teachus what nothln'g else will. Indeed, it isvery useful and profltable to the real Christian.Jonah slept while on board the ship,but immediately he was cast into the sea,.he repented and prayed. The ,prodigal hadno thought of returning to his father'shouse until he got into trouble. A slllJVebeing glven a bitter melon by his masterimmediately ate all of It. "How was it possuble,"said the master, "for you to eat sobitter a 'fruit?" The slave replied, "I havereceived so many favors from you that it isno wonder that for once I should eat a bittermelon from your hand." The spirit ofthis answer was so /fine that his masterimmediatelyga:ve him ,his Uberty. In sucha spirit we should receive all our disciplineand trials from the hand of God.* * * *Great Fact II. Rebuilding of the Temple,Chs.3-6.After the return to Jerusalem, the peoplebegan by setting up the altar of daily sacrifice.It was wise for them to 'begtn withGod. The altar of sacrfflce (the burnt offering)was the center of the Jewish religion,just as its antitype, the Cross, is the centerof Christianity. Oare was taken tobuild the new altar on the foundations orthe old one, doubttess to indicate the factthat the religion they brought back fromcaptivity W:lS the same as that they hadtaken away With them. The worship asprescribed in Leviticus is re-established,and the ,foundations of the temple are laidamid tender memories andbrtght hopes.The Samaritans, who were the descendantsof an Assyrian colony planted in theprovince of Samaria, asked but were refusedpermission to join them in this work.When permission was refused they hinderedthe work by withholding supplies, and'by lodging accusations with the king orEZRA 27Persia, under whom the Jews were SUbject.Work now ha-t to be suspen dcd for iaboutfifteen years, during which time they hadthe altar and a. tabernacle. The prophets.Ha'gg'al and Zechariah stimulated the flaggingzeal of the builders, and new permissien'being obtained, the wonk was resumed,andproceedsd so rapidly that in 516 B. C.the temple was completed and dedicatedwith great joy.LESSON-E'very important work has itshindrances, and no great results has beenachieved without overcoming obstaclesHidden away, however, God usually has a:Haggai who will press the reform at allcosts. Whenever there is a great task to beaccomplished there is always a clamor fordelay. God needs men of action who willnot stand shivering on the banks thinkingof the cold and danger, but men who willjump in and scramble through. Life is tooshort for so much hesitation and calculation."Act in the living present, heartwithin, and God o'er head!"Once the temple was finished the people'beg'an to live a new Ufe. The house of Gadsuppltes the spiritual needs of man. Theinstinct of worship leads men to flnd peacewithin the walls of the sanctuary. TheIpreaching of the everlasting gospel meetsthe human need of salvation. In the sanctuarywe dream dreams 'and see visions ofthe Land beyond the setting sun. "ThereHeaven comes down, our waiting souls tobless." Let us set great store upon theplace where we meet God.Great Fact* * * *m. Ezra's Ministry in Jerusalem.Chs. 7-8.Eighty years have now elapsed sinceZeruibbabel and his company had returnedto the holy city, Ezra with about 6,000souls now set forth to Jerusalem. He as--sembled his company at the river Ahava,due east of Damascus, proclaimed a fastthere and called on God for protection and'blesstng. Four months were occupied incrossing the desert. Besides carrying withthem a multitUde of gold and silver vessels,Ezra and his people had an order from theking aut horfztng the state treasurer atJerusalem to pay him what was necessaryfor ,his sacred task.Upon his arrival at Jerusalem he putdown idolatry, and arranged, edited andG:\ulblishedthe Old Testament, a work forwhich he wlll always be famous. He thenread the scrtptures publicly in the presenceof the people and set up synagogues at allcentral places, for the reading of the Law,prayer and exhortatton, The synagoguesystem tended greatly to reduce idolatryand promote devotton to the worship ofGod.LESSON-We also may be devout studentsof God's w lll as revealed in His Word

28 NEHEMIAH"preparing our hearts to seek the law ofthe Lord to do it." We may open our heartsto receive heavenly Infhuences, and gatn byhumility and prayer, "the han-d of our Godupon us for good." We may make knownthe will of God to others, teaching thetruth of Jesus Christ. We may co-operatecheerfuUy with others, yielding our prefereneesto thetr, "being of the same mindin the Lord" with those who are our fellowlaborers in Christian work.Philips Brooks gave as a -definition offaith "Forsaking All I Take Him." It will'be noticed that the initial letters spellfaith. It would be a good thing if, likeEzra, we ma-de as the motto of our lives,"Forsaking All I Take Him!"* * * *Great Fact IV. Separation. Chs. 9-10.Ezra found that the Jews had paid noregard to the law wihlch prohtbtted theirmarriage with idolators, and that the veryprinces had been foremost in formIng theseunhallowed alltances. Ezra was deeply morttflel and ashamed of this offense, andmade confession unto God for the people.With contrite :hearts, the people ,put awaytheir idolatrous wives, .purfty was againrestored and the Law honore-d.LESSON-As Christians we 'are underobligations to renounce the world and allfamiliar intercourses with those whosecharacter and conduct might ,prove 'a snareto ,beguile us into sin, 2 Cor, 6:14-17. Inthe very names for believers we find somethingto suggest separation, "a. gardenenclosed," Song ()If Solomon. 4: 12; "alily among thorns," S'ong O

Moses, Joshua and David of 'other days.He was sent to Judah as Persian governoro'f the province.TIME OF WRITING-About 431 B. C.Events cover a period of eleven years, 445B. C. to 434 B. C.PURPOSE-To describe the rebuilodingof the walls of Jerusalem, the renewingof the covenant, and the temple and 8abbathreforms.Great Facts. I. Rebuilding. Il- Renewing.m. Reforming.Great Fact I Rebuilding the Walls.Chs. 1·6.Thirteen years after Ezra arrived inJerusalem, Nehemiah paid the city 'a 'visit.He viewed the ruined walls of the city andrealized that no national life or securitywould bepossnble until they were protectedfrom their enemies. With great ifaith andenterprise ,he succeeded in getting the Jewsto rebuild the walls in the short period of52 days. The Samaritans did everything intheir power to frustrate the plans andwork of the people. by rtdteule, by craftand by conspiracy but without avail.Under the protection of God they continuedthe work, and Nehemiah's unselfishnesswas so ,great that all the f1me he acted usgovernor, he drew no salary from the state,Atter twelve years he returned to the courtof the king of Persia, according to thepromise he had previously made.LESSON-T,he success aehetved in buildingthe wail was due to the ,fact that thepeople "had a mind to work, to wait andtopray."The great tasks of the world are accompuhllshed,not so much threugn 'genius asthrough labor. Many have a mind only tothink and dream. In theory they can solveany problem, but more difficulties are removedby working than by thinking. "Laborand prayer overcome all things!" Enthusiasticwork is the way that opens thetreasuries of contentment and advancment,"Know what you can work at and workat it like a Hercules."The people had also a mind to wait.Just when they desired to butld at fullspeed, they had to divide their forces andgive attention to defense. Progress of thebest kind is usually slow; we must ,besatisfied to advance in Ufe as we walk,step by step. To know how to wait is arare quality. but a most valuable one.The peopte also had a mind to pray. Nehemiahsaid, "I prayed the God of Heaven."Everybody prays when they get intotrouble. but If we pray in time we wouldnot get into trouble. Mr. Spurgeon was onceasked the question, "How do you pray?""I go to the Bfhle and find a promiseappllcwble to my need, then I reverentlyplead that promise before the Lord, askingNEHEMIAH 29.Hlm to keep It for Jesus' sake; and I believeGod will, and He does."* * * *Great Fact II. Renewing the Covenant.Chs.• 8-11.While the events of the early chaptersof Nehemiah were transpiring, Ezra hadprobably been recalled to Persia, henceNehemiah found in Jerusalem, the oppressionof the POOl' by the rich, desecratton ofthe Sabbat.h, negligence with respect tothe tit.hes and offerings, and many marriagesof Jews with Gentiles or heathenwomen.As soon as Ezra returned he resumed thework of instructing the people of the Law.This stirred them up to repentance, andthe Feast of Tabernacles (commemorajfngGod's goodness to them during the fortyyears they were in the wilderness in thetime of Moses), was solemnly observed.After the feast a great fast was kept, sackclothwas worn, and dust was sprinkledon the head. In the temple court, the vastassembly listened to the words of the Lawand confessed their own sins. Then 'theLev ites brought forward a written bond ofcovenant, .pledgf ng' them to walk in God'slaw, and to make lasting provision for thepriest and temple service.LESSON-Revivals of religion have always'been associated with a revival ofBible-reading. This is infinitely preetousto the devout beltever, and infinitely powerfulIn changing lives.The covenant with Good that the Jewsentered into, helped them to keep true toHim. It is a good thIng for the individualChristian to make a deflnlte and sacredcovenant with the God of his salvation. Tovow to forsake all besetttng sins, to practiceevery virtue, and seek to possess everyfruit oIf the Spirit.Christmas Evans, after being sorelytried, was led to enter afresh into personalcovenant with God, and such was the JOYwhich followed, that he said of it "Afterforming the covenant, I felt great calmnessand ,peace. I had the feeling of a poor manwho had just come under the protectionof a great king, 'and obtained a pensionfor life, the fear of poverty and want leftme forever. I felt the safety which the littlechicken feels under the wings of the hen."With Levi Persons, let us subscribe ourhands to be forever the Lord's. to go any-Where, do anything, to endure any hardship,to live and \lie for the Lord.* * * *Great Fact III. Reforming ThroughReligion, Chs· 12·13,After the walls of the city had beenfinished twelve years, a solemn dedicationof the xam o tonk place. The long intervalbet ween Is accounted for !by the absence

30 El:>THERof Nehemiah from Jernsalem. The veryact of dedication shows that the peoplerelied not upon mere walls for safety, butupon divine pretectlon.'During Nehemiah's absence, the old evilpractices had come in again, such as mixedmarriages, trade on the Sabbath, Irregularityin paying tithes, and the debasing ofthe temple. Part of the temple had beenused as a dwelling house of a heathen!(By Toblah, the Ammonite.)Nehemiah encouraged the Jews to leada separate life again, the temple wascleanse-d, the Sabbath made sacred, andpurity of worship restored.LESSON-Nehemiah would make nocompromise with foes within the temple,or within the city, or without. He rebukedpriests and nobles alike when they violatedthe teachings of the scriptures. He fearedGod so much that he feared man so little.He had faith to act with God and forGod. He did not simply believe in rightprinciples, and then -:10 nothing far them.So when we believe that men will be foreverlost unless saved by having faith inChrist, then we should be willing to putblood and sweat into the business of savi.gnmen. Are our lives bravely bearingwitness to the truth that there is a hellto shun and a heaven to win? Are 'wesoul-Winners, or SOUl-losers? We needmore aroused Nehemiahs. Only so will Ourhomes and cities be changed by redemptiongrace.It is said that in a Scotch village on aLesson No. 16-00nsecutivestormy night all the peat fires went out,and the next morning, the villages havingno matches in those days, had to climb thehills whe-e the fires still .burned, andbring back seme precious embers of fire. Solet us climb the hills of God, and renewthe fires of holy enthusiasm.Questions on the Lesson.1. What is the key word and key verse?2. How much have you read in Nehemiah?3. For whom was this book named andWhat office did he hold?4. When was the book written and howmany years does it cover?5. Give the purpose.6. Name the great facts.7. Of what help were city walls?8. Who hindered the building andhow?9. What was the success in buildingdue?10. How are the great tasks of the worldaccomplished?11. How should we pray if we use Spurgeons'method?12. What covenant did the Jews maike?13. What sort of covenant ought we tomake with God?14. Wihat reforms did Nehemiah encourage?15. Is compromise right for Christians?16. How can we back our principleswith effort?17. How can we renew holy ent!lusiasm?Bible study is one of our best blessings.Lesson ThemeESTHEREsther 9 :20-25.KEY WORD-"PRESERVATION." KEY VERSE-4:14 LAST CLAUSE.KEY PHRASE-"TRE FATE OF THE 1EWS IN THE RANDS OF A WOMAN."Home Readings.and took 1)lace between the sixth and seventhchapters of Ezra. We should remem-Read the whole book of Esther /beforenext Sunday, or:ber in reading Esther that the Jews are inSunday--Story of V'asht!. 1: 1-12. captivity in Persia, carried tbere by theMonday-Esther made queen. 2:1-11. Babylonians, as reported in II Kings 24-16,Tuesday--maman's plot. 3: 1-15.PURPOSE-To relate an event which in.Wednesday-Jews fasting. 4: 1-14. volved the destruction or the preservationThursday-Courage of Esther. 5: 1-14. of the Jews, and to explain the origin ofF'rfday-c--Modecla exalted. 6: 1-14. the Feast of Purim. The word "Purim"Saturday-Haman hanged. 7:1-10. means "lots," because lots were cast to seeNAME~This book is named for the Jewishorphan, Esther, who became a Persian• * * •wh ich month the Jews should be destroyed.'lueen, and through whose efforts the Jews Great Facts. I. Refusal. n. Crowning,were preserved from destruction. She was anI. Plotting. IV. Feasting.woman of good judgment, magntncent selfcontroland of the noblest seH sacrifice, Great Fact I, Refusal of Vashti, Ch. I.ranking with the great women of the Bible. King Ahasuerus entertnined at a greatAUTHOR-Probably Ezra.feast in the royal !palace of Shushan all theTIME OF WRITING-About 460 B. C. lIJanquet was on an enormous scale and ex.The events of the book cover 12 ye_ars nonles and princes of his kingdom. Thil

ESTHER 31tended ever 180 days. T,he men were feastedIn the palace gardens, while the womenwere received by Queen Vashti In her jirtvateapartments. When much wine hadbeen drunk, the king commanded thatVashti should attend the feast In order toshow oflf her beauty to the semi-drunkenrevellers. Such a ,proceeding was a greatbreach of Perslan etiquette, and an outrageupon one whom he, above 'all men, wasbound to protect. Vashti therefore refusedto obey. This made the king a laughingstock to all at the court, and on the 'adviceof the princess, Vashti was deposed.LESSON-If Vashti had been proud ofher beauty, and shameless, she would havegladly obeyed, but being womanly andmodest, she would not make herself agaztng stock for wtne-drmkers.Vashti maybe taken as an example ofdevotion to just and pure ideals. She wastrue to her best self, and suffered Ifor thetime being, "but to thy own sett be trueand it followe as the night, the day, thoucanst not then be false to any man." Modestyis the crown jewel of womanhood.None ever err from havin.g too much of it,while thousands err from lack of it. Goldsmithsaid, "Modesty seldom resides in a!breast that Is not enriched with noblervirtues."• * * •Great Fact II. Crowning of Esther, Ch. 2.Esther is now selected to succeed Vashti.She was a Jewish orphan who had beenbrought up by her uncle, Mordecai, and wasbeautttul In face and 'form. Upon seeingher, Ahasuerus instantly made her hisqueen, placed the royal crown upon herhead, and celebrated the joyful eventPl agreat feast, and a remission of taxes for acertain time. Thus the humble JeWishmaiden became the queen of the emptre,which comprised more than half of theknown world. -LESSON-We read that Esther !pleasedand obtained the favor of those mho couldadvance her interests, so young peopleshould culttvate qualities and manners thatgive them favor with men. There is a \foolishidea abroad that when one becomescourteous he ceases to be independent. Butthe scripture urges us "Be courteous," IPet. 3: 8, and we read that "the Lord Jesusgrew in favor with God and men," ,Luke2: 52. With one discourteous speech Rehoboamlost the ten tr!Jbes alf Israel, andcould not win themboo'k even with hisblood. While Alexander the Great won thehearts of his rootmen, ,by caHin,g them his"fellow" footmen. The !best Christian is theChristian who is most humble, and thetruest lady or gentleman is that one whoIs the most courteous.Those who enjoy promotion should endeavorwith watchfulness and prayer to useit for the good of their fellowmen andglory of God.Great Fact 1lI. Plotting of Haman, Chs. 3-5.Between chapters two and three there Isan interval of some years. Haman has nowbecome the chief minister to the king. Inthe East the men are so servile that a newfavorite of the court receives royal honors.All bowed down beifore Haman except oneman, Mordecai. But he, being a Jew of thetribe of Benjamin, would not concededivine honors to a man! This enraged Haman,and he resolved, that if Mordecai"because he was a Jew, would not Ibowdownto him, then there should be no more Jews-he would have them 'all put to death. Todecide which d·ay his enemies should bedestroyed Haman casts lots, and the daythat this indicated was the 13th of March,which was ten months distant. To obtainthe king's consent to his plot, Haman assertedthat they were disloyal sUlbjects. iRealso offered to ·pay Into the king's treasurya sum of about twelve million dollars. Theresult of his bribe was that King Ahasueruss!Jgneda royal decree that on the d'llJYset, all the Jews within his kingdom, youngand old, men a.nd women, should be killedand their pr

32 JOBagainst Bible churches and Bible Christiuns, but Isaiah 54: 17 is stlll true. Thatreligion is no religion that would persecutemen's bod ies in order to save their souls,A persecutor once said to a Christian womzn, "Yeu wlII soon taste the bitternessot

JOB 33to encourage them in the hope, that aswith Job, so God would also deliver andenrich them.PURPOSE-To show the disciplinary natureof surtermg, and to inspire patiencewith the misfortunes of life.* * * *Great Facts. I. Affllictions. II. Discussions.ITI. Addresses. IV. Prosperity.Great Fact I. Afflictions.The story opens with Job a. prosperousand upright man. Satan's theory was thatJob was good just because he was prosperous.God therefore gave Satan permissionto affl lot Job in order to test his righteousness.JOib loses his children and property,for they were swept away in a single day.He next loses his health, for he is smittenwith a form of leprosy, which quicklycovers the body with 'boils. He suffers torturesand has little hope of recovery. Henext loses his good name. for his bestfriends think he has committed some sinwhich has brought upon him his 'presenttroubles. Yet, in spite of these great trials,Jcb did not sin with ,his lips. He said,"What shall we receive ,good at the handof God, and shall we receive evil? TheLord giveth and the Lord has taken away,blessed !be the name of the Lord!"LESSON-We see that Satan is not onlya tempter 'but an accuser of the saints, Rev.12:10; and that he is permitted a certainpower of sifting or testing amongbelievers.However. they are sustained in their-trtals and kept in the faith ,by the :prayersof Christ. Luke 22:31-32.We learn, 1. 'I'ha.t if Satan can findhis way into the very presence of God withhis slanders, it is more than likely that heis very busy with his falsehoods in thechurches of God on earth. 2. That if sogood a man as Job did not escape the accusationsof Sat.an then it will not ,be surprisingif ordinary Christians are accused.3. If God permitted Job and Peter to becast into Satan's sieve, then we must expectalso to be tested and tried. 4. That ifGod set a limit to Satan's power, in hisdealings with Job, how much more certainit is that he will limit Satan'saiUthoritY'over us, who are less able to stand his attacks.5, That if God sustained Job whenI[l·assing through the firey ordeal andbrought him out victor, how much morewill He sustain us, and "give us twice asmuch as we had before?" Job 24:10.• * * •Great Fact IT. Discussion as to Job'sUprightness, Chs. 4-27.Job's three friends, Eliphaz, Blldad andZophar, arrive to corn fort him, and thereare three cycles of speeches, in which theproblems of Jobs' afflictIons, and the relationof evil to the righteousness of God,is thoroughly discussed. Job's "comforters"argued that suffering is the penalty for sin,therefore his troubles were the result andthe evidence of an ungodly life. Job, inspite of the reproaches of his friends, assertedhis uprighteousness and urged, thateven if the pure eye of God were to tryhim he would come forth as gold, 23-14.A young man, Elihu dissatisfied with theideas of the older three, impetuously breaksin upon the discussion. His theory is thatGod-inflicted sufferings are chastisementsthat proceed from a loving purpose topurge out faults, to purify and to strengthen;anel they should be borne in the rightspirit, namely, in faith and humility.LESSON-l. Without doubt SUfferingdoes follow sin, as the cartwheel followsthe horse. Man in his honest momentswill admit that he brings a good many oflife's sufferings upon himself through hisown sins. However, this does not explainthe cause of all sufferings for thousands oflittle children who have not sinned, dothemselves suffer. There are other causes.2.Elihu suggests a second cause. Goodpurifyingand developing men and wo!!}cnthrough trials and sorrows so that they becomemore humble, more unselfish, morenoble and useful than they ever were inthe days of prosperity. This, however,does not explain all the causes of trial.There are thousands of cases of severe discipline,where it does not seem to be needed,and thousands of ,people seem to needit who do not 'get it. 3. Henry ChurchillKing sugigeste a third reason for surrertns.that without it true virtue would scarcelybe 'possible. That if temporal happiness andtemporal reward always followed good livingor good deeds, then men would be goo,lsimply for what they could get out of itand unselfishness would die out. But becausethe same thing happens to the righteousas does to the wicked, therefore therighteous love God for what He is, and notfor what they get out of Him. 4. A fourthway of looking at sufferings, is to remembe;'that God's ways are higher than ourways, Is. 55: 9; that His infinity and majestyare so wonderful, that we may wellleave the rtddle for Him to explain, "whenwe shall know, even as we are known," !Cor. 13:12. Coulson suggests that i(anant were to crawl into the brain of a manit could not see things an d understandthings as man sees them and understandsthem, Neither r-an a man, who is nothingbut an ant as compared with God. put himselfin the place of God and understanddivine mystertes. When Payson, in themidst of great sufering, was asked If hesaw anv reason for the visitation, replied."'No but I am well satisfied as If Jsaw ten thousand; God's wlll Is the very.porroctton of all reasons,"

34

PSALMS 35NAME-The Hebrew title of the book is"Book of Praises," so called because it isa manual for the nurture of the spirituallife in private as well as in public worship."It is a marvelous record of human heartspouring themsel ves out from age to age incommunion with God." It has so muchof Christ and His gospel as well as of Godand His Law that it might well be calleda Summary of both Testaments. BishopRyle says: "The Book of Psalms is fullof Christ-Christ in humiliation, Christsuffering, Christ dying, Christ rising again.Christ coming the second time, Christreigning over all. Both advents are heretheadvent in suffering to bear the cross,the advent in Ipower to wear the crown.Both kingdoms are here- the kingdom ofgrace, during which the elect are gathered;the kingdom of glory, when every tongueshall confess that Jesus is Lord. Let usalways read the Psalms with a peculiarreverence, saying to ourselves, "A greaterthan David is here."WRITERS-There are 150 Psalms. Fiftyof them are anonymous, 73 were writtenby David, 122 by Asaph, 10 by the sonsof Korah, 2 by Solomon, 1 by Moses. 1by Ethan and 1 by 'Hernan.TIME OF WRITING--From the time of1\108es, who wrote the 90th Psalm about. 520 B. C., to the time of Malachi, about420 B. C., coverillig 1100 years of IsraE'l'shistory. They were collected and arrangedby Ezra. There are about 7'0 references tothe Psalms In the New Testament.ARRANGEMENT-In the Hebrew textthe Psalms are arranged Into five distinctbooks. reminding one that the Pentateuchis divided In like manner, Book 1. Psalms1-41; Book II, 42-72; Book III, 73-89;Book IV, 90-106; Book V. 107-150. Eachof the five divisions ends with the samedoxology, "Amen, Amen, Halleluah!"PURPOSE-To provide a book of devotionfor the Lord's People.• * * •Following Dr. A. T. Pierson we willgroup the Psalms in seven divisions.I. Psalms of Law. n. Of Creation. m. OfJudgment. IV of Christ. V. Of Life.VI. Of Heart. VII. Of God.Great Fact I. Psalms of the Law or of theScriptures, 1, 11 and 119.These Psalms extol and praise God'swor-d, which is the great eXipression ofGod's mind and will. The excellency of itis sung in a thousand tongues and it Isprize-d "above gold, yea, the finest gold,"it Is "sweeter than honey ani! the honercomb."LESSON-

36 PSALMSzeal fight bootlegging, graft, gambling,Sabbath desecration, and all the viciousevils that are treading under foot ourblood-bought religious liberties and ourholy faith.* * * *Great Fact IV, Psalms of Christ (Sixteen)Like 2, 16, 22, 24.They are also called Messianic becausethey are full of descriptions of the comingChrist or Messiah. They picture Him ascoming to suffer as in Ps. 22, and as comingto reign as in Ps. 24. They picture Himas our eternal Priest, 110:4. They pictureHim as King fulfilling the Davidtc covenant,Ps. 89:3-4.LESSON-It is very important that weassociate the Psalms with Christ. Most oftheir truths can apply literally only toHim. The scarlet thread of His redeemingwork, and the golden thread of His coronationare seen alI through these songsof the sweet singers of Israel. "Christshall reign where'er the sun doth itssuccessive journey's run, Hi; kingdomstretch from shore to shore. 'til moons shallwax and wane no more." Then let us 'prepareto sit with Him on His throne, ratherthan to be His foot stool.* * * *Great Fact V. Paslms of Life (Eighteen)Like 3, 18, 44. 60, 68.These may be divided into two sections,Psalms of personal life and those affectingnational life. In the former we have prayersfor deliverance from pressing dangerand trouble, interspersed with confidenceand faith in God's goodness, and exhortationsto the saints of God to be strong andtrust in Him. In the national Psalms, God'scare of the nation is praised, His favor issought upon all their affairs, and His helpin battles implored.LESSON-What is God to us; what isChrist to us, personally? Living water willnot flow into a vessel turned upside down.The Psalms are full of mercy and truth,hope and comfort, for those Who come tothem as empLy vessels to be filled. "Oil,fiU me with thy fullness, Lord, until myvery heart o'erfiow!"* * * *Great Fact VI. Psalms of the Heart (78)Like 6, 38, 42, 23, 10, 21. 4,Among thesa we have Psalms of penitence,sorrow, darkness, faith. prayer, 'lVorshipand vision.LESSON-The plans, work and enjoymentsof life are too often without God.Many look up and ,pray only when theyare in the school of trouble and have thedeepest heart experiences. Mrs. Browningsays, "Eyes that the preacher could notschool, by wayside graves are raised. Andlips say. 'God be merciful!' that ne'er said'God be praised!'"The spirit and habit of prayer will ke6pus out of trouble, and make our dayspeaceful and prosperous.* * * •Great Fact VII. Psalms of God (38).I.;ike 90, 139, 46, 5, 18, 36. 8.These Psalms praise the sublime attributesof Almighty God. They speak ofHis glorious power, of His universal presencein every place at the same time, ofthe wonderful facts that lIe ,knows allthings and sees alI things. "That He ISour shield and Defender, the Ancient otdays, pavilion in splendor and girded withpralset "LESS-oN-What must be the wisdom ofHim from whom all beings derive tnetrwisdom; what must be the goodness of Himfrom Whom all beings derive theirgoodness; therefore let us worship God. Inyouth and in age, in sorrow or in joy, indistress and in prosperity, let us worshipGod. "Let us worship and bow down, letus 'kneel before the Lord our Maker, forHe is our God and we are the people atHis pasture." Ps. 95:6. A woman who hed achild who was not normal, said she wouldbe satisfied if he would just recognize her,Are we normal if we fail to recognize ourMaker, Redeemer and Friend?• * * •Questions on the Lesson.1. Why is this book called Psalms?2. Explain how it is full of Christ3. How many Psalms in all? How manyby DaVid?4. Give time of writing.5. How are they arranged?6. What the purpose?7. How many Psalms did you read lastweek?8. Name the ,great facts.9. Why should God's word be moreprecious to us than to the Israelites?10. Should we develop the faculty ofseeing God in nature?11. Is it right to pronounce curses UPODour enemies? -12. Should we denounce evils?13. Explain how we must refer many ofthe truths in the Psalms to Christ.14. Did the Psalmist turn to God fOIdeliverances from troubles?15. Should we wait until in trouble be'fore praying?16. How soon in life ought we to begiDto worship God?17. Why should we worship God?18. Are we normal if we fail to worshipHim'!19. Give the key word and key v!!rse,

Lesson No. 19-TakePROVERBS 31your Bible to Bible Class for reading the Scriptures,Lesson ThemePROVERBSProverbs 9:1-10.KEY WORD-"WISDOM." KEY VERSE-9:10.KEY PHRASE-"HEAVENLY WISDOM FOR THE EARTHLY LIFE."Home Readings. 20. If we sin we must confess our guilt.Read the whole of Proverbs. Matthew 28: 13 and meekly submit to His chastise-Arnold says it is "a delicious book."the family altar read:For ment, 3: 1l.LI

38 PROVERBSiest and noblest. His presence will guardus from evil, en:·lch us with every trueblessing. and gladden us with lasting joy.* * * *Great Fact III. Duties to Our Neighbors.We should sympathize with the afflicted,and try to cheer them, 12:25. Shouldhelp the poor in their need, because theYare brethern, and children of the sameFather, 14: 31. A neighbor should be judgedhonestly and truthfully, 17: 15. W~should live with him In ,peace, 3: 29;should not slander him, 11: 12-13; shouldencourage sincere friendship, 18: 24;should be strictly honest In all transactionswith him, 11: 1.LESSON~Kin-dness is due our neighborsand fellowmen, therefore we shouldbe sympathetic. helpful, peaceable, friendlyand honest. Extreme unsoclabllttv isa form o'f sin. Themistocles, when he hada farm for sale, advertised the fact thathe had a good neighbor. His !point wasthat good neighbors are worth having.Thomas Pane, the infidel, once observed toa preacher, "What a ,pity It Is that manhas not a pertect rule for the 'governmentof his life." The preacher replied, "Thereis such a rule. Thou shalt love the Lordthy God with all thy heart, and thy neighboras thyself!" The Infidel was put toconfusion, realizing that our religion coversall the duties of life. Two neighbors,one a Christian and the other not, wholived on the opposite side of the samestreet, were dying at the same time. Oneof them said to the other, "I feel that Iam dying. and my neighbor over the way,I hear is dying too. They say he is going toheaven; I know I am going to hell Hemust have known that I was perishing,but he never warned me of my danger ortold me of the way of salvation. We weretogether every day, and we talked of theweather and markets and 'Politics and athousand other things, but he never spoketo me about my soul. !His silence I regardedas the sanction of my sin. He maybe going to heaven, but he will be followedto heaven with the curses of my lostsoul!" To those who need our help. especiallyspiritual help. God help us to be realneighbors!* * * *Great Fact IV. Duties of Parents andChildren.Godly parents are a blessing to children20: 7. and should instruct them in holines~from the earliest years, 4: 1. Should trainthem in the right way, 22:6, and correctthem when they do wrong. 13: 13. Childrenon their part. should attend to the instructionsof parents, and gladden theirhearts by prompt obedience and a virtuouslife, 1: 8. Let the mother of th,family realize her high position, and b.the crown of her husband, 12: 4; and buildup her house, 14: 1. If she needs an ex·ample let her emulate the virtuous wooman, 31: 10-31. Be it far from her to imi'tate the contentious wife, whose peevishill temper is like the continuous droppingof water through a leaky roof, and rendenfamily life Insupportable, 19: 13. Servantlshould be wisely treated in order that theyshould not presume too much, 29: 21.LESSON-The Bible hallows and sanetlfiesall the relationships of \lte and w.should read It frequently and thoughtfullyIf we would measure UP to the stand·ards God requires. Parents should rememberthat what they are, and what they dowill determine the character and hllJPplness of their children. A child born inChina inherits the sinfulness and un god-11 n e s s df Chinese parents. Childrenbrought up among the Arabs, Hottentotsor Indians inherit all the ,failings andvices of their various countries. Ham'schildren departed trom the good ways ofNoah, so all Africa became debased.Shem'schildren were true to the livingGod, so through them has come all tbegood thtngs of our religion. What Is trueas to nations, is true as to families. Parentsought to pray that ,great grace may begiven to them.Children should always obey their par·ents (unless contrary to the right). whilethey are in the home, but honor them forever.• * * •Great Fact V. Duties in Civil Life.It is the duty of men to render obed-Ience to the powers that be; punishmentspeedily overtakes the rebeIlious, 16: 14.God is the maker of the rich and ,poor inthe land, 22: 2, therefore the rich oughtto help the poor, 14: 21, and not treatthem roughly, 18; 23. All commercialtransactions should be conducted with,. thestrictest honesty, and the withholding- ofwhat Is due is especially denounced, 11:26. It is a foolish thing to stand securityfor another's debt; you are sure to smartfor it, and then you can blame only Yourself,6: 1-2.ILESSON--Jt is the d,uty of the Christianto support all legislation against child laobor, vice, crime, monopltes and everythingthat Is opposed to a better social order. Weare citizens of two worlds, and our aimshould not be only to take people to Heav·en. but to bring Heaven down to the /people.Jesus Christ taught that the onlyway to solve bad conditions is to put intomen good motives; that men are not fretto do what they 11lke, but what theYought! That the tlrst stone of the GOI~ell

Age was laid at Calvary. The men of ourcities should set up their altars, and tqeirprayers, their votes and their effortsagainst graft and lax enforcement of law,and so co-operate with God "in makingail things new!"Questions on the Lesson.1. From where is the name of thebook taken?2. What is a ,proverb?3. Who wrote the proverbs?4. Who collected them and when?5. What is the purpose of the book?6. Show that this is a good book foryoung people.7. Give the key word and key verse.S. Name the great facts.ECCLESIASTES 399. What are our other duties to Goo'!10. Name the things we should avoid.11. What do we need inside?12. How should we act toward ourneighbors?13. What rule of life have we?14. If we are silent do we sanction ourneighbor's sin?15. What should parents do for theirchildren?16. What is expected of children?17. Will children be like their parents?18. What should be the attitude ofChristians towarod legislation?19. How may we solve bad conditions'!2,0. What should citizens set up?21. What are men free to do?Lesson No. 20--Read the Scriptures in class out of your own Bible,Lesson ThemeECCLESIASTESKEY WORD-"EMPTINESS," KEY VERSE-l :2.KEY PHRASE-"LIFE IS A DISAPPOINTMENT APART FROM GOD."Home Readings, the emptiness of pleasure, riches, follYand impiety.Read the whole of Ecclesiastes this PURPOSE-To show that true happl··weekor:SU~daY-PleaSure Ends in Emptiness, ness apart from God Is Impossible.2: 1-11. Great Facts. The Emptiness of: I. Pleasure.l_i'10ndaY-A Time for Everything, 1I, n. Riches. nl. Folly, IV, Impiety,T,~esdaY-The Worship of God, 5: 1-8. Great Fact 1. The Emptiness nf Pleasure,Wednesday--Foolishness of Greed, 6: Chs. 1-3,1-10. The preacher first lays down thepropo-Thursday-Value of a good name, 7: 1- sition that all things are unreel and the10. .FrIday-The ,:alue.of WIsdom, 9: 1-10.results of human effort are deceitful, andthat life is one unending round. As ...Saturday-Satisfaction Only in God, scholar and thinker he flnds no sattstacchapter12. tton, so he turns to mirth and pleasare.NAME--The name Ecclesiastes means He engaged in banqueting and revelry,preacher, so-called because this book con- fleshly indulgence and worldly excitetainsthe meditations and sermons of the mc-ata: but the feverish excitement soonwise man, Solomon; so that another name passed away and left him In deeper gloomwould be "The Book of the Preacher." so he exclaims in 1: 2, "All is vanity.;; ,WRITER-Solomon. 'LESSON-DisaPlPointed men are found,TIME OF WRITING--979 B. C. not only on poor farms and in the ranksSPECIAL NOTE---Un reading this book of the unemployed, but also in the ranksdo not form spiritual judgments on the of high society and in the mansions of theisolated verses. Insptration set down accu- fortunate in life. There is the man whorately what the preacher said, just the is disappointed because he does not get,same as the words of Satan are set down, and there is the man who is disappointedGen. 3: 4; Job 2: 4. But just as we reeos- because he DOES 'get, and the latter is bynize that the words of Satan do not ex- far worse of the two. The man who is dispressthe mind of God, so we should also appointed because he does NOT get mayrecognize that the reasonings of a mere have still the fascination of his hopes benaturalman, who leaves God out of ac- fore him. But the man who has got whatcount, will very often not express the he desires and is then dtsappotuted, hasmind of God. Solomon had been holy and pricked the bubble, and knows the meimhappy,but in his old age became backslid- ing of emptiness and vexation of spirit.den and cynical. In lamenting his own The last was the disappointment of 801-foUy and mistakes. he utters many 'pes- omon, The selfish man always a disapslmisticsayings that show how he felt pointed man. This book reveals utter selaboutlife, but not what God teaches about Ishness. It Is all I, I. 1,--;1 made, I got, Ilife. However, he was wise enough to see did, I had, 1 sought, and that Is the end

40ECCLESIASTESof it all. 'I'here is a great art in choosingbeneficial pleasures. No Christian in hisbest moments would sanction those pleasuresthat lead to immorality or gambling.On the other hand, after all the questionablethings are left out there are so manypu re and e];wating enjoyments, left, thatthere is no real self-denial, but ratherself-enrichment. Mr. Beecher said, "Uponthis broad earth, purified with flowers,scented with odors, brilliant in 'colors, vocalwith echoing and re-echoing melody,I take my stand against all demoralizingpleasure." God made all men to be happy!* * * He has set before us a thousandright and en-nob ling avenues of enjoyment-letus not sacrifice' true and permanent happiness for questionable pleasuresGreat Fact II, The Emptiness of Riches,Chs,4-6.Solomon has shown the emptiness ofpleasure, honor, and 'power. Many willagree with him on this but at the sametime will think that money is the supremegood in life. Solomon combats this errorin these chapters, and shows that neitherthe gathering of great riches. nor in thespending of them, is there real happiness,5; 10. It is true that honest laborleads to prosperity, and this is desirable.More often it is the ungodly who increasein riches through dishonesty, speculation,or oppression. Both their wealth and afurious lust of wealth increase, and whenthey possess the most they seek for more.Their anxieties increase, they do not getrefreshing sleep, they get in love with theworld, become 'proud, are much tempted,they draw their hearts away from God andfrom duty, and make it very difficult forthemselves to enter the kingdom of Heaven,Matt. 19:23.LESSON-It is lawful to gather wealth,if we can do so without violating the lawsof God and man, and if we consecrate itto the service of God and man. Two questionswill be asked rich men at the Judgment:How did you make your money, andhow did you spend it? If riches increase,set not your heart upon them, Ps, 62: 10.On the other hand remember that it Iseasier to be contented without riches thanwith them. It is so natural to make goldour .god. to trust in it. and to depend uponit for happiness. The Bible depredates thevalue of money because the best thtrigx,like salvation. blessedness and peace cannotbe bought with it. It is not alonggolden roads that God's children ;pass tobliss. Therefore, happy are those who havelearned to be contented with little, whosewants are few and moderate, who, havingthe necessaries of life, are thankful andhopeful. "I never complained of my lot,"said a Persian poet, "but once-when myfeet were sore. and I had no money to buyshoes; but I met a man without a foot,and became contented with my lot when Isaw him!"Great Fact III. The Emptiness of Folly.Chs, 7-11.The thought of these chapters is "Benot foolish," 7-17. Seek a good name andcherish it above all earthly distinctions,cultivate meekness, be diligent, make thebest of the ·present instead of dreamingabout the past, or the future. Serve Godwith intelligent reason and prudence insteadof rushing to extremes in anything.Perish in righteousness, rather than prosperin Wickedness. Wisdom is the highestgood. "Wisdom giveth life to those whohave it!" 7:12.LESSON-The root of folly is representedas in the heart, Provo 12:23. There IImore folly in the heart of man than inthe head. Foolishness stands first in thecatalogue of evils, Rom. 3: 3. Examples 01folly are, the foolish builders, Matt. 7:26;the foolish virgins, Matt. 23-5; the richfool, Luke 12:16. On the other hand, thewisdom that is from above will preservethe soul's life, by imparting to it the giftof God, which is eternal life, it will preservethe mind's life, by floodIngit with tnuth ; it will ,preserve the body'slife by giving it length of days and 8glorious resurrection at the last day!Great Fact IV. The Emptiness of Impiety.·Ch.12.This chapter is a call to young peopleto "Remember now thy Creator in tiledays of thy youth," 12:1. Not to flatterthemselves with vain expectations, but toguard against the spiritual disease 01youth. Rutherford said, "A young man 1often a dressed lodging for the devil' todwel l in. Satan has a friend at court in theheart of youth, and their 'pride, luxury,lust and forgetfulness of God are his hired'agents. Therefore, what a sweet couple)what a glorious couple are youth and grace,Christ and a young man!" The period' ofyouth has the responsibility of shaping allone's after life, and if we do not rememberour Creator in early days we shall not beable, nor shall we want to do so, in thelater days of life. The phtllaoph'y of Ecclesiastesis summed up in these words:"Reverence God and keep His command'ments for this is the whole duty of man!'12: 13. ILESSON-There are many reasons whl'lwe should become devout Christians iJiearly days, 1. In youth the foundationfof life are laid. Some workmen in buildinia tower laid one brtck a little out of line.!

SONG OF SOLOMONThe work went on without It being no- Questions on the Lesson.ticed, but as each course of bricks waskept in line with those already laid-the1. Whatmean?does the name of the booktower was not put up exactly straight, 2. Who wrote it and when?and the higher they built, the more ill- 3. Why ought we not to form judgsecureit became. One day there was a ment upon Isolated verses?tremendous crash. The building had tal- 4. What is the purpose of the book?len, burying the men in the ruins. Lives 5. What the great facts?were sacrificed, time lost, materials were 6. Name the key word and key verse.wasted, all because one brick was laid 7. Have you read Ecclesiastes?wrong at the start. Think ot that ruin 8. Di·j Solomon tind satisfactionthat comes of one bad habit, or one brick pleasure?inlaid wrong, while you are building a char- 9. Name the two classes or disappointacterfor life and eternity. Keep the found- ed men.ation straight. 2. Because lite is atways 10. Who is always a disappointed man?uncertain, there are graves in the church- 11. Should Christians, too, sanctionyard just your length. God will not spare questionable pleasures?you on account of your youth, if you die 12. Are there lots ot elevating pleawithoutan interest in Christ. sures? Name some.3. Because if you seek Christ early and 13. Is money the supreme good?find Him, your lite wllI be more eminently 14. Name some of th,e disadvantagesusetul to God, an-d more servicable to men. of being rich.Augasttne repented, and so have many 15. In what way is it lawful tor;atherothers, that they began the Christian life wealth?so late, and knew God no sooner.16. What things cannot be bought with4. Because your whole lifJ will be hap- money?pier if the morning ot it is dedicated to the 17. Show that contented people are theLord. The first fruits sanctify the whole happiest.harvest. This wfll have a sweet Influence 18. Where is the root of foolishnell8?upon all your days, whatever changes may 19. Give some examJPlesot folly?come. Let every young person say today' 20. What will wisdom do .for us?Now that my journey's just begun, 21. What is the philosophy of Ecclesl-My course so little trod, astes?I'Il stay before I f'urther run,22. Why should we become Chrlstl,ausAnd give myself to Goo!in early days?Lesson No. 21-The churches' biggest business is to teach the Bible.Lesson ThemeSONG OF SOLOMONSong of Solomon 2:1-4.KEY WORD-"LOVE." KEY VERSE-2 :4.KEY PHB.ASE-"GOD'S LOVE :FORISRAEL AND THE CHURCH."Home Readings. tendants, As you read keep the variousDo not fail to read through the whole speakers distinct in your mind.Bible in connection with this course. This • * *. ,week read the Song of Solomon. The fol- NAME-This book is called the Song ofowtng selections are for the ,family altar: Solomon because Solomon is the authorSunday-In joyful Communion, 1:1-7. and hero of it.Monday-The Rose of Sharon, 2:1--7. TIME OF WRITING--About 1000 B. C.I Tuesday-The visit of the beloved,2: 8-17 PUIlPOSE-To show in the changelessWednesday-The Absence of the Be- devotion of the br-idegroom and the bride,oved, 3: 1-5. the love of Jehovah for Israel, and ofI Thursday-The Seeking Br-ide, 5: 6-8. Christ for the church.· Friday-The bridegroom praised,5:10~16 • * * •: Saturday-In praise of the bride, 6: 4-9. Great Facts. I. Rapture. n. Festival.· In the East the physical charms of lov- ill. Separation. IV. Reunion.~rs are described minutely without any • ,thought of vulgarity. In this book, one is Great Fact I. The Bride s Rapture.f'n holy ground; pray for spiritual under- Cbs. 1·3·5.~tanding! The bride is a beautiful Shulamite• Remember that it Is made up ot conver- maiden. So called because she was thelAtions between the bridegroom and the descendant of Shulam, who was a son of~Tl

42 SONG OF SOLOMONarrival of her lover, and, surrounded by 5. Seek to extend His kingdom from shorea chorus of ladies, pours out her rapture to shore.and longing, which Is responded to by hera-dmiring companions, 1: 1-8. The royal* * * *lover appears. and the rapturous joy pf Great Fact II. The Wedding Festival.mutual delight is poured out in the banquetinghouse, 1: 9-2: 7, dosing with a song 'We have here but a glimpse of the gladChs. 3 :6-5-1.of serena contentment. ad-tressed by the festival, but It suggests the whole. Solomonis seen surrounded by his bodyguardbride to her companion, 2: 7. In the raptureof the new-round love, the bride tells advancing towards Jerusalem. The daughtersof Jerusalem go forth to meet him.how her loved one wooed her, and howtheir love was mingled with the loveliness He is crowned with the splendid crownof opening spring and summer. How her made by his mother for the happy day.heart longed for him until he was fou.nd, Next follows a beautiful song in whichand when found, she was not wi11in~ to the bridegroom addressed the bride. Shelet him go, 3: 5.responds with a song of delight, In whichLESSON-The rapture of the bride for she gives herself entirely to her husband,the bridegroom reminds us of the loving 4: 16. In response to the bride's invitationintercourse between Israel and Jehovah, to enjoy the pleasant fruits of the .garden,and between the church and the heaveply the bridegroom responds with great satisfaction,5:l.Bridegroom. Some of the noblest religioussouls have expressed their love in the .ferventwords of this Song of Songs. poor bride from Lebanon to be broughtLESSON-It was a great thing for theIn this parable of love we have a kin/!: into the court of the king whose magnificencefilled the Queen of Sheba with won-seeking and wooing a bride In her humblehome in the mountains. Thus the King of der and dellght.: But "eye hath not seenKings left his glory-throne to seek and nor ear heard, neither have entered intowin the church for his bride. He despisedthe heart of man, the things which Godnot stable nor manger. He has sought thehath prepared for them that love Him,"lowest and neediest, "My friend, my fairI Cor. 2: 9. The day is coming when theone rise up. and come away." His loveLord Jesus will present the church untocovers the multitude of our sins. He callsHimself, as a glorious bride, holy andwithout blemish. King Solomon went outus "fair" and makes us fair. Then comesthe rapturous utterance, "My beloved isof Jerusalem in royal 'pomp to meet hisbetrothed. When the marriage of the Lambmine and I am His," 2: 16. Christ is ours.is come "The Lord Himself shall come to1. Because; of the free gift of HimselfHe loved me and gave Himself for me."meet us." (read I Thess. 4:16-17). The2. He is ours if we believingly take Him toheart of man cannot conceive of the blissof that moment, When the heavenly br'Idegroomshall bring home the church. Hi~ourselves, for faith has marvelous power.3. He is ours if we joyfully realize His life bride. The union of Christ and the churchto us. Many fail right here. A child will will be perfected forever. We shall enjoycry even in its mother's arms. But the our heritage as heirs of God and jointheirsof Christ. Eternity will be one bles-arms are all the same. It is unspeakablyblessed to realize all that Christ is to our sed honeymoon.souls.* * * *Every Christian is Christ's. 1. By creation."It is He that hath ma-deus," Ps. 100.Chs. 5 :2-6 :3.Great Fact m. Temporary Separation.2. By the purchase of His blood. 3. By theconquest of His spirit.A cloud passes over the sun. The brrghtnessof the bridal bliss Is obscured for aTo the bellevtng, Christ-loving soul, Hewhile. Under the figure of a dream theis the "Rose of Sharon, and the Lily ofbrl·je describes a brief separation of herthe Valley, the chief among ten thousand."Those who have found him and longing and searchtng' for her beloved,heart from the bridegroom, her misery, perknow Him with real spiritual knowledge, and her appeaa~ to her companions to helpcount other objects of human desire as her. They draw from her the fullness ofnothing in comparison with Him! "What her love by asking questions, and ask.things were gatn to me," says Paul, "Where is thy beloved gone?""those I counted loss for Christ!"LESSON--'When the sun Is eclipsed itThen let us again: 1. Make a definite does not cease to shine, though Its raysdedication of ourselves to Christ. 2. Be may not reach the earth. And when ChJ:.lstvery careful not to offend Him in our conduct.3. Prove our devotion by obedience yesterday: and today, and forever." How-is hidden He remains Himself "the samto His commands, 4. Defend iflim and His ever there have been times In the hlstorcause against all His .present-day enemies. of churches and of Christians, that resem

ISAIAH43bledthe captivity of Israel, when the 'Lordhasseemed far from them, and they havewalkedin darkness. Sometimes Christ apparentlydeserts us because of our sins,and as plants kept from light becomeunhealthy, so souls deprived of light ofGod's countenance lose their paace andstrength. Our daily cares which we loverito cast upon the Lord, are borne upon ourownshoulders with anxiety. Love of thewo.ldand the love of riches outweigh ourlovefa. Christ. We doubt our own conversions,andthe realities of the blessed lifePrayer affords no refreshment, and theBible no precious promises. We becomefault-finders and blame the minister andthe church, when the blame of our discontentmentlies only with ourselves. Inthe book we are studying, how the bride, sought the bridegroom, as soon as the separationwas felt! So we should ardentlydesire to be reconciled and to regain thefavorwe have lost!• * * •Great Fact IV. ReUDion,6:4-8:14.There is soon a reunion between therOyalbridegroom and the bride, and she.fUllof satisfaction in the love of her hUSband,Inviteshim to return 'with her to theseeneof her maiden Ufe, for there his lovewouldbeautify all that was familiar to her.In the thought of such bliss she againcharges her companions to witness herhappiness, 1: 4. Bride and bridegroom _arenow together in restful JOY, exchangingrememberances and confidences, present-Ing a 'Picture of ideal love.LESSON-Man was made for eompan-IOnship with his Savior, and many beautifulexpressions are 'Used in scrl:pture tosuggest this communion.We may delight ourselveS in the Lord.Ps, 37: 4. May dwell in the secret 'Place ofthe Most High, Ps. 91: 1. We may enterInto the holiest, Heb. 10:19. We may havethe .companionship of Christ, 1. In our oe-Cupatiops, Whatever lawful ones they maybe. 2. In our enjoyments which are allhallOWed by His gracious presence. 3. Inour flufferlngs when we perhaps mostneed Him and' when His sympathy Is especiallyprecious. 4. In our Christian ser-Vice, for how can we do His work exceptbeneath His smile?A mother was asked by her child, "WhyIs It that when you come from your roomyou always look so haPillY?" The answerwas "Because I have been praying to mySavior. I ask Him for His grace to makeme hap'py and holy. I ask Him to assistme to keep me from committing any sinagainst Him, and above all, I ask Him tohave mercy on your soul, to save youfrom the ruin of those who go down tohall." "Oh! is that the secret?" said thechild, "Then I will come Into the secretplace with you!" Let U6 renew our covenantto daily use the secret place of prayerand Bible-reading.In the secret of His presence how my souldeUghts to hide.Oh, how precious are the lessons that Ilearn at Jesus' side!Earthly cares can never vex me, neithertrials laY me low,For when Satan comes to vex me--tosecret place I go!• * * •Questions on the Lesson.the1. Of what is this book made up?2. Do we need spiritual understanding8S we read?3. Why is this book called Song ofSolomon?4. What Is the purpose?6. Give the key word and key verlMl.6. Name the great fae".7. Have you understood the preciousverses In your Bible?8. Why is the bride called the Shulamith?9. How did the King of Kings seek towin His bride?10. Show the three ways in whichChrist is ours.11. Wbat four things ought believersto do?12. What will happen when the marriageof the Lamb is come?13. Why does Christ aipparently desertthe believer?14. What haippens when He does?16. What ought we to do when separatedfrom Ghrist?16. Give some of the expressions of communion.17. Give the fourwe may have Christ'soccasions in whicheompamonshln ..18. iWhy did a certain mother lookhWPPY?19. What covenant ought we to renew?20. Quote or read the verse of thehymn.

. 44 ISAIAHLesson No. 22-Read the Scripture, in class out of your own Bible.Lesson ThemeISAIAHIsaiah 9 :2-7.KEY WORD-"MESSIAH." KEY VERS~ :8.KEY PHRASE-"SALVATION THROUGH JUDGMENTS AND GRACE."Home Readings.If possible rearl the whole of Isaiah. Ifnot then:Sun day-c--T'he case agatnst Judah, 1: 1-18Monday-Isaiah's vision, 6:1-8.Tuesrlay-Christ-chlld Is Israel's hope.!l: 1-7.Wednesday-The coming ,kingdom,ll: 1-9Thursday-Hezekiah's sickness, 38: 1-8.Frlday~hrist our sacrl!lce, 53: 1-12.Saturday-Everlasting salvation,55: 1-13NOTE ON THE PROPHETS--We nowcome to the 17 prophecies of the Old Testament.The prophets In their message utteredgreat truths that applied to theirown times, but just as truly to the times ofChrist. To the time of His first and of Hissecond coming. The burdens of their messageswas, that God would bless His covenant'people with both temporal and spiritualblessings If they were true to Him. Butit unfaithful then judgment should comeupon them until they would repent, whenthey should be restored to God's favor andto their own land.NAME-Isaiah means "salvation of Jehovah,"which is significant, as he was thegreat prophet of salvation in the Old Testament.Christ and the apostles quoted himmore than any other prophet. Eventscover 62 years, 760~698 B. C.PURPOSE-To prophesy Israel's eapttv-Ity, repentance and restoration, and theglories of the Messanic age.THE TIMES OF ISAIAH-Isaiah lived780 B. C.-690 B. C. In the southern kingdomof Judah at Jerusalem. When he wastwelve years of age the Assyrians invadedthe land and had to be bought off with alarge indemnity. II Kings 15:19. Abouttwenty years later the northern kingdom(Israel) 'Was taken into captivity. This exposedJudah to the same fate, but JUdah'sking, having declared himself to be thevassal of Assyria, the evil day was put off.When Hezekiah came to the throne ofJudah, 727 B. C.. he rebelled against theking of Assyria, and was supported bytsatab, who exhorted his countrymen notto be aCraid of the Assyrians, 10:24, but ~odepend wholly upon Jehovah. Worldly ad-~tsers, however. persuaded Hezeklah tomake an alHnnce with Egypt against AfIlIyrla,but It 'WaR of no avail. He1.eklahwall defeated and paid a heavy In

forms, all its depths, all its degrees! Hebids us turn from the empty ceremonies,that Israel was making so much of, to th~Fountain filled with blood. He assures usthat although we may be dyed scarlet, ordouble-dyed In crimson with sin, we maybe "as white as snow!" No wonder thebook of Isaiah is called "The Gospel of theOld Test arnent'"• * * •Great Fact II. Prophecie.'l ConcerningForeign Nations. Ch. 12-35.ISAIAHAssyrln. EI{YP!" Babylon, Damascus andTy r« nr« 1111'11 tI

46 .JEREMIAH AND LAMENTATIONSshalt blossom as the rose, Is. 35: 1. The en from Israel?glory of the Lord shal l cover the earth 6. Against what evils did Isaiah prophesy?'as the waters cover the sea. Is. 11:9. Thesavage nature of beasts will be banished 7. Name the great facts.and a little child shal l lead them, Is. 1:1.:6. 8. What the key word and key vers9?The government shall be on Christ's 9. How much of Isaiah have you read!shoulders and of the increase of righteousnessand peace there shall be no end. rael?10. Of what did the prophet accuse Is-Is. 9: 6. Nations shall beat their sWq[ds 11. Show bow God is willing to reasoninto plowshares and learn war is no more. with us.Is. 2: 4.12. What is meant by 'prophesies havingLESSON-Those who suffer with Christ a near and far view?shall reign with Him. Those who are faithfulto the suffering Messiah, shall be re-14. Tell the history of sinful nations.13. From whence did Satan fall, 14:12?warded by the exalted Messiah. In Sparta 15. What made Hezekiah a .great king?only those who had won victories were allewedto sit beside the king. Let us look the book of comfort? .16. Why is the last ,part of Isaiah calledfor and hasten the coming of the golden 17. What does the word Comfort mean?Kingdom-age! . 18. Trace the teaching about the Messiahfrom Genesis to Isaiah.Questions on the Lesson,19. What the duration of·the Ikingdom1. How many prophesies in the Old Testament?20. 'Will Israel be back in the land?yet to be set u'P?2. Give the burden of their messages. 21. Will universal peace and knowledgecover the earth?3. What the meaning of name?4. !What the purpose?22. How can we hasten the coming ot5. How were the Assyrians :finally drtv-the Lord?Lesson No. 23-Studythe Bible from the first inspired word to the last.Lesson ThemeJEREMIAH AND LAMENTATIONSJeremiah 2:1-9.KEY WORD-"W ARNING." KEY VERSE---2 :9.KEY IPH'B.ASE-"JUDA\B: CARRIED OFF TO BABYLON."Home Readings.The whole of Jeremiah or-Sunday-Divine ,goodness to Judah, 2:1-9.Monday-Treachery of Judah, 4:12-19.Tuesday-Encouragement to rep e n t7: 1-15.,Wednesday-The Lord is our hope, 17:12-18.Thursday-Advice to captives, 29:8-14.Friday-Promises of mercy, 30: 18-2'1.Saturday-Comfort to the afflicted,Lam. 3:21-41.* • • *NAME-The book is named for its author,Jeremiah, who was a priest andprophet, and lived in the village of Anathoth,three miles northeast of Jerusalem.He began to prophesy while yet a youngman, in the reign of Josiah (628 B. C.).Never did a patriot who 10ve'C!his country,nor a preacher who loved his God, havemore indignities heaped upon him :for hisfaithfulness. From the first appearance ofNebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, in Palestine(605 B. C.) Jeremiah announcedthat submission to his rule was the will orJehovah. For this he was sorely 'Prosecuted.After Nebuchadnezzar had taken Jerusalemin 687 B. C., Jeremiah was left inPalestine with the remnant, but later takencaptive to Egypt, where he died. Heexercised his prophetic ministry about acentury later than Isaiah. Events cover41 years, 629-588 B. C.TIMES OF JEREMIAH-For these readII Kings, Chs. 21-25. While Josiah wasking of Judah, the !political and religiousconditions were outwardly good, but whenhis older brother, Jehoiakim, and his successorscame to the throne, they despisedthe religion of Jehovah, threw Jeremiah'sprophesies into the fire, and idolatry an~flagrant sins were openly practiced. Jeremiahdid his best to stem the tide of evllwith his warnings and entreaties, buf invain. Yet even when the people weredoomed to captivity, he uttered some of hismost glorious Messianic ,prophecies, foretellingthat after 7'0 years the captivitywould end with their repentance and restoration.We must remember that B\lo)ly-Ion has destroyed Assyria's power by thistime and is now mistress of the world, an~the instrument of God's hand to chastiseJudah for its sins.PURPOSE-To foretell the captivity thatshould follow Judah's baokslldlnig, and theJudgments that should come upon the nationsfor oppressing Judah.

JEREMIAH AND LAMENTATIONS 47Great Facts. I. Captivity. n. Restoration.m. Indignation. IV. Lamentation.Great Fact I. Captivity shall follow Backsliding.Chs. 1-22.Jeremiah was Jehovah's spokesman indays of darkness and disaster. Two nationswere threatening Judah at this time Babylonon the east and Egypt on the' south,and Judah not knowing with which tomake an alliance sought to play them offone against the ~ther. Morally and spiritually,the nation had sunk lower and lower.Their backslldings were driving themto ruin. Different political 'parties urgedtheir ideas upon the people, but no realreformation ensued. Jeremiah, with faithifulprayer and weeping. .points out theirastonishing 'unfaithfulness to God, butthey turn from him to false prophets. Hewarns them not to trust the sacrifices ofthe temple and in ritual to save the land,and tells them that they must get readyfor exile. In chapter 17 he says that theobservance of the Sabbath would bringblessings, but nothing can put off the captivity.LESSON-Backsliding was the characteristicvice o~ the Jewish peoPle throughoutthe whole course of their history.Their career was one of perpetual sinningand repenting, until their great rejectionof Christ, which led to the final fallingaway. The Jews were a representive peopleand their history is often a true reflectionof individual lives. It is remarkablehow many of the saints of the Bible provedweak at their strongest point. Abraham,the man of faith, was noted for his acts ofunbllef. Moses, pre-eminent for meekness.was overcome by anger. Job, the exampleof patience, became impatient. Peter, theboldest in the hour of danger, turned coward.It is a sad sight to see a wreckedship, or a church building in ruins, but abackslider is a sadder sight still. "Let uswatch and pray that we may not enterinto temptation."* * * *Great Fact n. Repentance and RestoraationForetold. Chs. 24-25.As clearly as Jeremiah prophesies thecaptivity, he also foretells a return to Jerusalemof a 'portion of the people. He JIasa clear vision of Christ coming to reign inchapter 23. The sign of the ftgs typi~iestheir return, Ch. 24. The captivity shouldend in 70 years, Ch. 25. Even the vessels ,~fthe Lord's house shall be returned, Ch. 28.Jerusalem shall be rebuilt, Ch, 33. TheRechabltes were faithful in not drinkingwine, Ch. 35.LESSON-The language of these propheciesplainly shows that the divine authorhas In mind not only the return of J·udahfrom Babylon, but also the return of allthe twelve tribes from among- the Ge~tilenations where they are today. Every prophecynot yet come to pass will be fulfllledliterally at Christ's second coming.Just as God does not restore Israel untilthey are healed of their unholiness, sohealing of the soul comes before the blessingsof redemption.* * * *Great Fact III. Indignation upon OppressingNations. Chs- 45-52.In this section the prophet 'predicts the~o~nfall of Egy,pt, the spoiling of the Philtsttnes,the confounding of Moab and Ammon,the wasting of the secret places ofEdom, and the desolating of Damascus, Kedarand Elam. In chapters 50-51 the endof Babylon is seen, and her place Is to betaken by spoilers .from the north.. LESSON-A country's safeguard is notin commerce, or Tyre would not have fallen.Not in art, or Greece would never haveperished. Not in strong political organizatton,o~ Rome would have continued. Notin armies, or Germany would now be thevict~r of the world. Not in religious cerememes,or Jerusalem or Rome would be themost influential cities today. No! righteousness,and it alone, exalteth a nation,and safeguards Its people. When Israelwas God-fearing she was mighty. Whenshe fell Into the wicked ways of nattonsaround her, she and they were broughtlow. Further. in Gen. 12: 3, God said Hewould punish those who Injured Israel, andthis has been fulfilled In the experienceof all ancient and modern nations WitnessRussia today. It behooves u~ as anation to maintain a just and benevolentattitudetowards the Jews.* * * *Great Fact IV. The Lamentations of Jeremiah.Lamentations. Chs. 1-5.This book consists of live Lamentations,or songs of sorrow, over the destruction ofJerusalem, 587 B. C., and over the conditionof the captives. It pictures the d~~estsuffering; but the righteousness of God isconfessed and prayer is offered for pardonand acceptance. Resolutions are made toobey the Lord, and all classes are calledto join in a national reformation. In chapter3, there is much comfort in thethought of God's 'unceasing mercies.LESSON-In times of distress, Jeremiahfound his brightest hope in "the Lord'lfmercies, which are new every morning!"We may sometimes forget them or abusethem, but they are ever new. Just as Godkeeps the. old world green by renewing itevery sprmg, so, He refreshes His peopleby spring times of grace. When cloutl~come, let us see God's rainbow covenant ofmercy through the clouds as Noah did inGenesis 9: 13. When we sin let us rememberthe mercy seat of Ex. 23: 17-22, wherewe may be received back by JehovahGod's mercies are ever new and everlast~ing. This does not mean that God is mere-

EZEKIlllLiful at the expense of His truth, holiness 11. Of whom were the Jews a type Inand wisdom. Israel's history proves this. their experiences?Yet God is the Father of all mercy, and all 12. Give some Biblcal illustrations ofHis children can say with the Psalmist, backsliding."Surely goodness and mercy have followed 13. Were all the prophecies of restorameall the days of my life!"tion fulfilled?* ,. ,. * 14. If not when will they be?Questions on the Lesson,15. What comes before the blessings of1. Who was Jeremiah? redemption?2. What books did he write? 16. What is a nation's safeguard?3. Why was he ,persel'uted?4. Tell how he tried to stem the tide of17. What should be our attitudethe Jews?towardevil.5. 'What the key word and key verse.18. What do we mean by the word Lamentations?6. What the 'purpose?7. Name the great facts.19. Inhopes?what should be our brightest8. How muchread?of Jeremiah have you 20. Is God merciful atj ustlce?the expense of9. What, two nations threatened Judah?10. 'Can formal religion save a land?21. In whichlast quotation?Psalm do we find theLesson No. 24-The Church's biggest business is to teach the Bible.Lesson ThemeEZEKIELEzekiel 3 :16-21.KEY WORD-"VISIONS." KEY VERSE-I :3. "The hand of the Lord was upon me."Y..EY PlIRASE-"V[SIONS OF JUDGMENT and OF THE TWO RESTORATIONS."Mentioned seven times in the book.Home Readings.plunged them deeper into superstition andwickedness. Like their fathers, they werea rebelltous nation and a sUf(-heartedpeople, who set up idol-groves upon .thehigh hills, and defiled Jehovah's sanctuaryProphet a Watchman, with abomination, 5: 11. Far away fromhis native land, by the rivers of BabYlon,The whole of Ezekiel, or:Sunday-The Prophet Commissioned,2:3-10.Monday-The3: 10-21.Tuesday--Israel to be converted,l1: 14-21WednesdaY_The Sins of the People,22:3-31.Th'Ursday--Tyre a Symbol of Sat,an,28: 11-19.FridaY--Vision of the Dry Bones,37:1-l-ISaturday-Two Sticks are Israel andJudah, 37:-15-24.* • • *NAME-The book is named after its author,Ezekiel, who was a priest and amajor prophet. He was carried captive toBabylon, 597 B. C., about eleven yearsbefore the destruction of Jerusalem. Helived at the time of Daniel and Jeremiah,~and was a disclple of the latter While inJerusalem. He received his call at the ageof 3D,and prophesied for 22 years. He wasa man of intense moral earnestness and ofdeep personal humility, and conspicuousfor his fidelity to Jehovah in the tryingtimesof the exile.TIME OF EZEKIEL-- The northernkingdom, Israel, had been in captivity. forover 100 years. Nebuchadnezzar had descendedupon Jerusalem of the southernkin.gdom, and carried away 10,000 of itschief citizens, among whom was Eze'kiel.This judgment did not sober its idol-marland vice-intoxicated inhabitants, but onlyEzekiel preached against the national sinsof his 'People in some remarkable visions,but like Isaiah, he closed his message witha description of the Messiah's gloriousreign. Events cover 21 years, 595-574" B.C.PURPOSE--

EZEKIEL. 49God had wonderfully favored his people,Israel, They had been blessed with moreIllustrious men than other nations, mightierand more wonderful deeds had beendone for them than for any other people,a clearer and brighter revelation of Go.lhad been given them, a purer and noblerworship had been instituted among them,All these privileges were given that othersmight be blessed through them. Ps. 67: 1-2. But "she quarelled with God's judgmentmore wickedly than did the heathennations," and grew daring and defiantIn her disobedience. They were thereforepunished with famine, pestilence anddispersion.LESSON-The oft-repeated mistake ofIsrael was to consider itself a privelegednation, sure of the favor of God in spiteof Its unfaithfulness. Many Christians flatterthemselves with the same delusion. YetGod never spares a sin or a sinner. 1.1the discipline of the Christian life, God isalways fighting against sin, and He willnot cease until He plucks every viper fromour lives, Matt. 3: 12. The tears of Gethsemanewere not a substitute for the Crossof Calvary. The tears of regret will notwash away God's judgment for sin. "C:ouldmy tears forever flow, could my zeal ,10respite know all for sin could not atone.Christ must ~ave and Christ alone!"* * * *Great Fact II. Prophecies Against Judah'sEnemies. Chs. 25-32,In these eight chapters the prophet hasno word to speak concerning Judah an.lIsrael, but the divine woe is pronouncedagainst the seven neighboring nationswhich had shown the most hostility tothem: Ammon, Moab, Edom, Philistia.Tyra, SIdon and Egypt. The capture ofTyre and its ruin by Nebuchadnezzar isforeold. Egypt shall be desolate fortyYears. The prince of Tyre, 28:11-19. is atype of the prince of this world, Satan.His unfallen state is here described, asis his fall in Isaiah 14: 12-14. Satan isthe inspirer of all pride such as rutne-lTyre, God exercises His judgments overthe whole earth. Seven nations are herementioned because seven is the numberof completeness. The nations around Israelregarded Jehovah as a tribal god. ButChrist announced a judgment of all nationswould follow that of Israel, Matt. 25:32. God visits national sin with nationaljudgments. Not only will individuals bejudged, but each nation as a whole wil;have to answer for its national sins, DEoppression, Sabbath breaking, drunkenness,graft and corruption.LESSON-A nation by its collective actionpossesses national responsibility. 11the people sin, the people suffer. WttnessGermany and Rusala, If a people repentand call upon God, national calamitiesBre averted. National 'Pride should ,giveaway to national goodness, and nationalpower to national kindness. "The righteous Lo··d loveth righteousness."* * * *Great Fact III. Future Restorations andGlory of Israel. Chs. 33-48,These discourses were delivered afterthe destruction of Jerusalem, in which hepictures the happy return to Israel totheir own land, henceforward to dwellin safety, and secure from former calamities.The land shall have renewed beautyand fertility. The nation, although thendry bones, should live again. Ezekiel. likeJohn in the Book of Revelation, had avision of a glorious temple to be rebuilt.The ever-growing river coming out of thesanctuary, speaks of the increasing prosperityand blessedness that should come tothe land. Gog, of the land of Magog, whichis likely Russia, heading some northernEuropean powers, will make a great attemptto destroy this new kingdom, butwill utterly fail, Chs. 38-39. The templeshall be the center of Israel's life and Godwill dwell among them, and He wilr" betheir God and they shall be His people.It is evident that the ,prophet has inview, not only the return after 70 years,but the later gathering of the Jewsf.romamong the Gentiles, and their final returnfor mlllenial place and ,glory, whenChrist shall sit on the throne of his r~th·er Davld, and rule the earth in righteousness.The reasons for this interpretation areas follows:1. In the first restoration only thosewho were so minded, came back fromBabylon, Ezra 7: 13., while many remainedin Babylon, Egy

,50 DANIELLESSON-The final restoration of Israel ing the conversion of souls, that wilen:is one of the triumphant certainities of the king shall come we shall be read"acript.ure. and it is closely connected with togo out to meet Him! Matt. 25: 6.the Lord's Second Corning, Ps, 102:16.* • • *VV.E. B. gives the order of events asfollows: 1. Christ sets up His millenialQuestions on the Lesson.kingdom (we are now in the kingdom 1. Who was Ezekiel?of grace), and all that offend are gathered 2. When was he carried to Babylon!out of the land. 2. He judges first his own 3. In the time of what other prophet!people the Jews, as to their fidelity to did he live?Him and then the nations of the earth 4. Tell about the times of EzEikieLas to their treatment of His people, 3. 5. VVhJ.tthe purpose of the book?The Lord makes a new covenant With .His 6. Name the key word and 'key verse,'people, Judah and Israel, forgiving their 7. Give the great facts. ;iniquity, but punishing their enemies, in- 8. How much of Ezekiel have you read!'eluding Gog (Russia) and its armies 9. Show how God had favored Israel,which are overthrown and destroyed. 4. 10. What was Israel's mistake?The Jews corne into run possession of the 11. Show that Christians should notfull extent of their land according to imitate Israel.promises 5. The temple and city are re- 12. Of whom is the prince of Tyre abuilt according to the Divine plan, and type?the Levitical forms of worship are reo 13. For what sins will nations be',established, with some modifications. 6. judged? INothing shall hurt or destroy in all the 14. Tell of the Jew's restoration. iholy mountain, and Jerusalem is made a 15. Give five reasons why we believepraise, the joy of the whole earth. The these scriPtures have not been fuUlled.earth is full of the ,glory of the Lord! 17. Give the order of events of the set-The Lord will not restore Israel nor ttng UJ) of the Messianic kingdom.build up ZIon until he has caught up true 16. VVith what is Israel's restoratioDbelievers, Col. 3: 4. Let us therefore not be connected? .cold-hearted, world-conforming Christians, 18. What sort of Christian ought we to!but earnest, watchful and true, ever seek· be, and what doing? ILesson No. 25-Get to know and love your :Bible.Lesson ThemeDANIELDaniel 2:16-22.KEY WORD-"EMPmES." KEY VERS:F.r-2:21. 'KEY PHRASE-"OOD COKTROLS'I'HE RISE AND FALL OF EMPmES." IHome Readings, three successive kings, Nebuchadnezzar,!. Belshazzar and Darius. VVhilein the servo;ThIS book has a.n imp~rtant place. Read ice of Darius he was put in the lion's!l~nithe whole of D~n~el, or. . for praying to his God. However, the 90 dSunday-Damel s steadf~stness, 1.1-8. in whom he trusted closed the mouths of,Monday-Prayer for WIsdom, 2: 16-22,; the lions and he came out unharmed and'Tuesday-The harmless. furnace,3: 19-20 his accusers, instead, were destroyed bylWednesday-Tree ViSIOn Interpreted, the lions. He lived through the whole 70\4:19-27. . years of the captivity and saw the return!Thursday-Found VVantIng, 5: 22-31. under King Cyrus as recorded in the bookIFridaY-The iLion's Den. 6: 16-24. of Ezra ISaturday-Coming of Christ in Glory, TIME COVERED-607 to 534 B. C.!7:9-14. about 73 years. !VVRITER-Daniel was one of the royal PURPOSE-To show that God controts]princes who was carried into captivity!?y not only the lives of the Hebrew captives,!Nebuchadnezzar. He was well-favored In but the mighty empires of the earth. Iperson, and cultured in mind, so that he * * * •was given an apartment in the king's Great Facts. I. History, n. Prophecy.palace, and recelv~d daily portions of the G t F t I Historical Section Chs. 1-8.king's food and wme. He proposed, how- rea ac , ,ever, not to defile himself with food that C~apter 1 shows us the faithfulness of,had b n offered to idols and lived Instead DanIal and hi;" three companions to tlj.eiree t bi di t Hi~ first appearance religious convictfons, in not eating heath-~: ;u~ffce ~a: as e ~n interpreter of the en food. "His loyalty he kept, hiB faith, hi.image dream of the ,king. He himself had IO\e'''-Ch~~~~~~n'2,Nebuchadnezzar dream.some wonderful visions. He also was a un[ g t his dream HiB wile men canstatesmanwho held high offices under an or e s .

not help him, and Daniel, to whom Godhas revealed the dream and the meaning,is called in. The dream of the king wasof a great image with head of fine gold,breast and arms of silver, stomach andthigh of brass, legs of iron, and feet partof iron and ·part of clay. A stone cut outof a mountain without hands smote theimage upon Its feet and destroyed It.Daniel's interpretation was that the Imagerepresents the greatness and splendorof the Gentile world powers. The head ofgold Is the BABYLONIAN EMPIRE, ~25-636 B. C., and the beginning of the timeof the Gentiles. Luke 21: 24.The breast and arms of sliver representthe MEDO-PERSIAN EMPIRE, which conqueredand succeeded that of Babylon, andstood from 536-330 B. C. Its power beganwith Cyrus under whom the Jews returnedto Jerusalem. Ezra 1: 1. The stomach andthighs of brass represent the GREEK EM-PIRE, which under Alexander the Gre'lt,conquered the entire Persian world, 2:39.This stood from 330-321, and at Alexander'sdeath was divided among his fourgenerals. The legs of iron represent theROMAN EMPIRE, 2: 40, one leg beingthe eastern and the other the westerndivisions with capitals at Constantinopleand Rome. The ten toes represent the tenfuture kingdoms to arise from the breakingup of the two divisions of the RomanEmpire, which stood from 27 B. C. to 476A. D. The stone cut out of the mountainwithout hands represents the coming ofChrist in 'glorY In the time of the ten kings,to set u'p an everlastin,gkingdom, 2: 45.Chapter 3 tells how Nebuchadnezzar setup a golden idol and required all to ,falldown and worship it. Daniel's three friendsBhadrach, Meshach and Absdnego, refusedto do so and were cast into the 1I"eryfurnace, but were miraculously deliveredby their God.Chapter 4 tells of the king's dream ofa great tree which was cut down. Thiswas meant to be a warning to Nebuchadnezzar,but a year later he lost his mindand became a madman, because he set himselfup as a rival against Almighty God.Chapter 5 gives the record of the kin~'sgreat feast. (Belshazzar had succeeded.Nebuchadnezzar) and how he wickedlY'took the golden vessels from Solomon'stemple and used them :tor drinking wine tothe idols. An angry God caused handwritingto appear on the wall, and Danielex!plained that the message meant, "Thouart weighed in the balances and foundwanting." In that night the king wasslain. Ex. 20: 3. says "Thou shalt have noother Gods before me!"LESSON-Daniel stands before us as amagnificent example of moral heroism. Althoughhe held a hl:gh position in Babylon,he daily 'walked with God, and he bptup the practice o( David of praying threeDANIEL 51times daily. When he was eighty years oldtheking's trtends through envy thoughtto depose him, but his faith in God triumphed,and he was dellvered. Even "hisenemies could not question his uprightness.and his noble stand for principlewill shine through the ages. "Dare to bea Daniel, dare to stand alone, dare to havea purpose true and dare to make Itknown!"* * * *Great Fact II. The Prophetical Section.Chs.7-12.In chapter 7 the prophet sees four wildbeasts coming up from a stormy sea, allon, a bear, a leopard and a terrible beastwith great iron teeth and ten horns. A-mong the ten horns there came up anotherlittle horn, before which three of the firsthorns were plucked up by the roots, 7:S.Then a judgment scene is pictured, inwhich everlasting dominion is seen in thehands of Christ, 7:13-14.This vision of the four beasts coversthe same ground as the great Imagevision of chapter 2, but in this vision thefour empires are represented as fiercebeasts, because of their cruelty and oppression.The little horn coming up among theten is the anti-Christ yet to come, representedin Rev. 13:10, as the beast comingup out of the sea, 7: 16-28. The saints w11lbe oppressed by the anrl-Chrtst until thecoming of Christ. This is the pertod ofthe Great Tribulation spoken of in Rev.,Chs. 5-18-the 'Period between the comingof the Lord for His saints. and His comingwith His saints to reign.In chapter 8, Daniel has a vision of aram with two horns, which is overcome bya he-goat with one horn. which in turn isovercome by four notable horns, and theyin their turn were followed by one whichwaxed great. The ram represent the Medo-Persian Empire, which was over-come bythe Greek Empire. The four notable hornsare the four kingdoms into which theGreek Empire was diVided. The little horn,fierce and of mighty power, is AntiochusEptph~nes, King of Syria, who invadedPalesttne, murdered 4'0.000 Jews, desecratedthe temple. and brought upon themthe saddest experiences of their history.In chapter 9 while Daniel is ,praying towardthe end of the captivity that Godwould forgive their sins and cause "Hisface to shine upon the sanctuary, "theangel, Gabriel, drew near and told himwhat would ta'ke place before the Messiahshould come. He told Daniel that seventvseven-year periods would lapse befor~the national chastisement would be ended,and the nation re-established in everlastingrighteousness, verse 24. The firstseven of the seven-year periods (49 years)began at t.he command to build and restore

52 HOSEAJC'!'l1salem in the times of Ezra and Nehemiah.The second period of 433 years (627-year periods) began at the building of thewalls. and continued until Christ was cutoff (crucified). The last seven-year periodwill not begin until after the church-agebecause these periods deal strictly withIsrael and not the church. This last sevenyearperiod will begin with the anti-Christ in power and in covenant with theJews .. In the middle of the seven years,he w lll break the covenant an-d causeTime or Trouble of Dan. 12:1, which isthe same as the Great Tribulation of Rev ..-lation.Chapter 11 describes the confiicts betweenthe kings of the north (Syria) andthe kings of the south (E'gy,pt), endingwith a description of Antiochus Epiphaneseand the anti-Christ. The former isthe little horn of chapter 8, and the latteris the little horn of chapter 7.Chapter 12: 2-3 gives us the two resurrections.The resurrection to evertasttnglife, which is followed a thousand yearsafter by the resurrection to shame andeverlasttng contempt. See also Rev. 20: 5.In the first verse of this chapter we havethe Time of Trouble or Tribulation, thatcomes between the two resurrections. Thiswill last half the seven-year period,' orthree and one-half years.LESSON-Daniel is the great prophetof the future in the Old Testament. Morethan any other, he had visions of the endof the age. They were given for our pnayerfulstudy and should not be neglected asthey usually are. Let us have faith in thesure word of Prophecy, remember the AlmightyWord-giver behind it, and lightup the present with the sunshine of futureglory.So many of the ,prophecies of this bookhave been fulfiled, that the Bible mustbe the Word of God, and if the scriptureis the Word of God, then Christianitymust be true, and if Christianity is true,then we ought to love its Author, anllpracticeI-lis teachings.• * * ,..Questions on the Les-cn.1. Who was Daniel?2. Why did he refuse to eat the k ing'sm~? -3. iVhy was he 'placed in the lions' den?4. What the purpose of the book?5. Name the great facts.6. Give the key word and key verse.7. Have you read the book of Daniel?8. What did the great image represent?9. What did the arms and breast represent?10. What 'll.id the stomach and thighsrepresent?11. What did the legs of iron represent t12. Why were Daniel's three friendscast into the furnace? .13. Why did Nebuchadnezzar becomemadman? .a14. Why was Belshazzar slain?15. Of what was Daniel an example?16. How often daily dtd he pray?17. Why were the four empires representedas beasts?18. Who does the little horn represent?19. When did the 49-year period beitn?2 1 0. 'When will the last seven-yearperiod begin?21. How long between the two resurrections?22. If these prophecies are true, howshould we regard their Author?Lesson No. 26-Take your Bible to class for reading the Scriptures.Lesson ThemeHOSEAHosea 2:14-20.KEY WORD-"RETURN." KEY VERSE-6 :2.KEY PHRASE-uISRAEL'$ UN:E'AITHFU:LNESSTO GOD."Home Readings. "The Lord is my help." At God's commandSuntlay-Promises of mercy 2: 14-20. he married. a woman ~ho was an idolator,., ' and to thetr three chIldren he gave typi-Monday-e-Undying love of Jehovah, Ch. cal names, speaking of the rejection and3. r1ispersion of Israel. After a time Hosea'sTuesday-Willful ignorance, 4: 6-11. wife, feeling a restraint in the prophet'sWednesday-Withdrawn face of Jehov- home. fled from her husband and was unah,5:9-15. faithful to him. Hosea, seeking her, found'I'hursday-c-A cake not turned, 7: 1-8. her deserted and dispised, sold as a slave.Friday-Jehovah yearns over his people. Yet his love was not wearied out. He pur-11:1-8. chased her freedom. and took her to hisSaturday-Efltreaty to return, Ch. 14. house to atone for her sin in repentance... * * .. Hosea taught, that just as he had beenWRITER-Hosea was a prophet of tbe wounded by the conduct of his unfaithnorthernkingdom, Israel, to whom his ful wife, so God Is hurt by the backslIdpreachingwas directed, His name means ing of Israel.

HOSEA 53TIMES OF HOSEA-By reading IIKings, Chs. 15-17, one wiIi understand J:hecondition of Israel at this time. Outwardlythe land was enjoying prosperity. Militaryvictories had enlarged the land' andcaused trade to flourish, and the forms otreligion were observed. Yet inwardly thenation was decaying. The people were discontentedunder the oppression of corruptrulers. Baal wotsh ip with all its wickedceremonies was eating out the purity anduprightncs~ of the nation. It was said ofall the kings of Israel at this time "thatthey d id evil in the sight of the Lord."Assyria was about to crush Israel. Hoseapleaded with them to return unto God andseek His help. When they refused, Godleft them to their fate.TIME OF WRITING-About 725 B. C.Book covers perio-d of 60 years, 785-725B. C. While Isaiah and Micah were prophesyingin Judah, Hosea and Amos prophesyingin Israel.PURPOSE-To show God's yearning lovefor unfaithful Israel.• * * •Great Facts. I. Unfaithfulness. n. Decline.m. Hope.Great Fact r. Israel's Unfaithfulness toGod. Chs. 1-3,The state of the chosen people is symbolizedby the prophet taking an evil womanto be his wife. Yet Israel had nomore to recommend her to God's lovethan this woman had when Hosea marriedher. Just as the wife espoused to a lovinghusband, enjoys the protection of home andowes all her provtslon to her husband. soIsrael, chosen by Jehovah and brought byHim into a fertile land, has received allshe had from Him alone. Under the type ofthe wife departing from her husband, Israelis seen depart.ing from God. She willreceive a full reward for her wickedness,but this shall lead to her repentance andrestoration. As Hosea received back hiswife through love, so because of dtvtnalove, God will receive back His chosennation,LESSON-Not only is God the Makerand Redeemer of His spiritual Israel, butHe is also the Divine Husband, admittingher into tenderest relationship, and conferringupon her special favors. Thereforeshe should bind herself "to keep toHim only." He alone is to be worshippedand obeyed. In contrast to this, Israel.like many Christians, went after other lovers.and attached herself to any otherworthless lover who wooed her. God cannotview such conduct with indifference,He claims all our love. The least departurefrom scriptualfaith is spiritual unchastity.Let us guard the spiritual honorof ourselves and families as zealously aswe do our moral honor.Great Fact II. The Decline of Israel.Chs.4-1O.In this section the prophet strongly reprovesIsrael for swearing. lying. killing,stealing and idolatry of the worst sort. Attimes he has the tender compassion ofChrist when he wept over Jerusalem. Atother times he denounces them for theirblindness in not seeing that they must reapa harvest of Judgment. Not only were thepeople guilty, but the priests were also.They had failed to preacb the Law, andhad pretended not to see national idolatry,on account of the profit they gotfrom it. The calf-worship and sacrificesbrought them many fees, so instead of rebukingit they encouraged it. No wonderthe nation went to the bad, for "Like'priest, like people,"LESSON-There is a solemn responsibilityresting upon the 'preachers and teachersof a nation, If they are tatthtul intheir duty the standards af God willnever be permanently lowered. Too often,however, the moral and spiritual tone ofthe community reacts upon the religiousleaders, instead of their influence reactingupon the community. How can the nationhave right ideas of God's spirituality,His holiness and moral demands unlesspreachers, teachers and parents teach, notonly the interesting stortes of the BIble,but the reC'(uirements or God, us givenin all the books of the Bible Luxury, ambition.greed. self-indulgence and irreverenceare as moths eating at the vitalsof the nation. Nothing but the whole gospelof God. taught, preached and practicedcan uphold the greatness and glory of anation.• * * •Great Fact III. The Hope of Israel.Chs. 11-14.Wave after wave of threatened wrathhad rolled over Israel, but God now offersthem grace upon grace. Hosea makes astrong and gracious appeal to Israel to returnunto the Lord and be forgiven. Hereminds them what Jehovah has been tothe Hebrew people. 1. A loving father, 11: 1.They bore his name. Enjoyed daily accessto Him. Obtained needed protect jonand ,provision from Him. He subjectedthem to suitable training and discipline.He has an eternal inheritance awaitingthem. All this is beautiful ly true of theCh rist ian. ~. Jehovah was a careful nurse,11: 3. He knew His people's needs. Wastouched with a feeling of their infirmities.Took upon Himself the entire charge ofthe nation. Set up the tabernacle for themas a spi rit.ual klnder-gart.en, and patiep.tlyhealed their backsIidings. God is the samecareful Nurse to His spiritual children.He bears up the believer and bears withhim. He raises him when he falls, healshis bruises and is "a present help in ·the

54 JOELtime of trouble," The path of duty maylead a believer into slippery places, put"underneath are the everlasting arms."3. Jehovah was a kind master, 11:4. Hedid not treat them as slaves but as sons.He drew them .with bands of love, whichmeans that he was tender and persuasivewith them. When they served God theywere the most prosperous, which showedthat "His yoke was easy." In like mannerthe Lord deals with His redeemed people."He takes off the yoke of guilt. the yokeof sin, the yoke of the law, the yoke ofunrest and the yoke of fear." And "Helays meat unto them"-the hidden mannaof His grace, and "the fatness of Hishouse.",LESSON-Just as the church is spokenof as the bri-de of Christ, Eph. 5: 25, becauseHe gave Himself to redeem it, inlove is purifying it, and one day will I!resentit to Himself a spotless bride; so inHosea, Israel is seen to be the wife of Jehqvah,now disowned, but one day to beforgiven and restored, This is the hope ofIsrael. They failed to realize this hope. atChrist's first coming. They now direct itto His second coming. Yea, His appearingis also the "blessed hope" of the church.The supreme lesson of the book is "thatthe ways of the Lord are right." He knowswherein our true good lies. Taking theway He prescribes, we shall most certaInlyattain to blessedness!Questions on the Lesson.1. 'Who was Hosea?2. What does his name mean?3. What did the name of his childrentypify?4. What did the conduct of his wifeteach?5. Tell about the times of Hosea.6. What prophets lived in Hosea's time?7. What was the purpose of the bOGk?8. Name the key word and key verse.9. Give the great facts.10. In what respect is God the divinehusband?11. Whatfaith?is departure from scriptual12. How did the priests fail in theirduty?13. What responsibility rests uponpreachers an-d teachers?:1;4'. How can weGod's requirements?get 'right ideas of15. What upholds a nation?16. In what way is God a Ioving fat!l_er?17. In what sense isnurse?God a careful18. In what way is God a kind master?19. In what respect is the church thebride of Christ?20. Whatthe church?is the hope of Israel and of21. Whatbook?the supreme message of theLesson No. 27-Take your Bible to Bible Class for reading the Scriptures.Lesson ThemeJOELJoel 2:28-32.KEY WORD-"OUTPOURING." KEY VERSE-2 :28.KEY PHRASE-"THE TWO OUTPOURINGS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT."Home Readings. 'I'IME-Many scholars claim that Joe] Isd d b k f the earliest of the prophetic booka, andLet. us be encourag~ to rea .a 00 0 that he ministered in the reign of Joash,th~ Bible each week m connecht!on oWkito~king of Judah, about 860 B. C. Whilethis cou~se. This week .read t e bo . he was prophesying in Judah in the south,Joel, usmg the tollowlng selections for Elijah and Elisha were preaching in Israelthe family altar:in the north,Sunday ......... Chastening of Judah by loc- PURPOSE-To show that the locustsusts, 1: 1-12. swarming Into the land were figurative ofMonday-Call to repentance, 1:13-20. the nattonz who should swarm upon Israel,'I'uesday-e-Warrfors, like locusts, will In- but if the people would repent then Godvade land. 2: 1-11., would delfver them, and pou~ out HisWednesday-The Lord s pity and favor. S'pirlt upon them.2:18-27. • * * *Thursday-The Holy Spirit poured out,2: 28-32.Friday-Judgment of nations at Lord'sreturn, 3: 1-8.Saturday-Full Kingdom Blessing, 3:16-21.WRITER-Joel a prophet of Judah wrotethis book. His name means "Jehovah isGod." He lived in Jerusalem, and Isthought to have been one of the priestsof the temple.Great Facts. I. Plague. n. Fast.m. Blessing.Great 11act I. Plague of Locusts, Ch. 1.The occaston of this 'prophecy was foursuccessive plagues of locusts and a severedrouth which desolated the land. Joel callsupon the people to reflect upon the causeof the calamity and to mourn with truepenitence. He Ul'gell them that if th.,

would avoid further troubles that theyshould fast and make their supplicationsunto God, that He may bless and not cursetheir land. Locusts were one of theplagues of Egypt, Ex. 10: 14 and 15, andthere was nothing like them for multitudeand mischief they dld, Spelllking of aplague of locusts, Thompson says, "Thenumber of them was Incredible, the wholeface of the country was black with them.On they came like a living deLuge,We dugtrenches and kindled fires, and beat andburnt to death heaps upon heaps, but theeffort was utterly useless. They pouredover rocks, walls, ditches and hedges. Theroads were covered with them, all marchingin regular lines, like armies of soldierswith the leaders in front, 2: 5. When t!teyapproached our garden all the farm servantswere employed to keep them out, putto no avail, and when they had devastatedour garden they passed on to another."Proverbs 30:27..LESSON-l. Those who out do their fathersin sin may justly expect sorer judgmentsthan their fathers ever knew. Sometimesa terrible upheaval is necessary for anation for without it wrongs will not berighted.2. If calamities come upon us becauseof our own faults we should repent andbe wiser for the future. If they have befallenus because of the faults of others,we should live them. down, for we havenothing with which to reproach ourselvesand time will remove the handicap. If wehave spiteful enemies, we should so livethat their enmity may be disarmed. It wehave kind and 'faithful friends, we shouldlive to bless and ,protect them. It we hopefor eternal happiness, we should prepareto enjoy it.• * * •Gleat Fact II. Exhortation to Keep SolomonFast. Ch. 22.In this chapter we have a further descriptionof the plague, and the blast ofthe ram's horn called an assembly for anextraor dtnarv fast. Not a soul was to beabsent. It convened old and young menand women, and even bridegroom andbride on their wedding' day. The prtestsdressed not in white robes as usual, butin black sack cloth, would prostrate themselvesupon the ground and then turningtoward the Invisible Presence within thesanctuary cry, "Spare the people, 0 Lord,"In ans,~er to this, the prophet a9llul'esthe peoule that God will indeed bestowupon them both temporal mercies, 2: 18-27,and spiritual blessings, 2: 28-32. .Often in the prophecies some local circumstanceis made the occasion of a tarreachingprophecy. Many scholars thjn kthat "the day of the Lord," 2: 15, refersto events at the end ot the age, andScofield outlines these events as follows:JOEL 551. The invasion of Palestine from thenorth by Gentile world powers under theAnti-Christ and false prophets, 2: 1-10.2. The Lord's army destroys the invaders,2:11, Rev. 19:11-21.3. Repentance of Jews restored to theirIflnd,2:12-17.4. Temporal kingdom blessing uponthe land. 2:12-17.5. The outpouring of the Spirit in thelast days, 2: 28-29.6. RetU7n of the LON in glory and thesetting up of the kingdom, 2: 30-32.7. Full and permanent kingdom blessing,3:1-16.LESSON-Fasting or the total abstinencefrom food for a certain length oftime was practiced by the Israelites in adevotional spirit. It was engaged in asan evidence of sorrow for sin and associatedwith confession of sin, throughIt Divine favor and blessing was sought.The apostles practiced it, II Cor. 6: 5, butit does not seem an essential part of thegospel plan. However, self-denial and confessionof sin should be constantly practiced,as plain living leads to high think-~~ .2. The prophecy of the outpouring ofthe Spirit had one fulflllment at Pentecost,Acts 2: 17-21, but It would not beright to regard that partteular occasionas exhausting the fulflllment of theurophecy.Rather Penteeost was the firstgreat example of the unIversal outpouringof the Spirit that Is to take place in theLast Days.• * * •Grelt Fact m Full and PermanentKingdom Blessing. Ch. 3.Only by inspiration could Joel, the earliestof the prophets of Judah, have foretoJodthe return from captivity. The languageIs such, however, that it is evident thatthe prophet had in his vision not onlythe return from Babylon, but the iastregathering of the Jews from among theGentiles, and the judgment of the nationsafter the battle of Armageddon as seenin Matt. 25:32 and Rev. 19:18.After the restoration of Israel and thejudgment of the nation, 3: 1-2, comes thesetting up of the everlasting and universalkingdom, 3:20. That kingdom will beheaven in origin, principle and authority,Dan. 2: 44, and will be set up on the earth,not by persuasion, but by power. It willbe a kingdom of righteousness and peace.The meek not the proud, will inherit theearth. the knowledge of the Lord will beuniversal, and the outbreaking of sin willbe visited by instant judgment. Wi th Satan'spowers restricted, it is impossible toconceive all the spiritual an-d temporalblessedness that the race will enjoy.LESSON-Joel's picture of final deliveranceand glory Is very much like that or

56 AMOSZechariah L. his prophecy, showing that 6. What the occasion of this prophecy!the hope of final triumph dominated Is- 7. When was there a previous plaguerael in its dark days. So hope will keep of locusts?our hearts from breaking 'um:!er the pres- 8. Give Thompson's descrtptton of thesure of evils, and ever hold before us the pl ague,prospect of greater good. Deep humbl lngs 9. If we outdo our fathers in sin whatof heart are often the door of hope to joy may be expected? .and victory. In the Psalms of David, wrtt- 10. What should we do when calamitenin his deepest trouble from the perse- ties come upon us?cution of Saul and the rebellion of Ab- 11. Describe the solemn fast.solorn, we always find some ray of hope. 12. To what does "The Day of the Lord"In I Peter, 1: 13, Peter says, "Hope to the refer?end," and he is called the apostle of hope 13. Read the ontline of events.because in five chaptsrs he refers ten 14. Of what value is fasting in religion!times to the triumphs of the future. 15. When was the Spirit outpour ed?* * * • 16. When will there be a universal out-Questions on the Lesson.pouring?1. Who was Joel and where di-d he 17. Tell about the return from Babylonlive? and final regathering.2. In whose reign did he prophesy 18, What sort of kingdom is to be setand when? up?3. What was the purpose of the book'! 19. What encouraged Israel in the darkdays? .4. Name the great facts. 20. Are the Psalms full of hope?5. What is the key word and versa? 21. What did Peter say about hope?Lesson No. 28-Use your Bible in class. Get to know and love it.Lesson ThemeAMOSAmos 4:6-12.KEY WORD-''PUNISH.M:ENT.'' KEY VERSE-4:12.KEY PHRASE-liTHE NATIONS AND ISRAEL CA.LLEDTO ACCOUlfr."Home Readings. While Uzziah was king of Judah andRead this lesson and then the whore Jereboam II was king of Israel. Prosperityhook of Amos. It is simple, eloquent ser- had brought great evils to the people. Theman. For the family altar read: rtcn lived in great luxury, and dranksundav-s-oan Two Walk Together? and feasted to excess amid delicate per-Amos, 3: 1·7. fumes and soft strains of varied music.Monday-Prepare to Meet God, 4:6-12. 6:4-6. But all this was obtained throughTuesday-Mourning over Israel, 5:i-8. violence and robbery, 3:10. The poor andWednesday_Woe to Those at Ease, 6: needy were sold as slaves, and false1-8. wetghts and measures were used, 2:6. TheThursday-The Prophet's Intercession, J~dges were corrupt, 5: 7, and to be up-7:1-9. . rtght was to be unpopular and to be hated,Friday-The Basket of Summer Fruit. 5: 1 O.8: 1-7. PURPOSE-To foretell the ,punishmentSaturday-Future Kingdom Blessings, that should come upon foreign nattons,9: 11-15. and to condemn Israel for its idolatryWRITER-Amos was a native of Tekoa, and oppression.a small town about 12 miles south of Jeru- • * * •salem. Amos was not a prophet nor the Great Facts. I. Nations. n. Israel.son of a prophet, nor did he attend ..the III. Visions.schools of the prophets. By occupation hewas a shepherd and a fruit-grower. As he Great Fact I. Prophecies Against thefollowed the flock in JUdea, God called him Nations. Chs. }-2.to prophesy in the northern 'kingdom, Is- The accusations against the nationsrael. In obedience to this call he went. to were called forth because they had harmedBethel where the sanctuary was. There other nations. Damascus standing forhe preached with such earnestness and Syria heads the list, because her crueltiesplainness or speech that Amaziah, the had been most felt, by Israel. She hadleading idolatrous priest, complained to been fiercely cruel. The Philistines comethe king and he was expelled ,from .the next because they had sold Israelites intokingdom. HeprobaJjly returned to his bitter slavery. The prophet next turns tohome at 'I'ekoa, where he wrote this book, Tyre. fill' they had acted as slave agents.TIME OF WRITING-About 7fiO B. C. Edam comes next because of its hatred

AMOS 57and fighting against Israel. Next comesAmmon for its wicked crimes. Then judgmentfalls upon Ammon because of theirmeanness and sacrilege in wrecking theirvsngenance upon a corpse. Such were Jhecharges that Amos brings against theheathen neighbors of Israel, and the commercewhich bound these nations toget h-er as the slu\'e-trade in most odious form.LESSON-The fact that punishmentcame upon these nations, reminds us: 1.That the mlsrht.leat human kingdoms cannotprevent Goo's judgments from comingupon them. The Canaanites were a greatpeople, yet because of their corruption,God took away their country from them.Pharoa h was the mightiest dospot ofthe old world, yet he and his hosts becauseof their obstinacy were cast into the RedSea. Napoleon and the Kaiser thoughtthey were superior to God and acted. independentof Him, but theY were soonput beneath His feet. God will not behindered. God's hel,pers shall be exalted,His hinderers brought low.2. That God 'knows all about humansins: which fact should make us carefuland prayerful to avoid evil and devoutlypursue the good. It should also Impressus with the wonderful patience of God.Lam. 3: 22. Because of this patience Hesuspends His anger toward the wlc.!tedlest they be instantly destroyed, and Instantlyforgives and forgets the sins ofthe righteous if they confess them, I John1: 9.Said a boy: "Father forgives me whenI've done wrong, but I see in his face allthe day after, that although he does .notfrown, yet he remembers whatI did inthe morning. He does not forget." God {orgivesand forgets. He makes it up altogether!• * * •II, Charges Against Israel. Chs. 3-6.Amos now addresses both Israel and Judah.They were a chosen nation, thereforethey should be punished. They stood morefully in the light and therefore they casta darker shadow. The prophets tells themfirst about their civil oppressions. Righteousnessseems to have been forgotten.Over their magnificent homes and courtsmight be written only cruelty and injustice.The women are contemptuouslycalled "Kine of Bashan " because theywere wholly absorbed in worldliness andluxury. The vrophet tells the people thatwhen they went on their reIlglous pilgrim.age to Bethel and Gilgal It was only toadd sin to sin, for their worship was mereformal ritual, and half l-dolatrous. Theywere reminded that God had sent uponthem drouth, plagues and earthquakes, Yetthey repented not. .LESSON-When God's people do notglorify Him, He glorifies Himself by p~n-Ishing them. God never threatens, however,without offering a way of escape,never warns without also pleading withmen to repent. Again and again has lIestepped from the chariot of His thunderthat He might put His arms around somesinner and bid him come home. He haswaited for men whom others have forgottenor are ashamed of. The Bible is terrificand awful beyond all other books' indenouncing sin, and threatening wrath,yet it is shot thr ough and throughwiththe spirit of pity and mercy and hope, andno one will be finally lost except he pushon by the divine arms of compassion.• * * •Great Fact m. Five Visions. Chs. 7-9.Amos used these visions for much thesame reason that the Master employed "Qarables,to illustrate and enforce the messages.In the first vision the prophet seesgreen fields, but lo! God formed locustsand they ate the grass. Fearful lest fam1neshould ensue If they devoured the cropsof wheat, Amos pleads earnestly for hiscountry and the Lord stays the plague.In the second vision there was a fire thatwas so terrible that It devoured not theland only, but also the ,great deep. Againthe prophet 'pleads and his prayer Is heardthe Lord said: "This also shall not be.';In the third vision the Lord Is seen wltlta plumb-line measuring the city for destruction.This time the prophet reattzesthat judgment Is so certain. that he doesnot have the heart to Intercede. .In the fourth vision a basket of summerfruit Is seen. This meant that althoughIsrael thought themselvea to be sweet andluscious fruit yet in reality they were rottenat heart and would soon be cast aslde.The last vision revealed the Lord stand-Ing by the altar, bidding the prophet" tosmite the doorposts and shatter the fragmentsupon all their heads. The worshipperswere to be scattered until all the sinnersdied by the sword.As with the other prophecies this bookcloses with a bright picture of the future.The whole land should once more be onekingdom under the House of David. TheTabernacle of David now torn down shouldbe rebuilt and its sway should ext~nd overall nations which are called by theLOM'S name. There shall also be a greatplenty, so that a happy people shall dwellin a happy land. This has not yet beenfulfilled in a literal sense, but w ill be atthe Lord's coming.LESSON-National prosper lty is stillawaiting the scattered children of IsraelThe land of promise shall again flow withmilk and honey . Jerusalem shall again bethe capital of a mighty kingdom. The hillsof Judah and the plains of Israel shallagain be tilled by the children of Jacob.A converted Israel shall yet witness to the

58 OBADIAHgrace or the Messiah, now rejected bythem, but then to be served with passionatedevotion.For us now, this picture tells of .thespiritual prosperity and .gladness thatshould be approprtated from God's Word.Of peace which is for the heart of man.Of satisfaction for man's deepest wants.Of a sure abiding place for the faithfulin the care and love of the Eternal. Of a.Kingdom which is righteousness, peaceand joy in the Holy Spirit. Of songs ofgladness and thanksgiving in which allthe redeemed may join.It is only as we have faith in the literaland spiritual fulfilment of all Goo's promisesthat we shall toil on for our own, andfor the world's greatest good. .* * * *Questions on the Lesson.1. Who was Amos and whatcupation?2. Where did he preach and what theresult?3. In whose reign was the book written?4. What the conditions of the time?5. What the purpose of the book?6. Name the great facts.7. Give key word and key verse.8. How much of Amos have you read?9. Why were the nations accused t10. What commerce bound them together?11. Show that kingdoms can not escapejudgment.12. Does Goo know about human sins?13. Tell about the patience of God.14. What could be written over thehomes and courts of Israel?15. What did God send to bring thepeopte to repentance?16. If men do not glorify Goo, how doesHe glorify Himself? .17. Why did Amos use visions?18. Show how the book closes with ahis oc- bright picture of the ~uture.19. What awaits scattered Israel?20. Tell about spiritual prosperity andgladness. .21. Show that faith in the tulfilment ofprophecy helps one. .Lesson No. 29-Use your Bible in class. God wrote it to be studied.Lesson ThemeOBADIAHObadiah 1 :1-4-KEY WORD-''EDOx.'' KEY VEBSE-l :8,KEY PHRASE-"THE lIATEI'ULNESS OF A COUSIN NATION."Home Readings. ways unfriendly to God's covenant i1eople,The events of this prophecy probably Israel. They refused to allow Israel to llasslhappened at the time of the cailture' of through their land on the way to Can/ian.!Jerusalem. Read about them as follows: Saul, David and Solomon tound them toSunday-First Deportation of Babylon, be bitter enemies, and kept them un!ie rII Kings 24'11-16 stern measures. They often allied them-Monday-Final 'Deportation of Jews II selves with Israel's foes, and when No-Kings 25: 1-7. buchad~ezzar beselged Jerusalem, tp.eyTuesday-Jerusalem Destroyed, II Kings gladly Joi~ed the invaders, helped to phm-25' 8-13 der the City and cut off stragglers whoWedn~sdaY-Edom Shall be Brought tried to e~ape. Thil!!hostile attitude. to-Low Obadiah 1'1-9 wards God s people brought, dawn uponT~ursdaY'--Edom'~ Spitellul Behavior Edom the s~vere condemnation of the 'J.lrO"Sh 11Be Avenged 1'10-14phet, Obadiah lived at the same time asa . ,.. did Jeremiah.Fnday--Guilt of Heathen Nations,. 1: PURPOSE--To ,prophesy the downfall of15-16. Edom because of her hatefulness andSaturday-Delivera~ce -from ,captivity pride, and rise up again of Israel from herand Messianac Kingdom, 1: 17-21. captivity.pe~o~~;E~ist~~th~:gO~:d~~o~~Ce~~ t{~~ Great Facts. I. ~wnfal1. n. Cause.he lived in the kingdom of Judah .. His m. Triumph.name means "Servant of Jehovah." 'I:his Great Fact I. Downfall of Edom, 1 :1-9,is the shorte!¢ book in the Old Testament. Edom thinks herself secure in her moun·TIME OF OBADIAH-Most scholars tain strongholds, but though she exaltsthink that Obadiah wrote shortly atter herself as the eagle. and set her nestthe capture of Jerusalem by Nebucbad- among the stars, the Lord will brin-g hernezzar, about B. C. 587. The cause of the down and make her small among the heathprophecywas Edom's shameful rejoicing ens, vs. 1-4. Robbers might cease whellover the capture an-d ruin of Jerusalem. they had stolen enough,. and graile gather-The Edomites were the descendants of ers might leave some gleanlng8, but notEsau, the brother of Jacob, and were al· so the avengers of Edam, 8he 8hall be

-----------------"---------spoiled to the depths of her hidden treasures,Vs 5-6. Her allies shall deceive her,and spread a net that she will not see,and her wisdom and power shall be of noavail, Vs. 7-9.LESSON-The particular fault withwhich EdoJP is charged is pride. "Thepride of thine heart hath deceived thee."Edom built among the stars, but Godbrough t her down to the ground.Nothing so much offends God as pride,haughtiness and presumption, and w!!-enmen display these, they may expect to beabased to the very dust until they havelearned humility under His correctinghand,There never was an angel who hadpride in his heart, but he lost his wtpgsas did Satan and his fallen angels, andthere will never be a man full of conceitand self-confi-dence but the Lord will spoilhis glories and trample his vain hopesin the dust. Luther used to say, "Do letGod be God." Do not say "I and God,"but "God and I," God first and I second.God to lead and I to follow, God to ruleand I to obey. Do let God be God!• * * •Great Fact n. The Cause of Edom's Downfall.Va. 10-18.The overthrow of Edom is due to Joheviolence and cruelty shown to God's l2.eopIeat the time of the capture of Jerusalem.Edom and Israel had descendedfrom brothers. Esau and Jacob, they weretherefore cousin nations, yet when ,foreigninvaders were dividing by lot the spoilsand captives of Jerusalem, Edom malletouslyrejoiced at Israel's misfortune, theyactively shared in spolllng Israel, andstood at the crossroads to cut off the escapeof the Jews and delivered them uu tothe Babylonians. The prophet thereforeproclaims that in the Day of the Lord,Edom and all the enemies of Israel sqallsuffer j'ust retribution, meeting with Jhefact which they had infiictoo on others.LESSON-The story of Edom is a severerebuke to the unbrotherliness, she wasfull of malice, hatred and envy, and comnittedone unbrotherly act after another.Men who are brothers by blood ties, or areChristian brothers through the blood ofJesus Christ, should live as brothers.There is no room in ,familieS or in churchesfor the unsym

60 JONAHThe t:easures of earth are not mine,I own not its silver nor gold,But a treasure far greater is mine,I have riches of value untold!Far better than gold or wealth untold,Are the riches of love in Christ Jesus"One's own" what a charm there is inthe words! How long before everyone ofus will be able to say, "Christ, salvation,peace. the promises, Heaven-are alI myown!"* * * *7. What other prophet lived at thistime?8. What the purpose of the book?9. Give the great facts.10. Have you read Obaodiah?11. Where was Edom located?12. What her parttcular fault?13. What does God do to the proud?14. Why did Satan and his angels fall?15. What did Luther say?16. What the cause of Edom's downfall?17. To what is the story of Edom asevere rebuke?18. What debt do we owe one another?Questions on the Lesson.1. Give the key word and key verse.19. TelI about the 'perfumes at the ROmangames. .2. Who wrote the book?3. What does Obadiah's name mean?20. Contrastpromise.Eodom's end with Israel's.4. Which is the shortest book in the 21. What did the prophet promise?Old Testament? '22. How can we be heirs of the ages?5. Tell of the times of Obadiah. 23. Tell of the woman who was rich,6. Who were the Edomites? indeed, and what she sang.Lesson No. SQ.-A Bible Class, an open Bible and a devout spirit.Lesson ThemeJONAHJonah 3:4-10.KEY: :WOlID-"REPEliTANCE." KEY VE~ :10.KEY PHRASE-"A GREAT CITY SAVED w:B:EN IT REPENTED."Home Readings. cause he knew that if it repented ~~dRead this lesson and then the whole was spared of God, that it would prevailbook of Jonah. It is a remarkable and over Israel. As a matter of fact God didbeautiful book. FOr family altar read: use the Assyrians, whose capital was Nln-Sunday-Jonah's CalI and Flight d'rom eveh, to chasten Israel by talking it intoDuty, 1: 1-11. . captivity.Monday-SwalIowed by a Great Fish, PURPOSE-To show how a city may. be1:12-17. saved by the wonderful power of repent-Tues-day-Jonah's Prayer, 2: 1-7. ance.WednesdaY-Delivered and Recommissioned,2: 8-3: 3.Thursday-Nineveh Repents, 3: 1-10.FridaY-Jonah's Anger, 4:1-6.Saturday-Lessons of the GOUN, 4:7-11.WRITER-Jonah was a native of Gathhepher,a vfllags about an hour's walknorth of Nazareth. Jewish legend said hewas the son of the widow of Sarel?ta,whom Elijah had restored to life. Butwhether this is true or not, he was

people say they would gladly do the willof God, if they could know what it was.This, however, is often insincerity, forJohn 7: 17. says, "If any man is willingto do His will he shall know." WhenGod called Moses He made the call soplain that Moses had no rest until he .responded.Samuel's call was repeated overand over again until he realized that itwas God's voice and yielded to His claim.Gorl's call to all of us is to repentance,faith and obedience. Dr. W. B. Riley tallshow a friend of his in Chicago was deafIn one ear, so that when he laid down tosleep, he shut out all sound by burying _thegood ear in the pillow, and turning thedeaf one up. So too often, we turn a deafear towards heaven, and say that God hasnot called us. God gives us a holy couragethat will scorn all ease andPl)ttyexcuses!* * * *Great Fact II. Jonah Overboard, 1·12·17,The crew of the ship made renewed effortsto get to shore, but when this isseen to be impossible, they take JOI).ahat his word and cast him into the sea,then the storm immediately abates an-Ithe ship sailed on with its awe-struckbut thankful crew. Jonah is in fearfuldanger, but God so ordered events thatafter he had sunk to the bottom a greatfish swallowed him up and preserved himalive for three days and nights, until itcould cast him out upon the land.No miracle of scripture has called forthso much unbelief, but in Matt. 12:39 ourLord confirms the truth of this account."God moves in a mysterious way His wondersto perform." GOD ,prepared a missionaryfor Nineveh, HE prepared a storm,when that missionary was dtsobedlent.lIe prepared a great ,fish to preserve hislife. He prepared a gourd. He appoinjed ahost of caterpillars to strip the gourd. Heappointed a scorching, burning wind tobeat upon the head of Jonah. The wholeaccount is full of the direct acts of God.Who will say that such acts are impossibleto the Almighty Creator, who made heavenand earth and all that in them is?On the natural history side of the question,the writer has stood up in the skt)letonof a whale that was on exhibition.It was 80 feet long and 7 feet high whenlying on its side. Frank Bullen tells ofWhales 70 feet long swimming about withtheir lower jaws wide open so that a mancould easily slip down without the fishhardly knowing it. 'I'r-ustworthy recordssay that when a whale is ·dying_ italways ejects the contents of itsstomach. Masses eight feet by sixfeet have !leen vomited up, as hasa whole horse, so it Is not at all Incrediblethat this should have happened to Jonah.JONAH 61His preservation In the body of the flshwas ,plainly supernatural, as was the preservationof the Hebrew children in thefirey furnace. In 1758 a man was swallowedby a shark. The captain on deck with agun shot the fish and caused It to cast outthe sailor and he was rescued alive. 'WithGod all things are 'possible. Jonah"ssupernaturalexperience not only looked backwardto his sin, but forward to Christ'sburial and resurrection. Matt. 12:39.* * * *Great Fact III. Jonah Delivered, Ch. 2Jonah's deliverance was in answer toprayer. He prayed out of the body of 'thefish. and when submission took the placeof rebellion, the Most High was willingto deliver the captive, to pardon the sinnerto employ again the unfaithful runaway.LESSON-If you cry to God out of thedepths, you will cry yourself out of them.A man who was bowed down by his unbeliefin prayer was asked the question,"Do you think a loving God has writtenin His book today, On the 25th of- February,1898, William T--asked Me forthe forgiveness of all his sins for My DearSon's sake, and I refused him?" "No sir,I cannot believe that." "What then, hashe written beside your prayer?" The manthonght deeply for a time and then replied,"It is more likely lIe has written'G:'anted' by its side!" F'rorn that momentthe fetters of his fears were broken andhe was set f;-ee to trample on his sins andto serve his Savior.Great Fact IV. Jonah Preaching, Oh, 3.Jonah being called a second time nowgoes to Nineveh and proclaims the gospelin the streets of the heathen city. TheYwere startled by the warnings that inforty days their city would be overthrown,an-t put on sackcloth, sat in ashes repentedof their sins and cried mighty unto Godfor mercy. When God saw that they hadturned from their evil ways, He graciouslyheld back the threatened wrath andjudgment and Nineveh was spared.LESSON-l. How good of God to o!fera divine commission to deserters. Thereis no need for any Christian worker. tohe out of the harness. The word of the Lordcomes to you a second time, ..Artse andgo!" 2 Jonah's message was not a pleasant«ne, but he was not responsible for it. Apreacher or teacher is like the bearer ofa telegram he must convey the messaxe,but not change it. God's message. X!lusJonah's earnestness produced a miraculouseffect. Think of 600,000 on their facesin repentance before God! Surely. wealight to pray for such a revival in everycity in tile land. The God who blessed,Jonah's message and saved a great cityin forty days is still our God.Great Fact V. Jonah's Anger, Ch. 4.Jonah Is vexed at the sparing of Nineveh,the expectation of which hail. led +.0

62 MICAHhis former flight. He therefore makes forhimself a booth outside the city walls and2. Who was Jonahlive?and where did, heyet hopes to see the city punished. God 3. In whose reign did he ,preach?prepared a vine, something like a castor- 4. Tell what you know about Nineveh,oil plant, to spring up and shade Jonah 5. What the 'purpose of the book?from the sun, but He also prepared a 6. Name the great facts.worm or host of black caterpillars (for 7. Have you read the book of Jonah?the word could be a collective noun): tu 8. Tell the story of Jonah's missiondestroy the gourd and leave Jonah exposed and flight.to the scorching sun. When Jonah grievedbitterly for the loss of the gourd, God 9. In what way does God call men toaskedhim Why he wanted God to have ,pity day?on the gourd, but to have no 'pity for .the 10. How was Jonah preserved fromgreat city of Nineveh, in which tqere drowning?were thousands of little children, so young 11. Tell of the direct acts of God.that they knew not their right hand fromtheir left. Thus his anger and selfishness12. Give the naturalquestion.history side of .thewere rebuked.ILESSON-Jonah &howed a streak of13. Was Jonah the only man ever rescuedfrom a great fish?very ordinary human nature, but although 14. What did Jonah's expertence lookwe cannot justify him, we cannot help s];m- backward and forward to? 'pathizing with him. Most people have their 15. What brought about deliveran,ce!weak moments, but should have fewer ofthem. A bad-tmpared person ought to be16. May we expect God to grantpetitions?ourcompelled to give warning to all comers, 17. Tell of Jonah's second chance.11kethe lepers of old. Avoid them. Bewareof it ourselves. Cultivate the gracIousness18. May a message-bearermessage?change theand patience that so adorned the 11fe'ofChrist, that the beauty of the Lord our19. Whatpreaching?was the result of Jonah'.God was upon Him. . 20. Why was Jonah angry?Questions on the Lesson. 21. What did God rebuke?1. Give the -key word and key verse. 22. What ought we to cultivate?Lesson No, 31-Take your Bible to Bible Class for reading the Scripturetl.Lesson ThemeMICAHMicah 4 :1-5.KEY WORD-"SOCIAL SIBS," KEY VERS:&-2 :2.KEY PHRASE-"GOD REBUKES THE IDLE RICH, THE UNWORTHY RULERS,AND THE FALSE PROPHETS.Home Readings. "To Micah the vtllager, the unjust treat.Read a chapter a day in Micah. For the ment of the helpless poor by men of wealthfamily altar: and 'Power is the sin that cries aloud, toSunday-The Lord tritness Against Is- heaven. He has little to say about Idolerael,1: 1-6. try." He saw and felt 'keenly the ~ialMonday-Social Sins Condemned, 2:1- wrongs of the age.5.Tuesday-Sins of the Rich, 3: 1-8.,T.IM.ESOF M;ICAR-During histime the northern kingdom, Israel,lifewuWednesday-Future Kingdom of :Ves- taken intq captiyity. Israel would not heedsiah, 4: 1-5. Micah's warning, but JUdah did and wuTh,ursdaY-

count for its wrongs. Samaria, which wasfirst in wickedness, shall be the first tofall before the avenging enemy. A similarfate shall befall Judah, and its peopleshall be deported, for among them is oppression,injustice and violence. The faiseprophets only pander to their evil ways.However, God will not cast them off altogether.LESSON-Like the Master Himself, Micahhad no quarrel with the worthy rich,but he knew. the ,perils of wealth, and, hesaw that many who were exposed to thatperil quickly went wrong. He insisted thattoo often the worst citizens were not thewretched poor who had everything to dragthem down, but the idle rich, who hadeverything that was supposed to lift themup. Of course there were then, as now, badmen among the poor, but the proportionseems to have been greater among .therich. Here is Micah in the age-lon,g trinityof evil; the idle rich, the unworthy ruler,the false prophet, and the worst of theseis the false 'prophet, for he winked attheir vices and justified the wicked witha reward. More and more, men are comJngto realize the social value of the gOBpel.In spite of injustices and wrongs, thoteachings and power of Christ are bri}1g-Ing in a better social order. God h411psus to be brothers by making us His sons.The gospel is the real hope of the world,Luke 4:18.• * * •Great Fact n. Salvation in Messianic.Times, Chs. 3·5.Micah was no mere prophet of judgmentand of gloom. His heart was full of hopeand his voice full of song. He looked beyondthe discipline that would comethrough failure to the day when royalpower shall again be seated In Jerusalem.Christ Himself shall reign there in themidst of universal peace, nations will fl~ckunto it to learn piety and true religion,His kingdom shall extend to the ends ofthe earth, every man shall sit under "hisvine and fig tree and none shall makehim afraid.Micah assures us: 1. Of the future establishmentof Christ's kin,gdom withJerusalem as ita capital, 4: 1-2. That ,thefutJurekingdom will be universal, 4: 2.3. That Iasctng peace shall prevail, 4: 3.4. That peace shall lead to general prosperity,4:4.The picture of triumph, righteousnessand peace Is followed by a distinct promiseof restoration from exile, 4: 6, althoughMicah does not disguise the fact that theBabylonian captivity will be a period. ofanguish. His great prophecy as to wb,erethe iChrist...chHd shall be born, 6: 2, wasaccepted as final by the Jews.!LESSON-Micah describes the Idealconditions that wlll exist in an idealMICAH 63world, in the Ideal age of Christ's reign.As the center of all peace, freedom andlove, he places the religion of the Lord,for "He will teach us His ways and we w ll"1\ a lk in His paths," 4: 2. Let us look forand hasten the coming of the Lord, andthe beginning of His glorious reign on theear-th, by praying and working for thesalvation of individual souls through thegospel. Just as the enemy wrongly occupiedBelgium, but one day was completelyexpelled, so shall the god of thisworld be dethroned, and Christ shall' beacknowledged by all to be Lord of Lordsand King of Kings.• * * •Great Fact III· God's Controversy withIsrael. Chs. 6-7.In his part God is represented as holdinga controversy or law-suit with his peopie.He recounts how He was good tothem and how He 'kept His covenantwith them. The conscious-stricken peoplehave to plead guilty to the charge ofcontinual backsliding, and the prophetIdentifying himself with the people, -repentsof the sins which have occasionedthe punishment, looks patiently to God,puts his sole truat In Him. and In answerto his prayers 18 rewarded by the promiseof deliverance.Micah contains many special predlctionB,which summed up are as foHows:1. The destruction of Samaria, 1:6.2. The Invasion of Judah, 1:9.3. The overthrow of rerusalem and thetemple, 3: 12. '4. The deportation to Babylon, 4: 1:>.6. The return from exile, the BUrpr~macyof Israel, and her peace and hal!plnessunder the Messiah, 4: 1-8.6. Christ should be born at Bethlehem,5: 2. This prophecy was so unmistakablethat the Wise Men were guided by it..7. The kingdom that Christ shall setup shall be world-wide, peaceful and pros-I'erous, 4: 1-5.LESSON-While Micah paints a charm-Ing picture of future blessings, he alsoinsists that the people must have a changeof heart, and as evidence of this changethey must "do justly, love mercy, and walkhumbly with their God." Micah 6: 8 is anespecially ,priceless message, and has beencalled the greatest verse of the Old Testament.If men would "do justly," they mustbe conscientious in business, not untrueor unfair in dritclsm, ever seek-illig tocarry out the Golden Rule.Mercy and justice, joined together, arethe qualities that make men God-like.Mercy is nobility's true badge. It radiatesa spirit of sweet kindness about the sinful,the suffering and needy. It makessrr.ooth and glad the path through life.The third demand is the highest, forit requires us to be real friends of God; to

64 N,AHUMhave close personal fellowship with Him,to walk the fields of truth,climb theheights of the promises, and soar "thewatchtowers of prophecy with Him. "Towalk with Him so often that we ,get towalk like Him. Thrice blessed is the man7. How much of Micah have you read?8. Name the great facts.9. Who are the age-long trinity of evil?10. What is bringing in a better socialorder? .11. How does God help us to be brothers'?* * * •12. Name the four things of whichMicah assures us?Questions on the Lesson, 13. What is the center of this peace,who has learned to "walk humbly withhis God!"1. Who wrote this book and whera freedom an-d love?was he born? 14. Give as many as yOU can of the2. In the time of what king and what special predictions of Micah.prophet did he live? 15. On what thing did Micah Insist?3. What happened to Israel at this 16. What was to evidence this change?time? " 17. How can man do justly?4. What di-d Micah teach about na- 18. What are the benefits of man'stional sins? mercy to man?5. Give the key word and key verse. 19. What does it mean to walk humbly6. What the purpose of the book? with God?Lesson No. 32-Read Scriptures in class out of your own Bible.LessonThemeNAHUMNahum 1 :1-8.KEY WORD-"NINEVEB:." KEY VERSE-l :3, First Clause.KEY PHRASE-l'GOD DE.ALIHGWITH THE SINS OF NINEVEH."Home Readings. became an empire about 2280 B. C., andRead this lesson an-d then the whole of was by turn strong and weak until aboutNahum as follows: 1100 B. C., when the Assyrian empireSundaY-The Majesty of Jehovah, 1: arose, overpowering Babylon. The Assyrian1-8. empire lasted until 625 B. C., having takenMondaY-The Yoke of Nineveh Shall Be the Ten Tribes captive about one hundredBroken,I:9-15. years before it fell. In 625 B. C. Baby)onTue:lday-App1'oach of Enemy to De- again rose to power, and it was they w.hostroy Nineveh, 2: 1-10. took JUdah, the southern kingdom, eapttveWednesday-The Nation Shall Fall Be- about 588 B. C.cause Goo is against it, 2: 11~13. The Assyrians boasted of unheard-ofThursday-Sins of the City Charp-ed savagery. They flayed captive kings aliveto it, 3: 1-7. and dressed columns with their skins;Friday-Like Judgments Brought Up- others they walled-Up alive. They burnton Other Places, 3: 8-1. boys an-dgirls in the fire, put out eyes,Saturday-c-Breaje DOwn of Things De- cut off hands, feet, noses and ears. Allpended Upon, 3:12-19. this they 'professed to do at the commands'WRITER-The name Nahum means ?f !.heir god, Asshur. No wonder ~ahum"consolation," and in-deed he did console mdI!:"nan~ly and gratefully propheaies theIsrael with the promise of their own de- end .of Nmeve~, the capitol of tke wickedIiverance and the destruction of their ene- empire. '!he City was destroyed nearlr amies. He was born at Elkosh, a small century .later, exactly as he predict.ed.town in the province of Galilee. He most They. had .thoug;ht th.ems.elves absolut.elYlikely prophesied about 64C B. !C., in the safe III !heIr capttal WIth Its 1,2.00 towers,reign of Josia~, king of Judah. He saw and their waIl a hund\ed feet Irigh and sothe Assyrians threatenin J"dah but saw ?road that three chariots could drive onh g u, It abreast. But they were swept awayalso t at they would be overcome and as this book declares they would b ddestroyed. the nations shoute-d for joy. e, anPURPOSE~-To foretell the destruction * * * •of Nineveh. the capital of Assyria. "whichheld sway for centuries, and has been -1'egarded as the most brutal of the ancientheathen nations."NOTE ON ASSYRIA-Assyria and Babylonwere two great empires that grewup on the banks of the T'Igrf s and Euphrates,northeast of Palestine. Babylon firstGreat FactI. The Decree. II. Attack.m. Cause.Great Fact I The Decree of Nineveh'sFall, Ch. 1,The prophet begins by laying down thepr inciple that God. although slow to an-

NAHUM 65ger, must avenge all crimes. His power isseen in the storm and the earthquake, 1:1-6. The prtnctple is next applted to Nineveh.God is a refuge to His faithful one,but He will destroy Nineveh with a sweepingflood. Although its drunken armiesget together in close formation as compactas a hedge of thorn, yet this willnot save them Vs. 6-12. Judah is promiseddeliverance rr~m the yoke of Nineveh, andis pictured as rejoicing at the news of itsruin, and celebrating her feasts in saf~ty,Vs. 12-15. As a matter of fact the Immediatefall of Nineveh was 'caused by agreat flood from the River Tigris.LESSON-Nineveh stands for those nationsthat turn back from following God.About 150 years before this time, the cityhad repented under the preaching of J9nah.Now it has turned from the true andliving God to serve idols. Those who wereconverted under Jonah were eternally saved,but a new generation lias arisen who"Changed the glory of the incorruptibleGod into an image made like to corruptibleman and beasts," Rom. 1:23. Thechief god' of Nineveh was the bull god,with the face of a man, and the wings ofa bird. Because of this national fallingaway from the religion of Jehovah, Nahumdoes not call them again to repentance, putthreatens certain judgment. Antagonismto God can end only in disaster. A dyingatheist appeared uphlliPPYand frightened.Another atheist who stood at his bedsidesaid to him, "Don't be afraid, hold on,man; hold on to the last." The dying manreplied: "That is what I want to do, puttell me what to hold on to!"* * * *Great Fact n. Attack Upon Nineveh.Ch.2.This chapter tells us very vividly ofthe seige and sack of the city. Outsidethe walls are gathered the Medes; tb.,eirshields are brightly painted; their robesare of purple. Their terrible spears, andthe knives on their chariot wheels gli~terin the sunlight. Inside the city all isexcitement as the Ikin,g tries to rally hisdrunken nobles to its defense, but it is toolate. The flood, together with their enemiesis upon them. Huzzab, the queen, istaken captive, while her maidens, 1ikf3aflock of doves moan around her. TheMedian soldiers cry one to another, "Robve silver, rob ye gold, for there is no endof the precious treasures!" So the city isplundered while the knees of the peopleof the city smite together for fear. Ninevehshall terrify the nations no longer becauseGo-I is against her.LESSON--IWe otten wonder why wickednations are allowed to exist so long. Theanswer is 'found in II Pet. 3: 9. However,at the rJ,ght time God wl1l balance all accountsand render justice to all. So thoroughwas the destruction of Nineveh. thatin 401 B. C., when Xenophon and his tenthousundpassed over it, they knew notwhere they were, and when Napoleon encampednear its site he was not aware ofit. So willall wicked nations be destroyed,It is also a remarkable fact that Ninevehwas destroyed by a people as wicked asthemselves-the Medes and Babylonians.Thus God uses wicked men to punish wick-C"lmen, as in the Pit, fiends are the tor'mentors of fiends. If men will not knowinglyfurther God's holy purposes, thenHe will lead them to do so unknowingly!* * * *Great Fact m. The Cause of Nineveh'sFall, Ch. 3.As Nineveh sowed, so must she reap.She deserved her doom because of her cruelties,immorality, idolatry and greed. Soshe shall be stripped and scorned, andthose who see her shall fly from her, astonishedat her desolation, 3: 2-7. Whyshould Nineveh expect a better fate thanother nations who were likewise destroyedfor their sins? 3: 8-11. All its efforts andresources cannot stave off its just puntshment,3: 12-19.LESSON-In Matt. 26:24 and Luke 6:24-26, Christ utters as great woes upon thenations in general as is here uttered a-gainst Nineveh, and the wicked can nomore escape them than did this city eecape;The resources of civilization arepoweriess against .Heaven's artillery. As weare no better than some who have alreadyfallen, let us keep in holy fear of thejudgments of God."Will my case be called today?" said aneager client to his lawyer. "Are you surethat nothing is left undone? If judgmentis given against me, I am a ruined man."This set the lawyer earnestl r thiukjng;"What if my case were to come on today,before the EternalJudge, whose sentencethere is no reversing! Am I prepared?"* * * *Q.uestions on the Lesson.1. What is the meaning of Nahum'sname?2. Where was he born and when did hedie?3. What the purpose of the book?4. Give key word and key verse.5. Have you read the book?6. Where was Assyria?7. Tell of its savagery.8. Tell of Nineveh's fall.9. What was the immediate cause ofits fall?10. Who had preached in Nineveh andwith what results?11. What had a new generation done?12. What doos Nahum now threaten?13. Tell of the dying atheist. '14. Tell of the attack upon the city.

66 HABAKKUK15. Why are wicked nations allowed to 18. Can the wicked today escape God'sextst ?judgments?16. Does God use wicked men?19. Tell how the eager client wanted to17. What were the moral causes of NIneveh'sfall?be ready.Lesson No, 33-Use your Bible in Class, God wrote it to be studied.Lesson ThemeHABAKKUKHab.3:1-6.KEY WORD-"FAITH." KEY VERSE-2 :4. Last Clause.KEY PHRASE- THE msr SHALL LIVE :BYFAITK."Home Readings.Read this lesson and then book of Habakkukas follows:Sunday-Why does sin go unpunished,1: 1-4.Tuesday-Are they to continue as evilas ever, 1:12-17. "Wednesday-God will humble the Chaldeans,2: 1-8.Thursday--,Woes to those who do Iniq;ulty,2:9-20.Frioday-A prayer of faith, 3: 1-6.Saturday-Strong confidence in God,3:16-19.WRITER-Habakkuk was probably aLevlte and connected with the music.' ofthe temple, Pie prophesied In Judah in thereign of Josiah about 608 B. C. .TIMES OF THE PROPHET-The worldempireof Assyria had fallen 607 B. C. asprophesied by Nahum. Egy,pt and Ba)Jy-Ion then fought to see who should be themaster of the earth. At the battle" ofCarchemish, 605 B. C., the Babylonianswere conquerors, and under NebuchadJiezzar,Babylon and Chaldes becameone kingdom, so that there names becamesynonymous, and either meant the samekingdom. Habakkuk realized that JUdahmust fall before the rising Chaldean powerbut that one evil nation should put downanother troubled him. That looked likeevil triumphing over evil and no advancein righteousness. .PURPOSE-To discuss the problem ofwhy the wicked prosper, and to vindicatethe righteousness of God.• * * •Great Facts. I. Problem, II. Answer.m. Prayer.Great Fact I. Problem of Why Is EvilUnchecked 1 Oh. 1.Earlier prophets had ,pointed to thecrimes and idolatry of God's people as .thecause of their castrophes, but Habakkukwas living after the great raformattondays of the good king Josiah, who lladdestroyed the Idols, restored the Pasaover,and brought Judah ba.ck Into the covenantrelationshIp with Jehovah. It was thereforea great mystery to the prophet as to whythe chosen people of God, the only nationthat did not worship carved images andvain gods, the heirs of divine proml~that they among all the nations shouldbe threatened by calamities. Habakkulcould understand why the Ten Tribes lladbeen carried off, for they had constarrtlyviolated God's law, and given themselvesover to Baal worship, but Judah had repentedof her sins with fastin,g, weepingand vows of obedience. Yet, the Chaldeans,a wicked heathen nation, were preparingto swoop down upon them with the fiercenessof a wild beast, and the prophet couldsee no prospect of deliverence.LESSON-The prosperity of the wickedwas a great problem to the Jews, who believedso strongly in temporal punishme:ntsand rewards. Job, David, Solomon and theprophets often wrestled with the ,problem.Spiritually-minded Christians realize tp.atoften outward prosperity is not real prosperity.That there is a curse wrapped upin the wicked man's mercies, and a blessingconcealed in the rIghteous man's crosses.It is true that the wicked attain theirobjects and seem to enjoy their prosperIty,but the believer looks forward to the daywhen everything will be set right, and henever loses faith in the justice of God.We cannot judge a building while thescaffolding is up, neither can we funymeasure God's dealings in the days of ourlimited vision. An insect. slowing crawlingup a column of the White House, couldas well judge the perfection of its architectureas we the wisdom of God's plan.Men do not live great and good livesbecause of their much ease or many pleasures,but because they nobly work, andlift and fight and dare! The heroes, someonehas declared, are those who can standthe world as it Is! The best men of antimes are those who have made the mostsacrifice!Livingston, the great missionary whosuttered such terrible hardships in darkestAfrica, said: "I do not call my privation.'sacrtttces,' for I think the word oujhtnever to be applied to anything we cal1do for Him who came down from Heavel1and died for us."

ZEPHANIAH 67Great Fact II. Jehovah's Answer, Ch. 2. The power of prayer may be Increased InThe prophet ascends his watchtower to OUI' lives if; 1. We ever remember the Imlistento God's answer to the problem, po:tance of It, In that God will be In-God points out that the Chald15ns are tull quired of for the blessings He is willingof pride and that they are living by 1'00- to bestow. If we would receive, the eondtberyand wrong. In their injustice lie the tion is that we ASK. We should do thtsgerms of their future destruction, although in secret, family and public prayer. 2.It may be long delayed. On the otll\~l' We must put away all doubts as to thehand for the righteous there is preserva- reality Of divine answers to prayers. a.tion from evil; and salvation, provided We must feel that we cannot get alongthey based their hopes upon faith.' without God, or we will not pray. Selt-LESSON--1HabakkUk was a ,prophet of a sufficiency is atheistic. All true prayertrted but triumphant faith. He draws for is the cry of conscious weakness, "Save,us a contrast between the unjust and the Lord, or I perish." 4. Holiness is essentialjust man. He ,pictures the unjust Cha'l- to a life of prayer, as is also love. Prayerdeans as puffed up with ,pride and full is the measure of love. He who loves muchof drunkenness, boasting, ambition and will pray much, A beggar hates to botheroppression. and rejected of God because your door often, but a son bounds in withnot justified. As pride is the cause of much confidence whenever in need. It is onlyWickedness, so faith is the root of all moraland spiritual excellence in the soul of thewhen we forget that we are "sons of Godand joint-heirs of Jesus Christ" that 'wejust man. As pride leads to disobedie1!ce, knock feebly at mercy's door!as in the case of Eve, so faith leads to • * * •obedience, as in the case of Abraham.Questions on the Lesson.We must live by faith and not by sight 1. Who was Habakkuk and when didor by sense. These are ltke two buckets, he prophesy1the lower sense goes, the higher faith 2. What was the result of the fall ofgoes. Luther says: "If you would belll!ve, Assyria?yoU must crucify that question, whI?" 3. What nation succeeded Assyria?God would not have us so full of where- 4. What the relation between Babylontores. If we would live by faith we must be and Chaldea? .willing to walk in the dark with Goel, 6. Give the key word and key verse,rather than to walk alone in the light. 6. What was the purpose of the book?• * * • . 7. Name the great facts. .Great Fact m. Habakkuk's Prayer, Ch. 3. 8. Have you read the book?The prophet having heard the answer of 9. What was the mystery to the ,proph-Jehovah, and being still in tear, 'Pours outbis troubled soul in prayer, Vs. 1-!. Theet?10. What did the Jews strongly believeprayer is scarcely uttered before the congregattou'shymn of praise rings out.- Itin?11. What is often wrapped up in a wlckdescribesthe glorious way in which Heput their various enemies aside, and howed man's mercies?12. Can we measure fully God's dealing'sall nature bowed before His Majesty, Vs.3-16. The fact that the Chaldean is atnowt13. Why do men live great-and" goodhand still fills the 'prophet with trembling, lives?yet he is blessed with the hope of salva- H. What did Livingston say?tion, and rejoices in the Lord.15. On what basis is there salvation andLESSON-The prophet's prayer was a preservation for the righteous?model one, for it recounted God'sgo:od- 16. Contrast pride with faith.ness in the past. and sought blessings and 17. Tell what Luther said.mercies for the hour. It was full of adora- 18. Show that Habakkuk's prayer wastion, petition, loving appreciation of God's a model one.works and joyous trust. Webster regard- 19. Read 3:17-18 and quote Webster.ed 3: 17-18 as one of the sublimest -pas- 20. How may the power of prayer be insagesof inspired literature.creased in our lives?Lesson No. 34-Read, study and master the Scriptures in class.Lesson ThemeZEPHANIAHZeph. 2 :1-3.KEY WOBJ)....J,REMliiAB'T·" KEY VERS:&-2 :3.KEY PRRASE-"A REDANT HID FROM THE WRATH OF GOD."Home Readinp. Sunday-A sweeping threat, 1: 1-6.Read the lesson and then the book. ot Monday-Judgment upon irreligious andZephaniah al folloWII: worldly. 1: 7-14.

68 ZEPHANIAHTuesday-Seek ye the Lord, 2: 1-3.Wednesday-Punishment of various nations,2: 9-15.Thursday-The moral state of Jerusalem,3:1-7.Friday-The Lord will deal with the nations,3: 8-13.Saturday-Future blessings and honorsfor Israel, 3: 14-20.WRITER_The prophet was a grandsonof King Hezekiah of Judah, and his namemeans "Hid of the Lord."TIMES OF THE PROPHET---,He prophesiedabout 630 B. C. in the reign of theyoung and good King Josiah. Two wickedand idol-worshipping kings had precededJosiah on the throne, so that the land wasfull of evil practices. Social injustice andmoral corruption were widespread. Therich heaped up fortunes and indulged inluxuries by grinding down the poor. Thereligious situation also was as bad as itcould be. To remedy this, Josiah, whenbut sixteen years of age, undertook topromote a religious revival, and becameone of the best and most-loved .kings. Underthe counsel and help of the prophet,Josiah took an active ,part in the great reforms.Taking a hatchet and ,pick-axe hepersonally broke down altars and images.How encouraging to the reformers musthave been the words of Zephaniah in thekey verse.'PURPOSE-l. To show that a faithfulremnant (remaining few) should be deltveredfrom captivity. 2. To show that theheathen shall be converted. 3. To showthat instead of men having to worship Goaat Jerusalem, they might do so anywhere,2:11, which is confirmed in John 4:21.• * * •Great Facts. I. Judah. n. Heathen..m. Remnant.Great Fact I. Judah Denounced. Ch. 1-2-3.After a sweeping threat in the firstverse, the prophet then denounces threeclasses of false worshippers of Judah. t,The black-robed unlawfijl priests of Baal,together with the unworthy priests of 'Jehovah,and those who worship the starsfrom the housetops, Vs. 4-5.2. Those who so waver that at one timethey swear by the Lord, and at othertimes swear by the god Moloch, Vs. 5.3. Those who turn backward from outwardlyfollowing the Lord, and now despiseHim, Vs. 6.Upon all these shall come a series ofpunishments "in the Day of the Lord.'This phrase is an important one and_ isoften used in prophecy. The word "d!1f"in Scripture is 'used exactly as we uae ittoday. When we use a numeral in frontof the word, and speak of 3 days or, 40days we always mean 3 or 40 literal daysof 24 hours each. It is so with Scripture,and for this reason we are confident tpatthe nays of Creation were literal days.On the other hand, both scrtpture, and weourselves, use the word "day" in anothersense. We speak of Washington's dayor Luthe:'s -day, meaning in the ttme of'Washington or of Luther. So when theScripture speaks of the "Day of the Lord"it means "the time of the Lord's specialworking." This day of the Lord for theJews of Zephaniah's time was the Lord'sspecial working in events and punishmentsof the captivity. The future Dayof the Lord is the period of the GreatTribulation and the Millenium, Rev. 6: 1-17.LESSON-We learn that it is not 12ossibleto serve two masters, as many ofJudah were trying to do at the same time.Christ teaches this in Matt. 6: 24. God says"Defraud not, never lie, be honest and justin thy dealings." satan says, "Cheat yourown father if you can gain by it." Godsays, "Keep holy the Sabbath Day." Satansays,'Make it a day of worldly .pleasure.'·No one has success or joy trying to servetwo masters. The secret of happiness. iswhole-heartedness. Therefore Joshua 24:15.We learn also the certainty of comingjudgment. A king of Hungary had abrother who would never think of this.It was a custom of that country thai ifan executioner sounded a trumpet beforeany man's door he was 'presently led toexeeutton, The king, in the dead hour ofthe night sent the executioner to soundthe trumpet before his brother's door, who,hearing it was greatly alarmed and atonce tried to make peace with his brother."Brother," said the king, "if a summonsto judgment from an earthly king causesyou so much fear, how much more thetrumpet of the last day, therefore '·prepareto meet thy God.' ..• * * •Great Fact n. Heathen Nations Denounced,Ch. 2:4-15.Five heathen nations, Philistia, Moab,Ammon, Ethiopia and Assyria, shall bevisited with wrath for their scorn andpride towards the Lord's people. Theiridols shall be broken up, and the heathenshall worship God, everyone in his owncountry. Instead of all men making ,pilgrfrnageto Jerusalem, they may worshipGod anywhere. -LESSON-The Jews taught that Jerusalemalone was the place of worship andthe Samaritans that Gerizim should bethe religious center, but the prophet sawthat sptr ltual worship did not depend uponso-called holy places. Since this time scoresof places, like Rome and Mecca, havebeen set aside as holy, and men have suuerstitiouslyundergone every hardship in orderto worship at these IIhrines. 'The sacredness of worship, however, de-

HAGGAI 69pends not on the place, but on the divine Jews when the prophet predicted that aPresence that comes in response to pray- time was coming when evil should exister. Men are to lift holy lands in prayer no more among them. This prophecy shallin every place from the rising to the set, yet be blessedly fulfilled in the Kingqomting of the sun, Mal. 1-11. If God's people age.shall meet with humble and devout souls, .. * * ..and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Questions on the Lesson.then no matter the place, it will be "none 1. Who was the prophet and what doesother than the House of God and the gate his name mean?of heaven." Jesus, where'er thy peo.ple 2. Tell of the religious conditions ofmeet, there they behold thy mercy-seat. the time.Where'er the seek thee thou art found 3. Tell of the great work of King Josandevery spot is hallowed ground!" Iah,.. * * .. 4. Give key word and key verse.Great Fact ill. A Remnant Shall Be 5. What the meaning of the word Remh• 3· 6. Give the three purposes of book.nant?Blessed and Honored. CA faithful few will be delivered, and 7. Name the great facts.must wait with patience until the judg- 8. Name the three classes of false wormentof the wicked nations is overpast. shippers.Then the remnant shall call upon Jehovah 9. What should come upon them?with pure lips and a 'pure heart and shall 10. Explain the Day of the Lord.be accepted. Then the prophet speaks in 11. Show if it is not 'Possible to serveglowing language of the safety and glpry two masters.of the purged and purified people of Zion. 12. Illustrate the mistake in not beingLESSON-The blessings of the remnfl-nt ready for the Judgment?would depend, as with us, upon them being 13. Show that worship does not dependspiritual. 1. They should be humble in upon holy places.lIjlirit. 2. Upright in conduct. 3. De- 14. What are the conditions of spiritualpending upon God. This would result In worship?them being: 1. Cleansed from shame. 2. 15. Upon what did the results of theDelivered from spiritual prtde. 3. Re- remnant depend ?deemed from proud oppressors. 4. Special- 16. What was the result of God's blesslyprotected by God. tngs upon them?Tell the sailor he shall have no more 17, Illustrate the joys these hopesstorms at sea. Tell the laboring man he brought to the Jews.shall have no more financial worries. Tell 18. When will these promises be literalthefarmer he shall have no more pad ly fulfilled?crops. and he would have some idea of the 19. Have you read the book of Zeph-JOY that must have filled the hearts of jhe antah jLesson No. 35--iM:ake the Bible itself the object of your stud\"-LessonThemeHAGGAIHaggai 2 :4-9.KEY WORD-"REBUILD .... KEY VERSE-l :8.KEY PHRASE-THE LORD'S HOUSE COMES :BEFORE MEN'S HOUSES.'"Home Readings. great fait? and was used of God to weakenSunday-Arise and build, 1: 1-11. the consciences and stir up the anthust-Monday-The 'prophet urges on tbe asm of the Jews to rebuild the temple. Hework Ezra 5 '1-6 appeared at a very critical time in the jia-Tu~sdaY-The ~overnor and priest obey, tion's history, and it was through .theHag. 1: 12-15. pressure of his faith and prayers and .ap-Wednesday-The House shall be glori- peals that the great task was accompljshous,2: 1-19. ed.Thursday-Disobedience caused delay, DATES: 536 B. C. Return of exiles un-2: 10-19. der Zerubbabel and Joshua.Friday-Kingdoms of this world to be 535 B. C. Jews attempt to reoverthrown,2: 20-23. build temple, but are discour-Saturday-Temple finished and dsdlca- aged by opposition.ted, Ezra 6:14-18. ?WRITER~Haggai was born in Babr.loD 5~O B. C. Haggai and Zechnandwas the first of the three prophets of riah urge the people to rebuild.the Restoration, the other two being Zecb- 516 B. C. Temple finished andarlah and Malachi. He waB a llrophet of dedicated.

70 HAGGAI458 B. C. Ezra returns at headof 6,000 more exiles. --44 5 B. C. Nehemiah returns asgovernor of Jerusalem and rebuildscity wails.TIMES OF THE PROPHET-When theJews returned to their own land from }.he70 years exile in Babylon, they were eagerto set up again the public worship of thesanctuary, so at once built the altar ofBurnt Offering upon the old site. Planswere also made for the immediate rebuildingof the temple, and the foundation st~newas laid. When, however, the jealous, halfcaste,semi-pagan Samaritans were re~useda part in the work, they induced theking of Persia to stop the work, and :for15 years nothing was done. The Jews thenlost heart, and thought only of good housesfor themselves until Haggai and Zechariahstirred them up with fiery preaching.PURPOSE-To show that the building ofthe Lord's House should come before thebuilding Q,f fine homes by the people,Great Facts. I. Call. II. Glory. m. Chas.tening. IV. Victory.Great Fact I. Call to Rebuild the Temple.Ch.l.Haggai's first discourse was delivered onSeptember 1st, 520 B. C. In it he sterplyreproaches the people for not rebuildingthe temple, and warns them to considertheir ways, for the delay is not due to awant of means, 1: 4. He assures them thatGod is withholding crops from them .becauseof their neglect, 1: 10. The effect ofhis appeals was that 24 days later thechiefs and all the people began the goodwork, 1: 14.LESSONS--Hard times are sometimes ofGod's sending, and that because of our indifferenceto our religious duties, and ourself-interest. It is true that crop failuresand trade depression are due to naturallaws, yet the Almighty is behind theselaws. Repentance and prayer are the bestremedies for hard times. '.2. The building and upkeep of Christiansanctuaries is the urgent duty of the Lord'speople everywhere. Without them vice andiniquitY would abound. WorshIp would bea lost art. Men would forget not only tolove God, but also to love their fellows.3. It is not commendable when the Lord'speople allow their church building to beclilapitated, as to be unworthy of the greathead of the church, because of poor Iocation,miserahle accomodations or scantyfurnishings. It is a noble ambition to makethe sanctuary as convenient and as beautifulas possible. II Sam. 7: 2.• * * •Great Fact II· The Glory of the NewTemple, Ch. 2:1·8.This address is one of encouragement tothose who feit that the new temple wouldbe much poorer than the one Solomon built.The prophet on the contrary assures themthat the glory of the new House shall bemuch greater than Solomon's magnificenttemple, for it shall not consist of richesand jewels as did the glory of the firsthouse, but rather the presence of Christ,the desire of all nations shall fill thishouse with glory. This prophecy was iulfilledby the .preserrtat ion of Jesus in thetemple 51010years later, by His teachjngtherein, by His expuision of the traders,and by His miracles in its precincts. WheneverHe entered the tempie it was filledwith the giory of the Lord.LESSON-There is but one thing necessaryin order that the sanctuary may befilled with the ,glory of the Lord, and thatis the realized presence of the -divlne Redeemer.Without His spiritual presence itmatters not who occupies the pulpit, norhow exquisite the music. Except He s4a11meet each waiting soul and bestow Hispardon, purity and love, there will be nohallowed worship, and no gate to heaven.The divine presence will enlighten ourminds and fire our hearts,move our sculsto the very depths, and rouse a great desirefor holiness. In glowing fervor may theglory of the Lord ever come upon us.• * * •Great Fact m. Chastening Becalase ofNeglect. Ch. 2 :10-19.This third address was delivered threemonths after work on the temple hadstarted. In it the prophet explains why theprayers of the people go unanswered. Itis because they have put off so long 'thecompleting of the temple, everything theydid was spoiled because of this guilt, thereforebiasting mildew and hail had made theseasons unfruitful. On the other hand. ifthey would renew their zeal and press onwith the great work, then the Lord willbless them, and the earth shall yield herincrease.LESSON-Providence is God's care exercisedeverywhere. That He controls theoutward successes and failures of men'slives is seen from Ps. 75: 7. That He" isresponsive to our prayers is seen fromMatt. 6: 33 and Phil. 4: 19. At this time theJews had forgotten that the hand of Godwas in their affairs. He therefore tookaway the prosperity of their 'Pocketbopksin order that they might get back prcsperityfor their souls. A godly man as he wasgoing to take ship for France, broke hisleg, and the ship he would have gone onwas wrecked in a storm. By breaking abone his Ufe was saved. So the Lord manytimes breaks our bones, but It is in orderto save our lives and soula forever. '• • • •Great Fact IV. The Final Victory.Ch. 2 :2()'23.In this address the prophetteUs of the

ZECHARIAH71establishing of Christ as the head of the 2. Tell what you know about Hag(ai.nation and the representatives of t"h e 3. Read the dates and events of thishouse of David, when God shall shake orjudge the nations, Matt. 25:31-32. Theperiod. -4. Tell the times of the

72ZECHARIAHvtstons which he had. and which were .intendedto encourage the Jews in rebuildingthe t emnle, -1. The horsemen among the myrtle trees.1:7~17. This vision reveals Israel in dispersion,Je: u satem under foreign rule. butthe nations apparently prosperous and atease. The Lord points the people to a timewhen He sha ll yet comfort Zion.2. The four horns and four smiths, 1: 18-21. A horn is a symbol fo~ a Gentile kingso this is a vision of the four world empires:Babylon. Media-Persia, Greece andRome, as in Dan. 2:37-44. These nationsoppressed Israel, but they shall be destroyed.3. The measuring line. Ch. 2. This teach-(>S that God wiII repeople. 'protect anddwell in Jerusalem as soon as the sacredhouse of worship has been built. The cityitself shall expand until it becomes a~reatmatropolts without walls, for tbe Lordshall be as a wal! of fire round about it.The promise wilt be truly realized in theKingdom age.4. Joshua, the High Priest and Satan.Joshua clothed in filthy garments andbearing the sins of both himself and thepeople. is accused by Satan, as was job,but he. being a type of Christ. is cleansed,clothed and crowned.5. The golden candlesticks. Ch. 4. Withthe ca~dlestic'ks were seven lamps, andtwo ol ive trees were emptying their oil!nto them. Throughout the scrtptures, oilIS used to represent the Holy S·pirit. Theteaching is. that just as the oil "was notsupplied by human hands," so it will "notbe by might, nor by power, but by "mySpirit." that the House shall be built andsupplied with spiritual life.6 and 7.j The flying roll and the womanin the ephah, or seven-gallon measure. Thisteaches that when the temple is rebuiltand God's law is taught, that wickednessin commerce, typified by a woman in ameasure, shall be carried back to Babylon,the 'proper home of all that is .wtcked.8. Four war chariots. According to Vs.5 these are angels who have a mission ofjudgment. The future fulfilment of thisas seen in Rev. 7: 1-3 will be in the periodof the Great Tribulation.These eight visions are followed bv asymbolic act. .certain exiles had come fromBabylon and brought with them gold andsilver as gifts to the temple. The prophetis to take this gold and silver to make acrown for the High Priest Joshua. andshow that he was a type of Christ whowould be the splrttual king of the worldand the glory of the temple.LESSON-Pilate fulfilled the words of6: 13 when he led Christ before the frenziedmultitude and cried. "Behold theman." If the Jews had known their Bibles.they would have been struck with the fulfilmentof scripture. and would have gladlyreceived and not rejected Christ. Thenthey pressed a crown of thorns upon Risunresisting brow. But when again the cryshal! go forth. "Behold the man!" thetewill be another and more glorious templein .Jerusalem, and the long exiled nationwill bring its silver, its gold, and all itsglory and lay it at the feet of their King.Let us ,pray with new meaning "Thy kingdomcome!"* * * *Great Fact II. Obedience Is Better ThanFasting, Ohs, 7-8.In this section we have the prophet'sanswer to the committee which came fromBethel to ask if the national fasts shouldbe kept. The Jews had been used to fastingon the anniversaries of four greatevents in thein history: 1. Day when seigeof Jerusalem had been begun. 2. The daywhen Jerusalem was captured. 3. The daywhen the temple was burned. 4. The i'lavwhen Gedaliah (the ,good governor of thepoor Jews left in the land when the peoplewere taken off to Babylon) was murdered.Zechariah's answer to the questions wasfour-fold: 1. Fasting affects only yourselves.God requires obedience, 7: 4-7. 2.Learn a lesson from your fathers, theyfasted but forsook justice and mercy, andGod punished them, 7: 8-14. 3. The Lordhas returned to Jerusalem and it shall bea city of truth and holi~ess. Israel badbeen a curse among nations. but theyshall now be a blessing. 8: 1-7. 4. Thereforetheir fasts shall be changed into 'Cheerfulfeasts of joy and ,gladness. and many lieopIesshall seek the Lord in Jerusalem.8:18-23. This will be fulfilled in the day,of Israel's glory. when the Jews convertedand filled with Spirit. will be the meansof the conversion of the nations.LESSON-Fasting is valuable only asan outward sign of repentance and confessionof sin. Merely refraining from foodwill not bring the blessing. Along with itmust be a humble and contrite heart. Anyobservance, however, is goo-d that gives usroom to deny ourselves and provides apath to bring us daily nearer God.* * * *Great Fact m. The :Messiah in RejectionBut Afterwards in Power, Chs. 9-14.This section contains promises of a returnfrom exile, a land in which to dwellvlctory over hostile world powers, temporaiblessings and national strength. In Ch, 11the prophet as a shepherd seeks to ~saveIsrael but is reiected, and sold tor theprice of a slave. thirty pieces of silverforeshadowing that Christ should also b~rejected and betrayed for such a sum. Inthe 12th chapter we have a prophecy otthe selge of Jerusalem by the anti-Christand his armies, in the last

tain opened to them, 13: 1. The Lord's returnupon Mt. Olive, which shall be cleftasunder by an earthquake, 14: 4. The L!3rdshall be king over all the earth, and allthings, and all people shall be holy untothe Lord, 14:9-20.LESSON-The power of the world passhifted from many things, and will continueto shift until it is in the hands' ofChrist. The Jew proudly smiled andthought it all resided in the temple, TheGreeks pointed to their learning and artand thought it the mightiest force in theworld. The Romans said it rested in tqeirsplendid laws and armies. But the Jews,the Greeks and the Romans with all theirancient glories have gone down, and theonce rejected and crucified Christ wllt yetreign in everlasting glory and power. AS'cottish king said to his soldiers, ",W!.tenyou loose sight of your colors rally to mywhite plume. You will always find it on theway to victory!" Let us lift up again andagain our hearts and hopes to the Kingof Glory!• * * •Questions on the Lesson.1. Tell what you know about Zechariah.2. Give date and place of his Iabora,MALACHI 733. Tell of the times of the prophet.4. What the purpose of the book?5. Give key word and key verse.Ii. Kame the great facts.7. How much of the book have IOUread?8. How many visions of the prophetand what their purpose?9. What does the first vision reveal ?10. What the second?11. What the third?12. What the fourth?13. What the fifth?14. What the sixth and seventh?15. What the eighth?16. What did the crowning of Joshuarepresent?17. Tell of the fulfilment of 6: 12.18. When will the fulfilment be?19. Tell of the four great Jewish fasts.20. Give the prophet's four answers tothe question.21. Of what value is fasting?22. What promises are contained In thelast section? .23. How did the prophet foreshadowChrist's rejection?24. Show how 'power wlll continue toshift until it is all in tbe hands of Christ.Lesson No. 37-Searoh the Scriptures.Lesson ThemeMALACHIMal. 3:1-3.KEY WORD-"FORERUlO'ER." KEY VERSE-3:1, First Clause, and 4:5.KEY PHRASE-JOHN THE BAPTIST AND EIJIAH wna BE FORERUlmERSdn.:l~....... the king. During his absence the peo,PIeHome R~... grew very discouraged and doubting be-Sunday-Love of God for Israel, 1: 1-5. cause the Messiah had not come and Bet2:10-16. up His reign upon the earth. as foretoldMonday-Sins of the Priests, 1:5-11. by the prophets. The people negleetedTuesoday-Against Idolatry and Divorce, the worship of the Lord, the priest became2: 10-16. lax and degenerate, God's covenant wasWednesday-Mission of John the Bap- forgotten, tithes were unpaid and divorcetist, 3: 1-6.and other social evils became common:Thursday-People have robbed God, PURPOSE-I. To condemn the social3: 7-12. evils of the day. 2. To show that God isFriday-A Message to Doubters, 3: the moral ruler of the world, and that it13-18. would pay to serve Him. 3. To foretellSaturday-Elijah Will Come Again, 4: the coming of John the Baptist be(ore1-6. Christ's first coming, and that of ElijahWRITER--The prophet Malachi. ~is before Christ's second coming.name means "My Messenger." He was the * * * •last of the Old Testament prophets. . Great Facts. I. Reproof. n. Sins. m. Fore-. TIME-About 430-420 ~. C., during the runners. IV. Tithes. V. Elijah.times of Ezra and Nehemiah. G t F R f f h .THE STATE OF THE TIMES-Malachi rea: act 1. eproo 0 t e Priests,prophesied after the Jews had returned Chs. I, 2-9.from Babylon, when Ju-das was a Persion In a brief introductory message Malachiprovince. As .given In the book of Ezra, shows that the Lord's love for Israel wasthe temple had been rebuilt and its wor- far greater than that of Edom. For Israelship restored. Nehemiah had rebuilt ~he was disciplined only for a time, but Edomwalls of Jerusalem, as stated in the b90k was forever punished. This Is the QUferofNehemiah, and had returned to Ba.b,- ence In God's dealings with the righteouslen, ll.Ccordlngto the promise he had made and the Wicked. .

74MALACHIThe priests are then reproved becausethey despised the table of the Lord, offeredpolluted bread upon His altar, andbrought blind, sick and lame victims forsacrifice, which they would not dare tooffer to an earthly ruler. Better no worshipat all than that they should insultGod with their selfishness. At the timethat God's name was great among theheathen it was no time for it to be p.rofanedby Jewish priests.If they dld not lay the Lord's reproofto heart, He would send curse upon them.Indeed, they are already vile in the eyesof the people because of their bad Influence.LESSON-The divine reproach is thatthe priests do not care how lightly and unworthilythey lead in the worship of God.Their lack of .faith and moral soundnessshowed also the spirit of their age. I~ isall too easy for us to follow the evil eKampleof the Jews in bringing blind, lameand sick offerings. We do this when webring: 1. Cold, formal and half-heartedworship. "Blin.d is the sacrifice of thesoul which Is not IHuminnated by the lightof Christ. Lame is his sacrifice of prayerwho comes with a double mind to entreatthe Lord." There is far too much Christianitywithout Christ and without h_e,artIn It. Some of the worst enemies of thecross of Christ keep all the forms of religion.2. When we offer to God anythingless than our best. David nobly refused tooffer unto God that which cost him noth-Ing, II Sam. 24: 24. Indeed there is' noheart to the reltglon of the man who Isalways trying to serve God cheaply. Christianityis not a thing of convenience, butof sacrifice. We should dedicate to Godthe best of our time, our Inttuencg, ourtalents and our means. and always feelthat nothing is good enough or greatenough for Him who spared not His ownSon, Rom. 8: 32.• * * •Great Fact n. The Sins of the PeopleRebuked, Ch, 2:10-17.The prophet first denounces sins agatnstbrotherhood. He urges that God is theFather of the Jewish nation. and as theJews sinned against each other they otfende'litheir common Father and broke thefamily covenant, 2: 10. He next tells themthat they are guilty of sins against GodIn family life, for women came weepingand wailing to the altar of Jehovah andcovering it with tears because men obtaineddivorces on the flimsiest groundsand dealt treacherously with the wive!!!oftheir youth to marry heathen women."No one," s'aiod the ,prophets, "who doesthis has even a remnant of the Spirit."LESSON-When we are untrue to Godwe Injure our brethern. When we arecareless about God's clatma, we will holdlightly His standards of morality. On .theother hand God expects us not only toaid a brother in distress, but help him tobe a good Christian.The Africans have a beautiful customthey call the "Brother Rite." One manwill open a vein over the heart of another,and rub the blood from it into hisown wound; this Is to signify that tlleyare halves 01' part of each other. Henceforthwhen either Is in trouble the otherfeels "It is myself that is In trouble,"and thus does for the other what hewould do for himself.Every Christian, because of his bloodfellowship, should think of others as hewould they should think of him. T'alk ofothers as he would they should talk ofhim, and aid others as he himself wouldbe aided.• * * •m. A Forerunner Shall Come, 3 :1-6.The prophet announces the appealingof a forerunner of Chrlst,which was fulfilledin John the Baptist. He should' gLbefore the Lore in the Spirit and power ofElijah. Is. 40-3, and Matt. 3: 3. He shouldnot come unprophesied or unsent, even itto a careless generation. he was unexcepted.He should prepare the way of the L9rdby taking away their confidence in their~elatlon to Abraham, Matt. 3: 9, by callmgthem to repentance, and by ,proclaim-Ing that Christ was at hand, Matt. 3: 2.LESSON-Goii in thia way gave :thtJews a sign. For thirty-six hundred yearsHe had been telling them that the Messiahshould come and here he adds thata little while before Christ should appeala great prophet would arise, and call tothe everlasting ,gates of their hearts to liftup their heads and receive the King. Itis one of the marvels of the ages, thatafter a propheticsilence of 400 years, thaiwhen John the Baptist did 8Ill'pear, hthwitness to Christ was not accepted.• * * •IV. Tithes Unpaid, Ch. 3:7-18.Here the prophet tells the people t)latthey have not only run away from theMaster, but have runaway with theMaster's goods. "Ye are gone away· frommy ordinances. Return unto me." "Yehave robbed me." They had brought acmetithes but like Annanias and Sapphira,they had kept back part of the price.They had robbed Him from Whom allblessings come! Had robbed Him of themselvesand their service, of Sabbath-timeand the tithes which were for the spreadof His religion. God therefore punishedthem through unseasonable weather - orInsects that ate up the fruits of the earth.and through short crops andfa.mine. Healso earnestly exhorts them to bring· allthe tithes into the storehouse. which Willthe tem'Ple, and then He would not only

give an abundance of rain, but super-abundanceof Heavenly blessings, so thatthere should not be room enough to receivethem.LESSON-Christians odie spirituallyand lack God's favor when they covetoustrwithhold from God His dues. A robbercannot be hllJpPY!Some of the advantages01' tithing are: 1. It is founded on scripture.2. The tither has the satisfactionof giving systematically. 3. He gener~IlYhas money on hand for the Lord'S work.4. Appeals for funds never evoke fromhim the comment, "Too much talk aboutmoney in the church." 6. Tithers almostwithout exception, are joyful Christians.informed on missions and benevolences,and deIlghtingto help every good object.6. They inherit the great and exceedin,glyprecious promises of God, both tempqraland spiritual. Let every Christian earp-erdedicate one-tenth of his earnings to theLord!• * * •V. Return of Elijah, Ch 4.It is very signlflcant that in the lastwords of Malachi. and of the Old Testament,the 'People are called upon to rememberthe law of Moses. and to treasure thehope of the return of Elijah before ~he"great and odreadful day of the Lord."That this does not refer to the coming ofJohn the Ba.ptist in the spirit of Elijahas some think, but is seen in the fact t}latChrist's first coming was not a great anddreadful day, but a odayof grace and ofsalvation. Neither dlod John the Baptistdo the work set forth here of reconcilingthe hearts of the nation to one anotl!er.On the other hand, the second coming, ofthe Lord will indeed be a great and dreadfulday of judgment and of wrath, and asseen in Rev. 11:3-7. Elijah wlll be one ofthe witnesses who wlll 'prepare the way forthe Lord's second coming. as John the Baptistdid tor the first.LESSON-In a day when men are ,falselycalling themselves Eliljahs, we shouldremember that when the true Elijahcomes. he will be a Jew. and that he willtestify for the Lord. not in America or inEurope, as many have sought to do. but inPalestine, and that. after the Churcheshave been caught up to meet their Lord,I. Thess., 4-17. At the Pasover feasts ofthe Jews, they still set a place for himat the table and leave the door wide openin case he should appear. Let us be suchChristians, and live such lives. that if allChristians were like 'us. the world wouldbe ready and watching for the King!MALACHI 75"Unto you that fear my name shall thesun of righteousness arise with healingin His wings." A man scoffingly asked"What advantage has a Christian over anyone like myself? Does not the sun shineon me as on him. this fine day?" "Yes,"replied the odevoutfriend, "but the Christianhas two suns shining on him at thesame time-one on his body and the otheron his soul!"Malachi is the last prophet of the OldTestament. Four centuries were to alapsebefore the next prophet, John the Bapt.i.st,should speak for God. He startled theworld with the thrilling message that theDivine Son of Goodhad become flesh, thatwe mIght behold His glory, the glory ofthe Only Begotten Son eent from theFather!• ** •Questions on the Lesson.1. Tell what you know about Malachi.2. During whose time did he live?3. Tell of the condition of the times.4. Give the three purposes of the book.6. Name the great facts.6. Give the 'key word and key verse.7. What the difference in God's deal-Ings with the righteous and the wicked?8. Why were the 'Priests reproved?9. Name two ways in which we bringfaulty offerings.1'0. Tell of the sins against brotherhoodand against family Ufe that are denounced.11. Give illustration of blood fellowship,tell how it should affect us. .12. How did John the Baptist preparethe way of the Lord?13. In what way was John the Baptista sign to the Jews?14. Show how 'People not only run awayfrom the Master, but also run away withHis goods.16. How diod they lose by not payingtheir tithes?16. Name some of the advantages oftithing.17. In the last words of Malachi, whatare the people called upon to remember?18. Show that the return of Elijah doesnot refer to the work of John the B8Iptist.19. How may we tell the false rrom thetrue Elijahs?2/0. What advantages has the Christianover the unbeliever?21. Who the next prophet after Malachiand what his message?'22. Have you read the book of MalacJ1i?'

76 THE OLD TESTAMENTLesson No. 38-Heaven and earth will pass away before the O. T. will fail.Lesson ThemeTHE OLD TESTAMENTIT Pet. 1 :19-21, Luke 16 :16-17.KEY PHRASE-"PREPARATION FOR CHRIST." KEY VERSE-Gal. 3:24.Home Readings.The Old Testament is directly declaredto be the Word of Goo. In it we get noless than 1,904 expressions like "Thussaith. the Lord," "God snake," "God said."Read something of each .perioo.Sunday-Summary of Creation, Gen.2: 1-9.Monday-Abraham Made Father 0 tChosen People, Gen 17: 1-8.Tuesday----Conquest of Canaan, Josh.1:10-18.WednesdaY---,United Kingdom Set Up,I Sam. 10:17-26.Thursday-Beginning of the DivitledKingdom, I Kings 12:16-24.Friday-Jews Carried Away Into Captivity,II Kings 25: 1-11. -Saturday-A Remnant ot Jews Ret,:prn,Ezra 1: 1-11.NAiME-The Old Testament is God'srecord of the creation of man: of Hiscovenant to save him, and of the religj~lUspreparations He gave the worl-d for ~hecoming of Christ.BOOKS-There are 39 books in the OldTestament written by about 3'0 inspiredwriters, from the book of Job. proba.blywritten by Moses 1520 B. C., to the bookMalachi, written abaut 420 B. C., a ,pet:igdof 1,10'0 years. The 39 books comprisefive of law, Gen. to Deut.; twelve of history,Joshua to Esther; five of poetry, Jobto Song of Solomon; seventeen propheciesand sermons on the reUgious conditionsot the times. Isaiah to Malachi.UNITY OF BOOKs-Dr. G. CampbeltMorgan said, "It was out of a deep senseof perplexity that I turned from booksabout the Bible to the Bible itself. 'I'heresult was a discovery of unity which tome is the final 'proof of its divinty. Begtnningwith the Old Testament and movingsystematically forwaro I saw that eachbook demanded another, and that whenMalachi was reached the whole collection-demanded more. In other words, I ,foundthat step by step I had proceeded throughhistory and through teaching, all of whtchpointed to a Coming One. Then turningto the New Testament, I found the answerto all expectations created in read~ngthe Old!"Great Periods of Old Testament: I. Creation.II. Repeopling. III. Patriarchs. IV.Bondage and Exodus. V. Conquest. VI.United Kingdom. VII. Divided Kingdom.VIII. Captivity. IX. Restoration.I. Creation to Flood, 4004-2349 B. C.-1,655 Years (Genesis Chs. 1-8).1. Creation. Goo created the heavensand earth, and created a man in Innocencv.He placed him in perfect surroundings,subjected him to a simple test, having,first warned him against disobedience.2. Fall. Satan, acting through a serpent,cause-d man to doubt and disobey God.This led to his fall from innocency, andfrom communion with God, and to his expulsionfrom Eden.3. Covenant. God made a covenant withman to provide a Savior from sin, and institutedsacrifices to teach that withoutthe shedding of blood there could be. noremission of sin.4. After 1,655 years, because of man'sexceeding wtckednese, God sent a floodupon all the earth, and destroved all menexcept Noah and his family.• * * •II. Repeopling the Earth, 2349-1996 B, C.,353 Years (Genesis, Chs. 9-11).Noah was the head of a new race, whichat first failed to spread over the earth.God therefore confused the tongues of thepeople, and as each tribe spoke only: itsown language, it gave rise to the be~inningof nations. Noah's son Japheth becamethe father of the Gentile race, Hamof the black, and Shem of the Israel ittshand yellow races. -• * * •m. Times of the Patriarchs, 1996·1635B. C. 361 Yea.rs (Genesis, Chs. 12-50.).The race having given itself over toidolatry. God called out Abraham to witnessfor Him and live a life of faith. Bycovenant and promise God bound Abrahamand his seed to Himself. Abraham's,faith is seen, in that he was willing tooffer up his only son. Isaac Is noted forbeing wlIling to fulfil his father's wm.Jacob had his name changed to Israel forhis faith and power in prayer. Joseph,when down in E'gypt, became the savior ofall Abraham's children.

IV. :Egyptian Bondage and the Exodus1635-1490 B.C .• 145 Yea.rs. Books ofExodus. Leviticus, Numbers,Deuteronomy.After the death of Joseph in EgYl!t,anew king arose who oppressed the Israelites.God raised up Moses as a -deliverer,and he, after bringing ten plagues uponPharaoh for not letting Israel go, then setUP the Passover feast, led the Israelitesthrough the Red Sea and brought themto Mt. Sinai. Here God gave them 'theMoral Law in the Ten Commandments, andthe Ceremonial Law in the Sacrifices andFeasts, and Civil Laws which were to bethe basis of their social life. A tabernaclewas set 'up and became the center of worshipfor 400 years. A priesthood was establishedwith Aaron as first High Priest.After 40 years of wandering in the wildernessMoses gave a Review of the Law asrecorded in Deuteronomy, ealled Joshua. '" '" .to be his successor, and then fell asleepin the Everlasting Arms.V. Conquest of Canaan and the Judges ofIsrael, 1490-1100 B. C., 390 YelU'S.(Booksof Joshua, Judges. and Ruth).Joshua led Israel dry-shod through theRiver Jordan, and after several battles,in divine might, overcame the tribes of theland, and divided it among the twelvetribes of Israel. Upon the death of Joshua.God raised up at different times 15 Jud.gesto be their rulers and military leaders.This period has been called the Dark Agesof Israel because of their misfortunesthrough backsliding. At this time, Ruth.a woman of Moab, became an ancestressof the Messiah.. '" '" .VI. The United Kingdom, 1100-977 B. C.123 Years. (Book of I and n Samuel.I Kings, I and n Chronicles).Upon the insistent appeal of the people.Samuel set up a monarchy, and appointedSaul to be king. Saul, David and Solomonwere the kings of this period and eachreigned about40 years.This is the golden age of Israel's htstory,when the kingdom grew to its largestextent. when commercial relations wereestablished with all parts of the world,when literature, science and art, incl.udingmusic, made a great advance. 'fheschools of the prophets were set up bySamuel, and a glorious temple built bySolomon. The Psalms of David were agreat blessing to this age.• * * •VII. The Divided Kingdom, 977·587 B. C.,390 Years. (Books of n Kings andn Chronicles),Rehoboam threatened to make the burdensof the people heavier, 80 the tenTHE OLD TESTAMENT 77northern tribes revolted and formed thekingdom of Israel, while the two southerntribes were known as the kingdom of Judah.Israel had 19 kings from .lereboamto Hosea, 977-724 B. C., and then becauseof their idolatry they were carriedinto captivity by Shalmanese:', king ofAssyria, and never did return. The prophetsof Israel were Elijah, Elisha, Jonah,Amos and Hosea.Judah was more loyal to God, and sokept its national life 136 years longer.yet it too frequently turned away fromJehovah, and it was taken away to Babylonby Nebuchadnezzar, 558 B. C. Theprophets of Judah were Isaiah, Jeremiah.Joel, Obediah, Micah, Nahum,Zechariah.Habakkuk,• * * •vrn. The Babylon Captivity, 587-536B. C., 51 Years.The seventy years captivity is countedfrom the time that the king of Babylonfirst captured Jer'usalem, 606 B. C. andsome, including Daniel, were carri~d a-way. It was 19 years later, however, thatJerusalem was destroyed, and their nationallife ceased. The temple, which hadbeen their glory. was burned. and the lieopIemarched off to serve foreign masters.The prophets of the captivitywere Danieland Ezekiel. .• * * •IX. The Restoration, 536·391 B. C.. 145Years (Books of Ezra. Nehemiah andEsther).The Jews were in exile and Jerusalemwas in ruins, but after the 70 years ofdiscipline were over, God influenced cyrusking of Persia. to allow the Jews to return'(The Persians had conquered and pos':sessed Babylon.)Zerubbabel led 50,000 back and rebuiltthe temple. Ezra returned with 6,0-00 prevailedupon the Jews to put away' theiridolatrous wives, restored the Law andedited and published the Old Testa~ent.Thirteen years later when Nehemiah returnedhe built up the waIls of Jerusalemwhich assured some security for nationallife again.'The prophets of the period were Haggai.Zechariah and Malachi.The Bible story and message is like apicture wrought out in mosiacs; eachgreat fact has an important place and -wecannot understand the chapters and versesunless we have a general knowledge ofthe Bible as a whole, therefore read thislesson as often as possible, and keep -Itsnine great divisions clearly in mind.In the Old Testament God is teachingthe people their letters, in the New TestamentHe is teaching them to put theseletters together and arrange them as wew1ll, they spelI Christ and nothing butChrist! .

78 HISTORY BETWEEN THE TESTAMENTSQuestions on the Lesson. 14. Tell of the tabernacle and pri~st·hood.1. Give the key phrase and key verse. 15. Who led the conquest, and who2. Show that the O. T. is declared to succeeded him?be the Word of God.3. Of what is the Old Testament a rec-16. Who wereUnited Kingdom?the three kings of theord?17. Tell of Israel's golden age.4. How many books and writers of the 18. Why the dlvtslon, and how were ~heOld Testament? tribes divided?5. What do the 39 books comprise?6. Show how one book demands another19. How many kings in Israel and whothe prophets?7. Name the nine 'periws of the Old 20. How much longer did Judah standTestament.8. Tell of the four events in the Creaandwho the prophets?21. How long the captivity, where. andtion period.who the prophets?9. Tell of the repeopling of the e~rth.10. Give the heads of the three races.22. Who built the temple and who thewalls of Jerusalem?11. Name the four partriarchs and tell 23. Who the prophets of the restorationwhat you know about each. 24. Why should you keep the nine dtvt-12. Tell of the bondage and Exodus. sions clearly in mind?13. WhatSinai?three laws did God give at 25. What do the lettersments spell?of both Testa-Lesson No. 39--Grasp this history in order to understand history of New Testament.Lesson ThemeHISTORY BETWEEN THE TESTAMENTS(Interbiblioal Period.)Dan. 9 :15-19.KEY WORD-"CO:RFLICT." KEY VERSE-Dan. 9:16, Last Clause.KEY PHRASE-"A PEOPLE SUFFERIR'G BECAUSE OF BROKEN COVENANTS."Home Readings An event of great interest was the build-. ing of the Samaritan Temple on Mt. Geri-Daniel forecasts the history of this peri- zim, and the setting up of rival Jehovahod. Read as follows: worship. It came about in this way: Ma-Sunday-Cruel World-Powers, Dan. 7: nasseh, the brother of the Jewish HJgll15-22. Priest married a daughter of Sanballat. theMonday-Persia (the ram) and Gr~ece, Persian governor of Samaria. This meant(rough goat), Shall Wax Strong, 8:1-8. that he to give up his prfeathood inTuesday-The vision interpreted. 8: JUdah. He therefore set up in Samaria,15-22. but a few miles from Jerusalem, a rivalWednesda!-Antiochus Epiphanes, J.he temple, with Jehovah worship. and .theKing of Syrta, 8: 23-27. Pentateuch as their Bible. This 100 tQ aThursday-Daniel Prays for His People, strife between the Jews and the Samarl.9: 3-9.. tans, which existed in the time of ourFriday-Four Persian Kings Shall .;Iliee Lord, John 4: 20. .and then Alexander the Great, Dan.11: 1-6. A second great event was the union ofS~turdaY-Antioeh~s Epiphanes Turns civil and religious powers, which gave theAgainst the Je,:s, ;1. 2.1-3;. office of High Priest, and that of goverp.~r" . of JUdah, to the same man. The ofticeGreat Periods of HIStOry: 1. Persian, 200 thus became an object of great ambition,Years. n. Greek. 10 Years. m. Egyptian, and some disgraceful contests for it took119 Years. IV. Syrian, 41 Years. V. Jew- place. Joshua, brother of the High Prtest,. h 100 Y VI Roman 133 Years endeavored to secure the honor for h!m-IS , ears.. , • self, but was slain by Jonadad in theGreat Period I. Palestine a Persian Prov- temple itself. For this scandalous act j.beince. 536-333 B. C.Persians put a tax of 60 shekels or $33 onThe events of the book of Ezra, Njl)1e- every lamb sacrificed in the temple. Thillmlah and Esther occurred in the first 100 was a .great burden on the temple wors~ip.ears, and Judah remained a Persian pr~v- and discouraged sacrifices as much as ifInce for about 100 years after the close the state were to ,put a tax of $3 on everyof the Old Testament history. While ot)1er dollar given to miasioDS.Persian provinces were often in rebellton, LESSON-The union church and st.atethe Jews kept loyal to the Persian K~Dg, is a .great evil In any land. Here it led toand rlliPidly increased in wealth and num- the state claiming the right to aW)~lntber. the High Priest, which would be equal to

the governor of our state claiming theright to appoint whom he would as pas(orsof the churches. The office would becomeone of barter and sale. It also ledto the state taxing the contrlbutinons ofworship, and to the saturating of religionwith politics.• * * •Great Period II. Palestine Under the GreekEmpire, 333-323 B. C,LISTORY BETWEEN THE TESTAMENTS 79Alexander the Great In a series of battlesconquered the entire Persian empire,and became the master of the world. Whilebeselglng Tyre, Alexander sent word to thehigh priest at Jerusalem demanding thatbe mould trausfer his allegiance to him,and send suppUesfor his army. Jaoddua.the high priest, declared he must remainfaithful to the Persians. Alexander thenmarched upon Jerusalem to the 'great -alarmof the Jews. Sacrifices were offeredprayers made unto God, and divine aidsought to appease the wrath of the inrader.The high priest, clad in the tUllregalia of priestly robes. then formed aprocession of the priests and people. Hemarched at the head of it without a swordor spear, with nothing but the sacredscriptures. When the Greek conqueror sawthe venerable form of the high priest:, hefell 'prostrate and adored the Holy Namewritten in golden letters on his hat. Alexandertook the high priest by the hand,entered the city and granted them manyreligious Uberties, including the exemptionof tribute every seventh or Sabbatic y~ar.when the Jews planted no crops. Dan. 1:6tells of the transition of empires fromthe Persian to the Grecian.• * * •Great Period m. Palestine Under the Kingsof Egypt, 323-204 B, C.On the death of Alexander, in fulfilmentof the prophecy of Daniel, 8:21-22, theempire was divided among four of his generals,and to Ptolemy I fell Egypt andPalestine. He treated the Jews with greatharshness at first, sending some of them toEgypt. His son, Ptolemy II, is famous fO\"founding the great library at Alexanderia,Egy'pt, which has a magnificent collectionof the writings of all nations.Under his patronage the Hebrew scriptureswere translated into Greek and thefamous vision is called the Septuagint-=-aword meaning "seventy" because 70 elderswere sent from Jerusalem to Alexandriato do the translating. Greek had becomethe language of the world, and this wasfortunate for the Bible writers and indeedfor us, for no other language has everequalled It In expressing deltcate shades ofthought. The world now had the holy scripturein a language that almost everynation under the heav.en could read. Thetranslation was one of the memorableevents of all time.Ptolemy IV outraged the reUgious feel·Ings of the Jews by entering the Holy ofHolies of the temple. He was seized, however,with a supernatural terror and c-arrledout half dead. In revenge for this heoppressed the Jews in a scandalous manner.When his son came to the throne, hewas but a chfld of five years, so the king ofSyria took the opportunity of snatchingPalestine away from Egypt. .• * * •Great Period IV, Palestine Under Syria,204-163 B. C.Antiochus III of Syria, having been badlydefeated by the Romans, resolved: toplunder the temple at Jerusalem, to ,getfunds to help him pay the Indemnity.His treasurer, however, was struck speechlessto the ground, as he was entering thesanctuary, and went back home In dismay.Antiochus Epiphanes now comes to thethrone of Syria. As his name means, hewas illustrious, but only for cruelty andwickedness. Read Dan. 8:9-14. He wEllltto war with Egypt and was successful 1 butthe Jews heard he had been killen, atwhich they showed signs of great 1oy.Hearing of this he went to Jerusalem topunish them. He captured the sacred city,slew 40,000 Jews and sold a like numberas slaves. To show his contempt for theJewish religion, he sacrificed a hog (verymuch hated by the Jews as an uncleananimal) on the altar of burnt offering,anod sprinkled broth made from Its fieshall over the building. He later made afrightful massacre until the courts of thetemple ran with blood, and also carriedaway many into slavery. He then made adecree forbidding the Jews to offer upsacrifices up to God, to obey God's laws. orto keep the Sabbath day. A statue of theheathen god Jupiter was erected in ~hetemple, and Jewish sacrifices and publteworship of God had to cease for threeand one-half years. At length God raisedup a deliverer in the noble Maccapeefamily.• * * •V. Jewish Independence Under Maccabees,163-63 B. C.A priest named Mattathias and his livesons gathered around them a number offaithful men to deliver Goo's people. TheSyrians waged three campaigns againstthe ,patriots, but each time were unsuccessful.At length civil war broke out inSyria itself, and peace was concluded withthe Jews, with Judas Maccabas as governorof Palestine. The motto of his bannerwas Ex. 15:11. The Jews then cleansedand redeodlcatedthe temple and public serviceswere resumed. Judas being again attackedby the Syrians, applled to the Romansfor help, but fell in battle before ttcame. His brother Jonathan suooeeded himbut being murdered, was followed by au-

80 f.i1STORYBETWEEN THE TESTAMENTSother brother, Simon. With the help o~Rome he established the kingdom, andhanded down the throne to his son, JohnHyracanus. At this time the Pharisees andSadducees became strongly opposed to eachother and caused a good deal of strife, Agrandson of John sought to defend Jerusalemagainst the Romans under Pompey.63 B. C., but after three months seige, thecity was taken, the walls broken down,and a yearly tribute to Rome imposed.* * * *VI. Palestine Under the Romans, 63 B. C.to 70A. D.The Romans were now the masters ofJudea. They sent a general named Herodto be king, and to please the Jews he ·pretendedto accept their religion. In realttyhe was a fierce and wlcked man. Seeingthat he was still hated, he decided to rebuildthe temple at Jerusalem, in hopothat this would make the Jews more willin.gto have him rule over them. The temple,which then stood on Mt. Moriah, wasthe one built by the Jews after they hadreturned with Zerubbabel from Babylon.It was nearly 500 years old, and was muchbroken and decayed. Herod took it downpa:·t at a time, and built it up again, withgreat stones of white marble, covered in'Places with silver and gold. Ten yearswere spent and ten thousand men wereemployed at the task before it was readyto be dedicated. A much longer time wasspent in finishing the out-works, justifyingthe remarks of the Jews in John 2:20.When finished it was a magnificent tem-'pie, far superior to what it had ever been.It was destroyed, however, by Titus h170A. D., as our Lord prophesied in Matt. 24:] -2.The same Herod slaughtered the infantsat Bethlehem, as told in Matt 2: 6-18, inan effort to destroy Jesus, who was bornking of the Jews. He died, however, anunhappy death as told in Acts 12: 23,while Christ's kingdom has s pre a d"where'er the sun doth Its successive journeysrun l"The last 70 years of the Roman 'periodbelong to New Testament history and willbe considered later.LESSON-1. The subjection of the Jewsis a fulfilment of prophecy. Jerusalem hasbeen under the rule of the Gentlles since588 B. C., when Nebuchadnezzar first destroyedthe city. For over 2,5()0 years thoJews have been under the sovereignty ofthe others, but have always been longingfor the coming of the Lord In glory whenJerusalem shall again be the glory of .thewhole earth.2. The Jews teach us to have unshakenfaith and hope in the sure covenants ofJehovah.3. The subjection and dispersion of theJews was brought about by their sins andrejection of Christ. They would not haveHim for their Savior. The most dangerousand most ungrateful thing is the rejectionof ChriSt. When Ulysses returned withfond expectation to his home in Ithaca,his family did not recognize him. Eventhe wife of his bosom dented her husband,so changed was he by an absence of twentyyears at the wars. Like Christ, he cameuntohis own, but his own received himnot. The Savior comes to us as He cameto the Jews. What shall our answer be?* * * *Questions on the Lesson.1. Why is this called the interbibicalperiod?2. Who forecasts the history of it?3. Give the 'key word and key verse.4. Have you read your home readings?5. Name the six great periods.6. Tell aboutmaritan temple.the building of the Sa-.7. Tell of the union of: civil and rellgiouspowers. -8. What are some of the evils of unionof church and state? .9. How long was PalestineGreeks?'under the.10. Tell how AlexanderJerusalem.the Great took11. How long was Palestinekings of Egypt?under the12. For what two things was PtolemyII famous?13. What is the meaning of the wordSeptuagint, and what was it?14. How did Ptolemy IV outrage thefeelings of the Jews?15. How long was Palestine under Syria16. Why did the king! resolve to 'plunderthe temple?17. Tell about Antiochus Epiphanes.18. How long were the Jews under theMaccabees?19. Tell of the great work of JudasMaccabee.20. At this period who became stronglyopposed to each other?21. ,What Roman general conqueredJerusalem and the date?22. HoW-long was Palestine under theRomans?23. Whom did Rome send to be kin~ ofthe Jews?24. Tell about his rebul1ding of thetemple.25. Tell about the slaughterand Herod's death fof Infa.uts26. What three leMons from the historyof the Jews? .

THE FOUR GOSPELS 81Lesson No. 4O-Study the messages of the books as well as of texts.THELesson ThemeFOUR GOSPELSLuke 2 :41-52.KEY WORD-"CHRIST." KEY VERSE-John 20:31.KEY PHRASE-"A FOUR-FOLD PICTURE OF CHRIST.Home Readings. ORDER OF THE GOSPELS-W h i I eAs the four gospels give many aspects some s~holars. think that Mark's gospel. . h was wrrtten ttrst, yet many others agreeof Christ. read a dIfferent aspect eac day. that they were written in the order that2.~~1~d2aY-Jesus Christ the Child. Luke they stand. with Matthew as the Genesis. 5.. Monday-Jesus Christ the Master. Mattof the New Testament, containingitself the beginning of all NewwithinTesta-4.18-25. ment truths.TueS'day--Jesus Christ the King, John SYNOPTIC GOSPElLS-The first three12:12-19.Wednesday-Jesus.Christ the Prophet,are called synoptic gospels, because theygive the same general view of the life andMatt. 21:1-11.Thursday-Jesus. .Christ the Prtest. Johnteachings of Jesus. in contrast with thefourth gospel which deals especially with17 :7~2d1. F rI ay-JesusiChrst the Sin-bearer.the divinity of Christ. and the deep spirit-ual meaning of gospel facts.Matt. 27:27-34..Saturday-Jesus Chr-ist the Lord overPURPOSE-To give a picture of whoChrist was, how He wrought. and whatdeath. Mark 16:1-8. He taught, how He died to save us from• * * • our sin, and how He rose again for ourNAME, NEW TESTAMENT. Means the justification."New Covenant" of grace which God made THE WORLD PREPARED FOR CHRISwithman in JesuS Christ. in contrast with TIANITY-Thegospel could never havethe OM Covenant of law given through spread with the speed it ~lld, but for threeMoses. important world-wide events. 1. The con-LOGICAL ORDER IN THE NEW TES- quest of the world by Alexander the Great,TAMENT_1. In the Four Gospels the Di- and the spread of the Greek language.Vine Christ enters the world. and dies for which made it possible for the gospel tothe world after founding iRis church. be preached in a language which was un-2. In Acts. Christ is preached in the derstood in everylland. 2. The rise of thepower of the Holy Spirit, and the doors Roman Empire. with its good laws, andof the churches are thrown open to all well-organized government. which offeredbelievers, protection to those preachtng thE gospel.3. In the Epistles, life in Christ is re- 3. The scattering abroad of the Christians.vealed in all its fullness and the doctrines, through persecution in Palestine, whichordinances andare set forth.practic~s of the Churches spread their influenceworld, and made theirover the knQ.wnmeetings rallying4. In Revelation. profound interest is places for those who longed for somethingshown by Christ in the spiritual state of better than paganism. We thus see howthe churches and their glorious future as providence prepared the way for grace toHis bride as' foretold.triumph.Each division of the New Testament has• * * •also a relation to the experiences of each Great Facts. Christ as: I. King. n. Servant.m. Man. IV. God.indivi-dual Christian. 1. In the Gospels,Christ comes to the Believer to redeem I. Christ as King of the Jews.him. 2. In Acts, Christ fills the BelieverWith spiritual power for service. 3. In In Matthew. Key Verse 2 :2.the Epistles, the believer has blessed and The Old Testament assured the Jewsexalted communion with Christ. 4. Tn again and again that a Messiah shouldRevelat ion the believer comes with the come who would be the King of the Jews.returning Lord, that he may reign with They therefore looked forward with passionatelonging and patriotism to the coni-Him, and share His eternal glory,NAME-GOSPNI... Means God's messageof salvation through Jesus Christ, thew proves that Christ was truly thating of that King tnpomp and power. }orat-and when we speak of The Gospel accordingto Matthew we mean Matthew's story scent back to Adam to link Him up withKing. 1. While Luke traces Christ's "de-or sal vation.man, Matthew traces it back only to DavidWRITERS:---The gospels were wrttten and Abraham to show His royal descent.by the men whose names they bear. Matthrew,Mark. Luke and John.Wise Men to the Christ-child.2. Only Matthew records the visit of thobecause

82 THE FOUR GOSPllZLSthese royal visitors with their royal giftahelp to prove the royalty of Christ. 3. TheSermon on the Mount Is given fully only inMatthew, because It gives the divine constitutionfor the righteous government ofthe earth in the kingdom age, when Itsteachings wiII be literally carried out. Onthe other hand, the spiritual application orits teachings Is for all ages and all men.4. A king speaks with authority, therefore,this gospel records how Jesus withkingly authority uttered woes agaJJ1stthose who rejected His claim. 23: 13-25.5. The Kingdom of Heaven Is a key ,phraseIn Matthew, and occurs 32 times here, andnowhere else In the New Testament. Itmeans the rule of the heavens over theearth, through the presence of the King.6. Christ was crucified for many reasons.In John the reason given Is because Heclaimed to be the Son of God, in Matthewthe reason given is because He claimedto be King of the Jews, 27:37.LESSON-With fervent loyalty weshould yield our hearts, minds and wUldto Heaven's glorious King. A young manwore a ring with three words engravedon it that he made the slogan of his Ufe,"Make Jesus King!" What a noble ambitlon!Be it ours to be true-hearted,whole-hearted, faithful and loyal to theKing, and to seek to extend His reignthroughout the earth. .• * * •n. Christ as the Servant of Jehoyah.In :Mark. Key Verse 10:45.After Matthew's picture of Christ's kinglymajesty, Mark ,pictures His lowlineSs,and would have us see His simple garb,worn sandals, and unshorn hair, 10:44. 1.No line of descent is given in Mark as"noone wants to know the family tree of aservant, but they do in the case of oneclaiming to be a king. 2. He is nevercalled Lord in Mark before the resurrection.3. The four parables of Mark areall parables of service. 4. The word"Straightaway" occurs forty-one times inthe book, showing this goepel to be avivid picture of the eartltly acts of Jesus.LESSON--Chrlst Is our example In humilityand service, 110:45. Although Hewas God in thefiesh, He was willing tolive in humble ctreumetances to labor hardand to oOOYhis inferiors. His wonderfulUfe was made up of simple acts of love.We can best show our love of God by serving'our fellow men. On the walls of a Sundayschool was a picture of an ox standingbetween an altar and a plough, with thewords underneath, "Ready for either!" ';!.'heox stood ready to be laid on the altar, orto be yoked to the plough, although thealtar meant suttering and the ploughmeant service. So we should, llke the Master,be ready for either. I)ur llvu wl1l ~'poor withered things, unless we serve ourown generation faithfully for Christ's sake!• * * •III. Christ as the Son of Man.In Luke. Key Verse 19 :10.1. In Luke, Christ's line of descent 19traced back to Adam, the father of thshuman race, to connect Him up with thewhole race, and not merely with the Jews.2. While Matthew referred 65 times to thelawand the prophets, to show that Christfulfilled the law, Luke omits all such references,and unfolds a full and free gospel,not for a certain race or class but for allmen. Christ is the savior of all mankind.3. In Luke, Christ's tender human sympathyis seen all through it. He is bone ofour bone and flesh of our flesh. He istouched with the feelings of our infirmities.He wept over Jerusalem, healed thewound caused by Peter in the Garden.22: 51, and shows compassion to the thiefon the cross, 23: 43.LESSON-Christ has tender sympathyfor us in all our experiences, because allMan, He was tried by toU and tempt!;tion,hunger and pain, sorrow and death. Sometimesit seems hard to make even I9urdoctor understand what the :pain is Uke.Words do not seem to convey it, and afteryou have e:x:plainedthe best you can, youstili feel that the suffering is not fullYunderstood. But Jesus went through allour feellngs, and fears and troubles, thereforeHe is able to succor all that aretempted, Heb. 22:18.• * * •IV. Christ as the Son of God.In John. Key Verse 1:1.Matthew wrote for Jews, Mark for Romans,Luke for Greeks, but John ,for all'Christians. 1. In this gospel Christ's lineof descent is traced to God. He is declaredto have been in the beginning with qod,and to be God the Son. 2. Over thirtytimes in John there are statements. byChrist in which He claims to be dtvlne,4: 25-26. 3. John taught that Christ wasdivine. (a) because He was a perfectteacher, (b) He set a 'Perfect example, (c)He was a perfectly sinless man, (d) allprophecies were fuUUled by Him, (e) 'Hewrought the works of God in His miracles,(f) He arose from the dead. .All the 'goBPel1!l give an account of Christatoning death, resurrection, and of Hiacommission to the churches to evangelizethe world.LESSON-We shall not be saved byobeying the Sermon on the Mount of theKing of Jews as set forth in Matthew.Nor by imitating the humility and servtceof Christ as set forth in Mark, nor bytrusting to the sympathy of Christ as setforth In Luke, but we may be l!aved by1le1leTillil bl Qbrtat the Soil of Goc1. ... let

forth in John. Only the sacrifice of thedivine Lamb can take away the sin of theworld. A king made a law, the punishmentfor breaking which was to be theloss of both eyes. His son, the heir to 'thethrone, wall the first to break it. Herewas the supreme test. How could theking be just and spare his son? First" hebade the officer burn out with the hot ironhis own right eye, and then that of hisson. So the law was honored and atonementmade. Only through God the Sonbearing our own sins in His body on thecross, can God's holy law be honored, andthe sinner saved.• * * •MATTHEW 837. Why are the first three called synopticgospels?8. What the purpose of the four gospels?9. What three ways was the worldprepared for Christianity?10. Name the great facts.11. Give six points showing that Jesuswas King of the Jews.12. How can we make Jesus King?13. Give four points showing that Markpresents Christ as servant of Jehovah.14. Give 1llustration showing that weshould be ready for sacrifice or service.16. Give three points showing that Lukeproves Christ to be the Son of Man.16. Tell of Christ's sympathy for us inall our experiences.Que.stions on the Lesson.1. G1\'s the key word and key verse. 17. Name the people for whom the gos-2. What the meaning of the name NewTestament?pels were written.18. Show that John wrote to prove that3. Show that there is a logical order in Christ is the Son of God. 'the New Testament.19. Of what do all the gospels give ac-4. Show that each division of the New count?Testament is related to the Christian's ex- 20. Show that neither the Sermon on.perience.the Mount, nor service, nor sympathy can6. WhatGospel?is the meaning of the name save.21. Give 1llustration showing that the6. In what order were the gospels writ. death of Christ alone can save.ten? What is Matthew? 22. Have you rea~ tbe Home Readlnlts?Lesson No. 41-Takeyour Bible to Bible Class for reading the Scriptures.Lesson ThemeMATTHEWMatt. 2 :1-6.KEY WORD-"FULFILLED. KEY VERSE-2 :2.KEY PlIRASE-"ClIBIST FULFILS THE :MESSIANICPROPHECIES.Kome Res.dings.his name from Levi, which meant "he whoRea

84 MATTHEW3. Matthew also proves that Jesus isthe Messiah, because His early history fulfillsto the letter the things spoken of Himby the prophets. He was born at Bethlehem,of the house of David. came out ofEgypt, lived at Nazareth. etc.* * * *II. Entrance of the Messiah Upon HisWork. Chs. 3-4.While Jesus is stiIl living at Nazareth,John the Baptist, after a solitary life inthe desert, suddenly appears to the Jews,and breaks the 'prophetic silence of 400years. His startling message bid the peopleto lay aside indifference, hypocracy andfalse doctrines and receive Christ as theLamb of God who taketh away the sinsof the world. Tidings of the revival travelednor-thward to the province of Galilee,and among the numbers who came to hearthe heart-stirring ,preaching were fiveyoung men, who afterward became Christ'sdisciples, John. Andrew, Simon, PhiIlipand Nathanael. Before long another madethe long journey from Nazareth to Bethanybeyond Jordan to be baptized of John.When He offere'll Himself. John was amazedthat the Messiah should seek baptismat his hands, but Jesus said, "It is fittingfor us thus to satisfy every claim of religion."(20th Century New Testamenttranslation) . Christ was circumcised inorder that He might fulfil the Law, anabaptized in order to be an example to thoseunder Grace, I Peter 2:21.Before Christ could enter upon His pUblicministry, the Holy Spirit led Him intothe wilderness for the Temptation eXPQrienee,which was to strengthen His trustin God, and bring out the principle tJlatHe woul-dtake orders only and always fromGod. The first two temptations were achallenge to prove Himself the Son of .God.The last was the presumptuous offer ofthe usurping prince of this world to giveto Christ the Kingdoms of this world, ifHe would fall down and worship Satan.Each test is met with scripture quotedfrom Deuteronomy, the book of obedtence.8:3, 6:13-14. Satan. who so easily triumphedover Adam, retires from our Lord inutter defeat. If we compare Christ's experiencewith Eve's temptation in qen.3; 1-5, we shall see that the same oldtempter is ever trying to cast doubt uponGod's goodness to men, and seeking totwist scriptures in order to deceive.Christ now begins His public ministryn the northern province of Galilee, andcalls Andrew, Peter, James and John tobe His disciples. Those who are called byChrist must separate themselves to Him,learn of Him as Teacher, and follow Himas :Master.III. Teachings and Miracles of the :Messiah-Chs. 5-25.In the parables and sermons of ChristHe set forth spiritual truths in an tmpressive form. The most famous of them allis the Sermon on the Mount delivered

high priest, before Caiaphas, the htghpriest, before Pilate, the Roman governorof Judea, before Herod, governor of Galilee,and again before Pilate.On the grounds of blasphemy, and orclaiming to be the King of the Jews,thus making Himself the enemy of theRoman empire, Jesus was delivered up byPilate to be crucified on April 7th in theyear 30 A, D.At 9 a. m. on oalvarv's brow, in fulj:ilmentof Psalm 22:18, the soldiers partedHis garments among them for His under-cloakthey cast lots, and there betweentwo thieves He was nailed upona cross of wood. At noon a miraculousdarkness descended upon the land, followedby a great earthquake that rent therocks and the mountains, and split in twothe veil which separated the Holy of Holiesfrom the Holy Place in the temple.This signified that it was now possiblethrough the shed blood of Christ, forevery believer to enter God's presence Inprayer. At 3 rp. m., after hanging on thecross for six hours, the Savior died, notfrom physical suffering alone, but of abroken heart, crushed by the sins of theworld. When in triumph He cried, "I~ Isfinished!" the debt of the world was p,-Id,the types and symbolism of the Old Covenantwere all fulfilled, every iota of thelaw was magnified, so that all who believein Him shall have everlasting life!* * * *V. The Resurrection Triumph of the Messiah.Ch. 28.The body of Jesus was in the tomb ll artof Friday, all of Saturday, and part ofBunday, but as a part of a -day was counteda day by the Jews, Jesus had said,"After three days I will rise again!"Early Sunday morning the womenfound the tomb empty except for theangel who announced that Christ hadrisen from the dead, and we can well imaginethe boundless joy of their heartsas they realized that the ,great stone nolonger sealed their Master's doom l!ndtheir own failure.There is no fact better proved in historythan the resurrection of Christ, for twelvetimes he appeaed to His disdples. Threetimes we are told that His disciplesMATTHEW 85touched Him after He rose. Matt. 28: II,Luke 24:39, John 20:27, and twice weare told that He ate with them, Luke24:42, John 21:12-13.Among the supreme benefits of Christ'sresurrection are the following:1. It is a proof that Christ actuallyatoned for our sins. Rom. 1: 4.2. Believers share the resurrection lifeof Christ. Rom. 6: 4.3. It is the guarantee and pattern of believers'resurrection. As Christ arose andput on a spiritual body so shall we. As thecaterpillar is changed into a beautiful butterfly,and the charcoal into a brilliantdiamond, so we shall be changed into Hisglorious image.* * * *Questions on the Lesson.1. Name the key word and key verse.2. Tell what you know about Matthew.3. When was the book written?4. What the purpose?5. Name the great facts.6. Why did Matthew bring out Christ'sline of descent?7. !low did he prove Chrtsr's divineorigin?8. Show that Christ rulfllled the prophecies..9. Tell of the entrance of tbe Messiahupon His work.10. Why was Christ circumcised andbaptised?11. Tell of His temptation and what itteaches.12. Give the four points concerning it.13. What do the miracles prove andteach?14. Give the steps In the sufferings ofthe Messiah.15. Tell of the events ou the daY Christwas crucified. . -16. What did Christ mean when He said"It is finished ?"17. Tell of the events on the Resurrectionmorning.18. How many times did Christ appearto the disciples?19. What are some of the supreme bene,fits of the resurrection?20. How much of Matthew have you.read?

86Lesson No. 42-Use your Bible in class. Get to know and love it.Lesson ThemeMARKMark 10 :35-45KEY WORD-STRAITWAY (Occurs 41 Times). KEY VERSE-10:45.KEY PHRASE-CHRIST IS OUR EXAMPLE IN SERVICE.Home Readings. of descent, nor of His miraculous birth,Read the whole of Mark this week, no- nor of the visit of the Wise Men. He istieing that it lays emphasis upon the works seen here as the Servant going at oncerather than the words of Jesus. The Key about His serving. The account of theWordaltaroccursread:41 times. For the family ministry of John the Baptist Is the brief·est in Mark. John did a great work, andSun-day-The coming of the Servant1-11. '1: created a great stir, 1: 6. Jesus, havingserved -during the silent years at NazarEith,Mon-day-The Testing of the Bervants1: 12-2'0. 'now becomes our example in baptism". Hehad a vision of the opened heaven andre-Tuesday-The work of the Servant 2'1-12. ' .ceived the approval of the Father, 1: 9-11.Immediately after the honor of heaven'ly'Wednesday-The Transftguration of theServant, 9: 1-9. .recognition, Christ had His faith tried "for40 days in the wlloderness by Satan, withThursday-The16: 24-37.rejection of the Servant, the resultconqueror,that'wasHe came off more thanstrengthened spirituallyFriday_The sacrifice of the Servant16: 9-19. 'for His work, was made more ab"le tosympathize with the tempted, while SatanSaturday-The exaltation of the Serv- was weakened by dGfeat.ant, 6:9-19.• * * • LESSON-We shall ever have temptation,but we may ever have the sympathyWRITER-Mark was a man of means and help of Christ, and find as He odidtllatand the cousin of Barnabas. Col. 4:10: the Scriptures furnish the truth that willHe was converted under the ipreachin,g of defeat the tempter, I Cor. 10:13.Peter, and went with Barnabas and Paul • * * •on their first missionary journey. It isthought that the reason he turned back II. The Work of the Servant, Chs. 1 :14from the work (Ac;ts 13:13) was because and 10:52.he objected to the offer of salvation tothe Gentiles on condition of faith alone.Two years later Barnabas wanted to takeMark on the second missionary journey,but Paul would not hear of it, so Barnabasand Mark together went to Cyprus,Acts 16: 39. Eleven years later Paul hadforgiven Mark, called him his fellow-workerand said he was a comfort to him.He was one of the faithful few among theJewish Christians who stood by Paul inRome at this time. It was here likelythat Mark wrote his gospel. Having beenmuch with Peter also, I Pet. 6: 13, he wrotehis gospel from facts supplied by, andfrom the viewpoint of Peter. Mark wasnot an apostle.DATE-About 65 A. D. Events cover aperiod of 37 years.PURPOSE--JI'o present Jesus as thewonder-working Servant of Jehovah, imdthus our ExampleIn service.• * * •Great Facts: I. Coming. II. Work.m. Rejection. IV. Sacrifice.V. Exaltation.I. The Coming of the Servant. Ch. 1 :1-18.Nothing said in Mark of Christ's lineThere is continuous, unbroken serviceand lIICtiv1tyin this ·gospel. Thirteen out ofthe sixteen chapters begin with the word"and" AND He did this, AND He odidthat,He must teach them. Men were hopeless,He must cheer them up with the gospeltidings. Men were sick and sut.fering,· Hemust relieve and heal them. Men wereunder the power of Satan, He must setthem free. Men were sinful,

m. The Rejection of the Servant.Chs. 11-13.Christ presented Himself at Jerusalemaccording to the prophecy of Zech. 9: 9,and the people at first welcomed Him inthe hope that He would secure them materialfreedom and glory. When. however.at the cleansing of the temple He provedthat His mission was a spiritual one, Hewas hated by the religious leaders witp. aSatanic hatred, and as they plotted to putHim to death they fulfilled Is. 53: 3.LESSON-The greatest sin anyone cancommit Is to reject Christ, and yet everyoneto whom the gospel Is preached musteither commit that sin or accept the Lordas his Savior.A father who had a prodigal boy, on onespecial night begged him not to ,go out tospend the night drinking andgambli.ng.The father urged that the boy's ways hadkilled the mother and were sending him insorrow to his grave. As the boy would notyield, the old father laid down at the d~orand said. "If you are determined to 10 toruin. you must go over this old body tonight,"The son walked over the form ofhis father, trampled the love of his fat'!J.erunder foot. and went out. This is the wayof rejectors of Christ, they trample Hisblood underfoot. and go down to death.• * * •IV. Sacrifice of the Servant. Chs. 14-15.The great message of Isaiah is that ~heSon of God shall become the Servant ofGGdin order to provide salvation for men.Is. 53 is the golden passion chapter of theOld Testament, in which the world's .sinIs seen to be laid upon the divine sacriflce.Mark records how the prophecies ofIsaiah were ·fulfilled in the suffering ofGethsemane and Calvary. The key verseshows that Christ came not only to millistel',and thus be our example in service,but also to be th~ world's slliCrifice.by givingHis life a ransom for many. He wassold for thirty !pieces of sUver, the ,priceof a slave. He was executed as only slaveswere, indeed, He was the slave of mankind!.LESSON-The best sacrifice to a crucifiedSavior is a broken and contrite heart,a Ufe crucified to the world and the flesh.Let the ambitious lay their pride in thedust. Let the covetous rather lay up forthemselves treasures in heaven. Let theSelf-indulgent deny themselves. JudSonever strove to subdue all senseward tendencies.He ,gave all his money into themission treasury. Nursed the mOlt loath·some diseases. Threw documents in the Arethat would have made him famous, andoften lived alone to live himself entirelyto communion with God. Thus in response87to the divine sacrifice, he became a gratefulliving sacrifice. Rom 12:1.• • • •V. The Exaltation of the Servant. Ch, 16.After the Servant has served and givenHis life as a ransom, He rises from thedead. givee the Great Commission alsoreco~ded in Matt. 28:19-20, and then ascen-dedintoheaven to sit at the right handof God, 16:19. He took upon Himself theform of a servant is now highly exaltedPhil. 2:7-9. Seated at the place of honorand power He is constitutedHead of thechurch. He acts as our heavenly re~resentativeor advocate. Through his providencesHe is ever securing our increasingholiness and usefulness here, and our J;l.erfeethappiness hereafter. His exaltatfonalso explains why He is with 11S alwaysHe went away in the flesh that He mightbe ever near in the Spirit. Yea. He is withus all the days!• • * •Questions on the Lesson.1. Give the key word and key verse,2. Tell what yOU know about Mark.3. Where and when was the book written?How long a period do the eventscover? .4. Give the purpose.6. Name the ,great facts.6. Why is nothing saId about OhrIst'sUne of descent, etc. T7. What were the results of Christ'stemptation?8. How may we defeat the tempter?9. With what word do thirteen chaptersbegin, and what the lesson? '10. What is a mark of a true servant?11. Show how Christ set an example ofdoing good.12. Compare work done in the worldwith work done for Christ.13. Why di-d the Jews reject Jesus?14. What is the greatest sin? .15. What do rejectors of Christ do?16. WhIch is the great passion chlW-terof the Old Testament? .17. How were the prophecies of IsaIahfulfiled? .18. Ex,plaln in what way Christ was theworld's sacrifice. .19. What is the best sacrifice to a crucifiedSavior?20. Tell how Judson became a living sacrifice.21. What three things did Christ do af·tel' iRis death?22. What does Christ do for us whileseated at the right hand of GodT23. How much of Mark have you Ntad!

90 JOHNmore than any other one thing? 18. Show that this is a gospel for the13. Show that this is a gospel for the poor.Gentiles. 19. Show that the best things are not14. Why were the Jews bitter agatnst bought with money.the Gentiles'?20. How may we live on the sunny side15. What are the only conditions of ad- of Providence?mlssion into the kingdom? . 21. Who the only teacher of 'parablesin the New Testament?16. Give scripture showing Gentiles re- 22. What the purpose of parables?ceived the Holy Spirit.23. Show that the Bible and nature and17. Show that Christianity is adapted life are full of parables.to all nations and all classes. - 24. How much of Luke have you re¢?Lesson No. 44--Chaptersand verses are man's divisions, read a book.Lesson ThemeJOHNJohn 1:1-10KEY WORD-BEIJEVE. KEY VERSE-20:31.KEY PHRASE-CHRIST IS THE DIVINE SON OF GOD.Home Readings. been destroyed twenty years previously,Read the gospel of John this week. It and the temple with it, which weakenedhas been called "The Crown Jewel of Rev- the religion of tbe Jews. The gospel badelation!" For family altar read: . been preached all over the Roman emuireSunday-The divine Christ existed in and had ma-de a great impression everythebeginning, 1:1-10. where. All the books of the New Testa-Monday-The spiritual birth, 3:1-12. ment except this gospel and Revelation hadTuesday--Spiritual worship, 4: 19-2ll... been written, so that the facts and doc-Wednesday-Jesus10:22-30..gives eternal life.-trines of the gospel were -getting to be wellknown. Already, however, -false teachersThursday-Jesus and the Father are were arising who denied that Jesus Christone.. 14: 7-15. was truly the Son of Goo come in theFriday-The16-26.promise of the Spirit, 14: flesh. John therefore, writes just thosescenes, works, and words of Jesus that "re-Saturday-The fruitful life. 15: 1-14. veal His divine person and 'Power, graceWRITER----The Apostle John who wrote and glory.five books in all-this gospel, the three I Th " '"epistles and Revelation. His father. Zebe- . e Gospel of ~hnst s D1VlnIty.dee, III fisherman of Bethsaida, was in good The gospel of John IS the most read andCircumstances, and his mother, Salome, the best loved beca:use it treats of ~hewas a devout follower of the Lord. John 'person of .Jesus Chrlat, If John di-d notwas about 25 years of age when called' by know Chrtst, then no one knew Him, forChrist early in His ministry, and so devot- John had not only the best, but the latested was he to the Master that he was cailed knowledge of Jesus. With John everything"the beloved disciple," 12: 23. With James In heaven and earth, or time and eternityand Peter he was selected by Christ to all cent~red about Christ. John taught thatwitness His transfiguration, and go with (I! Chr-ist w~s God the .So~, (2). that HeHim in the gar-den of (}ethsemane. John exlsted back In the begmmng WIth Godwas present at the raising of Jarius' daugh- the Father, (3) that in Him the prt}pheciester, and at the crucifixion, and was the of the OId Testament were fUlfilled, !-1)first disciple at the tomb after the news that He .was the perfect teacher; (5) 'Il er -of the resurrection. In His later life - he fectly sinless, (6) the perfect example.is thought to have been the pastor of the (7) that He wrought miracles as none ~lsechurch at E

JOHN 91II. The Gospel of Eternal Life.John teaches that the soul by sin haslost it spiritual life. its first purity, itsharmony and happiness arising from peaceand friendship with God. The soul leftGod I ike a faIling star from it scentral sun, and is truly described as beingdead; dead in sin, dead to G

92 ACTS5. Give the purpose.6. Tell of the Times of John.7. Name the great facts.8. Why is John the most read and bestloved?9. Give the nine things taught aboutChrist.10. Why should we with Thomas acceptChrist as Lord?11. Why do we need eternal life?12. In what three senses is the lifewhich Christ gives, eternal?13. How does this eternal life come?14. Give the meanings of Christ's "1ams."15. Why is this known as a spiritualgospel?16. TelI of the spiritual birth, how itcomes and what it

chance to preach that the Christ whomthey had cruclfled was the long~promicedMessiah. So powerful was the appealthat the number of converts nowreached 5;000. Acts 4:4.''This so stirred up the same Jewish leaderswho h'1dcrucified Christ that jheApostles were forbidden to preach Jesus,4:18. The church became so self-deny,ingand enthusiastic that many sold their l!.0ssessions,and gave the proceeds to. !heApostles for distribution according to eachman's needs. Ananlas and his wife soughtto deceive the apostles and God in thismatter and were punished with instantdeath. 5: 4. The apostles continued theirwonderful work, which again aroused theopposition of the Sanhedrin (or Jewishecclesiastical court of 70 judges). TheApostles were beaten with rods, and prohlbttedto preach. but rejoicing they ceasednot to teach and preach Jesus Christ, 5:42.Seven deacons are now chosen to lookafter the growing business of the church,6: 3. Stephen. the leader among them. aman full of faith and power, becomes thefirst Christian martyr because of hisheart-searching preaching.LESSONS-I. Note that the first periodof Acts is tauen up with the work at Jerusalem,with Peter as the leader. 2. OurLord Himself founded the church. (Matt.16: 18) out of His inner circle of bapti~eddisciples, but the organization within thesame came after Pentecost, 2:47. 3. Thebaptism of the Spirit must not be confusedwith the fillingof the Spirit. Everybeliever is born of the Spirit, John 3: 6.indwelt by the Spirit, 1. Cor. 6:19, andshould be filled with the Spirit, Eph. 8-12.* * * •II. The Gospel Preached in Palestine.Chs.8-12.The death of Stephen instead of being acalamity was really a great blessing, for itscattered gospel prea:chers all over Ju-deaand Samaria. In the city of Samaria, therewere many conversions and great joy.through the preaching of Ph ilip, 8: 8. TheEthiopian Eunuch was converted and baptized,8: 38.. The bitter but brilliant S'aulwas converted, and became Paul the greatapostle of the Gentiles, 9: 1-30. Peter. whohad used the keys of the Kingdom of Godat Pentecost, Matt. 16-19, now uses thema.gain in opening the gospel door to Gen-Liles, Chs. 10-11. Persecution again comesUpon the church, with the martyrdom ofJames. and the arrest of Peter. Peter however.is delivere·d by an angel, and Herodthe persecutor. dielt a shameful death.Ch. 12.LESSONS--.-In this section the center ofChristianity Is changed from Jerusalem toAntioch, where the dlscl,ples were firstcaller! Chr lst laua. ,..he nf>W church prn;'~\ACTS 93to be a worthy one for it was the first tosend out missionaries to the heathen, andfirst to take up a collection for the motherchurch at Jerusalem, when it was suf{eringfrom famine. 2. 10: 44 is one of thepivotal points in scripture, for it marksthe Pentecost of the Gentiles. Here is 110laying on of apostolic hands, and no delaybut the Holy Spirit is immediately givenupon simple faith in Christ. This is thenormal order for the gospel age... * * ..fir. Paul's First Missionary Journey-Chs. 13-14.The church at Antioch in a great sacrificialspirit now sends out the first 'foreignmissionaries. Barnabas and Paul. withJohn and Mark, (who wrote the 2nd gospel)set out for Asia Minor with the motto."Christ for all the world. and all the worldfor Christ!" It is Int.erest.irrg to trace theirprogress through fourteen cities. with theaid of a map. At Perga, Mark turns b~ckfrom the work and goes home to the deepregret of the apostles. The reason probablywas because he objected to the offer ofsalvation to the Gentiles, on condition ntfaith alone. Two years later Paul was unwillingto try Mark a second time. hut afterwardsforgave him, counted him a fe:·tow-worker, and foun~l him a great comfort.Philemon, 24. .SOME RESULTS--An imposter strickenblind. 13: 11. Many Jews helieve, but othersbitterly oppose, so that the apostlesturned to the Gentile, 13:43, 45, 46. Anincurable cripple healed and an attemptrr.ade to worship the apostles as gods, 14:8-11. Paul afterward stoned and leU fordead, 14: 19. After full consultation withthe brethern, officers were appointed inevery church. 14:23... * * ..IV. The Church Council at Jerusalem.Ch.15.After Paul and Barnabas returned toAntioch, certain Jewish Christians urgedthat the Gentiles could not be saved unlessthey were circumcised, and kept the law ofMoses. The church at Antioch thereforedecided to send Paul and Barnabas to Jerusalemto consult with the other apostlesand elders about the matter. On their 'arrivala meeting was called. at which thequestion was earnestly discussed. Peterurged that they should not put under theLaw. those to whom God haod given theSpirit, and James, the brother of the Lordagreed with him. The council there·for~decided that Gentile converts need not' bectrcumctsed, hut should abstal n from idolatry.fornication, from blood and fromthings strangled. This decision reaffirmingthat men are sayer! by the grace of :theLord Jesus alone. 15: 11 was of far-reachlllg~mportll.nce to the early churches.

94 AGT~V. Paul's Second Missionary Journey. slighting the law and of bringing Gentiles15 :36-18 :22.into the temple. In the midst of an uproarBefore starting on the second journey he Is arrested, and makes his defense beforethe mult ltude, and before the Romanthere were two disagreements among theapostles. Paul rebuked Peter for drawing governor, Felix at Cesarea. After two years'a caste line between Jews and Gentiles imprisonment because of the wavering ~oiicyof FeliX, Paul was tried again by ihein the church, Gai. 2: 11-14. And then beingunwilling to take Mark on the second new governor, Festus, but Paul appealedjourney, he himself with Silas went from him to Caesar, the emperor of Rome.through Syria and Cllicia, strengthening After a most exciting voyage, with a sqipwreckoff the coast of Malta, Paul arrivedthe churches, and Barnabas and Mark wentto the Island of Cyprus. At Lystra Paul in Rome and was kept a prisoner for anothertwo years, during w htch, soldiersfinding a young man named Timothy, whowas wise in the scriptures, he led him to and even servants In Nero's palace wereChrist, and chose him as a companion in converted. In these two years the epistlesorder that he also might learn to become a to the Philemon, Colossians, Ephesianspreacher of the blessed gospel, 16: 1. At and Philippians were written. Paul is nowT'roas, the Holy Sprit in a vision directed freed, spl;n

ROMANS9519. For what is Phillipi famous?20. Tell of the work of Ephesus on thethird tour.21. Why was Paul arrested?22. Before whom tried?23. Tell of his imprisonment and martyrdom.24. Show that the gospel churches l;1adnow multiplied.Lesson No. 46-Study well this masterpiece of the New Testament.KEY PKRASE-"ALesson ThemeROMANSRomans 5 :1-8KEY WOR]}.-I"JUSTIFlCATION."Home Readings.Romans has been called the greatestepistle of the greatest apostle, becau~ itcontains the clearest and fuIlest tea1lhi!lgsof Christian truth. Luther urged that. itshould be memorized. At any rate, let. usread all of it often. For the family altarread:Sunday-The•whole world is guilty,. 1:14-23.Monday-JUBtifi~tion is the gospelremedy, 3: 21-31.Tuesday-Some results of justification.5: 1-8.'Wednesday_Deliverance from indwellingsin. 6:1-13.Thursday-God's purposes through thegospel. 8: 28-39.Friday--Cause of God's rejection of theJews, 9:30-10:10.Saturday--Christian consecration andduties, 12:1-8.• * * •WRITER-Paul. He was born of pureJewish descent at Tarsus, the capital ofCilicia, in Asia Minor, 80 miles northwestof Antioch. While Christ was preaching hewas receiving his education from Gamaiiel,the sreat teacher of the Pharisees. Likeall Jewish boys he learned a trade, thatof tent-making. He became a leading l/.ersecutorof those whom he believed werefollowing a false messiah, but was miraculouslyconverted while on a heresy-h~nt-Ing trip to Damascus. After his basptjsmand commission to preach the gospel. heretired to Arabia for study and meditationfor three years. He then evangelizedCilicia for three years, worked one yJl&rat Antioch, went forth on his three greatmissionary journeys, founded many churches,wrote thirteen epistles, and after alife of constant and exalted sacrUices,sealed his testimony with his own lifeblood.THE CHURCH AT ROME_Founded notby Peter, for he confined his ministry. tothe Jews, Gal. 2: 9, but most likely by visitorsfrom Rome who were converted at!'en teeost.OCCASION-1. The Jews and Gentileswere incllned nOt to recognize one anot"'orKEY VERSE-4:5.GUILTY WORLDNEEDS JUSTIFICATION BEFORE GOD."as having equal standing in grace. 2.They were inclined to the error that themore they sinned the more grace wouldabound, 6: 1. .PURPOSE-To show that the need. ofJew and Gentile alike is justification byfaith, and sanctification by the Holy Spirit.PLACE OF WRITING--Corinth, whtleon third missionary journey.DATE-58A.D.• * * •Great Facts: I. Guilt. U. JustifioatioJlim. Sanotification. IV. Jews.V. Consecration.Great Fact I. The World's Guilt BeforeGod. Chs. 1-3 :20.After Paul's greeting to the church, andhis thanksgiving for their faith, he thenglories in the gospel, 1: 16, for its power,and for the righteousness it reveals and imparts.In Vs, 19-23 he describes how someof the former worshipers of God, whowere the descendants of Noah, drifted intoheathenism. In graphic words he teIlii ofthe seven downward steps that has landedthe millions of the race into heathen darkness.1. They would not worship or OPCyGod. 2. They attributed to luck and chancethings they should have traced to God.3. Their hearts became perverted and darkened.4. Relied upon their own wisdom insteadof upon that which comes fromabove. 5. Although cultured in other respects,in reltgton they became fools,. orsuperstitious. 6. Against the solemn warningin the Ten Commandments they setup idols in the forms of Jupiter, dogs, cats,ser-parrts,etc. With this turning away tromthe true and living God, the Gentiles wentinto the blackest night of vice and cruelty,so that virtue and conscience seemedalmost' extinct. Paul next reminds the Jewsthat although they possessed scrmtures.the covenants and the sabbaths, yet theyso dlshonored God that His name was biasphemedamong the Gentiles because ofthem, 2:24. The conclusion is given' In3: 9-20.LESSON.---History, conscience and theHe int ures all bear witness to the fact that

96 ROMANS"there Is none righteous, no, not one." Inthought, word, deed or motive we are allguf lty before God. Neither can the outwardobservances of religion, nor the Law saveus. The Law simply gives us a knowledgeof sin. The wife of a drunkard once foundher husband with torn clothes, mattedhair, and bruised face, asleep after' adrunken revel. She had a portrait of himtaken in all his wretched condition, andplace-d it beside another which showed himhandsome and well dressed as he had beenin other days. When he became sober andsaw the two pictures he awakened to histrue condition and arose to a better life.The picture did not save him, but it showedhim his true state. Thus we should bearoused by Paul's wonderful 'picture of thedegradatron to which sin leads.* * * *II. The Gospel Remedy Is Justification byFaith. 3: 21-5 :11.Justification means that God freely givesthat righteousness that man can neithermerit nor otherwise obtain, and yet withoutwhich he must perish. "It is like ahouse that with open door invites ALLMEN to take shelter from the comingstorm of judgment, but tor THE BELIEV-ER it is like a broad and effectual shieldthat wards off all condemnatlon." 1.Grace is the SOURCE of justification, 3:24, because it originated in the mercy andloving kindness of God. God provided it,Chr-ist performed it, and the Holy Spiritapplies it. 2. The blood of Jesus Christ isthe GROUND of justification, 5:9, becauseChrist's atonement met every claim ofeternal justice, and God can justly acceptus when clothed in His righteousness. 3.Faith is the MEANS by which we receivejustification, 5: I, for faith lays hold uponGod's grace and Christ's sacrifice, andclaims them for its personal saving p'ossession.4. Works are the EVIDENCE ofjustification. Jas. 2: 4, for real vital faithwill manifest itself in real vital works.and holy deeds accompany Heavenly hOlIes.The seven fold results of justification areseen in 5: 1-5. 1. Peace with God. 2. Accessinto grace, 3, Rejoicing in the hope ofGod's final triumph over all evil. 4. Gloryin tribulation. 5. Patience. 6. Deepeningreligious expertence. 7. Love of God she'llabroad in our hearts by the Holy SpIrit.Justification therefore takes care of allthe sin and guilt upon us, buries all thissin and guilt upon us, buries all this 'sinand guilt in the grave of Chrtst, and sitsus in Heavenly places together with H'im.* * * *m. The Sanctification of the Believer.Chs. 5: 12·8 :39.As Christ in justification delivers us fromthe guilt of sin, so the Holy Spirit in sanetiflcationdelivers us from the power andhabits of stn, From the first Adam we inheriteda sinful nature and physical dea,th.In Christ the believer receives a spiritualnature, eternal life and glory. The sign!] ofsanctification are: (1) Crucifixion of sin,6: 6 ; (2) the Holy Spirit dwells in .us,8: 9, (3) the Spirit leads us into all theprivileges of Sonshtp, 8: 14; (4) the Spiritpleads with God for us, 8:26: (5) Weare more and more conformed to the imageof God's Son, 8:29; (6) Nothing Isable to separate us from the love of Godin Christ, 8: 28-29. .In the seventh chapter is seen the strugglein the soul between the law of God andthe law of sin, between grace and corruption,but the blessed eighth chapter wherethe work of the Spirit is menttoned 19times, is tull of the believer'S deliverance,privileges and assurance. In Vs. 28 ihebeliever sits in God's arm-chair, and - inVs. 29 has around him God's golden chainof Foreknowledge, Predest\nation, Callfp.g,Justification and Glorification.* * * *IV. God's Dealing With the Jews.Chs. 9-11.Here the apostle sorrows over the Jews'rejection of Christ, but assures them thatthe gospel does not set aside the covenantsGod has made with them. He claims, however,that God had a 'perfect right to turnto the Gentiles, because the Jews wouldnot seek righteousness by faith, 9: 3 2. InCh. 10 Paul pleads with the Jews to confesswith their mouths the !Lord Jesus, andto believe on Him with their hearts. InCh. 11 we are told that the blindness ofIsrael is not a perpetual blindness, andthat a time is coming when the Jews, 'as anation, shall be restored to God's favor,and become a still greater blessing to theGentiles, Vs. 12-15. In the meantime theGentiles are not to boast for they could- beas easily cast off as were the Jews, VS: 21.LESSON-It is as if a king returnedfrom a far country and found his wholekingdom in revolt. He first appeals-tothat section with which he has the closestand tenderest ties. But his claims areignored and treated with contempt. Collecting,however, a loyal few he begins tosubdue his own provinces. Thus, Jesus,King of the Jews, first came into His own,cut when His own received Him not, HE',With His apostles, turned unto the Gentiles,and not in vain as the history of thecenturies has proved. However, the conversionof the Jews is one of the importantevents of the future, and will mean theenrichment of the world. .* * * *V. The Christian's Consecration and Duties.1Jhs. 12-16.Out of gratitude to God for all Hisspiritual blessings, we are to yield ourbodies as living, willing and dally llacrt-

I CORINTHIANS97fices unto HIm. The old dispensation wasQuestions on the Lesson.one of blood and death. Daily, weekly, 1. Why has Romans been called themonthly and yearly the altars ran with the greatest epistle?blood of slain beasts. But the gospel says.3.2.TellGivewhatkey wordyou knowand keyaboutverse.Paul.."No more!" For there has been offered~me 4. Tell about the church of Rome.sacrifice for sins forever, an'C!what is 5. What the occasion of the book?wanted now is YOUR bodies, not the bod- 6. Give place of writing and facts.ies of beasts and of birds. but 'YOURbod- 7. Give the seven downward steps toheathenism.ies, and LIVING, not dead, 12:1-2. In 8. Show that the Jews were no betterthe spirit of meekness and faithfulness weshould use the spiritual gifts God has givthanthe Gentiles.9. Explain how the Law gives us aen us. 12: 3-8. What the Christian's atti- knowledge of sin. .tude should be to those inside the church 10. What does justification mean?is given in Vs. 9-16, and to those outside 11. What the source, ground, means andthe church in Vs. 17-'21. The Christian'sattitude as a citizen is given in 13:1-10,evidence of same?12. Give the seven-fol'C!results.and watchfulness for the Lord's return en- 13. What does sanctification do?joined in Vs. 11-14. The Christian's attt- 14. Give the six signs of same. .tude to those who are weak in the faith is 15. Contrast seventh and eighth chapgivenin Ch, 14, 15:3, and then this greatepistle closes with ,personal matters, greetteTS.16. Why did God turn to the Gentiles?ings and benedictions. 17. Show that Israel's blindness is notLESSON-Romans makes much of thebeliever being "In Christ." In Christ forperpetual.18. Contrast the old dispensation sacrtpardonand purity, for rest and resurrection.These words were very familiar andfices N'ith the gospel sacrifice.1'. What should be the Christian's atpreciousto the early Christians. So much trfbute to those inside the church, toso that they inscribed them on the tombs those outside and to those weak in theof their departed friends. And mournerswiped away their tears when they saw ovfaith?.20. Tell of the blessedness of being Iner their loved ones' 'graves, "In Christl" Christ. . .----.----Lesson No. 47-Read the Scriptures in class out of your own Bible.Lesson ThemeI CORINTHIANSI Cor. 1 :10-17.KEY WOBJJ--."DISORDER." KEY VERSE-l :10.KEY PHRASE-"INSTRUCTIONS, AS TO ORDER, GIFTS, DISCIPLIBE & DOCTRINE"Home Readings. but the Greeks stamped their ownRead the whole of this book for its prac- ~haraeter upon the majority of the inhabticalteachings. For family altar read: Itants, They ':'ecame.known all over theSunday-Divisions in the church, 1: 10- wo~ld f?r thel; r~adm~s~ to quarrel. for17 . their yam ranctes In reltgton, and for theirMonday-An unspiritual state prevents moral sins. Due to the debasing worship. ofgrowth, 3: 1-11.the heat.hen goddess Aphrodite, there 'Y asTuesday-Fornication rebuked, 5:1-3. much. dlshones~y, drunken.ness and I!D-Wednesday-Saints forbidden to go to morality, and It was against these smslaw, 6: 1-8.that the apostle so strongly preached andThursday-Disordersrebuked. 11:17-34.at Lord's Supper wrote.THE CHURCH AT CORIN'DH-PaulFriday-Spiritualgiftsin love, Ch. 13.shculu be used preached at Corinth for eighteen months,at first to the JewS, until their hatredSaturday-The order of the resurrec- turned Him to Gentiles. In Acts 18. wetion, 5: 20-25 and 51-58.WRITER-Paul.see that Paul lived with Aquila and Prfscilla,and joined them in the trade of tent-TIME AND PLACE OF WRITING--57 making. From the light thrown upon theA. D, at Ephesus. condition of the church we see that theTHE CITY OF CORINTH-Corinth in evilrraetices of the city soon crept IntoPaul's day was the largest and richest tile church. Christian went to law withcity of Greece, with a 'Population of about Christian before heathen judges, the sac-4'00,000. It was a seething mass of Jewl!. redness of the Lord's Supper was forgotmerchants.philosophers and adventurers, ten, the women of the church fors()o:'

98 I CORINTHIANSthe old standards of modesty In the nameof Christian liberty, the members weredlvi-Ied on questions of marriage and spiritualgifts. They therefore wrote the apostieask lng his advice on these matters. an-the replied in two epistles, First and second Corinthians.PURPOSE-To correct divisions and diaordersin the church and to show that theproblems of ovary-da y life should be decidedby greatChristian principles.* * * *Great Facts: 1. Divisions. n. Disorders.III. Liberty. IV. Supper. V. Gifts.VI. Resurrection.I. Divisions in the Church. Ohs, 1-4.Paul here earnestly warns the churchagainst the party spirit. The defeating anddisputing spirit of Greek party politics hadentered into the church. resulting in fourseuara te parties. each striving for the mastery.The Paul, Apollos and Peter partieseach adopted the name and views of thetrfavorite preacher and leader, while theChrist party degraded into a 'party watchwordthe sacred name of Christ, claimingthat they had an exclusive interest in thatName, which, In realty, is the preciouspossession of every true believer, 1: 12~13.In astonished indignation Paul replies,"Can you tollow a mere man as though J:IIDhad been crucified for you? Has Christbeen parcelled into fragments? Is therll aPauline or a Petrine Qhrist?" "Your ~,-artyspirit is a sin, and all the worse a sinbecause it Is paraded in the name of theholy zeal!" Such trusting in human wis-.c:om is foolish, and makes the crossof Christ of no effect. Chrtst alone Ia thapower of God and wisdom of God, 1: 24.Gospel truth owes nothing to human wisdom,but God revealed it to men who were'Prepared by His sptlrt, Ch. 2. Their divisionshad made them welllk, fleshy andchtldtsh, but Christian service is acceptableonly when done in the spirit of Christand for the ,glory of Christ, Ch. 3. Paulthen declares that the one thing neede4 isnot smartness, nor knowledge, nor success,but faithfulness, 4: 2, and he thencompares the inflated opri'lleof the churchwith the humility and patience of theapostles, 4: 9-13.LESSON-The greatest danger to ehurchesarises from within, and is the dan$erof divisions and factions. If two ships atsea of the same squadron are scatteredby storm from each other. how can tlleyhelp each other. as they were so intend~d?If again theY clash together, how can ~llleendanger the other without hurting itself?An old 'Proverb says if we knock each otherwe sink together!n. Koral Disorden in the Church.Chs. 5·8-Here is a case wbere a member actull,l1Tmarried his own step-mother, which wassocially immoral among the heathen, letalone among Christians. Yet the churchwas so unspiritual :hat it was utterly unconcernedabout the matter. Paul, however,urges that no evil be tolerated amongthose who are Christ's. Just as the Jewput away all leaven before eating the Passover,so all corrupt men must be excludedtrom the Lord's table, for just as leavenspreads all through the dough, so a Vadman's spirit is contagious in the church.The church should, therefore, promptly exeludethe wrong-doer as evidence that. itdoes not condone the wrong, 5:13. Theapostle next urges that it is a shame forChristians to go to law with each other inheathen courts, for in so doing they dishonorGod and deny their relationship. toHim. The proper way to settle such mattersis given In Matt. 18: 15~17. The believershould abstain from over-eattng' ~nddrunkenness and fornication, for the b9dyexists not for excesses, but for the Lord.and it is the temple of the Holy Spirit.6: 13-19.* * * *m. Liberty in the Church. Chs. 7-11 :16,Here the apostle discusses the relation otthe Christian to marriage, and to thingsoffered to idols. and of the Christian woman'shead-dress. Some in the churchsought to discredit marriage, and woulddivorce a heathen partner, the apostte.however, because of the evil conditionsexisting in the city, advised every man tohave his own wife, and every woman }leI'husband. He further declares that a believershould not divorce a heathen partner,for the association of that unbelieverwith Christ's people will likely lead to hisor her salvation, 7: 16. II Cor. 6: 14, however.forbids mixed marriages. He declaredthat when a Christian bought meat t}lathad been offered to idols, because he realizedthat the idol was a mere lifel~ss,powerless image and not a god, then - hewas free from sin, but If his action wasmisunderstood by those who did not havethis perfect knowledge, then the strQngChristian should not let his liberty b~ astumbling block to the weak in the faith,8: 9. Again some of the women of thechurch were inclined to carry their Christianliberty too far by discarding theirveils, which with the Greeks, were signs ofwomanly modesty. This created a wrongimpression among unbelievers, and reactedagainst the church, so the apostle arguedagainst the practice, 11: 5-16.LESSON-It is remarkable that ~hescriptures do not lay down petty l~tl.rules as to conduct, but allow all the set'P'of action that a devout heart could wi'ih.However, Christian liberty doel not m,allthe right to do aa we like, but rather todo al we ought. Becau.. we are memb~rI

I CORINTHIANS99one of another, and our example harms orblesses, we should not do a questionablething because we think it does not harmus. The question is, does it harm youngerO~ weaker Christians? Does it harm thechurch? Does it hold back the coming; ofthe kingdomin the world?* * * •IV. The Lord's Supper in the Church.Ch.11:17-34.It was the custom of this church to eata meal in connection with the Lord's Supper,and this led to excesses and to theunworthy observance of the Supper itself.Paul, therefore, reminds them of the deepspiritual meaning of the hallowed ordinance.1. It Is a remembrance of Christ.'sdying love. 2. It Is a spicitual ,feastingupon Christ, 10:16. 3. It proclaims to ~heworld, not a new sacrifice, but the evernewsacrifice of Calvary. 4. It is apledge of His coming again, 11: 26. ThE!refore,we should not eat or drink in an unworthymanner, and what is very im':p~rtantnever eat without self-judgment, sUir-Itual Insight, thankful love and holy resolves.• * * *V. Spiritual Gifts of the Church.Chs. 12-14-In Paul's time some ignored and sneeredat gifts, while others thought them to beeverything, especially the showy ,gifts. ltkespeaking with tongues. The apostle teachesthat the possession of a gUt makes abeliever a doubter to others, and he mentionsnine ,gifts of the Spirit. Gifts l.ikehealing, miracles and tongues, we belityewere sign gifts (II :Cor. 12: 12) to proveto the world that Jesus was the true M,.esstah,and that the apostlea were His divinelyappointed representatives. These areretired now, for although we hear of somespeaking with tongues, the divine accompanimentsof the rushing mIghty wind, ~hecloven tongues of fire, and foreign,ershearing the gospel preached in their ownlanguage, are lacking, and in 14:19 th"apostle warn against the over-em,hasis ofthe gift of tongues. Before the New Testamentwas completed miracles and slgnswere given to commend the apostles andtheir preaching. Since then we have hadno more miracles, nor prophecies, nor visions,nor coming of angels. Man is to pe-Ileve, to trust, to walk by faith. We mustcovet earnestly the best gifts, the spiritualjntts of wisdom, knowledge and faith,12: 31. Also these gifts must be user! inlove, Ch. 13• * * •VI, The Resurrection of the Body. Ch. 15·Some members of the church doubted theresurrection of the body, but this denialmade of no effect the greatest truths' of"he gospel. It made preaching, faith, andhope all vain. In fact no resurrectionmoant no gospel. ':'he ~POltle, therefore.give.~ the riany proofs of Christ's resurrection,15: 4-9; then the order of events.1. Christ's resurrection. 2. His second comingVs. 23. 3. Resurrection of bel ievers,4. Overthrow of Clrrtst'a enemies and iIisglorious reign, Vs. 24, 25. Also we shallleave behin-d. our material bodies and - begiven sptrftual bodies which are fitted fora sptrrtual state. These will resemble theold bodies in appearance, but without defects,and with new 'powers and new glories.• * * •Questions on the Lesson.1. Give the key word and key verse.2. Give author and tlme and place ofwriting.3. Tell about the city of Corinth.4. Tell about the church at Cortnth.5. Give the purpose.G. Name the great facts.7. Tell of the divisions In the church.8. What Is Paul's teachings about aparty spirit.9. What Is the greatest danger tochurches?10. Tell of moral disorders.11. What should the churcheswrong-doers?do with.12. What the teaching about marr-iage,about divorce? .13. How must we watch our Christianliberty? - -14. What questions should we ask aboutquestionable things?15. Give the four spiritual meanings ofthe Lord's Supper.16. Distinguish between sign gifts andspiritual gifts.17. Give proofs of Christ's resurrectionin 15:5-8.18. Give the order of events.19. Explain the difference between materialand spiritual bodies.'

100 II CORINTHIANSLesson No. 48-Be a Bible-studying, Bible-understanding Christian.Lesson ThemeII CORINTH IANSII Cor. 1 :1-7.KEY WORD-"COMFORT." KEY VERSE-l :3-4.KEY PHRASE-HGOD'S GRACE IS SUFFICIENT."Home Readings. with the Spirit upon Christian hearts. InWhere possible, read the book at home, Ch. 4 he declares that his ministry wasstu-dy it chapter by chapter in prayer honest, anrl the gospel message undermeeting,and section by section in the st.andable to those who were spirituallyBible study. For family altar read: capable of receiving it. He suffered muchSunday-An honest ministry, 5:1-7. in his ministry, but was optimistic be-Monday-Looking4:1-18.away from trials, cause afflictions here will increase ourglory yonder. In Ch. 5 he finds comfortTuesday-The motive of Christian ser- in the thought that our suffering bodiesvice, 5: 14-21.will soon be exchanged for bodies of pain-Wednesday-An appeal for Hberalty, less glory, therefore, whether we live or8: 7-15. -die we should keep the judgment of re-Friday-Paul defendsapostle. 11: 1-12.his right as an ward in view. As Christ's ambassador hebesought men to be reconciled to God. InSaturday-Paul qualified by visions, Ch. 6 he appeals to his fellow workers not12:1-8. to receive God's loving kindness in vain,WRITER-Paul, DATE 57 A. D. A few also to open their hearts to him, and tomonths after the first epistle. prove their love by separating themselvesPLACE OF WRITING--Probablylipi.Phil- from unbelievers. In Ch. 7 he tells of hisanxiety while waiting for'a report fromOCCASION_After Paul had sent the them by Titus. He notes that they wereFirst Epistle condemning the church for at first grieved by his sharp letter, butits lack of discipline, he was in great an. afterward followed his counsel and stoodxiety because of the state of the church, firm for the truth. Thus Godly sorrowand as to how they would receive his reo leads to repentance and brings salvation,cent rebukes. He," therefore, sent Titus to which one will never regret he possessed.Corinth to find out the effect of his epts- LESSON8--1. When in trouble we shouldtle. While Paul was at Phillipi on his third find comfort, not in forgetfulness or in dtsmissionaryjourney, Titus brought back the stpatton, or in complaining, but in thegood news that the First E;pistle had been God of all comfort, for all true comfortreceived in the right spirit, and the of- comes from Him. Then as with Paul, thefenders had been promptly dealt With. comforted shall become comforters. 2.AI-Paul was so thankful for the encouraging though Paul had to say severe things tonews that he wrote the Second Epistle.his friends at Corinth, yet he was not blindPURPOSE-To express the comfort to their good qualities, but praised themtheir repentance had given him. 2. To urge at every opportunltv and never disparageda collection for famine stricken Christians them to outsiders. If we wish friendshipin Palestine. 3. To defend his right as an to last, and stand the strains to which allapostle. human ties are SUbject, We must never... * * ... forget this rule: "Praise somewhat!"... * * ...Great Facts: I. Ministry. n. Collection. II. The Collection for Famine-Strickenm. Defense. Christians. Cha. 8-9.I. Paul's Faithful Ministry. Chs, 1-7. In cs. 8 Paul reminds the brethren atIn Ch, 1 Paul declares that he has a Corinth of the liberality of the Macedonianclear conscience as to his sincerity and churches to the Palestine famine fund. Alfaithfulnesswhile laboring among them, though poor they begged an opportunityand explains that he has sent his first to give, and gave beyond their power, beepistleinstead of Visiting them in order cause they first 'gave themselves to thethat when he did come he might be able Lord. He therefore urges the Corinthiansto praise and not to scold them. In 'Ch. 2 he to excel not only In faith, teaching andbegs the church to forgive the noted of- earnestness but also In the spiritual giftfender who has repented, in order that of giving, following the example of ourSatan may take no advantage of the af- Lord, 8-9. They were the first to start thefair. In Ch, 3 he declares that he needs no offering for their Jewish brothers, nowletters of commendation, for the church at they are asked to complete it that Paul'sCorinth. In his letter of commendation, a praise of them to the other churches mayletter written not with ink upon paper, but be jU8tified. Let each one give, not grudr-

II CORINTHIANS 101Ingly, but cheerfully and liberally, andGod will enrich with spiritual graces,and material supplies to repay gifts madeto Him. These gifts will strengthen theties of brotherhood between the Jewishand Gentile Christians. Thanks be un tvGod for His unspeakable gift!LESSONS-The Macedonian churcheswere shining examples in the .grace of siv-Ing, for: 1. They gave out of deep poverty,8:2. 2. They gave largely, 8:3. 3. Theygave spontaneously, of their own accord,without being begged. 8: 3. 4. They countedit a privilege to give, and gave withmuch joy, 8:4. and 2. All this was becausethey first gave their own selves to theLord. An earnest Christian says, "Fouryears ago I was to spend the day in a largecity. Before starting I said to my invalidsister now in glory, 'Can I buy anythingfor you, dear? I do want so much to bringyou something from the city.' With a lookfull of meaning, she said, 'Nothing, dear.Do not bring anything. I only want you.Come home as soon as you can!'" This iswhat the Saviour desires. He knows that IfHe gets our love, He gets ourselves andour service. The Important problems oftithing and stewardshlo will be solvedwhen we first give our own selves untothe Lord.* * * *III. Paul's Defense of His Apostleship.Chs. 10-14.A minority of Judaizing Christians intho church accused Paul of being bold towardthem in his letters, but cowardlywith them in person. They said that hewas no apostle because he worked withhis own hands to support himself, and didnot live on the gospel as did the otherapostles. Paul replies that if false teachersboast of their power and authority.even while seeking to put them under thebondage of the Law, he, therefore, willboast somewhat, and show that he is aheadof them all because of his countless sufferingson land and sea. Yea, his verysacrifices and successes prove his apostleship.Besides all this, the Lord had givenhim marvelous visions and revelations, indeedhe was caught UP into paradise andheard things that could not be put intospeech, 12:4. It was because of these exaltedexperiences that he had a thorn inthe flesh, 12:7. He did not want to boastbut to show that he had wrought all themighty deerls of an apostle. 12: 12. Hewould yet come to them II third time andwould not spare those who were impenl ..tent or who opposed the gospel, 13:2.'LESSONS-I. Paul was II highly giftedman but he did not rely upon his personalability for his apostolic authority. Also heand the other apostles declared again andagain that they did not receive their commissionsfrom man but from the Lord. Heconvinced his opponents that he was trulyan apostle because he had seen Jesus, ICor. 9-11. Had received a call to the workof an apostle, I Cor. 1: 1. and could pointto the signs and seals of his apostleship,12: 12. The other apostles perceiving thegrace that was given him, recognized Paulas apostle to the Gentiles and gave himthe right hand or fellowship, Gal. 2:9.2. Paul's thorn in the flesh is thought tohave been chronic eye trouble that madehim look contemptible to others. What itactually was, however, is not stated, in orderthat the grace sufficient which hereceived, may avail for all to whom ANYthorn is given.3. God always hears the prayers of faith,but sometimes answers "No," because Hesees we will be better off with the thornthan without it. Who knows the sins andfailures we are saved from by a warningthorn? Perhaps no verse in Scripture hasbrought more strength and comfort than12: 9. The suf.ficlency of divine grace wasthe great comfort of Paul In times of weakness,hardship and danger. So with us, forunusual tasks we are given unusualstren.gth, for unusual suffering we aregiven unusual 'patience. lIls grace Is alwayssufficient!The Cr081>Is not greater than His grace,The cross cannot hide His blessed face!I am sattsrtea to know that with Jesushere below,I can conquer every foe.With His grace!* * * *Questions on the Lesson,1. Give the key word and key verse.2. Give author and date.3. What the occasion of writing?4. Name the great facts.5. Why did Paul write instead of visitingthe church?6. Now the offender had repented whatwas to be done?7. Why was Paul optomlsttc about afflictions?8. How could the church prove theirlove?9. Where should we find comfort?10. How may we retain friendships?11. Tell of Paul's appeal lor a collection.12. Give the four points In which theMacedonian churches were shining examples.13. What ought we first to give to theLord?14!. What two changes were made a-gainst Paul's apostleship?15. Why was Paul ahead of all the apostles?16. Give the three points that convincedPalll's opponents.

102 GALATIANS17. Tell about Paul's thorn.18. Why do we sometimes have a thorn'19. Quote the most comforting verse inthe Bible.20. Quote verse on the cross and Hiligrace.21. How much of the book have youread?Lesson No. 49-Havean open Bible and an open heart!Lesson ThemeGALATIANSGal. 5 :22-28.KEY WORD-"LIBEB.TY." KEY VERSE-5:1.KEY PHRASE-"FREEDOM FROM WORKS AND CEREMONIES."Home Readings.Galatians settles forever that man is freefrom the Law. Read a chapter a day thisweek, and ,for family altar read:Sunday-He who perverts the gospelmust expect a curse, 1: 1-9.Monday-Keeping the ceremonial law Isunnecessary, 2:11-21.Tuesday-The law should direct men toChrist. 3:19-29.Wednesday-Do not go back to a formalreligion, 4:1-14.Thursday-Stand fast in Christian liberty.5:1-13.Friday~Works of flesh versus fruits ofSpirit, 5:1-13.Saturday-Be kind and spiritual, 6: 1-10.WRITER-Paul. DATE-Probably 57A. D. from Corinth.THE COUNTRY--Galatia was a provinceof the Roman errupire in Asia Minor,and dertved its name from the Gaul orCeltic tribes who settled it 279 B. C. Thepeople were Impulsive and quick to receiveimpressions, so that they gave an enthusiasticwelcome to Paul on his secondmissionary journey, and eagerly embracedChritianity, but were soon led ayay byfalse teachers.THE CHURCHES--This letter Is aadressedto the churches of Derbe, Lyatra,Iconium, and Antioch in Pesidla, whichwere in the province of Galatia. Rememberthat Antioch in Pesidia was 30-0 milesnorthwest of the great missionary churehat Antioch.OCCASION OF THE EPIS'I1LE-Seml-Christian Jewish teachers were claimingthat even if Christianity were true, Christiansshould be clrcumclsed, and do all theworks of the Law. The reason Paul didn'lt teach this, these false teachers urged,wad because he was not a true a'postle andhad learned his doctrines from others.PURPOSE-To trace Paul's gospel backto God Himself. 2. To show that the believeris free from the Law and 18 savedby faith alone.Great Facts: I. Teaching. n. Contrasts.m. Freedom.I. Paul's Teaching Was Authorized byGod Himself. Chs. 1-2.Paul marvels that his recent COR vertsshould so quickly give up the gospel offreedom, and take up with a Jewish messagethat was no gospel at all. If an angelfrom heaven were to preach any gospelother than that Paul preached he wouldbe accursed. To prove that Paul's apostleshipand 'gospel were of divine origin heurges the following facts: 1. Only Godcould have changed him from a bitterPharisee to an humble preacher of thogospel. 2. He did not consult men as towhat he should preach, but retired to Arabiaforthree years and there consultedwith God. 3. He was with Peter an-d Jamesbut fifteen days so could not have learnedmuch from them. 4. When he went to thechurch council at Jerusalem, the apostlesadded nothing to his message, but &"8vehim the right hand of fellowship Into thecompany of the apostles an-d approved hismessage. 5. To show that Peter was not agreater apostle than he, he points out howhe had openly rebuked Peter for beingtWb~aced about Jewish customs. Thlaproves he was not dominated by Peter'steaching.LESSON-I. Just as the Galatians wereurged to supplant Paul with Peter, whenin reality they both stood for the sameChrist and the same gospel, so today unwisevoices cry, down with this leader andup with another to the injury of the commonceuse, If a church or denominationinstead of unitedly rallying around Christbreaks up into -differentllartles, then thetempter bIlghts the Influence of all theparties concerned. 2. Perverters of religiondid not die out with the Galatians. Theyare a type of those who worship Christplus somebody else! Who beHeve theBible ptua the keys or decrees of man!Who are trusting their salvation to faithplus ordinances or masses or peBances!The wonder (j! all wonders ia that anyman would give up a I'Olpel of freedomand faith for a reli~on of tyranny andworks.

II. ContrastsBetween Law and Grace.Chs. 3-4.Here the apostle reminds them that th~yreceived the Spirit not as a resullt of obedienceto Law, but because they heard thegospel with faith. Not the circumcised,but those whose lives are based on faithare the true sons of Abraham. The Lawcannot give righteounness, !but it doescurse all who do not keep everything in itGod's covenant of faith with Abrahamwas not made of none effect by the Lawgiven 430 years afterward. If the Law can-Rot give the Spirit. nor righteousness, nora blessing, nor affect the faith-covenantwith Abraham, of what use is it? To showman his guilt. and to direct him to Christ!Hence all dtsttncttons between Jew andGentile, rich and poor, male and femalehave vanished, for all are one in untonwith Christ Jesus. As long as the heiris under age there is no difference betweenhim and a slave for he is subject to thecontrol of guardians. So with us, we areunder the trifling, childish teachings ofthis world, but since Christ came to ransomus, we are no longer slaves, but possessall the privileges of full-grown BOnsand heirs. Paul reminds them that theywelcomed him as if he had been an angelof God, or even the Lord Himself! AJldhow they would have torn out their owneyes and given them to him. Now he wantsto be assured that they are as loyal to thegospel of ·grace as when they first receivedit! Il11ustrating again their exaltedstate as freeman in Christ he reminds themthat Abraham had two sons, one Ishmael,the child of Hagar, the slave, and the otherIsaac, the child of Sarah, the free woman.Ishmael enjoyed not the blessings ofAbraham's house but was cast out, so mustit be with those who seek to be savedby keeping the Law. But as Isaac wasthe child of promise, so ye all who becomesons through faith in Christ, are heirs ofspiritual promise.LESSON-Notice the remarkable contrasts.1. Grace vs, Law. Under GraceGod graciously bestows salvation, but thelaw demands that we should deserve it.2. Faith vs. works. Through faith wetrustingly receive salvation, but workswould keep us ever feverishly seeking toearn it. 3. Spirit vs. flesh. Living in theSpirit gives one ~aily victory over sin, butwalking after the flesh makes one everprone to sin. 4. Croilll VB. world. Theprinciples of the CroBSare those of love,saocrificeand consecration, but those of theworld are force, selfllhneBS and pleasure.One never law a woman sewing withouta needle. She would make but poor speedif nhe lewed with only the thread. SoWhen God il dealing with us, he puts inthe needle of the Law firat, for the factGALATIANS 103is that we sleep so soundly thatwe needto be awakened by something sharp. Butwhen He has the needle of the Law fairlyinto our hearts, then He draws a life-longthread of Gospel love and peace and joy!'" * * '"III. Freedom From Works and the Flesh.Chs.5-6.Paul beseeches the Galatians to hold fastto their gospel liberty, for if they seek tobe saved by keeping a part of the Law,that binds them to keep the whole Law.As 'Christ's freemen they ran such a splendidrace, why be hindered? If they areso anxious to keep Law then love one another,for this is the summing up of thewhole Law. Not only so but free vourselvesfrom the cravings of your earthlynature, for these result in seventeen evilworks, 5:19. Far better it is to yield thenine-fold fruits of the Spirit, 5: 11-23. Hethat soweth to the Spirit will reap spiritualharvest, but he who sows to the lowerappetltes will reap mo:al weakness andsuffering, 6: 7-8. Show a gentle spirit toone caught committing a sin, rememberingthat you also may be tempted, 6: 1.False teachers glory in tIle number of theirconverts. but God forbid that I shouldglory save in the cross of our Lord JesusChrist! 6: 12-14.LESSON--The commonest fault of Christiansis, that when converted. they do notcut loose from old habits. unscrtntural beliefsand unscriptural friends. They arelike two drunken men who one night wentdown to where their boat was tied andsought to return home. They got in andbegan to row, but when morning dawnedthey saw that they had never loosed themooring line nor raised the anchor. Thatis just the way with many who would liketo grow in grace. They get into the goodboat "Conversion." but they never let theSpirit pull up the flesh ancho:', and theworld and the devil have pretty stronzlines upon them. To consciously realiz:the abiding presence of the Spirit givesthe believer a victorious life, 5: 16, createsChristian character, 5: 22, inspires prayer.Eph. 6:18, helps our weakness, Rom. 8:26,and makes real the rights, privileges andwealth of sonahlp, 6: 6-7.'" * * '"Questions on the LeSIOn.1. Give the key word and verse.2. Name author, date and place otwriting.3. Tell of the countrv at Galatia.4. 'Was the letter .to a church orchurches?6. Give the occasion.6. What the purpose?7. Name the great facti.8. Give five rpoints ahowinc that Paul'.a

104 EPHESIANS9. Show the folly of division aboutleaders.10. How is the 'gospel perverted today?11. Tell what the Law does not do.12. Illustrate by Ishmael and Isaac.13. Contrast the Spirit and flesh.what else is one boun-d to do?16. How may we free ourelves fromearthly cravings?17. What is a common fault of Christians?14. Contrast the cross and the world. 18. Tell what the abiding presence of15. If one seeks to keep part of the Law the Spi:'it does.Lesson No. 50-Study this the deepest book of the Bible.Lesson ThemeEPHESIANSEph. 1:1-7.KEY WORD-"IN CHRIST." KEY VERSE-1 :3.KEY PHRASE-"THE CHURCH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST.":Home Readings.Read the whole book carefully, Forfamily altar read:Sunday-The believer's Position inChrist, 1: 1-14.Monday-A prayer for knowledge andpower, 1: 15-23.Tuesday-s-Onee aliens now felIow citizens,2:1-13.We-jnesday-Jews and Gcntiles are onein Christ, 2: 14-22.Thursdav-c-That the Gentiles should befellow heirs was rormertv a mystery, 3: 1-13.FridaY-The walk of God's children, 5:1-17.Saturday-Warfare of spirit-fllled be-Hevers, 6: 10-18.WRITER-Paul. DATE and PLACE-62A. D. during the first imprisonment atRome. He wrote at the same time Philemon,Colossians and Phillipians. These fourare known as the Prison Epistles.EPHESUS was the capital of the Romanprovince of Asia and was famous forthe beautiful temple of Diana which wasone of the seven wonders of the world.Also fo. the theater which would seat 50,-000 and was the largest ever built by the,Greeks. To it rushed the mob that hadseized Paul, Acts 19: 29. The 'City also posesseda great stadium or circus wheremen fought with wild beasts, I Cor. 16:32.THE CHURCH was probably founded byJews from Pentecost, but Paul visited ittwice, and on the second visit preachedthere for three years. So 6ffective wasPaul's work that the Diana Idol-makerswere afraid they would lose their business.The Apostle John was later a pastor there.PURPOSE-To give a deeper knowledgeof the bel ievers high calling in ChrtstJesus.Great Facts: I. Position, II. Mystery.m. Godliness. IV. Domestic Life.V. Warfare.Great Fact 1. The Believer's Position inChrist. Ch. 1-2.We have here the saint's inheritance inthe Land of Promise, or the spiritual blessingswith which God has blessed us inheavenly things, (not places) in Christ.There are at least nine blessings unfoldedin this section for the believer who Is inunion with Christ through ,faith. He Is: l.Chosen in Christ to be holy and blameless,vs. 4. In the remote ages of past eternityGod was thinking about us, loving us andplanning to bless us. Before Satan everappeared to spoil the innocence and happinessof earth, God laid plans to make allwho should believe in Christ to be holyand blameless. 2. Prepared for adoption toHhmself, vs. 5. We become children orGod by the new birth, but we enter immediatelyupon all the privileges of fullgrownsons by God's act of adoption. 3.Redeemed from the bondage of sin, vs, 4.By nature man belongs to sin and Satan,death and hell, but Christ with the in.finiteprice of His own blood has released usfrom these things. 4. Given insight intothe will and ways of God, vs. 9. Theworld knows nothing of God's ways withman in the past or in the ruture, but Goaopens up His secret things to the believer.5. S'ealed by the Holy Spirit, vs. 15. Godstamps upon man's spirit all the blessedtraits of the Holy Spirit, love, joy, peace,etc. 6. Made alive through Christ, 2: 5. Ittakes half a dozen pallbearers to carry adead man, but alive man can carry himselfand somebody else besides. Christ'slife throbbing in the heart, makes us aliveto enjoy everything from God and to doeverything for God. 7. Raised to the realmof heavenly things, 2: 6. When we are bornagain, we share the resurrection .privilegesof Christ, and as we grow in grace weshare the ascension privileges of C1lrist,We rise above the trials, temptations and

fasrinations of the worl-d, and have a joyfulexperience in heavenly things that thisworld can never afford. 8. Brought ntgnby the blod, vs, 13. We were as prodigalsin the far country, away from Christ andthe right to heaven. The blood of Christ,however, has brought the believe:' into thecovenant, into precious nearness to Chrtst,and into eternal nearness hererufter. 9. Thebeliever, whether Jew or Gentile, is madepart of the one glorious church, Vs. 2l.The 'church is Christ's body, and all truebelievers are joint-members of the body,but note carefully that: 1. Christ, and Healone, is the Head of the body. 2. He wasalso the foundation o.f it. 3. The churchshould be a holy and growing thing. 4.When completed it will exhibit the manifoldglory of God.LESSON-We may come to this wonderfulepistle as some go shopping. They wilIgo into a store that has a hundred thousanddollars worth of goods, buy a ,packetof pins and walk out; that is what theywent for. Rather let us become the hapPYpossessor of all the blessed spiritual truthsin the storehouse of Goo's grace.• * * •II. A Mystery of God Revealed. Ch. 3.Paul here tells how God held back fromother generations the secret that the Gen~tiles should be heirs of and shareholdersin the gospel, and have ,free admission tothe church on equal terms with the Jews,whether in heaven or on earth as formingone tamily and dortvlng its' name fromGod, 3: 15. The petitions of Paul's exaltedprayers are tour: 1. To be strengthenedwith might by His Spirit in the inner man.2. To have Christ dwelling in the heart byfaith. 3. With all saints to understandthe breadth an-d length, the depth and thehesght.h of the love of Christ. 4. To befilIed with all the fullness of God.• * * •m. Appeals for Godliness. Chs. 4 to 5 :20.Paul here entreats us to walk worthilyof our heavenly citizenship, to be humble,gentle and patient, and to keep the sevenunities ot the Spirit. These are one church,one Spirit, one hope, one Lord, one faith,one baptism, one God and Father of all.Use the spiritual gifts that the asce

106 PHILLIPPIANSof putting it on are security, comfort, victory.5. No armor is provided for theback, showing that the Christian soldierwas not meant to run from his enemies.Fight the good fight with all thy might.Christ is thy strength and Christ 'thylight; Lay ho!'! on life and it shall be;Thy joy and crown eternally... * * ..Questions on the Lesson.1. Give the key word and key verse.2. Give writer, date and place of writ-Ing.3. Tell about Ephesus.4. Tell about the church.5. Give the ,purpose.6. Name the great facts.7. How many blessings for the believerin Christ?8. How are we chosen in Christ?9. What the meaning of adoptton?10. From what is man redeemed?11. Should we know God's secrets?12. In what sense are we sealed?13. What the effect of being alivet hroug h Christ?14. What is meant by being in the realmof heavenly things?15. How have we been brought nigh?_16. Give the four points about thechurch.17. What mystery has God revealed?18. Give Paul's petitions. .19. Name the seven unities of the sptr- Iit.20. Tell about Godliness.21. What should wives and husbandsdo?22. What should children do?23. What should servants and mastersdo?24. Give the five points about the Christiansarmor.Lesson No. 51-We are strong not by owning but by knowing the Bible.Lesson ThemePHILLIPPIANSPhil. 4 :4-8.KEY WOBJ)-":B.E10ICIJrG." KEY VERSE-4:4.KEY PB::B.ASE-"THE lOY OF OHBISTIAlf UMTY SHOULD BE PRESERVED."Home Beadings.to have been free from Jewish troubles,This is Paul's love letter, the most beaut-Iful of them all.and the errors in doctrine, that sO eudangeredmost of the other churches. Indeed,For family altar read:it was Paul's favorite church, ever showingSunday-Rejoicing21.over suffering. 1:8- their loyalty to him and their affection,for him by messages of love and mission:M d j offerings.on ay-Re olctng in lowly service, 2: OCCASION-The church had sent Paul a1-11.Tuesday-Rejoidng in Christ's right- contribution for his support while in IIri..eousness, 3: 1-9.on and unable to IIrovide for himself. TheThursday-Rejoicingprize, 3:10-14.In the hope of the bearer of the gift, Epaphroditus, was takendangerously sick at Rome, but haVing re-Friday-Rejoicing in the hope of His covered and being about to return home,. 3 15 21 Paul takes the OIpportunity at writing thiscommg, : - . letter to the noble church,Saturday-Rejoicing in His strength, 4: PURPOS~ 1. To express Paul's Ohrls-1-13.WRITER-Paul. DATE and PiLACE- tian love to the church for their devotion62 A. D., during his first imprisonment at to him. 2. To exhort them to press towardRome.the mark at high Christian character, andPHILLIPI was named after Phillip II. to sound the depths of real Christian joy.king of Macedonia, and father of Alexan- • • • •del' the Great. It is famous in Roman his- Great Facts: :Rejoicing in Christ:tOry as the place of the defeat of the re- I. Life. n. Example. m. RighteolMlless.public and the rise ()Ifthe empire, 42 B.IV. Strength.C. A spirit is suppoaed to have aweared toBrutus, the leader of the republican army, I, Rejoicing in Christ's Life. Ch. 1.and said to him, "I am thy evil genius, Paul first assures the church that everywe will meet again at Phillipi!" recollection he has ()If them is a cause ofIt will be always famous also for Paul'lI&'t'atitude, and that the good work doneimprisonment, the earthqU81'keand the con- in them would go on until it was perfectversionof the Phillipian jailer. It was ed. He prays that of excellent things theyhere that the first church in Europe was may choose the best, and that they mayset up by Paul in 62 A. D. Acts 16: 12-32. bear a rich harvest of righteousness. HeTHE CHURCH was founded by Paul on teIls them that although he Is in prisonhis second missionary journey. and seems and chained to a 8Olodler,yet the people

PHILLIPPIANS 107gather to haar hlm preach, and even theguards were so interested in the gospelthat they sl!lread the message around. T,hisencouraged other Christians to preach thogospel fearlessly. Some, however, withenvy in their hearts, preached deceitfully,hoping to add to Paul's sorrows, but herejoices that Ch:ist is preached, whetherby his enemies or by his friends. He is detersntnedto magnify Christ, either with hisrestored liberty or by his death. To ltveis to W0l1kFOR Christ, to die is to beWITH Christ. He would rather die thanlive, but he would rather live than die beforr..his work was done.LESSON-To some, both lHe and.rjeath have seemed like evils, but to theapost le they are both supreme blessinga,and he knew not which to choose. In spiteof his hardships he was willing still tobe a living sacrifice, for the sacrifice ofthe life is more noble, more heroic, andmore divine than the sacrtfice of the death.This was the secret of Paul's Ufe, whichmade him the Igreatest apostle and missionaryof all Ume. As some men losethemselves in a great ambition or a greatart so he lost himself in Christ. He sawGod's purposes as Christ dio. He magnilfledGod's grlllce as Christ did. He had Christ'svirtues Christ's vision, Christ's strength,and Christ's spirit. Oh, that the virtuesand spirit of Christ may breathe out fromour lives, then we, too, shall be morenoble, more heroic, more divine.• * * •n. Rejoioing in Christ's Example. Ch. 2..Paul here exhorts the church to maxehis happiness complete by living togetherin unity, love, humility and unselfishness,bearing in mind the example of Christ,w.ho alt.hough He was equal with the Fath·er, yet emptied Himself of His heavenlyglory and in a seven-fold way humbledHimself, 2: 5-8. Therefore God highly exalt.ed Him in His resurrection and ascensionand appointed that every tongueshould confess Him to the glOry of theFather. Man must work out his own salvation,for it is absolutely a personal matter,and one cannot rePent, believe anrllove for another. Further, man must seekto enjoy the erperienee, and yield thefruits of a FULL salvation :tor God isworking in us to that end. Following theexample of Christ still, we should notcomplain or dispute, but rather be blamelessand pure in the midat of an evildisposedworld. If the church will maxosuch scriptural progress, then Paul willcount it a great JOY to have poured out hislife-blood for them.LESSON-If our lives would at all approachthe blessed eXlIIIXlpleof Christ wemust: 1. EIllPty ourselves of honors andgains that may be (airly ours. "Our richestgains we must count but loss and pourcontempt on all our pride!" 2. ,\Ve mustimitate Him who. alt.houch Lor 1 of all,became the servant to all! 3. We mustbecome obedient evei unto deat 't. Christto be obedient laid asi-Ie omnipotence an"took upon Himself our human frailities,He exchanged His glory throne for anawful cross, su.ely "Love so amazing. sodivine, demands my life, my soul, my all!"Then, as with Christ, humiliation shaHsoon be followed by exaltation, if we shareHis cross we shall also share His throne.* * * *m. Rejoicing in Christ's Righteousness,Fellowship and Coming. Ch. 3.Paul here warns the church of the Judaizerswho make so much of the circumcision.He affirms that the real circumcisionare those who live a spiritual religionand look only to Christ for daltverancefrom sin. When it comes to boastingof lineage and pedigree, He outranks themall, yet He counts all natural honors andprivileges as trash compared with the exceedingvalue (jf a personal and savingknowledge of Christ Jesus. He would loseeverything to gain Christ, he woul-l turnhis back upon the Law and Itt; rl/1;hteousness.if only he mi'ght be clothed InChriflt's rl,ghteousness. Theu Indeed hewould know 'Christ fully and the powerof His resurrection. Not that he had attainedto the resurrection from the dead,neither was he 'pel'l[ect with the pertecttonof heaven, but he was stretching everypower of his soul to reach the goal ofspiritual excellence. Let all mature Christianshave this spiritual ambition and notfollow those who are enemies of the Crosa,and live only to sllit1sfy their earthly appetites.FQr our citizenship is in heaven,therefore we should nve as heavenly citizens,ever lookdng' for Ohrtst's coming,when He will change these bodies of humiliationinto bodies of glory like unto Hisown.LESSON-Just as a sailor will throwhis precious cargo overboard in order tosave the ship and his life, so must wethrow overboard all trust in our ownrighteousness in order to gain Christ. Wemay have come of a good family and of areligious stock. May have always attendedSunday school and church, and always hadgood moral principles .. Yet Paul here Bogreeswith Isaiah in declaring that "Allour own righteousness is as filthy rags."The supreme thing is to place entire dependencein the righteousness of Christ,and to seek to gain it, not by tears, orwork, or gift. but by repentant faith.• * * •IV. Rejoicing in Christ's Strength. Ch. 4.Paul prays that the Christian may havejoy at all times in union with his Lord,anrl not to be weakened by worry but to

108 COLOSSIANScarry everything to God in 'prayer. Thenthe peace of God, surpascIng all thoughtwill stand guard over

COLOSSIANS 109bodies is to discipline them with penances.This is still practiced by Catholics. 4. Theymade too much of ceremonies, ordinancesand fast '

110 I and II THESSALONIANSall service with honesty of heart, and mas- day. Our life-long ambition should be totel's should do what Is rIght and fair by master everv sin and to possess and practheirservants. We should persevere in tice every virtue.prayer, praying particularly that God will * * * *open a door for the gospel. Be cautious inQuestions on the Lesson.dealing with un-iChrlstlan men. Buy up the 1. Give the key word and key verse.time fl

of Gentiles rather than Jews. Paul longedto visit it again soon after his departure,but feared it would involve the convertsin danger. He therefore sent Timothy fromAthens to streI1'gthen the ,faith of the Christiansamid their hardshios and persecutions,and he brought back a fa'vorable reportthat was a great comfort to Paul.OCCASION-The church on the wholewas in a good state considering the factthat Its members had beeu out of heathenismbut a few months. Some, however,were in danger of accenuns the heathenstandard of morals. Others were so fun ofreligious exctternent and emotion that theyneglected their daily labors, 4: 10-12.While others who had lost friends weremourning lest at the second coming ofChrist these who had fallen asleep wouldnot share in the rapture and glory.PURPOSE-I. To instruct new convertsconcerning t.he Chrtstian's duties in thislife. 2. To inspire oomfort, patience andwatchfulness because of the Lord's coming.• * * •Great Facts: 1. Spiritual Church. II. Holiness,m. Coming. IV. Man of Sin.I. A Picture of a Spiritual Church,Ch. I.Paul thanks God for this church becauseof the wonderful growth of their faith andtheir increasing love for one another. Somarked was this that the apostle proudlyheld them up as an example to all otherchurches. Indeed, their "work of 'fait~:and labor of love and patience of hopehad made a protound impression all overnorthern and southern Greece (Macedoniaand Achaia.). Everywhere that Paul wentit was talk af the Christians, what a wonderfulwoI1kGod had done in Thessalonica.LESSON-Dr. Scofield points out thatwhen he put verses three and nine togetherwe get the past, present and futuretense of the Christian life. In the pastthe believer's work of \faith was to turn toGod from idols, John 6: 28-29. In the present,the believer'S labor of love is to servsthe true and liviIllg God. In the future, thebeliever's patience of hope is to wait foror-His Son from heaven. This three-foldder is seen also in Titus, 2:11-13.and II 'DHESSALONIANS 111• • • •II. The Apostle's Example of and Exhorta·tion to Holiness. Chs. 2-4:12,Paul reminds the church that In spite ofill-treatment and great oPposition hepreached the gospel to them. Not as aflatterer or seeker of wealth, but with thesiIIllPlicity of a child, and as gentle as awoman fondling her own children, 2: 1-7.Ye are the witnesses of how we used to toilwith our hands night and day, and toplead with you that you should make yourdallY lives worthy of God who is callingyou Into the glory of His kingdom, 2:8-12.We thank God also that you bravely en--Jured ,persec\\tions from your heathenneighbors as did the churches in Judeafrom the Jews, who killed both the LordJesus and the piopheta, 2:13-15. How gladwe were to hear from Timothy that youstand firm in faith an-I in love, and thatyou think kindly of us, and long to see usas we long to see you. May the Lord fillyou to ovarf lowlng with love for one another,and make your hearts strong andyour lives pure beyond reproach, Ch. 3.It 1:3 God's purpose that you abstain fromall immorality, live quietly, attend toyou;' own business, and work with yourown hands, 4:1-12.LESSON-There are at least three kindsof people: 1. Selif-pleasers. 2. Men-pleasers.3. God-vlease:s. The apostle chargesus to 'please God in our religion. our morals,and in our daily work. A great statesmansaid, "We have li ved too long for ourfortunes, and our own interests, it is hightime we began to live for God." Anothersaid when he was dying, "I count all thatpart of my life lost which I spent not incommunion with Go·d. or In doing good!"• • • •III. Comfort of and Watchfulness forChrist's Coming, 4 :13·5 :11.Those whose loved ones have .tillenasleep in death should not give way tohopeless sorrow, for at the Coming of theLord, it is not the living who shall greetHim first. But when the arch-angel with aloud shout and the trumpet-call of Godshall announce the Lord's coming, thenthe dead in Christ shall first rise to meetHim, and those who remain alive shallthen be caught up in the clouds to sharewith them the rapture and gtorv, and tobe forever with the Lord. Therefore, comfortone another with these truths, 4: 13-18. As to the time of the Coming, it will beas unexpected as the coming of a thief. butwhile others sleep, let us be watchfUl andself-controlled. We should not live thenight lives of sleep and indulgence, butday lives of faith, love and hope, encouragiIllgone another and building up oneanother's characters,LESSON-I. The5:1-11.second, wmiI1'g wasone of the great themes of all the apostles.and the bright hope of the early clllUrches.The grandest fact of the iPast is that JesusChrist the Lord of Glory was made in thelikeness of men and became obedient untothe death of the cross ,for our salvation.The most important 'fwct of the present is,that this same Lord Jesus is now seated atthe right hand of the Father making intercessionfor us. The greatest prophesiedevent of the FUTURE is that this sameLord Jesus shall come again, Acts 1: 11. Allwho keep before them this hope will purifythemselves, I John 3: 3, renounce Irre-

112 TIMOTHYligious ways and worldly annbltlons, ann wicked activities will continue only threelive Godly In this present world. Titus an-I a half years. Rev. 13: 5. 6. He will be2: 12. cast Into the Lake of Fire at Christ's com-2. This doctrine should not only supply ing, Rev. 19: 20. We see then just asns .with comfort, but Inspire us to watch- Christ's first coming occasioned an unusfulness,Matt. 24: 42. We should do noth- ual outburst of demon activity, so Chrlst'sIng we should not like Him to tim'! us do- second eomtng will be resisted by a finalIng, We should go no where that we would desperate effort of Satan, who, imitatingbe ashamed for Him to find us. If we are Christ, will incarnate himself in humanalways ready, then we are bound to be form, and will be called the Anti-Christ,rea':\y when the blessed hour shall come. because he will be a countentett Christ.... * * • It is important that we should under-IV. The Man of Sin Must First Come. stand the many scriptures on this subject.n Thess. 2.and be able to read the signs of the times.As to the coming aif the Lord Jesus For instance, the Jews are now about toChrist, Paul begs them not to let their restore the ancient sacrifice at Jerusalem,minds be disturbed by any letter which is that the Anti-Christ will prohibit.supposed to have come trom him to the • * * •ellfcct that the Day of the Lord is come. Questions on the Lesson.That Day will not come until after theGreat Amostacv. and the appearing of the 1. Give the key word and key verse.Anti-Christ, that Incarnation of Wicked- 2. Which are the earliest books of theness. who will set himself in the temple New Testament?and display himself as God. Wickedness 3. Give writer and date.is already at work in secret, but the Holy 4. Tell about the city of Thessalonica.Spirit at present restrains it somewhat, but 5. Tell about the chusch at ThessalonwhenHe is removed out of the way, then rca.Wickedness Incarnate will appear, only to 6. What the purpose?be destroyed by the Lord Jesus with the 7. Tell of the spiritual state of thebreath of His Ups, and annihilated by the church.glory df His coming. For at the Coming 8. Explain the three tenses of theof the Lord there will be great actirvlty Christian life.on the part of Satan in the form of deeep- 9. What is God's purpose as to moralsttve miracles, stgns and wonders, as well war1king, etc.?as a widked attempt to delude those who 10. Name the three kinds of pleasers andnever received and loved the Truth to which we should imitate.their own Salvation. Sentence will be pas- 11. Why should we be comforted consedon them because they refused to be- cerning the departed?lieve the Truth and delighted in wicked- 12. What does it mean to live a dayness, 2: 1-12.life?LESSON-The man of sin is identical 13. Name the grandest facts of past,with the Anti-Christ referred to by Dan- present and future.iel in 11:31, and by our Lord in Matt. 24: 14. :Howmay we watch for His Coming?15, and by John in Rev. 13:1. 1. He will 15. Tell about the man ()f sin.set himself up in Jerusalem, Matt. 24: 15. 16. Give the seven ipoints concerning the2. Will utter blasphemous things against Anti-Christ.the Most High, and deny the Father and 17. Why will he be called the AntitheSon, Dan. 11:36. 3. Will approprtate Christ?divine honors, and eatablish idolatry, II 18. Name one of the signs of the times.Thess. 2:4. 4. Will ta.ke away the restoredsacrifice of the Jews, Dan. 19: 19. 5. HisLesson No. 54-Take19. How much of the two books haveyou read?your Bible to Bible Class for reading the SCriptures.Lesson ThemeI TIMOTHYI Tim. 3 :14-16.KEY WORD-"BEHAVIO:&." KEY VERSE-3:14-15.KEY PHRASE-"SOUND DOCTBIR'ES AliD cmuSTIAN BEn VIOR."Home Readings. Monday-Prayer for all men, 2:1~10.This is the first of the three pastoral Tuesday-Quali!fications of church otlftepistlesor letters to pastors instead of to cera, 3: 1-13.churches. Read all of It this week and for 'Ve-dnesday-Godllness Is profitable, 4:family altar read: 1-8.S·unday~We should war a good war- Thursday-The care of widows, 5: 1-8.fare, 1:8-18. Friday-The care of ministers, 5:17-25.

TIMOTHY 113Saturday-Things to follow after, 6: 1-12.• * * •WRITER-Paul. DATE-About 65 A. D.probably from Phillipi.TO WHOM WRITTEN-TIMOTHY, wasone of Paul's own converts, and was calledby him "his beloved and faithful sonin the Lord," I Co:'. 4: 17. He was born atLystra in Asia Minor, was converted thereduring Paul's first :missiollllji',Yjourney,and although he knew all about Paul'spersecutions and aflfiictions, was willingto cast in his lot with him. His father wasa heathen Greek, but his mother, Eunice,and his grandmother, Lois, were Jewesses.He was not circumcised as an infant, probablybecause his ,father objected. When,however he became the ,co"worker of Paulin o:'de~ to conciliate the Jewish Christians,who would have weakened Timothy'sposition as a gospel preacher, Paul tookTimothy and ctncumctsed him. But Paulrefused to have Titus circumcised, becausehe, unlike Timothy, was a Gentile by birth.Timothy was ordained as an evangelist,and dld much valuable service for Pauland was greatly loved by him. His nameis mentioned with Paul's first imprisonmentat Rome for two years, he wasthe apostle's ·faithful helper, and later,when Paul's life was about to be offeredup he aiflfectionately urged TlJmothy toco:Ue to him. It was while Timothy waspastor at Ephesus that he received thetwo letters known as I and II Timothy.OCCASION-The apostle had hoped togo to Ephesus to counteract .false teachings,and instruct the church in sounddoctrines and church government. Beingunable to make the journey, and realizingthat the apostolic period was nearing itsend, he, therefore, set down in writingfor the guidance df all churches, someclear revelations.PURPOSE-l. To encourage Timothy towar a good warfare. 2. To instruct thechurches in sound doctrines and churchgovernment. 3. To inspie Christian behaviorin the house of God.• * • •Great Facts: I. Doctrines. n. Worship.m. Church Officers. IV. ConductV. Classes.I, Unsound Doctrines Rebuked. Ch. 1.Paul here charges those who teach newand strange doctrines, not to mix fablesand legends with the gospel. The Law isexcellent in that it ,proves to men that theycannot be righteous of themselves, andtherefore directs them to Christ, 1:4-8.Paul is grateful that the Lord in His tovlngkindness has appointed him to be &minister, although once he blasphemed,persecuted and insulted, 1: 13. The exhaustlesspatieDice of Christ was shown towardshim that he might he an example toall who afterwarrls believe of how Christcan save and U3e a great sinner, 1: 12-15.He urges Timothy to wage a noble war,with faith and a clear conscience, for somehaving thrust aside have wrecked theirlives, 1: 18-20.LESSON-When men come to die, thereligion they have thought out and inventedtor themselves will yield them nocomfort, but will be like the religion of acertain sculptor. On his death-bed a priestpointing to a beautiful cross the sculptorhad made, said, "Behold you:' God, whodied for you." "Alas!" said the sculptor,"I made it." There was no comfort for himin the work of his own hands. In religion,that which is created in one's own brainwill yield no comfort to one's own heart.The most important question of all is,"What does God say?".. * * •n. Public Worship. Ch, 2.Paul first exhorts the members of thechurch to pray regularly for those in autholtyover them and for all men, thatChristians may be able to lead quiet, profitableand religious lives. T'hls is acceptablein the sight of Christ our Saviour whoIs the one mediator between God and men,and who gave Himself as the ransom pricefor all, 2: 1-6.The apost.le desired that the men shouldlead the prayers and that they should notpray angrily against their fellow-Christians,2: 8. Women shiOuld dress quietlyand modestly and not with jewelry anl1costly clothinrg, and the apostle would notconsent to a woman te~hing men in public,Ifor Adaen was made before Eve, andwomen find the place clf highest well-beingin family life, 2:9-15.LESSON-When a heathen woman whooffered herself for baptism was aske.l itshe would ,give up her ornaments forChrist, it was an unexpected blow, butafter looking at her necklace again andagain, she said, "I love Christ more thanthis." Can we say this about unworthypleasures and unscrtptural beliefs?• * * •m. The Qualifications of Church Officers.Ch.3.A pastor should be a man of blamelesscharacter, having only one living wife, notquarrelsome, nor greedy for money, but askilLful teacher, and one who makes hisown children behave well. Not a new convertlest he be intoxicated with pride, andabove all he should have a good reputationamong the people outside the church.3:1-7. Deacons and deaconesses must havethe same moral qualifications, be testedfirst and only appointed to their office ifno objection is raised against them. Theytoo, must rule their households well, and

114 TIMOTHYthey who serve nobly gain an honorableposition and much freedom of speech inthe faith, 3: 8-13.LESSON-Paul is here emphazing theneed for Christian behavior. Some peoplethink that behavior is not a very importantthing, and yet behavior revealscharacter. It is not "rio-havior" but "behavior."What we DO may be accidental,what we ARE is everything. It is anevery-hour sermon. :rhe victory of theearly church was won by its behavior. "Seehow these Christians love one another," itwas said. "How unblameably we behaveourselves," said Paul to the Thessalonians."I will behave myself wisely in a perfectway," said the psalmist.• * * •IV. Conduct of Good ServlUlts ofChrist Iesns, Ch. 4.Warn the brethern that In later timessome will turn away from the faith, giVingthemselves up to spiritualism, and makinguse of the hyipocracies of lying teachers.These teach that holiness is obtainedthrough abstinence from marrfage andfrom certain kinds of 'food. It is not, however,for man to place restrictions uponwhat God has given with liberal hand forour use. Only receive it gratefully as God'sgift. 4:1-5.Lead a Godly life, for while bodily exer-CiM is profitable for some things, yet Godl'inessis profitable for both this Ufe andhie life to come. Let your conversationand conduct. your love. faith and puritybe an example to those who hold the faith.A:pply yourself to readtng, prea.ehing andteaching and do not neglect the divine giftthat many at your ordination prophesiedwas in you. By doing these things hewould save himself from the dominion ofsin and unto more blessed likeness toChrist. and save his hearers from the guiltand penalty ot sin, 4: 6-16.LESSON-A man had a camel that waswasting away. "See," cried he to a simpleson of the desert, "I have tried cordialsand elixir, balsams and lotions, yet all invain." The son of the desert looked at thehollow sides and staring bones and said,"Your camel needeth but one thing, food,good food and plenty of it." "Dear me,"said the traveler, "I never thought ofthat." So when we are in low spirita thereis our cure. We don't need pity, we don'tdeserve it. We IDlUstgive our starved lOulamore prayer, more meditation on the Wordand more communion with God. This is asure cure for all our apiritUJaIills.• • * •V. The Right Attitude TowardsVanoUi C1aueI. 0ha.1-8.Deal wisely and fairly with the differentclasses in the church. ()DIy those widowsBl%ty yean old should b.placed on the.-naIon. YOUJIIg widows should marry, beand wrangl lngs with those who do it forgain, for it is Godliness with contentmentthat gives great gain, 6:5-6. Urge uponrich Christians that the love of moneyleads to all kinds of evils. They shouldrather be rich in good deeds, open-handedand generous, storing up 'for themselves agood foundation in the future life. Paulcharges us before the Ufe-giving God, andJesus Christ who, before Pilate. (John 18:37) made the great profession of faith, toloyal wives and rear Christian chlldren.Officers of the church should be honoredand supported. Be slow in receiving aecueattons,but rebuke oUenders pUblicly sothat others may take warning. Ch. 5.Christian sarvants should not think anyless of their masters because they are theirfellow-Christian, but should rather servethem better, 6:12. Beware of discussionskeep ourselves pure and unblameable untilthe aprpearin,gof our Lord Jesus Christ.Vs. 7:21.LESSON-When the gladiator would enterthe Coliseum at Rome, he would looknp to the 87,000 people who were assembledto see if he acquitted himseLf well,and then his eye would rest unon the emperorand his court. The thought of thewatching eyes, OIfthe applauae he mightwin, and of the reward of victory all nervedhim to do his best. So, Oh Christian, oneinfinitely greater than Caesar, is lookingdown upon your arena. He it is who noweornmanda thee, "TltKe the cross and winthe crown!" He It is who charges thee,"Fight the good fight of faith, lay holdof eternal life."* * • *Questions on the LeSIOn.1. G,ive key word and key verse.2. Name writer, date and place.3. Where, under whom and when wasTimothy converted?4. Tell OIfhis circumcision.5. Tell of Timothy's service with Paul.6. What the occasion of this letter?7. What the three-fold purpose?8. Name the great facts.9. Show that man-made doctrines willnot stand.10. 'Why should we pray for all rulersand all men?'11. lllustrate that we should love ChriStmore than our treasures.12. Name the qualifications for churchofficers.13. Show the need for Christian behavior.14. In what thiIllgll should we be examples?15. What is a cure for spiritual ills?16. :what is BBidabout old widows?17. What is said about young widows,18. What about the support ait churchofficers?19. What is the duty of rich Christians?20. Why should wen.ht the l004tllht!

II TIMO'DHY 115Lesson No. 55-Be a :Bible-studying, :Bible-understanding Christian!Lesson ThemeII TIMOTHYII Tim. 2:1-7.KEY WORD-"ENDURE." KEY VERSE-2 :3.KEY PHRASE-"BE A WORKMAN THAT NEEDETH NOT TO BE ASHAMED."Home Readings.spirit of cowardice. but a spirit of power.In this book we have the last known love and seld-control. Therefore. Timothywords of the AJpostlePaul, and his last In- should not be ashamed of his Lord norstructtona to his favorite disciple and of Paml the Lord's prisoner, but shouid rathroughhim to the churches. His course ther join him in suffering for the gospel'sIs almost run. He has fought a good fight. sake. God's purposes and grace were madeBefore he shall end his wonderful Ufe In known to us by the appearing of our Savnoblemartyrdom, he writes this letter. It tour, who has put an end to death. andis worthy. therefore, of prayeful reading.For family altar read:brought Ufe and immorality from darknessinto llght by the gospel. "I have per-Sunday-Stlr up thy gift, 1: 1-9. feet assurance that Christ will keep meMonday-Hold1:10-18.fast to sound teaching. until the Day of His Corning. Hold fast tothe sound teaching that you have heardTuesday-Enduresoldier, 2: 1-16.hardness as a good from me."LESSONS-I. Timothy had gifts andWednesday-Pursue16-26.righteousness, 2: graces imparted to him through ordinationat Paul's hands. None, however, but thoThursday-Perilous1-8.times wlllcome, 3: apostles had the power of Impart.lng thesegifts. Our gifts come In regeneration andFriday-All9-17.scripture Is profitable, 3: sanctification and should be stirred up byraadtng, meditation and prayer. 2. Coward·Saturday-Last4: 1-8.charge of the apostle, ice Is unworthy In us, who have receivedas a sacred trust the ,gospel truth to spreadWRITER-Paul. DATE-68 A. D. ,everywhere. The fear of man Is veryPLACE-DuringRome.his last imlJlrisonment at common, but those who fear Ood ought to.know no other fear. Provo 14:26.OCCASION-Paul was now a prisoner in - • • -RQllIlefor the second time, awaiting a hear- II. A Call to Endurance. Ch. 2.ing before the emperor. He was not being The truths you have learned from me entreatedwith the consideration shown him trust to reliable men, who in their turnbefore, and because of the danger and will be able to teach others. Endure bardshame,all his friends but 1JUJkebad de- ships as a brave soldier of Christ, not ensertedhim. Knowin,g the wicked emperor, tangling yoursellf in ordinary affairs, butNero, Paul felt sure his own death would seeking to please your superior o~ficer" Nonot be long delayed, and longin1gfor the athlete wins the wreath of victory unlesspresence of his beloved son in the faith. he does this. As the farmer is the first toTimothy. he sends this letter, biddin'g himcome with all speed to Rome. Then' fearpartalkeof the fruits of his labor so shallit be with you. Keep in mind that Christing that Timothy might arrive too late to is risen from the dead, as told in the gospelreceive his last instructions face to face, entrnIsted .to me, in the service of which Ithe con-demnedapostle lloursforth his soul am su:Cf'erill'ghardships even to being putwith all the earnestness of a dying man. in fetters as a criminal. But 1 gladly sub-PURPOSE-I. To inspire Timothy to mit to anything, just so the gospel is notChristian heroism. 2. To instruct. him in fettered! Urge the people to shun foolishhis pastoral duties. 3. To charge him to and ignorant discussions, fo;- they onlycombat false teachings.breed quarrels; and a servant of the Lord_ • * _ should never quarrel, Vs. 24. As one ofGreat Facts: I. :Boldness. II. Endurance. God's workman, do your utmost to winm. Resource. IV. Last C"ft-e. God's approval, by handling aright the..-., word of truth, Ve. 16. Banish all evil del.A Call to :Boldness. Ch. 1. sires, but rather follow after righteousness,Paul than,ks God without ceasing for faith, Iove and peace, In company withTimothy'S sincere faith, and for his reUg- those who out oIf pure heart call on theIous training received at the ht\nds of his Lord, Vs. 22.grandmother, Loill, and his mother, Eunice. LESSONS-I. We must watch lest theHe begs him to keep In active exercise 'the comforts and innocent enjoyments of lite8piritual gifts received at his ordination, make us to love ease too well, and makefor the 'SPint .Which God gaye was not a us less sturdy and brave than a good sol-

11.6 II TIMOTHYdier ought to be. Endu:,ance is not merelybearing -difficulties and disappointments,but bearing them manfully and with thespirit of a hero. Samuel Rutherford, whenin p:ison for the gospel's sake, used to datehis letters from "Christ's Palace," andwhen Madame Guyon was shut up in acastle, she said, "Now the Lord has allowedme to be placed in a cage; I have nothingto do but sing." 2. If we would be God'swor-kmen who win His approval, we must,like the apostle, "Be always abounding inthe work or the Lord." Only socan Christiansdefinitely accomplish something worthy,have a good conscience, and liveunder Go-j's smile. Faithfulservice is thehighway to the hills of happiness, andthe world needs as never before bouyant,radiant workers. Shall we not then "'giveevery flying minute something to keep instore."• * * •m. The Resource of the Believer inPerilous Times. Ch. 3.Be sure of this that in the last days periloustimes will come when men will beladen with sins, and whlle they retain theoutward form of reUgion, they will not allowit to inflruence them -..Turn your backupon such men as these, for their min-ds'are corrupted, and as regards the Faiththey are utterly worthless, Vs. 8. All whoseek to live a religious lilfe in union withChrist Jesus must surlier persecution, butwicked people and Imposters wiII go frombad to worse deceiving others as theythemselves have been deceived, Vs. 12-13.Have unshaken faith in the Holy Scriptures,for they lead unto salvatton, and beinginspired by God are profitable forteaching, for refuting error, for givingguidance, and for tratning others in righteousness,so that the man Of God might benoble and equipped for every woIik, Vs.14-17.LESSONS-l. As people progress in errorthere will be widespread moral decay.Wickedness will make the times perilous.It will be a time of danger to the faith ofGod's people, an-d a time of peril to thetrlives. 2. The believer's resource, however,is to be found in the Holy Scriptures. Inthe br~ght light of its trwth, errors andheresies will be exposed, the deluded shallbe set straight, the wavarers established,the weak strengthened, and the believershall find ever-new supplies of comfort andhope, and ,gain new inslight into the depthsoIfrevelation.Let us then delight ourselvesin the triumphant certalnitles Of Scripture,for happy is that man who knowS the w81'Sof God.• * * •IV. The Last Charge of the GreatApostle. Ch. 4-I solemnly charge you before God andJesus Christ, who will judge you and whowill soon appear, spread the gospel everywherewhether it is convenient or inconvenientto do so. Convince, rebuke, exhort,for a time will come when peoplewill not endure sound teaching, but willrely upon fictions. But be thou temperate,face hardships, do the work of a mtsslonary,and discharge all the dut les of youroffice. As for me, my liIfe blood is alreadybeing poured out, and the time of my departureis come. I have run the great race,I have finished the Course, I have kept theFaith. Now the crown of r\,ghteo-usnessawaits me. which the Lord, the righteousJudge, will give me in the crowning day,and not to me only, but to all who haveloved His appearing, Vs. 1-8.LESSON8-l. These tender farewellwords trom the greatest man God evermade have a solemn message for everyChristian as well as 'for Timothy. Weshould seriously consider that the gospeltruthas a priceless pearl is entrusted tous for the salvation of others and thatsoon we must gi've an account of the trustreposed in us. HaiPPY shall we be if wehave been good trustees. 2. Life's eveninghour for Paul was full of glo!1Y.He forgotthat the lions, the flames or a cruel crosswould end his earthly liife; the good fightwas ended, the long, hard race was run,and the memories of a noble IMe gave himgreat peace at eventide. Thus we learn thatGod's good men: 1. Welcowe death or theLord's Coming, 2. That they look forwardwith certainity to the crown of righteousness.3. They are anxious for the goodwoIik to go on after their death with uninterruptedpower and success. Let us walkby faith tha.t we too may ha.'Vea coronationin the everlasting summer of thesaints.• * * •Questions on the Lesson.1. Give the key word and keY verse.2. What relation has this to Paul'sother epistles?3. Give date and place.4. Tell of the occasion of writing.6. What the purpose?6. Name the great facts.7. What has God given instead of aspirit of cowaroice?8. wtbat assurance did Paul hlllVe?9. IHow do we obtain spirilnlal giftsnow!10. What should we do with the truthswe have learned?11. Give our relation to the soldier, athleteand farmer.12. What is endurance? Illustrate it.13. What are the benefits of abounodill1rin the work at the Lord?14. What is meant by perlloua times?16. What Is the bellever'a r880uree?16. Tell how the scnpturea help.

TITUS 11717. Tell of Paul's last charge. Paul's eventide?18. What is entrusted to us? 20. How much of the book have you19. What three lessons do we learn from read?Lesson No. 56-God expects you to know your Bible!Lesson ThemeTITUSTitus 2:11-15.KEY WORD-"GOOD WORKS." KEY VERSE-2 :7.KEY PHRASE-"THE VIRTUES AND GRACES OF CHURCH OFFICERS ANDCHURCH MEMBERS."Great Facts: I. Church-Officers.Home Readings.This brief letter sets forth 7-0 Virtuesand graces to be sought, and 30 vices tobe shunned,For family altar read:Sund3!y-A church officer should be aman of blameless character, 1: 1-9.Monday-s-Rebuke false teachers, 1: 10-16Ṫuesday-Some vlrbuea to be practiced,2: 1-8.Wednesday--Christians should be a selectpeople, 2:9-15.Thursday-e--Ldve as one regenerated andrenewed, 3:1-7.Friday-Messa,ges to Timothy and Titushave same emphasis, I Tim. 6:1~12.Saturday-Be devoted to good works,Titus, 3: 9-15.IWRITER-Paul. DATE-About 65 A. D.the same as I Timothy.TO WHOM WRITTEN-Titus was aGentile and Paul's child in the faith, 1: 4.Also one of his co~wo:ikers, IlCor. 8: 23.When the ch~rch eounclt was held at JerusalemActs 15:13-19, to decide whetherthe Genille Christians must be etrcumctsedor not, Titus was made the test case andPaul's plea for 'freedom from Jewish ordinanceswas granted. As Paul's trustedfriend, he went to Corinth with both thefirst and second epistles and tactfully andsuccessfully persuaded the church to do theright thillg in discipline and in the matterof divisions. Paul made a missionary journeyto the island of Crete, and left Titusthere in charge of the wo:k. It was durtngTitus' stay at Crete that the lliPostle wrotethis letter.OCCASION-Apollos was about to journeyto Crete, and Peul, hearing that certaineon verts from Jud-aism were deceivingwhole families with false teachmgB, niltook the opportunity of sendirug a letter toTitus fuB of practical advice. He suggeststhat the way to counteract the harmfUlInlfluen.ces is to lay more emphasis uponBound doctrines and holy cha1'l8. c ter.PURpOSE-To set forth the virtues andgTlaces that should exist in ch'urch officersand cburch members, and that these virtuesand graces should be eltpressed in,ood works.II. Church-Members. m. Good Works.I. The Kind of Officers a Church ShouldHave. Ch. 1.Officers of the church should be men ofirreproachable character. having one livingwife. and whose children are not accusedof being unruly. Not self-willed orquick-tempered. not addicted to drink or tofighting. or to questionable money-makin-g.On the contrary, he should be hospitable, alover of the right. discreet, just, a man ofholy life and capable of self-restraint. Onewho holds doctrines that are according tothe scripture that he may be able to encourageothers by sound teaching, and torE1fute opponents. There are false teacherswho for money wl1l pervert the mes-881geof the gospel, and the Cretalns themselves,as one of their teachers have said."Are always liars, base brutes and lazygluttons." Rebuke such, sharply, that theymay be sound in the Faith and pay no attentionto those who would turn theirbacks upon the Truth. Everything is pureto the pure-mlnded, but to those whoseminds are polluted, and who are unbelievers,nothing is pure. They profess toknow God, but disown Him by their actions,being degraded and disobedient, andare worthless as far as every good worx ISconcerned.LESSONS-I. A minister must have butone living wife, but he is nbt compelledto be married as are the priests of theGreek church, neither should he be compelledto remain unmarried, as are the priestsof the Roman Catholic church. This passagesimply condemns -poly_gamy. 2. A mmisterwill be judged by his family life, hewho canot rule his own children wencannot rule the church of God, I Tim. 3:5. 3. He must have all the moral and socialqualities of a good man, and should beknown for his virtues and sympathies. 4.He must be doctrinally sound, not alwaysrunning after new and novel theories, nota creator of the truth, but a teacher ofit, remembering that the Truth haS beensacredly entrusted to hlan. 6. These qualificationswhich are applied to ministe"here are applied to other ehureh offlcel";In I Tim. 3: 8-10.

118TITUSn. Becoming Conduct for Church-Members. Ch. 2.Older men should be temperate, sertousand discreet, strong in faith, love and endurance.So too. the older women shouldbe reverent in their manner, ,..voidingscandal and not given to drink. that theymay teach what is right and tram theyounger women to love their busbanda anuchildren and to be housewifely. YOUI1Jgmenshould exercise self-control, and be modelsof a noble Ilfe in everything. Servantsshould be obedient to their masters, trymgto give satisfaction in evel1yrthing, not contradictingor stealing, but showing praiseworhyfidelity so as to recommend theteaching of God our Savior in everything.For the loving-kindness of God leads us torenounce i.religious ways and live uprrgntin this present world while we await theAppearing ot our great God and Savior.For He ,gave Himself for us that He mightdeliver us from all wietkedness, and topurify for Himself a select people zealousin good works,rLES90NS-1. Paul not only soars highinto the unspeakable mysteries of God andinto the helghths and depths of God's eternalpurposes, but also goes into everydetail of praottcal Godliness. He lifts upthe humblest duties to a heavenly platform,he would brl1llg every relationshipinto accordance with the laws of righteousness,and see!ks to make all humanlife pure and hlloPlPY.2. John Belden was80 thoroughly convinced of the superiorvalue d! the Holy SCriptures, as to declarethat' Titus, 2:1l~14, afforded him moresoiid sattstacttcn than all he had everread.* * * •m. Church-Members Should Be Devotedto Good Works. Ch. 3.Be submissive to rulers and authorttteaand be ready for every good work. Speakill of no one, avoid quarreling and show agentle spirit in dealtng with others. Rememberthe time when we ourselves hadall the faults that we hate in otners. Butthrough the kindness of God our Bavtor wewere saved, not as a result of the goodwonks we had

PHlLEMON 119Lesson No. 57-Everyone should read and study the whole :Bible.Lesson Theme, PHILEMONVs.10-16.KEY WORD-"BROTHER." KEY VERSE-Vs. 16.KEY PHRASE-"UNPROFITABLE SINNERS MADE PROFITABLE."Onesimus was not now merely a heathenHome Readings.slave, but is Paul's spiritual child.This epistle has been called the most PURPOSE-To show that the gospel hasbeautiful and most Intensely human of all the power to win a thief and a runaway,Paul's letters.and to soften the harsh relationship thatFor family altar read:of ol·:! existed between a master and hisSunday-The character of Philemon, Vs. slaves.1-7.Monday-Paul pleads for the runaway,• * * •Great Facts: 1. Greeting. n. Faith andVs. 8-16.Tuesday-Put the sins of the runawayKindness, m. Plea.to Paul's account, Vs. 17-25.I. The Apostle's Greeting. Vs. 1-3.Wednesday-Instruction in forgiveness, Paul begins this letter, as was his custom.with words of appreciation, callingLuke 17:1-10.Thursday-A for-given servant, Matt. his friends. "our dearly beloved, our fellowlaborer.our fel low-soldfer," He did 18: 21-25.thisFriday-MllJch !forgiveness begets muchlove, Luke 7:41-50.Saturday-Be tender-hearted towardone another, Eph. 4:20-32.• * '" •WRITER-Paul. DATE and PLACE ofwriting, same as Colossians, 62 A. D., duringhis first imprisonment at Rome.TO mHOM wrItten-Philemon. Philemonwas a member of the church atColesse and was probably converted atEphesu's, durIng Paul's three-year staythere. He was a man of wealth and celebratedfor hIs hospItality for the churchmet at his house. It was eustomary Inthose days for people of means to own anumber of slaves, and to keep less thanten was hardly possible for a man whowished to move in high society. APPHIAwas the Christian wife Of Philemon, andARCHIPPUS, his son, and a fellow laborerwith Paul in the gospel.ABOUT WIHOM WRITTEN--Onesimus.He was a slave of Philemon, and still aheathen when he robbed his master andran off to Rome. There he came into. touchwith P81ul,who was a prisoner in hIS ownhired house. It Is probable that at hismaster's house, where the Christians metto worship he had orten heard him speakof Paul to whom Philemon owed his conversion.This meeting of the runawayslave with the great apostle led to hisconvel'8ion, Vs. 1

120 PHILEMONkeep him without Philemon's consent. Thistemporary separation of the slave fromhis master was intended by God, that hismaster might have him back, forever, nolonger as a slave, but as something better-a dearly beloved brother.The apostle further pleads with Philemonto receive Onesimus back as he wouldreceive him-Paul-and if the fugitive hascaused any loss or owes anything, thencharge it to Paul for he will repay it, althoughPaul will say nothing about Philemonowing his very self to him. Paulwould gain something from Philemon becauseof his union with the Lord, and hasconfidence that he will do even more thanisasked.LESSON-l. It must not be thought thatbecause Paul returned a slave to his masterthat therefore, Christianity endorsesslavery. The truth is, that the law as Itthen stood gave certain rights to Philemon,and an apostle would be the last of all mento violate the law. His mission was toset forth such truths as the fatherhood ofGod for believers, the sons hip of Christ,and the brotherhood of man, so that masterswould recognize their responsibilityto God, and see that their Christian slavesWf>re feIIow-citizens of the household ofGod. As Christian nations have come to believethese Bible truths, slavery has beenabolished. Notice that when Paul sentOnesimus back to Philemon, it was not asa slave to be punished for deserting, but asa dear ly beloved Christian brother. 2. AsPaul ,found Oneslmus wandering from hismaster's house and his place of duty, sothe Lord Jesus found us wandering fromGod, Luke 19:10. The story is told of amother, who although she had elevenchildren buried in the little graveyard,wept not for the dead, but for a living sonwho had run away from home. A13 she senta friend to find him, she said. "If you fln.1my boy, sick, or in prison, or in want, doall you can for him and I will repay you."She had the streets and alleys of a greatcity searched until she found him. If parents,"being evil," are so moved to findtheir prodigals, how much more the Saviorwho is all love? 3. A13 Paul pleaded thatall of the slave's demerits be placed tohis account, and all of Paul's merits beplaced to the slave's account, so Christ hastaken upon Himself all our sin and guilt,and in exchange has bestowed upon usHis righteousness and His divine nature.l! Pet. 1: 4. How happy we should be thatChrist wi1!pay all our debts, and so IdentffyHimself with us that we all shall be receivedas Himself!4. As Philemon received Onesimus, soGod wilJ receive us and make us profitable.Grace changed a criminal, in thiscase, to a Christian brother, from unprofitableto profitable. How many of the world'sgreatest characters were nobodies. lostamid a lost multitude. until Christ calledthem by name, put a new heart and a newspirit within them, and made them somebodiesin the realm of noble service. Whowould ever have heard of Peter, James andJohn if Christ had not made them profitableto the world? Augustine, Luther andMuller would hiave beeni Jjust ordinaryf,ai!ures, common wor ldl ing's, but for theenriching grace of the Lord Jesus, whichmade some of the most valuable menwho hae ever lived. If our lives are notcounting for as much as they should, let usgive ourselves utterly to Him who ma1gnifiesand makes valuable every life laidupon the altar.* * * *Questions on the Lesson.1. Give the key word and key verse.2. Who was the writ.er?3. Give date and place of writing.4. Tell about Philemon.5. Who was Apphia and Archippus?6. Tell about Onesimus.7. What the purpose of the letter?8. Which is the best way to secure thedoillig of further good?9. In what did Philemon set an exam-,pIe?10. Show that faith and love must existtogether.11. Describe Paul's plea for the runaway.12. What obligation did Paul take uponhimsellf toward slavery?13. How has Bible truths abolished slavery?14. Show that Jesus has ever beenseeking wanderers.15. What does Jesus take upon Himselfand bestow on us?16. Show that grace makes men profitable.17. Name some men made profitable.18. !Have you read the Home Readings?19. Name the great facts.

HEBREWS 121Lesson No. 58-Read Scriptures in class out of your own Bible.Lesson ThemeHEBREWSReb. 1:1-8.KEY WORD-"SUPERIOR." KEY VERSE-1 :1-2.KEY PHRASE-"TRE GOSPEL IS SUPERIOR TO THE LAW."Home Readings.universe, and the Deliverer of men fromProf. Bruce calls "The Epistle of the sin. Christ is as much superior to angelsHebrews the first defense of Christianity." as His name, Son, is superior to theirs, ser-Read the bOOKthrough and for family vants. Therefore. it is dangerous to rejectaltar read: the great salvation, o~fered, not by angels,Sunday-Christ is superior to prophets but by the Lord Himself. whose testimonyand angels, Oh. 1.was confirmed by God wit.h signs and mlr-Monday--Christ is suoertor to Moses, acles and the imparting of the Holy Spirit.Ch. 3.God has not given to angels the controlTuesday-Christ5: 1-10.is super lor to Aaron. of the future world, but will place allthings under man. Jesus tasted the bitter-Wednesday-Theertor, 8: 6-13.New Covenant is sup- ness of death for mankind, in order thatHe might render the Devil ,powerless.Thursday--A31.superior worship, 10:19- who has the mower of death, and to delivermen Ifrom fear of death. Jesus came not toFriday-The1-14.faith~way is superior, 11: the help of angels, but to 'the help of men,in order that He might prove a sympathe-Saturday--Christ is the Author and Fin- tic and faithful High Priest in all man'sisher of faith, 12: 1~15.* * * *relations with God.LESSON-1. We see something of theWRITERr--Most !probably Paul, although dignity o:f the Christian. for God cares forscholars are divided on the question of him, and angel's minister unto him. 2. W·)authorship.it.and think that Apollos wrote see the dl'gnity of service, Ifor angela, thehtghest order of created beings, are butDATE-About 65 A. D., before the de- mtntstertng' servants and minister unto thestructton of the temple. heirs of salvation. 3. We see the supremeTO WHOM WRITTEN-To the converts dignity of the Son of God for He Is thefrom Judaism, probably in the church at Lord of angels, is surrounded by a thou-Alexandria in Egypt, which was founded sand thousands of them, who veil theirby MllJjk.faces before His -glory while they praiseOOCASION-These Jewish Christians Him.were subject to severe persecutions and to* * * *constant allguments and contempt from the II. Christ Is Superior to Moses. Ch. 3-4.non-Christian Jews. This so weakened As Moses was 1'aithlful in all his affairs,their resistance and lfaith that they were consider how faithful to the God who ap-in danger of abandoning their allegianceto Jesus Christ, and of going back intoJudaism.PURPOSE-1. To prove that the OldCovenants and Ceremonial LlliWSof Mosescame to an end in Christ. 2. To warnagainst the leaving of the substance ofthe gospel and the ,goinlgback to the shadowof the Law.* * * *Great Facts: I. Prophets and Angels.II. Moses. m. O. T. Priesthood. IV. :NewCovenant. V. Faith. VI. Privileges.I. Christ Is Superior to Prophets andAngels. Ch. 1-2.God, who in former ,generations spoketo ouI' fore,fathers throUJgh'HIs prophets.has in these latter days spoken to us bythe Son. the Heir of all things, throughwhom He made the universe. For He is theradiance of His glory, and the very e~pressianof His Being, the Upholder o: thepointed Him was Jesus, the Htgh Priest ofour religion. He was worthy of far higherhonor than Moses, just as the master ofthe house has more honor than its steward.Moses rwas faitMul as a witness, but thefaithfulness of Ohrist was that of a Son.T3Ikewarning from the unbelief of Israelwhich prevented them from entering theLand of Rest promised them by God. Theydid not enter into the real spiritual restthat God had promised because of unworthiness.True rest comes when we are perfectlyin tune with God, as all nature waswhen God fInished the work of creation,and rested on the seventh day. Let usmake every E:Jffortto 'come into harmonyand true rest with God, for nothing can behid from His sight. Because Christ is ourHigh Priest let 'Usdraw near boldly to theThrone of Love, to fInd 'PIty and love forthe hour of need.LESSONS-l. Moses was only a part ofthe household of faith, Christ was the

122 HEBREWSFounder of it. 2. Moses was but a servantin God's house. Chr-ist was the Lord of it.3. Moses' Hfe and work was but a type ofthings to come, Christ was the Reality.So everything on earth that we value tsonly a symbol of something better inChrist. Happy are we if before the symbolfades we have ,grasped the reality, if whenMoses passes out of sight, Jesus is left!* * * *III. Christ Is Superior to the Old TestamentPriesthood. Ch. 5-8 :6.Christ not only has the qualificationswhich Aaron, the earthly high priest, hadbut in addition He is a priest forever aftel'the order' of the eternal Melchizedec prtesthood.We should leave behind 'us the elementaryteach.lngs about Christ and presson to maturity, not going back to the firststages of the 'Christian life. to start it allover again. For if it were ,possible for thosetasting of the heavenly igFft and partakingof the Holy Spirit, to faU away, itwould be tnuposalble to bring them to repentance31gain,for they have recrucifiedthe Son of God and exposed !Him to opencontempt.The order of Melohizedec, after whichChrist was made a priest, is superior tothat of Aaron because this priesthood iscontinuous and will never end. Abraham,and the priests in the Aarontc line, paidtithes to Melchizedec showlng him to bethe :greater, also he, the superior, gavchis blessirug to the Aaronic line. the inferior.Further, the Aaron lc priests couldnot marke men iPElrfect,because they themselveswere mortal and sirurul, but Christis eternal and sinless, wherefore He is ableto save and sanctify to the uttermost allwho {lome to God through Him.LESSON8--l. Christ's priesthood. lik~that of Melchizedec, was: 1. A royat ortesthood,they were both Kings of peace andrighteousness. 2. WilLS for

, representing the churches, full of Heavenlylight and comfort. 2. Israel 'gatheredaroun-d the mountain, were forbidden totouch it and were afraid, Vs. Christiansgladly receiving the word, baptized, addedto church, :;ladfellowship, ,praising God,shrouded in darkness, 0:' revealed in fire,Vs. Christiansdrawing near to God withtrue hearts and full assurance of faith. 4.The priests offering the sacrtttces of slainbeasts, vs. the Christian offering his bodyas a living sacrifice, offering the fruit ofhis lips, praise and offering his SUbstance.5. The blood sprrnkled on the people toratHy the old covenant, did not cleansethe conscience. Vs, The ever-1lleansiIlJgblood of Christ that makes complete atonement for sin.• * * •Questions on the Lesson.1. Give the key word and key verse.2. Who the writer?3. When written?4. To whom written?5. What the occasion?6. Give the purpose.7. Name the great facts.Lesson No. 59-lfakeJAMES 1238. Show that the Son and Hell' Is BUPerial'to pronhet s an-I angels.9. Tell about the djgn lty of service.1·0. Tell about the dignity of the Christian.11. Tell about the supreme dignity ofthe Son.12. How may we enter into t: ue spiritualrest ?13. Give three points showing thatChrist is superior to Moses.14. iHow may we leave behind the elementaryteachings of Christ?15. Give five points showing that thepriesthood of Christ is like that of Melchizedec's.16. Give ;four points showing that theNew Covenant is superior to the Old.17. Name some of the thin,gs done by theheroes of faith.18. Why should we be willin,g to giveup sinful habits?19. What odidMt. Sinai show and whatMt. Zion?20. Read the :five contrasts between Mt.Sinai and Mt. Zion.21. How much of Hebrews have youread?this course your daily :Bible guide.Lesson ThemeJAMESlas. 2 :14-20.KEY WORD-''WORKB.'' KEY VEBSE-2:20.KEY PRRASE-"SHOW YOUR FAITH :BY YO'UR WORKS."Home Readings. of the Holy Spirit, Acts 1: 14, shows thatThe epistle of James is the first of the they were ardent believers in the Lord byBilven General E.pistles, so called becausethey are not addressed to any particularthat time.James 'became pastor of the church atperson or church, but to Christians in general.Jerusalem, took 'll leading IPiart in thespreading of the gospel among the JewsFor family altar read:and Gentiles, and did much to reconcile theSunday-Faith1: 1-12.will be tested sy trials, strict Jews who thought that iChristianitywould tear down JUdaism. So much didMonday-God21.does not tempt men, 1: 13- he love the ways of wisdom and peace thathe was called, James "the Just." He wasTuesday-Have respect for rich and [loor stoned to death in 62 A. D., on the chargethat his doctrines superceded the Jewishalike, 2: 1-13.Wednesday-Faith without works is alSiaw. cr puretreferencesin regard to himdeaod.faith, 3:1~14. will be found in Matt. 13:55, Mark 3:21-'I1hursday-True faith will control the 31, John 2:12, 7'2-9; Acts 12:17. 21:18-tongue, 3:1-14. 25; Gal. 1:19, 2:9-12.Friday-A10rebuke of worldliness, 4:1- DATE, PLACE and OCCASION-About60 A. D., trom Jerusalem. The ChristiansSaturday--The ,prayer of faith shall save to whom it was written had not ceased tothe sick, 5: 7-20.WRITER-James,""the Lord's brother.be Jews. Many of them, converted at Pentecost,had carried home only a ,partialOur Lord's other half-'brothes were Jo- understanding of IOhristianity. In thejrseph, Simon and Jude (the latter wrote the enthusiasm at having found the trueepistle bearing his name). Th~y were all Messtah, they neglected Christian virtues,unbelievers until ,after Christ s resurrec- graces and works, and proclaimeod everytionJohn 7: 5. But the fact that they where that in order to be saved, all thatwith the other disciples, continued stead: was necessary was to believe that Jesus offastly In prayer. and waited .for the gif. Nazareth was the true Messiah and Savlor,

124 .JAl\U~SThey also were in danger of sore dtscouragernantbecause of the persecutions f;'omunbelieving Jews.PURPOSE-To exhort Christians toshow their faith by their wor-ksand to bepatient under trials.* * * *Great Facts: I. Patience. II. Dead Faith.III. Tongue. IV. Worldliness.I. Patience in Trials, Ch. 1.Rejoice when you are subject to varloustrials for this testing of your faithdevelops endurance, and when you 'can endureanything, you are altogether a matureChtlst lan. When you need wisdom.pray with confidence unto God, who neverreproaches, but grants unto us freely. Letthe brother of humble raruk ,glory in hisChristian dignity, and the rich in beingpoor of spirit. God tempts no man to dowrong, but in every case a man is temptedby his own passions. Passions give birth tosin, and sin, when it is fully developed,produces death, Instead of any wrongthing, it is the good and perfect gi'fts thatcome from above,from the Maker of thelights in the heavens, who Himself is neversubject to change or ecliipse. Be quick tolisten, slow to speak and slow to get angry,for the anzer of man

have been tamed by man, no human beinogcan tame the tongue. It is a restless plague.It is charged with deadly poison! With itwe praise God the Father, and with it wecurse men who were made in His ltkeness!But this should not be so, for the wisdomfrom above is, before everything else, pure:then peace-loving, gentle, open to conviction,rich in compassion and good deeds,and free from partiality and insincerity.Indeed, righteousness shall abounodin thelives of those who work for peace.LF::SSON-We should be constantlyprayerful and careful to avoid those sinsor the tongue, into which we are mostin danger of ,falling, such as swearing,lying, tale-bearing and slander. On theother hand it is impossible to over-estimatethe blesseodnessof that tongue that isever ready to testifyIfo:' IChrist, and topraise Him who is greatly to be praised!• * * •IV, Worldliness Rebuked. Ohs, 4-5.PETERThe cause of quarreling is found in theunholy desires within. Men fall to praY, orer,4. Give date, ,place, and occasion.when they pray receive not because they 5. Name the great facts.ask with a wrong purpose, to spend what 6. Who is a mature Christian?they ,get upon their pleasures. However, tobe friends with the world means to be at7. How is man tempted?8. What is a man to do with his trials?enmity with God. Subject yourself there- 9. What should be our attitude towardfore to God, and repel the Devil andhe will flee from you. Brethren should notthe poor?10. Tell what Lowell satd.speak against one another, for he who 11. What graces go to make up a truedisparages his brother 'llefames the Law. Itis wicked to boast of what you will doChristian Itfe?12. Show that faith and works shouldtomorrow, for your life may disappear likea vapor. Rather say, "U the Lord wills,go together.13. In what WOI"ksshould faith showwe shall live and do this or that!" Therich should not oppress the poor or calamitself?14. To what is the tongue likened?ities will come upon them. If anyone is 15. What sins of the tongue should wein trouble, let him pray; if anyone is haPpylet him slnlg hymns; If anyone is sick,avoid?16. Show that we should recognize Godlet him send for the officers of the church,and let them pray over him, annointingin making our ,plans.17. On what principles is the world 01'-him with oil In the name at the Lord, andthe prayer of faith shall save the sick, andganizeod?18. What should be the believer's attithe'Lord will raise him from his bed, and tude toward the world?if he has committed sins, he will be for- 19. Why are the sick to be annointed. with oil? 'gl~ONS--1. Satan has onganized the 20. What is included in the prayer ofworld of unbelieving mankind upon J?rincilplesof foree, greed, selfishness, ambItionfaith?2\ How much of the book have youand pleasure. The believer, however, should read.125be crucified to the world and the world tohim, Gal, 6: 14. We should despise itdpleasures, honors and treasures, and beunmoved by its threatenings or attractions.2. The of,ficersof the church are to annointthe sick with oil, fa:' oil is a symbol of thegracious influence of the Holy Spirit, thodivine healer. F::x. 30:31, Acts 1:8, Mark6: 13. If the 'prayer of faith is offered inthe spirit of Matt. 26: 42, then God haspromised to heal and fo:,give. The prayerof ,faith includes, however, confession ofsin, humility. a surrendered will, and anearnest intentionof consecrating to God'sservice the restored life. Nowhere in theBible is the use of medicine forbidden, butthe prayer of faith is enjoined.• * * •Questions on the Lesson.1. Give key word and key verse.2. Why are the general epistles socalled?3. Tell what you know about the wrlt-Lesson !fo. oo-Life'. worthiest ambition is know the Bible!Lesson ThemeI PETERI Pet. 1:13-19.KEY WOBJ)-"ROPE." KEY VERSE-1 :13.KEY pJlB,ASE-"TltE :NEW LIFE SROULD BE OBE OF UBDYING ROPE."Rome 1leacUnp.For family altar read:Peter makes one feel that he knows the . Sunday-The incorroptible inheritance,of the Lord and Is ex.pres- 1.3-12.~ery lahnPtag:bS In the v~ry words Jesus Monday-Holiness and love, 1: 13-25.••n,gld t e ru Tuesday--Christ!ans should live a eonwonUH.

126 I PETERsecrate-I ure, 2: 1-10.Wednesday-Our daily lives should beupright, 2: 11-25.Thursday-from hostile Jews and fanatical Gentiles.Because the Christians would notjoin their heathen neighbors in theiridolatry, wine-reasts and lusts, they werecalled "haters of the human r3JCe," andclassed with thieves and murderers. A savageeffort was made to suppress them altogether,and so great were the persecutionsand trials that followed, that theapostle SlPeaks of them as "fiery trials."PURPOSE-To hearten persecuted Christianswith the grace of hope and to directtheir thoughts to the glorious inheritancethat awaits them.• * * •Great Facts: I. lIope. n. Duties.m. Perseoutions.I. The Christian's Hope of Fn1l Salvation.Ch. 1 :2-10.Blessed be God who has, in His greatmercy,given us a new life of undyinghope. A hope of an imperishable inherit.-ance that awaits us when we are saved.not only from the guilt of sin but fromits very presence. "We suffer f~r the momentfrom various trials. that the genuinenessof our faith-a thing far more'precious than gold-may be tested byfire. and may win praise and ,glory atChrist's appearing. It was this full salvationthat the 'prophets desired to knowabout, and to 'know the time of its coming.With strictest self-control, fix your hopeson Christ's appearing. Do not be swayedby the passions of the old Hfe, but ratherlive in a spirit of reverence, for it wasnot by perishable things such as silver andgold that you were redeemed from yourancestor's aimless way of living, but bythe precious blood of the unblemishedLamb of God. !Love one another earnestlywith all your hearts. Abandon all vice anddecett, pretense, envy and slandering andlike new-born babies crave the .pure spiritualmilk of the Word that you may growthereby. While many stumble because theydo not accept the gospel, yet yOU are achosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecratednation, God's own people, so thatyou may display the virtues of Him whocalled you out of darkness into His marvelouslight.LESSON-The gospel hoope Is a livinghope because it invigorates the Christianand helps to keep him alive amid fierytrials. The delusive hopes of the unresenerated are vain and perishing, while thehypocrite and his hope both odie together,Job 27: 8. The believer, therefore, hopesfor: 1. All the blessings of ,full salvation.2. The coming of Christ. 3. The resurrecttonof the body. 4. Eternal rewards.for his faithtulness. Let us then be alwayshopeful and glad in expectation of thegood things God has promised.* * * *II. The Christian's Duties. Chs. 2 :11-4:11.Refrain from indulging in the cravingsof your earthly nature for they make warupon the soul. Let your daily life be upright.that evil-doers as they watch youmay learn to praise God. Submit to properlyconstituted authorities for the Lord'ssake, for It is God's will that you shouldsilence the ligorance of foolish people bydoing what is right. Servants should obeytheir masters with respect, not only thosewho are good and considerate, but alsothose who are arbitrary. Wives should Bubmitto their husbands, so that if any ofthem reject the gospel, they may be wonover by the blameless conduct of theirwives .. Christians should be united, sympathetfc. kind hearted, humble minded;never returning evil for evil, or abuse forabuse, hut on the contrary blesstng;Who can harm you if you prove yourselveseager for what is good? Even ifyou should suffer for rl'ghteousness, count

II PETER 127yourself blessed! Do not let men terrify come of the godless and sinful? Thereyou,or allow yourselves to be dismayed. fore, let those who suffer because GodChrist Himself died to atone for sins once wills it so, commit their lives into the10r all-the good on behalf of the bad- hands of a faithful Creator, and perseverethat He might bring you to God, having in doing right.been physically put to death, but spiritual- LESSON-A Christian should not be belyliving. It was Chrtst's Spirit, who in wHdered and shocked by the fiery trialsthe days of Noah, preached to those whose that come, His rel lg'ion does not exemptspirits are now in prison. At that time a him from pain, misfortunes, bereavement,few were saved by the Ark rising above the or death. Besides this, evil men will persewater,and water typifies the cleansing cute the true Christian, because the flipthatcomes through a crucified Savior, I pant dislike the earnest, the unclean areJohn 1: 7. angry with the pure, the lovers of errorSurely in times past you have spent time hate the lovers of truth. However. theenough livin'g as the ungodly delight to Christian should rejoice under sufferings.live, for you have lived among scenes of because they make him like Christ, anddebauchery, revelry and profane idolatry, they will be the cause of exceeding JOYand because you do not practice these when He shall crown His faithful servants.thtngs now men wonder at you and malign • * * •you. But they will have to answer for their Questions on the Lesson.conduct to Him who is ready to judge both 1. Give key word and key verse.the living' and the dead,LESSONS-The apostle gives us an ex- 2. What the relation of names Cephasand Peter?cellent prescription for a haPiPY lHe in an 3. Tell what you ,know about Peter.ill-natured world. He quotes Ps. 34:12-14. 4. Give date and ctrcumstancea.which is as true for our times as it was for 6. From what place was it written?David's. The best way of making this life 6. What the occasion?comfortable and prosperous is to retrain 7. What the purpose ?from evil speaking and slandertng; and to 8. Name the ,great facts.be eve. ready to overcome evil with good. 9. Why is the gospel hope called a IIv-• * * • in,g hope?m. The Christian's Perseoutions and 10. Compare it with the hopes of theTrials. Cha. 4:12-5 :14. unregenerate and the hypocrite.Do not be astonished at the fiery trials 11. For what may the believer hope?that you are passing through. as though 12. Why should wives submit to theirsomething strange were happening. to you. husbands?for the more you share the suHerings of 13. Why should we submit to the auth-Chr lst the more you will share His ,glory. orities?Count yourselves blessed when you are 14. What virtues should Christians pracabusedfor Christ's sake, for that shows tice?that the Spirit of God is resting upon you. 16. Explatn the preaching to the spirits.Of course no one among you should suUer 16. What cleansing does water typify?as a murderer, or a thief, or a criminal, or 17. How may Ufe be made comfortable?for interfering in matters which do not 18. Show that religion does not exemptconcern Christians, but ilfa man suffers for us ·from trials.Christian prindploes he should not be 19. Why do evil men Ipersecute Chrisashamed.The right !place to begin jUdg- tians?ment is at the house of God, and if first 20. Why should we rejoice under sufferwithus what will be the end of those who in,gs?reject the gospel? If a righteous man is 21. How much of First Peter have yousaved only with dlifficulty. what will be- read?Lesson No. 61-Take your Bible to Bible Class for reading the Scriptures.IILessonThemePETERn Pet. 1 :4-8.KEY WORD--"dOWLEDGE." KEY VERSE--S:18.KEY plIRASE-"GROW 1H GRACE.AND SPIlUTUAL KNOWLEDGE."Home Readings·For familYSund!ay-Thealtar read:grieat Christian virtues,1: ~~;day-The transftguration, 1: 12-21.Tuesday--GOd w11l not spare false prophets,2:1-8.Wednesday-Unrilghteousness shall receiveits reward, 2: 9-16.Thursday-Backsliders' evil ways. 2:17-22.Friday-Scoffers disbelieve the Lord's

128 II PETERcoming, 3:1-9.Saturday-Look for and hasten His coming.3:10-18.WRITER-The AJpostle Peter. Addressedto Christians in general.PLACE OF WRITING-Uncertain, butprobably Babylon.DATE-About 67 A. D., a short time beforehis martyrdom. Secon-d Timothy andSecond Peter have much in common. BothPaul and Pete:' were facing a cruel deathat the time they wrote them. yet both epistlesare full of hope and joy, and bothurge faithfulness amid errors and suffering.PURPOSE-To show that the best wayto guard against false teachings is to growin 'grace an-d in full knowledge of our Lordand Savior Jesus Christ.* * * *Great Facts: I. Virtues. n. Transfiguration.m. Warning. IV. Defense.I. The Great Christian Virtues. Ch. 1 :1-12.God has given us everything that Isneedful for a life of piety, as we advancein knowled.ge of Him. 'I'hrough His goodnessHe has given us exceedingly greatand p~ecious promises, that through themwe migh t partake of the divine naturehaving fled from the corruption that is i~the world through human passions. Therefore,supplernen t your faith by goodness,goodness by fuU knowledge, knowledge byself controt, self control by endurance, enduranceby piety, piety by kindlinesskindliness by love, for when these virtue~are yours in increasing measure, you willhave a fuller knowledge of our Lord JesusChrist. But the man who has not thesevirtues is short sighted even to blindness,and forgets that he has been purified fromhis past sins. Therefore, do your b~st toput God's caU and election of you beyonda ll doubt, for if you do this you will neverfail, but have a triumphant entrance intothe eternal kingdom of our Lord and SaviorJesus Christ.LESSON-Here, Peter agrees with Paulin urging Christians not to remain babesin Christ by halting and faltering aroun-dthe first stages of Christian experience,but to grow and to be ever growing. Weare to ado grace to grace until our virtuesare multiplied, and this for two reasons:1. That we might have a f'uller knowledgeof our blessed Lord. Not knowing ABOUTHim, or TECHNICAL knowledge of Him.but an I"'TIMA TE PERSONAL knowledgethat gives t.he joy of fellowship, powerto conquer, and likeness to His own blessedSelf, Phil. 3: 10. 2. That we mighthave an abundant entrance into the eternalkingdom. Not. getting into harbor wltll.sails torn, dismasted, and towed in by asul vage tug, but with every mast staml.inc.e very sail set, a valuable cargo In goodshape, and precious passengers all safe,with waving flags, and greeted by theplaying bands and booming batteries ofthe Fa.i:' Haven of Rest! To have suchan abundant entr-ance to the life eternalshould be the holy ambition of every Christian.* * * *II. The Transfigurationand the Teachingof the Prophets. Ch. 1 :13-21.As long as my soul tabernacles In mybody I will awaken in you memories ot thepast. that after my departure you may cal1these truths to mind. We were not tellingyou fairy stories when we told you of thecoming in }lower of our Lord Jesus Christ,for we were eye witnesses of His glory.Indeed. when we were with Him onthe sacred mountain He received honorand glory from the Father. and a voicedeclared "This is my beloved Son, in whomI am well pleased," Matt. 17: 5. And stinstronger is the assurance that we have inthe teachings of the prophets, to which youwill do well to pay attention, racognts-In.g that no prophecy of scr ipt.ura can beinterpreted by man's unaided reason, forno prophetic teaching ever cerne at themere wish of man, but men, moved by theHoly Spirit. spoke direct from God.LESSONS------Peter is here teaching thatthere was a sense in which the TransfIgurationset forth Christ's Secon-d Coming.because, as outlined by Dr. Scofield: 1.Christ was not then the Messiah in rejection,but the Lord in Heavenly glory.2. Moses in a glorified state, was a type ofthe redeemed who will pass through deathinto the kin1gdom. 3. Elijah is a type ofthe redeemed who will enter the kingdomby translation, Cor. 15: 51-52. 4. Peter,JlIIIIIes and John, not ,glorified, are a ty,peof the Jews who will not share the Lord'sglory at the ttrne of His Coming. Ezek.37: 21. 5. The multitude at the foot of themountain are a tY'Pe of the nations, whowill be brought into the kingdom after ithas been set up over the Jews, Is. 11:9-12.Peter saw the Second COming unfoldedin the Transfiguration, but he teaches thatwe are not dependent on what he saw. Wehave the surer word of /prophecy, the unerringWord of God. It is like a lampshining in a darlk place, but soon the daywill dawn, the day of fUlfilment. and thenwe shall know A:uL about these things asGod knows ALL about us.• * * •m. Warnings Against False TeachingsCh.2.The apostle here warns against theGnostics who taught that Christ was notequal with the Father. That the soul doesnot sin, so It does not matter If the bodygets drunk or goes Into sin, one can do justas one pleases because we are not undermoral law. Such were the false teaehtngsof these people who set themselves up

n PETER 129against the apostles, and for money taughtdoctrines that were pleasant rather thantrue.In reply, Peter points out that whoevergoes into sin or teaches heresy shall certaintybe punished. That God dtd not evenspare the angels who sinned, but is keepingthem under ,guard for jud!gment. ThatHe sent the Flood upon a godless world inthe days of Noah. That He reduced Sodomand Gomorrah to ashes as a warning to thegodless of what was in store for them. Theapostle then vividly describes how thesewicked teachers malign even the apostlesthat God had appointed, and they enticeweak SOUls by promising them freedomwhile in reality they are making themslaves of corrupt habits. Peter has in mindZech. 3: 1-2, where the high !priest wasseeking to rebuild the temple. Satan, however,appeared before God, and said thepeople were not worthy of having thetemple restored, and then accused and reviledthe high priest. The an1gel of theLord, however did not make a railing accusationagainst Satan as Satan had a-gainst the high ,priest, but calmly said,"God rebuke thee." But said Peter, whileangels who excel men in power, would notmake bitter accusations, yet these wickedteachers maltgn those of whom they knownothtng, but they will assuredly perishwith their own corruption.LESSONS--l. Mallly evil spirits areabroad, and the credentials they displayare gifts of the mind, or truths beautifulor original. We shoul-d, however, be as cautiousas the saint in the legend. When anevil spirit showed himself radiant withroyal robes and crowned with a jeweleddiadem and said, "I am the Christ, foll~Wme!" The saint thought and looked awhIleand said, "I will not believe that you arethe Christ unless you show me the woundsof the Cross!" and the evil spirit fled. Soany reHgious teacher that does not centerall his doctrines around the Cross shouldbe driven from the life. 2. Like the angelswe should not publish the faults ofour fellowmen, and mingle reproaches withaccusations, but leave the wiCked to theLord who will avenge all injustice.• * * •IV• .A Defense of the Second Coming.Ch. 3.Here the apostle divides the history ofthe world into three sections and mentionssome of the characteristics of each. 1. Theold worl-d, 3: 6. The world which th.~ Floodh jmed The scoffers said, Whereoverw esm . i ,,, F theIs the 'promise of His com ng. rombeginning of creation, Nature has pursuedth ven tenor of its way. There has beene e lf any chan'ge, and no chan'ge isno s gn 0 Is eomt f 11 , ..possible. The promise of H s eommg a s.But Peter reminds the skeptics that atlighty flood (ikl drown the world, thereforetheir mocking question is foolish., 2.The present world, 3: 7. He a81ilertsthat thepresent world contains within itself theagency by which it may be consumed. Itis held in store not for a second flood butfor rtre. Stored up within the earth areoils and gases, which when released byGod shall cause such physical revolutionsas shall transform this planet into somethingmore glorious. Therefore, what holylives we ought to lead while we await andhasten the coming of the Day of God. 3.The new world, 3: 13. This is the Paradiserestored of Rev. 21:1. Where we are toldthat He who created the world, will recreateit, clearing it of every ,vestige or sin,misery and imperfection, fitting it for thedweIllngplace of perfect beings, and forHis own glorious presence. In exmectattonof these th in'gs we are to make every effortto be found by iHim, snotless, blamelessand at peace. The delay in the fuIfilmentof these thtngs should be regarded asforbearance on the part of the Lord, inseeking to bring more to salvation.LESSON-Too often men have set onetime for deliverance, and God another, butHe will not 'fall to keep the d8lYHe hasappointed. In Ex. 12: 41, we see that Godkept His engagement to the very day todeliver Israel out of Egypt, What mencount slackness Is truly forebearance uponthe part of God. Enthusiastic Impatiencemust be checked. God is still eaying to theuncon verted, "How shall I give thee up!"and as He sees the untruttrut Christians,He says. "Let them alone this year also,"Let us then not abuse the patience andIong-surtertng of God by aban-doning ourselvesto a course of Impenitence of worldlinessss,for the Lord shall come suddenly.and at a most unllikely time, and the cryshall rtng out, "Behold the Bridegroomcometh!" Matt. 25:6.• * * •Questions on the Lesson.1. Give the key word and key verse.2. What the date and place of writing?3. Give the purpose.4. Name the great facts.5. What virtues are we to add to ourfaith?6. What sort of knowledge will thisgive us of the Lord?7. What the meaning of "an abundantentrance s"8. Re'ad five points in which the Transfigurationsets forth the Second Coming.9. Show that we are not dependent onwhat Peter saw.10. What did the Gnostics teach?11. Give three examples showing Goddoes not spare sinners.12. Show that these wicked men werebold to do what angels feared to do.13. Tell of the evil spirit who appeared

130 I, II, and III JOHNto the saint.14. Give Peter's divisions of the world'shistory.15. Tell how that in spite of the laws ofnature, God sent the Flood.16. With what is the world stored, andwhat will be the effe

I, II, and III JOHN-------------- --------------- 131LESSON-The apostle is here contrastingone who lives a life of righteousness II John.doing so one shares in their w icked work,with one who lives a life of sin, and in 3: 9 LESSON-To countenance a teacher othe teaches that the truly regenerated man error, to wis:1him God-speed, is to approvedoes not continually practice sin. It is onething for a Ch;'istian because of a strongtempation to temporarily fall into sin, andthe dlvine remedy for this is seen in 1:9.But if a Christian continually practices asin he may well doubt his conversion. Weshould be as serious in our attitude towardssin as is God. He gave a Law tocondemn it, a Savior to redeem from it, aSpirit to destroy it, a gospel to testify a-gainst it, and a whole family of newbornsons to be livinlg witnesses of Hlsdeliverancesf;'om its power.• * * •ill, God Is Love. Ch. 4:7-5:21.'Ve are called sons through the love ofthe Father, 3: 1, and He manifested thatlove by sending His Son to be an atoningsacrifice of our sins, 4: 10. We should showour love to Him by loving one another,4: 7. He who loves has fellowship with God,4: 16. But the absence of love dastroys thisfellowship, 4: 19-21. Victory over the worldcomes only through love and faith in JesusChrist, whose coming was attested to bywater and by blood,and by the Spirit. Yea,God Himself testifies that His Son cameinto the world, 5: 9. In Christ we not onlyovercome the world, but have eternal lifA,5: 13.LEssON--JWe have not seen the ,greatestgift of all-the heart of God, the love ofHis heart, the heart of His love, and yetwhen we look at the cross we have aglimpse of it. The Cross was the only wayGod had of showing us His heart. It wasInfinite Love striving to reveal itself,seeking to pour out its fullness. Christ didnot die that God might love men. He diedbecause Goo had 'from everlasting to everlastinglyloved man, the Cross Is not theause but the effect of the love of God.~t is ~ot even necessary that we should beworthy for God to love us. He loves us becauseof Himself. We are saved by grace.osalvation does not depend upon whatw~r are, but upon what God is-and. Godis love!• * * •IV. God Is Truth. Second Epistle.John here declares his joy at findingsome guided by the Truth. Walking intruth is to love one another, ?ut this loveis manifested in keeping God s commandments,and in steadfast loyalty to the genuinedoctrines of the gospel. There areimposters in the world, but whoeverr:::n~e name of 'Progress departs fromChrist's teachings p0988S88S not God. Oneshould not extend any hospitalIty or showany friendliness to false teachers for byhis evil works and to share his guilt. Weare "partakers of other men's sins," notonly when we take their side of the question,but also when we keep silent insteadof condemning them.• * *V. God Needs Fellow-Workers.Third Epistle.John had sent out some preachers withletters of commendation to the variouschurches, and among others to that ofwhich Gaius and Diotrephes were members.Diotrephes, however, through jealousyor some other personal reason, -declinedto receive these preachers and exertedhis authority to make the church actthe same way, even threatening to excludethose who differed from him in thematter. Gaius alone had not been intimidated,but had welcomed to his home therepulsed preachers, who, when they returnedto the church at Elphesus, testifiedot his courage and kindness. John hopedsoon to visit the church and bring theproud Diotrephes to account 'for his overbearingconduct.LESSONS-1. Preachers going forth forthe sake of the Name, whether at home orabroad, should be welcomed and entertainedworthily by churches and indiViduals.By such action, one shares in the missionary'slabors an-d becomes a teltow-helper.2. Churches should not encourage thosewho are eager for pre-eminence in thechurch, and who insist on having theirown arbitrary way. A healthy and happychurch is one in which every member esteemseach other more highly than himself,Phil. 2:3.• * * •Questions on the Lesson.1. Give the key word and key verse.2. Who was the writer and how manybooks did he write?3. What was the occasion?4. Give the purpose.5. Name the great facts.6. How may we know whether we arewalkin-g in the light?7. Give the four contrasts between thelight and the dankness.8. Whllt the motive for living righteously?9. What the reward for living righteously?10. Explain verse 3:9.11. What did God do about sin?12. Through what are we called sons?13. How did God show His love?14. How must we show our love to God?

13215. What three witnesses testified toChrist's coming?16. How did God show His heart?17. What ts walking in truth?18. What should be our attitude towardteachers of error?Lesson No. 63-ConsecutiveJUDE19. Tell the story of the Third Epistle.20. How may we become fellow helpersof God's servants21. How should the chu1"ches regardthose who love thepre~minence?Bible study is one of our best blessings.Lesson ThemeJUDEVs.I-4.KEY WORD-"CONTDD." KEY VERSE-Vs. 3, Last Clause.KEY PHRASE-"EARNESTLY CONTENDFOR THE FAITR."Home Readings.and dtsowned our only Lord and Master,Notice how much Jude is like SecondJesus Christ.LESSON-I. The Faith referred to isl'eter. They both had the same evils with that body of gospel and church truth conwhichto contend.tained in the scriptures. 2. The Faith wasFor family altar read:delivered by God and not dtscovered bySunday-Contend earnestly for the faith, man. 3. The Faith was delivered "onceVs. 1-7.for all." No other faith will ever be given.Monday-False teachers and their doom, Although the truth may be stated in new8-16. terms, no new doctrines are to be added toTuesday-Build, pray keep, jook, 17-25. the present body of truth. 4. We may con-Wednesday-;Qod will not spare false tend for the faith by maintaining that allprophets, II Pet. 2: 1-8. scripture is ~iven by' the inspiration ofThursday-Wrong doing shall receive God, II Tim. 3:16, and by shaping all ourits reward, 2: 9-16.religious beliefs and practices strictly ac-Friday-Unsaved professors will get en- cording to its holy teachings.tangled with the world again 2:1~22. * '" '" *'. Saturday-There will be scoffers, 3: 1-9. n. Examples of Divine Vengeance. VI. 5-19.WRITER-Jude or Judas, the brother of Jude here gives three examples of God'sthe Lord and of James, who wrote the epls- punishment of collective wickedness: 1. HetIe that bears his name, Mark 6: 3. Neither destroyed the Israelites whom He had de-James nor Jude hint at their relationship livered from Egypt, because they refusedto Jesus, their unalfected humility kept to believe in Him. 2. The angels who keptthem silent. not their first state of holiness. He isTO W/IIOM WRITTEN--It is called a Ikeepin.gunder ·guard in the spirit-land ofgeneral epistle because it is not addressed darkness for the great Day of Judgment.to any particular person or church but to 3. Sodom and Qomorrah, who gave them-Christians in general.selves up to foul sensuality, are undergo-DATE and P1LACE-llt was written in Ing the punishment of eternal fire.Palenstine, probably after II Peter, about In spite of these solemn examplee there68 A. D. are troublers of the churches who despiseOCCASION-Jude had heard, Ukely from authority, and sneer at sacred things ofa traveling evangelist, of the serious spir- which they know nothin1g,aU because theyitual dangers that were besetting some of themselves are corrupt.his fellow believers.They are lfIke three wicked men of oldPURPOSE-To exhort Christians to earn- who called forth -divine vengeance. LikeestIy contend for the faith. Cain, who rejected redemption by blood,* '" '" * like Bala8llIl,who was a hireling prophet,Great Facts: 1. Contend. n. EDmples. anxious only to make ·money.Like Koran,m Build.who took honors unto himself by intrudingupon the priest's office.I. Contend Earnestly for the Faith. Va. 1-4. These present evil men are selfish, em'P-Jude, while writing about our cammon toy, fruitless and Godless. ever complainingsalvation, was ilIJ/P6l1edto urge the "Be-- of their lot, and ever flattering men forloved of God the Father" to fiJght in de-- the sake of what they can get out offense of the Faith that has once for all them. We ahould not, however. be surprisbeenentrusted to the saints. For there ed at finding such men, for the apostleshad 'Crept in stealthily among them eer- foretold us they would come.tain godless people. who had made the LIDBSON8--1. Every Chriatian ought t~mercy Of God an excuse for vicious llving. 'know the Bible In order to know how God

REVELATION133deals with men. We should often reread itSpirit. He make; (Ourprayes fervent, forand not trust to memory, for memory iscold prayers as], the Lord not to hear them.often "like a sieve which holds the branHe makes them loving because all prayersarrd lets flour go." 2. God deals first inshould be perfumed by love to our fellowmenand to Christ. He makes them believ-mercy but afterwards in jud.gment. Theworld, like the wilderness of old, is strewning, for a man prevails only as he hasfaith. 2. Keeping ourselves in the love ofwith the graves of those who were offeredGod. This will keep our own love deeplyhigh privileges, but who turned theirstirred, and keep us from error and worldliness.3. Waiting for the Lord's mercy.backs upon God's mercies and became theirown worst enemies. 3. God will not spareThe blessed hope of final happiness andsinners, whether in low or high places,reward will make us faithful in the -dischargeOf all our duties, and patient intor He spared not the angels, but as soonas they developed an evil nature He sawthey were not fit for the holiness and joysbearing our trials.of heaven, and cast them out. "It is hard• * * •to be high and not high minded!" 4.Questions on the Lesson,Troublers of the churches are like dreamers.They live in an unreal world and have1. Give key word and key verse.no true idea of the serious nature of sin.2. Tell about the writer.3. !What the date and ,place of writing?They are insensible to all the warningsof coming judgment. They are unconscious4. To whom was it writen?of the danxers that threaten their tmmortalsouls.5. What the occasion?6. What the purpose?• * * • 7. Name the great facts.m. Build Up Our Own Spiritual Lives. 8. What the meaning here of the wordVs. 20-25.Faith?If others will be unspiritual, yet we 9. Who gave ue the faith?shoul-d build up our characters on the 10. Will any new faith be given ?foundation of our most holy faith, prayingunder the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and11. How may we contend for it?12. Give the three exal1llPlesof collectivekeepiDJg within the love of God, whilewaiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesuswiekedness.13. What were the troublers of theChrist to brln;g us Into the eternal state.To those who are in doubt, show 'piety andchurches doing?14. What three wleked men were theysave them from the ,fire. To others show Itke?Give the sin of these three men.pity, but with cautton, hating the very 15. What ought every Christian know?clothing polluted by their touch. 16. In what does God first deal?Now unto Him who Is able to keep you 17. Show that God will not spare slnfromfalling, and to bring you into His glo- 18.rtous presence, blameless and rejoicing, tothe only God, our Savior, be glory, majesners.19. How are the troublers of the churchtydominion and power as it was before es like dreamers?time began is now, and ever shall be for all 210-. In what three ways may we bulidtime to come, Amen.LESSON8-- Havi n;g lai-d well our foundourcharacters?21. What the advantage of praying ination in gospel faith, we must build uponit or be ever m8lking progress in spirittheHoly Spirit?22. What the advantage of keeping inu~l thingS. This is what Paul meant whenhe said, "Grow in grace':' W~ can buildthe love of God?23. What the advantage of waiting forourselves U'P by: 1. Praymg III the Holy the Lord?Lesson No. 64-Study the Bible from the first inspired word to the last.Lesson Theme;1 REVELATIONKEY WORD-"FINAL THINGS." KEY VERSE-l:19.KEY PHRASE-"FI:NAL JUDGMENTS AND GLORY."lIome Readings. Sunday-The Lord appears to give theRevelation, 1: 9-20.It would help much if you would reaaR velation through in the Twentieth Cen- Monday-Urgent messages to the churt:"New Testament, or in the Author's ches, 2: 1-11.Self E~plalnlng EJ~ltionof Revelation. For Tuesday--Some of the events of the TrlfamilYaltar read. bulatton, 6: 1-7.

~------------------------------------134 REVELATIONWednesday-Anti-Christ and false prophetsarise, en. 13.Th ursday-----'Coming of Christ and doomof Anti-Christ and false prophet, 19: 11-21Ḟriday-The Millenium and doom of Satanand wicked dead, Ch. 20.Saturday-The blessedness of the eternalfuture, 21: 1-10.WRITER-The apostle John. It IS remarkablethat John the Beloved, who wasnearer to the heart of Christ than anyother he who filled his gospel and epistles,~ith the warmth of divine love. shouldbe the chosen vessel to make known themost terrible judgments. This at least,suggests that he would not over-draw thepicture.TO WlIOM WRITTEN-The sevenchurches of Asia Minor, and through themto all churches.DATE and PlLACE-Likely 96 A. D.,from the Isle of Patmos, to which Johnwas ban ished for being a Christian preacnerby Emperor Domitian of Rome.OCCASION-There was a bitter persecutionof the Christians in Asia, and the lastof the apostles was about to go to his reward,It was therefore very fitting thatGod should use him to draw aside the veilof the future, that man might know of thecrisis that should afterward carne to 'pass.PURPOSE-l. To describe the wonderfulevents connected with the end of theage. 2. To encourage Christians to befaithful by giving them an inspired pictureof Christ's final triumph over allevil.* * * *Great Facts: 1. Introduction. n. Churchea.m. Tribulation. IV. Second Coming.V. New Things.1. The Introductory Vision. Ch. 1.1. God is the source of the Revelation.Christ was the channel through whom itwas gi ven, an angel interpreted it, Johnrecorded it, the churches were to proclaimit, and there is a special dtvtne blessingpromised to those who read and heed itssayings. The time for the fulfilment of itsprophecies is always to be regarded as nearat hand. 2. On the Lord's DaY, whUe un--der the special influence of the Holy Spirit,John had a vision of the Glorified Lora.who appeared with priestly robe. yet withkingly ,glory, walking 8IlDDngthe churches,observing and cherishing them. John W&llbidden not to fear, but to write down theth lngs concerning the churches, and thethings that shoul-d aKerward taike place.LESSON-While we cannot understandall about this remarkable book nor becertain about all of Its interpretations, yetwe should study it,keep its truths in ourmemories and practice its doctrines, for itis a window of hope through which welook into eternity, and the only book in theBible that p:'OlUises a blessing to thosewho study it.* * * *n. The Message to the Churches. Chs, 2-3.The number of the churches IS seven,an'} each meSSage has seven parts: 1.Name of church. 2. Mention of some SUblimeattribute of speaker. 3. An assertionthat Christ knOWSall about the dutiesand doings of each church. 4. Adescription of the state of each, withpraise or billme. 5. A reference to Hispromised COWing. 6 • .A coW>IDandto givespecial attention to what the spirit says.7. Promises to those Who overcome.Notice whllt the Lord knows about thechu:ches: "1 know thy faith, works. loveand mtntstry." KnoW if their last worksare better tllan the first. Knows all abouttheir persecutions and outward poverty,although spi:-ituai!Y' they were rich infaith, hope and love.Notice what the uard holds against thechurches. Some had left tlleir first loveand were acting as though they were rich,although spiritUallY they were paupers,another had a reputation for bein~ a ltvingchurch, yet was almost dead. Anotherhad in its fellOwshiP those who were un-BOund in doctrines and wicked in life.From all such our Lord said He wouldturn away in disgust.Notice what the Lor-d prarnises to thechurches. overcomers shall be readmittedto Paradise and the Tree of Life fromwhich Adam was eltcluded. They shall triumphover attlictions and escape death.The door to the storehouse of God'S mannashall be opened unto them. They shallreiJgn over the nations. TheY shall have arobe and a crown. and indeed enj?y thesame honors in HeaVen that ChrIst enjoys.LESSON-These inspired promises give amany sided view of the future possessionsof the saints. TaJk,en together, they givethe completest description of the Worlod ofGod of the ,gOOdthings God has prepared.for those whO love Him. 'How theY shouldquloken our faith, kindle hope, and inspirezeal... '" * ..m The ludgments and E-vents That WillImmediately Precede christ's SecondComing. Cbs. 4-18.This is the Great Tribulation of threeand a half years of 'Plagues, trials andjUd,gment spoken of in Jer. 30: 7 as thetime of Israel's troubte, Spoken of byChrist as a Great Tribulation such asnever Was before, Matt. 24: 21, and referredto by many others.The causes Of the Tribulation are: 1.

REVELATION 135The special woiktng of Satan, who wlllhave great wrath because his time is sno c ~.2. Unprece-:lented activity or aemons. AtChrist's first coming they sought to con',1'01 men, causing them to nraspheme andto restst God; they will agatn afflict menwih mental and spiritual diseases. 3-S'atan will incarnate himself in the Antt-Christ. Daniel refers to him in 12:11.Ch rIat in Matt. 24:15. Paul in II Thess.2: 3, and John in Rev. 13: I, etc. This Anti.Christ will appropriate divine honors, imitateChrist, appoint false prophets, overcomenations. He and the false prophetswill be cast into the Lake of Fire atChrist's coming. 4. There will be plaguessimilar to the plagues of IDgY'pt. Plaguesof blood, hail, fire, locusts, darkness, famine,sores, earthquakes, war, martyrdomsand death. As before the purpose will beto discredit the religion of the ungodlyand direct them to the true and livingGod. 5. The gathering of the nations tothe battle or Armage-jdon under the Anti-Christand false prophet. In great wraththey will be besieging Jerusalem, whenthey will be alarmed by the signs ofChrist's coming, and will be smitten witha sudden blow from whtch they will neverrecover. 6. The judgment of the nationsas to the treatment they have accorded toGod's people, the Jews, Matt. 25:31-46.LESSONS-Before these terrible eventsshall come to paas, the saints will becaught up to meet the Lord in the air.I Thess. 4: 17. How earnest we should beto be found in Him, for rebellion a:gainstHim is death. Woe unto him that strtvethwith his Maker.* ... ... *IV. The Second Coming and the Millenium..Chs. 19-20 :6.The prophets and 8IPOstles made Christ'sComing the blessed hope of Israel and thechurch. They tau«ht that He would strikedown the wieked nations. gather Israel toits own land, set UP His government uponthe throne of David, reign in justice andbe King of all.Whether the Lord wBl come before orafter the MilIenium has stirred the faithfulfor all generations, and perhaps orthodoxChristians are about evenly dtvidad.The post-Millenialists think that theprocesses of education, and the preachtng'of the gospel w11l bring universal peaceand make men spiritual and holy. ThePre_Millenialists, with whom the writerjoins believe that it will take the comingof the King. the literal restraining or Satn before universai righteousness willar vail The reasons for this position are:reThe .Anti-Christ is to be destroyed, not. dually but by His COming, 11 Thess.r;. 2. T'he Son of Man cornell IMMEDI-ATELY after the T'rlbu lat.ton, Matt. 24:29, there is nothing said of a Milleniumbetween the Tribulation and His coming.3. The world will be in a mixed conditionwhen the LoN:! comes, not all saved. Therewill be "Wheat and tares," Matt. 13: 38-40. There will be unconverted as in thedays of Noah, Matt. 24:37. These versesdo not point to a Millenium of universalrighteousness BEFORE Christ comes.The destruction of the Anti-Christ, therestraint of Satan, and the return of theLord Jesus. will usher in the Millenium.1. There will be unive:sal peace. Men willbeat their SWOI'Js into plow shares, Is. 2:4. 2. There will be a Paradise condition inthe earth so that the lion shall lie downwith the lamb, etc., Is. 11: 6. There willbe a great spread of knowledge, Is. 11:9.All prophecies of the earthly glory of Jewswill be fulfilled in this age. All promisesin the Sermon on the Mount. like "Themeek shall inherit the earth" will findtheir fruition.LESSON-The Second Coming is mentionedfrom one end of the Bible to theother. In the New Testament there are300 reterencee to it. It is bound up withevery subHme promise of likeness to Christ,satisfaction of soul, victory over sin andSatan and death, and tho deliverance ofthe earth from bondage and corruption.Are we exhorted to meet together on theLord's day, or to take the Lord's Supper, itis in order to "show forth lIls death until.He comes." Are we exhorted to love oneanother, or to be holy, it Is in view of Hiscoming! Yea, it is the central chord of allvital Christian life! Dr. Broaddus said."If I am always ready to meet Him, •am bound to be ready when He comes."* • • *V. The Last Judgment and the Seven NewThings. Chs. SO:7 to end.1. Here we have the jud'gUllent of theGreat White Throne set up after the Millenium,before which will be judged theunbelteving dead. The righteous rose beforethe thousand years and lived andreigned with Christ, 20: 4. 2. The unjustare now ju-dged by the things written Inthe books, and awarded different degreesof punishment acording to their woras,The apostle now has a glimpse of theblessed th ln'gs of the eternal future, andreveals that there will be at least sevennew things.1. A renewed heaven. There will be nomore death-dealing thunder bolts or light.ning flashes froll! the sky. 2. A renewedearth. No more weeds or snakes, no moreslums or hospitals or graves. 3. No morenationalities for that i8 what we beHaveis meant by "no more sea." All men shallspeak one tongue and brothers be. 4. The

136 NEW TESTAMENT HISTORYcapital of the Heavenly world shall be theNew Jerusalem, whose beauty and glorywill be beyond compare. 5. New peoptes,for God shall dwelI with them, and theywill never weep, never suffer, never sorrow,never die, for the former things arepassed away. 6. New sanctuary, no particularplace will have a temple, for the presenceof God and of the Lamb will makeevery part of it a sanctuary. 7. A new Paradise,with its crystal river, .and the treeof life yieJodin'gits fruit of cozrptete blessedness.Thel'e wiII be no more curse, andno night there, ,for the Lord God wiII givethem ltght, and they shall serve Him, andsee His face and be known by Him, andthey shall reign forever and forever.LESSON-The last verses of Revelationare full of the sunshine and music of theword "NEW." "Behold, I make alI thingsnew." We should study more the Bibleteachings about Heaven, and rememnerthat upon every stone of its walls, andabove its pearly gates is inscribed theword "GRACEl" "Grace!" All who enterand forever enjoy its bliss will do 80 byGod's wondrous grace! As travelers oftenlay UP rich treasures of pictures, statuary,vases, etc., to place in their homesupon their return, so let us lay up astreasures for heaven, faithful service andnoble sacrifices!• * * •Questions on the LesIon.1. Give the key word and key verse.2. Who was the writer?3. To whom written?4. What the date and place?5. What the occasion?6. Give the purpose.7. Name the great facts.8. Who the source of the Revelation?9. On what d,ay was it given?10. Why should we study it?11. Whlllt the seven parts of each measlllge?12. Tell what the Lord knows about thechurches.13. Tell what the Lord holds agaill8t thechurches.14. What are the six causes of the Tribulation?15. Tell what the Lord promises to thechurches.16. Show thl8Jt the saints will not gothrough the Tribulation.17. What is meant by Post and Pre Milleniallsts?18. Give the three points why we thinkChrist wiII come before the MlIlenium.19. Give the three facts about. the Mil-Ienium.2'0. Show that the doctrine of the Com-Ing is an important one.21. Tell about the Last Judgment.22. What are the seven new things ofthe eternal state?23. How may we lay UJP treasures inHeaven?Lesson lio. 8i-Reviewthe events of the N, T, in their order of time.Lesson ThemeNEW TESTAMENTHISTORYLuke 1:1-4.KEY PHRASE-UN. T. EVElQTS IN TRIm ORDER." KEY VERSE-LUKE 1 :3-4.Home Rea.d.iDD, Periods of History. Period of: I. Christ.Read the last recorded words of the creat II. Peter. m. PauL IV. Other Apostles.characters of the New Testament. L Period of Christ's Life and lIinistry.For family altar read: 4! B. C.-30 A. D.Sunday-The last words of Chri8t, IL1*e24: 46-53.Monday-The last words of James. Ju.5:10"20.Tuesday-The last words of Jude, JudeVs. 17-25.Wednesday-The last words of Peter.II Peter 3: 10-18.Thursday-The last words of Pa.uI, nTim. 4:1-9.Friday-That last apostle living at PatmOB,Rev.1:1-11.Saturday-The last message of the Bible,Rev. U: 8-21.• • • •Augustus was emperor of Rome, and Ju-(lea was a Roman province with !Herod asits king, when Jesus was born 4 B. C. Thecalendar was changed to date from Christ'sbirth through the efforts of Gregory, butit was afterwards found that a mistllJkeof about four years was made; Christ'sbirth is therefore dated 4 B. C.1.CHRiIST'SBIRTH AND C1ULDHOOD.-1. The angel Gabriel announced toM"Jarythat she would give birth to theSavior. 2. Jesus was born at Bethlehem. 8.Was visitoo and worshipped by the shepherdsand the wlsemen. 4. Was secretlytaken down into Egypt to avoid death at

NEW TESTAMENT HISTORY 137the slaying of the babies by Herod, andafter two years returned to live at Nazareth.5. Nothing is recorded of Him agatnuntil in His twelfth year He went withHis parents to the Temple and in His replyto His mother showed that He wasconscious of His divine mission.2. HIS MINISTRY-Nothin'g more is recordeduntil Hereadhed !Jis thireiethyear, when: 1. John the Baptist anriouncedthe coming of the Messiah. 2. He was~~ptized by John. 3. Was tempted by Satanin the Wilderness for 40 days. 4.He called :His twelve disciples. 5. Cleansedthe temple by driving out the tradersand .gI1111fters. ,6. He tau/iht Nicodemusabout the new birth. 7. He !preached to thewoman at the well of Samari,a. 8. Was rejectedby His fellow-citizens at Nazareth.9. Wrought many miracles and cured manythat were sick, proving HimseH to be theSon of God. 10. Preached the Sermon onthe Mount, the most wonderful religiousteaching in the world. 11. John the Baptistwas martyred. 12. Peter made hisgreat confession. proclaiming that Christwail truly the Messiah, and the Son ofGod. 13. Christ was T:'ansti'gured withheavenly glory to st rengt hen the faithof the disciples. 14. He gave many parables.15. Raised Lazarus from the dead.16. On the Sunday before He was crucifiedon Fri

138 NI';W TESTAMENT HISTORYSION A111' .JOUnNr~Y rev lstted the ehurchosIn Asia Minor, staying about threeyears D t Eph exus, and returning this timetoJerusalem.5. Wli ile on these missionary journeys,Paul WHOTE SIX I·;PISTLES: Romans, Iand Corinthians, Galatians, and I and IIThessalonians.6. PAUL'S CLOSING MINISTRY-Jewsof Asia brought about Paul's arrest on thecharge of profaning the Temple. He waskept in prison in Cesarea for two years,and for two years more at Rome, where hepreached to all with whom he came in contact,and wrote the four Prison Epistles ofPhilemon, Colossians, Ephesians, and Phillippians.He was freed for two years, duringwhich time he wrote the PastoralEpistles of First Timothy and Titus, butbeing arr-ested again, he wrote SecondTimothy just before he was beheaded in68 A. D., and received the crown of righteousness.• * * •IV. The Other Apostles. 30·100 A. D.1. JAMES, the brother of John, was putto death with the sword by King Agrippa,in 44 A. D.2. JAMES, THE BROTHER OF OURLORD, who also wrote the epistle thatbears his name, did a great work in leadingmany Jews to accept Christ as theMessiah, which so enraged the Sanhedrinthat they stoned him to death.3. THOMAS preached the ,gospel in Persia,and likely in India.4. ANDREW labored in South Russia.and is said to have been crucified on across formed lfke the letter X. hence calledSt. Andrew's Cross.5. PHIJjLIP preached in Phryg'ia, whichwas in central Asia Minor.6. BARTHOLOMEW labored in Arabia,and likely in Armenia.7. MATTHEW is said to have laboredin Egypt, Asia and Europe.8. SIMON, not Peter, but another of theTwelve, is supposed to have spent hismissionary life in Egypt, Cyrene and GreatBritain.9 . .JOHN, after the death of Peter andPaul, became the leader among the Christians.He was pastor for a long time ofthe church at Ephesus, and won many tothe Lor-d Jesus. When the emperor, Domltianof Rome. persecuted the Chrtsttans.John was banished to the island of Patmoswhere he received the wonderfulvisions recorded in the book of Revelation,and wrote the seven short letters to thechurches in Asia. It is sai-d that when.loh n was too old and weak to preach, hewould be carried into the church, amiholding forth his hands would say, "Littlechildren, let us love one another!"THE CLOSE OF SACRED HISTORY-Christ live·:l and died to make the gospelpossible and to found His church. Theapostles were inspired to preach the gospelall over the known world, and in the scripturesthat they left to reveal the gospelin all its fullness, with its doctrines andchurch or-dinances. Henceforward, untilthe Son of Man shall come in His glory,there will be no authoritative rel lgtousteaching for man, except as it shall C(}m8from the Holy Scriptures and be madeplain by the Holy Spirit! "Unto Him wholoved us, and freed us from our sins byHis own blood, and made us kings withfree access to God, His Father, to Himbe glory and power to the end of theages! AMEN."• * * •Questions on the LeSIOn.1. Give key phrase and key verse.2. Name the four periods of New Tal'ltamenthistory.3. Who w~s the emperor of Rome andking of Judea when Jesus was born?4. Why was Christ's bil'/th dated 4B. C.?5. Give the five events of Christ'sbirth and childhood.6. Give the ei,ghteen events of His ministry.7. Give the five events of His death,resurrection and ascension.8. What are the two lesssons fromChrist's life?9. Give the eight events of Peter'speriod.10. Give the six events of Paul's period.11. Tell of the ten other apostles.12. For what did Christ live and die?13. What were the apostles inspired todo?14. Where shall we get the only authoritativereligious teaching until Christcomes again?15. Quote the verse o' Scripture praiseto Chri"t.