Chapter XXVI: Part XII: Christian Growth and Experience (2)

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

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

5. By what illustrations did Christ teach contentment?

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

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

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

7. What ancient promise should lead to contentment?

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

8. Upon whom should we cast all our care?

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

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

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

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

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

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

“A contented mind is a continual feast.”

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

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

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

Cheerfulness

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

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

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

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

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

3. In what spirit should we serve the Lord?

“Serve the Lord with _gladness_: come before His presence with _singing_.” Ps. 100:2.

4. What is sown for the upright in heart?

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

5. What effect has a merry heart?

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

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

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

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

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

“Nevertheless He left not Himself without witness, in that He did good, and _gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons_, filling our hearts with _food_ and _gladness_.” Acts 14:17.

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

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

9. Against what are Christians warned?

“_Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured_, and were destroyed of the destroyer.” 1 Cor. 10:10.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

14. How constant should our rejoicing be?

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

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

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

Christian Courtesy

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

1. What should be our conduct one toward another?

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

2. How many should we honor?

“Honor _all men_. Love the brotherhood.” 1 Peter 2:17.

3. Whom should we salute?

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

4. What respect should be shown the aged?

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

5. Whom especially should children honor?

“Honor thy _father_ and thy _mother_.” Ex. 20:12.

6. How should faithful gospel ministers be regarded?

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

7. What is the basis of true Christian courtesy?

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

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

Confessing Faults And Forgiving One Another

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

4. What instruction is given concerning confession of faults?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NOTE.—It is much easier to tell _some one else_ of a brother’s
faults than it is to tell _him_ of them _himself_; but this is not
the Christian way to proceed. The first efforts should be made
with the offender _in person_, and _alone_. But it is easier even
to tell _a brother_ of _his_ faults than it is to confess to him
_our own_. This, again, let it be noted, is the one very difficult
lesson to learn, the one Christian duty difficult to perform. Only
humility and the grace of God will enable one to do it.

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

“And when ye stand praying, _forgive_, if ye have aught against any: _that your Father_ also which is in heaven _may forgive you your trespasses_.” Mark 11:25.

11. If we do not forgive others, what will God not do?

“But if ye do not forgive, _neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses_.” Verse 26. See, for illustration, Christ’s parable recorded in Matt. 18:23-35.

12. What words of Joseph to his brethren show that he forgave them for selling him into Egypt?

“Now therefore _be not grieved, nor angry with yourselves, that ye sold me hither_: for God did send me before you to preserve life.... _So now it was not you that sent me hither, but God._” Gen. 45:5-8.

13. What was Christ’s reply to Peter’s question as to the number of times we should forgive one another?

“Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, _I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven_.” Matt. 18:21, 22.

NOTE.—That is, an unlimited number. We must pardon offenses
against us though ever so often done; we must forgive to the end.

14. What spirit did Jesus manifest toward those who nailed Him to the cross?

“Then said Jesus, _Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do_.” Luke 23:34.

15. How did Stephen manifest the same spirit toward those who stoned him?

“And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, ... and he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, _Lord, lay not this sin to their charge_.” Acts 7:59, 60. See 1 Peter 4:8.

The Duty Of Encouragement

The Father Forgiving His Son. "His father ... had compassion, and ... fell
on his neck, and kissed him." Luke 15:20.

1. When the ten spies brought back an evil report from the land of Canaan, what did Caleb say?

“And Caleb stilled the people before Moses, and said, _Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it_.” Num. 13:30.

2. What did the ten spies say?

“But the men that went up with him said, _We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we_.” Verse 31.

3. What effect did this evil report have upon the people?

“And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and _cried_; and the people _wept_ that night. And all the children of Israel _murmured_ against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, _Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness!_... And they said one to another, _Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt_.” Num. 14:1-4.

4. With what words did Moses seek to encourage Joshua?

“And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, _Be strong and of a good courage_.... The Lord, He it is that doth go before thee; He will be with thee, He will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: _fear not, neither be dismayed_.” Deut. 31:7, 8.

5. In his final charge to Joshua, what did Moses, speaking for God, say to him?

“And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge, and said, _Be strong and of a good courage_: for thou shalt bring the children of Israel into the land which I sware unto them: and I will be with thee.” Verse 23.

6. After Moses’ death, how did the Lord encourage Joshua?

“The Lord spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying, ... There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. _Be strong and of a good courage._” Joshua 1:1-6.

7. When Sennacherib, king of Assyria, came against Jerusalem, what did King Hezekiah say to Israel?

“_Be strong and courageous, be not afraid nor dismayed_ for the king of Assyria, nor for all the multitude that is with him: for there be more with us than with him: with him is an army of flesh; but with us is the Lord our God to help us, and to fight our battles.” 2 Chron. 32:7, 8.

8. What effect did these words have upon the people?

“And _the people rested themselves upon the words of Hezekiah_ king of Judah.” Verse 8.

9. How did Josiah seek to promote the worship of God?

“And he set the priests in their charges, and _encouraged them to the service of the house of the Lord_.” 2 Chron. 35:2.

10. By what message, through the prophet Haggai, did God seek to encourage the people to rebuild the temple?

“_Be strong, O Zerubbabel_, saith the Lord; and _be strong, O Joshua_, son of Josedech, the high priest; and _be strong, all ye people of the land_, saith the Lord, _and work: for I am with you, saith the Lord of hosts_.” Haggai 2:4.

11. What encouraging message has Christ left us?

“_Be of good cheer_; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.

NOTES.—A dispirited man, like a discouraged horse, is powerless to
perform his task.

“What men need most in this world’s struggle and strife is not
usually direct help, but cheer.... Many men have fainted and
succumbed in the great struggles whom one word of cheer would have
made strong to overcome. We should never, then, lose an
opportunity to say an inspiring word. We know not how much it is
needed, nor how great and far-reaching its consequences may
be.”—_“__Week-Day Religion,__”__ by J. R. Miller, D. D., page
170._

Unity Of Believers

Bethlehem. "That they may be one, even as We are one." John 17:22.

1. What relation do the Father and the Son sustain to each other?

“I and My Father _are one_.” John 10:30.

2. In what does this oneness consist?

“I seek not Mine own will, but _the will of the Father_ which hath sent Me.” John 5:30.

NOTE.—Their oneness, therefore, consists in their having the same
mind, will, and purpose.

3. What did Christ pray the Father in behalf of His disciples?

“_That they may be one_, even as We are one.” John 17:22. See also verses 11 and 23.

4. Why did Christ desire this oneness, or unity, to exist among His followers?

“That they all may be one; as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be one in Us: _that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me_.” Verse 21.

5. By what did Christ say all men should know His disciples?

“By this shall all men know that ye are My disciples, _if ye have love one to another_.” John 13:35.

NOTE.—“God has united believers in church capacity in order that
one may strengthen another in good and righteous endeavor. The
church on earth would indeed be a symbol of the church in heaven
if its members were of one mind and of one faith. It is those who
are not moved by the Holy Spirit that mar God’s plan, and cause
division, and strengthen the forces of darkness. Those who are
sanctified by the blood of Christ will not counterwork God’s work,
nor perpetuate division in the church. When there is disunion
among believers, the world concludes that they cannot be the
people of God because they are working against one another. When
believers are one with Christ, they will be united among
themselves.”

6. How did Paul show his concern in this matter?

“Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, _that ye all speak the same thing_, and _that there be no divisions among you_; but _that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment_.” 1 Cor. 1:10.

7. What was a prominent cause of division in the early church?

“For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also _of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them_.” Acts 20:29, 30.

8. What was already at work in the church in Paul’s day?

“For _the mystery of iniquity doth already work_: only he who now letteth [hindereth] will let, until he be taken out of the way.” 2 Thess. 2:7.

9. Before Christ should come, what did Paul say was to take place?

“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come _a falling away_ first, and _that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition_; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshiped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, showing himself that he is God.” Verses 3, 4.

NOTE.—The huge system of error now fostered in the papal church is
the result of the falling away here referred to. Says Wylie in his
“History of Protestantism,” Vol. III, page 25: “Rome manifestly
was the schismatic; she it was that abandoned what was once the
common faith of Christendom, leaving by that step to all who
remained on the old ground the indisputably valid title of the
true church.”

10. Together, what do believers in Christ form?

“Now _ye are the body of Christ_, and members in particular.” 1 Cor. 12:27.

11. Being members of Christ’s body, of what else do we become members?

“So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and _every one members one of another_.” Rom. 12:5.

12. As members of one another, what is the duty of each?

“That there should be no schism in the body; but that _the members should have the same care one for another_.” 1 Cor. 12:25.

13. What should they endeavor to keep?

“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love; _endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace_.” Eph. 4:1-3.

14. What unity of faith is finally to exist among God’s watchmen?

“Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing: for _they shall see eye to eye, when the Lord shall bring again Zion_.” Isa. 52:8.

15. What solemn message, just before the Lord’s coming, will unite God’s people in bonds of faith and love?

“Fear God, and give glory to Him; for the hour of His judgment is come: and worship Him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.... Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.... If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God.” Rev. 14:7-10. See Rev. 18:1-5.

16. How are those who receive this message described?

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

17. When the Lord comes, what will be the united cry of God’s people?

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

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How blest the sacred tie that binds
In sweet communion kindred minds!
How swift the heavenly course they run
Whose hearts, whose faith, whose hopes, are one.

Meekness And Humility

Jesus Scourged. "He was oppressed, and He was afflicted, yet He opened not
His mouth." Isa. 53:7.

1. What promise is made to the meek?

“Blessed are the meek: for _they shall inherit the earth_.” Matt. 5:5.

_Meek_: “Mild of temper; not easily provoked or irritated;
forbearing; submissive; humble.”—_Webster._

2. What did Christ say of His own character?

“Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me; for _I am meek and lowly of heart_: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Matt. 11:29.

3. What is said of the character of Moses?

“Now _the man Moses was very meek_, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.” Num. 12:3.

4. Whom has God promised to guide in judgment?

“_The meek_ will He guide in judgment: and _the meek_ will He teach His way.” Ps. 25:9.

5. Of what is meekness a fruit?

“But _the fruit of the Spirit is_ love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, _meekness_, temperance: against such there is no law.” Gal. 5:22, 23.

Christ In The Garden. "Nevertheless not My will, but Thine, be done." Luke
22:42.

6. What does Christ say of those who exalt themselves?

“For whosoever exalteth himself _shall be abased_; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” Luke 14:11.

NOTE.—The spirit of self-exaltation is of Satan. See Isa.
14:12-14; Eze. 28:17. Christ humbled Himself, made Himself of no
reputation, and became obedient even to the death on the cross.
See Phil. 2:5-8.

7. By what means did Jesus illustrate true humility?

“And Jesus called _a little child_ unto Him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, ... _Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child; the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven._” Matt. 18:2-4.

NOTES.—Humility is “freedom from pride and arrogance; lowliness of
mind; a modest estimate of one’s own worth.” It implies a sense of
one’s own unworthiness through imperfection and sinfulness, and
consists in rating our _claims_ low, in being willing to _waive
our rights_, and to _take a lower place than might be our due_. It
does not require that we under-rate ourselves or our life-work.
The humility of Christ was perfect, yet He had a true sense of the
importance of His life and mission.

“Humility is like a tree, whose root, when it sets deepest in the
earth, rises higher, and spreads fairer, and stands surer, and
lasts longer, and every step of its descent is like a rib of
iron.”—_Bishop Taylor._

8. How will humility lead us to esteem others?

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind _let each esteem other better than themselves_.” Phil. 2:3.

9. With whom does God dwell?

“I dwell in the high and holy place, _with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit_, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.” Isa. 57:15.

10. When asked a reason for our hope, in what spirit should we answer?

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you _with meekness and fear_.” 1 Peter 3:15.

11. Who should labor for one overtaken in a fault, and in what spirit?

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

12. With what should Christian women adorn themselves?

“Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even _the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit_, which is in the sight of God of great price.” 1 Peter 3:3, 4.

NOTE.—The instruction given here, _in principle_ applies with
equal force to men professing godliness. It is the needless
display of apparel and outward adornment that is here condemned.
God desires the ornaments _within_, displayed in the heart and
life, rather than those _without_, simply to be seen of men.
Needless outward adornment, therefore, may generally be taken as
an indication that the inward adornment, so precious in the sight
of God, is lacking. Neatness in dress is not here discouraged.

13. Why are we exhorted to humble ourselves?

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, _that He may exalt you in due time_.” 1 Peter 5:6.

NOTE.—“The higher a man is in grace, the lower he will be in his
own esteem.”—_Spurgeon._

14. With what has the Lord promised to beautify the meek?

“For the Lord taketh pleasure in His people: _He will beautify the meek with salvation_.” Ps. 149:4.

15. What are the meek exhorted to seek?

“Seek ye the Lord, all ye meek of the earth, which have wrought His judgment; seek righteousness, _seek meekness_: it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger.” Zeph. 2:3.

NOTE.—The fact that the meek are exhorted to seek meekness, is
evidence that the meek themselves should cherish and cultivate
meekness, and that sanctification, or the development of a perfect
character, is a progressive work.

16. What inheritance is promised the meek?

“For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But _the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace_.” Ps. 37:10, 11.

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I count this thing to be grandly true:
That a noble deed is a step toward God,
Lifting the soul from the common clod
To a purer air and a broader view.

We rise by the things that are under our feet;
By what we have mastered of good and gain;
By the pride deposed and the passion slain,
And the vanquished ills that we hourly meet.
J. G. HOLLAND.

Sobriety

Joseph Interpreting Pharaoh’s Dream. "Young men likewise exhort to be
sober-minded." Titus 2:6.

1. To what extent did Solomon test the pleasures of this world?

“_Whatsoever mine eyes desired_ I kept not from them, I withheld not my heart from _any joy_.” “I said in mine heart, Go to now, I will prove thee with _mirth_, therefore enjoy _pleasure_.” Eccl. 2:10, 1.

2. How much true enjoyment did such a course afford?

“Behold, _all was vanity and vexation of spirit_.” Verse 11.

3. Of what does Solomon bid the young, in the buoyancy of youth, to be mindful?

“Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and walk in the ways of thine heart, and in the sight of thine eyes; _but know thou, that for all these things God will bring thee into judgment_.” Eccl. 11:9.

4. How does the grace of God teach us that we should live?

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should _live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world_.” Titus 2:11, 12.

5. What classes of individuals are admonished to be sober?

“That the _aged men_ be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith, in charity, in patience. The _aged women_ likewise, that they be in behavior as becometh holiness, ... that they may teach the _young women_ to be sober.... _Young men_ likewise exhort to be sober-minded.” Verses 2-6.

NOTE.—These four classes include all. All should be sober.

6. What similar advice is given in the epistle to the Romans?

“Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.” Rom. 13:13.

7. What testimony does the apostle Peter bear on this point?

“Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, _be sober_, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” 1 Peter 1:13.

8. Why are foolish talking and jesting to be avoided?

“Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, _which are not convenient_.” Eph. 5:4.

NOTE.—To indulge in such things is not becoming a Christian. Life,
with all its responsibilities and great issues at stake, is too
serious a matter to be spent in such vanities.

9. What is the thought of foolishness declared to be?

“The thought of foolishness is _sin_.” Prov. 24:9.

NOTE.—Levity, foolishness, light and loose talking, throw us off
our guard, and open the way to temptation and sin. To avoid sin,
we must be sober and constantly on guard.

10. Why are sobriety and vigilance especially necessary?

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

11. What other consideration should lead us to sobriety and watchfulness?

“But _the end of all things is at hand_: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.” 1 Peter 4:7.

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How vain are all things here below!
How false, and yet how fair!
Each pleasure hath its poison, too,
And every sweet a snare.
ISAAC WATTS.

Wisdom

Wisdom Of Solomon. "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Ps.
111:10.

1. Why are we told to get wisdom?

“_Wisdom is the principal thing_; therefore get wisdom.” Prov. 4:7.

NOTE.—Wisdom implies the ability to judge soundly and deal
sagaciously. It is knowledge, with the capacity to make due use of
it. One may have abundance of _knowledge_, and at the same time
possess little _wisdom_.

2. Of how much value is wisdom?

“She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her.” Prov. 3:15.

3. What blessings follow the acquisition of wisdom?

“Exalt her, and she shall _promote thee_: she shall _bring thee to honor_, when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thine head _an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee_.” Prov. 4:8, 9.

4. Who gives wisdom?

“For the Lord giveth wisdom.” Prov. 2:6.

5. How may it be obtained?

“If any of you lack wisdom, _let him ask of God_, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; _and it shall be given him_.” James 1:5.

6. When Solomon became king, what did he ask the Lord to give him?

“Give me now _wisdom and knowledge_.” 2 Chron. 1:10.

7. How did the Lord regard this request?

“And _the speech pleased the Lord_, that Solomon had asked this thing.” 1 Kings 3:10.

8. How was Solomon’s prayer answered?

“And God said unto him, Because thou hast asked this thing, and hast not asked for thyself long life; neither hast asked riches for thyself, nor hast asked the life of thine enemies; ... _behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart.... And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honor._” Verses 11-13.

9. Are great men always wise?

“_Great men are not always wise_: neither do the aged understand judgment.” Job 32:9.

10. What is the beginning of wisdom?

“_The fear of the Lord_ is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do His commandments.” Ps. 111:10.

11. By what means was the psalmist made wiser than his enemies?

“Thou _through Thy commandments_ hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.” Ps. 119:98.

12. Why did his understanding excel that of his teachers?

“I have more understanding than all my teachers: _for Thy testimonies are my meditation_.” Verse 99.

13. What effect does wisdom have upon the countenance?

“A man’s wisdom maketh his face to _shine_.” Eccl. 8:1.

14. In what did Christ say the children of this world excel the children of light?

“For the children of this world are in their generation _wiser_ than the children of light.” Luke 16:8.

NOTE.—That is, they show more prudence, more cunning, and more
intelligence about their business than do Christians concerning
the things of God’s kingdom. “They show more skill, study more
plans, contrive more ways, to provide for themselves than the
children of light do to promote the interests of religion.”—_Dr.
Albert Barnes._

15. In what did the apostle say he would have us wise, and in what simple?

“I would have you _wise unto that which is good_, and _simple concerning evil_.” Rom. 16:19.

16. How many kinds of wisdom are there?

“Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not _the wisdom of this world_.... But we speak _the wisdom of God_ in a mystery, even _the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory_.” 1 Cor. 2:6, 7.

17. How is worldly wisdom regarded by God?

“For the wisdom of this world is _foolishness_ with God.” 1 Cor. 3:19.

18. What is the character of that wisdom which comes from God?

“But the wisdom that is from above is first _pure_, then _peaceable_, _gentle_, and _easy to be entreated_, _full of mercy and good fruits_, _without partiality_, _and without hypocrisy_.” James 3:17.

19. What wisdom are the Scriptures able to give?

“And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee _wise unto salvation_ through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” 2 Tim. 3:15.

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Broad is the road that leads to death,
And thousands walk together there;
But wisdom shows a narrow path,
With here and there a traveler.

Deny thyself, and take thy cross,
Is thy Redeemer’s great command;
Nature must count her gold but dross,
If she would gain that heavenly land.

The fearful soul that tries and faints,
And walks the ways of God no more,
Is but esteemed almost a saint,
And makes his own destruction sure.
ISAAC WATTS.

Diligence

Reading God’s Word. "Give diligence to make your calling and election
sure." 2 Peter 1:10.

1. What general command has God given concerning labor?

“Six days shalt thou labor, and do all thy work.” Ex. 20:9.

2. Instead of living upon the earnings of others, what instruction is given?

“Let him that stole steal no more: but rather _let him labor, working with his hands_ the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.” Eph. 4:28.

3. What general rule does Paul lay down upon this subject?

“For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that _if any would not work, neither should he eat_.” 2 Thess. 3:10.

4. In what language does he condemn idleness?

“For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, _working not at all_, but are busybodies. Now them that are such _we command and exhort_ by our Lord Jesus Christ, _that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread_.” Verses 11, 12.

5. What example did the apostle himself set in this matter?

“Neither did we eat any man’s bread for naught; but _wrought with labor and travail night and day_, that we might not be chargeable to any of you.” Verse 8.

6. What labor was appointed man in consequence of the fall?

“_In the sweat of thy face shall thou eat bread_, till thou return unto the ground.” Gen. 3:19.

NOTE.—A life of laborious and perpetual toil, in a world cursed
with weeds, thorns, and thistles, was appointed to man in
consequence of the entrance of sin. This was a part of the curse.
And yet even this was appointed in love, and, under existing
circumstances, is a blessing in disguise. It was a discipline
rendered necessary because of sin, to place a check upon the
indulgence of appetite and passion, to develop habits of industry
and self-control, and to teach lessons on overcoming evil. Were
not man called to labor thus, his sins and miseries would be
multiplied manyfold.

7. What are some of the results of industry?

“He that tilleth his land _shall have plenty of bread_.” Prov. 28:19. “The hand of the diligent _maketh rich_.” Prov. 10:4. “The soul of the diligent shall be _made fat_.” Prov. 13:4.

8. What results from slackness and indolence in business?

“He _becometh poor_ that dealeth with a slack hand.” Prov. 10:4. “The soul of the sluggard desireth, and _hath nothing_.” Prov. 13:4.

9. What does Solomon say concerning diligence in business?

“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.” Eccl. 9:10. “Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds.” Prov. 27:23. “He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.” Prov. 10:5.

NOTE.—“The way to wealth, if you desire it, is as plain as the way
to market. It depends chiefly on two words—_industry_ and
_frugality_; that is, waste neither _time_ nor _money_, but make
the best of both. Without industry and frugality nothing will do,
and with them everything.”—_Benjamin Franklin._

10. What does Solomon say of the industrious woman?

“_She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness._ Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.” Prov. 31:27, 28.

11. What has Paul said of the professed Christian who does not provide for his own family?

“But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, _he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel_.” 1 Tim. 5:8.

12. What picture has Solomon given of the slothful man?

“I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; and, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down.” Prov. 24:30, 31.

NOTES.—“An indolent man draweth his breath, but does not
live.”—_Cicero._

“The parent who does not teach his child a trade, teaches him to
be a thief.”—_Brahmanic Proverb._

“When tillage begins, other arts follow. The farmers therefore are
the founders of human civilization.”—_Daniel Webster._

“If a man be indolent, the best discipline to which he can be
subjected is to suffer the evils of penury.”—_Wayland._

“Nothing can be done with a man who will not work. We have in our
scheme of government no room for the man who does not wish to pay
his way through life by what he does.... Capacity for work is
absolutely necessary, and no man can be said to live in the true
sense of the word if he does not work.”—_Theodore Roosevelt._

“Luck is waiting for something to turn up. Labor, with keen eyes
and strong will, will turn up something. Luck whines. Labor
whistles. Luck relies on chances. Labor, on character. Luck slips
down to indigence. Labor strides upward to independence. Luck lies
in bed, and wishes the postman would bring him news of a legacy.
Labor turns out at six o’ clock, and with busy pen or ringing
hammer lays the foundation of a competence.”—_Cobden._

13. In spiritual matters, what is also necessary?

“And beside this, _giving all diligence_, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge.... Give _diligence_ to make your calling and election sure.” 2 Peter 1:5-10.

NOTE.—In temporal matters the difference between a prosperous man
and a sluggard lies principally in the improvement of
opportunities. One grasps these, while the other is too indolent
to do so. In the gaining of eternal life this same principle
applies. God has placed salvation within the reach of all. None
need be lost. Christ died for all, but all will not be saved, for
some do not care enough for eternal life diligently to lay hold of
it.

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

Neat be your farm; ’tis long confessed
The neatest farmer is the best;
Each bog and marsh industrious drain,
Nor let vile balks deform the plain,
Nor bushes on your headland grow,
Nor briers a sloven culture show.
Neat be your barns, your houses sweet;
Your paths be clean, your dooryards neat;
No moss the sheltering roof enshroud,
No wooden panes the windows cloud;
No sink drains should above ground flow,
Nor weeds with rankling poison grow;
But flowers expand, and fruit-trees bloom,
And fragrant shrubs exhale perfume.
Neatly enclose your garden round;
Smooth, enrich, and clear the ground;
For if to taste and profit you incline,
Beauty and use you always should combine.

Perfection Of Character

Paul Shipwrecked. "In all these things we are more than conqueror through
Him that loved us." Rom. 8:37.

1. Why are we exhorted to patience?

“But let patience have her perfect work, _that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting_ [_lacking_] _nothing_.” James 1:4.

2. How perfect does Christ tell us to be?

“Be ye therefore perfect, _even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect_.” Matt. 5:48.

3. In whom are we complete?

“And ye are complete _in Him_.” Col. 2:10.

4. After accepting Christ, what are we to do?

“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, _let us go on unto perfection_.” Heb. 6:1.

5. In what is the Christian to grow?

“But grow in _grace_, and in _the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ_.” 2 Peter 3:18.

6. How may one grow in grace?

“Giving all diligence, _add to your faith virtue_; ... _knowledge_; ... _temperance_; ... _patience_; ... _godliness_; ... _brotherly kindness_; ... _charity_.” 2 Peter 1:5-8.

7. Why does Christ desire this growth in His followers?

“That He might present it to Himself _a glorious church_, not having _spot_, or _wrinkle_, or _any such thing_; but that it should be _holy_ and _without blemish_.” Eph. 5:27.

8. What will cause the Christian to grow?

“As new-born babes, desire _the sincere milk of the word_, that ye may grow thereby.” 1 Peter 2:2.

9. In order to grow by the word of God, what must one do?

“Thy words were found, and I did eat them.” Jer. 15:16. “Thy word have I _hid in mine heart_.” Ps. 119:11. See Col. 3:16.

10. What does God’s word then become to the believer?

“Thy word was unto me _the joy and rejoicing of mine heart_.” Jer. 15:16, last part.

11. Why are the Scriptures given?

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: _that the man of God may be perfect_, throughly furnished unto all good works.” 2 Tim. 3:16, 17.

12. How may the lack of wisdom be supplied?

“If any of you lack wisdom, _let him ask of God_, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; _and it shall be given him_.” James 1:5.

13. In how many things may we ask help from God?

“Be careful for nothing; but _in everything_ by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving _let your requests be made known unto God_.” Phil. 4:6.

14. What is an evidence of perfection?

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

15. What is the bond of perfection?

“And above all these things put on _charity_, which is the bond of perfectness.” Col. 3:14. See Phil. 3:13, 14; Heb. 12:14.

16. How perfect would God have us become?

“And the very God of peace _sanctify you wholly_; and I pray God _your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless_ unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thess. 5:23.

Sowing And Reaping

Jacob’s Dream. "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Gal.
6:7.

1. What does Paul say regarding sowing and reaping?

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for _whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap_.” Gal. 6:7.

2. How is the same truth expressed by Christ?

“Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. _For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again._” Luke 6:37, 38.

NOTES.—A man’s deeds, good or evil, usually return to bless or
curse him. A farmer who sold butter to a village storekeeper and
took sugar in exchange, complained that he was getting short
weight. “Look here,” said he to the merchant, “it seems to me
you’re giving me short weight sugar.” “No,” replied the
storekeeper, “that cannot be, for in measuring out that sugar of
yours I always use a pound of your butter as a weight.”

“Good and evil come back.... God made the universe on the plan of
the circle. Isa. 40:22.... We ourselves start the circle of good
or bad actions, and it will surely come around again to us unless
by divine intervention it be hindered. Those bad or good actions
may make the circuit of many years; but come back to us they will
as certainly as that God sits on the circle of the earth.... What
a stupendous thought that the good and the evil we start come back
to us! Do you know that the judgment-day will be only the point at
which the circle joins, the good and the bad we have done coming
back to us, unless divine intervention hinders,—coming back to us,
welcome of delight or curse of condemnation?”—_T. DeWitt Talmage._

3. On what condition does Christ say God will forgive us?

“For _if ye forgive men their trespasses_, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matt. 6: 14, 15. See also Matt. 18:23-35.

4. According to what principle does God deal with men?

“With the _merciful_ Thou wilt show Thyself _merciful_; with an _upright_ man Thou wilt show Thyself _upright_; with the _pure_ Thou wilt show Thyself _pure_; and with the _froward_ Thou wilt show Thyself _froward_.” Ps. 18:25, 26.

5. How is the same truth again taught touching the wicked?