Studies on the Decalogue

                              Senior Division


              FIRST QUARTER, 1949
                               Number 215

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                            "God loveth a cheerful giver"
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                  DAILY LESSON STUDY PLEDGE    As one who greatly desires to improve my knowledge of the Scriptures, I pledge myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my Sabbath school lesson each day of the week.

                  Lesson 1, for January 1, 1949

                  The Law and the Gospel
MEMORY VERSE: "For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Rom. 8:3, 4.
STUDY HELP: "Patriarchs and Prophets," chapters 2 to 4.

                         An Ordered Universe    1. How did the physical universe originate? 'What is the secret of its harmonious operation? Heb. 11:3, first part; Isa. 40:26.

NoTE.—"There are great principles of righteousness to control the life of all intelligent beings, and upon conformity to these principles the well-being of the universe depends."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, pages 77, 78.
                     God's Beneficent Provision   3. What beneficent provision has God made that man may know the way of life? Ps. 119:104; Rom. 3:20, last part.

NOTE.—"A signpost was erected by God for those journeying through this world. One arm of this signpost pointed out willing obedience to the Creator as the road to felicity and life, while the other arm indicated disobedience as the path to misery and death."—Prophets and Kings," page 179.

                        Sin and Redemption

NOTE.—"The conditions of eternal life, under grace, are just what they were in Eden,—perfect righteousness, harmony with God, perfect conformity to the principles of His law. The standard of character presented in the Old Testa- ment is the same that is presented in the New Testament. This standard is not one to which we cannot attain. In every command or injunction that God gives, there is a promise, the most positive, underlying the command. God has made provision that we may become like unto Him, and He will accomplish this for all who do not interpose a perverse will, and thus frustrate His grace." —Thoughts From the Mount of Bussing, page 116.

                     MEM     -nplisFe Remnant    10. What two essentials have always characterized the experi- ence of those who avail themselves of the divine way of escape from condemnation? Heb. 11:8; Acts 6:7; Rev. 14:12.
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NOTE.—"Ten precepts, brief, comprehensive, and authoritative, cover the  duty of man to God and to his fellow man; and all based upon the great  fundamental principle of love."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 305.
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                 Declared From the Beginning    4. While the law of God was first set forth as the Decalogue at Sinai, what evidence have we that it was God's standard of right- eousness from the beginning? Rom. 4:15, last part; 5:13.

NOTE.—"From the very beginning of the great controversy in heaven, it has been Satan's purpose to overthrow the law of God. It was to accomplish this that he entered upon his rebellion against the Creator; and though he was cast out of heaven, he has continued the same warfare upon the earth. To de- ceive men, and thus lead them to transgress God's law, is the object which he has steadfastly pursued."—The Great Controversy, page 582.

             Still the Standard of Righteousness    6. What was it prophetically declared Jesus would abolish on Calvary? What had He no intention of abrogating? Dan. 9:27 (compare Matthew 27:51); Matt. 5:17-20.

                        No Other Gods    MEMORY VERSE: "0 come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our Maker." 'Ps. 95:6.    STUDY HELP: Taylor G. Bunch, "The Ten Commandments," pages 23-34.


                  The True Object of Worship

NorE.—"Jehovah, the eternal, self-existent, untreated One, Himself the Source and Sustainer of all, is alone entitled to supreme reverence and worship. Man is forbidden to give to any other object the first place in his affections or his service."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 305.    2. On what grounds does God claim man's exclusive allegiance and worship?    ANSWER: a. For what He is. Ps. 99:5 ; 1 Tim. 1:17.
            b. For what He has done as Creator, Ps. 95:6; as Provider, Ps. 107:8; as Deliverer, Ex. 20:2; Col. 1:13.
NorE.—"The seal of God's law is found in the fourth commandment. This only, of all the ten, brings to view both the name and the title of the Lawgiver. It declares Him to be the Creator of the heavens and the earth, and thus shows His claim to reverence and worship above all others."—The Great Controversy, page 452.   3. What kind of worship does God expect from His creatures? Deut. 6:5; Matt. 22:37, 38.

NOTE. "There is allowed no separation of our affections from God. Nothing is to divide our supreme love for Him or our delight in Hiin."—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 436.

       From Creator Worship to Creature Worship    4. By what steps did man depart from the true worship of God? To what new objects did he begin to give reverence? Rom. 1:21, 22, 25.

NOTE.—"Whatever we cherish that tends to lessen our love for God or to interfere with the service due Him, of that do we make a god."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 305.           •    7. What mental conceptions have been set up as gods and wor- shiped? Col. 2:8.

NOTE.—"It is as easy to make an idol of false doctrines and theories as to fashion an idol of wood or stone. By misrepresenting the attributes of God, Satan leads men to conceive of Him in a false character. With many, a philo- sophical idol is enthroned in the place of, ehovah ; while the living God, as He is revealed in His word, in Christ, and in the works of creation, is worshiped by but few."—The Great Controversy, page 583.
                 False Gods Degrade and Ruin

 NoTE.—"The present age is one of idolatry, as verily as was that in which  Elijah lived. No outward shrine may be visible; there may be no image for the  eye to rest upon; yet thousands are following after the gods of this world,—  after riches, fame, pleasure, and the pleasing fables that permit man to follow  the inclinations of the unregenerate heart."—Prophets and Kings, page 177.
 11. How is God seeking to recall man to the worship of Him-  .,elf? Rev. 14:6, 7.
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NOTE. "Whatever divides the affections, and takes away from the soul supreme love to God, assumes the form of an idol. Our carnal hearts would cling to our idols and seek to carry them along; but we cannot advance until we put them away, for they separate us from God. The great Head of the church has chosen His people out of the world and requires them to be separate. He designs that the spirit of His commandments shall draw them to Himself and separate them from the elements of the world."—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 289.



               Lesson 4, for January 22, 1949

                        True Worship   MEMORY VERSE: "And let them make Me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them." Ex. 25:8.   STUDY HELP: Taylor G. Bunch, "The Ten Commandments," pages 35-63.

                     The Spirit of Devotion   1. How is God described, and how only may He be worshiped? John 4:24.

NOTE.—"Christ declares Himself to be sent into the world as a representa- tive of the Father. In His nobility of character, in His mercy and tender pity, in His love and goodness, He stands before us as the embodiment of divine perfection, the image of the invisible God."—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 739.
                          Images a Snare

NOTE.—"It may have seemed strange to many of us, that among the Ten Commandments which were to set forth in the shortest possible form the highest, the most essential duties of man, the second place should be assigned to a prohibition of any kind of images. . .. Let those who wish to understand the hidden wisdom of these words study the history of ancient religions. Let them read the descriptions of religious festivals in Africa, in America, and Australia. . . . History is sometimes a stronger and sterner teacher than argu- ment, and one of the lessons which the history of religions certainly teaches is this, that the curse pronounced against those who would change the invisible into the visible, the spiritual into the material, the divine into the human, the infinite into the finite, has come true in every nation on earth."—Max Muller, quoted by W. Senior in God's Ten Words, pages 59, 60.

                    How the Gospel Delivers   6. How utterly foolish and profitless is the worship of graven images? Isa. 44:10, 18-20; 45:20; 46:7.

NoTE.—A false philosophy to which a man gives his acquiescence, and in  which he trusts rather than God, may become to him an idol. Science, evolu-  tion, education, reason, progress, civilization, humanism, all forms of state  worship and secular idealisms, are some of the "idols" to which modern man is  giving his allegiance today rather than to God.
                           A "Jealous" God    10. How does God feel toward idol worship, ancient or modern?  Ex. 20:5. See also Deuteronomy 32:16; 32:21.

NoTE.—"The close and sacred relation of God to His people is represented  under the figure of marriage. Idolatry being spiritual adultery, the displeasure  of God against it is fitly called jealousy."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 306.
11. What will be the ultimate fate of those who fail to abandon  their idols? Hosea 8:4.

12. How will God regard those who love and obey Him? Ex. 20:6.
 NOTE.—" 'Showing mercy unto thousands of them that love Me, and keep  My commandments.' In prohibiting the worship of false gods, the second  commandment by implication enjoins the worship of the true God. And to  those who are faithful in His service, mercy is promised, not merely to the  third and fourth generation as is the wrath threatened against those who hate  Him, but to thousands of generations."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 306.
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                      The Holy Name    MEMORY VERSE: "Give unto the Lord the glory due unto His name; worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness." Ps. 29:2.    STUDY HELPS: Taylor G. Bunch, "The Ten Commandments," pages 64-76; "Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing," pages 102-106, 157, 158.

                  "Hallowed Be Thy Name"    1. What do the Scriptures say of the name of God? Ps. 111:9, last part; Ps. 29:2.

Nom.—"Holy angels have been displeased and disgusted with the irreverent manner in which many have used the name of God, the great Jehovah. Angels mention that sacred name with the greatest awe, ever veiling their faces when they speak the name of God; and the name of Christ is so sacred to them that they speak it with the greatest reverence."—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 410.
"To hallow the name of the Lord requires that the words in which we speak of the Supreme Being be uttered with reverence."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, page 157.
"Never should that name be spoken lightly or thoughtlessly. Even in prayer its frequent or needless repetition should be avoided."—Education, page 243.

               The Name of the Lord Profaned   4. How did God's people of old profane the name of the Lord among the heathen? Ezek. 36:20, 23. See Leviticus 18:21.
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                      Invoking God's Name   8. In what legitimate way may the name of God be invoked? Deut. 6:13; Dan. 12:7; Rev. 10:5, 6.

NOTE.-"Our Saviour did not . . . forbid the use of the judicial oath, in which God is solemnly called to witness that what is said is truth, and nothing but the truth. Jesus Himself, at His trial before the Sanhedrin, did not refuse to testify under oath. The high priest said unto Him, 'I adjure Thee by the living God, that Thou tell us whether Thou be the Christ, the Son of God.' Jesus answered, 'Thou hast said.' Matt. 26:63, 64. Had Christ, in the Sermon on the Mount, condemned the judicial oath, He would at His trial have re- proved the high priest, and thus, for the benefit of His followers, have en- forced His own teaching."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, page 104.
"If there is anyone who can consistently testify under oath, it is the Chris- tian. . . . When required to do so in a lawful manner, it is right for him to appeal to God as a witness that what he says is the truth, and nothing but the truth."—Ibid., pages 104, 105.    9. What proper reticence, however, should we exercise even in this solemn act? Matt. 5:34-37.
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NoTE.—"God will remember those who have met together and thought upon His name, and He will spare them from the great conflagration. They will be as precious jewels in His sight ; but His wrath will fall on the shelterless head of the sinner."—Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 107.    13. How universally will the name of the Lord be reverenced in the new earth? Isa. 59:19.

NOTE.-"With unutterable delight the children of earth enter into the joy and wisdom of unfallen beings. They share the treasures of knowledge and understanding gained through ages upon ages in contemplation of God's handi- work. With undimmed vision they gaze upon the glory of creation,—suns and stars and systems, all in their appointed order circling the throne of Deity. Upon all things, from the least to the greatest, the Creator's name is written, and in all are the riches of His power displayed."—The Great Controversy, pages 677, 678.


      "Take the Bible, and on your knees plead with God
  to enlighten your mind. If we would study the Bible
  diligently and prayerfully every day, we should every
  day see some beautiful truth in a new, clear, and for-
  cible light."—Mrs. E. G. White, Review and Herald,
  March 4, 1884.

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                    Creation's Memorial    MEMORY VERSE: "And He said unto them, The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath." Mark 2:27.    STUDY HELP: Taylor G. Bunch, "The Ten Commandments," pages 77-90.

                    Remembering the Creator    1. What fundamental difference between the power of the true God and false gods should be recognized in worship? Jer. 10:10-12; Ps. 96:5.

NOTE.—"The duty to worship God is based upon the fact that He is the Creator, and that to Him all other beings owe their existence.' And wherever, in the Bible, His claim to reverence and worship, above the gods of the heathen, is presented, there is cited the evidence of His creative power. . . . 'This great fact can never become obsolete, and must never be forgotten.' "—The Great Controversy, pages 436-438.    2. What period of time was particularly set apart for the wor- ship of the Creator, and why? Ex. 20:8-11. See.also Genesis 2:1-3.

NOTE.—"All through the week we are to hav,e the Sabbath in mind, and be making preparation to keep it according to the commandment."—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 353.    "When the Sabbath commences, we should place a guard upon ourselves, upon our acts and our words, lest we rob God by appropriating to our own use that time which is strictly the Lord's."—I bid., vol. 2, p. 702.    4. In view of His participation in the work of creation what claim was Jesus also justified in making? Mark 2:28.

NOTE.—"It belongs to Christ. For 'all things were made by Him; and with- out Him was not anything made that was made.' Since He made all things, He made the Sabbath. By Him it was set apart as a memorial of the work of creation. It points to Him as both the Creator and the Sanctifier."—The Desire of Ages, page 288.
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NOTE.—"God's sanctifying the day is equivalent to His commanding men to sanctify it. As at the close of creation the seventh day was then set apart by the Most High for such purpose, without limitation to age or country, the observance of it is obligatory upon the whole human race.... The sanctification of the seventh day in the present case can only be understood of its being set apart to the special worship and service of God."—G. Bush, Notes on Genesis, vol. 1, pp. 47-49.
"The Sabbath is not introduced as a new institution but as having been founded at creation. It is to be remembered and observed as the memorial of the Creator's work."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 307.   8. What convincing evidence have- we that the Sabbath would continue to be obligatory in the Christian Era? Matt. 24:20.

NOTE.—Jesus knew that Jerusalem would not fall until many years after His death. Obviously, then, He expected that the Christians would continue worshiping "according to the commandment," even as they had always done. Never once did He suggest that His death and resurrection would make any difference to the Sabbath. As they had worshiped on the seventh-day Sabbath during the time He spent on earth with therh, so He expected them to con- tinue after He left them. And if the seventh-day Sabbath was observed by the Christians forty years after the resurrection, when Jerusalem fell, can thete be the slightest justification for not observing it four hundred years after, or fourteen hundred years after, or nineteen hundred years after?

                       A Sign of Allegiance   9. What significance would the Sabbath all down the ages have for God and man? Ex. 31:13; Ezek. 20:12, 20.

NoTE.—"Pointing to God as the Maker. of the heavens and the earth, it
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NOTE.—"The law forbids secular labor on the rest day of the Lord; the toil that gains a livelihood must cease ; no labor for worldly pleasure or profit is lawful upon that day; but as God ceased His labor of creating, and rested upon the Sabbath and blessed it, so man is to leave the occupations of his daily life, and devote those sacred hours to healthful rest, to worship, and to holy deeds." —The Desire of Ages, page 207.    "Those who discuss business matters or lay plans on the Sabbath, are re- garded by God as though engaged in the actual transaction of business. To keep the Sabbath holy, we should not even allow our minds to dwell upon things of a worldly character."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 307.    11. How is the time of the Sabbath to be used? Lev. 23:3, first part; Luke 4:16.

NoTE.—"Nature must continue her unvarying course. God could not for a moment stay His hand, or man would faint and die. And man also has a work to perform on this day. The necessities of life must be attended to, the sick must be cared for, the wants of the needy must be supplied. He will not be held guiltless who neglects to relieve suffering on the Sabbath. God's holy rest day was made for man, and acts of mercy are in perfect harmony with its intent. God does not desire His creatures to suffer an hour's pain that may be relieved upon the Sabbath or any other day."—The Desire of Ages, page 207.    13. What is promised to those who rightly observe the Sab- bath? Isa. 58:13, 14.

NOTE.—"All heaven was represented to me as beholding and watching upon the Sabbath those who acknowledge the claims of the fourth commandment and are observing the Sabbath. Angels were marking their interest in, and high regard for, this divine institution. Those who sanctified the Lord God in their hearts by a strictly devotional frame of mind, and who sought to improve the sacred hours in keeping the Sabbath to the best of their ability, and to honor God by calling the Sabbath a delight,—these the angels were specially blessing with light and health, and special strength was given them."—Testimonies, - vol. 2, pp. 704, 705.    14. In what special way will God's creative work continue to be remembered? Isa. 66:23.
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               Lesson 7, for February 12, 1949

                   Parents and Children    MEMORY VERSE: "Honor thy father and mother; which is the first command- ment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth." Eph. 6:2, 3.    STUDY HELPS: Taylor G. Bunch, "The Ten Commandments," pages 91-109; "Christ's Object Lessons," pages 198-211 (new ed., pages 201-213); "Messages to Young People," pages 325-340.

                      Parental Responsibility    1. What institution besides the Sabbath was established in the beginning? How did God complete the first family circle? Gen. 2:20-24; 5:3-5.

NoTa.—"The family circle is the school in which the child receives its first and most enduring lessons. Hence parents should be much at home. By pre- cept and example, they should teach their children the love and the fear of God ; teach them to be intelligent, social, affectionate, to cultivate habits of industry, economy, and self-denial."—Fundamentals of Christian Education, page 65.
"To a great extent, parents hold in their own hands the future happiness of their children. Upon them rests the important work of forming the character of these children. The instructions given in childhood will follow them all through life."—Testimonies, vol. 1, p. 393.
                    Children's Debt to Parents   3. What corresponding debt do children owe their parents? Ex. 20:12.
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NOTE.—"Jesus is our example. There are many who dwell with interest upon the period of his public ministry, while they pass unnoticed the teaching of His early years. But it is in His home life that He is the pattern for all children and youth. . . . And every youth who follows Christ's example of faithfulness and obedience in His lowly home may claim those words spoken of Him by the Father through the Holy Spirit, 'Behold My servant, whom I up- hold; Mine elect, in whom My soul delighteth.' "—The Desire of Ages, page 74.   6. What emphasis did Jesus place upon the fifth command- ment? Matt. 19:19, first part; 15:4-6.

NOTE.—"If your children come forth from the home training pure and, virtuous; if they fill the least and lowest place in God's great plan of good for the world, your life can never be called a failure, and can never be reviewed with remorse."—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 44.
"When the judgment shall sit, and the books shall be opened; when the `well done' of the great Judge is pronounced, and the crown of immortal glory is placed upon the brow of the victor, many will raise their crowns in sight of the assembled universe and, pointing to their mother, say, `She made me all I am through the grace of God. Her instruction, her prayers, have been blessed to my eternal salvation.' "—Messages to Young People, page 330.   11. What sorrow will the wayward child bring? Luke 15:11-13. See also Proverbs 17:25.

NOTE.—"Little did the gay, thoughtless youth, as he went out from his father's gate, dream of the ache and longing left in that father's heart. When he danced and feasted with his wild companions, little did he think of the shadow that had fallen on his home."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 203.    "Many fathers and mothers have gone down brokenhearted to the grave because of the ingratitude, the lack of respect, shown them by their children." —Messages to Young People, page 332.   12. What joy did the return of a prodigal bring to his parents? Luke 15:13:32.

                          Draw Together

NorE:—"Perhaps no sign of the present time is more sad than the preva-
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NOTE.—"Life may be taken accidentally, or in self-defense, or even in shocking carelessness, all which is homicide, but not murder. To constitute murder, life must be taken evilly and willfully. There must be present in the act personal feeling, bate, or revenge, or covetousness. It is this personal feeling which makes murder awful, and which sends a thrill of horror through the land as the national conscience is confronted with the hideous sin."—W. Senior, God's Ten Words, page 219.

                      Murder and Its Motive   3. Where do we find the earliest recorded breach of the sixth commandment? Gen. 4:8-10.

NOTE.—"Our Lord makes plain the very spirit of the law, and so confronts the true spirit within us by teaching that there may be murder without any killing, or wound, or even blow. He carries it down from the deed of the hand to the feeling of the heart: . .. passion, hate, malice, covetousness, ill temper.
 In the sight of the Searcher of hearts, all evil anger, malicious feeling, and unforgiving temper is the spirit of murder."—W. Senior, God's Ten Words, page 232.
"All acts of injustice that tend to shorten life; the spirit of hatred and revenge, or the indulgence of any passion that leads to injurious acts toward others, or causes us even to wish them harm (for 'whoso hateth his brother is a murderer') ; a selfish neglect of caring for the needy or suffering; all self- indulgence or unnecessary deprivation or excessive labor that tends to injure health,—all these are, to a greater or less degree, violations of the sixth corn- mandment."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 308.

                     God's People Persecuted . 8. What have the people of God sometimes suffered for their   faith? Heb. 11:36-38; Matt. 24:9.

 NOTE.—"In all ages God's appointed witnesses have exposed themselves to  reproach and persecution for the truth's sake. Joseph was maligned and perse-  cuted because he preserved his virtue and integrity. David, the chosen messen-  ger of God, was hunted like a beast of prey by his enemies. Daniel was cast into  a den of lions because he was true to his allegiance to heaven. Job was deprived  of his worldly possessions, and so afflicted in body that he was abhorred by his  relatives and friends; yet he maintained his integrity. Jeremiah could not be  deterred from speaking the words that God had given him to speak; and his  testimony so enraged the king and princes that he was cast into a loathsome pit.  Stephen was stoned because he preached Christ and Him crucified. Paul was  imprisoned, beaten with rods, stoned, and finally put to death because he was  a faithful messenger for God to the Gentiles. And John was banished to the  Isle of Patmos 'for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.' "   —The Acts of the Apostles, page 575.
9. How will the bloodguiltiness of the persecutors recoil upon  their own heads? Rev. 18:6, 24; Matt. 23:34-36.
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NOTE.—"The remnant church will be brought into great trial and distress. Those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, will feel the ire of the dragon and his hosts. Satan numbers the world as his subjects, he has gained control of the apostate churches; but here is a little company that are resisting his supremacy. If he could blot them from the earth, his triumph would be complete. As he influenced the heathen nations to destroy Israel, so in the near future he will stir up the wicked powers of.earth to destroy the people of God."—Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 231.

NOTE.—"Satan's attacks against the advocates of the truth will wax more bitter and determined to the very close of time. . . . The people will be led to acts of violence and opposition. . . . What course shall the advocates of truth pursue? They have the unchangeable, eternal word of God, and they should reveal the fact that they have the truth as it is in Jesus. Their words must not be rugged and sharp. In their presentation of truth they must manifest the love and meekness and gentleness of Christ. Let the truth do the cutting; the word of God is as a sharp, two-edged sword, and will cut its way to the heart." —Testimonies, vol. 9, p. 239.

NOTE.—"From garrets, from hovels, from dungeons, from scaffolds, from mountains and deserts, from the caves of the earth and the caverns of the sea, Christ will gather His children to Himself. On earth they have been destitute, afflicted, and tormented. Millions have gone down to the grave loaded with infamy because they refused to yield to the deceptive claims of Satan. By human tribunals the children of God have been adjudged the vilest of criminals. But the day is near when 'God is judge Himself.' Ps. 50:6. Then the decisions of earth shall be reversed. 'The rebuke of His people shall He take away.' Isaiah 25:8."—Christ's Object Lessons, pages 179, 180.
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                Pure in Heart and Life    MEMORY VERSE: ',Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." Matt. 5:8.    STUDY HELPS: Taylor G. Bunch, "The Ten Commandments," pages 120-134; "Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing," pages 93, 94.

                      A Sacred Relationship    1. What relationship did God ordain in the creation of our first parents? Matt. 19:4-6. See Genesis 2:20-24.

NOTE.—"The command is a simple, unqualified, irrevocable negative. 'Thou shalt not !' No argument is used, no reason given, because none is required. The sin is of so destructive and damning a nature that it is in itself sufficient cause for the stern forbidding. . . . A sevenfold vice is this sin of unchaste conduct, being sin against the individual, the family, society, the nation, the race, the universe, and God."—G. Campbell Morgan, The Ten Commandments, page 78.
3. What law inexorably operates in the life of man? Gal. 6:7, 8; 1 Cor. 15:33.

NOTE.—"He who has once yielded to temptation will yield more readily the second time. Every repetition of the sin lessens his power of resistance, blinds his eyes, and stifles conviction. Every seed of indulgence sown will bear fruit. God works no mirade to, prevent the harvest."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 268.

                         Secret of Stability
4. To what may sensuality ultimately be traced? Rom. 1:28, 29.


 NOTE.—"Let the mind be directed to high and holy ideals, let the life have  a noble aim, an absorbing purpose, and evil finds little foothold. Let the youth,  then, be taught to give close study to the word of God. Received into the soul,  it will prove a mighty barricade against temptation."—Education, page 190.
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NoTE.—"If you draw close to Jesus, and seek to adorn your profession by a well-ordered life and godly conversation, your feet will be kept from straying into forbidden paths. If you will only watch, continually watch unto prayer, if you will do everything as if you were in the immediate presence of God, you will be saved from yielding to temptation, and may hope to be kept pure, spotless, and undefiled till the last. . . . If Christ be within us, we shall crucify the flesh with the affections and lusts."—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 148.

                       Temple of God's Spirit    7. Why are sins against the body so extremely wicked? What do we owe God? 1 Cor. 6:15, 19, 20.

NOTE.—"Is it true that all the powers of our being, our bodies, our spirits, , all that we have, and all we are, belong to God? It certainly is. And when we realize this, what obligation does it lay us under to God to preserve ourselves in that condition that we may honor Him upon the earth in our bodies and in our spirits which are His."—Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 354.    8. What manner of life only is becoming to saints? 1 Thess. 4:7.

NOTE.—"It is your duty to control your thoughts. You will have to war against a vain imagination. You may think that there can be no sin in permit- ting your thoughts to run as they naturally would without restraint. But this is not so. You are responsible to God for the indulgence of vain thoughts; for from vain imaginations arises the committal of sins, the actual doing of those things upon which the mind has dwelt. Govern your thoughts, and it will thtn be much easier to govern your actions. Your thoughts need to be sanctified." —Testimonies, vol. 3, p. 82.    11. By what means is control of the thoughts made possible? 2 Cor. 10:4, 5.

Nora.—"It is for you to yield up your will to the will of Jesus Christ; and as you do this, God will immediately take possession, and work in you to will and to do of His good pleasure. Your whole nature will then be brought under the control of the Spirit of Christ; and even your thoughts will be subject to Him."—Testimonies, vol. 5, p. 514.

                       The Pure Remnant    12. What figure is used symbolically of the righteous? Rev. 14:1, 4.

NOTE.—"The Bible is an unerring guide. It demands perfect purity in word, in thought, and in action. Only virtuous and spotless characters will be per- mitted to enter the presence of a pure and holy God."—Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 312.
"The pure in heart live as in the visible presence of God during the time He apportions them in this world. And they will also see Him face to face in the future,, immortal state, as did Adam when he walked and talked with God in Eden."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, page 45.


235    MILLION PEOPLE TO EVANGELIZE
         The Far Eastern Division Looks to YOU
                      for a liberal
   THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
                             March 26.

                                 ( 27

                   Honesty in All Things    MEMORY VERSE: "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.    STUDY HELP: Taylor G. Bunch, "The Ten Commandments," pages 135-147..

                      The Right of Ownership    1. By what commandment are the legitimate rights of possession safeguarded? Ex. 20:15.

NorE.—"Both public and private sins are included in this prohibition. The eighth commandment condemns manstealing and slave dealing, and forbids wars of conquest. It condemns theft and robbery. It demands strict integrity in the minutest details of the affairs of life. It forbids overreaching in trade, and requires the payment of just debts or wages. It declares that every attempt to advantage one's self by the ignorance, weakness, or misfortune of another, is registered as fraud in the books of heaven."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 309.    2. What reward for diligent effort does God promise? Deut. 8:18.

NorE.—"There is no sin in being rich, if riches are not acquired by in- justice."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 266.

                    Warnings and Admonition   3. What counsel was given the taxgatherers in Christ's day? Luke 3:12, 13.

NOTE.—"The great and holy and merciful God will never be in league with dishonest practices; not a single touch of injustice will He vindicate."—Testi- monies to Ministers, page 360.    "Sin is sin, whether committed by the possessor of millions, or by the beggar in the streets. Those who secure property by false representations are bringing condemnation on their souls. All that is obtained by deceit and fraud will be only a curse to the receiver."—Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 311.    4. Against what temptation are employers warned? What should all workers render? Lev. 19:13, 36; Titus 2:9, 10.

NOTE.—"Were the principles of God's laws regarding the distribution of property carried out in the world today, how different would be the condition of the people! An observance of these principles would prevent the terrible evils that in all ages have resulted from the oppression of the poor by the rich
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NOTE.—"An honest man, according to Christ's measurement, is one who will manifest unbending integrity. Deceitful weights and false balances, with which many seek to advance their interests in the world, are abomination in the sight of God. Yet many who profess to keep the commandments of God are dealing with false weights and false balances."—Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 310.
"It is neither the magnitude nor the seeming insignificance of a business transaction that makes it fair or unfair, honest or dishonest. By the least departure from rectitude we place ourselves on the enemy's ground, and may go on, step by step, to any length of injustice. A large proportion of the Chris- tian World divorce religion from their business. Thousands of little tricks and petty dishonesties are practiced in dealing with their fellow men, which reveal the true state of the heart, showing its corruption."—Ibid., vol. 4, p. 337.

                   Repentance and Restoration    6. What course of action is required of a repentant thief? Ezek. 33:15, 16; Luke 19:8, 9.

Nork.—"Every converted soul will, like Zacchaeus, signalize the entrance of Christ into his heart by an abandonment of the unrighteous practices that have marked his life. Like the chief publican, he will give proof of his sincerity by making restitution. ... If we have injured others through any unjust business transaction, if we have overreached in trade, or defrauded any man, even though it be within the pale of the law, we should confess our wrong, and make restitution as far as lies in our power. It is right for us to restore not only that which we have taken, but all that it would have accumulated if put to a right and wise use during the time it has been in our possession."—The Desire of Ages, page 556.
7. What antidote for stealing is recommended? Eph. 4:28.

                            Robbing God   9. In what other way, besides abusing the rights of fellow men, is the eighth commandment broken? Mal. 3:8.

NOTE.—"As a man deals with his fellow men, so will he deal with God. He that is unfaithful in ale mammon of unrighteousness, will never be entrusted with the true riches. The children of God should not fail to remember that in all their business transactions they are being proved, weighed in the balances of the sanctuary."—Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 311. -    10. How are the results of honesty and dishonesty in this mat- ter set forth? Amos 8:5; Mal. 3:8-10.

Nora.—"If all who profess to be followers of Christ were truly sanctified, their means, instead of being spent for needless and even hurtful indulgences, would be turned into the Lord's treasury, and Christians would set an example of temperance, self-denial, and self-sacrifice. Then they would be the light of the world."—The Great Controversy, page 475.
"Those who selfishly spend the Lord's gifts on themselves, leaving their needy fellow creatures without aid, and doing nothing to advance God's work in the world, dishonor their Maker. Robbery of God is written opposite their names in the books of heaven."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 266.

                    Recompense and Reward    11. How will sinful exploitation recoil upon the transgressors in the last days? James 5:1-5; Ezek. 7:19.

NcrrE.—"Riches bring with them great responsibilities. To obtain wealth by unjust dealing, by overreaching in trade, by oppressing the widow and the fatherless, or by hoarding up riches and neglecting the wants of the needy, will eventually bring the just retribution described by the inspired apostle: `Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you.' "— Testimonies, vol. 2, p. 682.   12. How does God counsel and encourage the exploited ones? James 5:7.

NoTE.—"Whatever crosses they have been called to bear, whatever losses they have sustained, whatever persecution they have suffered, even to the loss of their temporal life, the children of God are amply recompensed. `They shall see His face; and His name shall be in their foreheads.' Rev. 22:4."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 180.



                Lesson 11, for March 12, 1949

                         Truthful Lips
MEMORY VERSE: "Lying lips are abomination to the- Lord: but they that deal truly are His delight." Prov. 12:22.    STUDY HELP: Taylor G. Bunch, "The Ten Commandments," pages 148-161.

                      The Use of the Tongue   1. Against what sin of the tongue does the ninth command- ment specifically warn? Ex. 20:16.

NOTE.—"This precept forbids every effort to injure our neighbor's reputa- tion by misrepresentation or evil surmising, by slander or talebearing. Even the intentional suppression of truth, by which injury may result to others, is a violation of the ninth commandment."—Patriarchs and Prophets, page 309.    2. In what worthy ways should the tongue be employed? Eph. 4:29; Ps. 145:5-7, 11, 12; 37:30; Job 16:5.

NOTE.—"The Lord desires us to make mention of His goodness and tell of His power. He is honored by the expression of praise and thanksgiving."— Christ's Object Lessons, page 298.
"Words of cheer and encouragement spoken when the soul is sick and the pulse of courage is low,—these are regarded by the Saviour as if spoken to Himself. As hearts are cheered, the heavenly angels look on in pleased recog- nition."—The Ministry of Healing, page 159.    3. What harm may the tongue work if uncontrolled? James 3:5, 6, 9, 10.

NoTE.—"There are some who, in order to tear down or injure the reputation of another, will, from sheer malice, fabricate falsehoods concerning them." —Testimonies, vol. 4, p. 335.
"Closely allied to gossip is the covert insinuation, the sly innuendo, by which the unclean in heart seek to insinuate the evil they dare not openly express. Every approach to these practices the youth should be taught to shun, as they would shun the leprosy."—Education, page 236.    5. What other form of falsehood is condemned in the Scrip- tures? Ps. 12:2; Prov. 26:28.

NOTE.—"Falsehood and deception of every cast is sin against the God of truth and verity. The word of God is plain upon these points. . . . God is a God of sincerity and truth. The word of God is a book of truth. Jesus is a faithful and true witness. The church is the witness and ground of the truth.
                                [ 32

NoTE.—"When the mind is pure and the thoughts ennobled by the truth of Ged, the words will be of the same character, 'like apples of gold in baskets of silver.' "—Counsels to Teachers, page 443.                                       •
"We cannot speak the truth unless our minds are continually guided by Him who is truth."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, page 106. ,

                   Deceivers of the Last Days
12. What forms of falsehood will be particularly manifest in  the last days? 2 Tim. 3:3, 13; 1 Tim. 4:1, 2.

14. What language may well be the prayer of the soul? Ps. 19:14.
                                  [33]

                    How Covetousness Began   1. How comprehensive is the command against covetousness? Ex. 20:17. See also Romans 13:9.

NoTE.—"In proportion as the love of Christ fills our hearts and controls our lives, covetousness, selfishness, and love of ease will be overcome, and it will be our pleasure to do the Will of Christ, whose servants we claim to be."—Testi- monies, vol. 3, p. 382.    9. With what should we be content, and why? Heb..13:5.

NorE.—"Open your hearts to receive this kingdom, and make its service your highest interest. Though it is a spiritual kingdom, fear not that your needs for this life will be uncared for. If you give yourself to God's service, He who has all power in heaven and earth will provide for your needs."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing, page 147.
               Divine Remedy for Covetousness   10. What provision has God made to check covetousness in His people? Mal. 3:10.

NOTE.—"Constant, self-denying benevolence is God's remedy for the can- kering sins of selfishness and covetousness. God has arranged systematic benevolence to sustain His cause and relieve the necessities of the suffering and needy. He has ordained that giving should become a habit, that it may coun- teract the dangerous and deceitful sin of covetousness. Continual giving starves covetousness to death. Systematic benevolence is designed in the order
                                   35

NOTE.—"The scribe was near to the kingdom of God, in that he recognized deeds of righteousness as more acceptable to God than burnt offerings and sacrifices. But he needed' to recognize the divine character of Christ, and through faith in Him receive power to do the works of righteousness. The ritual service was of no value, unless connected with Christ by living faith. Even the moral law fails of its purpose, unless it is understood in its relation to the Saviour. Christ had repeatedly shown that His Father's law contained something deeper than mere authoritative commands. In the law is embodied the same principle that is revealed in the gospel. The law points out man's duty and shows him his guilt. To Christ he must look for pardon and for power to do what the law enjoins."—The Desire of Ages, page 608.
"God's law is fulfilled only as men love Him with heart, mind, soul, and strength, and their neighbor as themselves. It is the manifestation of this love that brings glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace and good will to men."—Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 139.    2. What ancient command did Jesus amplify when He desig- nated love as the way of obedience? Deut. 6:4, 5; 2 John 5, 6.

NoTE.—"He who proclaimed the law from Sinai, and delivered to Moses the precepts of the ritual law, is the same that spoke the Sermon on the Mount. The great principles of love to God, which He set forth as the foundation of the law and the prophets, are only a reiteration of what He had spoken through Moses to the Hebrew people. . . . The Teacher is the same in both dispensa- tions. God's claims are the same. The principles of His government are the
                                    [36 ]

 NOTE.—"In the new birth the heart is brought into harmony with God, as it is brought into accord with His law. When this mighty change has taken place in the sinner, he has passed from death unto life, from sin unto holiness, from transgression and rebellion to obedience and loyalty. The old life of alienation from God has ended; the new life of reconciliation, of faith and love, has begun."—The Great Controversy, page 468.
 "The love of Christ with its redeeming power has come into the heart. This love masters every other motive, and raises its possessor above the corrupting influence of the world."—Christ's Object Lessons, page 101.
 "It is the work of the Holy Spirit from age to age to impart love to human hearts; for love is the living principle of brotherhood."—Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 139.    6. How will love implanted in the life inevitably manifest itself? John 14:15, 23; 2 John 6.

NOTE.—"John did not teach that salvation was to be earned by obedience; but that obedience was the fruit of faith and love.. . . If we abide in Christ, if the love of God dwells in the heart, our feelings, our thoughts, our actions, will
                                  [ 37 ]

NorE.—"Since all the commandments are summed up in love to God and man, it follows that not one precept can be broken without violating this principle. Thus Christ taught His hearers that the law of God is not so many separate precepts, some of which are of great importance, while others are of small importance, and may with impunity be ignored. Our Lord presents the first four and the last six commandments as a divine whole, and teaches that love to God will be shown by obedience to all His commandments."—The Desire of Ages, page 607.
"God's law is one living word, man's duty is the response of one central feeling. . . . Is it not that each sin which the law condemns is a violation of that spirit which the law demands? Love violated, the whole moral life is violated."—W. Senior, God's Ten Words, pages 352, 354.
                    Love and Our Neighbor

NOTE.—"Christ has shown that our neighbor does not mean merely one of the church or faith to which we belong. It has no reference to race, color, or class distinction. Our neighbor is every person who needs our help. Our neigh- bor is every soul who is wounded and bruised by the adversary. Our neighbor is everyone who is the property of God."—The Desire of Ages, page 503.

NOTE.—" 'Let us not love in word,' the apostle writes, 'but in deed and in truth.' The completeness of Christian character is attained, when the impulse to help and bless others springs constantly from within. It is the atmosphere of this love surrounding the soul of the believer that makes him a savor of life unto life, and enables God to bless his work."—The Acts of the Apostles, page 551.
"The law of love calls for the devotion of body, mind, and soul to the service of God and our fellow men."—Education, page 16.
                                 [ 38 ]

                    FAR EASTERN DIVISION
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  KOREAN             /ARAN                79332,140 19 662 1,020
                     KOREAN               24.326.327 134 2.777 1,962
                     MALAYAN              46,170,770 39 1.947 3.017
  UNION              NETHERLANDS          70,476.000 172 6.668 6,914

                     PHILIPPINE           14,193.557 445 26,209 32528
    • 66001
                     DIVISION TOTALS 234.699.101 809 38.225 45,441
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   THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
               March 26, 1949 —Far Eastern Division
In this far-flung Far Eastern Division with approximately 235,000,000 population we have 40,000 baptized members. A new interest in the things of God has sprung up in this field, and a special effort is being made to take advantage of this opportunity to hasten the gospel message. The doors are wide open, and we must enter. For many years some of the Pacific islands have waited for the gospel. This field needs everything—workers, chapels, schools, medical institutions, and homes for workers.
The two projects, however, to which the overflow of the Thirteenth Sab- bath Offering is dedicated are the establishing of headquarters on Guam for the newly organized Far Eastern Island Mission, comprising the Marianas, Palau, Caroline, and the Marshall Islands, and the opening of medical work in Hiro- shima, Japan. The latest overflow offering given to this field the fourth quarter of 1946 was $36,162.54. Will you not give generously of your means to these two projects that we may roll up an even larger overflow on March 26?
                            Printed in U. S. A.