Christian Help Work

Christian Help WorkIllustration.The Samaritan At The Inn. "He ... brought him to an inn, and took care of him." Luke 10:33, 34.1. What was the character of Christ's work among men?“Who went aboutdoing good.”Acts 10:38.2. What will His true followers do?“He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also soto walk, even as He walked.”1 John 2:6.3. In ministering to the needy, whom are we really serving?“Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren,ye have done it unto Me.”Matt. 25:40.4. How long will there be poor in the world?“Ye have the pooralways with you.”Matt. 26:11.5. What relation do all sustain to God?“The rich and poormeet together: the Lord isthe makerof them all.”Prov. 22:2.6. What is one good evidence of genuine repentance?“Break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities byshowing mercy to the poor.”Dan. 4:27.7. What is one evidence that one has a knowledge of God?[pg 645]“Hejudged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well with him: was not this toknow Me? saith the Lord.”Jer. 22:16.8. What classes are subjects for Christian help work?“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit thefatherlessandwidowsin their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”James 1:27.9. Is it our duty always to give what is expected or asked?“Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; butsuch as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.”Acts 3:6. See 2 Cor. 12:8.10. What is sometimes of greater value even than money to discouraged souls?“Ismiled on themwhen they had no confidence.”Job 29: 24, margin R. V.11. What divine law of retroaction attends giving?“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. Forwith the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”Luke 6:38. See Ps. 18:25, 26; 109:17; Gal. 6:7.12. What is promised those who give to the poor?“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; andthat which he hath given will He pay him again.”Prov. 19:17.“He that giveth unto the poorshall not lack.”Prov. 28:27.13. How did Job learn of the needs of the poor?“The cause of him that I knew notI searched out.”Job 29:16, R. V.“I usedto investigate.”Jewish Version.14. What parable illustrates practical Christian help work?The parable of the good Samaritan. Luke 10:30-37.15. When Christ sent out the seventy, what did He tell them to do in the cities whither they went?“Andheal the sickthat are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.”Verse 9.16. Amidst poverty, suffering, and distress, what kind of workers does God wish to see?“But this is a peoplerobbedandspoiled; they are all of themsnared in holes, and they arehid in prison-houses: they are for[pg 646]aprey, andnone delivereth:for a spoil, and none saith,Restore. Who among you will give ear to this?”Isa. 42: 22, 23.17. What is our duty toward the outcast and wandering?“Hidethe outcasts;bewray not him that wandereth. Let Mine outcastsdwell with thee.”Isa. 16:3, 4.18. What incentive have Christians for doing prison work?“I was in prison, and ye came unto Me.”Matt. 25:36.19. Who notes the groans of the prisoner?“From heaven didthe Lordbehold the earth;to hear the groaning of the prisoner.”Ps. 102:19, 20.20. What work constitutes the fast most acceptable to God?“Is not this the fast that I have ordained, to untie the knots of wickedness; to relax the burden of the yoke; and rescue those who are oppressed by violence: and that ye withdraw every yoke? Is it not to part thy bread with the famished, and to bring the vagrant poor into thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou clothe him?”Isa. 58:6, 7, Spurrell's Version.21. What promises are made to those who thus minister to the wants and distresses of others?“If thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.”Verses 10, 11.Somebody near you is struggling aloneOver life's desert sand;Faith, hope, and courage together are gone:Reach him a helping hand,Turn on his darkness a beam of your light;Kindle, to guide him, a beacon-fire bright;Cheer his discouragement; soothe his affright;Lovingly help him to stand.Somebody near you is hungry and cold;Send him some aid today.Somebody near you is feeble and old,Left without human stay:Under his burdens put hands kind and strong;Speak to him tenderly, sing him a song;Haste to do something to help him alongOver his weary way.Mrs. E. E. Williams.[pg 647]Visiting The SickIllustration.A Message Of Comfort. "I was sick, and ye visited Me." Matt. 25:36.1. For what will Christ finally commend the righteous?“I was sick, andye visited Me.”Matt. 25:36.2. Why, in His earthly ministry, did Christ heal the sick?“That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.”Matt. 8:17.3. With what is Christ touched?“With the feeling of our infirmities.”Heb. 4:15.4. What relief did He bring to Peter's household?“And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever.And He touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.”Matt. 8:14, 15.5. What example did He leave us?“Whowent about doing good, andhealing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him.”Acts 10:38.“As He is, so are we in this world.”1 John 4:17.6. What should we not forget in our ministry for the sick?“Pray one for another, that ye may be healed.The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”James 5:16.[pg 648]Healing The SickIllustration.Healing The Blind Men. "Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses." Matt. 8:17.1. What does the Lord declare Himself to be?“I am the Lord thathealeththee.”Ex. 15:26.“Who forgiveth all thine iniquities;who healeth all thy diseases.”Ps. 103:3.2. What was promised Israel on condition of obedience?“Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, ... andthe Lord will take away from thee all sickness.”Deut. 7:11-15.3. When through disobedience Jeroboam's hand was withered, by what means was it restored?“And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Entreat now the face of the Lord thy God, andpray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the Lord, and the king's hand was restored him again, and became as it was before.”1 Kings 13:6.4. When Miriam was stricken with leprosy, how was she healed?“AndMoses cried unto the Lord, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech Thee.”Num. 12:13.5. What mistake did Asa make in his severe affliction?[pg 649]“And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his diseasehe sought not to the Lord, but to the physicians.”2 Chron. 16:12.6. How was a child restored to life by Elijah?“And he stretched himself upon the child three times, andcried unto the Lord, and said, O Lord my God, I pray Thee, let this child's soul come into him again. And the Lord heard the voice of Elijah;and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived.”1 Kings 17:21, 22.7. How was Hezekiah's prayer for restoration from sickness answered?“Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father,I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.”Isa. 38:5.8. What constituted a large part of Christ's ministry?“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, andhealing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.”Matt. 4:23.9. In doing this, what prophecy was fulfilled?“He cast out the spirits with His word, and healed all that were sick: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.”Matt. 8:16, 17.Note.—The essence of the gospel is restoration, or healing of body, soul, and spirit. See John 3:16, Luke 4:17-19; Acts 3:19-21; Rom. 8:21-23; 1 Cor. 15:51-55.10. In the case of the woman healed of an infirmity, what gave effect to her touch of Christ's garment?“And He said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort:thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.”Luke 8:48.11. Before sending out the twelve, what power did Christ give them?“Then He called His twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, andto cure diseases. And He sent them to preach the kingdom of God, andto heal the sick.”Luke 9:1, 2. See Matt. 10:1, 7, 8; Luke 10:1, 9.12. What notable miracle was performed by the apostles shortly after the day of Pentecost?[pg 650]Illustration.The Great Physician. "And He healed them all." Matt. 12:15.[pg 651]“Then Peter said [to the lame man], Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: andimmediately his feet and ankle-bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.”Acts 3:6-8.13. Among others, what gift has God set in the church?“And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, thengifts of healing, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.”1 Cor. 12:28.14. In sickness, what is every child of God privileged to do?“Is any sick among you?let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.”James 5:14.15. What assurance of blessing is given to those who ask according to God's will?“The prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.”Verse 15.Note.—Physical healing may not always be for our good or to the glory of God. Hence we must be ready to pray with Jesus,“Nevertheless not my will, but Thine, be done.”Luke 22:42. Paul was denied the removal of infirmity, but the Lord assured him,“My grace is sufficient for thee.”2 Cor. 12:9. It is not a denial of faith to make use of the simple remedial means that God has given, or those ordinary essentials upon which He makes life dependent, as proper food, pure air, rest, exercise, and sunshine.We may not climb the heavenly steeps,To bring the Saviour down;In vain we search the lowest deeps,For Him no depths can drown.But warm, sweet, tender, even yetA present help is He;And faith has yet its Olivet,And love, its Galilee.The healing of the seamless dressIs by our beds of pain;We touch Him in life's throng and press,And we are whole again.Through Him the first fond prayers are saidOur lips of childhood frame;The last low whispers of our deadAre burdened with His name.John G. Whittier.[pg 652]Prison WorkIllustration.In Prison. "Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them." Heb. 13:3.1. What does Christ give us as one reason why He will bid the righteous welcome into His kingdom?“I wasin prison, andye came unto Me.”Matt. 25:36.2. What is pure and undefiled religion declared to be?To visit those in affliction. James 1:27.Note.—In 1909 there were 100,221 prisoners in 195 penal institutions in the United States, or an average of 112 to each 100,000.3. What does God see when He looks down from heaven?“For He hath looked down from the height of His sanctuary; from heaven did the Lord behold the earth;to hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death.”Ps. 102:19, 20.4. For what purpose did God send His Son into the world?“To bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison-house.”Isa. 42:7.5. For what work did Christ say He was anointed?“To preach the gospel to the poor; ...to preach deliverance to the captives, ... to set at liberty them that are bruised.”Luke 4:18.[pg 653]6. Why did the psalmist wish to be brought out of the prison-house of sin?“Bring my soul out of prison,that I may praise Thy name.”Ps. 142:7.7. Whose prison-house does Satan not open?“That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof;that opened not the house [the grave] of his prisoners.”Isa. 14:17.8. For what does the psalmist pray?“Let the sighing of the prisoner come before Thee; according to the greatness of Thy powerpreserve Thou those that are appointed to die.”Ps. 79:11.9. How does God regard His people who are in prison?“For the Lord heareth the poor, anddespiseth not His prisoners.”Ps. 69:33.10. Why has the devil been permitted to cast some of God's people into prison?“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison,that ye may be tried.... Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”Rev. 2:10. See Dan. 11:33-35.Note.—Dr. William Dodd (1729-77), an unfortunate English divine, who, under stress of circumstances, became a heavy forger, was imprisoned at Newgate for a time, and finally executed. Upon visiting him, John Wesley found“a penitent and hopeful malefactor,”and in his“Journal”says:“A real, deep work of God seemed to be already begun in his soul. Perhaps by driving him too fast, Satan has driven him to God, to that repentance which shall never be repented of.”Visiting him shortly before his execution, Mr. Wesley is reported to have replied to Mr. Dodd's apologies for receiving him in the condemned cell,“Courage, brother; perhaps God saw that nothing else would do.”See“Life of John Wesley,”by Richard Watson, page 207.11. How would God have us sympathize with those in bonds and adversity?“Remember them that are in bonds,as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity,as being yourselves also in the body.”Heb. 13:3.12. What blessed invitation will Christ finally extend to those who have ministered to the wants of the needy, and visited the sick and those in prison?“Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand,Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”Matt 25:34.[pg 654]Order And OrganizationIllustration.The Camp Of Israel. "Let all things be done decently and in order." 1 Cor. 14:40.1. Of what is God the author?“For God is not the author of confusion, but ofpeace, as in all churches of the saints.”1 Cor. 14:33. See 1 Cor. 11:16.2. Why did Paul give instruction to Timothy concerning the duties and qualifications of bishops and deacons?“These things write I unto thee, ...that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground [margin, stay] of the truth.”1 Tim. 3:14, 15.3. How should everything pertaining to God's work be done?“Let all things be donedecently and in order.”1 Cor. 14:40.Note.—“Order is heaven's first law.”—Milton.In the Scriptures Christians are likened to soldiers, and their work to that of a warrior, or to a conqueror going forth to conquer. 2 Tim. 2:3, 4; 1 Tim. 1:18; Rev. 6:2. As order, organization, direction, and discipline are necessary in an army, so are they also in the church. The weapons used and the object sought are different in each case (Rom. 13:4; 2 Cor. 10:3, 4); but the necessity for order and organization are the same in both.4. What is one prime essential of soldiers in an army?“All these men of war, that couldkeep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel.”1 Chron. 12:38.5. That the burden of judging and looking after the affairs[pg 655]of Israel might not all rest on Moses, what instruction did Jethro, his father-in-law, give him?“Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.”Ex. 18:21, 22.6. How many apostles did Christ at first ordain to preach the gospel?“AndHe ordained twelve, that they should be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach.”Mark 3:14.7. How many did He later appoint to this work?“After these things the Lord appointedother seventy also, and sent them two and two before His face into every city and place, whither He Himself would come.”Luke 10:1.8. When the number of the disciples multiplied, what instruction did the apostles give the believers, that none might be neglected in the daily ministration of temporal necessities?“Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.”Acts 6:3.Note.—The men thus selected were known as deacons. The lesson to be learned from this is that leaders and people should unite in planning and providing for the necessary organization and officering of the church according to its growth and needs. This cooperation is again shown in the words of Paul,“Whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send.”1 Cor. 16:3. See also Acts 15:22.9. What word came through the Spirit to the ministering prophets and teachers laboring at Antioch?“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said,Separate Me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”Acts 13:2, 3.10. What is one of the gifts which God has set in the church?“And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that ... helps,governments.”1 Cor. 12:28.Note.—The word here renderedgovernmentsimplies the work or office of“steering, piloting, directing.”[pg 656]11. For the direction of matters in each local church, what instruction did the apostle Paul give to Titus?“For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, andordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee.”Titus 1:5.12. What instruction did he give to the members of the church as to their relationship to those thus appointed?“Obey them that have the rule[margin,guide]over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief.”Heb. 13:17. See 1 Peter 5:5; Mark 10:42-45.13. What instruction and caution are given to elders?“The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, ...Feed the flock of Godwhich is among you,taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.”1 Peter 5:1-3.Note.—For the qualifications and duties of elders, see 1 Tim. 3:1-3; Titus 1:6-9; Acts 20:28-31; and the scripture just quoted. How God regards rebellion against divinely appointed authority and leadership, is illustrated in the expulsion of Satan and his angels from heaven, and in the fate of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. See Rev. 12:7-9; Numbers 16. The unity and harmony which should exist among believers is described in John 13:34, 35; 17:20-23; and Eph. 4:1-6. The evil of place-seeking in the church is shown in Mark 10:35-45 and Luke 14:7-11; and of ecclesiastical tyranny, in Dan. 7:25; 8:24, 25; 2 Thess. 2:3, 4; and John 16:2. The course to be pursued toward offending members, and in cases where differences arise, is pointed out in Matt. 18:15-18; 5:23, 24; Gal. 6:1; 1 Tim. 5:19, 20; Titus 3:10, 11; 1 Corinthians 5; and Acts 15. And the guide-book in all matters of both doctrine and discipline should be the Bible. Isa. 8:20; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; 4:1, 2.Has some one seen Christ in you today?Christian, look to your heart, I pray;The little things you have done or said—Did they accord with the way you prayed?Have your thoughts been pure and words been kind?Have you sought to have the Saviour's mind?The world with a criticizing viewHas watched; but did it see Christ in you?Has some one seen Christ in you today?Christian, look to your life, I pray;There are aching hearts and blighted soulsBeing lost on sin's destructive shoals,And perhaps of Christ their only viewMay be what they see of Him in you.Will they see enough to bring hope and cheer?Look to your light! does it shine out clear?[pg 657]

Illustration.The Samaritan At The Inn. "He ... brought him to an inn, and took care of him." Luke 10:33, 34.

The Samaritan At The Inn. "He ... brought him to an inn, and took care of him." Luke 10:33, 34.

1. What was the character of Christ's work among men?

“Who went aboutdoing good.”Acts 10:38.

2. What will His true followers do?

“He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also soto walk, even as He walked.”1 John 2:6.

3. In ministering to the needy, whom are we really serving?

“Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren,ye have done it unto Me.”Matt. 25:40.

4. How long will there be poor in the world?

“Ye have the pooralways with you.”Matt. 26:11.

5. What relation do all sustain to God?

“The rich and poormeet together: the Lord isthe makerof them all.”Prov. 22:2.

6. What is one good evidence of genuine repentance?

“Break off thy sins by righteousness, and thine iniquities byshowing mercy to the poor.”Dan. 4:27.

7. What is one evidence that one has a knowledge of God?

“Hejudged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well with him: was not this toknow Me? saith the Lord.”Jer. 22:16.

8. What classes are subjects for Christian help work?

“Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit thefatherlessandwidowsin their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”James 1:27.

9. Is it our duty always to give what is expected or asked?

“Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; butsuch as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk.”Acts 3:6. See 2 Cor. 12:8.

10. What is sometimes of greater value even than money to discouraged souls?

“Ismiled on themwhen they had no confidence.”Job 29: 24, margin R. V.

11. What divine law of retroaction attends giving?

“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. Forwith the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”Luke 6:38. See Ps. 18:25, 26; 109:17; Gal. 6:7.

12. What is promised those who give to the poor?

“He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the Lord; andthat which he hath given will He pay him again.”Prov. 19:17.“He that giveth unto the poorshall not lack.”Prov. 28:27.

13. How did Job learn of the needs of the poor?

“The cause of him that I knew notI searched out.”Job 29:16, R. V.“I usedto investigate.”Jewish Version.

14. What parable illustrates practical Christian help work?

The parable of the good Samaritan. Luke 10:30-37.

15. When Christ sent out the seventy, what did He tell them to do in the cities whither they went?

“Andheal the sickthat are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.”Verse 9.

16. Amidst poverty, suffering, and distress, what kind of workers does God wish to see?

“But this is a peoplerobbedandspoiled; they are all of themsnared in holes, and they arehid in prison-houses: they are for[pg 646]aprey, andnone delivereth:for a spoil, and none saith,Restore. Who among you will give ear to this?”Isa. 42: 22, 23.

17. What is our duty toward the outcast and wandering?

“Hidethe outcasts;bewray not him that wandereth. Let Mine outcastsdwell with thee.”Isa. 16:3, 4.

18. What incentive have Christians for doing prison work?

“I was in prison, and ye came unto Me.”Matt. 25:36.

19. Who notes the groans of the prisoner?

“From heaven didthe Lordbehold the earth;to hear the groaning of the prisoner.”Ps. 102:19, 20.

20. What work constitutes the fast most acceptable to God?

“Is not this the fast that I have ordained, to untie the knots of wickedness; to relax the burden of the yoke; and rescue those who are oppressed by violence: and that ye withdraw every yoke? Is it not to part thy bread with the famished, and to bring the vagrant poor into thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou clothe him?”Isa. 58:6, 7, Spurrell's Version.

21. What promises are made to those who thus minister to the wants and distresses of others?

“If thou draw out thy soul to the hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul; then shall thy light rise in obscurity, and thy darkness be as the noonday: and the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not.”Verses 10, 11.

Somebody near you is struggling aloneOver life's desert sand;Faith, hope, and courage together are gone:Reach him a helping hand,Turn on his darkness a beam of your light;Kindle, to guide him, a beacon-fire bright;Cheer his discouragement; soothe his affright;Lovingly help him to stand.Somebody near you is hungry and cold;Send him some aid today.Somebody near you is feeble and old,Left without human stay:Under his burdens put hands kind and strong;Speak to him tenderly, sing him a song;Haste to do something to help him alongOver his weary way.Mrs. E. E. Williams.

Somebody near you is struggling alone

Over life's desert sand;

Faith, hope, and courage together are gone:

Reach him a helping hand,

Turn on his darkness a beam of your light;

Kindle, to guide him, a beacon-fire bright;

Cheer his discouragement; soothe his affright;

Lovingly help him to stand.

Somebody near you is hungry and cold;Send him some aid today.Somebody near you is feeble and old,Left without human stay:Under his burdens put hands kind and strong;Speak to him tenderly, sing him a song;Haste to do something to help him alongOver his weary way.Mrs. E. E. Williams.

Somebody near you is hungry and cold;

Send him some aid today.

Somebody near you is feeble and old,

Left without human stay:

Under his burdens put hands kind and strong;

Speak to him tenderly, sing him a song;

Haste to do something to help him along

Over his weary way.

Mrs. E. E. Williams.

Visiting The SickIllustration.A Message Of Comfort. "I was sick, and ye visited Me." Matt. 25:36.1. For what will Christ finally commend the righteous?“I was sick, andye visited Me.”Matt. 25:36.2. Why, in His earthly ministry, did Christ heal the sick?“That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.”Matt. 8:17.3. With what is Christ touched?“With the feeling of our infirmities.”Heb. 4:15.4. What relief did He bring to Peter's household?“And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever.And He touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.”Matt. 8:14, 15.5. What example did He leave us?“Whowent about doing good, andhealing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him.”Acts 10:38.“As He is, so are we in this world.”1 John 4:17.6. What should we not forget in our ministry for the sick?“Pray one for another, that ye may be healed.The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”James 5:16.

Illustration.A Message Of Comfort. "I was sick, and ye visited Me." Matt. 25:36.

A Message Of Comfort. "I was sick, and ye visited Me." Matt. 25:36.

1. For what will Christ finally commend the righteous?

“I was sick, andye visited Me.”Matt. 25:36.

2. Why, in His earthly ministry, did Christ heal the sick?

“That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.”Matt. 8:17.

3. With what is Christ touched?

“With the feeling of our infirmities.”Heb. 4:15.

4. What relief did He bring to Peter's household?

“And when Jesus was come into Peter's house, He saw his wife's mother laid, and sick of a fever.And He touched her hand, and the fever left her: and she arose, and ministered unto them.”Matt. 8:14, 15.

5. What example did He leave us?

“Whowent about doing good, andhealing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him.”Acts 10:38.“As He is, so are we in this world.”1 John 4:17.

6. What should we not forget in our ministry for the sick?

“Pray one for another, that ye may be healed.The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”James 5:16.

Healing The SickIllustration.Healing The Blind Men. "Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses." Matt. 8:17.1. What does the Lord declare Himself to be?“I am the Lord thathealeththee.”Ex. 15:26.“Who forgiveth all thine iniquities;who healeth all thy diseases.”Ps. 103:3.2. What was promised Israel on condition of obedience?“Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, ... andthe Lord will take away from thee all sickness.”Deut. 7:11-15.3. When through disobedience Jeroboam's hand was withered, by what means was it restored?“And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Entreat now the face of the Lord thy God, andpray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the Lord, and the king's hand was restored him again, and became as it was before.”1 Kings 13:6.4. When Miriam was stricken with leprosy, how was she healed?“AndMoses cried unto the Lord, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech Thee.”Num. 12:13.5. What mistake did Asa make in his severe affliction?[pg 649]“And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his diseasehe sought not to the Lord, but to the physicians.”2 Chron. 16:12.6. How was a child restored to life by Elijah?“And he stretched himself upon the child three times, andcried unto the Lord, and said, O Lord my God, I pray Thee, let this child's soul come into him again. And the Lord heard the voice of Elijah;and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived.”1 Kings 17:21, 22.7. How was Hezekiah's prayer for restoration from sickness answered?“Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father,I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.”Isa. 38:5.8. What constituted a large part of Christ's ministry?“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, andhealing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.”Matt. 4:23.9. In doing this, what prophecy was fulfilled?“He cast out the spirits with His word, and healed all that were sick: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.”Matt. 8:16, 17.Note.—The essence of the gospel is restoration, or healing of body, soul, and spirit. See John 3:16, Luke 4:17-19; Acts 3:19-21; Rom. 8:21-23; 1 Cor. 15:51-55.10. In the case of the woman healed of an infirmity, what gave effect to her touch of Christ's garment?“And He said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort:thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.”Luke 8:48.11. Before sending out the twelve, what power did Christ give them?“Then He called His twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, andto cure diseases. And He sent them to preach the kingdom of God, andto heal the sick.”Luke 9:1, 2. See Matt. 10:1, 7, 8; Luke 10:1, 9.12. What notable miracle was performed by the apostles shortly after the day of Pentecost?[pg 650]Illustration.The Great Physician. "And He healed them all." Matt. 12:15.[pg 651]“Then Peter said [to the lame man], Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: andimmediately his feet and ankle-bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.”Acts 3:6-8.13. Among others, what gift has God set in the church?“And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, thengifts of healing, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.”1 Cor. 12:28.14. In sickness, what is every child of God privileged to do?“Is any sick among you?let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.”James 5:14.15. What assurance of blessing is given to those who ask according to God's will?“The prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.”Verse 15.Note.—Physical healing may not always be for our good or to the glory of God. Hence we must be ready to pray with Jesus,“Nevertheless not my will, but Thine, be done.”Luke 22:42. Paul was denied the removal of infirmity, but the Lord assured him,“My grace is sufficient for thee.”2 Cor. 12:9. It is not a denial of faith to make use of the simple remedial means that God has given, or those ordinary essentials upon which He makes life dependent, as proper food, pure air, rest, exercise, and sunshine.We may not climb the heavenly steeps,To bring the Saviour down;In vain we search the lowest deeps,For Him no depths can drown.But warm, sweet, tender, even yetA present help is He;And faith has yet its Olivet,And love, its Galilee.The healing of the seamless dressIs by our beds of pain;We touch Him in life's throng and press,And we are whole again.Through Him the first fond prayers are saidOur lips of childhood frame;The last low whispers of our deadAre burdened with His name.John G. Whittier.

Illustration.Healing The Blind Men. "Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses." Matt. 8:17.

Healing The Blind Men. "Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses." Matt. 8:17.

1. What does the Lord declare Himself to be?

“I am the Lord thathealeththee.”Ex. 15:26.“Who forgiveth all thine iniquities;who healeth all thy diseases.”Ps. 103:3.

2. What was promised Israel on condition of obedience?

“Thou shalt therefore keep the commandments, ... andthe Lord will take away from thee all sickness.”Deut. 7:11-15.

3. When through disobedience Jeroboam's hand was withered, by what means was it restored?

“And the king answered and said unto the man of God, Entreat now the face of the Lord thy God, andpray for me, that my hand may be restored me again. And the man of God besought the Lord, and the king's hand was restored him again, and became as it was before.”1 Kings 13:6.

4. When Miriam was stricken with leprosy, how was she healed?

“AndMoses cried unto the Lord, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech Thee.”Num. 12:13.

5. What mistake did Asa make in his severe affliction?

“And Asa in the thirty and ninth year of his reign was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceeding great: yet in his diseasehe sought not to the Lord, but to the physicians.”2 Chron. 16:12.

6. How was a child restored to life by Elijah?

“And he stretched himself upon the child three times, andcried unto the Lord, and said, O Lord my God, I pray Thee, let this child's soul come into him again. And the Lord heard the voice of Elijah;and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived.”1 Kings 17:21, 22.

7. How was Hezekiah's prayer for restoration from sickness answered?

“Thus saith the Lord, the God of David thy father,I have heard thy prayer, I have seen thy tears: behold, I will add unto thy days fifteen years.”Isa. 38:5.

8. What constituted a large part of Christ's ministry?

“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, andhealing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people.”Matt. 4:23.

9. In doing this, what prophecy was fulfilled?

“He cast out the spirits with His word, and healed all that were sick: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying,Himself took our infirmities, and bare our sicknesses.”Matt. 8:16, 17.

Note.—The essence of the gospel is restoration, or healing of body, soul, and spirit. See John 3:16, Luke 4:17-19; Acts 3:19-21; Rom. 8:21-23; 1 Cor. 15:51-55.

10. In the case of the woman healed of an infirmity, what gave effect to her touch of Christ's garment?

“And He said unto her, Daughter, be of good comfort:thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace.”Luke 8:48.

11. Before sending out the twelve, what power did Christ give them?

“Then He called His twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, andto cure diseases. And He sent them to preach the kingdom of God, andto heal the sick.”Luke 9:1, 2. See Matt. 10:1, 7, 8; Luke 10:1, 9.

12. What notable miracle was performed by the apostles shortly after the day of Pentecost?

Illustration.The Great Physician. "And He healed them all." Matt. 12:15.

The Great Physician. "And He healed them all." Matt. 12:15.

“Then Peter said [to the lame man], Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: andimmediately his feet and ankle-bones received strength. And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.”Acts 3:6-8.

13. Among others, what gift has God set in the church?

“And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, thengifts of healing, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.”1 Cor. 12:28.

14. In sickness, what is every child of God privileged to do?

“Is any sick among you?let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.”James 5:14.

15. What assurance of blessing is given to those who ask according to God's will?

“The prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.”Verse 15.

Note.—Physical healing may not always be for our good or to the glory of God. Hence we must be ready to pray with Jesus,“Nevertheless not my will, but Thine, be done.”Luke 22:42. Paul was denied the removal of infirmity, but the Lord assured him,“My grace is sufficient for thee.”2 Cor. 12:9. It is not a denial of faith to make use of the simple remedial means that God has given, or those ordinary essentials upon which He makes life dependent, as proper food, pure air, rest, exercise, and sunshine.

We may not climb the heavenly steeps,To bring the Saviour down;In vain we search the lowest deeps,For Him no depths can drown.But warm, sweet, tender, even yetA present help is He;And faith has yet its Olivet,And love, its Galilee.The healing of the seamless dressIs by our beds of pain;We touch Him in life's throng and press,And we are whole again.Through Him the first fond prayers are saidOur lips of childhood frame;The last low whispers of our deadAre burdened with His name.John G. Whittier.

We may not climb the heavenly steeps,To bring the Saviour down;In vain we search the lowest deeps,For Him no depths can drown.

We may not climb the heavenly steeps,

To bring the Saviour down;

In vain we search the lowest deeps,

For Him no depths can drown.

But warm, sweet, tender, even yetA present help is He;And faith has yet its Olivet,And love, its Galilee.

But warm, sweet, tender, even yet

A present help is He;

And faith has yet its Olivet,

And love, its Galilee.

The healing of the seamless dressIs by our beds of pain;We touch Him in life's throng and press,And we are whole again.

The healing of the seamless dress

Is by our beds of pain;

We touch Him in life's throng and press,

And we are whole again.

Through Him the first fond prayers are saidOur lips of childhood frame;The last low whispers of our deadAre burdened with His name.John G. Whittier.

Through Him the first fond prayers are said

Our lips of childhood frame;

The last low whispers of our dead

Are burdened with His name.

John G. Whittier.

Prison WorkIllustration.In Prison. "Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them." Heb. 13:3.1. What does Christ give us as one reason why He will bid the righteous welcome into His kingdom?“I wasin prison, andye came unto Me.”Matt. 25:36.2. What is pure and undefiled religion declared to be?To visit those in affliction. James 1:27.Note.—In 1909 there were 100,221 prisoners in 195 penal institutions in the United States, or an average of 112 to each 100,000.3. What does God see when He looks down from heaven?“For He hath looked down from the height of His sanctuary; from heaven did the Lord behold the earth;to hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death.”Ps. 102:19, 20.4. For what purpose did God send His Son into the world?“To bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison-house.”Isa. 42:7.5. For what work did Christ say He was anointed?“To preach the gospel to the poor; ...to preach deliverance to the captives, ... to set at liberty them that are bruised.”Luke 4:18.[pg 653]6. Why did the psalmist wish to be brought out of the prison-house of sin?“Bring my soul out of prison,that I may praise Thy name.”Ps. 142:7.7. Whose prison-house does Satan not open?“That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof;that opened not the house [the grave] of his prisoners.”Isa. 14:17.8. For what does the psalmist pray?“Let the sighing of the prisoner come before Thee; according to the greatness of Thy powerpreserve Thou those that are appointed to die.”Ps. 79:11.9. How does God regard His people who are in prison?“For the Lord heareth the poor, anddespiseth not His prisoners.”Ps. 69:33.10. Why has the devil been permitted to cast some of God's people into prison?“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison,that ye may be tried.... Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”Rev. 2:10. See Dan. 11:33-35.Note.—Dr. William Dodd (1729-77), an unfortunate English divine, who, under stress of circumstances, became a heavy forger, was imprisoned at Newgate for a time, and finally executed. Upon visiting him, John Wesley found“a penitent and hopeful malefactor,”and in his“Journal”says:“A real, deep work of God seemed to be already begun in his soul. Perhaps by driving him too fast, Satan has driven him to God, to that repentance which shall never be repented of.”Visiting him shortly before his execution, Mr. Wesley is reported to have replied to Mr. Dodd's apologies for receiving him in the condemned cell,“Courage, brother; perhaps God saw that nothing else would do.”See“Life of John Wesley,”by Richard Watson, page 207.11. How would God have us sympathize with those in bonds and adversity?“Remember them that are in bonds,as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity,as being yourselves also in the body.”Heb. 13:3.12. What blessed invitation will Christ finally extend to those who have ministered to the wants of the needy, and visited the sick and those in prison?“Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand,Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”Matt 25:34.

Illustration.In Prison. "Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them." Heb. 13:3.

In Prison. "Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them." Heb. 13:3.

1. What does Christ give us as one reason why He will bid the righteous welcome into His kingdom?

“I wasin prison, andye came unto Me.”Matt. 25:36.

2. What is pure and undefiled religion declared to be?

To visit those in affliction. James 1:27.

Note.—In 1909 there were 100,221 prisoners in 195 penal institutions in the United States, or an average of 112 to each 100,000.

3. What does God see when He looks down from heaven?

“For He hath looked down from the height of His sanctuary; from heaven did the Lord behold the earth;to hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death.”Ps. 102:19, 20.

4. For what purpose did God send His Son into the world?

“To bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison-house.”Isa. 42:7.

5. For what work did Christ say He was anointed?

“To preach the gospel to the poor; ...to preach deliverance to the captives, ... to set at liberty them that are bruised.”Luke 4:18.

6. Why did the psalmist wish to be brought out of the prison-house of sin?

“Bring my soul out of prison,that I may praise Thy name.”Ps. 142:7.

7. Whose prison-house does Satan not open?

“That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof;that opened not the house [the grave] of his prisoners.”Isa. 14:17.

8. For what does the psalmist pray?

“Let the sighing of the prisoner come before Thee; according to the greatness of Thy powerpreserve Thou those that are appointed to die.”Ps. 79:11.

9. How does God regard His people who are in prison?

“For the Lord heareth the poor, anddespiseth not His prisoners.”Ps. 69:33.

10. Why has the devil been permitted to cast some of God's people into prison?

“Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison,that ye may be tried.... Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”Rev. 2:10. See Dan. 11:33-35.

Note.—Dr. William Dodd (1729-77), an unfortunate English divine, who, under stress of circumstances, became a heavy forger, was imprisoned at Newgate for a time, and finally executed. Upon visiting him, John Wesley found“a penitent and hopeful malefactor,”and in his“Journal”says:“A real, deep work of God seemed to be already begun in his soul. Perhaps by driving him too fast, Satan has driven him to God, to that repentance which shall never be repented of.”Visiting him shortly before his execution, Mr. Wesley is reported to have replied to Mr. Dodd's apologies for receiving him in the condemned cell,“Courage, brother; perhaps God saw that nothing else would do.”See“Life of John Wesley,”by Richard Watson, page 207.

11. How would God have us sympathize with those in bonds and adversity?

“Remember them that are in bonds,as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity,as being yourselves also in the body.”Heb. 13:3.

12. What blessed invitation will Christ finally extend to those who have ministered to the wants of the needy, and visited the sick and those in prison?

“Then shall the King say unto them on His right hand,Come, ye blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”Matt 25:34.

Order And OrganizationIllustration.The Camp Of Israel. "Let all things be done decently and in order." 1 Cor. 14:40.1. Of what is God the author?“For God is not the author of confusion, but ofpeace, as in all churches of the saints.”1 Cor. 14:33. See 1 Cor. 11:16.2. Why did Paul give instruction to Timothy concerning the duties and qualifications of bishops and deacons?“These things write I unto thee, ...that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground [margin, stay] of the truth.”1 Tim. 3:14, 15.3. How should everything pertaining to God's work be done?“Let all things be donedecently and in order.”1 Cor. 14:40.Note.—“Order is heaven's first law.”—Milton.In the Scriptures Christians are likened to soldiers, and their work to that of a warrior, or to a conqueror going forth to conquer. 2 Tim. 2:3, 4; 1 Tim. 1:18; Rev. 6:2. As order, organization, direction, and discipline are necessary in an army, so are they also in the church. The weapons used and the object sought are different in each case (Rom. 13:4; 2 Cor. 10:3, 4); but the necessity for order and organization are the same in both.4. What is one prime essential of soldiers in an army?“All these men of war, that couldkeep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel.”1 Chron. 12:38.5. That the burden of judging and looking after the affairs[pg 655]of Israel might not all rest on Moses, what instruction did Jethro, his father-in-law, give him?“Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.”Ex. 18:21, 22.6. How many apostles did Christ at first ordain to preach the gospel?“AndHe ordained twelve, that they should be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach.”Mark 3:14.7. How many did He later appoint to this work?“After these things the Lord appointedother seventy also, and sent them two and two before His face into every city and place, whither He Himself would come.”Luke 10:1.8. When the number of the disciples multiplied, what instruction did the apostles give the believers, that none might be neglected in the daily ministration of temporal necessities?“Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.”Acts 6:3.Note.—The men thus selected were known as deacons. The lesson to be learned from this is that leaders and people should unite in planning and providing for the necessary organization and officering of the church according to its growth and needs. This cooperation is again shown in the words of Paul,“Whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send.”1 Cor. 16:3. See also Acts 15:22.9. What word came through the Spirit to the ministering prophets and teachers laboring at Antioch?“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said,Separate Me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”Acts 13:2, 3.10. What is one of the gifts which God has set in the church?“And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that ... helps,governments.”1 Cor. 12:28.Note.—The word here renderedgovernmentsimplies the work or office of“steering, piloting, directing.”[pg 656]11. For the direction of matters in each local church, what instruction did the apostle Paul give to Titus?“For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, andordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee.”Titus 1:5.12. What instruction did he give to the members of the church as to their relationship to those thus appointed?“Obey them that have the rule[margin,guide]over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief.”Heb. 13:17. See 1 Peter 5:5; Mark 10:42-45.13. What instruction and caution are given to elders?“The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, ...Feed the flock of Godwhich is among you,taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.”1 Peter 5:1-3.Note.—For the qualifications and duties of elders, see 1 Tim. 3:1-3; Titus 1:6-9; Acts 20:28-31; and the scripture just quoted. How God regards rebellion against divinely appointed authority and leadership, is illustrated in the expulsion of Satan and his angels from heaven, and in the fate of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. See Rev. 12:7-9; Numbers 16. The unity and harmony which should exist among believers is described in John 13:34, 35; 17:20-23; and Eph. 4:1-6. The evil of place-seeking in the church is shown in Mark 10:35-45 and Luke 14:7-11; and of ecclesiastical tyranny, in Dan. 7:25; 8:24, 25; 2 Thess. 2:3, 4; and John 16:2. The course to be pursued toward offending members, and in cases where differences arise, is pointed out in Matt. 18:15-18; 5:23, 24; Gal. 6:1; 1 Tim. 5:19, 20; Titus 3:10, 11; 1 Corinthians 5; and Acts 15. And the guide-book in all matters of both doctrine and discipline should be the Bible. Isa. 8:20; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; 4:1, 2.Has some one seen Christ in you today?Christian, look to your heart, I pray;The little things you have done or said—Did they accord with the way you prayed?Have your thoughts been pure and words been kind?Have you sought to have the Saviour's mind?The world with a criticizing viewHas watched; but did it see Christ in you?Has some one seen Christ in you today?Christian, look to your life, I pray;There are aching hearts and blighted soulsBeing lost on sin's destructive shoals,And perhaps of Christ their only viewMay be what they see of Him in you.Will they see enough to bring hope and cheer?Look to your light! does it shine out clear?

Illustration.The Camp Of Israel. "Let all things be done decently and in order." 1 Cor. 14:40.

The Camp Of Israel. "Let all things be done decently and in order." 1 Cor. 14:40.

1. Of what is God the author?

“For God is not the author of confusion, but ofpeace, as in all churches of the saints.”1 Cor. 14:33. See 1 Cor. 11:16.

2. Why did Paul give instruction to Timothy concerning the duties and qualifications of bishops and deacons?

“These things write I unto thee, ...that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground [margin, stay] of the truth.”1 Tim. 3:14, 15.

3. How should everything pertaining to God's work be done?

“Let all things be donedecently and in order.”1 Cor. 14:40.

Note.—“Order is heaven's first law.”—Milton.In the Scriptures Christians are likened to soldiers, and their work to that of a warrior, or to a conqueror going forth to conquer. 2 Tim. 2:3, 4; 1 Tim. 1:18; Rev. 6:2. As order, organization, direction, and discipline are necessary in an army, so are they also in the church. The weapons used and the object sought are different in each case (Rom. 13:4; 2 Cor. 10:3, 4); but the necessity for order and organization are the same in both.

4. What is one prime essential of soldiers in an army?

“All these men of war, that couldkeep rank, came with a perfect heart to Hebron, to make David king over all Israel.”1 Chron. 12:38.

5. That the burden of judging and looking after the affairs[pg 655]of Israel might not all rest on Moses, what instruction did Jethro, his father-in-law, give him?

“Moreover thou shalt provide out of all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them, to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. And let them judge the people at all seasons: and it shall be, that every great matter they shall bring unto thee, but every small matter they shall judge: so shall it be easier for thyself, and they shall bear the burden with thee.”Ex. 18:21, 22.

6. How many apostles did Christ at first ordain to preach the gospel?

“AndHe ordained twelve, that they should be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach.”Mark 3:14.

7. How many did He later appoint to this work?

“After these things the Lord appointedother seventy also, and sent them two and two before His face into every city and place, whither He Himself would come.”Luke 10:1.

8. When the number of the disciples multiplied, what instruction did the apostles give the believers, that none might be neglected in the daily ministration of temporal necessities?

“Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.”Acts 6:3.

Note.—The men thus selected were known as deacons. The lesson to be learned from this is that leaders and people should unite in planning and providing for the necessary organization and officering of the church according to its growth and needs. This cooperation is again shown in the words of Paul,“Whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send.”1 Cor. 16:3. See also Acts 15:22.

9. What word came through the Spirit to the ministering prophets and teachers laboring at Antioch?

“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said,Separate Me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”Acts 13:2, 3.

10. What is one of the gifts which God has set in the church?

“And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that ... helps,governments.”1 Cor. 12:28.

Note.—The word here renderedgovernmentsimplies the work or office of“steering, piloting, directing.”

11. For the direction of matters in each local church, what instruction did the apostle Paul give to Titus?

“For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, andordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee.”Titus 1:5.

12. What instruction did he give to the members of the church as to their relationship to those thus appointed?

“Obey them that have the rule[margin,guide]over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief.”Heb. 13:17. See 1 Peter 5:5; Mark 10:42-45.

13. What instruction and caution are given to elders?

“The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, ...Feed the flock of Godwhich is among you,taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.”1 Peter 5:1-3.

Note.—For the qualifications and duties of elders, see 1 Tim. 3:1-3; Titus 1:6-9; Acts 20:28-31; and the scripture just quoted. How God regards rebellion against divinely appointed authority and leadership, is illustrated in the expulsion of Satan and his angels from heaven, and in the fate of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. See Rev. 12:7-9; Numbers 16. The unity and harmony which should exist among believers is described in John 13:34, 35; 17:20-23; and Eph. 4:1-6. The evil of place-seeking in the church is shown in Mark 10:35-45 and Luke 14:7-11; and of ecclesiastical tyranny, in Dan. 7:25; 8:24, 25; 2 Thess. 2:3, 4; and John 16:2. The course to be pursued toward offending members, and in cases where differences arise, is pointed out in Matt. 18:15-18; 5:23, 24; Gal. 6:1; 1 Tim. 5:19, 20; Titus 3:10, 11; 1 Corinthians 5; and Acts 15. And the guide-book in all matters of both doctrine and discipline should be the Bible. Isa. 8:20; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; 4:1, 2.

Has some one seen Christ in you today?Christian, look to your heart, I pray;The little things you have done or said—Did they accord with the way you prayed?Have your thoughts been pure and words been kind?Have you sought to have the Saviour's mind?The world with a criticizing viewHas watched; but did it see Christ in you?Has some one seen Christ in you today?Christian, look to your life, I pray;There are aching hearts and blighted soulsBeing lost on sin's destructive shoals,And perhaps of Christ their only viewMay be what they see of Him in you.Will they see enough to bring hope and cheer?Look to your light! does it shine out clear?

Has some one seen Christ in you today?

Christian, look to your heart, I pray;

The little things you have done or said—

Did they accord with the way you prayed?

Have your thoughts been pure and words been kind?

Have you sought to have the Saviour's mind?

The world with a criticizing view

Has watched; but did it see Christ in you?

Has some one seen Christ in you today?Christian, look to your life, I pray;There are aching hearts and blighted soulsBeing lost on sin's destructive shoals,And perhaps of Christ their only viewMay be what they see of Him in you.Will they see enough to bring hope and cheer?Look to your light! does it shine out clear?

Has some one seen Christ in you today?

Christian, look to your life, I pray;

There are aching hearts and blighted souls

Being lost on sin's destructive shoals,

And perhaps of Christ their only view

May be what they see of Him in you.

Will they see enough to bring hope and cheer?

Look to your light! does it shine out clear?

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