Evils Of City LifeIllustration.The Burning Of Sodom. "And Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain." Gen. 13:12.1. When Abraham told Lot to choose that part of the country which he preferred, what choice did Lot make?“And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere, before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the Lord....Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan.”Gen. 13:10, 11.2. Where did Lot dwell?“Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, andLot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom.”Verse 12.3. What was the character of the inhabitants of Sodom?“But the men of Sodom werewicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly.”Verse 13.4. What further description is given of this city?“Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom,pride,fulness of bread, andabundance of idlenesswas in her and in her daughters,neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they werehaughty, andcommitted abominationbefore Me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.”Eze. 16:49, 50. See Gen. 19:1-9.5. How did their conduct affect Lot?“And delivered just Lot,vexed with the filthy conversation of[pg 732]the wicked: (for that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing,vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds).”2 Peter 2:7, 8.6. Before destroying Sodom and Gomorrah, whom did the Lord send to deliver Lot and his family?“And there cametwo angelsto Sodom at even.... And the men [angels] said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son-in-law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place: for we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the Lord; and the Lord hath sent us to destroy it.”Gen. 19:1-13.7. What did Lot do, and how were his efforts rewarded?“And Lot went out, andspake unto his sons-in-law, which married his daughters, and said,Up, get you out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city.But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons-in-law.”Verse 14.8. What did the angels say to Lot the next morning?“Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city....Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain;escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.”Verses 15-17.9. What then took place?“Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and firefrom the Lord out of heaven; and He overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground.”Verses 24, 25.10. Because she disregarded the instruction given by the angels, what became of Lot's wife?“But his wife looked back from behind him, andshe became a pillar of salt.”Verse 26.Note.—As a result of choosing a city life, Lot lost nearly all his family.11. Foretelling the condition of the world previous to His second advent, to what did Christ liken it?“Likewise alsoas it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.”Luke 17:28-30.[pg 733]Note.—The cities of today are fast becoming like Sodom and Gomorrah—centers and sink-holes of vice, pride, violence, confusion, and crime. The cities of the United States, while containing only about one half the population of the country, furnish ninety-seven per cent of the crime. Out of 268 boys in the Kansas State Reform School a few years ago, all but three came from cities. In New York City a murder is committed every thirty-six hours. The numerous holidays, the whirl of excitement, pleasure, and sports, theatergoing, horse-racing, gambling, liquor drinking, and reveling in the cities, attract thousands from the sober duties of life, and stimulate every evil passion to activity. What a poor place, therefore, are the cities of today in which to rear a family! Too many, like Lot, have pitched their tent toward Sodom.12. Of what is the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah a type?“And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow,making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly.”2 Peter 2:6.Note.—The destruction of such cities as Sodom and Gomorrah, Babylon and Jerusalem, is set forth as a type of the destruction awaiting the world. Says one writer:“The time is near when the large cities will be visited by the judgments of God. In a little while these cities will be terribly shaken. No matter how large or strong their buildings, no matter how many safeguards against fire may have been provided, let God touch these buildings and in a few minutes or in a few hours they will be in ruins. The ungodly cities of our world are to be swept away by the besom of destruction. In the calamities that are now befalling immense buildings and large portions of the cities, God is showing us what will come upon the whole earth.”The destruction of the great cities now almost wholly given up to sinful pleasure, pride, mammon-worship, and idolatry, is impending. It is time, therefore, that those who are really in earnest concerning their children's salvation begin to think about leaving these cities.13. What is to take place under the seventh plague?“And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; ... and there wasa great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great....And the cities of the nations fell.”Rev. 16:17-19.How prone are professors to rest on their lees,To study their pleasure, their profit and ease!Though God says:“Arise, and escape for thy life,And look not behind thee; remember Lot's wife.”Awake from thy slumbers, the warning believe;'Tis Jesus that calls you, the message receive;While dangers are pending, escape for thy life!And look not behind thee; remember Lot's wife.The ways of religion true pleasure afford,No pleasures can equal the joys of the Lord;Forsake then the world, and escape for thy life,And look not behind thee; remember Lot's wife.[pg 734]PurityIllustration.The Pharisees Accusing The Woman. "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." John 8:7.1. What did Christ say of the pure in heart?“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”Matt. 5:8.2. What did He declare to be a violation of the seventh commandment?“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: but I say unto you, Thatwhosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”Verses 27, 28.3. What exhortations did the apostle Paul give Timothy?“Flee also youthful lusts.”2 Tim. 2:22.“Keep thyself pure.”1 Tim. 5:22.4. To whom are all things pure?“Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.”Titus 1:15.5. When tempted to sin, what noble example did Joseph set?[pg 735]“How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”Gen. 39:9.6. Against what are the people of God warned?“Butfornication, andall uncleanness, or covetousness,let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;neither filthiness, norfoolish talking, norjesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.”Eph. 5:3, 4.7. What are mentioned as works of the flesh?“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these:Adultery,fornication,uncleanness,lasciviousness.”Gal. 5:19.8. What is said of those who do such things?“They which do such thingsshall not inherit the kingdom of God.”Verse 21.9. Against keeping company with whom are we warned?“But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother bea fornicator.”1 Cor. 5:11.10. Why are evil associations to be avoided?“Be not deceived:evil communications corrupt good manners.”1 Cor. 15:33.11. What inexorable law is laid down in the Scriptures?“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: forwhatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”Gal. 6:7, 8.“Keep virtue's simple path before your eyes,Nor think from evil good can ever rise.”—Thomson.12. Instead of sanctioning evil, what should we do?“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but ratherreprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.”Eph. 5:11, 12.13. How should we guard our conversation?“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”Eph. 4:29.14. What scripture shows that social impurity was one of the chief sins which brought on the deluge?“And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the[pg 736]face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, that the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; andthey took them wives of all which they chose.... And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and thatevery imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.... And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth.... The earth also wascorruptbefore God, and the earth was filled with violence.”Gen. 6:1-11.15. What was the character of the inhabitants of Sodom?“But the men of Sodom werewicked and sinnersbefore the Lord exceedingly.”Gen. 13:13.“And they werehaughty, andcommitted abominationbefore Me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.”Eze. 16:50. See also verse 49.Note.—Gen. 19:1-9 and 2 Peter 2:6-8 show that they were exceedingly corrupt in morals.16. What did Christ say would be the condition of the world at His second advent?“As it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.... Likewise alsoas it was in the days of Lot; ... even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.”Luke 17:26-30.17. What does the Lord call upon the wicked man to do?“Let the wickedforsake his way, and the unrighteous man histhoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.”Isa. 55:7.18. What are the proper things to engage one's mind?“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things aretrue, whatsoever things arehonest, whatsoever things arejust, whatsoever things arepure, whatsoever things arelovely, whatsoever things are ofgood report; if there be anyvirtue, and if there be anypraise, think on these things.”Phil. 4:8.Note.—The greatest foes to social purity are immoral associates, impure literature, improper dress, idleness, intemperance, and theater-going, including questionable picture shows, all of which are confined almost exclusively to city life. For this reason parents should look well to their children's home life; their companions; the books, papers, and magazines they read; how their time is occupied; what they eat, drink, and wear; where they spend their nights; and the character of their amusements.“Pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness”were contributing causes to the gross immorality of Sodom, and its consequent downfall. Eze. 16:49, 50.
Evils Of City LifeIllustration.The Burning Of Sodom. "And Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain." Gen. 13:12.1. When Abraham told Lot to choose that part of the country which he preferred, what choice did Lot make?“And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere, before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the Lord....Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan.”Gen. 13:10, 11.2. Where did Lot dwell?“Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, andLot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom.”Verse 12.3. What was the character of the inhabitants of Sodom?“But the men of Sodom werewicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly.”Verse 13.4. What further description is given of this city?“Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom,pride,fulness of bread, andabundance of idlenesswas in her and in her daughters,neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they werehaughty, andcommitted abominationbefore Me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.”Eze. 16:49, 50. See Gen. 19:1-9.5. How did their conduct affect Lot?“And delivered just Lot,vexed with the filthy conversation of[pg 732]the wicked: (for that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing,vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds).”2 Peter 2:7, 8.6. Before destroying Sodom and Gomorrah, whom did the Lord send to deliver Lot and his family?“And there cametwo angelsto Sodom at even.... And the men [angels] said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son-in-law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place: for we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the Lord; and the Lord hath sent us to destroy it.”Gen. 19:1-13.7. What did Lot do, and how were his efforts rewarded?“And Lot went out, andspake unto his sons-in-law, which married his daughters, and said,Up, get you out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city.But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons-in-law.”Verse 14.8. What did the angels say to Lot the next morning?“Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city....Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain;escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.”Verses 15-17.9. What then took place?“Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and firefrom the Lord out of heaven; and He overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground.”Verses 24, 25.10. Because she disregarded the instruction given by the angels, what became of Lot's wife?“But his wife looked back from behind him, andshe became a pillar of salt.”Verse 26.Note.—As a result of choosing a city life, Lot lost nearly all his family.11. Foretelling the condition of the world previous to His second advent, to what did Christ liken it?“Likewise alsoas it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.”Luke 17:28-30.[pg 733]Note.—The cities of today are fast becoming like Sodom and Gomorrah—centers and sink-holes of vice, pride, violence, confusion, and crime. The cities of the United States, while containing only about one half the population of the country, furnish ninety-seven per cent of the crime. Out of 268 boys in the Kansas State Reform School a few years ago, all but three came from cities. In New York City a murder is committed every thirty-six hours. The numerous holidays, the whirl of excitement, pleasure, and sports, theatergoing, horse-racing, gambling, liquor drinking, and reveling in the cities, attract thousands from the sober duties of life, and stimulate every evil passion to activity. What a poor place, therefore, are the cities of today in which to rear a family! Too many, like Lot, have pitched their tent toward Sodom.12. Of what is the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah a type?“And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow,making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly.”2 Peter 2:6.Note.—The destruction of such cities as Sodom and Gomorrah, Babylon and Jerusalem, is set forth as a type of the destruction awaiting the world. Says one writer:“The time is near when the large cities will be visited by the judgments of God. In a little while these cities will be terribly shaken. No matter how large or strong their buildings, no matter how many safeguards against fire may have been provided, let God touch these buildings and in a few minutes or in a few hours they will be in ruins. The ungodly cities of our world are to be swept away by the besom of destruction. In the calamities that are now befalling immense buildings and large portions of the cities, God is showing us what will come upon the whole earth.”The destruction of the great cities now almost wholly given up to sinful pleasure, pride, mammon-worship, and idolatry, is impending. It is time, therefore, that those who are really in earnest concerning their children's salvation begin to think about leaving these cities.13. What is to take place under the seventh plague?“And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; ... and there wasa great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great....And the cities of the nations fell.”Rev. 16:17-19.How prone are professors to rest on their lees,To study their pleasure, their profit and ease!Though God says:“Arise, and escape for thy life,And look not behind thee; remember Lot's wife.”Awake from thy slumbers, the warning believe;'Tis Jesus that calls you, the message receive;While dangers are pending, escape for thy life!And look not behind thee; remember Lot's wife.The ways of religion true pleasure afford,No pleasures can equal the joys of the Lord;Forsake then the world, and escape for thy life,And look not behind thee; remember Lot's wife.[pg 734]PurityIllustration.The Pharisees Accusing The Woman. "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." John 8:7.1. What did Christ say of the pure in heart?“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”Matt. 5:8.2. What did He declare to be a violation of the seventh commandment?“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: but I say unto you, Thatwhosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”Verses 27, 28.3. What exhortations did the apostle Paul give Timothy?“Flee also youthful lusts.”2 Tim. 2:22.“Keep thyself pure.”1 Tim. 5:22.4. To whom are all things pure?“Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.”Titus 1:15.5. When tempted to sin, what noble example did Joseph set?[pg 735]“How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”Gen. 39:9.6. Against what are the people of God warned?“Butfornication, andall uncleanness, or covetousness,let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;neither filthiness, norfoolish talking, norjesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.”Eph. 5:3, 4.7. What are mentioned as works of the flesh?“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these:Adultery,fornication,uncleanness,lasciviousness.”Gal. 5:19.8. What is said of those who do such things?“They which do such thingsshall not inherit the kingdom of God.”Verse 21.9. Against keeping company with whom are we warned?“But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother bea fornicator.”1 Cor. 5:11.10. Why are evil associations to be avoided?“Be not deceived:evil communications corrupt good manners.”1 Cor. 15:33.11. What inexorable law is laid down in the Scriptures?“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: forwhatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”Gal. 6:7, 8.“Keep virtue's simple path before your eyes,Nor think from evil good can ever rise.”—Thomson.12. Instead of sanctioning evil, what should we do?“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but ratherreprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.”Eph. 5:11, 12.13. How should we guard our conversation?“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”Eph. 4:29.14. What scripture shows that social impurity was one of the chief sins which brought on the deluge?“And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the[pg 736]face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, that the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; andthey took them wives of all which they chose.... And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and thatevery imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.... And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth.... The earth also wascorruptbefore God, and the earth was filled with violence.”Gen. 6:1-11.15. What was the character of the inhabitants of Sodom?“But the men of Sodom werewicked and sinnersbefore the Lord exceedingly.”Gen. 13:13.“And they werehaughty, andcommitted abominationbefore Me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.”Eze. 16:50. See also verse 49.Note.—Gen. 19:1-9 and 2 Peter 2:6-8 show that they were exceedingly corrupt in morals.16. What did Christ say would be the condition of the world at His second advent?“As it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.... Likewise alsoas it was in the days of Lot; ... even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.”Luke 17:26-30.17. What does the Lord call upon the wicked man to do?“Let the wickedforsake his way, and the unrighteous man histhoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.”Isa. 55:7.18. What are the proper things to engage one's mind?“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things aretrue, whatsoever things arehonest, whatsoever things arejust, whatsoever things arepure, whatsoever things arelovely, whatsoever things are ofgood report; if there be anyvirtue, and if there be anypraise, think on these things.”Phil. 4:8.Note.—The greatest foes to social purity are immoral associates, impure literature, improper dress, idleness, intemperance, and theater-going, including questionable picture shows, all of which are confined almost exclusively to city life. For this reason parents should look well to their children's home life; their companions; the books, papers, and magazines they read; how their time is occupied; what they eat, drink, and wear; where they spend their nights; and the character of their amusements.“Pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness”were contributing causes to the gross immorality of Sodom, and its consequent downfall. Eze. 16:49, 50.
Evils Of City LifeIllustration.The Burning Of Sodom. "And Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain." Gen. 13:12.1. When Abraham told Lot to choose that part of the country which he preferred, what choice did Lot make?“And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere, before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the Lord....Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan.”Gen. 13:10, 11.2. Where did Lot dwell?“Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, andLot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom.”Verse 12.3. What was the character of the inhabitants of Sodom?“But the men of Sodom werewicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly.”Verse 13.4. What further description is given of this city?“Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom,pride,fulness of bread, andabundance of idlenesswas in her and in her daughters,neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they werehaughty, andcommitted abominationbefore Me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.”Eze. 16:49, 50. See Gen. 19:1-9.5. How did their conduct affect Lot?“And delivered just Lot,vexed with the filthy conversation of[pg 732]the wicked: (for that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing,vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds).”2 Peter 2:7, 8.6. Before destroying Sodom and Gomorrah, whom did the Lord send to deliver Lot and his family?“And there cametwo angelsto Sodom at even.... And the men [angels] said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son-in-law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place: for we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the Lord; and the Lord hath sent us to destroy it.”Gen. 19:1-13.7. What did Lot do, and how were his efforts rewarded?“And Lot went out, andspake unto his sons-in-law, which married his daughters, and said,Up, get you out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city.But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons-in-law.”Verse 14.8. What did the angels say to Lot the next morning?“Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city....Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain;escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.”Verses 15-17.9. What then took place?“Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and firefrom the Lord out of heaven; and He overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground.”Verses 24, 25.10. Because she disregarded the instruction given by the angels, what became of Lot's wife?“But his wife looked back from behind him, andshe became a pillar of salt.”Verse 26.Note.—As a result of choosing a city life, Lot lost nearly all his family.11. Foretelling the condition of the world previous to His second advent, to what did Christ liken it?“Likewise alsoas it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.”Luke 17:28-30.[pg 733]Note.—The cities of today are fast becoming like Sodom and Gomorrah—centers and sink-holes of vice, pride, violence, confusion, and crime. The cities of the United States, while containing only about one half the population of the country, furnish ninety-seven per cent of the crime. Out of 268 boys in the Kansas State Reform School a few years ago, all but three came from cities. In New York City a murder is committed every thirty-six hours. The numerous holidays, the whirl of excitement, pleasure, and sports, theatergoing, horse-racing, gambling, liquor drinking, and reveling in the cities, attract thousands from the sober duties of life, and stimulate every evil passion to activity. What a poor place, therefore, are the cities of today in which to rear a family! Too many, like Lot, have pitched their tent toward Sodom.12. Of what is the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah a type?“And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow,making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly.”2 Peter 2:6.Note.—The destruction of such cities as Sodom and Gomorrah, Babylon and Jerusalem, is set forth as a type of the destruction awaiting the world. Says one writer:“The time is near when the large cities will be visited by the judgments of God. In a little while these cities will be terribly shaken. No matter how large or strong their buildings, no matter how many safeguards against fire may have been provided, let God touch these buildings and in a few minutes or in a few hours they will be in ruins. The ungodly cities of our world are to be swept away by the besom of destruction. In the calamities that are now befalling immense buildings and large portions of the cities, God is showing us what will come upon the whole earth.”The destruction of the great cities now almost wholly given up to sinful pleasure, pride, mammon-worship, and idolatry, is impending. It is time, therefore, that those who are really in earnest concerning their children's salvation begin to think about leaving these cities.13. What is to take place under the seventh plague?“And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; ... and there wasa great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great....And the cities of the nations fell.”Rev. 16:17-19.How prone are professors to rest on their lees,To study their pleasure, their profit and ease!Though God says:“Arise, and escape for thy life,And look not behind thee; remember Lot's wife.”Awake from thy slumbers, the warning believe;'Tis Jesus that calls you, the message receive;While dangers are pending, escape for thy life!And look not behind thee; remember Lot's wife.The ways of religion true pleasure afford,No pleasures can equal the joys of the Lord;Forsake then the world, and escape for thy life,And look not behind thee; remember Lot's wife.[pg 734]PurityIllustration.The Pharisees Accusing The Woman. "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." John 8:7.1. What did Christ say of the pure in heart?“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”Matt. 5:8.2. What did He declare to be a violation of the seventh commandment?“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: but I say unto you, Thatwhosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”Verses 27, 28.3. What exhortations did the apostle Paul give Timothy?“Flee also youthful lusts.”2 Tim. 2:22.“Keep thyself pure.”1 Tim. 5:22.4. To whom are all things pure?“Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.”Titus 1:15.5. When tempted to sin, what noble example did Joseph set?[pg 735]“How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”Gen. 39:9.6. Against what are the people of God warned?“Butfornication, andall uncleanness, or covetousness,let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;neither filthiness, norfoolish talking, norjesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.”Eph. 5:3, 4.7. What are mentioned as works of the flesh?“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these:Adultery,fornication,uncleanness,lasciviousness.”Gal. 5:19.8. What is said of those who do such things?“They which do such thingsshall not inherit the kingdom of God.”Verse 21.9. Against keeping company with whom are we warned?“But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother bea fornicator.”1 Cor. 5:11.10. Why are evil associations to be avoided?“Be not deceived:evil communications corrupt good manners.”1 Cor. 15:33.11. What inexorable law is laid down in the Scriptures?“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: forwhatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”Gal. 6:7, 8.“Keep virtue's simple path before your eyes,Nor think from evil good can ever rise.”—Thomson.12. Instead of sanctioning evil, what should we do?“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but ratherreprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.”Eph. 5:11, 12.13. How should we guard our conversation?“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”Eph. 4:29.14. What scripture shows that social impurity was one of the chief sins which brought on the deluge?“And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the[pg 736]face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, that the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; andthey took them wives of all which they chose.... And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and thatevery imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.... And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth.... The earth also wascorruptbefore God, and the earth was filled with violence.”Gen. 6:1-11.15. What was the character of the inhabitants of Sodom?“But the men of Sodom werewicked and sinnersbefore the Lord exceedingly.”Gen. 13:13.“And they werehaughty, andcommitted abominationbefore Me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.”Eze. 16:50. See also verse 49.Note.—Gen. 19:1-9 and 2 Peter 2:6-8 show that they were exceedingly corrupt in morals.16. What did Christ say would be the condition of the world at His second advent?“As it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.... Likewise alsoas it was in the days of Lot; ... even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.”Luke 17:26-30.17. What does the Lord call upon the wicked man to do?“Let the wickedforsake his way, and the unrighteous man histhoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.”Isa. 55:7.18. What are the proper things to engage one's mind?“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things aretrue, whatsoever things arehonest, whatsoever things arejust, whatsoever things arepure, whatsoever things arelovely, whatsoever things are ofgood report; if there be anyvirtue, and if there be anypraise, think on these things.”Phil. 4:8.Note.—The greatest foes to social purity are immoral associates, impure literature, improper dress, idleness, intemperance, and theater-going, including questionable picture shows, all of which are confined almost exclusively to city life. For this reason parents should look well to their children's home life; their companions; the books, papers, and magazines they read; how their time is occupied; what they eat, drink, and wear; where they spend their nights; and the character of their amusements.“Pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness”were contributing causes to the gross immorality of Sodom, and its consequent downfall. Eze. 16:49, 50.
Evils Of City LifeIllustration.The Burning Of Sodom. "And Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain." Gen. 13:12.1. When Abraham told Lot to choose that part of the country which he preferred, what choice did Lot make?“And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere, before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the Lord....Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan.”Gen. 13:10, 11.2. Where did Lot dwell?“Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, andLot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom.”Verse 12.3. What was the character of the inhabitants of Sodom?“But the men of Sodom werewicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly.”Verse 13.4. What further description is given of this city?“Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom,pride,fulness of bread, andabundance of idlenesswas in her and in her daughters,neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they werehaughty, andcommitted abominationbefore Me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.”Eze. 16:49, 50. See Gen. 19:1-9.5. How did their conduct affect Lot?“And delivered just Lot,vexed with the filthy conversation of[pg 732]the wicked: (for that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing,vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds).”2 Peter 2:7, 8.6. Before destroying Sodom and Gomorrah, whom did the Lord send to deliver Lot and his family?“And there cametwo angelsto Sodom at even.... And the men [angels] said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son-in-law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place: for we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the Lord; and the Lord hath sent us to destroy it.”Gen. 19:1-13.7. What did Lot do, and how were his efforts rewarded?“And Lot went out, andspake unto his sons-in-law, which married his daughters, and said,Up, get you out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city.But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons-in-law.”Verse 14.8. What did the angels say to Lot the next morning?“Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city....Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain;escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.”Verses 15-17.9. What then took place?“Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and firefrom the Lord out of heaven; and He overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground.”Verses 24, 25.10. Because she disregarded the instruction given by the angels, what became of Lot's wife?“But his wife looked back from behind him, andshe became a pillar of salt.”Verse 26.Note.—As a result of choosing a city life, Lot lost nearly all his family.11. Foretelling the condition of the world previous to His second advent, to what did Christ liken it?“Likewise alsoas it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.”Luke 17:28-30.[pg 733]Note.—The cities of today are fast becoming like Sodom and Gomorrah—centers and sink-holes of vice, pride, violence, confusion, and crime. The cities of the United States, while containing only about one half the population of the country, furnish ninety-seven per cent of the crime. Out of 268 boys in the Kansas State Reform School a few years ago, all but three came from cities. In New York City a murder is committed every thirty-six hours. The numerous holidays, the whirl of excitement, pleasure, and sports, theatergoing, horse-racing, gambling, liquor drinking, and reveling in the cities, attract thousands from the sober duties of life, and stimulate every evil passion to activity. What a poor place, therefore, are the cities of today in which to rear a family! Too many, like Lot, have pitched their tent toward Sodom.12. Of what is the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah a type?“And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow,making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly.”2 Peter 2:6.Note.—The destruction of such cities as Sodom and Gomorrah, Babylon and Jerusalem, is set forth as a type of the destruction awaiting the world. Says one writer:“The time is near when the large cities will be visited by the judgments of God. In a little while these cities will be terribly shaken. No matter how large or strong their buildings, no matter how many safeguards against fire may have been provided, let God touch these buildings and in a few minutes or in a few hours they will be in ruins. The ungodly cities of our world are to be swept away by the besom of destruction. In the calamities that are now befalling immense buildings and large portions of the cities, God is showing us what will come upon the whole earth.”The destruction of the great cities now almost wholly given up to sinful pleasure, pride, mammon-worship, and idolatry, is impending. It is time, therefore, that those who are really in earnest concerning their children's salvation begin to think about leaving these cities.13. What is to take place under the seventh plague?“And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; ... and there wasa great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great....And the cities of the nations fell.”Rev. 16:17-19.How prone are professors to rest on their lees,To study their pleasure, their profit and ease!Though God says:“Arise, and escape for thy life,And look not behind thee; remember Lot's wife.”Awake from thy slumbers, the warning believe;'Tis Jesus that calls you, the message receive;While dangers are pending, escape for thy life!And look not behind thee; remember Lot's wife.The ways of religion true pleasure afford,No pleasures can equal the joys of the Lord;Forsake then the world, and escape for thy life,And look not behind thee; remember Lot's wife.
Illustration.The Burning Of Sodom. "And Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain." Gen. 13:12.
The Burning Of Sodom. "And Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain." Gen. 13:12.
1. When Abraham told Lot to choose that part of the country which he preferred, what choice did Lot make?
“And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere, before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the Lord....Then Lot chose him all the plain of Jordan.”Gen. 13:10, 11.
2. Where did Lot dwell?
“Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, andLot dwelled in the cities of the plain, and pitched his tent toward Sodom.”Verse 12.
3. What was the character of the inhabitants of Sodom?
“But the men of Sodom werewicked and sinners before the Lord exceedingly.”Verse 13.
4. What further description is given of this city?
“Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom,pride,fulness of bread, andabundance of idlenesswas in her and in her daughters,neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they werehaughty, andcommitted abominationbefore Me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.”Eze. 16:49, 50. See Gen. 19:1-9.
5. How did their conduct affect Lot?
“And delivered just Lot,vexed with the filthy conversation of[pg 732]the wicked: (for that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing,vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds).”2 Peter 2:7, 8.
6. Before destroying Sodom and Gomorrah, whom did the Lord send to deliver Lot and his family?
“And there cametwo angelsto Sodom at even.... And the men [angels] said unto Lot, Hast thou here any besides? son-in-law, and thy sons, and thy daughters, and whatsoever thou hast in the city, bring them out of this place: for we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the Lord; and the Lord hath sent us to destroy it.”Gen. 19:1-13.
7. What did Lot do, and how were his efforts rewarded?
“And Lot went out, andspake unto his sons-in-law, which married his daughters, and said,Up, get you out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city.But he seemed as one that mocked unto his sons-in-law.”Verse 14.
8. What did the angels say to Lot the next morning?
“Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city....Escape for thy life; look not behind thee, neither stay thou in all the plain;escape to the mountain, lest thou be consumed.”Verses 15-17.
9. What then took place?
“Then the Lord rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and firefrom the Lord out of heaven; and He overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground.”Verses 24, 25.
10. Because she disregarded the instruction given by the angels, what became of Lot's wife?
“But his wife looked back from behind him, andshe became a pillar of salt.”Verse 26.
Note.—As a result of choosing a city life, Lot lost nearly all his family.
11. Foretelling the condition of the world previous to His second advent, to what did Christ liken it?
“Likewise alsoas it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builded; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.Even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.”Luke 17:28-30.
Note.—The cities of today are fast becoming like Sodom and Gomorrah—centers and sink-holes of vice, pride, violence, confusion, and crime. The cities of the United States, while containing only about one half the population of the country, furnish ninety-seven per cent of the crime. Out of 268 boys in the Kansas State Reform School a few years ago, all but three came from cities. In New York City a murder is committed every thirty-six hours. The numerous holidays, the whirl of excitement, pleasure, and sports, theatergoing, horse-racing, gambling, liquor drinking, and reveling in the cities, attract thousands from the sober duties of life, and stimulate every evil passion to activity. What a poor place, therefore, are the cities of today in which to rear a family! Too many, like Lot, have pitched their tent toward Sodom.
12. Of what is the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah a type?
“And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow,making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly.”2 Peter 2:6.
Note.—The destruction of such cities as Sodom and Gomorrah, Babylon and Jerusalem, is set forth as a type of the destruction awaiting the world. Says one writer:“The time is near when the large cities will be visited by the judgments of God. In a little while these cities will be terribly shaken. No matter how large or strong their buildings, no matter how many safeguards against fire may have been provided, let God touch these buildings and in a few minutes or in a few hours they will be in ruins. The ungodly cities of our world are to be swept away by the besom of destruction. In the calamities that are now befalling immense buildings and large portions of the cities, God is showing us what will come upon the whole earth.”The destruction of the great cities now almost wholly given up to sinful pleasure, pride, mammon-worship, and idolatry, is impending. It is time, therefore, that those who are really in earnest concerning their children's salvation begin to think about leaving these cities.
13. What is to take place under the seventh plague?
“And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; ... and there wasa great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great....And the cities of the nations fell.”Rev. 16:17-19.
How prone are professors to rest on their lees,To study their pleasure, their profit and ease!Though God says:“Arise, and escape for thy life,And look not behind thee; remember Lot's wife.”Awake from thy slumbers, the warning believe;'Tis Jesus that calls you, the message receive;While dangers are pending, escape for thy life!And look not behind thee; remember Lot's wife.The ways of religion true pleasure afford,No pleasures can equal the joys of the Lord;Forsake then the world, and escape for thy life,And look not behind thee; remember Lot's wife.
How prone are professors to rest on their lees,To study their pleasure, their profit and ease!Though God says:“Arise, and escape for thy life,And look not behind thee; remember Lot's wife.”
How prone are professors to rest on their lees,
To study their pleasure, their profit and ease!
Though God says:“Arise, and escape for thy life,
And look not behind thee; remember Lot's wife.”
Awake from thy slumbers, the warning believe;'Tis Jesus that calls you, the message receive;While dangers are pending, escape for thy life!And look not behind thee; remember Lot's wife.
Awake from thy slumbers, the warning believe;
'Tis Jesus that calls you, the message receive;
While dangers are pending, escape for thy life!
And look not behind thee; remember Lot's wife.
The ways of religion true pleasure afford,No pleasures can equal the joys of the Lord;Forsake then the world, and escape for thy life,And look not behind thee; remember Lot's wife.
The ways of religion true pleasure afford,
No pleasures can equal the joys of the Lord;
Forsake then the world, and escape for thy life,
And look not behind thee; remember Lot's wife.
PurityIllustration.The Pharisees Accusing The Woman. "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." John 8:7.1. What did Christ say of the pure in heart?“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”Matt. 5:8.2. What did He declare to be a violation of the seventh commandment?“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: but I say unto you, Thatwhosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”Verses 27, 28.3. What exhortations did the apostle Paul give Timothy?“Flee also youthful lusts.”2 Tim. 2:22.“Keep thyself pure.”1 Tim. 5:22.4. To whom are all things pure?“Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.”Titus 1:15.5. When tempted to sin, what noble example did Joseph set?[pg 735]“How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”Gen. 39:9.6. Against what are the people of God warned?“Butfornication, andall uncleanness, or covetousness,let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;neither filthiness, norfoolish talking, norjesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.”Eph. 5:3, 4.7. What are mentioned as works of the flesh?“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these:Adultery,fornication,uncleanness,lasciviousness.”Gal. 5:19.8. What is said of those who do such things?“They which do such thingsshall not inherit the kingdom of God.”Verse 21.9. Against keeping company with whom are we warned?“But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother bea fornicator.”1 Cor. 5:11.10. Why are evil associations to be avoided?“Be not deceived:evil communications corrupt good manners.”1 Cor. 15:33.11. What inexorable law is laid down in the Scriptures?“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: forwhatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”Gal. 6:7, 8.“Keep virtue's simple path before your eyes,Nor think from evil good can ever rise.”—Thomson.12. Instead of sanctioning evil, what should we do?“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but ratherreprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.”Eph. 5:11, 12.13. How should we guard our conversation?“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”Eph. 4:29.14. What scripture shows that social impurity was one of the chief sins which brought on the deluge?“And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the[pg 736]face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, that the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; andthey took them wives of all which they chose.... And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and thatevery imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.... And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth.... The earth also wascorruptbefore God, and the earth was filled with violence.”Gen. 6:1-11.15. What was the character of the inhabitants of Sodom?“But the men of Sodom werewicked and sinnersbefore the Lord exceedingly.”Gen. 13:13.“And they werehaughty, andcommitted abominationbefore Me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.”Eze. 16:50. See also verse 49.Note.—Gen. 19:1-9 and 2 Peter 2:6-8 show that they were exceedingly corrupt in morals.16. What did Christ say would be the condition of the world at His second advent?“As it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.... Likewise alsoas it was in the days of Lot; ... even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.”Luke 17:26-30.17. What does the Lord call upon the wicked man to do?“Let the wickedforsake his way, and the unrighteous man histhoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.”Isa. 55:7.18. What are the proper things to engage one's mind?“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things aretrue, whatsoever things arehonest, whatsoever things arejust, whatsoever things arepure, whatsoever things arelovely, whatsoever things are ofgood report; if there be anyvirtue, and if there be anypraise, think on these things.”Phil. 4:8.Note.—The greatest foes to social purity are immoral associates, impure literature, improper dress, idleness, intemperance, and theater-going, including questionable picture shows, all of which are confined almost exclusively to city life. For this reason parents should look well to their children's home life; their companions; the books, papers, and magazines they read; how their time is occupied; what they eat, drink, and wear; where they spend their nights; and the character of their amusements.“Pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness”were contributing causes to the gross immorality of Sodom, and its consequent downfall. Eze. 16:49, 50.
Illustration.The Pharisees Accusing The Woman. "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." John 8:7.
The Pharisees Accusing The Woman. "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her." John 8:7.
1. What did Christ say of the pure in heart?
“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”Matt. 5:8.
2. What did He declare to be a violation of the seventh commandment?
“Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not commit adultery: but I say unto you, Thatwhosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.”Verses 27, 28.
3. What exhortations did the apostle Paul give Timothy?
“Flee also youthful lusts.”2 Tim. 2:22.“Keep thyself pure.”1 Tim. 5:22.
4. To whom are all things pure?
“Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.”Titus 1:15.
5. When tempted to sin, what noble example did Joseph set?
“How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?”Gen. 39:9.
6. Against what are the people of God warned?
“Butfornication, andall uncleanness, or covetousness,let it not be once named among you, as becometh saints;neither filthiness, norfoolish talking, norjesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks.”Eph. 5:3, 4.
7. What are mentioned as works of the flesh?
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these:Adultery,fornication,uncleanness,lasciviousness.”Gal. 5:19.
8. What is said of those who do such things?
“They which do such thingsshall not inherit the kingdom of God.”Verse 21.
9. Against keeping company with whom are we warned?
“But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother bea fornicator.”1 Cor. 5:11.
10. Why are evil associations to be avoided?
“Be not deceived:evil communications corrupt good manners.”1 Cor. 15:33.
11. What inexorable law is laid down in the Scriptures?
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: forwhatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”Gal. 6:7, 8.
“Keep virtue's simple path before your eyes,Nor think from evil good can ever rise.”—Thomson.
“Keep virtue's simple path before your eyes,Nor think from evil good can ever rise.”—Thomson.
“Keep virtue's simple path before your eyes,
Nor think from evil good can ever rise.”—Thomson.
12. Instead of sanctioning evil, what should we do?
“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but ratherreprove them. For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret.”Eph. 5:11, 12.
13. How should we guard our conversation?
“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”Eph. 4:29.
14. What scripture shows that social impurity was one of the chief sins which brought on the deluge?
“And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the[pg 736]face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, that the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; andthey took them wives of all which they chose.... And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and thatevery imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.... And the Lord said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth.... The earth also wascorruptbefore God, and the earth was filled with violence.”Gen. 6:1-11.
15. What was the character of the inhabitants of Sodom?
“But the men of Sodom werewicked and sinnersbefore the Lord exceedingly.”Gen. 13:13.“And they werehaughty, andcommitted abominationbefore Me: therefore I took them away as I saw good.”Eze. 16:50. See also verse 49.
Note.—Gen. 19:1-9 and 2 Peter 2:6-8 show that they were exceedingly corrupt in morals.
16. What did Christ say would be the condition of the world at His second advent?
“As it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.... Likewise alsoas it was in the days of Lot; ... even thus shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed.”Luke 17:26-30.
17. What does the Lord call upon the wicked man to do?
“Let the wickedforsake his way, and the unrighteous man histhoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.”Isa. 55:7.
18. What are the proper things to engage one's mind?
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things aretrue, whatsoever things arehonest, whatsoever things arejust, whatsoever things arepure, whatsoever things arelovely, whatsoever things are ofgood report; if there be anyvirtue, and if there be anypraise, think on these things.”Phil. 4:8.
Note.—The greatest foes to social purity are immoral associates, impure literature, improper dress, idleness, intemperance, and theater-going, including questionable picture shows, all of which are confined almost exclusively to city life. For this reason parents should look well to their children's home life; their companions; the books, papers, and magazines they read; how their time is occupied; what they eat, drink, and wear; where they spend their nights; and the character of their amusements.“Pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness”were contributing causes to the gross immorality of Sodom, and its consequent downfall. Eze. 16:49, 50.