Part XV. Admonitions and Warnings

Part XV. Admonitions and Warnings[pg 668]Illustration.The Dream Of Pilate's Wife. "Have thou nothing to do with that just Man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of Him." Matt. 27:19.[pg 669]PrideIllustration.Jonah And The Whale. "Pride goeth before destruction." Prov. 16:18.1. How does the Lord regard pride?“Six things doth the Lordhate: ... a proud look,”etc. Prov. 6:16-19.2. Of what is pride a forerunner?“Pride goeth beforedestruction, and an haughty spirit beforea fall.”Prov. 16:18. See Prov. 29:23.3. What was the cause of Satan's downfall?“Thine heart waslifted up because of thy beauty.”Eze. 28:17.4. What is God's attitude toward the proud?“Godresisteththe proud.”James 4:6. See Ps. 40:4; 101:5; 138:6; 1 Tim. 6:4.5. Why should we not indulge in pride?“An high look, and a proud heart, ... issin.”Prov. 21:4.6. What is to be one of the sins of the last days?“Men shall be ...proud.”2 Tim. 3:2.7. How are the proud now generally regarded?“Now we call the proudhappy.”Mal. 3:15.8. What is to be the fate of the proud?“All the proud ... shall be stubble: andthe day that cometh shall burn them up.”Mal. 4:1.[pg 670]Illustration.Nathan's Parable. "The rich man ... spared to take of his own flock, ... but took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it." 2 Sam, 12:2-4.[pg 671]SelfishnessIllustration.Jacob Deceiving His Father. "Thou shalt not covet." Ex. 20:17.1. What great commandment excludes selfishness?“Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”Matt. 22:39.2. What sin is forbidden by the tenth commandment?“Thou shalt notcovet.”Ex. 20:17.3. What sins are to characterize the last days?“Men shall belovers of their own selves, covetous.”2 Tim. 3:2.4. How prevalent is this sin of self-seeking?“Forall seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.”Phil. 2:21.5. What does charity not do?“Charity ...seeketh not her own.”1 Cor. 13:4, 5.6. How are we admonished with regard to selfishness?“Let no manseek his own.”1 Cor. 10:24.“Look not every manon his own things, but every man alsoon the things of others.”Phil. 2:4.“Even as I please all men in all things,not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.”1 Cor. 10:33.“Let every one of usplease his neighborfor his good to edification.”Rom. 15:2.7. What example of unselfishness did Christ leave us?“For your sakesHe became poor.”2 Cor. 8:9.“Even Christpleased not Himself.”Rom. 15:3. See 1 John 3:17.[pg 672]CovetousnessIllustration.The Sin Of Achan. "When I saw ... I coveted them, and took them." Joshua 7:21.1. What warning did Christ give concerning covetousness?“And He said unto them,Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”Luke 12:15.2. What commandment forbids this sin?“Thou shalt not covet.”Ex. 20:17.Covetous:“Inordinately desirous; excessively eager to obtain and possess (especially money); avaricious.”—Webster.3. What showed this principle to have been strong in the rich man who already had abundance?“And he said, This will I do:I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul,Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.”Luke 12:18, 19.4. What did God say to him?“But God said unto him,Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?”Verse 20.5. What application of this parable did the Saviour make?“So is he that layeth uptreasure for himself, and is notrich toward God.”Verse 21.[pg 673]6. What does Paul call covetousness?“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, andcovetousness, which is idolatry.”Col. 3:5.Note.—“Do not wade far out into the dangerous sea of this world's comfort. Take the good that God provides you, but say of it,‘It passeth away;’for indeed it is but a temporary supply for a temporary need. Never suffer your goods to become your god.”—Spurgeon.7. What do these sins bring upon mankind?“For which things' sakethe wrath of Godcometh on the children of disobedience.”Verse 6.8. What double service did Christ say is impossible?“Ye cannot serveGodandmammon.”Luke 16:13.9. Of what sin were the Pharisees guilty?“And the Pharisees also,who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided Him.”Verse 14.10. What reply did Christ make?“And He said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: forthat which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.”Verse 15.11. How does the Lord regard the covetous?“For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous,whom the Lord abhorreth.”Ps. 10:3.12. What did this sin lead Achan to do?“When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold, ...I coveted them, and took them.”Joshua 7:21.13. What did covetousness lead Judas to do?“And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests,to betray Himunto them. And when they heard it, they were glad, andpromised to give him money. And he sought how he might convenientlybetray Him.”Mark 14:10, 11.14. Why are the last days to be perilous?“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall belovers of their own selves, covetous,boasters, proud, blasphemers.”2 Tim. 3:1, 2.[pg 674]Illustration.Balaam And The Angel. "The elders of Moab, ... with the rewards of divination in their hand, ... came unto Balaam." Num. 22:7.[pg 675]15. What parable did Christ give to correct the false idea of the Pharisees that wealth was a sign of special favor with God?The parable of the rich man and Lazarus. Luke 16:19-31.16. What did He point out as one of the dangers of the possession of wealth?“And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto His disciples,How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!... Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children,how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!”Mark 10:23, 24.Note.—And how hard it is for those who have riches not to trust in them!17. As a rule, what class generally accept the gospel?“Harken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosenthe poor of this worldrich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him?”James 2:5.18. How difficult did Christ say it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God?“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”Mark 10:25.Note.—If Christ here referred to a small, low gate in the walls of Jerusalem, called“The Needle's Eye,”as is thought by some, the force of the statement still remains; for, before a camel could pass through this gate, it was necessary that he should be relieved of his burden, and get down on his knees and creep through.19. Why was the rich young man desiring salvation, unwilling to sell what he had and give alms, as Christ told him to do?“But when the young man heard that saying,he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.”Matt. 19:16.20. What is the love of money declared to be?“For the love of money isthe root of all evil.”1 Tim. 6:10.21. What evils befall those who are determined to be rich?“But they that will be richfall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.”Verse 9.22. Who gives man the power to get wealth?“But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: forit is He that giveth thee power to get wealth.”Deut. 8:18.[pg 676]23. How may all, rich and poor, honor God?“Honor the Lordwith thy substance, andwith the first-fruits of all thine increase.”Prov. 3:9.24. What caution is given concerning riches?“If riches increase,set not your heart upon them.”Ps. 62:10.25. Can riches be retained to men's hurt?“There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely,riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.”Eccl. 5:13.26. What charge is given to the rich?“Charge them that are rich in this world,that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that theydo good, that they berich in good works,ready to distribute,willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”1 Tim. 6:17-19.27. What makes rich without adding sorrow?“The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it.”Prov. 10:22.28. How are true riches obtained?“Byhumilityand thefear of the Lordare riches, and honor, and life.”Prov. 22:4.29. How did Moses esteem the reproach of Christ?“Esteeming the reproach of Christgreater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.”Heb. 11:26.30. What two classes of rich men are mentioned in the Bible?“There is that maketh himselfrich, yethath nothing: there is that maketh himselfpoor, yet hathgreat riches.”Prov. 13:7.Note.—In Luke 12:16-20 is an example of the first class; in Acts 4:34-37 are examples of the second.31. What solemn warning is addressed to the rich who, in the last days, have heaped up treasure, and oppressed the poor?“Go to now, ye rich men,weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; andthe rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat[pg 677]your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Behold, the hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.”James 5:1-5.32. Will silver or gold be able to deliver in the day of wrath?“Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord's wrath.”Zeph. 1:18. See also Prov. 11:4.33. What will the rich men do with their money then?“They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the Lord: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumbling-block of their iniquity.”Eze. 7:19.Notes.—When the steamer“Central America,”with nearly six hundred passengers aboard, was wrecked off Cape Hatteras, Sept. 12, 1857, in a fearful storm, many of the passengers who were returning miners from the gold-mines of California, divested themselves of their treasure belts and scattered the gold upon the cabin floors, telling those to take it who would, lest its weight about their persons should carry them to their death.“Full purses, containing in some instances thousands of dollars, lay around untouched. Carpetbags were opened, and the shining metal was poured out on the floor with the prodigality of death's despair. One of the passengers opened a bag and dashed about the cabin twenty thousand dollars in gold-dust, and told him who wanted to gratify his greed for gold to take it. But it was passed by untouched, as the veriest dross.”—“Our First Century,”pages 642, 643.When the steamship“Arctic”was lost from a collision in mid-ocean, Sept. 20, 1854, one passenger offered thirty thousand pounds sterling, or one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, if the life-boats would put back to save him. They turned to do so, but he sank before they reached him.—Id., page 614.34. As stewards of God's gifts, what are we told to do?“And I say unto you,Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.”Luke 16:9.“As every man hath received the gift,even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”1 Peter 4:10.Is not the way to heavenly gainThrough earthly grief and loss?Rest must be won by toil and pain;The crown repays the cross.Henry F. Lyte.[pg 678]DebtsIllustration.Forging The Chains. "The borrower is servant to the lender." Prov. 22:7.1. What general rule is laid down in the Bible respecting the meeting of obligations?“Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom....Owe no man anything, but to love one another.”Rom. 13:7, 8.2. In what condition is one who borrows?“The borrower isservant to the lender.”Prov. 22:7.3. To what extent is one responsible for that borrowed?“And if a man borrow aught of his neighbor, and it be hurt, or die, ...he shall surely make it good.”Ex. 22:14.4. Why did the young man in Elisha's time feel so bad about the loss of an ax head?“But as one was felling a beam, the ax head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! forit was borrowed.”2 Kings 6:5.5. What miracle was wrought by Elisha for its restoration?“And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither;and the iron did swim.”Verse 6.Note.—From this we may learn God's willingness to help those who honestly seek to meet their obligations.6. How does the good man guide his affairs?[pg 679]“A good man showeth favor, and lendeth: he will guide his affairswith discretion.”Ps. 112:5.7. To what should those listen who lack business discretion?“Poverty and shame shall be to him that refusethinstruction: but he that regardethreproofshall be honored.”Prov. 13:18.Note.—It is wise for those who, from lack of natural business ability, find themselves constantly running into debt, to seek advice and counsel from those endowed with more wisdom in such matters.8. Which of Christ's parables teaches business discretion?“For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, andcounteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.”Luke 14:28-30.9. How were means provided for building the tabernacle?“And Moses spake unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which the Lord commanded, saying, Take ye from among youan offeringunto the Lord: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the Lord; gold, and silver, and brass,”etc. Ex. 35:4-9.10. What provision did David make for building the temple?“I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God.”1 Chron. 29:2.11. How did the people respond to his call for contributions?“Then the chief of the fathers and princes ...offered willingly.... Then the people rejoiced, for thatthey offered willingly, because with perfect heartthey offered willinglyto the Lord: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.”Verses 6-9.12. When King Jehoash wished to repair the temple, what provision did he make for raising the necessary means?“And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things that is brought into the house of the Lord, ... and all the money that cometh into any man's heart to bring into the house of the Lord, let the priests take it to them, every man of his acquaintance: and let them repair the breaches of the house, wheresoever any breach shall be found.”2 Kings 12:4, 5.[pg 680]13. When, after sixteen years, it was found that these repairs had not yet been made, what was done?“Jehoiada the priesttook a chest, and bored a hole in the lid of it, and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one cometh into the house of the Lord: and the priests that kept the door put therein all the money that was brought into the house of the Lord.”Verse 9.14. What was done with the money thus raised?“They gave the money ... into the hands of them that did the work, ... and they laid it out to the carpenters and builders, that wrought upon the house of the Lord.”Verse 11.Notes.—These examples furnish good lessons on financing gospel enterprises. In each instance, it will be noticed, the means were provided before the work of building was begun. No debt, therefore, was created. In all business transactions this plan is an excellent one to follow.“Debt! There is no worse demoralizer of character. The sad records of defaulting, embezzling, and dishonest failure which we meet with so constantly in the daily press are often, indeed most frequently, the result of the demoralization of debt, and the consequent desperate efforts of extraction. The financial props have given way.... Debt ruins as many households and destroys as many fine characters as rum; it is the devil's mortgage on the soul, and he is always ready to foreclose. Pay all your bills. Look every man in the face, conscious that you owe the world no more than it owes you. Be indebted for nothing but love, and even that be sure you pay in kind, and that payments are frequent.”—Talmage.“This running into debt is a great cause of dishonesty.... Young men are growing quite shameless about being in debt; and the immorality extends throughout society. Tastes are becoming more extravagant and luxurious, without the corresponding increase of means to enable them to be gratified. But they are gratified nevertheless; and debts are incurred, which afterwards weigh like a millstone round the neck.... The safest plan is to run up no bills, and never get into debt; and the next is if one does get into debt, to get out of it again as quickly as possible. A man in debt is not his own master: he is at the mercy of the tradesman he employs.... No man can be free who is in debt. The inevitable effect of debt is not only to injure personal independence, but, in the long run, to inflict moral degradation. The debtor is exposed to constant humiliations.”—“Thrift,”by Samuel Smiles, pages 243-247.The following testimony on this subject is borne by a Chicago lady, who had been happily wedded for fifty years.“I know why John and I have been happy during these fifty years. In the first place, we have made it a rule never to go in debt. I have lived in Chicago sixty-eight years, and never during that time have I owed a person a cent.... I believe a good deal of unhappiness is caused by spending more than you make. It has been our policy to buy what we could well afford to have, and then stop.”—Chicago Tribune, Aug. 24, 1902.[pg 681]Respect Of PersonsIllustration.Peter In The House Of Cornelius. "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons." Acts 10:34.1. Of what has God made all nations?“And hath madeof one bloodall nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation.”Acts 17:26.2. To how many is God good?“The Lord isgood to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works.”Ps. 145:9.3. Is God a respecter of persons?“Neither doth God respect any person.”2 Sam. 14:14.4. Who is accepted with God?“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nationhe that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him.”Acts 10:34, 35.5. What prohibitions are given in the Scriptures against having respect of persons?“Ye shall not respect personsin judgment; but ye shall hear thesmallas well as thegreat; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man.”Deut. 1:17.“Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of thepoor, nor honor[pg 682]the person of themighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbor.”Lev. 19:15.“Blessed is that man that ... respecteth not theproud, nor such as turn aside tolies.”Ps. 40:4.6. Of what are those guilty who respect persons?“If ye have respect to persons,ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law astransgressors.”James 2:9.“He that despiseth his neighborsinneth.”Prov. 14:21.7. By what illustration is this sin made plain?“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; and ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?”James 2:1-4.8. What led to the appointment of deacons in the early Christian church?“And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied,there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.”Acts 6:1.9. What mistake did Peter and others make some years later in their conduct?“But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles:but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.”Gal. 2:11-13.10. How are all national, unholy, and unjust distinctions among men swept away in Christ?“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”Gal. 3:27, 28. See also Col. 3:11.[pg 683]Illustration.The Pharisee And The Publican. "I tell you, this man [the publican] went down to his house justified rather than the other." Luke 18:14.[pg 684]

Illustration.The Dream Of Pilate's Wife. "Have thou nothing to do with that just Man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of Him." Matt. 27:19.

The Dream Of Pilate's Wife. "Have thou nothing to do with that just Man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of Him." Matt. 27:19.

PrideIllustration.Jonah And The Whale. "Pride goeth before destruction." Prov. 16:18.1. How does the Lord regard pride?“Six things doth the Lordhate: ... a proud look,”etc. Prov. 6:16-19.2. Of what is pride a forerunner?“Pride goeth beforedestruction, and an haughty spirit beforea fall.”Prov. 16:18. See Prov. 29:23.3. What was the cause of Satan's downfall?“Thine heart waslifted up because of thy beauty.”Eze. 28:17.4. What is God's attitude toward the proud?“Godresisteththe proud.”James 4:6. See Ps. 40:4; 101:5; 138:6; 1 Tim. 6:4.5. Why should we not indulge in pride?“An high look, and a proud heart, ... issin.”Prov. 21:4.6. What is to be one of the sins of the last days?“Men shall be ...proud.”2 Tim. 3:2.7. How are the proud now generally regarded?“Now we call the proudhappy.”Mal. 3:15.8. What is to be the fate of the proud?“All the proud ... shall be stubble: andthe day that cometh shall burn them up.”Mal. 4:1.[pg 670]Illustration.Nathan's Parable. "The rich man ... spared to take of his own flock, ... but took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it." 2 Sam, 12:2-4.

Illustration.Jonah And The Whale. "Pride goeth before destruction." Prov. 16:18.

Jonah And The Whale. "Pride goeth before destruction." Prov. 16:18.

1. How does the Lord regard pride?

“Six things doth the Lordhate: ... a proud look,”etc. Prov. 6:16-19.

2. Of what is pride a forerunner?

“Pride goeth beforedestruction, and an haughty spirit beforea fall.”Prov. 16:18. See Prov. 29:23.

3. What was the cause of Satan's downfall?

“Thine heart waslifted up because of thy beauty.”Eze. 28:17.

4. What is God's attitude toward the proud?

“Godresisteththe proud.”James 4:6. See Ps. 40:4; 101:5; 138:6; 1 Tim. 6:4.

5. Why should we not indulge in pride?

“An high look, and a proud heart, ... issin.”Prov. 21:4.

6. What is to be one of the sins of the last days?

“Men shall be ...proud.”2 Tim. 3:2.

7. How are the proud now generally regarded?

“Now we call the proudhappy.”Mal. 3:15.

8. What is to be the fate of the proud?

“All the proud ... shall be stubble: andthe day that cometh shall burn them up.”Mal. 4:1.

Illustration.Nathan's Parable. "The rich man ... spared to take of his own flock, ... but took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it." 2 Sam, 12:2-4.

Nathan's Parable. "The rich man ... spared to take of his own flock, ... but took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it." 2 Sam, 12:2-4.

SelfishnessIllustration.Jacob Deceiving His Father. "Thou shalt not covet." Ex. 20:17.1. What great commandment excludes selfishness?“Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”Matt. 22:39.2. What sin is forbidden by the tenth commandment?“Thou shalt notcovet.”Ex. 20:17.3. What sins are to characterize the last days?“Men shall belovers of their own selves, covetous.”2 Tim. 3:2.4. How prevalent is this sin of self-seeking?“Forall seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.”Phil. 2:21.5. What does charity not do?“Charity ...seeketh not her own.”1 Cor. 13:4, 5.6. How are we admonished with regard to selfishness?“Let no manseek his own.”1 Cor. 10:24.“Look not every manon his own things, but every man alsoon the things of others.”Phil. 2:4.“Even as I please all men in all things,not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.”1 Cor. 10:33.“Let every one of usplease his neighborfor his good to edification.”Rom. 15:2.7. What example of unselfishness did Christ leave us?“For your sakesHe became poor.”2 Cor. 8:9.“Even Christpleased not Himself.”Rom. 15:3. See 1 John 3:17.

Illustration.Jacob Deceiving His Father. "Thou shalt not covet." Ex. 20:17.

Jacob Deceiving His Father. "Thou shalt not covet." Ex. 20:17.

1. What great commandment excludes selfishness?

“Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.”Matt. 22:39.

2. What sin is forbidden by the tenth commandment?

“Thou shalt notcovet.”Ex. 20:17.

3. What sins are to characterize the last days?

“Men shall belovers of their own selves, covetous.”2 Tim. 3:2.

4. How prevalent is this sin of self-seeking?

“Forall seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.”Phil. 2:21.

5. What does charity not do?

“Charity ...seeketh not her own.”1 Cor. 13:4, 5.

6. How are we admonished with regard to selfishness?

“Let no manseek his own.”1 Cor. 10:24.“Look not every manon his own things, but every man alsoon the things of others.”Phil. 2:4.“Even as I please all men in all things,not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.”1 Cor. 10:33.“Let every one of usplease his neighborfor his good to edification.”Rom. 15:2.

7. What example of unselfishness did Christ leave us?

“For your sakesHe became poor.”2 Cor. 8:9.“Even Christpleased not Himself.”Rom. 15:3. See 1 John 3:17.

CovetousnessIllustration.The Sin Of Achan. "When I saw ... I coveted them, and took them." Joshua 7:21.1. What warning did Christ give concerning covetousness?“And He said unto them,Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”Luke 12:15.2. What commandment forbids this sin?“Thou shalt not covet.”Ex. 20:17.Covetous:“Inordinately desirous; excessively eager to obtain and possess (especially money); avaricious.”—Webster.3. What showed this principle to have been strong in the rich man who already had abundance?“And he said, This will I do:I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul,Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.”Luke 12:18, 19.4. What did God say to him?“But God said unto him,Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?”Verse 20.5. What application of this parable did the Saviour make?“So is he that layeth uptreasure for himself, and is notrich toward God.”Verse 21.[pg 673]6. What does Paul call covetousness?“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, andcovetousness, which is idolatry.”Col. 3:5.Note.—“Do not wade far out into the dangerous sea of this world's comfort. Take the good that God provides you, but say of it,‘It passeth away;’for indeed it is but a temporary supply for a temporary need. Never suffer your goods to become your god.”—Spurgeon.7. What do these sins bring upon mankind?“For which things' sakethe wrath of Godcometh on the children of disobedience.”Verse 6.8. What double service did Christ say is impossible?“Ye cannot serveGodandmammon.”Luke 16:13.9. Of what sin were the Pharisees guilty?“And the Pharisees also,who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided Him.”Verse 14.10. What reply did Christ make?“And He said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: forthat which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.”Verse 15.11. How does the Lord regard the covetous?“For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous,whom the Lord abhorreth.”Ps. 10:3.12. What did this sin lead Achan to do?“When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold, ...I coveted them, and took them.”Joshua 7:21.13. What did covetousness lead Judas to do?“And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests,to betray Himunto them. And when they heard it, they were glad, andpromised to give him money. And he sought how he might convenientlybetray Him.”Mark 14:10, 11.14. Why are the last days to be perilous?“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall belovers of their own selves, covetous,boasters, proud, blasphemers.”2 Tim. 3:1, 2.[pg 674]Illustration.Balaam And The Angel. "The elders of Moab, ... with the rewards of divination in their hand, ... came unto Balaam." Num. 22:7.[pg 675]15. What parable did Christ give to correct the false idea of the Pharisees that wealth was a sign of special favor with God?The parable of the rich man and Lazarus. Luke 16:19-31.16. What did He point out as one of the dangers of the possession of wealth?“And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto His disciples,How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!... Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children,how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!”Mark 10:23, 24.Note.—And how hard it is for those who have riches not to trust in them!17. As a rule, what class generally accept the gospel?“Harken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosenthe poor of this worldrich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him?”James 2:5.18. How difficult did Christ say it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God?“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”Mark 10:25.Note.—If Christ here referred to a small, low gate in the walls of Jerusalem, called“The Needle's Eye,”as is thought by some, the force of the statement still remains; for, before a camel could pass through this gate, it was necessary that he should be relieved of his burden, and get down on his knees and creep through.19. Why was the rich young man desiring salvation, unwilling to sell what he had and give alms, as Christ told him to do?“But when the young man heard that saying,he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.”Matt. 19:16.20. What is the love of money declared to be?“For the love of money isthe root of all evil.”1 Tim. 6:10.21. What evils befall those who are determined to be rich?“But they that will be richfall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.”Verse 9.22. Who gives man the power to get wealth?“But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: forit is He that giveth thee power to get wealth.”Deut. 8:18.[pg 676]23. How may all, rich and poor, honor God?“Honor the Lordwith thy substance, andwith the first-fruits of all thine increase.”Prov. 3:9.24. What caution is given concerning riches?“If riches increase,set not your heart upon them.”Ps. 62:10.25. Can riches be retained to men's hurt?“There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely,riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.”Eccl. 5:13.26. What charge is given to the rich?“Charge them that are rich in this world,that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that theydo good, that they berich in good works,ready to distribute,willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”1 Tim. 6:17-19.27. What makes rich without adding sorrow?“The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it.”Prov. 10:22.28. How are true riches obtained?“Byhumilityand thefear of the Lordare riches, and honor, and life.”Prov. 22:4.29. How did Moses esteem the reproach of Christ?“Esteeming the reproach of Christgreater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.”Heb. 11:26.30. What two classes of rich men are mentioned in the Bible?“There is that maketh himselfrich, yethath nothing: there is that maketh himselfpoor, yet hathgreat riches.”Prov. 13:7.Note.—In Luke 12:16-20 is an example of the first class; in Acts 4:34-37 are examples of the second.31. What solemn warning is addressed to the rich who, in the last days, have heaped up treasure, and oppressed the poor?“Go to now, ye rich men,weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; andthe rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat[pg 677]your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Behold, the hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.”James 5:1-5.32. Will silver or gold be able to deliver in the day of wrath?“Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord's wrath.”Zeph. 1:18. See also Prov. 11:4.33. What will the rich men do with their money then?“They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the Lord: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumbling-block of their iniquity.”Eze. 7:19.Notes.—When the steamer“Central America,”with nearly six hundred passengers aboard, was wrecked off Cape Hatteras, Sept. 12, 1857, in a fearful storm, many of the passengers who were returning miners from the gold-mines of California, divested themselves of their treasure belts and scattered the gold upon the cabin floors, telling those to take it who would, lest its weight about their persons should carry them to their death.“Full purses, containing in some instances thousands of dollars, lay around untouched. Carpetbags were opened, and the shining metal was poured out on the floor with the prodigality of death's despair. One of the passengers opened a bag and dashed about the cabin twenty thousand dollars in gold-dust, and told him who wanted to gratify his greed for gold to take it. But it was passed by untouched, as the veriest dross.”—“Our First Century,”pages 642, 643.When the steamship“Arctic”was lost from a collision in mid-ocean, Sept. 20, 1854, one passenger offered thirty thousand pounds sterling, or one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, if the life-boats would put back to save him. They turned to do so, but he sank before they reached him.—Id., page 614.34. As stewards of God's gifts, what are we told to do?“And I say unto you,Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.”Luke 16:9.“As every man hath received the gift,even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”1 Peter 4:10.Is not the way to heavenly gainThrough earthly grief and loss?Rest must be won by toil and pain;The crown repays the cross.Henry F. Lyte.

Illustration.The Sin Of Achan. "When I saw ... I coveted them, and took them." Joshua 7:21.

The Sin Of Achan. "When I saw ... I coveted them, and took them." Joshua 7:21.

1. What warning did Christ give concerning covetousness?

“And He said unto them,Take heed, and beware of covetousness: for a man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth.”Luke 12:15.

2. What commandment forbids this sin?

“Thou shalt not covet.”Ex. 20:17.

Covetous:“Inordinately desirous; excessively eager to obtain and possess (especially money); avaricious.”—Webster.

3. What showed this principle to have been strong in the rich man who already had abundance?

“And he said, This will I do:I will pull down my barns, and build greater; and there will I bestow all my fruits and my goods. And I will say to my soul,Soul, thou hast much goods laid up for many years; take thine ease, eat, drink, and be merry.”Luke 12:18, 19.

4. What did God say to him?

“But God said unto him,Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee: then whose shall those things be, which thou hast provided?”Verse 20.

5. What application of this parable did the Saviour make?

“So is he that layeth uptreasure for himself, and is notrich toward God.”Verse 21.

6. What does Paul call covetousness?

“Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, andcovetousness, which is idolatry.”Col. 3:5.

Note.—“Do not wade far out into the dangerous sea of this world's comfort. Take the good that God provides you, but say of it,‘It passeth away;’for indeed it is but a temporary supply for a temporary need. Never suffer your goods to become your god.”—Spurgeon.

7. What do these sins bring upon mankind?

“For which things' sakethe wrath of Godcometh on the children of disobedience.”Verse 6.

8. What double service did Christ say is impossible?

“Ye cannot serveGodandmammon.”Luke 16:13.

9. Of what sin were the Pharisees guilty?

“And the Pharisees also,who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided Him.”Verse 14.

10. What reply did Christ make?

“And He said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: forthat which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.”Verse 15.

11. How does the Lord regard the covetous?

“For the wicked boasteth of his heart's desire, and blesseth the covetous,whom the Lord abhorreth.”Ps. 10:3.

12. What did this sin lead Achan to do?

“When I saw among the spoils a goodly Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold, ...I coveted them, and took them.”Joshua 7:21.

13. What did covetousness lead Judas to do?

“And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests,to betray Himunto them. And when they heard it, they were glad, andpromised to give him money. And he sought how he might convenientlybetray Him.”Mark 14:10, 11.

14. Why are the last days to be perilous?

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall belovers of their own selves, covetous,boasters, proud, blasphemers.”2 Tim. 3:1, 2.

Illustration.Balaam And The Angel. "The elders of Moab, ... with the rewards of divination in their hand, ... came unto Balaam." Num. 22:7.

Balaam And The Angel. "The elders of Moab, ... with the rewards of divination in their hand, ... came unto Balaam." Num. 22:7.

15. What parable did Christ give to correct the false idea of the Pharisees that wealth was a sign of special favor with God?

The parable of the rich man and Lazarus. Luke 16:19-31.

16. What did He point out as one of the dangers of the possession of wealth?

“And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto His disciples,How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!... Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children,how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!”Mark 10:23, 24.

Note.—And how hard it is for those who have riches not to trust in them!

17. As a rule, what class generally accept the gospel?

“Harken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosenthe poor of this worldrich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him?”James 2:5.

18. How difficult did Christ say it is for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God?

“It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.”Mark 10:25.

Note.—If Christ here referred to a small, low gate in the walls of Jerusalem, called“The Needle's Eye,”as is thought by some, the force of the statement still remains; for, before a camel could pass through this gate, it was necessary that he should be relieved of his burden, and get down on his knees and creep through.

19. Why was the rich young man desiring salvation, unwilling to sell what he had and give alms, as Christ told him to do?

“But when the young man heard that saying,he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.”Matt. 19:16.

20. What is the love of money declared to be?

“For the love of money isthe root of all evil.”1 Tim. 6:10.

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

“But they that will be richfall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.”Verse 9.

22. Who gives man the power to get wealth?

“But thou shalt remember the Lord thy God: forit is He that giveth thee power to get wealth.”Deut. 8:18.

23. How may all, rich and poor, honor God?

“Honor the Lordwith thy substance, andwith the first-fruits of all thine increase.”Prov. 3:9.

24. What caution is given concerning riches?

“If riches increase,set not your heart upon them.”Ps. 62:10.

25. Can riches be retained to men's hurt?

“There is a sore evil which I have seen under the sun, namely,riches kept for the owners thereof to their hurt.”Eccl. 5:13.

26. What charge is given to the rich?

“Charge them that are rich in this world,that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that theydo good, that they berich in good works,ready to distribute,willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”1 Tim. 6:17-19.

27. What makes rich without adding sorrow?

“The blessing of the Lord, it maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it.”Prov. 10:22.

28. How are true riches obtained?

“Byhumilityand thefear of the Lordare riches, and honor, and life.”Prov. 22:4.

29. How did Moses esteem the reproach of Christ?

“Esteeming the reproach of Christgreater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompense of the reward.”Heb. 11:26.

30. What two classes of rich men are mentioned in the Bible?

“There is that maketh himselfrich, yethath nothing: there is that maketh himselfpoor, yet hathgreat riches.”Prov. 13:7.

Note.—In Luke 12:16-20 is an example of the first class; in Acts 4:34-37 are examples of the second.

31. What solemn warning is addressed to the rich who, in the last days, have heaped up treasure, and oppressed the poor?

“Go to now, ye rich men,weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; andthe rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat[pg 677]your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Behold, the hire of the laborers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.”James 5:1-5.

32. Will silver or gold be able to deliver in the day of wrath?

“Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them in the day of the Lord's wrath.”Zeph. 1:18. See also Prov. 11:4.

33. What will the rich men do with their money then?

“They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed: their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the Lord: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels: because it is the stumbling-block of their iniquity.”Eze. 7:19.

Notes.—When the steamer“Central America,”with nearly six hundred passengers aboard, was wrecked off Cape Hatteras, Sept. 12, 1857, in a fearful storm, many of the passengers who were returning miners from the gold-mines of California, divested themselves of their treasure belts and scattered the gold upon the cabin floors, telling those to take it who would, lest its weight about their persons should carry them to their death.“Full purses, containing in some instances thousands of dollars, lay around untouched. Carpetbags were opened, and the shining metal was poured out on the floor with the prodigality of death's despair. One of the passengers opened a bag and dashed about the cabin twenty thousand dollars in gold-dust, and told him who wanted to gratify his greed for gold to take it. But it was passed by untouched, as the veriest dross.”—“Our First Century,”pages 642, 643.When the steamship“Arctic”was lost from a collision in mid-ocean, Sept. 20, 1854, one passenger offered thirty thousand pounds sterling, or one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, if the life-boats would put back to save him. They turned to do so, but he sank before they reached him.—Id., page 614.

When the steamship“Arctic”was lost from a collision in mid-ocean, Sept. 20, 1854, one passenger offered thirty thousand pounds sterling, or one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, if the life-boats would put back to save him. They turned to do so, but he sank before they reached him.—Id., page 614.

34. As stewards of God's gifts, what are we told to do?

“And I say unto you,Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.”Luke 16:9.“As every man hath received the gift,even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”1 Peter 4:10.

Is not the way to heavenly gainThrough earthly grief and loss?Rest must be won by toil and pain;The crown repays the cross.Henry F. Lyte.

Is not the way to heavenly gain

Through earthly grief and loss?

Rest must be won by toil and pain;

The crown repays the cross.

Henry F. Lyte.

DebtsIllustration.Forging The Chains. "The borrower is servant to the lender." Prov. 22:7.1. What general rule is laid down in the Bible respecting the meeting of obligations?“Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom....Owe no man anything, but to love one another.”Rom. 13:7, 8.2. In what condition is one who borrows?“The borrower isservant to the lender.”Prov. 22:7.3. To what extent is one responsible for that borrowed?“And if a man borrow aught of his neighbor, and it be hurt, or die, ...he shall surely make it good.”Ex. 22:14.4. Why did the young man in Elisha's time feel so bad about the loss of an ax head?“But as one was felling a beam, the ax head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! forit was borrowed.”2 Kings 6:5.5. What miracle was wrought by Elisha for its restoration?“And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither;and the iron did swim.”Verse 6.Note.—From this we may learn God's willingness to help those who honestly seek to meet their obligations.6. How does the good man guide his affairs?[pg 679]“A good man showeth favor, and lendeth: he will guide his affairswith discretion.”Ps. 112:5.7. To what should those listen who lack business discretion?“Poverty and shame shall be to him that refusethinstruction: but he that regardethreproofshall be honored.”Prov. 13:18.Note.—It is wise for those who, from lack of natural business ability, find themselves constantly running into debt, to seek advice and counsel from those endowed with more wisdom in such matters.8. Which of Christ's parables teaches business discretion?“For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, andcounteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.”Luke 14:28-30.9. How were means provided for building the tabernacle?“And Moses spake unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which the Lord commanded, saying, Take ye from among youan offeringunto the Lord: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the Lord; gold, and silver, and brass,”etc. Ex. 35:4-9.10. What provision did David make for building the temple?“I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God.”1 Chron. 29:2.11. How did the people respond to his call for contributions?“Then the chief of the fathers and princes ...offered willingly.... Then the people rejoiced, for thatthey offered willingly, because with perfect heartthey offered willinglyto the Lord: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.”Verses 6-9.12. When King Jehoash wished to repair the temple, what provision did he make for raising the necessary means?“And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things that is brought into the house of the Lord, ... and all the money that cometh into any man's heart to bring into the house of the Lord, let the priests take it to them, every man of his acquaintance: and let them repair the breaches of the house, wheresoever any breach shall be found.”2 Kings 12:4, 5.[pg 680]13. When, after sixteen years, it was found that these repairs had not yet been made, what was done?“Jehoiada the priesttook a chest, and bored a hole in the lid of it, and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one cometh into the house of the Lord: and the priests that kept the door put therein all the money that was brought into the house of the Lord.”Verse 9.14. What was done with the money thus raised?“They gave the money ... into the hands of them that did the work, ... and they laid it out to the carpenters and builders, that wrought upon the house of the Lord.”Verse 11.Notes.—These examples furnish good lessons on financing gospel enterprises. In each instance, it will be noticed, the means were provided before the work of building was begun. No debt, therefore, was created. In all business transactions this plan is an excellent one to follow.“Debt! There is no worse demoralizer of character. The sad records of defaulting, embezzling, and dishonest failure which we meet with so constantly in the daily press are often, indeed most frequently, the result of the demoralization of debt, and the consequent desperate efforts of extraction. The financial props have given way.... Debt ruins as many households and destroys as many fine characters as rum; it is the devil's mortgage on the soul, and he is always ready to foreclose. Pay all your bills. Look every man in the face, conscious that you owe the world no more than it owes you. Be indebted for nothing but love, and even that be sure you pay in kind, and that payments are frequent.”—Talmage.“This running into debt is a great cause of dishonesty.... Young men are growing quite shameless about being in debt; and the immorality extends throughout society. Tastes are becoming more extravagant and luxurious, without the corresponding increase of means to enable them to be gratified. But they are gratified nevertheless; and debts are incurred, which afterwards weigh like a millstone round the neck.... The safest plan is to run up no bills, and never get into debt; and the next is if one does get into debt, to get out of it again as quickly as possible. A man in debt is not his own master: he is at the mercy of the tradesman he employs.... No man can be free who is in debt. The inevitable effect of debt is not only to injure personal independence, but, in the long run, to inflict moral degradation. The debtor is exposed to constant humiliations.”—“Thrift,”by Samuel Smiles, pages 243-247.The following testimony on this subject is borne by a Chicago lady, who had been happily wedded for fifty years.“I know why John and I have been happy during these fifty years. In the first place, we have made it a rule never to go in debt. I have lived in Chicago sixty-eight years, and never during that time have I owed a person a cent.... I believe a good deal of unhappiness is caused by spending more than you make. It has been our policy to buy what we could well afford to have, and then stop.”—Chicago Tribune, Aug. 24, 1902.

Illustration.Forging The Chains. "The borrower is servant to the lender." Prov. 22:7.

Forging The Chains. "The borrower is servant to the lender." Prov. 22:7.

1. What general rule is laid down in the Bible respecting the meeting of obligations?

“Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom....Owe no man anything, but to love one another.”Rom. 13:7, 8.

2. In what condition is one who borrows?

“The borrower isservant to the lender.”Prov. 22:7.

3. To what extent is one responsible for that borrowed?

“And if a man borrow aught of his neighbor, and it be hurt, or die, ...he shall surely make it good.”Ex. 22:14.

4. Why did the young man in Elisha's time feel so bad about the loss of an ax head?

“But as one was felling a beam, the ax head fell into the water: and he cried, and said, Alas, master! forit was borrowed.”2 Kings 6:5.

5. What miracle was wrought by Elisha for its restoration?

“And he cut down a stick, and cast it in thither;and the iron did swim.”Verse 6.

Note.—From this we may learn God's willingness to help those who honestly seek to meet their obligations.

6. How does the good man guide his affairs?

“A good man showeth favor, and lendeth: he will guide his affairswith discretion.”Ps. 112:5.

7. To what should those listen who lack business discretion?

“Poverty and shame shall be to him that refusethinstruction: but he that regardethreproofshall be honored.”Prov. 13:18.

Note.—It is wise for those who, from lack of natural business ability, find themselves constantly running into debt, to seek advice and counsel from those endowed with more wisdom in such matters.

8. Which of Christ's parables teaches business discretion?

“For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, andcounteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.”Luke 14:28-30.

9. How were means provided for building the tabernacle?

“And Moses spake unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, saying, This is the thing which the Lord commanded, saying, Take ye from among youan offeringunto the Lord: whosoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it, an offering of the Lord; gold, and silver, and brass,”etc. Ex. 35:4-9.

10. What provision did David make for building the temple?

“I have prepared with all my might for the house of my God.”1 Chron. 29:2.

11. How did the people respond to his call for contributions?

“Then the chief of the fathers and princes ...offered willingly.... Then the people rejoiced, for thatthey offered willingly, because with perfect heartthey offered willinglyto the Lord: and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.”Verses 6-9.

12. When King Jehoash wished to repair the temple, what provision did he make for raising the necessary means?

“And Jehoash said to the priests, All the money of the dedicated things that is brought into the house of the Lord, ... and all the money that cometh into any man's heart to bring into the house of the Lord, let the priests take it to them, every man of his acquaintance: and let them repair the breaches of the house, wheresoever any breach shall be found.”2 Kings 12:4, 5.

13. When, after sixteen years, it was found that these repairs had not yet been made, what was done?

“Jehoiada the priesttook a chest, and bored a hole in the lid of it, and set it beside the altar, on the right side as one cometh into the house of the Lord: and the priests that kept the door put therein all the money that was brought into the house of the Lord.”Verse 9.

14. What was done with the money thus raised?

“They gave the money ... into the hands of them that did the work, ... and they laid it out to the carpenters and builders, that wrought upon the house of the Lord.”Verse 11.

Notes.—These examples furnish good lessons on financing gospel enterprises. In each instance, it will be noticed, the means were provided before the work of building was begun. No debt, therefore, was created. In all business transactions this plan is an excellent one to follow.“Debt! There is no worse demoralizer of character. The sad records of defaulting, embezzling, and dishonest failure which we meet with so constantly in the daily press are often, indeed most frequently, the result of the demoralization of debt, and the consequent desperate efforts of extraction. The financial props have given way.... Debt ruins as many households and destroys as many fine characters as rum; it is the devil's mortgage on the soul, and he is always ready to foreclose. Pay all your bills. Look every man in the face, conscious that you owe the world no more than it owes you. Be indebted for nothing but love, and even that be sure you pay in kind, and that payments are frequent.”—Talmage.“This running into debt is a great cause of dishonesty.... Young men are growing quite shameless about being in debt; and the immorality extends throughout society. Tastes are becoming more extravagant and luxurious, without the corresponding increase of means to enable them to be gratified. But they are gratified nevertheless; and debts are incurred, which afterwards weigh like a millstone round the neck.... The safest plan is to run up no bills, and never get into debt; and the next is if one does get into debt, to get out of it again as quickly as possible. A man in debt is not his own master: he is at the mercy of the tradesman he employs.... No man can be free who is in debt. The inevitable effect of debt is not only to injure personal independence, but, in the long run, to inflict moral degradation. The debtor is exposed to constant humiliations.”—“Thrift,”by Samuel Smiles, pages 243-247.The following testimony on this subject is borne by a Chicago lady, who had been happily wedded for fifty years.“I know why John and I have been happy during these fifty years. In the first place, we have made it a rule never to go in debt. I have lived in Chicago sixty-eight years, and never during that time have I owed a person a cent.... I believe a good deal of unhappiness is caused by spending more than you make. It has been our policy to buy what we could well afford to have, and then stop.”—Chicago Tribune, Aug. 24, 1902.

“Debt! There is no worse demoralizer of character. The sad records of defaulting, embezzling, and dishonest failure which we meet with so constantly in the daily press are often, indeed most frequently, the result of the demoralization of debt, and the consequent desperate efforts of extraction. The financial props have given way.... Debt ruins as many households and destroys as many fine characters as rum; it is the devil's mortgage on the soul, and he is always ready to foreclose. Pay all your bills. Look every man in the face, conscious that you owe the world no more than it owes you. Be indebted for nothing but love, and even that be sure you pay in kind, and that payments are frequent.”—Talmage.

“This running into debt is a great cause of dishonesty.... Young men are growing quite shameless about being in debt; and the immorality extends throughout society. Tastes are becoming more extravagant and luxurious, without the corresponding increase of means to enable them to be gratified. But they are gratified nevertheless; and debts are incurred, which afterwards weigh like a millstone round the neck.... The safest plan is to run up no bills, and never get into debt; and the next is if one does get into debt, to get out of it again as quickly as possible. A man in debt is not his own master: he is at the mercy of the tradesman he employs.... No man can be free who is in debt. The inevitable effect of debt is not only to injure personal independence, but, in the long run, to inflict moral degradation. The debtor is exposed to constant humiliations.”—“Thrift,”by Samuel Smiles, pages 243-247.

The following testimony on this subject is borne by a Chicago lady, who had been happily wedded for fifty years.“I know why John and I have been happy during these fifty years. In the first place, we have made it a rule never to go in debt. I have lived in Chicago sixty-eight years, and never during that time have I owed a person a cent.... I believe a good deal of unhappiness is caused by spending more than you make. It has been our policy to buy what we could well afford to have, and then stop.”—Chicago Tribune, Aug. 24, 1902.

Respect Of PersonsIllustration.Peter In The House Of Cornelius. "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons." Acts 10:34.1. Of what has God made all nations?“And hath madeof one bloodall nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation.”Acts 17:26.2. To how many is God good?“The Lord isgood to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works.”Ps. 145:9.3. Is God a respecter of persons?“Neither doth God respect any person.”2 Sam. 14:14.4. Who is accepted with God?“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nationhe that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him.”Acts 10:34, 35.5. What prohibitions are given in the Scriptures against having respect of persons?“Ye shall not respect personsin judgment; but ye shall hear thesmallas well as thegreat; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man.”Deut. 1:17.“Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of thepoor, nor honor[pg 682]the person of themighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbor.”Lev. 19:15.“Blessed is that man that ... respecteth not theproud, nor such as turn aside tolies.”Ps. 40:4.6. Of what are those guilty who respect persons?“If ye have respect to persons,ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law astransgressors.”James 2:9.“He that despiseth his neighborsinneth.”Prov. 14:21.7. By what illustration is this sin made plain?“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; and ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?”James 2:1-4.8. What led to the appointment of deacons in the early Christian church?“And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied,there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.”Acts 6:1.9. What mistake did Peter and others make some years later in their conduct?“But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles:but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.”Gal. 2:11-13.10. How are all national, unholy, and unjust distinctions among men swept away in Christ?“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”Gal. 3:27, 28. See also Col. 3:11.[pg 683]Illustration.The Pharisee And The Publican. "I tell you, this man [the publican] went down to his house justified rather than the other." Luke 18:14.

Illustration.Peter In The House Of Cornelius. "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons." Acts 10:34.

Peter In The House Of Cornelius. "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons." Acts 10:34.

1. Of what has God made all nations?

“And hath madeof one bloodall nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation.”Acts 17:26.

2. To how many is God good?

“The Lord isgood to all: and His tender mercies are over all His works.”Ps. 145:9.

3. Is God a respecter of persons?

“Neither doth God respect any person.”2 Sam. 14:14.

4. Who is accepted with God?

“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nationhe that feareth Him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with Him.”Acts 10:34, 35.

5. What prohibitions are given in the Scriptures against having respect of persons?

“Ye shall not respect personsin judgment; but ye shall hear thesmallas well as thegreat; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man.”Deut. 1:17.“Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of thepoor, nor honor[pg 682]the person of themighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbor.”Lev. 19:15.“Blessed is that man that ... respecteth not theproud, nor such as turn aside tolies.”Ps. 40:4.

6. Of what are those guilty who respect persons?

“If ye have respect to persons,ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law astransgressors.”James 2:9.“He that despiseth his neighborsinneth.”Prov. 14:21.

7. By what illustration is this sin made plain?

“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; and ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?”James 2:1-4.

8. What led to the appointment of deacons in the early Christian church?

“And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplied,there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.”Acts 6:1.

9. What mistake did Peter and others make some years later in their conduct?

“But when Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be blamed. For before that certain came from James, he did eat with the Gentiles:but when they were come, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing them which were of the circumcision. And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him; insomuch that Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation.”Gal. 2:11-13.

10. How are all national, unholy, and unjust distinctions among men swept away in Christ?

“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”Gal. 3:27, 28. See also Col. 3:11.

Illustration.The Pharisee And The Publican. "I tell you, this man [the publican] went down to his house justified rather than the other." Luke 18:14.

The Pharisee And The Publican. "I tell you, this man [the publican] went down to his house justified rather than the other." Luke 18:14.

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