/SJ* 7 ft t STANDARD SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSONS, I & THE LIFE OF CHRIST. FIRST THIRTEEN LESSONS. LESSONS. 1. The Birth of Jesus. — The Son of God became the Son of Man. 2. The Boyhood of Jesus. — Jesus like other children but sinless. 3. Christ’s Forerunner. — John prepared the Jews to receive Jesus. 4. Christ’s Baptism and Temptation. — Jesus, born under the Law to redeem those under the Law. 5. Christ’s First Disciples. — They were humble, hardworking, God-fearing men. 6. Christ at the Marriage Feast. — Jesus, not an ascetic. 7. Christ’s Claims Slighted. — Christ fulfills prophecy. 8. Christ’s Talk with Nicodemus. — Ye must be born again. 9. The Samaritan Woman. — The eagerness of Christ to save. 10. Christ Rejected at Nazareth. — The carnal mind is enmity against God. 11. The Words of Jesus. — Never man spake like this man. 12. The King’s Manifesto. — Jesus, the true King. 13. Our Father. — Of whom other fathers are imperfect pictures. Vri HU? CALCUTTA : PUBLISHED FOR THE BENGAL SUNDAY SCHOOL UNION, AT THE BAPTIST MISSION PRESS. 1894. — Price — Three Pice. A WORD TO TEACHERS. The woes and wants of the Children of India can only be intelligently voiced in the words “ We would See Jesus.” These Lessons are an attempt to shew Jesus to the Children. You are requested to co-operate by acting upon the following suggestions : — I. Pray for each of your scholars by name. II. See that each of your Scholars has a Bible of his own, and knows how to find the passages referred to in the Lessons. III. Before the Sunday School meets study the Lesson, using all helps available ; encourage the Children to do the same, but in the Sunday School let nothing be read but God’s Word. IV The Golden Text generally contains the pith of the Lessons. See that it is understood and memorised by every Scholar. The elder ones should also learn the other verses appointed to be committed to memory. V. Hold frequent Review Lessons, at which the Children should repeat all the verses committed to memory since the Last Review, and also be questioned about the incidents and truths they have studied. RULES FOR TEACHERS. I. Never teach what you do not quite understand. II. Never tell a scholar what you can make him tell you. III. Never give a piece of information without asking for it again. IV. Never use a hard word if an easy one will convey your meaning. V. Never begin an Address or Lesson without a clear view of its end and purpose. VI. Never give an unnecessary command, or one you do not mean to see obeyed. VII. Never permit a child to remain in the class even for a minute, without something to do, and a motive for doing it. The Compiler of these Lessons has found Stock’s “Lessons on the Life of our Lord ” very helpful and suggestive, and would therefore strongly re- commend them to all Teachers. No. 1. THE BIRTH OF JESUS. Luke 2; 1, 3-20. GpT came to pass in those days, vj\ that there went out a decree ($/ from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 3. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem (because he was of the house and lineage of David). 5. To be taxed with Mary his es- poused wife, being great with child. 6. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accom- plished that she should be delivered. 7. And she brought forth her first- born son, and wrapped him in swad- dling clothes, and *laid him in a manger: because there was no room for them in the inn. 8. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9. And lo ! the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them : and they were sore afraid. 10. And the angel said unto them, Fear not : for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11. For unto you is bom this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12. And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrap- ped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying: 14. Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 15. And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another. Let us now go even unto Beth- lehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16. And they came with haste, and found Mary and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18. And all they that heard it, wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19. But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20. And the shepherds returned, glori- fying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. Commit to memory verses 13 and 14. GOLDEN TEXT. — Christ Jesus being in the form of God, took upon him the form of a servant. (Phil. 2 ; 6 , 7 .) Introductory Remarks. Look at the map of Asia. You can easily find India, where we are living. To the North-West of India is Persia. To the West of Persia is Palestine, where the Jews used to live. God was very kind to the Jews in order that by them He might be able to help other nations (Gen. 12; 2). He raised up Prophets to teach them about Himself, Priests to make atonement for their sins, and Kings to rule over and defend them. But though God was so good to them, they often forgot Him and copied their neighbours in worshipping idols and doing other wicked things. Even then God did not forsake them. He promised to send them one who should be a wiser Prophet, a more merciful Priest, and a more powerful King. The Jews believed God’s gracious words and began to look and long for the promised Saviour. About nineteen hundred years ago God fulfilled His promises by sending His Son from Heaven. You all know that God is a Spirit. Perhaps you wonder what can be the relationship between Him and*” His Son.” It is unlikely that a little ant would understand the relationship between the parts of a railway engine. It is equally unlikely that we shall be able to fully understand this difficult subject, but if you prayerfully study the Bible you will, by degrees, be able to understand a good deal about it. Our Golden Text tells us that before His birth He was in “ the form of God but to save us sinful men He laid aside his glory and became a man. You may have heard that some years ago Queen Victoria wished her grandson, the Duke of York, to learn to manage a ship. He, therefore, left the Palace with all its pleasures, and was enrolled as an apprentice on a Man-of-war. He dressed like his companions, like them he learned to join ropes, mend sails, determine the position of the ship and to obey the Captain in all things. You will see at once that he was none the less the Queen’s grandson because he dressed like other midshipmen and rendered obedience to the Commander. Even so when Jesus took upon Him the form of a servant, He was no less divine than when He was in the Form of God. But, Oh ! it was so sad ! Because He came as a servant the Jews did not recognize Him. They persecuted and killed Him .... After that God drove them from Palestine and scattered them throughout the Earth. In most towns in India there are a few Jews. In Calcutta there are so many that they have built three large halfs, called Synagogues, in which they meet to read the book which their Prophets wrote, about the great Prophet, Priest, and King who was to come. You have all seen this book, for it is that part of the Bible which is called the Old Testament. The Jews are very proud, and wall not believe that it was their King whom their fathers killed. They are still expecting Him to come. In the Lesson for to-day w r e read how the Son of God became the Son of Man. Explanations. (I). As Queen Victoria lives in London and yet rules over India, so, when Jesus was born, Augustus Casar lived at Rome, and yet ruled over Palestine. Taxed, i. e., enrolled. So, in the year 1891, a census was taken of all people living in India. (3) Every Jew carefully preserved the names of his forefathers, and was able to trace his descent from some one, of whom he was proud. He regarded the city where that ancestor lived as “His own city," and was pleased to be commanded to go to it. (4) Joseph was he to whom the angel of the Lord had said: “Fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife : for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call His name Jesus : for He shall save His people from their sins.” (Matthew I. 20, 21). Palestine was divided into three Zilias — Galilee on the North, Judcea on the South, and Samaria in the middle. The Prophet Micah had foretold that the birth of Jesus would take place at Bethlehem. (Micah 5. 2). God used the decree of the Roman Emperor to fulfil His purpose. ( 1 1 ) The word Christ, means ‘Anointed One,’ i. e„ the Promised Prophet, Priest, and King, spoken of in the in- troductory remarks. (12) Jesus, is Lord — Lord of all, because he is God. (13) Heavenly Host, i. e., angels. (14) On Earth peace. In times of war the Commander-in-chief will sometimes send a man bearing a white flag to the enemy’s camp to ask them to leave of! fighting and make peace. Men were rebelling against God. He in mercy sent to them Jesus as His “ White flag.” Dear Reader ! Will you disregard the white flag and refuse to be reconciled to God? If so, you will be miserably destroyed. No. 2. THE BOYHOOD OF JESUS. Luke 2; 39-52. — Joseph, Mary and the V|\ child Jesus — returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth. 40. And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom : and the grace of God was upon him. 41. Now his parents w»nt to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. 42 . And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast. 43. And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem ; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it. 44. But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey ; and they sought him among their kinsfolk, and acquain- tance. 45. And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. 46. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. 47. And all that heard him were astonished at his under- standing and answers. 48. And when they saw him, they were amazed : and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us ? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. 49. And he said unto them, how is it that ye sought me ? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business? 50. And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them. 51. And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them : but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. 52. And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man. Cmmit to memory verses 49-51. GOLDEN TEXT.— Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well-pleasing unto the Lord. (Colos. 3; 20 .) Introductory Remarks. After an absence of some months Joseph and Mary returned to Nazareth. Under their fostering care the child Jesus grew stout and tall. In those days there were no newspapers and very few books, but every Jew thought it very important that his children should go to school that they might learn to read and understand the Bible. Joseph and Mary were not careless about the little one God had intrusted to them. They sent Him to the Synagogue to read with the other children of the village. He used to read the same stories of Joseph, of Samuel, and of David, which we read, and like other Jewish boys committed verses of Scripture to memory. The boy was specially distinguished for the strength of His spirit, He had His passions under perfect control. When through thoughtlessness or malice people injured Him, He would be so gentle and loving towards them that they were ashamed of their bad behaviour. If hurt at play He bore the pain man- fully and seldom shed a tear, ordinary difficulties could not hinder that strong spirit from accomplishing His task. What a pleasure it was to explain any- thing to Him, for He was full of wisdom, and remembered what He was told, and acted according to it. Is it any wonder that the boy lived in the sun- shine of God’s smile, and seemed to fill every place He entered with the grate of God ! When Jesus was twelve years old His parents thought Him able to fulfil all the precepts of the Law of the Lord, and took Him to Jerusalem to observe the great national festival called the Passover, which commemorated the release of their forefathers from slavery in Egypt, fifteen hundred years before. How full of interest were the eight days of the feast to that observant boy. How eager He was to get to the Temple in the morning, and how loath to leave it at night ! He had never cost His mother a moment’s anxiety through thoughtlessness or wilfulness. Everyone liked to have the bright amiable lad about them ; there was therefore no need for His mother to keep Him con- stantly under her eye. Thus it happened that at the close of the feast, in the bustle and confusion, when Joseph and Mary, their neighbours from Nazareth, and all the other Galileans, were starting on their homeward journey, the boy Jesus was left behind, and His parents had no idea of it until the close of the first day’s march. Where they searched we know not, but on the third day their weary feet crossed the threshold of the Temple again. What a sight met their eyes ! In a Synagogue connected with the Temple, upon a semi- circular seat, sat the Doctors or teachers of the Law ; in front of them on the ground sat their Scholars, and in the front rank in the very midst of the Doctors sat Jesus. Don’t think these doctors were like those teachers who strive each one for supremacy over the other ; their one object was to explain and enforce the Law of God. Jesus was all attention — nay more, He was asking questions. What He asked the Doctors we know not, but it is probable that He was trying to turn their attention from outward religious ceremonies to the spirit of the Law which they frequently overlooked. Perhaps He was asking the meaning of some such passage as “ I will have mercy and not sacrifice” (Hosea6; 6; Matt. 9; 13). No doubt His questions and answers revealed the fact that He had so meditated upon God’s testimonies that He had more understanding than all His teachers (Psalms 119 ; 99) ; but at the same time He was meek and lowly of heart and not in the least rude. When Mary saw Jesus she gently rebuked Him, saying, “ Thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing .” The boy’s answer is full of gentle dignity: — If fault there has been it has not been His; others may think of Joseph as His father, but he knows no father but God, and has been dutifully about His business. Jesus was neither wilful nor ambitious ; without a murmur He left the school in which He had begun to shine so brightly, and returned to Mary’s home and Joseph’s workshop. For eighteen long quiet years He worked as car- penter, making doors and windows, benches and ploughs, for the villagers of Nazareth (Mark 6 ; 3). This path of self-forgetful obedience proved to be the path to wisdom and to favour with God and man. Explanations. (39) Nazareth was a despised and insignificant village among the hills of Galilee. (41) Jerusalem is the capital of Palestine. God had ordered all Jewish men to worship Him there three times a year (Deut. 16; 16., II. Chron. 7; 12) Mary went with her husband because she feared God and took pleasure in His worship. Read about the Feast of the Passover in Exodus 12; 21-30 (43) Tarried — remained. (44) Those who came from a distance to attend the festivals at Jerusalem usually travelled in large companies, for greater safety against attack by robbers. (49) How is it that ye sought me (in any other place but the Temple). About my Father's business, or, in my Father’s House. Lesson. Jesus was the Son of God, and He was not ignorant of His high rank, yet He left unfulfiled no humble duty towards Joseph and Mary The knowledge of this dutiful conduct on the part of Jesus will not profit us unless we copy it. Be ye imita- tors of God, as dear children ! 3 . CHRIST’S FORERUNNER Luke 3 ; 2, 3, 7-17. f HE word of God came unto John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness. 3. And he came into all the country about Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins ; 7. Then said he to the mul- titude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come. 8. Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repen- tance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father : for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham. 9. And now also the axe isjaid unto the root of the trees : every tree there- fore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 10. And the people asked him, saying, What shall we do then ? 11. He answereth and saith unto them, He that hath two coats, let him impart to him that hath none ; and he that hath meat, let him do likewise. 12. Then came also publicans to be baptized, and said unto him, Master, what shall we do? 13. And he said unto them. Exact no more than that which is appointed you. 14. And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, saying. And what shall we do ? And he said unto them, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely ; and be content with your wages. 15. And as the people were in expectation, and all men mused in their hearts of John, whether he were the Christ, or not; 16. John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water ; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose ; he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire: 17. Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and he will gather the wheat into his gar- ner ; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable. Commit to memory verses 16-17. GOLDEN TEXT.— John did no miracles: but all things that John spake of this man were true. (John lO ; 41.) Introductory Remarks. Before John the Baptist was born, an Angel had said to Zacharias, his father, “Thy wife shall bear thee a son and he shall make ready a people prepared for the Lord” (Luke i; 13-17). When John grew up he paid little attention to food and clothing (Matt. 3:4); but used to spend his time in lonely places talking with God (John 1 ; 6). About fifteen years before the birth of Jesus, King Herod had begun to rebuild the Temple at Jerusalem. The work was now rapidly proceeding and the magnificence of the buildings filled all who saw them with admiration. The Priests and Religious Teachers were both numerous and powerful ; great crowds flocked to the Festivals at Jerusalem and many were the sacrifices offered. But notwithstanding all this the Religious Leaders were proud and hypocritical, the people generally were selfish and unsympathetic, and ail joined in heartily hating the tax-gatherers and soldiers, because they were upholding the Roman conquerors. When at God’s command, John began to preach, his words pierced the hearts of his hearers. Great was their dismay and sharp was their convic- tion of sin. John made the best of this opportunity and commanded each one to shew compassion towards the unfortunate. When the hearts of tax- collectors and soldiers were touched he did not tell them to leave the service of the Romans,, but he exhorted them to act righteously in the positions which they held. The people knew that lepers before being pronounced clean (Lev. 14 ; 8.), and Priests before being consecrated to the service of God (Ex. 2954), were bathed. John told his hearers that they — even the most religious men among them — were moral lepers needing cleansing, and that all classes might now be consecrated to a life of holy service. On hearing this the awe-struck crowds, with deep penitence, and eager desire for a holier life, began to be baptized. This strange excitement quickened their expectation ; they remem- bered that their prophets had foretold that about this time the Christ would appear. Could this ascetic who so powerfully stirred their hearts be He ? John’s answer was very plain, “I am not the Christ. I only baptize with water, and this baptism only shews that you need cleansing and that you desire to begin a life of holy service. The Christ is at hand. He is infinitely more powerful than I. His baptism will be an enabling, for as fire separates the dross from the silver so will He purify your hearts. Before Him you must tremble, for His work will not only be very deep but very broad. None will be able to escape from Him. Those who are unwilling to pass through fiery trials with Him and be purified, He will burn with fir e unquenchable." Explanations. (7) Generation Offspring The people, especially the Pharisees and Sadducees (Matt. 3 ; 7), were called vipers because their venomous hypocrisy made their religious works hateful to God, under the guise of zeal for religion they hid a deadly malice. Wrath to come : — God’s indignation against the guilty. (8) Unfulfilled promises of good conduct are like blossoms fallen from a fruit tree, they satisfy no one ; good deeds are wanted. Don’t think that God will save you just because Abraham was your ancestor, even though you are not holy and believing as he was. No one is so ignorant and despised but that if he believes in Jesus he will be counted among the children of Abraham (Gal. 3 ; 7). (9) The laying of the axe at the root of the trees denotes that they are to be cut down and not merely to have their branches lopped. ( 12) A few years after the birth of Jesus the Romans began to govern Palestine. Just as in Bengal, the right to keep ferry boats, and pounds for cattle, is let out to the highest bidder, so the Romans used to let out the collecting of taxes, and consequently the tax-gatherers, called in the Bible Publicans, often tried to exact more than was legal. (14) The Soldiers were prone to extort money from the poor by violence, and from the rich by bringing false accusa- tions against them. (16) Latchet : — Lace. Every Scholar in the school of Jesus needs to be baptized with the Holy Ghost ( Acts 1 ; 8. ) that he may be able to endure the baptism of fire. Jesus Himself was baptized in fiery trials, and declared that He had come to send fire on the Earth (Luke 12; 49,50. Mar. 10:38). It is no strange thing that disciples should be partakers of their Master’s sufferings (I. Pet. 4 ; 12, 13); indeed 500 years before the birth of Jesus, God had said of His chosen ones, “ I will bring them through the fire and will refine them as silver is refined.” (Zech. 13 ; 9). Whether you con- tinue to read about Jesus or not, you must choose whether you will be willing to endure suffering with Christ and so be made perfect (Heb. 2 ; 10. I. Pet. 5 ; 10), or whether you will seek security and ease and at last be cast into Hell-fire. Christ’s is a Gospel of fire, and he who shirks the fire in this life will not escape it in the next. (17) Fan: Winnowing shovel. Purge: — Cleanse. Floor: — Threshing-floor. Gamer: — A build- ing where grain is stored for preservation. [3—2] No. 4. CHRIST’S BAPTISM AND TEMPTATION. Luke 3 ; 21, 22, 4 ; 1— 13. QkOW when all the people were baptized, it came to * 5 ® pass, that Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened. 22. And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove upon him, and a voice came from heaven, which said, Thou art my beloved Son ; in thee I am well pleased. 1 . And J esus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. 2. Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing : and when they were ended, he afterward hungered. 3. And the devil said unto him, If thou be the Son of God. command this stone that it be made bread. 4. And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. 5. And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the 1 kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6. And the devil said unto ' him, All this power will I give thee and the glory of them : for that is delivered unto me ; and to whom- soever I will I give it. 7. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. 8. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind me, Satan : for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. 9. And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said unto him, If thou be the Son of God, cast thyself down from hence: 10. For it is written, He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee .* 1 1 . And in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. 12. And Jesus answering said unto him. It is said, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. 13. And when the devil had ended all the temp- tations, he departed from him for a season. Commit to memory verses 21-22. GOLDEN TEXT. — In all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren (Heb. 2; 17). Introductory Remarks. For eighteen long years Jesus has toiled in the carpenter’s shop at Nazareth (Luke 3 ; 23). Now He takes a long day’s journey to the river where John was baptizing. With perfect patience and gentleness He waited till all the people were baptized, and then He also went down into the river (Heb. 7 ; 26). Jesus was John’s kinsman, moreover their mothers were intimate friends; so it is almost certain that they had met before at the annual festivals at Jerusalem. John knew the spotless purity of Jesus, and thought it would be more fitting for Jesus to baptize him (Mat. 3 ; 14) ; but his scruples gave way before the singleness of purpose manifested by Jesus, w'ho to save men had become a brother man, and wished, for example' s sake, to do everything they ought to do (Mat. 17 ; 27). The baptism w'as accompanied by prayer — a prayer, no doubt, that in every thing He might be well pleasing unto God. Then were the heavens opened and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him, not as a tongue of fire {Act. 2 ; 3), — for in the Sinless One there was need neither of purification nor of the gift of new powers, but like a dove the symbol of undefiledness and harmlessness (Song of Solomon 5 ; 2. Mat. 10 ; 16), for in Jesus the Holy Spirit found a congenial resting place. And then — Oh how complete and rapturous must have been Christ’s satisfaction and joy when He heard the Father declare “ Thou art My beloved son ; in Thee I am well pleased ! ” Christ’s opinion was reliable, and His feelings would never have led Him astray ; but in this respect He is unique ; for we are liable to err in thought and to be misled by feeling. If Christ, therefore, had chosen His own path the consequences would have been disastrous to others who attempted in that respect to follow Him ; therefore He just asked the Holy Spirit what He would have Him do and followed the Spirit’s guidance. The Spirit led Him away from the crowds into the wilderness, the abode of wild beasts (Mark 1 ; 13). All His life long Jesus had been overcoming temptations, but in order that He might become a High Priest most merciful, it was necessary that He should feel the full force of every kind of temptation to which men are exposed. We are often tempted to do wrong in order to avoid pain, or to gain a pleasurable sensation. Jesus was a man, pleasure had its charms for Him also. He was not asked to commit a gross sin, His pure nature would loathe that. It was only necessary for Him to fall short of God’s ideal, in order to be unable to save men. Hunger, such as has driven men to com- mit desperate deeds, was upon Him, and He had but to speak the word and that stone would be bread ; but He refused to go aside from the path marked out for Him by God even in order to allay that terrible hunger ! He believes that God who fed the Israelites in the Wilderness has a way of His own for supplying His need (Deu. 8 ; 3). For the pleasure of a feast He will not forfeit the consciousness that with Him God is well pleased. What man or boy does not crave after possession ? The love of gain is strong in every breast, and the larger the property the greater the desire to secure it, and J esus would be able to do so much good if possessed of the wealth and the power of the world ! Surely Jesus will not refuse to do evil when so much good would come from it ! The end will justify the means ! But no, not for one moment would He entertain the suggestion (Deu. 6 ; 13). How often do those who are willing to suffer, and who are above coveting carry firide in their hearts. It is so delightful to feel and shew that we are the special objects of God’s care. See, the Son of God stands upon a pinnacle of the Temple. He is superior to the Kings of the Earth. Angelic hosts mighty to defend are round about Him. Why like ordinary men should He descend by that narrow stair ? He has but to cast Himself from the roof to be upheld by angel hands 1 How Satan hopes He will use for ostentation and display the powers with which He is so familiar. Again He repulses the Devil with a reference to the Scriptures. The thirsty Israelites instead of quietly waiting for their Deliverer God to supply their new need, in their pride demanded water at His hands, and even threatened to disbelieve in His presence if He withheld the supply. God with infinite forbearance and grace gave them water (Exodus. 17 ; 1-7), but lest they should repeat the sin He said “Ye shall not tempt the Lord your God” (Deu. 6; 16). Jesus, therefore, refused to put God’s goodness to the test by unnecessarily demand- ing the help of Angels. Lesson. We shall all be tempted to seize pleasure or property that God has not given us, and also to make a wrong use of the things which God has given us. If we want to be Christ’s disciples we must study the Bible, and instead of pleasing ourselves we must do what God’s Spirit wants us to do. [4 — 2 J No. 5 CHRIST’S FIRST DISCIPLES. John i; 35-51 f OHN stood, and two of his disciples. 36. And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God. 37. And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye ? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou ? 39. He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day : for it was about the tenth hour. 40. One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41. He first find- eth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. 42. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona, thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by inter- pretation, A stone. 43. The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Phiiip, and saith unto him, Follow me. 44. Now Philip was of Bethsaida the city of Andrew and Peter. 45. Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. 46. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth ? Philip saith unto him. Come and see. 47. Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite, indeed, in whom is no guile ! 48. Nathanael saith unto him. Whence knowest thou Me ? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee. 49. Nathanael answered and saith unto Him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God ; thou art the King of Israel. 50. Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou ? thou shalt see greater things than these. 5 1 . And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you. Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man. Commit to memory verses 35-37. GOLDEN TEXT. — Not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called (1 Cor. 1 ; 26). Introductory Remarks. — John the Baptist had been sent by God to make ready a people prepared for the Lord (Luke 1 ; 17), when, therefore, Jesus was prepared to enroll His first subjects, He returned to the spot where John’s disciples were gathered about their Master. When Jesus arrived, John was replying to a deputation from the priests at Jerusalem who had sent to ask him, “ Who art thou ? ” John was saying, “ I am sent to proclaim the anival ofthe Great King who all unrecognized, stands among you,” (John 1 ; 26). The next day John was surrounded by his own humble followers. To them he pointed Jesus out, not as a King, but as “ The Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world." (John 1 ; 29.) This strange way of introducing Jesus is explained when we remember, that the prophet Isaiah, seven hundred years previously, had spoken of Jesus as “A lamb that is led to the slaughter,” and had in his vision seen that “ He was wounded for our trans- gressions, He was bruised for our iniquities, the chastisement of our peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we are healed” (Isa. 53 ; 5). More- over, was not every lamb offered in sacrifice by the Jews a type or shadow of this promised Saviour ? With only two of his disciples John was standing the next day when he again saw Jesus and pointed Him out as “ The Lamb of God.” These two disciples longed to know more of this Great King and Saviour. They at once started to follow Him, and yet their modesty kept them silent till He turned and addressed them. These two men had each a brother, and they had not been long with Jesus before they felt they must go in search of them. Andrew was the first to be successful. When he brought his brother to his new-found Lord, Jesus at once declared that Simon, though then unstable as the sand of the wilderness, would undergo a mighty moral transformation and become firm as a rock. Before they started for Galilee, Jesus seeks out Philip a great friend of Andrew, and asks him to join the little band of disciples. Philip had a friend, Nathanael, with whom he had often talked over what Moses and the Prophets had said of a Great King who should come and be a Priest upon His throne, and as a Prophet be not one whit inferior to Moses himself (Zech. 6 ; 13; Deu. 18; 15), together they had often prayed that the Deliverer might come without delay. Philip now carries to his friend the startling news that the object of their ardent desires is present in their midst. Philip made, in- deed, two blunders, saying that Jesus was a son of Joseph, and a Native of Nazareth, but nevertheless he persuaded him to come and judge for himself. The Jews were all descended from a man named Jacob, who at first was full of deceit and guile, but who afterwards gave up his cunning and trusted entirely in God. On one occasion He so mightily prevailed with God in prayer that God changed his name to “ Israel, ” which means “ Wrestler with God.” (Gen. 32; 28). When Jesus saw Nathanael coming He said “ This man has nothing of Jacob’s deceit about him, but like Israel he also has learned to prevail by prayer.” In Nathanael there was none of the “ pride that apes humility; ” he, therefore, admitted that Christ’s description was a true one, and wanted to know who had told Jesus ? Jesus answered that he needed no man’s testimony; before Philip called him, when he was meditating in the seclusion of his own garden (Zech. 3; 10), He saw him. This reference to the inner spiritual life of Nathanael was all sufficient. At once he owned Jesus as his Religious Teacher and declared Him to be no private citizen of Nazareth, but King of Israel ; no son of Joseph, but the Son of God. Jesus accepted this homage, and declared that hereafter the faith of Nathanael should be greatly strengthen- ed by seeing that the door of Heaven which man’s sin had shut and barred, was again set open, and that Jesus had become, as it were, a bridge connecting Earth and Heaven, so that by Him not only are men able to enter Heaven, but through Him their prayers are carried up to Heaven, and through Him the blessings sought are brought down. Explanations. Andrew’s companion was, no doubt, John, the writer of the Gospel. He is always reserved about himself, and never mentions his brother James. Lesson. Jesus not only knew Peter and Nathanael, but He knows you. Like Philip, obey Christ’s call. Like Andrew, seek to bring others to Christ. Like Nathanael, confess Christ as your King ! [5—2] No. 6. CHRIST AT THE MARRIAGE FEAST. John 2; 1-11. vAYnd the third day there was WITL a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there : 2. And both Jesus was called, and his disciples, to the marriage. 3. And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. 4. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee ? mine hour is not yet come. 5. His mother saith unto the servants, whatsoever he saith unto you, do it. 6. And there were iset there six waterpots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins a-piece. 7. Jesus saith unto them, Fill the waterpots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. 8. And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. 9. When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine, and knew not whence it was : (but the servants which drew the water knew ;) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom, 10. And saith unto him, Every man at the beginning doth set forth good wine ; and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse : but thou hast kept the good wine until now. 11. This beginning of mira- cles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on Him. Commit to memory verse 5. GOLDEN TEXT.— My God shall supply all your need ac- cording to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Phil. 4 ; 19). Introductory Remarks. How empty the Home at Nazareth seemed after Jesus went away to be baptized ! During His two months’ absence how often had His mother scanned the mountain road by which He must return. Now He is at home again. With Him have come a band of disciples, all of them enthusiastic Galileans, all eager to declare that their Master is the Christ, The Son of God, The King of Israel (John 1 ; 41, 45, 49). How Mary’s heart leaped for joy as she listened to their words. She remembered how the Angel Gabriel had said to her, “ He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest : and the Lord God shall give unto Him the throne of His Father David” (Luke 1 ; 32). The third day after Jesus had called Philip to follow Him, there was a wedding at Cana, the village to which Nathanael belonged (John 21 ; 2). The Bride and Bridegroom w r ere friends in humble circumstances, but Mary could not on that account break her promise to be present, and when she told how Jesus had returned home with a band of disciples a messenger was quickly despatched to invite them also. John the Baptist never joined in social festivities and his disciples had begun to imitate his austeiities (Mark 2 ; 18) ; great therefore must have been the surprise of Andrew and his fellows when Jesus accepted the invitation and took them to the marriage. Jewish wedding feasts generally lasted seven days, and before this one was over the wine ran short. Mary was quick to detect and to sympathise with the distress of their host. In all her troubles she had been wont to turn to Jesus. He had never failed her, and now that her hope and faith have been so greatly quickened, she turns with the utmost confidence to Him. She remembered that the Prophet Elisha had multiplied both oil and bread (2 Kings 4; 1-7, 42-44), and she believed that the Christ could multiply the little remaining wine. In her confidence she forgot that she must not, like other Mothers, direct and command her son, but must rather reverence and worship Him as her Lord. Christ’s answer to her suggestion, however, was so gentle that Mary, far from feeling hurt, believed that He would assuredly, when the right time came, deliver their host from his embarrassment. Per- chance it was because she remembered Elisha’s directions to the Widow (2 Kings 4; 3) that she said to the servants, “ Whatsoever He saith unto you, do it.” In the courtyard there were six large stone water-pots from which the guests had drawn out the water for bathing. Jesus now commands the servants to re-fill these with water. They gladly obey, filling them to the very brim. We know what followed, but who can describe the host’s gratitude, the guests’ astonishment, or Mary’s joy ! Jesus had not only supplied the wants of the guests but had created a supply which would last that humble household for many days to come ! But what was the impression produced upon the Disciples ? Their former Master never touched wine (Luke 7 ; 33) ; Jesus had created a supply! Were they offended because Jesus did not imitate John’s ascetic life ? No ! they saw that in Jesus love and purity, joy and power, were gloriously blended, and their faith in Him was mightily confirmed. Explanations. (4) When the heart of Jesus was full of tenderest pity for His Mother He addressed her as “ Woman ” (John 19 ; 26); there is nothing harsh or dis- respectful in the term. (4) Mine hour is not yet come. Jesus had infinite patience. He never “plucked unripe fruit,” even at the entreaty of friends (John 7; 3-6). He pur- posed not to multiply the little remaining poor wine, but to create a fresh and bountiful supply of a greatly superior quality, when the poor wine would be quite exhausted. (6) The purifying of the Jews is explained Mark 7 ; 2, 3. (9) To relieve the host of anxiety and prevent any confusion during the festivities one of the guests was appointed “ Ruler of the feast." (10) In good wine there is little or no intoxicating power, moreover, the holy sympathetic presence of Jesus at the feast would be sufficient to keep the people from either eating or drinking to excess. (11) "Miracle," should be “sign.” This miracle is a sign that Jesus shares both the joys and the sorrows of men, also that He honours that oldest and divinest institution, marriage, and that the Dispensation He had come to establish was superior to that of Moses, for Moses turned water into offensive blood (Ex. 7 ; 19), but Jesus turned ordinary water into nourishing wine. (12) From the words, “ This beginning of miracles," we learn that the stories told in the Spurious Gospels of many miracles wrought by Jesus while He was yet a boy are without any foundation in fact. The glory of Jesus is not so much His power as the wise use He makes of it. He only uses it for the glory of God and the good of men. Lesson.— Jesus is still present with His people. The young man who invites Jesus to be with him during his holidays, and who treats Him as an honoured guest, has his joy doubled. The boy who takes difficult lessons and poverty and disappoint- ment to Christ will soon find them changed into occasions of thanksgiving. If for Jesus’ sake you have to suffer loss and persecution do not be dismayed, He is, as it were, keeping the good wine till the last. If we suffer with Him we shall be also glorified with Him (Rom. 8; 17). [6 2] No. 7. CHRIST’S CLAIM SLIGHTED John 2; 13-22. f HE Jews’ Passover was at hand, and Jesus went up tjsA to Jerusalem, 14. And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: 15. And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen ; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; 16. And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence ; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise. 17. And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up. 18. Then answered the Jews and said unto him, What sign shewest thou unto us, seeing that thou doest these things ? 19. Jesus answered and said unto them, Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up. 20. Then said the Jews, Forty and six years was this temple in building, and wilt thou rear it up in three days ? 21. But he spake of the temple of his body. 22. When therefore he was risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this unto them ; and they believed the Scripture, and the word which Jesus had said. Commit to memory verses 15-16. GOLDEN TEXT.— He came unto his own, and his own received him not (John 1 ; 11 ). Introductory Remarks- — Jesus has gathered together a band of dis- ciples. Among the hills of Galilee He has manifested His glory. The Feast of the Passover is drawing near. Almost the whole nation will soon be gathered together at Jerusalem. Jesus too will go there, and in the presence of the leaders of the nation claim to be the long-expected Christ. The last book of the Old Testament had been written four hundred years before. It told about the coming of God’s Anointed, and said “ The Lord whom ye seek shall suddenly come to His temple, .and He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; and He shall purify the sons of Levi” (Mai. 3, 1-3). As almost every Jew knew this prophecy it would be unnecessary for Jesus to say, “lam the Christ, ” He would only have to go and do the work God had appointed for Him that the people might see that the Prophet, Priest, and King, so long foretold, had come at last. In the third Lesson the magnificence of the Temple was mentioned. From a distance it looked like a mountain of snow, crowned with gold. The Passover has now begun, this temple is thronged with white-robed Priests and Levites. One has a lamb to slay in sacrifice, another has incense to offer, a third is trimming the lamps: each and all are performing religious works. Surely these Levites are holy men ! there is nothing here to purge. But hark ! Here, where only the sound of praise, of prayer, and of preaching should be heard, two men are quarrelling about the price of a cow, others are angrily disputing about the quality of a sheep, and a boy, there, is offering his pigeons for sale. Those priests who want to think about Him whom they are serving are disturbed by the noise, and people who have conte long dis- tances to pray have their thoughts interrupted. How is it the priests allow these traders thus to hinder those who seek to worship God with their minds ? Many of the priests don’t notice that there is anything wrong, they can go through their round of duties as well in a noise as in a solemn hush, for they scarcely think about Him whose servants they are ; others regard the turmoil as a necessary evil, and think that if the people could not buy the things needed for sacrifice on the spot they would not take the trouble to offer sacri- fices at all, and alas, there are some priests who make a good deal of profit out of the things bought and sold, and who take more interest in the bargains struck than in the sacrifices offered ! All at once the turmoil ceases, a sudden hush falls throughout the Temple Court. The crowds are awe-struck. Jesus, who has just driven out the animals, now proceeds to overturn the tables of the money-changers, and with a voice full of divine indignation says to those that sold doves “ Take these things hence, make not My Father’s House an house of merchandise.” At once the Disciples remembered that an all- consuming love for the services of God’s House was to be a characteristic of the Christ (Ps. 69 ; 9). The priests also realized that in the presence of the whole nation then assembled at Jerusalem, Jesus had claimed to be the Christ. They also felt that they had been publicly rebuked for their carelessness, unspirituality, and greed. They were too proud to acknowledge their sinfulness and so tried to divert attention from themselves by demanding some miraculous sign that Jesus had a right to the office He had assumed. There is no trace of contention in the reply of Jesus. His clear eye is looking into the future. He sees that these priests are so blinded by pride that they will not be able to recognize Him, but in their hardness of heart they will persecute and kill Him, so destroying His body, the true Temple of God (Col. 2 ; 9). He also foresaw that on the third day after His death He would rise from among the dead, and His empty grave would be a sign which even the priests would not be able to despise. Application. — Grand was the Temple at Jerusalem, but the only perfect Temple ever seen on earth was the body of Jesus. Reader, your body also is intended to be a Temple of God (I Cor. 3 ; 16). It may have been defiled, it may have been used for unworthy purposes, you may be utterly unable to fit it for God’s service, but while you have been reading this Lesson, Jesus has once more suddenly come to His Temple. Your sin He reveals, your unclean thoughts He is willing to cast out, your rebellious passions and everything that hinders your communion with God He is able to subdue. Are you willing that in you Jesus should create a clean heart ? Will you bid Jesus come and have His own way with your body, soul, and spirit ? Explanations. (13) John speaks of the Jews' Passover because he was writing for those who were not Jews, just as we might speak of the Bengali’s Durga. Puja. (15) Every pious Jew was accustomed to contribute half a shekel to the Temple Funds every year (Mat. 17 ; 24). These Money-changers supplied the Jewish half-shekels in exchange for Roman money. (16) Jesus acted with consideration, had He over- thrown the cages, the doves would have been hurt : had He let the doves fly away the owners would have lost their property. The cleansing of the Temple was unlike any other of Christ’s acts, inasmuch as it appeared to be an attempt to produce by force an outward reformation instead of conecting the offenders’ manner by enlightening and renewing of their hearts. In the Introductory Remarks we have seen why Jesus acted in this way. The improbability of effecting a permanent reform by such methods is illustrated in the repetition of the act three years later (Mark II ; 1 5 ~ 1 7 J* [7-2] No. 8, CHRIST’S TALK WITH NICODEMUS. John 3 ; 1-16. OW there was a man of the S Pharisees, named Nico- demus, a ruler of the Jews: 2. The same came to Jesus by night, and said unto him, Rabbi, we know that thou art a teacher come from God : for no man can do these mi- racles that thou doest, except God be with him. 3. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 4. Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old ? can he enter fhe second time into his mother’s womb, and be born ? 5. Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6. That which is born of the flesh is flesh ; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. 8. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell , whence it cometh, and whither it goeth : so is every one that is born of the Spirit. 9. Nicodemus answer- ed and said unto him How can these things be ? 10. Jesus answered and said unto him, Art thou a master of Israel, and knowest not these things? 11. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen ; and ye receive not our witness. 12. If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye be- lieve, if I tell you of heavenly things ? 13. And no man hath ascended up to heaven but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. 14. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up : 15. That who- soever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 16. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoseover believeth in him should 1 not perish, but have everlasting life. Commit to memory verses 14-16. GOLDEN TEXT.— Ye are born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever (I Pet. 1 ; 23 ). Introductory Remarks. The rulers as a body had rejected the claims of Jesus, yet some of them secretly believed that He was the Christ (John 12 ; 42). Nicodemus was one of these. His heart burned to know when the Roman yoke would be broken and the Kingdom of God established, and so under the protection of the darkness of night, he ventured to go to Jesus’ humble lodg- ing. How pleased Jesus was to see one who believed in Him ! one whom He could teach ! Yet He instantly saw that Nicodemus needed spiritual life more than religious instruction. Life must begin by birth, so instead of inculcating new duties upon Nicodemus, Jesus told him he must become a new man, must be bom again, or he could not become one of God’s subjects. Nicodemus knew that his heart was evil and the motives for which he did his best acts were impure, but how he could become like a pure, honest-hearted child he knew not, and in his surprise he asked a question he would not have asked if he had taken time to think. Jesus replied that if Nicodemus could "become a little baby again it would not help him to be holy, for justms a tiger’s playful cub is sure to manifest a cruel disposition when it grows big, so the most beautiful baby of the most pious parents has an evil nature, and if it lives long that evil nature is sure to shew itself in evil words and deed. It is not a new body but a new spirit that is wanted, and that new spirit can only come from the Spirit of God. Jesus also said that, the rustling you hear among the trees can only be caused by the unseen wind ; even so when you see a man hating evil of which he used to be fond, and fearing God more than the people about him, you may be sure God’s Spirit is at work in his heart. Nicodemus felt that Jesus was pointing out a real need, but he had never been converted himself, nor had any of his friends ever claimed to have receiv- ed from God a clean heart, and therefore it seemed to him that Jesus was speak- ing of an impossibility. Jesus rebuked Nicodemus for filling the post of Teacher while ignorant of this important truth on which all God-appointed Teachers have laid great stress. (For examples see Psalm 51; 10, Jeremiah 32 ; 39, 40, and Ezekiel 36 ; 26). The new-birth takes place on Earth, and if Nicodemus had searched among the humble poor he might have found many examples of it. Jesus therefore rebuked his unbelief and said “If you don’t believe me when I tell you of what may be seen on "Earth, how can you believe if I tell you what I saw in Heaven, before I came into the world, for of that there can be no other witness beside Me.” He also reminded Nicodemus that, though no Philosopher could explain how it happened, yet, when the bitten, dying Israelites looked at the brazen serpent they received from God health and peace (Numbers 21 ; 4-9), and Jesus added that He Himself, like that brazen serpent would be lifted up on the cross, and whosoever believed in Him would receive spiritual health and life, for God’s love to man would find its clearest expression in saving from sin all who believe in His Son. Application. It is not enough to want to know about religion, or to own that your heart is evil. You, like Nicodemus, need to listen to the words of Jesus. These you will find in the Bible. Having understood what Jesus wants to do for you, you must surrender yourself into His hands that He may save you from your evil passions and habits, (John 7 ; 50 : and 19 ; 39). Explanations. (1) Ruler — Member of the Sanhedrin, or National Council; (2) Rabbi — Teacher. (5) Water. The laver of water in the Temple Court (Ex. 40; 7) was symbolical of the Word of God (Ephesians 5; 6 R, V.). Moses (Deu. 32; 2), Isaiah (55; 10, 11) and Paul (I Cor. 3; 6) take water as a symbol for the Word of God, because, just as in the North-West Provinces the country is parched up in the Hot Season but is covered with grass and corn when the Rains begin, even so the heart of a man who has not heard the Gospel is a desert, but when he pays attention to the Word of God it becomes like a fruitful Garden. Ezekiel compares the Word of God with clean water that makes clean (36; 25), and Jesus says “Now are ye clean through the word which I have spoken unto you” (John 15; 3). John says there are three that bear witness that Jesus is the Son of God, namely the Spirit, and the water, and the blood (I John 5; 8). These three Witnesses are easily recognized. (1) The Spirit of God (John 15 ; 26). (2) The Testimony of the Prophets and Apostles (II Pet. 1 ; 19, John 1 5 > 2). (3) The blood of Jesus whose cleansing power is manifested in the Holy lives of His people. It is also evident from the Golden Text, and from Rom. 10; 14, that no one is ever born again apart from hearing the Gospel, so that being “ born of water ” is the same as being born of incorruptible seed by the Word of God. But let no one say, “Then I need not be baptized ! ” for God has commanded all who believe to be baptized, and how can a man be born again of the Word of God while he refuses to obey it ! [8-2J No. 9.' THE SAMARITAN WOMAN. John 4 f ESUS therefore, being weari- ed with his journey, sat thus on the well : and it was about the sixth hour. 7. There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water : Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink, 8. (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.) 9. Then saith tirewoman of Samaria unto him, How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria ? for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. 10. Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink ; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. 1 1 . The woman saith unto him, Sir, thou hast no- thing to draw with, and the well is deep : from whence then hast thou that living water? 12. Art thou greater than our father Jacob, which gave us the well, and drank thereof himself, and his children, and his cattle? 13. Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again : 14. But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst ; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. 15. The woman saith unto ; 6-26. him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw. 16. Jesus saith unto her. Go, call thy husband, and come hither. 17. the Woman answered and said, I have no husband. Jesus said unto her, Thou hast well said, I have no husband : 18. For thou hast had five husbands ; and he whom thou now hast is not thy husband : in that saidst thou truly. 19. The woman saith unto him, Sir, I per- ceive that thou art a prophet. 20. Our fathers worshipped in this mountain ; and ye say, that in Jeru- salem is the place where men ought to worship. 21. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem wor- ship the Father. 22. Ye worship ye know not what : we know what we worship : for salvation is of the Jews. 23. But the hour cometh, and now is when the true worship- pers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth : for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24. God is a Spirit : and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. 25. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. 26. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he. Commit to memory verses 13-14. GOLDEN TEXT. — He that believeth on Me shall never thirst (John 6 ; 35). Introductory Remarks. Many of the villagers of Judaea hearing the Gospel from Jesus, believed and were baptized. This incensed the Rulers against Christ, and therefore, as He did not wish to unnecessarily irritate them, He took the direct road to Galilee. This road passed through Samaria. Being too weary to go farther Jesus sat down by a well, while His disciples went to buy food. Soon a woman came to draw water. Her own sins and the cruel injustice of men had sadly chequered her life, but her clothing was gay and she was still bent on the pursuit of pleasure, although satisfaction had always slipped from her grasp just when she thought she had secured it. Though neither good nor prosperous, this woman was proud of living just at the foot of Mount Gerizim near which Abraham had built an altar (Gen. 12 ; 7), and upon the top of which Moses had commanded the blessing to be pro- nounced in the name of God (Deu. 11; 29). As the altar at Jerusalem, on which the Jews offered sacrifices had been built several hundred years after the death of Moses, the woman thought she represented the ancient religion, and despised the poor weary Jew as one of a sect of innovators. The Jews too, were not free from pride, desiring to maintain their own purity they had refused to let the Samaritans (2 Kings 17 ; 24) have any part in their magni- ficent Temple (Ezra 4 ; 1-4), and even refused to hold social intercourse with them. No wonder then that there was malice mingled with the scorn in the woman’s heart, and that when the Jewish stranger asked for water she avenged the insults heaped upon her nation by refusing to give it. Christ’s throat was parched with thirst, how refreshing would have been a draught from that deep spring ! yet in His eyes the soul of that woman was infinitely more precious. He knew that He was God’s best gift to her, and He longed so greatly to remove the ignorance that prevented her from receiving Him that He forgot His thirst, and quite overlooking her churlish behaviour said, “ If you had known who I am it would have been you who w'ould have asked for living water and I should not have refused your request.” Christ’s good will touched the woman’s heart and even enlisted her respect, but she felt inclined to make fun of the stranger’s claim to be greater than Jacob who had had to dig that deep well to reach the spring of water. Jesus met her incredulity by shewing her that whether or not He could draw w T ater without bucket and rope, He could any way reach the very bottom of her nature and reveal the secrets of her life. His words “Whosoever arinlceth of this w T ater shall thirst again ” summed up her experience. No- where had she found lasting satisfaction. It was the bane of her life that the pleasures she sought and sipped did not satisfy. Could the remainder of Christ’s sentence be equally true ? Could He so satisfy her that she would never want to return to her old pursuits ? She now felt her sorrows but not her sins. These were mainly clustered around the marriage relationship. Jesus touched that. She shrank from His touch, but as a skilful Physician He probed the wound to the very bottom. The woman at once felt her need of atonement. She knew that without the shedding of blood there is no remission (Heb. 9 ; 22), but was in doubt w’hether that blood must be shed on Gerizim or at Jerusalem. Jesus told her that it would be a Jewish sacrifice that would put away sins — the time had not come to tell her that He Himself would be the sacrifice. He told her too, that the altars both on Gerizim and at Jerusalem would soon be forsaken, and people would come to God as children to their father. On returning, the disciples were surprised to see every sign of languor gone, and Jesus engaged in animated conversation. The woman then went to the town to tell the news, and the disciples asked Jesus to eat, but the excitement and joy of service had taken away His desire for food, and seeing a number of people coming towards them from the town, He said to His dis- ciples, This noon I have been sowing seed and you shall now reap the harvest. Christ’s promise was fulfilled, for many Samaritans of that city accepted Jesus as the Christ. [ 9 — 2 3 No. lO. j 66, Bow Bazar St., Calcutta, October \o/h, 1894. To Dear Sir, I enclose you a copy of our First Thirteen Standard Lessons on the Life of Christ. The Bengal Sunday School Union has a fourfold object in publishing them : — 1 Many new Indian Sunday Schools and Bible Classes need a set of Lessons on the Life of Christ, with which to make a beginning, before they can, with advantage, commence the International Series of Lessons. II. The expense and labour of publishing Leaflets on the Inter- national Lessons, month by month, is great. On that ac- count we cannot hope that such Leaflets will be published in all the Vernaculars of India, for many years to come. Our Standard Lessons, w r hich have already been published in Bengali and Uriya, are now published in English, in the hope that they will facilitate the preparation of similar Lessons in other languages. III There are many scattered Christian families in India, living far from any Church or Sunday School. The Head of such a family often wishes to instruct his children and de- pendents, but feels his need of assistance We hope that in such cases these Lessons will be useful. I V There are many young men in India who desire to know about Christ but have no opportunity of meeting in a Bible Clas^. We hope that Christian Friends in all parts of the country will co-operate with us by putting these Lessons into the hands of such. In preparing these Lessons, the expenses of the Union have been considerable. Friends who appreciate the effort that has been made, will both help and encourage us by ordering copies. A. Jewson, Hony . Secy., B. S. S. U. cruel injustice of men harf =^i- ’ No. 10. CHRIST REJECTED AT NAZARETH. Luke 4; 16-30. f ND he came to Nazareth where he had been brought up ; and, as his custom was, he went, into the syna- gogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read. 17. And there was delivered unto him the book of the prophet Esaias. And when he had opened the book, he found the place Avhere it was written. 18. The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, be- cause he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor he hath sent me to heal the broken-hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised. 19. To preach the acceptable year of the Lord. 20. And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the syna- gogue were fastened on him. 2 1 . And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears. 22. And all bare him witness, and wondered at the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth. And they said, Is not this Joseph’s son ? 23. And he said unto them. Ye will surely say unto me, this proverb, Physician, heal thyself: whatsoever we have heard down in Capernaum, do also here in thy country. 24. And he said, Verily I say unto you, No prophet is accept- ed in his own country. 25. But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, w'hen great famine was throughout all the land ; 26. But unto none of them was Elias sent, save unto Sarepta, a city of Sidon, unto a woman that was a widow. 27. And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Eliseus the prophet ; and none of them was cleansed, saving Naaman the Syrian. 28. And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, 29. And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto the brow of the hill whereon their city was built, that they might cast him down head- long. 30. But he passing through the midst of them went his way. Commit to memory verses 18-19. GOLDEN TEXT.— He is despised and rejected of men (Isaiah S3 ; 3). Introductory Remarks. In our last lesson we read how Jesus by His divine love and wisdom won many disciples from among the Samaritans. After that, Jesus went to Cana where He had made water wine (John 2; 1-11). While remaining there He cured a boy who was dangerously ill at distant Capernaum (John 4; 46). He now returns to Nazareth, and considerable must have been the excitement caused by His presence, for during the few months He had been away had He not in the Temple at Jerusalem claimed to be the Christ ! Though coldly received by the priests had He not baptized many disciples in Judsea (John 4; 1). And since returning to Galilee had not His miraculous power of healing caused an influential nobleman at Capernaum to identify himself with His disciples (John 4; 53). Desire to see Jesus must have taken many to the Synagogue that Sabbath day. The Ruler of the Synagogue opened the service with prayer; some of the Psalms of David having been sung and a passage from the Books of Moses read, Jesus stood up to shew that He wished to read the lesson from the Prophets. By command of the Ruler the attendant who had charge of the books gave Jesus a roll on w'hich the Prophecy of Isaiah was written. Jesus read a short passage and then sat down to explain it. He began by saying “This day is this Scripture fulfilled in your ears.” From other passages in the Word of God it seems probable that He went on to say that some people whom men call rich are miserably poor, and others, who are called poor, are in the sight of God possessed of great riches (Proverbs 13 ; 7), and that if any one felt himself to be poor He was willing to give him the true riches (Revelation 3 ; 18). We seem to hear Him tell those who were heart- broken on account of their sins, that though a broken heart is difficult to bear it is a sacrifice acceptable to God (Psalm 51; 17). He may have told how superstitions, evil habits and passions uncontrolled are the heaviest chains, the strongest prison walls and the crudest lash that criminals ever can have to endure (II Timothy 2 ; 26. Rom 7 ; 23), but that from all such oppression He had come to set them free (Matt. 1; 21). It seems not unlikely that as He spoke He saw the eyes of some of His hearers flash with indignation and that He told them that it was a more grievous and dangerous thing to have the eyes of the understanding blinded by envy or malice than to have the eye of flesh destroyed (II Peter 1 ; 9 : I John 2 ; 11) but that He had come to clean the mental vision of those that wanted to know the truth (Acts 26 ; 18). One can imagine with what joy He told His hearers that the year of Jubilee (Leviticus 25 ; 10) which was looked forward to with such delight by the poverty stricken and the enslaved brought the merest shadow of the bless- ings of the day of salvation which He was ushering in (II Corinthians 6 ; 2). The audience could not but be struck with the truth and beauty of what Jesus said, but they cared more for food and health thafl for purity of heart. They remembered how Jesus had averted shame and debt from the indigent bride- groom at Cana and had restored health to the nobleman’s son at Capernaum. That was the kind of help they wanted and they thought the Charity of Jesus ought to begin at home ; beside it seemed incredible that a boy brought up in their midst, one of the sons of Joseph, should turn out to be the Messiah. Jesus was well aware of their evil thoughts and knew that while they cherished such bad feelings they could not be blessed, so He reminded them that their fore-fathers through unbelief had lost both temporal and spiritual blessings while two persons of alien race had been specially blessed through the exercise of faith. On hearing this the people understood that Jesus would not do any- thing for them just because they were His kinsfolk and neighbours, and that He was prepared to save even Samaritans and idolators if they turned to Him in faith. This decision was so distasteful to them that they were overcome with anger and tried to kill Him. Lesson. There are in India to-day many who are like those inhabitants of Naza- reth, in that they are proud of their race, caste or social distinctions, and can not bear to be taught that in the sight of God all men are brothers, and all must be saved in the same way, i e., through Jesus. Explanations. (18) Jesus was anointed with the Holy Ghost and with power when baptized, Luke 3; 22. (23) Thyself, i.e., the people of thine own village. (24) No Prophet, etc. i.e., “ Familiarity breeds contempt.” (26) For account of Woman of Sarepta, see I Kings 17; 9. (27) For account of Naaman, see II Kings 5 ; 5. (30) Jesus visited Nazareth again (Mark 6; 1-6). [10—2] No. 11. THE WORDS OF JESUS Mark i; 21-35. W ND they went to Caper- naum ; and straightway on the Sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught. 22. And they were astonished at his doctrine : for he taught them as one that had authority, and not as the scribes. 23. And there was in their synagogue a man with an un- clean spirit ; and he cried out. 24. Saying, Let us alone ; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth ? art thou come to destroy us ? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. 25. And Jesus rebuked him, saying, Hold thy peace, and come out of him 26. And when the unclean spirit had tom him, and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him. 27. And they were all amazed, inso- much that they questioned among themselves, saying, What thing is this ? what new doctrine is this ? for with authority commandeth he even the unclean spirits, and they do obey him. 28. And immediate- ly his fame spread abroad through- out all the region round about Galilee. 29. And forthwith, when they were come out of the syna- gogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30. But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick of a fever, and anon they tell him of her. 31. And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up ; and immediately the fever left her, and she minister- ed unto them. 32. And at even, when the sun did set, they brought unto him all that were diseased, and them that were possessed with devils. 33. And all the city was gathered together at the door. 34. And he healed many that were sick of divers diseases, and cast out many devils ; and suffered not the devils to speak, because they knew him. 35. And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and there prayed. Commit to memory verses 21, 22. GOLDEN TEXT.— Never man. spake like this man (John 7 ; 46 ). Introductory Remarks. — After being rejected by the people of Naza- reth Jesus went down to the Sea of Galilee, and appears to have made His home with Peter and Andrew in Bethsaida, the fishermen’s quarter of Caper- naum. He no longer worked as a carpenter, but gave Himself up to preach- ing the Gospel of the Kingdom of God (Matt. 4; 17). Our lesson has given us the history of a single day, but it is not merely the history of a single day, it is a specimen to shew us how Jesus spent His time. We see Him teaching, casting out devils, healing the sick, and praying. It is the Sabbath day, let us go with Jesus to the Synagogue. Jairus and the other rulers of the Synagogue have taken the chief seats (Mark 5 ; 22. Matt. 23 ; 6). Among the most earnest and devout souls present are probably the Roman Centurion who built the Synagogue (Luke 7 ; 5), and the Noble- man whose son Jesus had healed (John 4 ; 46). How often had these latter gone away unsatisfied after hearing the Scribes repeat the decisions of pre- vious Rabbis, and enjoin such traditional duties as the washing of cups, and pots, brazen vessels and tables (Mark 7 ; 4), the burden o£ these ceremonials often seemed greater than they could bear (Matt. 23 ; 4). To-day Jesus is the Preacher, and how quickly every one’s attention is aroused. Instead of just telling what others had taught, Jesus delivers a Message direct from God ; and yet He was so gentle and sympathetic that, “ He entreated, persuaded, wept — quenching the lightning of His eyes in tears of love ; and silencing the thunders of Heaven, that the whispers of mercy might be heard.” (Matt. 23 ; 13-39 ; Luke ; 4 1 -) There was one being in the Synagogue who was neither comforted nor instructed, this was an unclean spirit who had gained possession of a man in the congregation. For Jesus he had no love, for His help he had no wish. (Genesis 3 ; 15.) The Gospel Jesus preached was the pronouncing of his doom. He wanted no enlightenment, no reformation, so he cried out, “ Let us alone.” He concealed the fact that Jesus had been born at Bethlehem, as the Prophets had foretold (Mica 5 ; 2), and spoke of Him as a man of Nazareth. He called Jesus The Holy One of God only that people hearing this from a notorious liar might think it untrue. With such an one Christ could have only indignation. His rebuke dispossessed the unclean spirit and set his victim free. The people then saw with astonishment that Jesus not only spake with authority to their consciences but that even unclean spirits were forced to obey Him. On returning home they found Peter’s mother-in-law had high fever. Jesus was led to the sick-room. With the tender sympathy of a son He took the woman’s hand, then with the authority of one accustomed to uphold all things by the word of His power (Hebrews 1 ; 3), He rebuked the fever, and it left her. (Luke 4 ; 39.) When sunset brought the Sabbath to a close the whole city was gathered together at Peter’s door. Among the crowd were many suffering from divers diseases, and many possessed of unclean spirits. As He converses with the afflicted, their burdens become His burdens, their sorrows His sorrows. Many were the sighs He heaved, many the upward glances He cast towards Heaven for help (Mark 7 ; 34) ; but in no single case did He fail to speak words that healed the sick or muzzled and expelled the devils, (Matt 8 ; 16). How exhausting was that work of love no tongue can tell ! but He continued it until He seemed to have taken upon Himself the griefs and sorrows of all, and in the midst of that joyous crowd to be the only weak and burdened soul. (Matt. 8 ; 17.) Surely after the labours of such a Sabbath the weary Minister will need a whole week’s rest ! But see, before the next day breaks, or any one else is astir, Jesus leaves the house and seeks a solitary place to pray. Those mighty works had not been done without His Father’s aid (John 14 ; 10) ; how He unbosoms Himself to that dear Friend, and thanks Him for the power to heal and bless (John 11 ; 41). Nor has He forgotten the faces, or the sad stories of the men He healed ! Lowly He bows, and earnestly He prays that spiritual blessing may follow healing of the body, and that the lives by the grace of God prolonged and enriched maybe lived to His glory. (John 5 ; 14. Luke 22 ; 32.) Application. Jesus is still touched with a feeling of oui infirmities (Hebrews 4 ; 15) ; still He intercedes for those who seek His aid ; still He is able to save unto the uttermost all them that come unto God by Him (Hebrews 7 ; 25) If you, if the whole Sunday School, if all the children in India, turn to Him for deliverance from sin He will save you all. (John 6 ; 37.) [11 — 2 ] No. 12. THE KING’S MANIFESTO. The Student should read at home the fifth, sixth, and seventh Chapters of Matthew. GOLDEN TEXT. — My kingdom is not of this world (John. 18 ; 36 ). S N our last lesson we saw how Jesus spent His time at Capernaum. He also went about all Galilee, teaching in their Synagogues, and preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. The whole country, and indeed surrounding districts also, were now thoroughly aroused (Matt. 4; 23-25). It was but a few months since John’s fiery eloquence had broken the monotony of the people’s lives by calling them to put away their sins and prepare for the Kingdom of Heaven (Matt. 3 ; 2). John had pointed out the Great King, to herald whose approach he felt himself so unworthy (John 1 ; 30) and now the mighty works of Jesus encouraged the belief that the Kingdom of God had indeed come unto them (Luke n ; 20). What a searching of the Scriptures there was in the Synagogues ! With what exultation they dwelt upon the words, “Behold, the days come, saiththe Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth” (Jer. 23; 5). Soon, from all directions multitudes began to flock to Jesus. Seeing them He withdrew to the mountains behind Capernaum . There the crowds from every quarter began to unite. No wonder, if when they saw their own numbers and unanimity, they began to feel that the time had come for them to fall upon the garrison at Capernaum, and after putting them to the sword, march on to Jerusalem and proclaim Jesus King (John 6; 15). Jesus knew the pride, the selfish- ness, the desire for revenge which had brought the people to His feet, and He saw that the time had come to open the eyes of the people to the true nature of the Kingdom of God, and to the change of heart and life which they must undergo if they would become His subjects. Jesus was an Oriental, and like the Hindoo and Mahomedan teachers who are so frequently seen in India He sat down to teach. Immediately about Him sat Peter, Andrew and the other disciples. These again were surrounded by the multitudes, those nearer sitting down, those farther off standing up. He began His discourse by saying it is the poor in spirit — those who know themselves to be weak and unworthy, who are blessed, for only such can be enrolled among God’s subjects (Matt. 5 ; 3). Not the zealous perse- cutors of Heathen or Samaritan, but they who for righteousness sake are themselves persecuted, are blessed ; for their’ s is the Kingdom of Heaven (Matt. 5 ; 10). Soon they saw that Jesus was not speaking of alittle kingdom, bounded on the East by the river Euphrates, and on the West by the Mediterranean Sea, but of one that embraces both Heaven and Earth ; for He told them that for the full reward of their service and suffering they would have to wait till they reached Heaven (Matt. 5; 12). There were men there, wealthy and proud, who would have been pleased to place all their property at the disposal of Jesus, if by so doing they might become princes in the Kingdom which they hoped to see established. Such were told that only by searching out and obeying God’s commandments — the small commandments as well as the great ones, and by teaching others to do the same, could any one become great in the Kingdom of Heaven (Matt. 5 ; 19). When they heard that Jesus would insist upon the keeping of the least of God’s commandments, some remembered the bathings and fastings, the long public prayers, and the tything of mint, and anice and cummin which dis- tinguished the Pharisees (Matt. 23 ; 23), and thought He meant they must imitate them; but Jesus went on to say, “ Except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.” Then Jesus began to explain that God is not content with outward religious acts, the laws of His Kingdom require loving hearts, pure thoughts, humble truthful words, unselfish conduct, and a desire for the good even of one’s enemies (Matt. 5 ; 21-28). Well might the stalwart yeomen who had flocked to Jesus’ standard look at their stout staves and broadswords, and wonder what work there was for such in the establishment of the new Kingdom. They soon found the time spoken of by Isaiah was at hand, when with advantage swords could be beaten into plough-shares, and spears into pruning hooks (Isaiah 2 ; 4), for the Kingdom of God would come, not by bloody battles but by earnest secret prayer (Matt. 6; 10). Jesus told His hearers that God would accept no divided heart, and that they would be utterly disappointed if they identified themselves with God’s cause in the hope of enriching themselves by so doing (Matt. 6 ; 24) ; but that if, on the other hand, they from pure motives sought to extend the Kingdom of God, God would look after their interests and give them all things necessary (Matt. 6; 33). Very solemn were the words of Jesus as He brought His discourse to a close, and warned them that no more profession would pass muster at the final Roll-Call of theKingdom, and said, “ Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord ! Lord ! shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven ; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in Heaven ” (Matt. 7 ; 21). As the people listened they felt that Jesus did not need to be anointed by man. God had already anointed Him, and given Him a power and authority greater than that exercised by any Prophet, Priest, or King before Him. They saw that His word was law (Matt. 5 ; 22), His judgment final (Matt. 7 ; 23), and His power invincible (Matt. 7 ; 26). But their hearts were set on wealth, power and pleasure. The Kingdom Christ painted was not what they were longing for. When the great discourse was ended the people were solemnized and subdued, but not converted. They went away with a clear idea of God’s requirements and their own sinfulness, and yet, in their blind- ness seeing no beauty in Christ that they should desire Him (Isaiah 53 ; 2). Lesson- The king who that day sat upon the Mount issued His manifesto, and now- sits upon His throne (Rev. 3 ; 21). The laws of His kingdom have never been altered and never shall be. To-day He appeals to all that is holiest and noblest in your nature ! To-day He presents Himself to you as your worthy and rightful Sovereign ! Boldly to declare your allegiance to Him, and faithfully to follow His commands is to secure glory and honour and immortality. The certain result of disobedience will be indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish. [12— 2 J No. 13. OUR FATHER. The Student will read at home the fifth, sixth and seventh chapters of Matthew. GOLDEN TEXT. — Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God (I John 3 ; 1). f HE Old Testament tells us that God chose the children of Israel, and upon them set His love ; as a man chasteneth his son, so God ^-'' L chastened them ; He was more mindful and compassionate toward them than a mother is toward her babe (Isaiah 49 ; 15) ; but notwithstanding His love and care their behaviour was so bad that He had to say “ I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against Me” (Isaiah 1 ; 2). So the time came when, instead of adopting as His children a particular nation, God determined to adopt into His family all those of every race who receive His only begotten Son as their Teacher, Priest and King (John 1 ; 12). In Christ’s beautiful sermon on the Mount Pie told the people not only about God’s new Kingdom but also about God’s new Family. Christ’s hearers were all Jews, but they differed greatly in character. Among them there were some who, like Abraham, had given up their rights in order to avoid quarrelling with their relatives (Gen. 13; 7-10), and others who out of compassion for the rebellious besought them to be reconciled to God (II Corinthians 5 ; 20). It was concerning such that Jesus said “ Blessed are the peace-makers : for they shall be called the children of God (Matt. 5 ; 9). The Scribes taught that it was not wrong to hate one’s enemies, but Jesus said, You cannot maintain your position as children of the Heavenly Father unless you love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for those that despitefully use you and persecute you (Matt. 5; 44, 45). It is quite true that without help from God no one can comply with this condition, yet it will not appear surprising that God insists upon it when we consider that ‘ To hurt those who have done us good is devilish, to hurt those who have done us harm is brutal, to love those who have done us good is human, but to love those who have done us harm is divine.’ Jesus spoke with great authority and told His hearers most plainly that no profession of sonship, loyalty or faith would secure them a place in the family of God unless they did the will of His Father (Matt. 7 ; 21-23). Jesus further explained to His disciples what kind of behaviour God expects from His children. He told them : — ( a ) To talk to God as a child talks to his Father; but not to think to please God by repeating His name a great many times, or by saying off some prayer or hymn that has been learned by heart (Matt. 6 ; 8). ( 3 ) Not to try to secure the praise of men but rather to strive after the approbation of their Father (Matt. 6 ; 1-6). (c) All good children try to be a credit to their Father; Christ’s disciples also must let their good deeds shine forth like lamps in orderthat men, seeing those good deeds, may glorify their Heavenly Father (Matt. 5 ; 16.) (d) All children take a delight in imitating their father, therefore those who have a perfect Father must not be content while a single blemish remains in their character, but must strive to be perfect even as their Father in Heaven is perfect (Matt. 5 ; 48). After Jesus had spoken of some of the duties of God’s children, He spoke of their privileges : — (a) To them God is not an angry King whose wrath has to be appeased, they may call Him Father, and appeal to His love (Matt. 6 ; 9). (d) To meet the great ones of the Earth one has to go, to certain appoint- ed places, and at the stated times, but it is the privilege of a child to speak with his father anywhere and at any time ; even so whenever we will we may enter into our closet and pray to our Father, Who seeth in secret (Matt. 6 ; 6). (c) Children know that when they have read the First Reader they will need the Second Reader, and when the Cold Season comes they will need warm clothes, but they are not anxious about these things because their father knows their needs. The children of God may for the same reason live without anxiety (Matt. 6 ; 25-32). (d) When a boy tells his father some little secret of his, how their mutual confidence and love grows ! How rich the boy feels because he has something his father has gladly shared with him, and of which no one else is a partaker. Jesus says we may have secrets with God, and happy, very happy are the children that have such (Matt. 6 ; 18). Jesus not only told His disciples what they must do if they would be God’s dear children (Eph. 5 ; 1). He told them also some of the ways in which they would find God acting like a Father. (a) Your father does not think much about other people’s children, and scarcely notices whether they have all they need or not ; but if you look poorly your father notices it at once. God also thinks and plans for us (Matt. 6 ; 32). ( 3 ) It is your father’s delight to give you, not only necessary things but every thing that can promote your welfare. Jesus says, your Heavenly Father is still more ready to give good things to them that ask Him (Matt. 7 ; n). ( c ) Sins if repented of and forsaken a father can forgive, but if persisted in even a father is bound to punish. A father may be greatly grieved by see- ing his sons quarrel, yet if they lay aside their enmity and forgive one another he can forgive them ; but if one of them harbours revengeful feelings and re- fuses to forgive his brother, his father is unable to forgive him. In this way also God acts like a Father, for Jesus said, If ye forgive men their trespasses your Heavenly Father will also forgive you : but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (Matt. 6; 14, 15). The ground on which God forgives sin is the death of Christ (Hebrews 9 ; 22), but he who harbours ill-will and an unforgiving spirit shews that he has never truly believed in the love of God manifested in the death of Christ for sinners. Lesson. This beautiful sermon so full of love is also full of warning. Some are called hypocrites (Matt. 7 ; 5). Some are warned that it would be better for them to pluck out their right eye, or cut off their right hand than be cast into Hell (Matt. 5 ; 30). Then again it is not thieves, murderers and adulterers but those who haring been sinned against, refuse to forgive the offender, whom Jesus declares will be unforgiven (Matt. 6 ; 14, 15). Let no one then, think to escape punishment under the supposition that God is the Father of all, but let each one seek to prove his sonship by the excellence of his character. [i3~ 2 3