STUDY THE READING CIRCLE LESSONS.
By A. J. Breed
The benefits to be derived from the study of the lessons are many. One of the most important is that it will give a knowledge of the fundamental principles of the Third Angel’s Message, which is to go to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people. In order to be prepared to carry the truth to others, it is necessary to have a knowledge of it ourselves. The Reading Circle offers an opportunity of studying the different points of our faith in a connected way, and those who avail themselves of this will be better prepared to do missionary work among their neighbors and those with whom they associate from day to day. There are many reasons why these lessons should be studied, as is shown by the following quotations: “The members of the church will individually be tested.” “Many will be called to speak before councils and courts of justice, perhaps separately and alone.” It will be a trying place, and one not to be desired; but if the truth has been carefully studied, the words of the Saviour will be very encouraging at such a time: “Take no thought beforehand what ye shall speak, neither do ye premeditate; but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour, that speak ye: for it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost.” “The work which the church has failed to do in a time of peace and prosperity, she will have to do in a terrible crisis, under most discouraging, forbidding circumstances. . . . This day is just before us.” “The members of the church will individually be tested and proved. . . . They will be placed in circumstances where they will be forced to bear witness for the truth.” “The Lord in his providence brought his servants, Daniel, Nehemiah, Ezra, face to face with kings and rulers, that these idolaters might have an opportunity to receive the light.” “Thus the work which God had given his people to do in prosperity in their own borders, but which had been neglected through their unfaithfulness, was done by them in captivity, under great trial and embarrassment.” Those who make a careful study of these lessons will not only be getting ready for the trying ordeal before them, but will be better prepared to do missionary work by canvassing for our periodicals and scattering reading-matter among the people. An extra effort at this time may be the means of interesting many other persons.