Our Sabbath-School Lessons.
By C. P. Bollman
THE subject of the present series of lessons is of surpassing interest to every child of God; and should be so to every one who has heard the sound of "this gospel of the kingdom." The fulfillment of all the most precious promises contained in the word of God, depends directly upon the second coming of Christ, and toward this glorious event the eyes of the waiting church have ever been turned with holy and inexpressible longing. The early Christians desired to see that day; and John, when beholding in vision, upon the lonely isle of Patmos, "the glory that shall be revealed," prayed, "Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus." The Saviour taught his disciples to pray, "Thy kingdom come;" and, even when instituting the memorial of his broken body and shed blood, pointed them forward to the time of his return. He said: "For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come," 1 Cor. 11:26. So it is not only the duty of Christians to look back to the cross, and behold by faith the sacrifice there offered, but they should also look forward to the Redeemer's triumph, when he shall "appear the second time without sin unto salvation," Heb. 9:28. It is to "them that look for him" that he will appear "unto salvation;" and upon those "that love his appearing" he will bestow crowns "at that day." 2 Tim. 4:8. The truth contained in these lessons should not only be impressed upon our minds, but our hearts should be sanctified by it. Jesus prayed, "Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." John 17:17. This prayer was not alone for the twelve, for in the twentieth verse he says: "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word." Let us each make an individual application of the truth, and so live before God that we may be sanctified by it, in answer to the Saviour's prayer. We cannot study these lessons too carefully. It is not enough that we believe the truth ourselves, for we owe a duty to those with whom we come in contact. Peter says: "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and be ready to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear." 1 Pet. 3:15. All have not the same talent, but every one who professes present truth should be able to give intelligently the main points of our faith, and also refer readily to those scriptures which most clearly and positively prove each point. It is the duty of every Christian to wield, as occasion may demand, "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God." Eph. 6:17. Some of the lessons may seem difficult, but all can learn them if they will. It may be necessary to put forth some effort, but is it not our duty to thoroughly master each one as it comes? We may say we cannot do it; but is that true? Is not the real difficulty that we do not apply ourselves as we should? Let us feel that if we would be clear in this matter we must carefully and prayerfully prepare each lesson, not only that we may be able to recite well on the Sabbath, but that the truth may be blessed of God to our salvation, and to the good of those around us.
C. P. BOLLMAN.