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Signs of the Times, Vol. 19, No. 19.

Editorial
Earlier text: A LEAF FROM PROPHECY AND HISTORY

The Religious Nature of the East Indian

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

INDIA. NO. 4.

The Religious Nature of the East Indian.

BY ELDER S. N. HASKELL.

THE people of India are a devotedly religious people. Mankind are not totally depraved, whether they be heathen, infidel, or belong to a Christian civilized nation. While "there is none righteous, no not one," "for I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing," yet Christ "was the true Light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world." In this the heathen are not an exception. It is Satan who perverted man's faith and worship. It was self-abnegation and a spirit of sacrifice for others' good which led Christ to come into this world and die for a lost race. And wherever the light of Christ shines, which is in every man's heart, this spirit of sacrifice exists to a greater or less extent; for it accompanies and becomes a part of every ray of light that emanates from our Lord Jesus Christ. But this principle is perverted in its object and manifestation by Satan.
It therefore becomes prominent in a false worship. Satan has thus stolen the livery of heaven to bring honor to himself.
He utilizes every principle of heaven upon which to erect a system that man may be saved by works, thus ignoring the grace of Christ which bringeth salvation. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God; not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Eph. 2: 8-10. That is, grace saves us, and this is a free gift of heaven, and it is received by faith; and this grace changes the heart, so it produces good works.
Here lies the principle of the two systems of religion,—the true and the false. In the Christian religion, of which Christ is the author, the heart becomes changed, and the grace of Christ produces good works. In false religions, of which Satan is the author, man becomes inspired by Satan to be saved by his own works, and obtain the favor of the gods by doing penance, which incurs the favor and appeases the wrath of the false gods.
The forms of religious worship in India are legion, "as there be gods many and lords many;" but all of them are Christless. It is easy to trace in the Hindu faith once a knowledge of the true God and our Lord Jesus Christ; but this has been perverted by a masterly mind, and has instilled in the heart false systems of worship actuated by wrong principles. The origin of their faith is the famous Hindu Triad,—Brahma, the creator, or the first produced from the first great cause, Vishnu, the preserver, and Siva, the destroyer. In this is the germ of that system of idolatry which, when fully developed, recognizes as objects of worship a multitude of deities from thousands to the fabulous number of 330,000,000. Nothing but a Satanic masterly mind could ever have invented so many false gods, and led men to such great lengths of suffering in their worship.
The Indian people are devotedly religious, practicing all sorts of iniquity, suffering in every conceivable manner, even to the sacrifice of their own lives, to appease the wrath and court the favor of some one of their gods. Everything is worshiped, both animate and inanimate, from the stone to the tree, carved and shaped into ten thousand forms, each and all of these requiring penance of some kind for the salvation of the devotee.
The Brahmins were the religious teachers of India, and were worshiped as gods. Upon being asked by the missionary what god he worshiped, one replied, "I worship none; but the gods worship me." They hold themselves aloof from all others, being too sacred to come near any of the common people.
They are an educated, refined race, purely vegetarian in their diet, abstemious in their habits, and practically were the rulers of the Hindu mind. They practice the greatest austerities in order to reach their state of holiness; and this principle runs through all Indian worship.
The fakir stretches his arm toward heaven, or places his body in some unnatural position until paralyzed. He sits upon the ground surrounded by a fire, thus slowly torturing himself; goes upon long pilgrimages; fasts; stretches himself, extending his arms over his head, in the dust, thus measuring distances for hundreds of miles; and all of this is looked upon as holy acts, that make the individual so holy that he is visited by thousands. The wealthy Hindu will visit Benares or some other noted city of their gods, where the Brahmin priests will direct him to pass through various ablutions in filthy water, called holy, anointing him with some stinking ointment, practicing filthy rites, instructing him how to pass through various tortures of the body; paying a large sum for every step he takes, until the priest will have robbed him of his wealth, and he returns home penniless, with ruined health, all of which is to obtain a pardon for his sins and purify his soul.
The devil is worshiped direct, and is said to appear at night in certain trees, and is looked upon with the greatest reverence. The deadly cobra is tenderly fed, and offerings of money and gold are placed upon the plate, which afterward are appropriated by some Brahmin priest. But this is unlike the story of Bel and the dragon, where Daniel strewed the floor of the temple with ashes to track the priests when they came in to eat the meat; for here the cobra eats the meat, and afterwards the priest takes the money.
Thus everything is worshiped which can be imagined to do harm or good, and is held sacred by some Hindu. Thus the religious society of India is broken into the thousand fragments, all under one great leader, Satan. And yet Christianity has entered the rank of every caste, and taken trophies from every stronghold of Satan in the idolatrous worship of India, who will finally shine in glory. Is here not a missionary field for the nineteenth century?

GOD OVER ALL.

By J. E. Rankin

BY J. E. RANKIN.
Now THE moon walks from her clo'sters, Pale and penitent and fair, Saying soft her Paternosters On the trembling, evening air. Star by star she, mounting, tells them, Bead on bead, in God's ear spells them; Gone the twilight, Sapphire sky light! Hark the curfew's call, Care's release, Sleep in peace, God is over all.
God is over all, our Father, Night the shadow of his wing. As a brood of fledglings gather, With their filial murmuring, One by one beneath their mother All their mundane fears to smother, To God kneel we, Low appeal we. Hark the curfew's call, Care's release, Sleep in peace, God is over all.
God is over all, Creator! All the worlds wheel round his throne, And he counts them, less and greater. Thus he counts, on earth, his own. In his councils he includes them; With his wings protects and broods them; Great Defender, Kind and tender! Hark the curfew's call, Care's release, Sleep in peace, God is over all.
—Our Day.

BELIEF WITHOUT REPENTANCE.

A MISSIONARY in Ceylon reports a case in a village in that country. A plain sermon had been delivered giving the faith of the gospel, after which a conference was held. The missionary asked, "Do you believe these things?"
"Yes, sir," was the unanimous response. "Do you believe that the Bible is God's word and that other vedas are wrong?"
"Yes."
"Do you believe that God sent his Son into the world to save sinners?"
"Yes."
"Do you believe that Jesus is able to save you?"
"Oh, yes!"
"Will you then accept him as your Saviour?"
"Yes, sir, yes." And the case seemed quite complete.
But the wondering missionary wisely went on: "If you become Christians, you must give up sin." Silence reigned. "You must give up lying." A smile ran around the audience, and a voice said, "We cannot agree to that." "You cannot serve the true God and lie, steal, be impure, and worship idols, or sin in any way; are you willing to give up these that Jesus may save you?" Ah, no, they would give up nothing, and yet they professed to believe and want to join the church!
How well this illustrates the human heart in our own land as well as in Ceylon. Yes, indeed, men want to be saved; they even believe in Jesus; but they will not give up their sins. If God would save people in their sins, the whole world would turn to him; but that is not his way of salvation; the repentance of the heart that changes the life from sin to purity at whatever the cost may be, this is God's way, and the only way of salvation. The faith in Christ as our daysman and only merit completes the work of grace. Who of us are clinging to our sins while claiming to be Christians?—Selected.

THE NEED OF PRAYER.

By Ellen G. White

DANGERS beset every path, and he who comes off conqueror will indeed have a triumphant song to sing in the city of God.
Some have strong traits of character that will need to be constantly repressed. If kept under the control of the Spirit of God, these traits will be a blessing; but if not they will prove a curse. If those who are now riding upon the wave of popularity do not become giddy, it will be a miracle of mercy. If they lean to their own wisdom, as so many thus situated have done, their wisdom will prove to be foolishness. But while they shall give themselves unselfishly to the work of God, never swerving in the least from principle, the Lord will throw about them the everlasting arms, and will prove to them a mighty helper. "Them that honor me, I will honor."
This is a dangerous age for any man who has talents which can be of value in the work of God; for Satan is constantly plying his temptations upon such a person, ever trying to fill him with pride and ambition; and when God would use him, it is too often the case that he becomes independent and self-sufficient, and feels capable of standing alone. This will be your danger, brethren, unless you live a life of constant faith and prayer. You may have a deep and abiding sense of eternal things, and that love for humanity which Christ has shown in his life. A close connection with Heaven will give the right tone to your fidelity, and will be the ground of your success. Your feeling of dependence will drive you to prayer, and your sense of duty summon you to effort. Prayer and effort, effort and prayer, will be the business of your life. You must pray as though the efficiency and praise were all due to God, and labor as though duty were all your own. If you want power, you may have it; it is waiting your draught upon it. Only believe in God, take him at his word, act by faith, and blessings will come.
In this matter, genius, logic, and eloquence will not avail. Those who have a humble, trusting, contrite heart, God accepts, and hears their prayer; and when God helps, all obstacles will be overcome. How many men of great natural abilities and high scholarship have failed when placed in positions of responsibility, while those of feebler intellect, with less favorable surroundings, have been wonderfully successful. The secret was, the former trusted to themselves, while the latter united with Him who is wonderful in counsel, and mighty in working to accomplish what he will.—Testimony for the Church, No. 30.

FIELD NOTES.

By Editor

THE present worth of Union College, Lincoln, Nebraska, according to the latest financial statement, is $191,471.
THE latest financial report of the Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association at Battle Creek, Mich., gives the present worth of the institution at $232,287.54. The branch offices at Ottawa, Ontario, and Atlanta, Georgia, are reported to be in a prosperous condition.
BROTHER J. F. JONES writes to the Union Record from Baltimore, as follows: "Since my last report four have expressed a wish to be baptized, and to-day we learn of another one keeping the Sabbath of the Lord who, a short time ago, declared she could not be convinced that Saturday was the Sabbath to be observed in the Christian dispensation."
THE report of the recording secretary of the General Conference for the year ended June 30, 1892, shows the statistics of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination at that time in the following particulars: Number of ministers, 247; licentiates, 156; total, 403; churches, 1,102; membership, 33,775. Since that date, however, there has been an encouraging increase.
REPORTS from different parts of the field indicate an unusual spirit of inquiry in regard to the Sabbath question. This shows that the Spirit of God is at work, and now let all who love the commandments of God set aside all earthly considerations 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" [margin, "reverence"].
THE changes of laborers recommended by the Labor Committee of the General Conference, up to our latest information, are as follows: Elder R. S. Owen, of Canada, to go to Georgia; Elder C. McReynolds to change from Arkansas to Kansas; Elder J. M. Rees to change from Indiana to Arkansas; Anna L. Ingels, secretary of California Tract Society, to go to Sydney, Australia.
PRESENT indications show that a larger force of canvassers will enter Ontario, Canada, the present year than ever before. It is also expected that the force in Manitoba and Northwest Territories will be materially increased. And the Quebec Tract Society is laying plans for an extension of work in that province. Canvassers are also to be sent to Newfoundland and to Magdalene Islands.
THE General Conference passed the following resolution in regard to foreign missionaries: Resolved, That in view of the difficulties to be met, we admonish the fearful, the ease loving, the selfish, not to offer themselves for this work, and that only those be accepted for it who intelligently and willingly consecrate themselves for life or death to arduous, humble service in the dark regions of this lost world.
BROTHER GRANT ADKINS reports to the Review that "ten adults have decided to obey the truth" as a result of meetings held in a schoolhouse at Fountain City, Tennessee. A Sabbath school of twenty-four members has been organized. This was not accomplished without opposition, as some "Christian" people not only induced the trustees to close the building against Brother Adkins, but they threatened personal violence. But this rather helped to bring the truth to the attention of the people, and private houses were opened to him.
THE General Conference has recommended that local schools for white students and colored students be established at such places in the South, and on such a plan, as may be deemed best by the General Conference Committee after careful investigation of all the circumstances.
MRS. M. J. BAHLER writes from El Paso, Texas: "We would hereby express our thanks to the many kind friends who have generously sent us papers for the Chinese Mission School. Could they see how eagerly they are received by the Chinese boys they would feel amply repaid. Judging by the rolls of papers that have poured in upon us there is a widespread interest among our people for the Chinese work. God is blessing; and the hearts of some of our pupils are being made tender with his love. Please discontinue papers till further notice."

LIVE IT DOWN.

Has a foolish word been spoken, Or an evil deed been done? Has a heart been almost broken For the friends that now disown? Let not coldness or the frown Shake thy manhood—live it down!
Is the stern traducer sneering, Thrusting innuendo vile, With the world's opinion veering, Basking in its fickle smile? What are gossips with their frown?— Buzzing insects—live it down!
Verdict fairer will be given In the sober after thought; Charity, sweet child of heaven, Judgment harsh will set at naught. Then will grieved mercy's frown Smite the slanderer—live it down!
But if man refuse to soften For that weakness he may feel, There is One forgives as often As to Him we choose to kneel. Droop not, then, if all should frown; With such friendship—live it down! —Selected.

HERE AND HEREAFTER.

An exhaustive treatise on the "State of the Dead" and the "Destiny of the Wicked." Has man a conscious existence in death? This is a question of the deepest interest, especially in these days when Spiritualism, in its varied forms, is spreading its deception everywhere. The subject is treated in

THIRTY-SEVEN CHAPTERS.

All the important texts bearing on man's nature and his condition in death are taken up and critically examined; as are also those which relate to soul and spirit.

THE CLAIMS OF PHILOSOPHY,

in which the immortality of the soul is discussed from a philosophical standpoint.
A chapter is devoted to a HISTORICAL VIEW of the subject, in which the history of the doctrine of the immortality of the soul is traced from the earliest ages down to the present time. The work closes with a chapter on the

INFLUENCE OF THE DOCTRINE,

in which it is shown that many have been driven into infidelity by the doctrine of Eternal Torment, a doctrine which is inconsistent with the character of God and contrary to the teachings of the Scriptures.
The book contains 443 pages, is bound in extra fine English cloth, and is embossed in black and gold.
Price, postpaid, $1.00.
Address, Pacific Press Publishing Co., Oakland, Cal. Or 43 Bond St., New York City.

PACIFIC HEALTH JOURNAL

By Editor

AND TEMPERANCE ADVOCATE.

A THIRTY-TWO PAGE MONTHLY MAGAZINE, devoted to the dissemination of true temperance principles, and instruction in the art of preserving health. It is emphatically

A JOURNAL FOR THE PEOPLE,

Containing what everybody wants to know, and is thoroughly practical. Its range of subjects is unlimited, embracing everything that in any way affects the health. Its articles being short and pointed, it is especially adapted to farmers, mechanics, and housekeepers, who have but little leisure for reading. It is just the journal that every family needs, and may be read with profit by all. Price, $1.00 per year. Sample copy free.
Address, PACIFIC HEALTH JOURNAL, St. Helena, Cal.

OVERLAND EXCURSIONS.

If you are going East, you will find it to your advantage to correspond with the undersigned and obtain full particulars of the "Weekly Overland Excursions," which leave every Wednesday. Experienced managers in charge, whose duties are to look out for the comfort of the passengers, especially ladies and children traveling without an escort. This is the most popular manner of making an overland trip, and no other line offers advantages equal to the "Great Sante Fe Route," the favorite winter route. It is the only line running Pullman palace and tourist sleeping cars through to Chicago every day on the same train. Baggage checked through to destination. Union depot connections in Kansas City, St. Louis, and Chicago. Steamship tickets sold to and from all European points. For full information address W. A. Bissel, G. P. A., 650 Market Street, Chronicle Building, San Francisco, Cal., or J. J. Warner, agent, 972 Broadway, Oakland, Cal.
SUNDAY LAWS OF THE STATES AND TERRITORIES. A comprehensive collection of laws and decisions regarding Sunday observance, especially useful as a compendium of information. Paper covers, 25 cents. Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal.
THE PROHIBITION PARTY AND FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE. Showing how a political party, on a specially moral pretext, really advocates the religious enslavement of the people. 8 pp.; $1.00 per hundred. Pacific Press Pub. Co., Oakland, Cal.

LESSON XIII.—SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 1893.

By Editor

REVIEW.

[NOTE.—The questions which follow are merely suggestive for the student on the leading points of the lesson; it is presumed that the thorough student will think of many more as he studies the subject. References, where verses alone are given, always refer to the lesson scripture printed above. All other references are given in book, chapter, and verse. The text printed is that of the Revised Version, not because it is especially preferred, but because it is not found in every family, as in the common version.]
Golden Text.—"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Ps. 119: 105.
A GLANCE AT THE SUBJECTS.
LESSON I.—Returning from the Captivity. Ezra 1: 1-11.
" II.—Rebuilding the Temple. " 3: 1-13.
" III.—Encouraging the People. Haggai 2: 1-9.
" IV.—Joshua, the High Priest. Zech. 3: 1-10.
" V.—The Spirit of the Word. " 4: 1-10.
" VI.—Dedicating the Temple. Ezra 6: 14-22.
" VII.—Nehemiah's Prayer. Neh. 1: 1-16.
" VIII.—Rebuilding the Wall. " 4: 9-23.
" IX.—Reading the Law. " 8: 1-12.
" X.—Keeping the Sabbath. " 13: 15-22.
" XI.—Esther before the King. ESTHER 4: 10-5: 3.
" XII.—A Temperance Lesson. Prov. 23: 15-25.
BRIEF ANALYSIS OF THE LESSONS.
LESSON 1.—(a) The book of Ezra, written by Ezra, a scribe, a priest, descended from Aaron. Written somewhere about B.C. 450 to 460. (b) Written in two languages, the major part in Hebrew. Chapters 4: 8 to 6: 18, and 7: 12-26 are in Chaldee, a branch of the Syriac. (c) The chief events of this lesson, the decree of Cyrus, and the return of the Jews from all parts of the realm of Babylon, took place in B.C. 536. (d) The lesson deals with the fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecy in the decree of Cyrus, the extent of the decree, the liberality of the emperor, and the return of about fifty thousand Jews. The lesson is God's wondrous compassion and faithfulness to his people, together with the fact that God rules in the kingdoms of the world, and giveth them to whom he will.
LESSON 2.—(a) The building of the temple from May to October 536 B.C. (b) Zerubbabel, governor of Judea. (c) Daniel, a prophet in Babylon; Haggai and Zechariah, in Jerusalem. (d) The commendable first work of building the altar, and the offering of burnt offerings. (e) The observation of the Feast of Tabernacles. (f) The laying of the foundation of the temple, and the emotions of the people.
LESSON 3.—(a) The prophecy of Haggai, consisting of reproofs and encouragement. (b) The reason why the prophecy was given was the backsliding of the Jews, and their long delay in building the temple. (c) The realization of our need of God a necessity. If we do not know our need, we will not ask. (d) The necessity of having God's help to make his work a success. (e) The assurance that all is of God, and that God has all the means in his own hands for the success of his work.
LESSON 4.—(a) The enemy of God's people. (b) God's care for his people shown in his rebuke of the enemy. (c) God's forgiveness in blotting out sin. (d) The God that forgives will by angelic power keep his people. (e) We have a Great High Priest, and the assurance of the same divine power.
LESSON 5.—This lesson is from Zechariah, and its subject the Spirit of God. (a) In that Spirit is found all blessings. (b) Without the Spirit all our work, however much of human power may be behind it, will amount to nothing. (c) That Spirit, if received by us, will shed abroad the love of God in our hearts, cleanse us from all sin, and give us a new heart and a new spirit. Rom. 5: 5; Eze. 36: 25-27. (d) God is more willing to give that Spirit to them that ask him than earthly parents are willing to give good gifts to their children. Luke 11: 9-13. That Spirit will cause us to walk in God's law.
LESSON 6.—(a) The finishing of the temple under the encouraging words of the prophet, and its dedication. (b) The Jews prospered when they obeyed God. (c) The keeping of the Feast of the Passover, and the great rejoicing. (d) The giving of all the glory to God.
LESSON 7.—(a) Nehemiah a special friend and favorite of King Artaxerxes at Susa. (b) He learned that the people were in affliction, and that the wall was broken down, and he went to the only Source of help, the great God of Israel. (c) In seeking God he does not excuse himself or the Jews, but confesses his sins and the sins of his people, and pleads God's promises and covenants. (d) Even thus may we pray. See Psalm 57.
LESSON 8.—In the rebuilding of the wall the following lessons may be noted: (a) The unbelief and indifference of the Jews themselves; (b) the activity and persistence of their adversaries in hindering the work; (c) the faithfulness of Nehemiah, his words of faith and courage to the people, the organization for carrying on the work, and the glorious success. (d) Although Nehemiah made all the preparations he did, he did not expect to do the work or defeat the enemy in himself. He says, "Our God shall fight for us." Note the wickedness of slander and backslidings, the value of righteousness and faithfulness.
LESSON 9.—The subject is "Reading the Law." Peloubet calls this "a Sunday school of the olden time." But the Sunday had no more to do with the matter than did General Grant with the foundation of our republic. It was really the study of the word of God. (a) It was the month of meetings, the seventh month. (b) The people demanded the reading of the word, and were therefore anxious to listen. (c) The instruction was long continued, yet the people were not weary. (d) The people received the word because they mourned over the sin, and were comforted in God's mercy.
LESSON 10.—In this lesson, as in others, let the teacher cleave to the word of God. (a) The Sabbath, what day is it? (Gen. 2: 2, 3); (b) the commandment concerning it (Ex. 20: 8-11); (c) Who gave it?—The Creator (John 1: 1-3; Col. 1: 16); (d) the Sabbath is therefore the Lord's day (Mark 2: 27; Isa. 58: 13; Rev. 1: 10); (e) how it should be kept "holy;" (f) those only can keep it holy who have been made holy by Christ (1 Cor. 1: 30; Eph. 2: 10); therefore the Sabbath is a sign between God and his people, that they may know that he is the Lord who sanctifies them (Eze. 20: 12). Nehemiah, under the theocracy, and by especial appointment of God, did not permit work or traffic on the Sabbath. Under the gospel no man or set of men has any right to compel the observance of any commandment of the Decalogue.
LESSON 11.—(a) The reign of Ahasuerus (Xerxes). (b) Esther made queen in the providence of God (Esther 4: 14). (c) Haman's plot against the Jews. (d) Mordecai and his relation to the kingdom and Esther. (e) God's deliverance of the Jews in his own way. This is a wonderful lesson of God's special providences.
From the above the intelligent teacher will be able to construct a re-view of the lessons of the quarter. Make the practical points prominent, and let the word of God be the evidence.

A LESSON ON THE GOLDEN TEXTS.

1. What promise did the Lord give to Israel if they would turn to him in bondage? "The Lord thy God will turn thy captivity, and have compassion upon thee." Deut. 30: 3.
NOTE.—We by nature are the servants of sin and wrath (Eph. 2: 2; Rom. 6: 16); but if we renounce our sins of transgression, God will turn our captivity (1 John 1: 9). And after this if we sin again, he will forgive if we return to him. See 1 John 2: 1.
2. For what did the children of Israel praise the Lord on a certain occasion? "They praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid." Ezra 3: 11.
NOTE 2.—We may rejoice at all times that the foundation of God's spiritual temple, in which we all may be living stones,—that this foundation is in our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. 3: 11.
3. Without whom will all our labor for God be in vain? "Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it." Ps. 127: 1.
4. Whom have we to plead for us in all our conflicts, captivity, and labor? "Having then a great High Priest who hath passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God." Heb. 4: 14.
5. By what power may we overcome and do God's will? "Not by [human] might, nor by [human] power, but by my Spirit, saith the Lord of hosts." Zech. 4: 6.
6. How willing is God to give his Spirit? Luke 11: 9-13.
7. What invitation made the heart of the Psalmist glad? "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord." Ps. 122: 1.
8. What should be our continual prayer? "Lord, be thou my helper." Ps. 30: 10.
9. How did Nehemiah and his brethren engage in the work? "We made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them." Neh. 4: 9.
10. What should be our prayer in reference to God's law? Ps. 119: 18.
11. What is our duty with reference to the fourth commandment of God's law? "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. . . The seventh day is a Sabbath unto the Lord thy God." Ex. 20: 8-10.
12. What is the duty of those in authority? "Judge righteously, and minister judgment to the poor and needy." Prov. 31: 9.
13. In what admonition may all find instruction and profit? "And be not drunken with wine, wherein is riot; but be filled with the Spirit." Eph. 5: 18.
14. What is God's word to all who trust him? See golden text.

LESSON XIII.—SABBATH, MARCH 25, 1893.

By Editor

GENERAL REVIEW.

[For any modification in these lessons, and for the notes, the editor is responsible. For other notes and suggestions the student is referred to the lesson pamphlet, and to the S. S. Worker.]

Lesson Scriptures and Suggestive Questions.

THE WORD.

1. WHAT is the difference between the word of God and the word of man?
"And for this cause we also thank God without ceasing, that, when ye received from us the word of the message, even the word of God, ye accepted it not as the word of men, but, as it is in truth, the word of God, which also worketh in you that believe." 1 Thess. 2:13.
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain cometh down and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, and giveth seed to the sower and bread to the eater; so shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth; it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it." Isa. 55:8-11.
2. Why is Christ called the Word of God?
"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that hath been made." John 1:1-3.
3. How is all Scripture given?
"Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness." 2 Tim. 3:16.
"For no prophecy ever came by the will of man; but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Ghost." 2 Peter 1:21.
4. Through whom has it been given?
"God, having of old time spoken unto the fathers in the prophets by divers portions and in divers manners." Heb. 1:1.
5. Who has always done the speaking?—Id.
6. How was the work of creation accomplished?
"By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth. He gathereth the waters of the sea together as an heap; he layeth up the deeps in storehouses. Let all the earth fear the Lord; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of him. For he spake, and it was done; he commanded, and it stood fast." Ps. 33:6-9.
7. How is the true God distinguished from false gods?
"But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God, and an everlasting king; at his wrath the earth trembleth, and the nations are not able to abide his indignation. Thus shall ye say unto them, The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth, these shall perish from the earth, and from under the heavens. He hath made the earth by his power, he hath established the world by his wisdom, and by his understanding hath he stretched out the heavens." Jer. 10:10-12.
8. Why has an effort been made to destroy faith in the literal interpretation of the first chapter of Genesis?
9. What relation is there between creation and redemption? Trace the parallel quite fully.
10. How may we make a practical application of the power of God's word as shown in miracles?

THE SPIRIT.

1. What names are given to the Holy Spirit?
2. To whom does it belong?
3. What are some of the leading operations of the Spirit?
4. How only can we keep the commandments of God?5. What relation is there between the gift of righteousness and the gift of the Spirit?
6. In what specific results is the Spirit manifested in those who have received it?
7. What is meant by spiritual bondage?
8. What birth gives us freedom?
9. In view of all that we have learned in these lessons, can we not say, with a greater fullness of meaning than ever before, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly things in Christ"?
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