j kAHaA \ v jj~ YRE SKSIVBfMTY | m lumm h.mm 2.2-51 T91p Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2016 https://archive.org/details/prayerbookillust03tyng THE PRAYER-BOOK, ff ILLUSTRATED BY SCRIPTURE, FOR SUISn3A.Y-SCECOOLS. IN A SERIES OF EIGHT NUMBERS. BY STEPHEN" H. TYNG-, D.D., RECTOR OP ST. GEORGE’S CHURCH, NEW-YORK, Third Series—The Gospels. PUBLISHED BY THE PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL SOCIETY FOR THE PROMOTION OF EVANGELICAL KNOWLEDGE, No. 3 Bible House, Fourth Ave., New-York. Yf[ /; (!.(; | I mm ffiMuiO Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1S6T, BY STEPHEN H. TYNG, In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New- York. I L 1 1(0 4 i INTRODUCTION. This little book is a part of a course of Bible Study. The single text-book employed is the Bible. The ques- tions are questions on the Bible, to be answered from the Bible alone. It is intended to give a clear and full knowledge of the great subjects of scriptural instruc- tion in this connection. The guide assumed in this study is the Book of Com- mon Prayer. The purpose is to illustrate and confirm the language and expressions of the Prayer-Book by scriptural proofs and testimonies. With every Lesson is a selected portion of the Prayer- Book, which is always printed with the Lesson. The design is to explain this selected portion of the Liturgy, “ not in the words which man’s wisdom teaclieth, but which the Holy Ghost teaclieth,” and thus to unite for this study the Prayer-Book and the Bible — the one as the guide, the other as the treasury of divine truth to which it leads. 11 INTRODUCTION. The questions are all answered from the Scriptures with adequate references to each. The Lessons are so arranged in their progress, as to bring out a perfect exhibition of the scriptural instruction of each selected portion of the Prayer-Book contained in these successive Lessons. The scholar therefore needs no other book than the Question-Book and the Bible. Such is the clearness and simplicity with which the scheme is carried out, that teachers will find no diffi- culty in the pursuit of the course, but great profit for themselves and their scholars. On each text of Scrip- ture a single leading question is proposed, to which the teacher will naturally add such others as may occur for more extended illustration. The object is always to make each reference a subject of distinct conversation and remark in the class, and thus to have every pas- sage of Scripture considered and understood by all the scholars. This habit of exposition and study will be as profitable to the teacher as to the scholars. To carry out this scheme with adequate effect will al- ways require preceding study on the part of the teacher. It is impossible to fulfill the duty of a Sunday-school teacher without study — prayerful, sincere, earnest study. Teachers must feel that a great and important trust and responsibility have been committed to them, by the Providence which has allowed them to enter into this vital work of the Church. To be permitted to be the Lord’s servants, to teach, to convert, to sanctify, to save the souls of the children of the Church, as the Holy Spirit shall be pleased to bless their labor, is a most important and precious privilege. No thought, or prayer, or time, or effort, is too much to give to it. The interest of the scholars will always be dependent INTRODUCTION. Ill on tlie efficiency of tlie teaclier. As a rule, tlie children are generally not the most backward in previous prepa- ration and thought. In the scheme here laid out, the youngest scholars may be made interested. It will give them a wide knowledge of holy Scripture. It will make the habit of Scripture reference easy and familiar. It will accustom them to Scripture authority. It will show them how truly scriptural is the Church in which they are trained for Christ. It will make them love that Church, because its teachings are so true, and so conformed to the Word of God. It will qualify them to be useful agents and messengers of that Church in years to come. And thus it will greatly tend to build up and to establish this Church on its own foundation of Bible truth, love of God and love of men. In laying out this scheme of instruction, the author has had in view family instruction as well as Sunday- school teaching. Every member of the Church, young or old, will find the study a benefit and full of interest. It comes forth in this shape as the result of much ex- perience, much thought, and many efforts. The author trusts and believes that it will be a scheme of labor and preparation pleasing to his brethren, useful to the Church, and, through the divine mercy, acceptable to God. At any rate, he honestly presents it with this confidence, as one of the fruits of his long-continued effort of teaching and gathering the children of the Church which have been intrusted to him. Thus may he hope, in the closing years of his ministry, to gather up the fragments which remain, that noth- ing may be> lost/’ in personal efforts to be useful, and in provision for those whom in his own charge, he has ly * INTRODUCTION. always loved the best. The last work of life may honorably and justly be, if such be the will of God, as “ a teacher of babes,” to “ feed ” the Saviour’s “ lambs.” S. H. T. St. George’s Rectory, July 1, 1863. The Third Series of these Lessons is here presented. The author has selected the Gospels appointed for the Sundays and Holy Days in the order of the Prayer- Book. They are in themselves interesting passages of Holy Scripture, and they offer the appropriate instruc- tion for their appointed occasions. He has here printed the text in the body of each lesson with as numerous references as the hour of teaching will generally allow. These references can readily be multiplied in the per- sonal study of the teachers. The author sends out this help to them, with the prayer that the Lord will be pleased to accept and bless the effort thus to do good in his Church. THE GOSPELS. 5 LESSON I. FIRST SUNDAY IN ADVENT, St. Matthew 21 : 1-13. THE LOWLY KING. What does the season of Advent teach us ? 2 Peter 1 : 16. For what purpose did the Son of God come into this world? John 3 : 17. How are we to he saved through him ? John 5 : 24 ; Mark 1G : 16. What is the Gospel for the First Sunday in Advent ? Matthew 21 : 1-13. What does it relate ? 1 And when they drew nigh unto Jerusalem, and were come to Bethphage, unto the Mount of Olives, then sent Jesus two disciples. Why did Jesus wish to go to Jerusalem at this time ? Luke 9 : 51. Where had he now been ? John 10 : 40. To what place did he come from thence ? John 12 : 1. Where was the Mount of Olives? Zechariah 14 : 4. How long was this before the Saviour’s crucifixion ? John 12 : 1 ; John 13 : 1. 2 Saying unto them, Go into the village over against you, and straightway ye shall find an ass tied, and a colt with her : loose them, and bring them unto me. How did he know that they were there ? John 2 : 24, 25. Had he a right to take them ? Matthew 28 : 18. How did he get this right ? Psalm 24 : 1, 2 ; Psalm 50 : 10, 11. 6 THE GOSPELS. 3 And if any man say aught unto you, ye shall say, The Lord hath need of them ; and straightway he will send them. For whom did the Lord make all things ? Proverbs 16 : 4. Why did he take these animals ? Matthew 20 : 15. How did he know that the man would send them ? Proverbs 16 : 1. 4 All this was done that it might be fulfill- ed which was spoken by the prophet, saying, 5 Tell ye the daughter of Sion, Behold, thy King cometh unto thee, meek, and sitting upon an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass. Why was this done ? Luke 24 : 44. Where is this prophecy ? Zechariah 9 : 9. Who was to be the king of Sion ? Psalm 2 : 6, 7. How are we to feel toward him ? Psalm 149 : 2. What does he say to us of his meekness ? Matthew 11 : 29. Why was he meek and lowly ? 1 Peter 2:21. 6 And the disciples went, and did as Jesus commanded them. 7 And brought the ass, and the colt, and put on them their clothes, and they set him thereon. What example did these disciples set for us ? Psalm 27:8. What is said of obedience to the Lord ? 1 Samuel 15 : 22. What will be the result of true obedience to Christ ? Revelation 22:14. 8 And a very great multitude spread their garments in the way ; others cut down branches from the trees, and strewed them in the way. Why did they spread their garments before him? 2 Kings 9 : 13. THE GOSPELS. 7 Why did they cut down branches from the trees ? Leviticus 23 : 40. Of what was this a sign ? Psalm 149 : 2, 3, 4. 9 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the Son of David: Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord ; Hosanna in the highest. Where are these sayings described? Psalm 118 : 24, 25, 26. Why did the people rejoice in him? Mark 12 : 37. What did the rulers say of this feeling of the people ? John 11:47, 48; John 7 : 49. How ought we to feel toward him ? Philippians 4:4; 1 Thessalonians 5 : 18. 10 And when he was come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, Who is this ? 11 And the multitude said, This is Jesus the prophet of NazaPeth of Galilee. What is said of this, John 12, from the 12th to the 19th verse ? Why were the people particularly excited now? John 12 : 18. What was thought of Nazareth and Galilee? John 1 : 45, 46 ; John 7 : 52. 12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and cast out all them that sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money- changers, and the seats of them that sold doves, 13 And said unto them, It is written, My house shall be called the house of prayer ; but ye have made it a den of thieves. What was said of the Lord coming to his temple? Malachi 3 : 1, 2, 3. What was the proper use of the house of God? Psalm 93 : 5. 8 THE*GOSPELS. Wliat did God say of liis house in Isaiah 56:7? What admonition is given to us in reference to the house of God? Ecclesiastes 5 : 1, 2. What is said of this in Psalm 89 : 7 ? What was the command to Moses and Joshua ? Ex- odus 3:5; Joshua 5 : 15. THE GOSPELS. 9 LESSON II. SECOND SUNDAY IN ADVENT, St. Luke 2,1 : 25-33. V I THE SECOND ADVENT. How many advents of the Saviour were there to he ? Hebrews 9 : 28. What was the purpose of the first advent ? Hebrews 9:26. What is the purpose of his second advent ? 2 Tim- othy 4 : 1. What is, the Gospel for the Second Sunday in Advent ? Luke 21 : 2o— 33. To what does it refer ? 25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars ; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity ; the sea and the waves roaring. What does the Saviour say of his future coming ? Matthew 25 : 31, 32, 33. What is said of these signs of his coming by the pro- phets? Isaiah 24 : 23 ; Joel 2 : 30, 31. What is said of this coming by the apostles after the Saviour’s resurrection ? Acts 17 : 31 ; 2 Peter 3 : 10. 26 Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth : for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. Why are men afraid of the Saviour’s coming ? Isaiah 33 : 14. Who are they that will be thus afraid ? Revelation 6 : 14-17. How shall any not be afraid in that day? Psalm 46 : 1, 2, 3. 10 THE GOSPELS. What does J esus say to his disciples about their fear ? John 14 : 1, 2, 3. 27 And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. How will the Lord Jesus return to the earth? Acts 1 : 11 ; Matthew 24 : 30. When will he come ? Matthew 24 : 36 ; 1 Thessalo- nians 5 : 2, 3. Who will come with him ? Matthew 25 : 31 ; Daniel 7:10. 28 And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads ; for your redemption draweth nigh. Who will be safe and peaceful in that day ? Psalm 125 : 1, 2. Why will they be safe and peaceful ? Isaiah 26 : 3, 4. What will they say of their Lord ? Isaiah 25 : 9. What ought they now to do ? Colossians 3 : 1-4. 29 And he spake to them a parable ; Behold the fig-tree, and all the trees. 30 When they now shoot forth, ye see and know of your own selves that summer is now nigh at hand. What is a parable ? A parable is a story to make the instruction more plain. What does the Dord call his own people? Isaiah 61 : 3. What does he say shall be their feeling at his appear- ing ? Isaiah 55 : 12, 13. When is the spring and summer for the soul of man ? Ecclesiastes 12 : 1 ; Ecclesiastes 11 : 6. How will those who truly grow for J esus feel when he appears ? Psalm 96 : 12, 13. 31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things THE GOSPELS. 11 come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand. What ought we to seek before all other things? Matthew 6 : 33. What is the foundation of our hope ? Isaiah 12:2. Ought we to be afraid of this advent of our Lord? Homans 8 : 17, 18. What did St. Paul say of this prospect for himself ? 2 Timothy 4 : 6-8. 32 Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled. 33 Heaven and earth shall pass away : but my words shall not pass away. Is this future coming of our Lord certain? Titus 1:2; Romans 3 : 3, 4 ; Deuteronomy 32 : 4. “ This generation” was the Jewish people. Matthew 12 : 38, 39 ; 1 Corinthians 1 : 22. How long shall this nation continue ? Luke 21 : 24 ; Romans 11 : 25, 26. How ought we to receive the Saviour’s words ? John 5 : 23, 24. 12 THE GOSPELS. LESSON III. THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT. St. Matthew 11 : 2-10. THE DOUBTING DISCIPLES. What is tlie Gospel for tliis Third Sunday in Advent ? What does it describe ? 2 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his dis- ciples. Who was John ? Luke 3 : 2, 8. What was he called? Matthew 3:1. Why was he put in prison ? Matthew 14 : 3, 4. What were the works of Christ ? Acts 10 : 38. Did he do many of these works ? Matthew 4 : 23, 24. Who were John’s disciples ? Matthew 3 : 5, 6. What became of John? Matthew 14 : 10, 11, 12. 3 And said unto him, Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another ? Whom did he mean by he that should come ? Luke 3 * 15 What was he called? John 4 : 25, 26. What was this coming one ? Genesis 3 : 15. What was said of him by Jacob ? Genesis 49 : 10. What was said of him to Moses? Deuteronomy 18 : 18, 19. What was said of him by Isaiah ? Isaiah 7 : 14. What was said of him by Balaam ? Numbers 24 : 17. 4 Jesus answered and said unto them, Go and show John again those things which ye do hear and see. Wliat were John’s disciples to show to him ? What did our Lord refer to as the proof of his claims ? John 10 : 37, 38. THE GOSPELS. 13 What did he say of the Jews’ unbelief in his works ? John 15 : 24. Why did he appeal to them for w itness ? Luke 12 : 56, 57. 5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised uj3, and the poor have the gospel preached to them. What was the coming Messiah to do ? Isaiah 35 : 3, 4. What works was he to do? Isaiah 35 : 5, 6. What were to be the marks of his divine mission ? Isaiah 61 : 1, 2. What was to be his own character ? Isaiah 42 : 2, 3, 4. Did the Jews acknowledge that he had done these miracles? John 7 : 31 ; John 11 : 47, 48. 6 And blessed is he whosoever shall not be offended in me. Why did the Jews say they rejected him? John 10 : 32, 33. Why did they really reject him ? John 8 : 46, 47. What reason did the Saviour give for their rejection of him ? John 10 : 25, 26. What did Jesus say should be the result of their re- jection of him ? Mark 8 : 38. Did he desire to save them? Luke 13 : 34, 35. How did he feel toward them? Luke 19 : 41, 42, 43. 7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say unto the multitudes concerning John, What went ye out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind ? 8 But wnat went ye out for to see ? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they that wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 14 THE GOSPELS'. Did many of the people go after John ? Mark 1 : 4, 5. What sort of a man was John? Mark 6:20; Mark 1 : 6 . What did he mean by a reed shaken with the wind ? Genesis 49 : 4 ; James 1 : 8. What did he mean by being clothed in soft raiment ? Proverbs 29 : 21. What did Jesus require of his disciples l Matthew 16 : 24. What did his apostles really suffer for him ? 1 Corin- thians 4 : 11 ; 2 Corinthians 11 : 27. 9 But what went ye out for to see ? A pro- phet? yea, I say unto you, and more than a prophet. 10 For this is he of whom it is written, Be- hold, I send my messenger before thy face, which shall prepare thy way before thee. What was a prophet ? Numbers 12 : 6. What was Moses more than a prophet ? Numbers 12 : 7 , 8 . What did John call himself ? John 1 : 23. What was he called by the prophets ? Isaiah 40 : 3, 4, 5. What did the last prophet of the Old Testament call him? Malachi 3:1. Whom did he say he would be like ? Malachi 4:5; 2 Kings 1:8. Did the Lord love and honor John ? Matthew 11 : 11. What did he say of him ? John 5 : 33, 34, 35. To whom should doubting disciples be sent? John 6 : 68, 69. THE GOSPELS. 15 LESSON IV. FOURTH SUNDAY IN ADVENT. St. John 1 : 19-28. THE FAITHFUX, WITNESS'. What is tlie Gospel for the Fourth Sunday in Ad- vent ? John 1 : 19-28. What does it tell us ? 1 9 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem, to ask him, Who art thou ? What authority was given to the priests and Levites in the law ? Deuteronomy 17 : 9, 10. What was the command concerning false prophets ? Deuteronomy 18 : 20. What direction did J esus give concerning the rulers of the Jews ? Matthew 23 : 2, 3. Why did they send to inquire of John ? Luke 3:15. 20 And he confessed, and denied not ; but confessed, I am not the Christ. 21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias ? And he saith, I am t not. Art thou that prophet ? And he answered, No. What does our Lord call John ? John 5 : 33, 34, 35. What had been promised of the coming of Christ ? Daniel 9 : 25, 26. . Why was he to be called the Messiah or Christ ? Acts 4 : 27 ; Acts 10 : 38. Why did they expect Elias ? Malaclii 4 : 5, 6. What did our Lord say of John’s connection with Elias ? Matthew 11 : 13, 14. What did the angel say concerning John ? Luke 1 : 17. What prophet did they mean ? Deuteronomy 18 : 18, 19. 16 THE GOSPELS. 22 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself ? 23 He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. Who was John ? Luke 1 : 13. What did the angel say of him ? Luke 1 : 15, 16. When did he begin his ministry ? Luke* 3 : 1, 2, 3. What had Isaiah said of John ? Isaiah 40 : 3, 4, 5. Whose way was he to prepare ? Luke 1 : 76. How was he to prepare the way of the Lord ? Mala- chi 4 : 6. What proof did he give of his fidelity ? Mark 6 20 ; Luke 3 : 19, 20. 24 .And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. 25 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet ? 26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with w'ater : but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not. What did John require of those who came to his bap- tism ? Luke 3:8. What did he tell them would be the consequence if they did not repent ? Luke 3 : 9. What did he say of his baptism in reference to Christ ? Luke 3 : 16. Whom did he mean by the one whom they did not know ? John 1 : 10, 11, 14. Why did they not know him ? Romans 11:8. Why did God thus blind them ? 1 Samuel 15 : 23. Who did know him ? Luke 2 : 25-32 ; Luke 2 : 36-38. THE GOSPELS, 17 What was the blessing on those who knew him? John 1 : 12. 27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not wor- thy to unloose. 28 These things were done in Bethabara be- yond Jordan, where John was baptizing. How long after John did Jesus come ? Luke 1 : 26. Why was Jesus preferred before John? John 1 : 29, 30 What did John say of himself in reference to Christ ? Mark 1 : 7. What did our Lord say of those who humble them- selves ? Matthew 23 : 12. Where did John baptize ? Mark 1 : 5. Bethabara means the place of passage. When did Israel pass over Jordan ? Joshua 3 : 13 ; Joshua 4 : 18. 18 THE GOSPELS. LESSON y. SUNDAY AFTER CHRISTMAS, St. Matthew 1 : 18-25. THE SAVIOUR'S BIRTH. What is the Gospel for the Sunday after Christmas ? Matthew 1 : 18-25. What does it describe ? The Saviour’s birth. 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise : When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. Who was Jesus Christ? Mark 1:1; John 1 : 14. Who was Mary ? Luke 1 : 26, 27. Who was Joseph ? Matthew 18 : 55. What was Mary’s character ? Luke 1 : 28-80. What did the angel say to her of her Son ? Luke 1 * 82 What is said of the Son of God in Hebrews 7:8? What does the Redeemer say of himself in Isaiah 48:16, 17? 19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public ex- ample, was minded to put her away privily. How was Joseph her husband? Hosea 2 : 19, 20. What is meant by a just man ? Genesis 6 : 9. What does God promise to the man who is upright ? Psalm 112 : 4. Would God approve of such a separation ? Malachi 2 : 14, 15. What does he say of putting away ? Malachi 2:16. 20 But while he thought on these things, be- hold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, THE GOSPELS. 19 fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife : for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. What does God say of the just man in Psalm 112 : 5 ? What is Joseph said to have done in this 20th verse ? What direction does God give to a good man in trouble ? Psalm 50 : 15. How did God deliver Joseph in this 20th verse ? What was God’s promise to Moses ? Exodus 23 : 20. What is said of the angels in Hebrews 1 : 14 ? To whom did this angel minister ? What did he tell Joseph ? 21 And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins. Jesus means “ The Lord a Saviour.” It is the Greek form for Joshua. So Joshua is called, Hebrews 4 : 8. What rest did Joshua give to Israel ? Joshua # 21 : 44. What rest does Jesus promise to give? Matthew 11 : 29. What was he to do for his people in this 21st verse ? How does he save his people from their sins ? Isaiah 53 : 6. What is said of him in Matthew 8 : 17 ? How did he bear our sins ? 2 Corinthians 5 : 21 ; Hebrews 9 : 26 ; 1 Peter 2 : 24. From what does he save his people? Galatians 3 : 13 ; Romans 8 : 1. Who are his people ? Ephesians 6 : 24. For how long a time are they saved ? Isaiah 45 : 17. 22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his 20 THE GOSPELS. name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Why was all this done ? What did our Lord say of the things written by the prophets ? Luke 18 : 31. Where is this prophecy written ? Isaiah 7 : 14. What was the Saviour first called in the Scripture ? Genesis 3 : 15. What is said of him in Isaiah 12 : 2 ? 24 Then Joseph, being raised from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had bidden him, and took unto him his wife : * 25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her first-born son : and he called his name Jesus. How did Joseph receive this message ? What are we to do with the message of salvation ? John 14 : 1. What is the blessing which comes from believing ? John 5 : 24. What, then, shall we do ? Lamentations 3 : 40, 41 ; Isaiah 12 : 3, 4, 5 ; Isaiah 25 : 9. THE GOSPELS. 21 LESSON VI. FIRST SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY, JSt. LuTcc 2 : 41—52. THE YOUTH OF JESUS. What is the Gospel for the First Sunday after Epiph- any? What does it describe ? 41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover. 42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after th& custom of the feast. Why did they go to Jerusalem every year ? Exodus 23 : 14, 17 ; Deuteronomy 12 : 5. For what purpose did they go every year ? Exodus 12 : 26, 27. What was the example of Jesus? Ecclesiastes 12 : 1 ; Jeremiah 3 : 4. When should we begin to serve the Lord ? Psalm 71 : 5, 17. 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. Why did Jesus remain behind ? Psalm 26:8; Psalm 84 : 10. How will a pious youth feel in reference to the house of God ? Psalm 122 : 1 ; Song of Solomon 2:3; Exodus S3 : 11. •44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaint- ance. 22 THE GOSPELS. 45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. What is our duty in reference to Jesps ? Psalm 16 : 8, 9 ; Proverbs 8 : 34, 35, 36. Can we neglect a Saviour without suffering. for it? Deuteronomy 32 : 18, 20 ; Proverbs 1 : 32, 33. What was the feeling of Mary and Joseph when they missed him ? Luke 2 : 48 ; Song of Solompn 5:6. 46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting 4n the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. 47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. Whom were they seeking ? Where did they find him ? What was said of the Lord’s coming to his temple ? Malachi 3:1; John 1 : 26. Where may we find the Saviour ? St. Matthew 18 : 20 ; Exodus 20 : 24. How are we to seek him ? Jeremiah 29 : 12, 13. How was Jesus occupied in the temple ? What does he say of the Holy Scripture? John 5:39. Is it a great blessing to be taught the Holy Scrip- ture ? 2 Timothy 3 : 15. 48 And when they saw him, they werd amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us ? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. How long had they sought him ? With what feeling had they sought him ? What is said of our seeking the Saviour? Hosea 6 : 1, 2, 3. What is said of Israel’s seeking the Lord? Jere- miah 50 : 4, 5. THE GOSPELS. 23 For what are we to mourn when we seek him ? Ho- sea 14 : 1, 2 ; 2 Corinthians 7 : 10. 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. Should they have been astonished ? What had the angel said to them ? Luke 1 : 31, 32, 33 ; Matthew 1 : 20, 21. What did the Saviour say to the two disciples? Luke 24 : 25. Who alone teaches us effectually of Jesus? 1 Corin- thians 12:3; John 16 : 13, 14. 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 -stat- ure, and in favor with God and man. What was prophesied of the meekness of Christ? Isaiah 42 : 2. What does Paul say of him ? 2 Corinthians 10 : 1. Are we to imitate him ? 1 Peter 2 : 21, 22. What was the prophecy concerning his youth ? Isaiah 11 : 1, 2, 3. 24 THE GOSPELS. LESSON VII. SECOND SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY. St. John 2 : 1-11. THE MARRIAGE AT CANA. What is the Gospel for this day ? What events does it relate ? 1 And the third day there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee; and the mother of Jesus was there : 2 And both Jesus was called, and his dis- ciples, to the marriage. To what previous day did tins third refer? John 1:43. What was the connection of Jesus with Galilee? Luke 4 : 14, 16. Who was the mother of Jesus? Luke 1 : 26, 27. Who were disciples of Jesus at this time? John 1 : 40, 41, 43, 45 ; Matthew 4 : 21, 22. 3 And when they wanted wine, the mother of Jesus saith unto him, They have no wine. “ When they wanted wine” is literally, “ When the wine gave out, or failed.” What is said of wine ? Psalm 104 : 15 ; Proverbs 31 : 6. Was it considered a blessing? Genesis 49 : 11 ; Joel 3:18; Zechariah 10 : 7. To whom did Mary go when the wine failed? John 2:3. To whom are we to go for what we need? John 16 : 24 ; John 6 : 68, 69. 4 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, what have I to do with thee ? mine hour is not yet come. 25 THE GOSPELS. 5 His mother saith unto the servants, What- soever he saith unto you, do it. Did Jesus refuse her ? John 2 : 4. What are we to do when we ask from him ? Psalm 37:7; James 5 : 7. Did his mother believe in him ? J ohn 2:5; Matthew 21 : 22 . What will be the evidence of our believing him? John 14 : 23 ; Psalm 62 : 5 ; Psalm 27 : 14. 6 And there were set there six water-pots of stone, after the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. 7 Jesus saith unto them, Fill the water-pots with water. And they filled them up to the brim. What was the custom of the Jews in this respect ? Mark 7 : 3, 4. These six water-pots would hold perhaps a hundred gallons. What command did Jesus give? John 2 : 7. Did the servants obey him ? John 2 : 7. What does Jesus require of us ? John 15 : 14 ; 1 John 5:3. Did the servants know what he was going to do ? Can we always know what he means to do ? John 13 : 6, 7. What does he require of us when we are ignorant ? Isaiah 50 : 10. 8 And he saith unto them, Draw out now, and bear unto the governor of the feast. And they bare it. Did the Lord tell them what he had done ? To what proof did he appeal ? Psalm 34 : 8. How shall we know the power and goodness of the Saviour ? 1 Peter 2:3. To whom did he submit the work which he had done ? 26 THE GO fpELS. To whom does he appeal for the great doctrines which he teaches ? Hebrews 5:14. What did he say to the Jews ? Luke 12 : 57. 9 When the ruler of f 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 un- til now. Wliat liad Jesus done to the water? John 2 : 9. What did the ruler of the feast do ? 1 Thessalonians * 5:21; Galatians 6 : 4. What does the Lord call his Gospel ? Isaiah 25 : 6. Was the wine thus prepared good ? John 2:10. What does the Lord say of his mercy to his people ? Isaiah 5:2. What did he say of the blessings of his Gospel to the woman of Samaria? John 4 : 14, 10. Will those who love the Saviour ever be tired of him ? 1 Peter 2 : 7. What does he say ? Isaiah 46 : 4. What does David say ? Psalm 23 : 3, 4. 11 This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory ; and his disciples believed on him. What was the design of Jesus in this miracle ? John 2 : 11 . What is he called ? Hebrews 1 : 3. Why was the history of him written? John 20 : 31. What shall be the great manifestation of his glory ? Matthew 25 : 31 ; Habakkuk 2:14; Isaiah 40 : 5. THE GOSPELS. 27 LESSON VIII. THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY. St. Matthew 8 : 1-13. THE HEALING SAVIOUR. What is the Gospel appointed for this day ? What is the subject of it ? 1 When he was come down from the moun- tain, great multitudes followed him. 2. And behold, there came a leper and wor- shiped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. For what had the Saviour been on the mountain ? Matthew 5:1. How had he been occupied before ? Matthew 4 : 23. What is the first case here related ? Matthew 8 : 2. What was the special command in regard to a leper ? Leviticus 13 : 45, 46. Who alone could recover the leper ? 2 Kings 5 : 7. When this leper came to Jesus, what did he do and say t Who was Jesus ? Romans 9:5; Matthew 1 : 23. 3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And im- mediately his leprosy was cleansed. What did Jesus answer him? What was the effect of the word of Jesus ? By what name did the Lord call himself to Moses ? Exodus 15 : 26. What did the prophet Malaclii say of the coming Saviour ? Malachi 4 : 2. What did Jesus say of himself to John ? Revelation 1 : 17, 18. 4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no 28 THE GOSPELS. man; but go thy way, show thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses command- ed, for a testimony unto them. Why did not Jesus wish him to tell of it ? John 7:8; John 6 : 15. What was the offering which the leper was to make when he was healed ? Leviticus 14 : 2-7. To whom may we carry our sickness and sorrow? Matthew 8 : 16, 17 ; Matthew 11 : 28. 5 And when Jesus was entered into Caper- naum, there came unto him a centurion, be- seeching him, 6 And saying, Lord, my servant lietli at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. A centurion was a Roman commander of a hundred soldiers. What was the character of this man ? Luke 7 : 4, 5. What evidence did he here give of his kindness? Job 31 : 13, 14. To whom did he bring his request ? What does Paul call a Christian servant? Phile- mon 16. 7 And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. 8 The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. What did Jesus say to him ? What does he say of all who come to him? John G : 37 ; Romans 10 : 12, 13. What did the centurion answer him? What does Jesus say of such ? Luke 14 : 11. 9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me : and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he THE GOSPELS. 29 cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. What did he believe Jesus could do? Who alone could do this? Psalm 33 : 8, 9. What did the centurion say that he himself could do ? What is promised to those who believe in Jesus? Romans 9 : 33. 10 When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel. Did Jesus accept his faith ? What did the Lord say of the Genftles, and of Israel, by his prophet ? Isaiah 65 : 1, 2. Why did not the Israelites believe in Jesus ? 2 Corin- thians 3 : 14. 11 And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. What was promised of the coming of the Gentiles to the Saviour? Isaiah 60 : 3 ; Psalm 72 : 11. What does Paul say of the conversion of the Gen- tiles? Romans 11 : 25, 26. Who will be saved and who will be cast out ? St. Mark* 16 : 15, 16 ; Romans 10 : 12, 13. 13 And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way ; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the self-same hour. What was the reward of the centurion’s faith ? What promise does the Lord give to our believing in prayer ? Mark 11 : 24 ; James 5 : 15. 30 THE GOSPELS. LESSON IX. FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY, St. Matthew 8. : 23-34. THE MIGHTY SAVIOUH. What is the Gospel for this day ? What mighty works of Jesus does it describe ? 23 And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. 24 And behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insoifiuch that the ship was covered with the waves : but he was asleep. Wliat is the first display of the Saviour’s power in this passage ? What does the Psalmist say of a storm at sea ? Psalm 107 : 23-30. W r hat parts of this description are found in the Gos- pel now before us ? What did the Saviour’s sleep show ? Hebrews 2:14; Matthew 8:17. 25 And his disciples came to him, and awoke liim, saying, Lord, save us : we perish. 26 And he saith unto them, Why are y6 fear- ful, O ye of little faith ? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea ; and there was a great calm. 27 But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him ! To whom did the disciples go in their danger ? What was the Lord’s command and promise to us ? Psalm 50 : 15 ; Psalm 145 : 18. Why were they fearful ? James 1 : 6. THE GOSPELS. 31 What does God promise to those who trust in him ? Psalm 125 : 1 ; Psalm 55 : 22. What did the Saviour do ? Whose voice alone can govern the storm? Psalm 29 : 3, 10 ; Psalm 93 : 3, 4. What was the effect of the Saviour’s word ? Psalm 107 : 29, 30. Who was this mighty Saviour ? Revelation 19 : 16. What is it said that his disciples did on a similar oc- casion ? Matthew 14 : 33. What is his promise to us ? Isaiah 43 : 2. 28 And when he was come to the other side, into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. 29 And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God ? art thou come hither to torment us be- fore the time ? What is the second mighty work related in this Gos- pel ? What is said of one of these men by St. Mark ? Mark 5 : 2-5. Who were they that thus cried out ? Were the men or the devils afraid of the torment of which they speak ? What is said of the torment prepared for the devils ? Matthew 25 : 41 ; Revelation 20 : 10. Will any men be partakers of this torment ? Reve- lation 14:10, 11. Who can deliver men from this punishment of devils ? Hebrews 2 : 14, 15. Can any other one deliver them ? Acts 4 : 12. 30 And there was a good way off from them an herd of many swine, feeding. 31 So the devils besought him, saying, If 32 THE GOSPELS. thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. Were the Jews allowed to keep swine? Leviticus 11 : 7 ; Deuteronomy 14 : 8. What does God say of those who disobeyed him in this ? Isaiah 65 : 2, 3, 4. 32 And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine : and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters. Was this a punishment to the swine, or their own- ers ? Were these persons justly punished for their disobe- dience to God ? Romans 3:19. Can we ever be gainers in sin ? Proverbs 8 : 36 ; Ecclesiastes 8 : 12, 13. 33 And they that kept them, fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing ; and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils. 34 And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus : and when they saw him, they be- sought him that he would depart out of their coasts. Why did they wish him to depart ? Job 21 : 14, 15, 16. Had they a right to complain ? Lamentations 3 : 22, 39, 40. What is our path of safety and wisdom ? Job 28 : 28 ; 1 Timothy 4:8; Romans 8 : 28. THE GOSPELS. 83 LESSON X. FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY. St. Matthew 13 : 24-30. THE TARES IK THE FIELD. Wliat is the Gospel for to-day ? What is the subject of it ? 24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field. A parable is a comparison, or story, by which some truth is made plain. 2 Samuel 12 : 1-9. What is the story which the Saviour here tells the people ? What does “ the kingdom of heaven” mean ? Daniel 7 : 13, 14 ; Jeremiah 23 : 5, 6 ; Zechariah 9:9. Who was to be the king in this kingdom? Mat- thew 13 : 37. From whence did Jesu3 come ? John 6 : 38 ; John 16 : 28. What did he say when he began to preach ? Mat- thew 4:17. What was the good seed he sowed in his field ? Mat- thew 13 : 38 ; Luke 8 : 11 ; John 17 : 17. 25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. Who was the enemy that sowed the tares ? Matthew 13 : 39. What were the tares ? Matthew 13 : 38, 41. Who were some of the persons that were tares in the apostles’ time ? 2 Timothy 4 : 10, 14 ; 3 John 9, 10 ; 2 Timothy 2 : 17. What were some of these persons called ? 2 Corinth- ians 11 : 13 ; Jude 11, 12. 3 4 : THE GOSPELS. How were these tares sown ? Galatians 2:4; Jnde 4 26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. What is the blade ? Mark 4 : 26, 28. How soon did these tares spring up in the Church ? Acts 5 : 1, 2, 9 ; Acts 15 : 1, 23, 24 ; Galatians 1 : 6, 7, 8, 9. Would such tares always be sown ? 1 Corinthians 11 : 19 ; 2 Timothy 4 : 3, 4 ; 1 Timothy 4:1. 27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field ? from whence then hath it tares ? 28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. Who were these servants ? Luke 6:13; Luke 9:10; Luke 10 : 1, 17. What does Jesus say of those who rejected him? John 8 : 44, 45. W 7 hat does Paul say of this enemy ? 2 Corinthians 11 : 3, 14, 15. What does John say of this work of the enemy? 1 John 3 : 10. 28 The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up ? 29 But he said, Nay; lest w^hile ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. What instances do you find in the Gospel like this ? Mark 9 : 38, 39 ; Luke 9 : 53, 54, 55, 56. What does Paul say he had done with some wicked men ? 1 Timothy 1 : 19, 20. What does he tell Timothy to do ? 2 Timothy 3:5. What general command does he give concerning wicked persons ? 2 Corinthians 6 : 14-18. THE GOSPELS. 35 Wliat conduct did the Lord say he approved in the Church at Ephesus ? Revelation' 2 : 2, 3. 30 Let both grow together until the har- vest : and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them : but gather the wheat into my barn. When will the harvest he ? Matthew 13 : 39. What is the end of the world to man ? Ecclesiastes 9 : 5, 6. t What will he after that for man ? Hebrews 9 : 27 ; Ecclesiastes 12 : 14. By whom are we then fo he judged ? John 5 : 22 ; 2 Corinthians 5:10. What shall then he done with wicked men ? Mat- thew 25 : 41. What shall he done with the enemy ? Revelation 20 : 10 . What shall be the blessedness of the good ? Revela- tion 20:6; Daniel 12:3. What is our duty in this connection ? 1 Peter 4 : 7. i 36 THE GOSPELS. LESSON XI. SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER EPIPHANY. St. Matthew 24 : 23-31. THE LORD’S RETURN. What is the Gospel for this day ? What does it describe ? What did our Lord call the “ end of the world ” in our last lesson ? Matthew 13 : 30. 23 Then if any man shall say unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there believe it not. What did the Saviour say about himself and false teachers? John 5 : 43. ^ How does he tell us to receive false teacher^ 2 John 10, 11. How are we to find the true Saviour ? John 5 : 39, 40 ; 2 Timothy 3 : 15 ; James 1 : 5 ; 2 Corinthians 13 : 5. 24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders ; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. How can the false teachers do such works ? 2 Thessa- lonians 2 : 9. 10 ; 2 Corinthians 11 : 13, 14, 15. Why can they not deceive the elect ? 1 Peter 1 : 5. Who are the elect ? 1 Thessalonians 1 : 3, 4. How will they obtain the victory ? Romans 16 : 20 ; Revelation 12 : 11. 25 Behold, I have told you before. Where has the Lord thus warned us ? Romans 15 : 4 ; 2 Timothy 3 : 15. Where did our Lord say the things concerning him were written ? Luke 24 : 44. 26 Wherefore, if they shall say unto you, THE GOSPELS. 37 Behold, he is in the desert ; go not forth : be- hold, he is in the secret chambers ; believe it not. 27 For as the lightning cometh out of the east, and shineth even unto the west ; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Is the gracious Saviour confined to any particular place ? Exodus 20 : 24 ; Johp. 4 : 21, 23 ; Matthew 18 : 20. What great Teacher has he given to us ? John 14 : 16, 17 ; John 16 : 13. Does the Saviour hide himself from men? Isaiah 45 : 19, 22 ; Romans 10 : 8, 9. What does he mean by this comparison to lightning ? Revelation 1:7; Luke 3:6; Hebrews 4 : 12, 13. 28 For wheresoever the carcass is, there will the eagles be gathered together. What does the Saviour mean by this ? Job 39 : 27, 28, 29 ; Isaiah 60 : 3, 4, 5 ; Isaiah 40 : 31 ; Isaiah 40 : 5. 29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken. What does he mean by the sun being darkened? Isaiah 24 : 23 ; Isaiah 65 : 17, 18. What does Paul say he saw ? Acts 26 : 13. What is said of the glory of the Lord ? Exodus 33 : 18, 20 ; Isaiah 6:5; Revelation 21 : 23. Does he mean that the stars shall really fall, or that proud men, who are so called, shall be cast down ? Isaiah 14 : 13-16, 10, 11 ; Obadiah 3:4; Daniel 8 : 10. 30 And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven : and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see 38 THE GOSPELS. the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. Who will be the conqueror over all the powers of evil ? Acts 2 : 36 ; Revelation 17 : 14. What is the sign of the Son of man ? Galatians 6 : 14. How has he already conquered the powers of evil ? Colossians 2 : 14, 15. Why should the tribes of the earth mourn at his coming ? 2 Thessalonians 1 : 7, 8, 9. What does the Saviour say of this judgment ? Mat- thew 25 : 31, 32, 33. 31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather to- gether his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. What is elsewhere said of tfcis great trumpet ? Reve- lation 11 : 15-18 ; 1 Thessalonians 4 : 16. Will any who have loved the Lord be lost in that day ? John 17 : 12. What is our duty in connection with this ? 2 Peter 1 : 10 , 11 . THE GOSPELS. 39 LESSON XII. 8EPTUAGESIMA SUNDAY. JSt. Matthew 20 : 1-16. THE LABORERS IN THE VINEYARD. What is the Gospel for this day ? What is its subject ? 1 For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard. 2 And when he had agreed with the labor- ers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. Who is this householder ? Hebrews 3 : 6. Who are his family ? Ephesians 3 : 14, 15, 16, 17 ; Ephesians 1 : 4, 5. What is the Lord’s vineyard ? Isaiah 5 : 7. What does he say of this vineyard ? Isaiah 5 : 1-6. What does he say of the vine in this vineyard ? John 15 : 1, 2, 5, 6. Who are the laborers employed? 1 Corinthians 3 : 6, 9. What reward shall the laborers receive ? 1 Corin- thians 3 : 8. 3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the market- place, 4 And said unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard ; and whatsoever is right, I will give you. And they went their way. 5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise. 40 THE GOSPELS. How does our Lord apply tlie hours of the day ? John 11 : 9. * The J ewish day began at six A.M. What were these separate hours ? What do they illustrate in human life ? Psalm 104 : 22, 23. When are we to do the work of our day ? Eccle- siastes 11 : 6. What does the Saviour say of his work? John 4 : 34. What is the work we are to do ? Luke 13 : 24 ; 2 Peter 1 : 10. What did David tell Solomon ? 1 Chronicles 28 : 9. What does Paul tell Timothy about his work. 1 Timothy 4 : 15, 16. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and saith unto them, Why stand ye here all the day idle ? 7 They say unto him, Because no man hath hired us. He saith unto them, Go ye also into the vineyard; and whatsoever is right, that shall ye receive. How much of the day remained at the eleventh hour ? What did God promise to Israel in their last days ? Deuteronomy 30 : 1, 2, 3. How must they then seek him ? Jeremiah 29 : 12, 13. May a man seek the Lord in old age ? Isaiah 46 : 4. What does the Saviour promise to all who come to him ? John 6 : 37. What is an idle life in the Lord’s view ? Philippians 2, 21 ; Matthew 16 : 26. 8 So when even was come, the lord of the vineyard saith unto his steward, Call the labor- ers, and give them their hire, beginning from the last unto the first. THE GOSPELS. 41 9 And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. 10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more ; and they likewise received every man a penny. Who calls the laborers to their account ? 2 Corin- thians 5 : 10. When will this hour of judgment come? Mark 13 : 35. What shall be given to those who have labored faith- fully for Christ ? 2 Timothy 4:8. Will all receive the same reward ? 1 Corinthians 15 : 41, 42 ; Daniel 12 : 3. In what will they all be equal ? Romans 3 : 24 ; Ro- mans 10 : 12, 13. Are men rewarded for their works? Ephesians 2 : 8, 9 ; Matthew 16 : 27. 11 And when they had received it, they murmured against the good man of the house, 12 Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day. Have men any ground of complaint against God ? Romans 9 : 20, 21 ; Isaiah 45 : 9. 13 But he answered one of them, and said, Friend, I do thee no wrong : didst not thou agree with me for a penny ? 14 Take that thine is, and go thy way: I will give unto this last, even as unto thee. 15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own ? is thine eye evil, because I am good ? 42 THE GOSPELS. 16 So the last shall be first, and the first last : for many be called, but few chosen. What does the Lord answer them ? What does Paul say of himself? 1 Corinthians 15 : 10. What did Peter say ? Acts 15 : 11. To whom belongs the glory ? Revelation 1 : 5, 6. THE GOSPELS. 43 LESSON XIII. SEXAGESIMA SUNDAY. St. Luke 8 : 4-15. THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER. What is the Gospel for to-day ? What is its subject? 4 When much people were gathered to- gether, and were come to him out of every city, he spake by a parable : 5 A sower went out to sow his seed. Did large numbers of people gather round the Saviour? Matthew 13 : 2. How did the people receive him ? Mark 12 : 37. What did the rulers say of this ? John 7 : 47, 48, 49. For what did the Saviour say he came ? Matthew 9 : 13. 11 Now the parable is this : The seed is the word of God. What did this parable represent ? Matthew 4 : 23. Did it refer only to Christ? John 20 : 21 ; Acts 1 : 8. What were the apostles ? 1 Corinthians 3 : 5, 6 ; 1 Corinthians 4:1. And as he sowed, some fell by the way- side ; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. 12 Those by the way-side are they that hear ; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. What was the difficulty in the way-side hearers? Mark 3:5; Mark 16 : 14 ; Romans 2 : 5. What is our duty in reference to this ? Hebrews 3 12, 13. 44 THE GOSPELS. Wliy doe3 the devil oppose the preaching of the Gospel ? 1 Peter 5:8; Revelation 12 : 9. IIow are we to overcome him ? Revelation 12 : 10, 11 ; 2 Corinthians 6 : 1, 2. 6 And some fell upon a rock ; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture. 13 They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.. What was the difficulty on the rock ? Matthew 13 : 5, 6. Who were some of this class of hearers? John 6 : 66-68 ; Galatians 3:1; Galatians 4 : 9, 13-16. What is our duty in this connection ? 1 Timothy 4 : 15, 16 ; James 1 : 21, 22. How shall we succeed in this ? 2 Timothy 1 : 13, 14 ; Acts 11 : 23. 7 And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it. 14 And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares, and riches, and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. What are the thorns in the way of the Gospel? Mark 4 : 19 ; John 5 : 44. Whence do these thorns spring ? Mark 7 : 20-23 ; James 1 : 14, 15. Who were some instances of this ? Matthew 19 : 21, 22 ; Acts 5 : 1, 2, 3 ; 2 Timothy 4 : 10 ; Acts 8 : 13, 18, 20. How are we to prevent this ? Matthew 10 : 37, 38 ; Philippians 3 : 7, 8 ; Luke : 8, 18. THE GOSPELS. 45 8 And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundred-fold. 15 But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience. Wliat is an honest and good heart ? Acts 8 : 21 Psalm 125 : 4. How are we to have snch a heart ? Matthew 18:3, Psalm 51 : 10 ; Job 11 : 13-15 ; Proverbs 4 : 23. What are the blessings for such a heart ? Matthew 5:8; Psalm 97 : 11 ; 1 Chronicles 29 : 9. How does such a heart receive the word ? 1 Thessa- lonians 2 : 13. What fruit does it bring forth ? Galatians 5 : 22-24 ; Philippians 4:8; James 3 : 17. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. 9 And his disciples asked him, saying, What might this parable be ? 10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God : but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand. Is it a great privilege to hear the word of God? Proverbs 3 : 13-15 ; Acts 3 : 26 ; 1 Peter 1 : 8, 9. How ought we to value the word of God ? Psalm 19 : 10, 11 ; Philippians 2 : 16, 17. 46 THE GOSPELS. LESSON XIV. QUINQUAGESTMA SUNDAY. St. Luke 18 : 31-43. A SUFFERING SAYIOUR GIVING SIGHT TO THE BLIND. What is the Gospel appointed for this day ? What does it contain ? 31 Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold, we go up to Jerusa- lem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For what did the Son of God come into the world ? Hebrews 9 : 26. Why should he go to Jerusalem to suffer? Luke 13 : 33. What prophets had spoken of the Saviour’s suffering ? Acts 3 : 20, 21, 24. 32 For he shall be delivered unto the Gen- tiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully en- treated, and spitted on : 33 And they shall scourge him, and put him to death : and the third day he shall rise again. Why must they deliver him to the Gentiles? John 18 : 31. Who were combined in this cruel treatment of a Saviour ? Acts 4 : 27. How did they mock him? Luke 23 : 11 ; John 19 : 2 3 How did they spitefully treat him ? Luke 22 : 63, 64. When did they spit on them ? Mark 15 : 19. Who scourged him ? Mark 15 : 15. THE GOSPELS. 47 How did they put him to death ? John 19 : 16, 17, 18. When did he rise again ? Luke 24 : 21, 22, 23. 34 And they understood none of these things : and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken. Why did they not understand him? What were they expecting ? Acts 1:6; Luke 24 : 21. Why were these things hidden from them ? John 16 : 12 ; Mark 4 : 33. When did they understand them ? Acts 1:8; Acts 2 : 4, 11. 35 And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way-side begging : 36 And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. Were the disciples like this blind man ? John 9 : 39, 40, 41. What did the blind man do when he heard it was Jesus? 37, 38, below. What did the Jews say to him ? 39. What effect had this rebuke on him ? 39. Why did not the disciples do as he did ? Mark 9 : 81, 32. 37 And they told him, that Jesus of Naza- reth passed by. 38 And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. 39 And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, have mercy on me. What did the people call Jesus? Matthew 21 : 11. Did this blind man believe in his power to cure him ? 48 THE GOSPELS. What did the Lord say of his being the Son of David ? Matthew 22 : 43-46. To whom are we to carry all our wants? John 6 : 68, 69. If he should not answer our prayers at once, what are we to do? Romans 12 : 12 ; 1 Thessalonians 5 : 17 ; Habakkuk 2 : 3. 40 And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him : and when he was come near, he asked him, 41 Saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight. Did the Lord fulfill his prayer at once ? What does he say to all the weary ? Isaiah 41 : 17 ; Matthew 11 : 28. What does he require of us when we pray ? Matthew 21 : 22 ; Hebrews 11:6. 42 And Jesus said unto him, Receive thy sight : thy faith hath saved thee. 43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God : and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God. What did Jesus say to him? Did the blind man believe ? What message did the Lord send to John, to confirm his faith ? Matthew 11 : 4, 5. What do you mean by glorifying God? Psalm 50 : 23. How can we glorify him ? Ephesians 1 : 12 ; Ephe- sians 1 : 6. THE GOSPELS. 49 LESSON XV. FIRST SUNDAY IN LENT. St. Matthew 4 : 1-11. THE SAVIOUR’S TEMPTATION. What is the Gospel now before us ? What does it describe ? 1 Then was Jesus led up of the spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. 2 And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungered. Who were first tempted by Satan? 2 Corinthians 11 : 3 ; Genesis 3 : 4, 5. Where were they tempted ? Genesis 2 : 8, 9. What was the consequence of this temptation ? Gene- sis 3 : 23, 24. By what name was the Saviour called in reference to this first man ? 1 Corinthians 15 : 47. Where was he tempted ? Matthew 4:1. Hid he overcome the temptation? John 14 : 30 ; John 12 : 31. What did he gain for man by his victory ? 2 Corin- thians 12 : 4 ; Revelation 2 : 7. 3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread. 4 But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. What was the first temptation presented to him ? 3. How long had he been fasting ? 2. Was he hungry ? 2. 50 THE GOSPELS. What was the first temptation presented to Adam and Eve ? Genesis 3 : 6. Could Jesus have made the stones bread? John 1:3; Matthew 3:9; John 6 : 10, 11. How did Jesus overcome this temptation ? 4. Deu- teronomy 8 : 3. How are we to overcome ? 2 Corinthians 10 : 4 ; Revelation 12 : 11. 5 Then the devil taketh him up into the holy city, and setteth him on a pinnacle of the temple, 6 And saith unto him, If thou be the Son of • God, cast thyself down : for it is written, He shall give his angels charge concerning thee : and in their hands they shall bear thee up, lest at any time thou dash thy foot against a stone. 7 Jesus said unto him, It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. What three things make up temptations to sin ? 1 John 2 : 16. Were the Saviour’s temptations like these ? What was the second temptation of the Saviour? 5 , 6 . Did the people assemble in the temple ? John 18 : 20. Would not this have been a public exhibition of his power ? Which of John’s three things could this have grati- fied ? 1 John 2 : 16. How did the tempter frame this temptation ? Psalm 91:11,12. ' How did the Lord meet it ? Deuteronomy 6 : 16. What does Paul call the word of God ? Ephesians 6 : 17. How are we to use it ? 2 Corinthians 4 : 2. For what is it profitable ? 2 Timothy 3 : 16, 17. 8 Again, the devil taketh him up into an ex- THE GOSPELS. 51 ceecling high mountain, and showeth him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them ; 9 And saith unto him, All these things will I give thee, if thou wilt fall down and worship me. 10 Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan : for it is written, Thou shalt wor- ship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. What was the third temptation ? 8, 9. What would this offer have gratified ? 1 John 2 : 16. Do any persons worship Satan ? 1 Corinthians 10 : 14, 19, 20. What does Paml call Satan ? Ephesians 2:2; 2 Co- rinthians 4 : 4. What did idolaters do ? Romans 1 : 25. What does John say to us about idols ? 1 John 5 : 21. Whom are we to worship ? 1 John 5 : 20. How did the Lord meet this temptation ? Deuterono- my 6 : 13, 14. Did he overcome the enemy ? Colossians 2 : 15. How are we to overcome? Ephesians 6 : 10, 11. 11 Then the devil leaveth him, and behold, angels came and ministered unto him. What did Satan do ? Will he flee from us ? James 4:7; 1 Peter 5 : 8, 9. What did the Lord say to Peter about this ? Luke 22 : 31, 32. Will Satan always deceive the people of God ? Rev- elation 20 : 10. What will be their song of victory? Revelation 15 : 2, 3, 4. Who came to Jesus ? What is said of the angels in relation to the Saviour ? Hebrews 1:6; Revelation 5 : 11, 12. 52 THE GOSPELS. LESSON XVI. SECOND SUNDAY IN LENT, St. Matthew 15 : 21-28. CASTING OUT OF A DEVIL. What is the Gospel for this day ? What does it relate ? What did the last lesson contain ? The last lesson was the Saviour’s victory over Satan in his own person. This displays his power over him in others. 21 Then Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. Where were Tyre and Sidon ? On the shore of the Mediterranean sea, in the northern part of Palestine. What does Joshua call Tyre ? Joshua 19 : 29. What does Moses say of Sidon ? Genesis 10 : 19. Who where the Canaanites ? Genesis 12 : 6 ; 13 : 7. What did God command Israel in reference to the Canaanites? Deuteronomy 20 : 17, 18. Did Israel do this ? Joshua 17 : 12, 13. What did Jesus say of Tyre and Sidon ? Matthew 11 : 21 , 22 . 22 And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, say* ing, Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou son of David ; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil. How could this woman have heard of J esus ? Mat- thew 4 : 12-16. What is said of the Gentiles seeking the Saviour ? Romans 10 : 20, 21. What did this woman believe concerning him ? Mat- thew 22 : 41-45. What did she want ? Isaiah 41 : 17. THE GOSPELS. 53 How could slie know that he could do this ? Mat- thew 4 : 23, 24. 23 But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away ; for she crieth after us. 24 But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Hid Jesus answer her immediately ? Isaiah 45 : 15. What is our duty when God does not answer our prayer ? Psalm 27 : 14. What is promised to those who wait on him ? Isaiah 40 : 31. Will the Lord refuse us because we are poor? Isaiah 41 : 17. What did the disciples say ? What does the Lord say of himself concerning this ? Hosea 11 : 9 ; Malachi 3 : 6. What did Jesus say to her ? Hid he mean to say he was not sent for the Gentiles at all ? Luke 2 : 30, 31, 32 ; Matthew 10 : 6. What was the rule of his apostles in preaching the Gospel ? Acts 13*: 46, 47. 25 Then came she and worshiped him, say- ing, Lord, help me. 26 But he answered and said, It is not meet to take the children’s bread, and to cast it to dogs. Hid she cease from her prayer ? What does the Lord teach us of our duty in prayer ? Luke IB : 1. What does he promise concerning his answers ? Ha- bakkuk 2:3. What was his second answer to this woman ? Whom did he mean by dogs ? Philippians 3:2; Revelation 22 : 15. Why did he thus answer her ? 1 Peter 1 : 7. What is said of the prayer .of the hypocrite ? Job 27 : 9 , 10 . 54 THE GOSPELS. What does he require of us ? Psalm 37 : 7. 27 And she said, Truth, Lord : yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their mas- ters’ table. What is said of the lowly ? Psalm 138 : 6. What did she mean by her answer ? Psalm 147 : 9 ; Psalm 104 : 27. How does the Lord regard the poor ? Psalm 103 : 13, 14 28 Then Jesus answered and said unto her, O woman, great is thy faith : be it unto thee even as thou wilt. And her daughter was made whole from that very hour. What was this woman’s faith ? Isaiah 12 : 2. What does God give to those whom he loves ? Ec- clesiastes 2 : 26. What, then, is our privilege ? Psalm 118 : 8, 9. What are the blessings thus brought to us ? 1 Timothy 4 : 8. THE GOSPELS. 55 LESSON XVII. THIRD SUNDAY IN LENT, St. Luke 11 : 14-28. THE CASTING OUT OF DEVILS. Wliat is the Gospel for to-day ? What is the subject of it? 14 And he was casting out a devil, and it was dumb. And it came to pass, when the devil was gone out, the dumb spake ; and the people wondered. 15 But some of them said, He casteth out devils through Beelzebub the chief of the devils. Had Jesus power over the devils ? Revelation 12:10. For what purpose did Jesus come in reference to Sa- tan ? 1 John 3 : 8. What is the promise to the people of God concerning Satan? Romans 16 : 20. Why did they thus revile the Saviour ? John 8 : 44. 16 And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven. 17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth. What answer did he give to those who, asked a sign ? Matthew 12 : 38, 39. What does Jesus say of his own power to search the hearts of men ? Revelation 2 : 23. What does David say of this ? 1 Chronicles 28 : 9. Who, then, was the God of David ? Who was Beelzebub ? 2 Kings 1 : 2. Who were the gods of the heathen ? 1 Corinthians 10 : 20 . 56 THE GOSPELS. Does Satan attempt to unite in tlie Lord’s work? 2 Corinthians 11 : 18, 14, 15. Will the Lord unite with him? 2 Corinthians 6 : 15, 16. 18 If Satan also be divided against liimself, how shall his kingdom stand ? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub. 19 And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out ? therefore shall they be your judges. 20 But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you. What are we to do in reference to Satan ? 1 Peter 5 : 8, 9. What are we to learn about him? 2 Corinthians 2 : 11 . Did the Jews profess to cast out devils ? Acts 19 : 13, 14. Did they succeed in it ? Acts 19 : 15, 16. What does the Lord call the power of Satan ? Reve- lation 2 : 24. Who is able to overcame him ? Revelation 12 : 9, 10 , 11 . 21 When a strong man armed keepeth his palace, his goods are in peace : 22 But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armor wherein he trusted, and di- videth his spoils. What is meant by this strong man armed? Ephe- sians 2 : 2. With whom do we contend ? Ephesians 6 : 12. How may we overcome them ? Ephesians 6 : 10, 11. What is the armor of Satan ? 2 Thessalonians 2:9, 10. THE GOSPELS. 51 What is the armor of God ? Ephesians 6 13-18. 23 He that is not with me is against me and he that gathereth not with me scattereth. What must we give up for Christ ? Matthew 10:37, 38; 39. What did Paul give up ? Philippians 3 : 7, 8. How are we to gather with Christ ? Colossians 1 : 28, 29 ; 1 Corinthians 9 : 27 ; 2 Corinthians 10 : 5. 24 When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest ; and finding none, he saith, I will return unto my house whence I came out. 25 And when he cometh, he findeth it swept and garnished. 26 Then goeth he, and taketh to him seven other spirits more wicked than himself ; and they enter in, and dwell there : and the last state of that man is worse than the first. What is said of those who forsake Christ ? 2 Peter 2 : 20 , 21 . What are they said to do ? Hebrews 6 : 6. What are they compared to ? Hebrews 6 : 8. What will be their result ? Hebrews 10 : 26, 27. 27 And it came to pass, as he spake these things, a certain woman of the company lifted up her voice, and said unto him, Blessed is the womb that bare thee, and the paps which thou hast sucked. 28 But he said, Yea, rather blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it. Was it a great privilege to be with Jesus ? Matthew 13 : 16, 17. Was it the greatest privilege to be personally related to him ? Matthew 12 : 46-50. What is the highest privilege of his disciples ? Luke 10 : 17-20. 58 THE GOSPELS. ^ LESSON XVIII. FOURTH SUNDAY IN LENT. St. John 6 : 1-14. THE FEEDING OF THE MULTITUDE. What is our Gospel for this day ? What remarkable event does it describe ? 1 After these things Jesus went over the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias. 2 And a great multitude followed him, be- cause they saw his miracles which he did on them that were diseased. 3 And Jesus went up into a mountain, and there he sat with his disciples. 4 And the passover, a feast of the Jews* was nigh. Did Jesus habitually dwell on the shore of this sea? Matthew 4 : 13. Which of his disciples did he find here ? Matthew 4 : 18-22. Why did the multitude follow him? John 7 : 31 ; Mark 7 : 37. What did Jesus do on this mountain? Matthew 5 : 1, 2. What did the passover teach the people? Exodus 12 : 23-27. What relation had it to the Saviour ? » 1 Corinthians 5:7; Hebrews 9 : 11, 12 ; 1 John 1 : 7. 5 When Jesus then lifted up his eyes, and saw a great company come unto him, he saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread, that these may eat ? THE GOSPELS. 59 6 (And this i\e said to prove him : for he himself knew what he would do.) 7 Philip answered him, Two hundred pen- nyworth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little. Why did he ask Philip ? John 1 : 44. Had Philip shown special faith in him ? John 1 : 45. What would he prove in Philip ? 1 Peter 1 : 7. A “penny,” or denarius, was the day wages of a laborer. What was Philip’s difficulty ? Proverbs 10 : 15. What did he forget ? Isaiah 59 : 1. Do yo.u remember any similar instance of unbelief in the Old Testament? Numbers 11 : 24, 22, 23. 8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him, 9 There is a lad here, which hath five bar- ley-loaves, and two small fishes : but what are they among so many ? 10 And Jesus said, Make the men sit down. (Now there was much grass in the place.) So the men sat down, in number about five thou- sand. What did Andrew say,? What might Jesus have asked in reply ? Matthew 9 : 28 ; Mark 9 : 28. What did he command ? When Israel were at the Red Sea, what did the Lord say ? Exodus 14 : 15, 16. What was such obedience ? Romans 16 : 26. What did the Lord say to his disciples about such obedience? John 13 : 17 ; John 14 : 15. Did Philip afterward doubt ? John 14 : 8, 9, 10. 11 And Jesus took the loaves; and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the dis- 60 THE GOSPELS. ciples, and the disciples to them that were set down ; and likewise of the fishes, as much as they would. Who created all things ? Colossians 1:16. How did he create them ? Psalm 3B : 6, 9. How does he still create ? Psalm 104 : 30. When Jesus took the loaves, what did he do? What was his feeling in doing this ? Psalm 104 : 81 ; Micah 7 : 18. How does he still feed his creatures ? Psalm 145 : 15, 16. 12 When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost. 13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley-loaves, which remained over and above unto them that had eaten. What does he promise to those who love him ? Psalm 132 : 15. How did he give us our highest gifts ? 2 Corinthians 8:9. What would he have us to do with his gifts to us ? Philippians 2 : 4, 5. Shall we lose by our benevolence to others ? Proverbs 3 : 9, 10 ; Proverbs 11 : 24, 25. What instance has he given of this? 1 Kings 17 : 14, 15 ; 2 Corinthians 8 : 2, 3, 4. What is the Lord’s promise concerning this ? Psalm 41 : 1, 2, 3. 14 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that Prophet that should come into the world. What prophet did they expect ? Deuteronomy 18 : 15. THE GOSPELS. 61 What was the peculiar privilege of Moses ? Numbers 12 : 6, 7, 8. What did the people try to do with Jesus? John 6 : 15. Is he a king ? Revelation 17 : 14. 62 THE GOSPELS. LESSON XIX. PIPTH SUNDAY IN LENT. St. John 8 : 46-59. THE SAVIOUR DEFENDING HIS OWN MISSION. What is the Gospel for this day ? What does it contain ? 46 Jesus said, Which of you convinceth me of sin ? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me ? 47 He that is of God heareth God’s words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. What was the true character of Jesus? Hebrews 7 : 26. What was the example he left for us? 1 Peter 2 : 21-23. What did Pilate say of him ? John 19 : 6. What does he say of himself? John 14 : 6. Who are they who receive him ? John 1 : 12, 13. What does he say of them in this 47 th verse ? How are they distinguished? 1 John 3 : 10. 48 Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samari- tan, and hast a devil ? 49 Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honor my Father, and ye do dishonor me. 50 And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth. What prophecy described this contempt of the Sav- iour ? Isaiah 53 : 3. THE GOSPELS. 63 How did the Jews feel toward the Samaritans ? John 4:9. Did the disciples of Jesus feel thus also ? Luke 9 : 52-56. What does the Saviour say we must learn of him ? Matthew 11 : 29. How did he teach us to defend ourselves ? 2 Timothy 2 : 24, 25. What does he promise us in unjust reproaches ? Psalm 37 : 5, 6. 51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. 52 Then said the Jews unto him, 1ST ow we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets ; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. 53 Art thou greater than our father Abra- ham, which is dead ? and the prophets are dead : whom makest thou thyself? What does he mean by keeping his saying ? John 5 : 24 ; John 8 : 31, 32. What is said of those who die in the Lord ? Revela- tion 14 : 13. Where are they at rest ? 2 Corinthians 5:8; Philip- pians 1 : 23. What does Paul say of the believer’s hope ? Romans 8 : 38, 39. Where does the Lord say they should see these patri- archs and prophets ? Luke 13 : 28. 54 Jesus answered, If I honor myself, my honor is nothing : it is my Father that hon- oreth me, of whom ye say, that he is your God. What honor did Jesus claim from men? John 5 : 23. What was he declared to be ? Hebrews 1 : 2, 3. 64 THE GOSPELS. How much has the Father honored him ? Ephesians 1 : 20 , 21 . How does he require us to honor him ? Philippians 2 : 9, 10, 11. Who will thus honor him? John 10 : 26, 27, 28. 55 Yet ye have not known him ; but I know him : and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you : but I know him, and keep his saying. Who are they who truly know God ? 1 John 2 : 23. What is the evidence of our true knowledge of God ? I John 4 : 7, 8. How do we get this true knowledge of God ? 2 Cor- inthians 4 : 6. What will he the privilege of those who truly know him ? 1 John 3 : 2. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day : and he saw it, and was glad. 57 Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham ? 58 Jesus said unto them, Yerily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. 59 Then took they up stones to cast at him : but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple. How did God teach Abraham of the day of Christ ? Genesis 22 : 2. What did God say to him after this trial ? Genesis 22 : 15-18. What grace did Abraham exhibit in this ? Hebrews II : 17-19. How could Jesus be before Abraham? Proverbs 8 : 23, 30 ; Colossians 1 : 17. How long will he continue to be exalted ? Hebrews 1 : 8 , 10 , 11 , 12 . THE GOSPELS. 65 LESSON XX. SIXTH SUNDAY IN LENT, St. Matthew 27 : 1-10. REMORSE OF JUDAS. What is the Gospel for this day ? What does it describe ? 1 When the morning was come, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death : 2 And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor. What had been foretold concerning this rejection of the Saviour ? Psalm 2 : 2, 3. Why would they reject him? Isaiah 53 : 3. What had Jesus previously told his disciples about this ? Matthew 16 : 21. Did Jesus attempt to escape from them ? Luke 9:51; John 11 : 7, 8. How was it said he should be led ? Isaiah 53 : 7. Who were combined in putting him to death ? Acts 4:27. 3 Then Judas, which had betrayed him, when he saw that he was condemned, repented himself, and brought again the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 Saying, I have sinned in that I have be- trayed the innocent blood. And they said, What is that to us ? see thou to that. What had the Lord said of Judas? John 6 : 70, 71. Was Judas intimate with him ? John 13 : 18. What had been foretold by the prophets concerning this ? Zechariah 11 : 12, 13. THE GOSPELS. What is the account of this betrayal? Matthew 26 : 14, 15, 16 ; Luke 22 : 3-6. Did Judas wish him to be condemned ? Verse 3. What was the motive of his conduct ? Mark 14 : 10, 11 ; John 12 : 6. Did he succeed in his plan ? Psalm 9 : 16 ; Proverbs 5 : 22. 5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself. Will man generally succeed in unlawful gain ? Jere- miah 17 : 11. Can a man be happy in the success of wicked gains ? Habakkuk 2 : 9, 10, 11. What does our Lord say of such gain ? Mark 8 : 36 ; Luke 9 : 25. What example does Paul give of this truth? He- brews 12 : 16, 17. 6 And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, It is not lawful for us to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood. 7 And they took counsel, and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in. 8 Wherefore that field was called, The field of blood, unto this day. What did the Lord say of these priests and rulers ? Matthew 23 : 14, 27, 28. Would God accept their care of his worship ? Isaiah 1 : 11-15 ; Isaiah 61 : 8. Were the facts here related well known ? Acts 1 : 18, 19. For what had they rejected the Saviour of their peo- ple? Jeremiah 2 : 11, 12, 13. Would they be forgiven for this crime? Acts 3 : 17, 18, 19. THE GOSPELS. 67 What does Paul say of the Saviour’s mercy to him ? I Timothy 1 : 13, 14, 15. 9 Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremy the prophet, saying, And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom they of the children of Is- rael did value ; 10 And gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord appointed me. Where do we find this prophecy ? Zechariah II : 12, 13. The name “Jeremy” may have been an error in transcribing from some early manuscripts. Of what was thirty pieces of silver the price ? Exodus 21 : 32. What had the Lord said of the contempt which was felt for him ? Psalm 22 : 6, 16 ; Isaiah 53 : 3. Can they who thus finally despise a Saviour escape punishment ? Hebrews 10 : 29, 30 ; Hebrews 6 : 4, 6. What lesson are we to learn from it? Hebrews 3 : 12, 13, 14. 68 THE GOSPELS. LESSON XXI. EASTER SUNDAY. St. John 20 : 1-10. THE SAVIOUR RISEN FROM THE DJ3AD. What is the Gospel for this day ? What does it describe ? The first day of the week cometh Mary Mag- dalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. What was the first day of the week afterwards called ? Revelation 1 : 10. How did the disciples observe this day ? Acts 20 : 7 ; 1 Corinthians 16 : 2. Who was Mary Magdalene ? Lnke 8 : 2. Where do the other Evangelists say the same ? Matthew 28 : 1 ; Mark 16 : 1, 2. For what did they come ? Mark 16 : 1. What had they said among themselves as they were coming ? Mark 16 : 3, 4. How did they know about the stone at the sepulchre ? Matthew 27 : 60, 61. Who had rolled the stone away ? Matthew 28 : 2. 2 Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we know not where they have laid him. What did she think when she found the sepulchre open ? Vs. 2. What did she do ? Vs. 2. Which of the disciples was the one whom Jesus loved ? John 21 : 20, 24. THE GOSPELS. 69 What became of this disciple when Jesus was taken ? Matthew 26 : 56. What did Peter do ? Matthew 26 : 58. Which of them stood by the cross of Jesus when he died ? John 19 : 26. Where did the others stand ? Luke 23 : 49. Where did they go after the Lord’s death ? Luke 23 : 56. What did Mary say to them ? Ys. 2. 3 Peter therefore went forth, and that other disciple, and came to the sepulchre. 4 So they ran both together: and the other disciple did out run Peter, and came first to the sepulchre. 5 And he stooping down, and looking in, saw the linen clothes lying ; yet went he not in. Where was the Saviours' sepulchre? John 19 : 41, 42. What had the Lord said to Peter when they were last together ? Luke 22 : 31-34. What was their last interview ? Luke 22 : 61, 62. Bid Peter still love the Lord ? John 21 : 17. Which of the two disciples came first to the sepul- chre ? Verse 4. What did he do ? Verse 5. 6 Then cometh Simon Peter following him, and went into the sepulchre, and seeth the linen clothes lie ; 7 And the napkin that was about his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself. What did Peter do when he came to the sepulchre ? Verse 6. What were these linen clothes ? John 19 : 40. 70 THE GOSPELS. How were the dead clothed among the Jews? John 11 : 44. How were the grave clothes of Jesus placed, when Peter discoved them ? Verse 6, 7. What did the watch tell the chief priests about his resurrection? Matthew 28 : 11. What did the priests command these guards to say ? Matthew 28 : 13. Would the disciples, if they had stolen it, have stripped his body and left the clothes behind ? 8 Then went in also that other disciple which came first to the sepulchre, and he saw, and believed. 9 For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went away again unto their own home. What effect had this sight upon John ? Verse 8. What did the Lord say to Thomas ? John 20 : 29. What do we believe concerning him ? 2 Timothy 2 : 8 ; 1 Peter 1 : 21. * Had not the Lord told them he would rise from the dead? Mark 9: 31, 32. What did the Saviour say to them of their unbelief ? Luke 24 : 25, 26 ; Mark 16 : 14. What is the importance of a true faith? Romans 10 : 9, 10. THE GOSPELS. 71 LESSON XXII. FIRST SUNDAY AFTER EASTER. St. John 20 : 19-23. THE SAVIOUR’S FIRST MEETING WITH HIS DISCIPLES. What is the Gospel for to-day ? What is described in it ? 19 Then the same clay at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst. What day was this? John 20 : 1. To whom else had he appeared on that day ? John 20 : 14 ; Matthew 28 : 9, 10 ; Luke 24 : 13-16 ; Luke 24 : 33-34. Why were they afraid of the Jews ? John 15 : 20, 21. Which of the disciples was absent from this meeting ? John 20 :s24. Did he believe them ? John 20:25. What had Jesus promised them before his death? Matthew 18 : 20. And Jesus saith unto them, Peace be unto you. What had the angels sung at his birth ? Luke 2:14. What had he promised to give to his disciples ? John 14 : 27. What peace did he make by his death ? Ephesians 2 : 16, 17. What is the peace which is thus described ? Philip- pians 4 : 7. To whom does he preach this peace ? Acts 10 : 34, 35, 36. What is the way to get this peace ? Isaiah 26 : 3 ; Romans 5 : 1, 2. 72 THE GOSPELS. 20 And when he had so said, he showed them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad when they saw the Lord. What were the marks on his hands ? Acts 2 : 23 ; Colossians 2 : 14. What was the mark in his side ? John 19 : 34. What effect was the sight of his wounds to have on those who believed in him ? Zechariah 12 : 10. What effect will it have on those who reject him? Revelation 1 : 7. Why were they glad? 1 Peter 1 : 7. How are we to partake of their joy? 1 Peter 1 : 8, 9. 21 Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you : as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you. Why did he repeat this ? Matthew 14 : 27 ; Isaiah 27:4, 5. For what did the Father send the Son ? 1 John 4 : 14. What is the importance of the mission of the Son of God ? 1 Timothy 1 : 15 ; Acts 4 : 12. How has he accomplished this salvation ? 1 Timothy 2:6; Hebrews 9 : 28 ; Colossians 1 : 20 ; 1 John 2:2; Hebrews 10 : 14. For what did he send his apostles into the world? 2 Corinthians 5 : 20 ; Acts 1 : 8. For what does he send all his disciples among men ? Philippians 2 : 15, 16 ; Matthew 5 : 13, 14-16. 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost. What had he promised them in reference to the Holy Ghost? John 14 : 16-26 ; John 16 : 13. What Spirit was in the prophets ? 1 Peter 1 : 10, 11. Whose Spirit was given to the apostles? Philip- pians 1 : 19. From whom does the Holy Spirit proceed for us? Galatians 4:6; Romans 8 : 9. THE GOSPELS. 73 What will he teach us ? John 14 : 16, 26. 23 Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained. How are sins remitted ? Hebrews 9 : 22. By whose blood are our sins remitted ? 1 Peter 1 : 19 ; Ephesians 1 : 7. How were the apostles the instruments for remitting the sins of men ? Acts 5 : 42 ; Acts 13 : 38. What was the blessing which attended their minis- try? Acts 26 : 17, 18. By whom was this blessing bestowed upon men ? 2 Corinthians 2 : 14. How do we personally gain this blessing of divine forgiveness ? Acts 13 : 39 ; Acts 3 : 19, 20 ; 1 John 1 : 7. Was the ministry of the apostles a blessing to all who heard it ? 2 Corinthians 2 : 15, 16. What is the responsibility of having a faithful minis- try ? Luke 10 : 16 ; 1 Thessalonians 4 : 8. 74 THE GOSPELS, LESSON XXIII. SECOND SUNDAY APTER EASTER. St. John 10 : 11-16. THE GOOD SHEPHERD. What is the Gospel for this day ? What is its subject ? 11 Jesus said, I am the good shepherd. Who are the Lord’s flock ? Ezekiel 34 : 31 ; Psalm 100 : 3. What does he promise to do with this flock ? Ezekiel 34 : 11, 12, 22, 28. How many shepherds were this flock of the Lord to have ? Ezekiel 34 : 23. Who was this Shepherd ? Psalm 23 : 1. Why did Jesus call himself the Good Shepherd? Isaiah 40 : 11 ; Micah 5 : 4. By what name was this Shepherd to be called ? Eze- kiel 34 : 23 ; Isaiah 55 : 3. Why was Jesus called by the name of David ? Mat- thew 22 : 41-45 ; Luke 1 : 31, 32 ; 2 Timothy 2 : 8. The good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. How does Jacob describe a faithful shepherd ? Gen- esis 31 : 39, 40, 41. What did David say of himself as a shepherd ? 1 Samuel 17 : 34, 35. What does the prophet Amos say of a faithful shep- herd ? Amos 3 : 12. What does Jesus say he gave for his sheep? John 10 : 17, 18. What does the Shepherd’s gift of himself display ? Romans 5:8; 1 John 4 : 9, 10. How did Jesus give his life for us ? Hebrews 9 : 28 ; 1 Peter 2 : 24. THE GOSPELS. 75 What blessing did bis death obtain for us ? Revela- tion 5 : 9, 10 ; 1 Peter 2 : 25. What ought we to ascribe to him ? Revelation 1 : 5, 6. 12 But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth : and the wolf catcheth them, and scat- tered the sheep. What does God say of false shepherds? Ezekiel 34 : 1, 6, 10. What does Paul call these false shepherds ? 2 Cor- inthians 11 : 13, 14, 15. Who stood by Paul, when false brethren forsook him ? 2 Timothy 4 : 16, 17, 18. What did the Apostles call Paul and Barnabas? Acts 15 : 25, 26. Of what did he warn the Ephesian elders ? Acts 20 : 29, 30. How does the Lord encourage his own flock in such trials ? Revelation 2 : 10. What does Jesus say of his sheep? John 10 : 27-29. 13 The hireling fleeth, because he is an hire- ling, and careth not for the sheep. 14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. What is the deficiency in these false shepherds? Acts 8 : 21, 23. What exhortation is given by Peter to all professed shepherds in the Saviour’s flock ? 1 Peter 5 : 2, 3, 4. What does the Saviour say concerning false prophets ? Matthew 7 : 15. How are we to know them ? Matthew 7:16, 20. How does Jesus describe the true shepherds ? John 10 : 2, 3, 4. Where are the names of his sheep recorded ? Revela- tion 13 : 8 ; Revelation 21 : 27. 76 THE GOSPELS. How do they know him ? 1 John 5 : 10 ; 2 Corin- thians 13 : 5. 15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. How does the Father know the Son ? Hebrews 1 : 2, 3 ; J ohn 17 : 24 ; Proverbs 8 : 30. How does the Son know the Father ? John 1 : 18 ; John 3 : 34, 35 ; John 5 : 20. Was the Saviour’s death acceptable to the Father ? John 10 : 17 ; Ephesians 5 : 2. Can we exalt this dying Saviour too highly ? Philip- pians 2 : 10, 11. 16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold : them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. To whom did the Lord send his apostles? Acts 1:8; Mark 16 : 15. What was the divine promise to Abraham ? Genesis 22 : 18. What did the Lord say of the Saviour’s glory in the conversion of the Gentiles ? Isaiah 60 : 2, 3 ; Isaiah 49:6. How are these scattered sheep of Christ to be gath- ered to him ? 1 Peter 1 : 12 ; Romans 10 : 14, 15 ; 1 Thessalonians 1 : 7, 8. Where will this one fold be finally gathered ? Revela- tion 7 : 9, 10. THE GOSPELS. 77 LESSON XXIV. THIRD SUNDAY AFTER EASTER. St John 16 : 16-22. THE SAVIOUR’S DEPARTURE AND RETURN. What is the Gospel for this day ? What is its subject ? 16 Jesus said unto his disciples, A little while, and ye shall not see me : and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father. Whither was the Saviour going ? John 20 : 17. How did he go from them ? Acts 1:9. Where did the apostle say he had gone ? Acts 3 : 20, 21 . What does St. Mark say of his ascension ? Mark 16 : 19. Which was the first of his disciples who saw him in his appearance in glory ? Acts 7 : 55, 56, 59, 60. Which of his disciples has given us a description of his glory ? Revelation 1 : 9, 10. How does he describe him ? Revelation 1 : 12-18. 17 Then said some of his disciples among themselves, What is this that he saith unto us, A little while, and ye shall not see me : and again, a little while, and ye shall see me : and, Because I go to the Father ? 18 They said therefore, What is this that he saith, A little while ? we cannot tell what he saith : Were the disciples ignorant of the Saviour’s divine nature ? Matthew 16 : 15, 17. Had they seen his glory ? J ohn 1 : 14. 78 THE GOSPELS. Where liad they seen this glory ? 2 Peter 1 : 17, 18 : Matthew 17 : 1, 2. What do we need to enable us to understand the Saviour’s words ? 1 Corinthians 12 : 3 : 1 Corinthians 2 : 14. What then should be our constant prayer to God? Psalm 51 : 10, 11, 12. 19 Now Jesus knew that they were desirous to ask him, and said unto them, Do ye inquire among yourselves of that I said, A little while, and ye shall not see me : and again, a little while, and ye shall see me ? How did Jesus know what they wanted to ask ? John 2 : 24, 2,5 ; Revelation 2 : 23. What marks the Saviour in all his dealings with us ? Psalm 86 : 15 ; Hebrews 5 : 2 If we ask him to teach us, how will he receive us ? James 1 : 5. 20 Yerily, verily, I say unto you, that ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall re- joice : and ye shall be sorrowful, but your sor- row shall be turned into joy. When did they weep and lament ? Luke 23 : 27, 28, 29. Did the world rejoice when they were weeping? Luke 23 : 11, 12. When was the sorrow of the disciples turned into joy ? John 20 : 19, 20. >What happened to them on the day of Pentecost ? Acts 2 : 4. What was the effect of it upon them ? Acts 2 : 46, 47. What should be our feeling as we follow Jesus? Philippians 4 : 4, 5, 6. 21 A woman when she is in travail hath sor- row, because her hour is come : but as soon as she is delivered of the child, she remembereth THE GOSPELS. 79 no more the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. Why does a mother rejoice in the birth of her child ? Isaiah 49 : 15. Who loves us better than father or mother can? Psalm 27 : 10. Does the mother always rejoice over the birth of her son ? Genesis 35 : 16, 18 ; Proverbs 10 : 1. How shall we make our parents’ hearts glad ? Pro- verbs 4 : 20, 21, 22 ; Proverbs 23 : 15. 22. And ye now therefore have sorrow : but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you. Who are they that shall sorrow forever ? Matthew 25 : 41 ; 2 Thessalonians 1 : 7, 8, 9. Who are they that shall rejoice forever ? Matthew 25 : 34 ; Revelation 21 : 4. Will the wicked desire to see the Lord Jesus ? Rev- elation 6 : 15, 16, 17. Will the true followers of Jesus be afraid to see him? Revelation 7 : 9, 10. Will this be everlasting joy ? Revelation 7 : 14-17. 80 THE GOSPELS. LESSON XXV. FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER, St. John 16 : 5-15. THE PROMISED WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. What is the Gospel for this day ? What is the subject of which it teaches us ? 5 Jesus said unto his disciples, Now I go my way to him that sent me, and none of you ask- eth me, Whither goest thou ? 6 But because I have said these things unto you, sorrow hath filled your heart. Who had sent him into the world ? 1 John 4 : 14 ; Isaiah 48 :1 6. Why did they not ask him ? Mark 9 : 31, 32. Why were they sorry? John 6 : 68, 69. What was Jesus to them? Proverbs 17 : 17 ; 18 : 24. 7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away : for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you ; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. What led the Saviour to choose them as his disciples ? Jeremiah 31 : 3. Why was he now going to leave them ? Luke 24 : 26. What did he mean by saying it was “ expedient” for them that he should go ? John 14 : 2, 3. What was to be the consequence of his ascension ? Ephesians 4 : 8, 9, 10. Who was the Comforter of whom he speaks ? John 14 : 26. When did the Saviour send him to them? Acts 2 : 1-14. 8 And when he is come, he will reprove the THE GOSPELS. 81 world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. How does the Holy Spirit thus reprove or convince ? Psalm 51 : 10,11, 12. Does the Spirit reprove all men ? Psalm 139 : 7-12 ; Hebrews 4 : 13. What is their guilt who refuse his reproofs ? Hebrews 10 : 29. What is our duty in reference to the Holy Spirit? Ephesians 4 : 30. 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me. What is sin ? 1 J ohn : 3, 4. What is the work which God requires of us under the Gospel ? John 6 : 28, 29. Is it our duty to believe in Jesus ? John 3 : 36. Can we be saved without believing in him ? Hebrews 11 : 6 . Is it a sin not to believe in him ? 1 John 5 : 10. 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more ; Of what righteousness does the Saviour speak ? Phi- lippians 3:9; Romans 10 : 4. How was the Saviour’s righteousness perfected by his going to the Father ? Hebrews 1:3; Ephesians 1 : 19-23. What relation does the Spirit teach us the Saviour’s righteousness has to us ? Isaiah 61 : 10 ; Romans 4 : 6-8. 11 Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. Who was the prince of this world ? Ephesians 2 : 2. What was the Saviour’s purpose in relation to him ? 1 John 3 : 8. What is this promise of the Holy Spirit concerning him ? Romans 16 : 20. What is the final triumph of the Saviour over him ? Revelation 20 : 2, 3, 10. 82 THE GOSPELS. 12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Why could they not hear the things which he might Bay ? 1 Corinthians 3 : 1, 2. What is the teaching which such young disciples should desire ? 1 Peter 2 : 2, 3. How does the Spirit direct us to teach them ? Isaiah 28 : 9, 10. 13 Howbeit, when he; the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth : for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak : and he will show you things to come. What was the Holy Spirit to teach them? John 14 : 26. Why is he called the Spirit of truth ? Deuteronomy 32 : 4. For whom would he speak ? 1 Corinthians 2:10, 12. What things to come has he shown ? 1 Corinthians 2 : 9. How does he show them to us ? 2 Corinthians 3 : IT, 18. 14 He shall glorify me : for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you. 15 All things that the Father hath are mine : therefore said l, that he shall take of mine, and shall show it unto you. How will the Spirit glorify Jesus ? John 5 : 23 ; Acts 4:12. What is the Son’s relation to the Father? John 10 : 30 ; John 14 : 9. What does the Father give the Son? John 5 : 20 ; Matthew 28 : 18. What does the Spirit show us of the Son ? Ephesians 2 : 18 ; Hebrews 10 : 15, 19-22. THE GOSPELS. 83 LESSON XXVI. FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER EASTER. St. John 16 : 23-33. THE PROMISED ANSWER TO PRAYER. What is the Gospel for this day ? What does it teach us ? 23 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in ray name, he will give it you. 24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name : ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. What does the Saviour encourage us here to do ? I Thessalonians 5 : 17, 18. How constantly should we pray ? St. Luke 18:1. What is necessary for acceptable prayer ? Mark II : 24 ; Hebrews 11 : 6. In whose name must we pray ? John 14 : 6. What promise does the Saviour give in this 24th vs. ? Psalm 81 : 10. 25 These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs : but the time coraeth when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall show you plainly of the Father. By “ proverbs ” the Lord means here parables, or figures. Psalm 49 : 4 ; Psalm 78 : 2. What does the Saviour promise them in this 25th vs. ? That he will show them plainly of the Father. How does St. Paul describe this? 1 Corinthians 13 : 12. When does Jesus show us plainly of the Father? First, by His Holy Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3 : 18. Second , in his own glory. Revelation 7 : 14-17. 84 : THE GOSPELS. 26 At that day ye shall ask in my name : and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you : 27 For the Father himself loveth you, be- cause ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. In whose name did the apostles teach men to pray ? Acts 4 : 12 ; 1 Corinthians 1 : 23, 24 ; 1 John 2 : 1, 2. Will the Father love ns if we refuse his Son ? 1 John 2:23. Is there any other way in which we can have his love but by loving his Son ? Hebrews 10 : 26, 27. How are we to find peace with God ? Romans 15 : 13. 28 I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world : again, I leave the world, and go to the Father. What led the Father to send his Son ? John 3:16; 1 John 4 : 9. What was the object of the coming of the Son ? 2 Corinthians 5 : 21. Why was this necessary? Hebrews 2 : 17. What is he now doing ? Hebrews 7 : 25. 29 His disciples said unto him, Lo, now speakest thou plainly, and speakest no pro- verb. 30 Now are we sure that thou knowest all things, and needest not that any man should ask thee : by this we believe that thou earnest forth from God. What did his disciples answer him ? Of what did they say they were now sure ? How does David describe this knowledge of God? Psalm 139 : 1-12. Who was the Saviour it he had this knowledge? Romans 9 : 5. THE GOSPELS. 85 Can we hide any tiling from him ? Hebrews 4 : 13. 31 Jesus answered them, Do ye now be- lieve ? 32 Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered every man to his own, and shall leave me alone : and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me. Of what did Jesus desire to warn them ? 1 Corinthians 10 : 12 . Had the Holy Spirit given them warning of such persecutions? Daniel 11 : 33. What would he the effect of these persecutions ? Daniel 11 : 35. When was this declaration of the Saviour fulfilled ? Matthew 26 : 56. What had been the prediction of this ? Zechariah 13 : 7. W as Jesus left alone ? Who does he say would be with him ? John 8 : 29. 33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation : but be of good cheer ; I have overcome the world. Why does he say he warned them of these things ? What had been the divine promises to the servants of God who were in trouble ? Psalm 91 : 15, 16 ; Isaiah 43 : 5, 6 ; Isaiah 63 : 9. What is said of the companions of Daniel in their affliction ? Daniel 3 : 24, 25. What is said of Daniel himself ? Daniel 6 : 22, 23. What does Paul say of his experience in the day o' trouble ? 2 Timothy 4 : 16-18. 86 THE GOSPELS. LESSON XXVII. SUNDAY AFTER ASCENSION. St. John 15 : 26-16 : 4. THE COMFORT OF THE SPIRIT IN SORROW. What is the Gospel appointed for this day ? What is its subject ? 26 When the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me. Who is the one source of all our comfort in trouble ? 2 Corinthians 1 : 3, 4. By whom does God comfort us ? Ephesians 1 : 13. Why was the Holy Spirit called the Spirit of promise ? Acts 1 : 4. When did the disciples receive this Holy Spirit ? Acts 2 : 1, 4. What was the effect of his coming upon them ? Acts 2 : 46, 47. From whom is the Spirit said in this verse to come? Of whom did he testify when he came ? Acts 2 : 32, 33. 27 And ye also shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning. Of whom did the apostles testify when the Holy Spirit came to them ? Acts 5 : 42. What was their feeling in the ministry which he gave them ? 2 Corinthians 2 : 14. Did the apostles tell the things which they had seen and heard from him ? 2 Peter 1 : 16, 17. How did they try to lead men to the Saviour? 1 John 1:1,3. What did they tell men they would find in that Sav- iour ? 1 John 2 : 1, 2 ; Ephesians 1 : 7. THE GOSPELS. 87 Did they declare that they knew him ? 2 Timothy 1 : 12 . 1 These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended. Why did the Saviour give them all these promises ? Were there any who were offended with Christ? 2 Timothy 4 : 1-4. What did Paul say of those who preached another Gospel ? Galatians 1 : 8, 9. What did he say of those who preached Christ imper- fectly ? Philippians 1 : 15-18. What will prevent our being offended^with Christ ? Romans 8 : 14, 15, 16. 2 They shall put you out of the synagogues : yea, the time cometh, that whosoever killeth you will think that he doeth God service. • Who were the apostles first persecuted ? Acts 3 : 1 ; 4:1. Who were the next sufferers? Acts 5 : 17, 18. Who was the first one who died for Christ ? Acts 7 : 54-60. Who distinguished himself as a persecutor of them ? Acts 8 : 1-3. What did the Lord afterward do for him ? Acts 9 : 1-7, 15-17. What did Paul say of this afterward ? 1 Timothy 1 : 12-14 ; Acts 26 : 9, 10, 11. 3 And these things will they do unto you, be- cause they have not known the Father, nor me. Why did men thus persecute the Saviour’s followers ? What is said of such men ? 1 John 3:10; 1 J ohn 4 : 5, 6. Must we expect to suffer for Christ’s sake ? 1 John 3 : 13-15. How did the apostles return the persecutions which they received ? 1 Corinthians 4 : 12, 13. How does our Lord command us to treat our ene- mies ? Matthew 5 : 44, 45. 88 THE GOSPELS. 4 But these things have I told you, that when the time shall come, ye may remember that I told you of them. For what purpose does the Saviour say he told them these things ? How did Stephen remember him? Acts 7 : 59, 60. How did the disciples remember him when Peter was in prison ? Acts 12 : 5. What did the Lord do in answer to their prayer? Acts 12 : 6, 7, 8. What persecutions did Paul suffer ? Acts 14 : 19, 20 ; 2 Timothy 3 : 10, 11. What will be the final triumph of all who truly suffer for Christ ? Revelation 15 : 2, 3. What will repay us for all our sufferings for Christ ? Revelation 22 : 3, 4, 5, 6. THE GOSPELS. 89 LESSON XXVIII. f HI TSUHDAI, St. John 14 : 15-31. THE GIFT OF THE HOLY SPIRIT. This day commemorates the descent of the Holy Ghost upon the apostles of Christ. Acts 2. What is the Gospel appointed for it ? What is its subject ? 15 If ye love me, keep my commandments : 16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever ; 17 Even the Spirit of truth. If we love Jesus, how shall we show it ? 1 John 2 : 5. Does Jesus still pray for us ? Hebrews 7 : 25. In what office does he pray for us ? Hebrews 4 : 14, 15. Is he a comforter to us ? Hebrews 6 : 18. How should we receive that other Comforter he pro- mises to send us ? Ephesians 4 : 30 ; Galatians 5 : 16 ; Romans 8 : 11. Whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him : but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. Why will not the world receive this Holy Spirit? Romans 8 : 5, 7. How shall we know that he is sent to us ? Galatians 5 : 22-25. What will be the blessing in receiving him ? Ro- mans 8 : 14-17. 18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. 90 THE GOSPELS. 19 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. 20 At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. How will tlie Saviour come to us ? Revelation 3 : 20. How should we meet his coming ? Revelation 22 : 20. If we believe what he here says, (vs. 19,) how shall we act ? Romans 5 : 2-5 ; Philippians 1 : 21 ; 2 : 4, 5. When shall we know what he tells us in the 20th verse ? 1 John 3 : 2. 21 He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me : and he that loveth me, shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. 22 Judas saith unto him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself unto us, and not unto the world ? 23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words : and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. How does the Saviour say in this 21st verse, we are to show our love to him ? What two privileges does he describe as coming from this love for him ? What is the happiness of those who have these bless- ings ? 1 Corinthians 1 : 7, 8. What did Judas ask the Saviour? What did he reply to him ? What are the blessings which will come from this promise ? Romans 8 : 28 ; Psalm 91 describe these blessings. 24 He that loveth me not keepeth not my THE GOSPELS. 91 sayings : and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father’s which sent me. 25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. How will the love of Christ lead us to him ? 2 Co- rinthians 5 : 14, 15. What is true obedience to the Father’s word ? 1 Peter 1 : 17. What effect will the hope of Christ’s coming have on us ? 1 Peter 1 : 13-16. What does Jesus promise us in this (26th) verse ? In what path will this Holy Spirit lead us ? James 3 : 17 ; Philippians 4:8; Colossians 3 : 1, 2. 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you : not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. What is the peace which Jesus gives? Philippians 4:7. Wliat is the difference between his gifts and the gifts of the world ? 2 Corinthians 4 : 18. What effect should his gifts have on us ? Isaiah 26 : 3. 28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father : for my Father is greater than I. 29 And now I have told you before it come to pass, that when it is come to pass, ye might believe. 30 Hereafter I will not talk much with you : 92 THE GOSPELS. for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me. 31 But that the world may know that I love the Father ; and as the Father gave me com- mandment, even so I do. What did the Saviour mean by “ my Father greater than I” ? Philippians 2 : 5-8. Whom did he mean by “ the prince of this world” ? Ephesians 2 : 2. What supported the Saviour in all his sufferings for man ? Hebrews 12 : 2. Where is he now ? Philippians 2 : 9, 10, 11 ; Hebrews 4 : 14, 15. THE GOSPELS. 93 LESSON XXIX. TRINITY SUNDAY. St. John 3 : 1-15. THE NEW BIRTH OF THE SPIRIT. What is the Gospel appointed for this day ? What is its subject of instruction ? 1 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, 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 miracles that thou doest, except God be with him. Did Nicodemus afterward show kindness to the Sav- iour? John 7 : 50-52 ; John 19 : 39. Why did he come by night ? John 19 : 38. What reason did he here give for believing in J esus ? Acts 2 : 22. 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 the second time into his mother’s womb, and be born ? Would faith like that of Nicodemus be sufficient? James 2 : 14-17. How can man obtain a better faith ? 2 Corinthians 5 : 17 ; Matthew 18 : 3. Why did not Nicodemus understand the Lord ? 1 Corinthians 2 : 14. 94 THE GOSPELS. 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. What did Jesus mean by being born of water? Acts 8 : 36-38. Is baptism in water necessary to our salvation ? Ro- mans 6 : 3, 4. What did he mean by being born of the Spirit ? Ga- latians 6 : 15, 16. What did he mean by the kingdom of God ? Ephe- sians 3 : 14, 15 ; Ephesians 1 : 22, 23. Can we be saved out of the church of God ? Acts 2 : 47. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh ; and that which is born of the Spirit i& spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. What does the Lord mean by “ the flesh ” ? Galatians 5 : 17 ; Romans 8 : 8. What does he mean by spirit ? Romans 8:9. Why does he say we should not wonder at his words ? I Corinthians 6 : 9, 10. How shall we be delivered from all these works of the flesh ? 1 Corinthians 6 : 11 ; 2 Corinthians 5 : 18. 8 The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometb, and whither it goeth : so is every one that is born of the Spirit. Who alone can direct the winds ? Psalm 107 : 24, 25, 29 ; Mark 4 : 39. Why is this new birth of the Spirit like the wind ? Pliilippians 2 : 13 ; 1 Thessalonians 4:8. How then are we to get this Holy Spirit ? Luke II : 13. THE GOSPELS. 95 9 Nicodemus answered 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 ? Might not Nicodemus have known this from the Scripture ? What had God said of Ms Spirit? Psalm 51 : 10, 11, 12 ; Isaiah 44 : 3, 4 ; Ezekiel 36 : Ezekiel 11 : 19. Were not these Holy Scriptures ufficient guide ? Psalm 119 : 105, 130 ; Luke 16 : 29-31 ; 2 Timothy 3 : 14, 15. 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. Could Jesus have been mistaken in what he said? John 14 : 6 ; John 8 : 28, 29. Why did not the J ews understand Mm ? 2 Corin- tMans 3 : 14, 15. How would they be able to understand him ? 2 Co rinthians 3 : 16, 17. 12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe if I tell you of heavenly things ? 1 3 And no man hath ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in heaven. Who shall teach us these heavenly things? 1 Co rintMans 2 : 10. To whom will the Holy Spirit lead us? John 16 : 13, 14, 15. How are we to find this ascended Saviour ? Romans 10 : 6-i0. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness^ even so must the Son of man be lifted up : 96 THE GOSPELS. 15 That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. Where is the history of this ? Numbers 21 : 7, 8, 9. Who was it that really healed the people ? Exodus 15 : 26. What was done with the brazen serpent afterward ? 2 Kings 18 : 4. What did the Lord teach them by this? Isaiah 42:8. THE GOSPELS. 97 LESSON XXX. FIRST SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. St. Luke 16 : 19-31. \ THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS. What is the Gospel for this day ? What is its subject? 1 9 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day : 20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores. 21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: more- over the dogs came and licked his sores. What is the duty of the rich ? 1 Timothy 6 : 17, 18, 19. What is their temptation ? Amos 6 : 3-7. What is the blessing of the poor ? James 2 : 5. What is the blessing upon those who are kind to them ? Psalm 41 : 1, 2, 3. What is our duty to the poor ? Isaiah 58 : 6, 7, 8. 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abra- ham’s bosom. The rich man also died, and was buried ; 23 And in hell he lifted up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Does God reward men for being rich or poor ? Pro- verbs 22 : 2 ; Psalm 49 : 10, 17 ; Proverbs 14 : 32. 98 THE GOSPELS. Wliat did the Lord mean by Abraham’s bosom ? Mat- thew 8 : 11. To what does the figure refer ? John 13 : 23. Why are men punished after death? Psalm 9 : 17; John 3 : 36. What does the Saviour teach us about future punish- ment ? Mark 9 : 43, 44 ; Matthew 25 : 41. Is this a dreadful punishment ? Revelation 14 : 10, 11. What ought we to do in reference to it ? Matthew 3 : 7, 8 ; Hebrews 6 : 18. 24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue : for I am tormented in this flame. May we trifle with such solemn punishment as this ? Hebrews 10 : 31 ; 12 :.29 ; Ezekiel 22 : 14. When should we make sure our escape from it ? 2 Corinthians 6:2. Who is our only deliverer ? Acts 4 : 12. What ought we then to do ? Hebrews 12 : 1, 2. 25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime reeeivedest thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things : but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. Does God give to every man an opportunity of escape ? 1 Thessalonians 5:9, 10 ; 1 Timothy 2 : 3, 4. What were the privileges of the Jews? Romans 9 : 4, 5. Might he not have had his part with the Saviour ? Matthew 23 : 37, 38. What were the good things which he preferred? Luke 12 : 16-20. What were Lazarus’ evil things ? Psalm 34 : 19 ; Psalm 37 : 32, 33. What were the comforts of Lazarus now ? Revelation 7 : 14-17 . THE GOSPELS. 99 What were the sorrows of the rich man ? Revelation 6 : 15, 17. 26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed : so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot ; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Is the separation between the righteous and wicked final ? Matthew 25 : 46 ; Revelation 22 : 11, 12. Has God promised any future change in this ? Reve- lation 21 : 7, 8. What is God’s declaration concerning this ? 1 John 5 : 10 , 11 , 12 . 27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house : 28 For I have five brethren ; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. What should we desire for all our friends ? Romans 10 : 1 . How ought we to feel if they refuse a Saviour ? Ro- mans 9 : 1-3. What ought we to do ? Acts 20 : 31. Suppose we neglect this ? 1 Timothy 5:8; Ezekiel 33 : 6. 29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets ; let them hear them. 30 And he said, ISTay, father Abraham : but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. 100 THE GOSPELS. Where are men to learn of a Saviour ? 2 Timothy 3 : 15. Did not God send Moses and the prophets ? 2 Peter 1 : 21 . Whom did they proclaim to Israel ? 1 Peter 1 : 10, 11. What does the Saviour teach concerning them in this 31st verse ? THE GOSPELS. 101 LESSON XXXI. SECOND SUNDAY AETER TEINITY. St. Luke 14 : 16-24. THE MARRIAGE SUPPER. What is the Gospel for this day ? What is its subject ? 16 A certain man made a great supper, and bade many : 17 And sent bis servant at supper-time, to them that were bidden, Come, for all things are now ready. What is meant by this great supper ? Isaiah 25 : 6 ; Isaiah 2 : 2. What is the privilege of being bidden to this Gospel supper ? Revelation 19:9. Who are employed in bidding to it ? Revelation 22 : 17. What does he mean by supper-time ? 2 Corin- thians 6 : 2. When ought men to accept this invitation? He- brews 3 : 7, 8. 18 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it : I pray thee have me excused. When the Saviour came, did men willingly listen to him ? John 1 : 11 ; Romans 10 : 21. What was the meaning of this first excuse ? How does the Saviour describe it in his parable of the sower ? Luke 8 : 14. What does the Lord say of those who give up their souls for this world ? Luke 9 : 25, 26. In what parable did he describe this ? Luke 12 : 15-20. 102 THE GOSPELS. 19 And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them : I pray thee have me excused. What was the bargain which Esau, made ? Genesis 25 : 29-34. What does Paul say of him for this? Hebrews 12 : 16, 17. If a man gives up the hope of the Gospel for so small a gain, what must be said of him ? Jeremiah 2:11. How does God describe this conduct ? Jeremiah 2 : 12, 13. 20 And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. What does the Saviour say of the obstacles which a man’s family may put in his way ? Matthew 10 : 36, 37. How will the Lord reply to all these excuses ? Pro- verbs 1 : 24^33. What ought to be our first concern ? Matthew 6 : 33. 21 So that servant came, and showed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry, said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. When the Jews refused the Saviour, what was his command ? Isaiah 49 : 5, 6. When was this fulfilled? Acts 26 : 16, 17, 18. May the poorest and the most wretched have the blessings of a Saviour ? Isaiah 55 : 1. May all nations receive the message ? Revelation 7 : 9, 10. What ought we then to do ? Mark 16 : 15, 16. 22 And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. Who first preached the Saviour’s Gospel to the Gen- tiles? Acts 10 : 34, 35. THE GOSPELS. 103 How did tlie Lord prepare him for this work ? Acts 10 : 9-16. What does Paul say of his own preaching to the Gen- tiles ? Romans 15 : 18, 19. Have not all men the right to come to Jesus and be saved? Acts 17 : 30, 31 ; 1 John 2 : 2. 23 And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be hi led. How may we preach the Gospel to the multitudes of men ? Romans 10 : 14, 15. What else may we do besides sending preachers out ? Matthew 9 : 37, 38. Will the time ever come that the Gospel shall be preached to all nations ? Isaiah 60 : 2-5 ; Revelation 11 : 15 ; Daniel 7 : 27. 24 For I say unto you, that none of those men which were bidden, shall taste of my sup- per. What is said of those who have refused to believe the Gospel message ? Matthew 8 : 11, 12. What shall be the condemnation of those who reject the Gospel ? Matthew 21 : 42, 43, 44 ; Hebrews 10 : 26-29. 104 THE GOSPELS. LESSON XXXII. THIRD SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. St. Luke 15 : 1-10. JOY OYER REPENTING SINNERS. Wliat is the Gospel for this day ? What does it teach us ? 1 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. Why did the Jews hate the publicans ? Luke 20 : 21, 22. They were the collectors of Roman taxes. How did they reproach the Saviour in this connection ? Luke 7 : 34. How did the Pharisees feel toward the publicans ? Luke 18 : 11. Why did Jesus receive sinners ? Matthew 1 : 21 ; Matthew 9 : 12, 13. 3 And he spake this parable unto them, say- ing* 4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it ? Why did Jesus relate this parable to them ? Luke 19 : 22 ; John 10 : 12, 13. How does the Lord describe unfaithful shepherds? Ezekiel 34 : 4, 5, 6. What does he say of the good shepherd ? Ezekiel 34 : 11, 12, 13. Who was this good shepherd ? John 10 : 11, 14. THE GOSPELS. 105 What did he do for the lost sheep? Hebrews 2 : 9, 10 . 5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he cometh home, he calleth to- gether his friends and neighbors, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. What did David do for his flock ? 1 Samuel 17 : 84, 85. What does the Lord promise in reference to his flock ? Ezekiel 34 : 22, 23, 24. What will the good shepherd do for his flock? Psalm 23 : 2, 3, 5. 7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons which need no repentance. Over what does he say there is joy in heaven ? Why is this? James 5 : 19, 20. What victories on earth give joy in heaven ? Reve- lation 12 : 11, 12. Are there any just persons who need no repentance? Romans 3 : 10, 23 ; Galatians 3 : 22 ; Acts 17 : 30. In whom is the Saviour glorified ? Revelation 5 : 9, 10 . 8 Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek dili- gently till she find it ? Whom did the Lord mean by the sheep that had never wandered, and the pieces of money which had not been lost ? Psalm 103 : 20 ; Hebrews 1 : 6, 14. What was the woman’s conduct in this parable? What did the Lord mean by this ? Luke 19 : 10 ; Eze- kiel 34 : 11, 16. 106 THE GOSPELS. Where does he search for his lost ones? John 17 : 11, 16. What does he say to them when he finds them in the world? 2 Corinthians 6 : 17, 18. What is the candle with which he searches for them ? Psalm 119 : 105 ; Hebrews 4 : 12, 13. 9 And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbors together, saying, Rejoice with me ; for I have found the piece which I had lost. 10 Likewise, I say unto you, There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. Does the conversion of sinners make great joy on earth? Acts 8 : 6, 8 ; Acts 8 : 39 ; Acts 11 : 23. Do the faithful ministers of Christ rejoice over the conversion of sinners ? 1 Thessalonians 2 : 19, 20 ; 1 Thessalonians 3 : 7, 8, 9. Do the angels rejoice over the conversion of men? Revelation 5 : 11, 12. Does the Saviour rejoice over the souls he has re- deemed ? Isaiah 53 : 11 ; Ephesians 1 : 6, 7, 12 ; Reve- lation 21 : 23 ; 22 : 3, 4, 5. THE GOSPELS. 10T less6n xxxiii. FOURTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY, St. Luke 6:36-42. DUTY TO OUR FELLOW-MEN. What is the Gospel for this day ? In what does it instruct us ? 36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful. How merciful is our Father in heaven ? Psalm 145 : 9. How long does his mercy endure ? Psalm 100 : 5. What does his mercy do for men ? Micah 7 : 18. How then ought we to imitate him? Ephesians 5 : 1, 2 ; Ephesians 4 : 31, 32. 37 Judge not, and ye shall not he judged: condemn not, and ye shall not he condemned : forgive, and ye shall he forgiven. What is the first act of mercy of which the Lord here speaks? John 7 : 24. Can you give some instances of this wrong judg- ment ? 1 Samuel 1 : 12-16 ; Matthew 1 : 18-20. What does the apostle Paul say about rash judg- ment ? Romans 14 : 10-13. How did our Lord rebuke this condemning of our fel low-men ? Matthew 18 : 23, 35. What rule did he give about the forgiveness of others \ Matthew 18 : 21-22. 38 Give, and it shall he given unto you ; good measure, pressed down, and' shaken to- gether, and running over, shall men give into your hosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. 108 THE GOSPELS. What is the next fruit of this mercy of which the Lord speaks ? What is the rule appointed for the rich ? 1 Timothy 6 : 17-19. What is the rule for those who are not rich ? 2 Corin- thians 8 : 1-5. What is the Saviour’s rule for all ? Matthew 7 : 12. What may we expect to gain by true benevolence ? Proverbs 11 : 24, 25, 26. What is our Lord’s promise ? Matthew 10 : 40, 41, 42. 39 And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind ? shall they not both fall into the ditch ? Who is our best guide ? Jeremiah 3:4; Psalm 118 : 8, 9. What is our best rule in following him ? Proverbs 4 : 25, 26, 27 ; Ephesians 5 : 15, 16. Whom does the Lord mean by blind guides ? 2 Peter 1:9. What does the Lord say he will do for the blind if they seek him ? Isaiah 42 : 16. 40 The disciple is not above his master : but every one that is perfect shall be as his mas- ter. In what did the Saviour say his disciples must be like him ? Matthew 20 : 29. What was the Saviour’s suffering ? Hebrew 12 : 2. What does Paul say he gave up for Christ ? Philip- pians 3 : 8. If we are faithful in following Jesus, what will be our reward? 2 Timothy 2 : 11, 12, 13. How shall we be as he is? Psalm 17 : 15 ; 1 John 3 : 2. 41 And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother’s eye, but perceivest not the beam that is in thine own eye ? THE GOSPELS. 109 What did Jesus mean by beholding the mote in a brother’s eye ? Isaiah 29 : 21 ; Amos 5 : 10, 12 ; Acts 15 : 37-39 ; 1 Corinthians 13 : 4, 5. What did he mean by not perceiving the beam in their own eye? Romans 2:1; Romans 2 : 21, 22 ; Reve- lation 3 : 17 ; Job 32 : 1 ; Isaiah 5 : 21. 42 Either how canst thou say to thy brother, Brother, let me pull out the mote that is in thine eye, when thou thyself beholdest not the beam that is in thine own eye ? Thou hypo- crite, cast out first the beam out of thine own eye, and then shalt thou see clearly to pull out the mote that is in thy brother’s eye. When we try to do good to others, what ought we to be ourselves? Isaiah 52 : 11. What view should we take of our own character? Isaiah 51 : 1. What did Paul say he did while he tried to teach others ? 1 Corinthians 9 : 27. In what way did he tell Timothy he must avoid the contempt of others ? 1 Timothy 4 : 12. How far may we ask others to follow our example ? 1 Corinthians 11 : 1. What ought to be our example among men? 1 Thessalonians 2 : 10, 11, 12. 110 THE GOSPELS. LESSON XXXIY. FIFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. St. Luke 5 : 1-11. THE SUCCESSFUL FISHING. What is the Gospel for this day ? What is the subject of its narration ? 1 And it came to pass, that as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, 2 And saw two ships standing by the lake : but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. Why did the people so press upon Jesus? Luke 4 :22; Mark 12 : 37. What was the great message from God which he came to tell ? Luke 4 : 16-20. Are not all classes of men equally interested in this ? Acts 2 : 39 ; Acts 4 : 12. 3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. What is the peculiar privilege of those who go in ships upon the sea ? Psalm 107 : 23-29. Who was it that was now in Simon’s ship? Job 38 : 1, 8-11. Who was the Creator of the sea ? Colossians 1 : 16, 17 ; Nehemiah 9 : 6. What use did he now make of Simon’s ship ? Vs. 3. In what did he teach them ? John 8 : 26-28. 4 Now when he had left speaking, he said THE GOSPELS. Ill unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. 5 And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. 6 And when they had this done, they' in- closed a great multitude of fishes : and their net brake. Who is it that directs our path in life ? Proverbs 16:9. What is said of hi$ path ? Psalm 77 : 19 ; John 13:7. What is our duty when he directs us ? Psalm 119 : 59, 60 ; John 2 : 5. Did Simon immediately obey ? Ought we ever to hesitate when he commands ? Psalm 27 : 8. What was the result of Simon’s obedience ? Shall we not always prosper if we obey the Lord ? Psalm 118 : 8, 9 ; Homans 8 : 28 ; 1 Timothy 4:8. 7 And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. What does the Lord promise us if we obey him ? Psalm 81 : 10 ; Malachi 3 : 10. May we expect earthly prosperity as the followers of Jesus? 1 Timothy 6 : 6, 7, 8 ; Hebrews 13 : 5, 6. Does not earthly prosperity often prove an evil ? 1 Timothy 6 : 9, 10 ; Luke 6 : 24, 25. What was the prayer of Agur ? Proverbs 30 : 7, 8, 9. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, Depart from me ; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. 9 For he was astonished, and all that were 112 THE GOSPELS. with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken : Why was Simon afraid ? Exodus 20 : 19, 20 ; Judges 13 : 22. Does conscious sins make us afraid of God ? Genesis 3 : 8-11. What did this miracle show Jesus to be ? Psalm 89 : 8, 9 ; Micah 5 : 2. 10 And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Si- mon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not: from henceforth thou shalt catch men. 11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him. What did the Lord say to Simon, to remove his fear ? What did he mean by catching men? Matthew 13 : 47, 48. How were the Lord’s apostles to catch men ? Acts 1 : 8 . When did they do this ? Acts 2 : 40, 41 ; Acts 11 : 20, 21 ; Romans 15 : 18, 19. What was the effect of this promise on the disciples ? What did Jesus afterward promise to them for this ? Matthew 19 : 27-29. Will it be always well for those who truly follow Jesus? 2 Corinthians 12 : 9, 10 ; John 17 : 24. THE GOSPELS. 113 LESSON XXXV. SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. St. Matthew 5 : 20-26. CHRISTIAN RECONCILIATION. What is the Gospel appointed for this day ? What does it teach us ? 20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. Righteousness is perfect obedience to the laws of God. Can any man he perfectly obedient to God ? Romans 8 : 10 ; Ecclesiastes 7:20; James 2 : 10 ; Romans 3 : 20. Who has offered this perfect obedience to God ? Ro- mans 10 : 4; Isaiah 42 : 21. What, then, is our ground of hope before God ? Phi- lippians 3 : 8, 9. What was the righteousness of the scribes and Phari- sees ? Matthew 23 : 23. What ought our obedience to be ? Romans 6 : 17 ; 1 Peter 2 : 21-23. 21 Ye have heard that it was said by them of old time, Thou shalt not kill ; and whoso- ever shall kill shall be in danger of the judg- ment : Who said to man, Thou shalt not kill? Exodus 20 : 13 ; Genesis 9 : 6. What did they mean by the judgment? Numbers 35 : 29, 30, 31. Is there not another judgment beyond this? 1 John 3 : 15 ; Revelation 21 : 8. 22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is 114 THE GOSPELS. angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment : and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in dan- ger of the council : but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell-fire. Should we not avoid unreasonable or unjust anger ? James 2 : 13 ; 2 Timothy 2 : 24, 25, 26. Should we ever use reproachful language, calling others by degrading names ? Ephesians 4 : 31, 32 ; Titus 3 : 2, 3 ; 1 Peter 3 : 9, 10 ; Psalm 50 : 19-22. Ought we to speak any evil of others ? James 4 : 11, 12 . How are we to resist the sin of evil speaking ? 1 Pe- ter 2 : 12, 21-23. 2 Corinthians 6 : 6-8. 23 Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee. 24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way ; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift. Will God accept our worship if we allow hatred in our hearts ? 1 John 4 : 20 ; Proverbs 28 : 9 ; 1 Samuel 15 : 22. How are we to offer acceptable worship to God ? Co- lossians 3 : 12-15 ; Romans 14 : 18, 19. Will God hear us if we cherish sin in our hearts? Psalm 66 : 18-20 ; 1 Peter 3 : 10-12. What is the spirit with which we ought to worship God? James 3 : 17, 18 ; Hebrews 12 : 28, 29. 25 Agree with thine adversary quickly, w T hile thou art in the way with him ; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison. 26 Verily, I say unto thee, Thou shalt by no THE GOSPELS. 115 means come out thence, till thou hast paid the uttermost farthing. If our adversary he our fellow-man, how are we to agree with him ? Matthew 5 : 44 ; Mark 11 : 25 ; Luke 19 : 8. If our adversary be Satan, what are we to do ? 1 Pe- ter 5 : 8-11. If by our sins we have made God an adversary, what shall we do? 1 Peter 5 : 6, 7 ; Proverbs 28 : 13 ; 2 Co- rinthians 5 : 20, 21. Will God freely forgive the sins of those who seek his mercy? Isaiah 1 : 16, 17, 18; Isaiah 55 : 7 ; 1 John 2 : 1 , 2 . Will God accept the impenitent and unbelieving? Proverbs 11 : 21 ; John 3 : 36 ; 1 Corinthians 6 : 9, 10. What, then, ought we to do ? Hebrews 3 : 12, 13 ; Hebrews 10 : 19-22. # 116 THE GOSPELS. LESSON XXXVI. SEVENTH SUNDAY APTER TRINITY. St. Mark 8 : 1-9. THE FEEDING OF THE MULTITUDE. What is tlie Gospel for tliis day ? What great fact does it describe ? 1 In those days the multitude being very great, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples unto him, and saith unto them, 2 I have compassion on the multitude, be- cause they have now been with me three days, and have nothing to eat : What was the condition of men when the Saviour came to them ? Matthew 9 : 36 ; Ezekiel 34 : 5, 6 : Psalm 107 : 4, 5. What was the feeling of the Saviour toward perish- ing man ? Psalm 78 : 38 ; Isaiah 59 : 16. Does he wish to save all men ? Ezekiel 33 : 11 ; 1 Timothy 2 : 4, 5, 6. What proof did the people give in this verse of their desire to hear him ? How did he meet their wants ? Psalm 104 : 27, 28. 3 And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint by the way : for divers of them came from far. Does Jesus send any away who come to him ? John 6 : 37 ; Isaiah 41 : 17. Can any other being supply his place ? John 6 : 68, 69. What blessings does he bestow on those who seek him ? James 1 : 17 ; Psalm 84 : 11. How does Jesus refresh the weary ? Matthew 11:28, 29 ; Isaiah 40 : 10, 11. THE GOSPELS. 117 4 And his disciples answered him, From whence can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness ? 5 And he asked them, How many loaves have ye ? And they said, Seven. What was the difficulty which the disciples sug- gested ? Can any man supply the real wants of his fellow- men ? Psalm 49 : 7, 8, 9. What is the true bread which all men need ? John 6 : 83, 35. Is the Lord dependent upon any means to supply our wants ? 1 Samuel 14 : 6 ; Psalm 33 : 9. Why did he ask them ? John 6 : 5, 6. 6 And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground : and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and brake, and gave to his disci- ples to set before them ; and they did set them before the people. Why did he command them to sit down ? 1 Corin- thians 14 : 33, 40 ; Mark 6 : 39, 40. Why did he give thanks ? 1 Timothy 4 : 4, 5. With what feeling does he then teach to worship God ? Psalm 95 : 1, 2. Is there another bread than this which men need ? John 6 : 51. What should be our desire in reference to this? John 6 : 34. What is the duty of the Lord’s ministers in reference to this ? Acts 20 : 28 ; 1 Peter 5:2. 7 And they had a few small fishes : and he blessed, and commanded to set them also be- fore them. 8 So they did eat, and were filled : and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets. 118 THE GOSPELS. 9 And they that had eaten were about four thousand : and he sent them away. How did the Saviour furnish all this food? John 1:3; Colossians 1 : 16. Does he always satisfy those who come to him? Psalm 107 : 9 ; Philippians 4 : 19 ; Luke 15 : 17. What illustrations of his bounty does his word re- late ? 1 Kings 17 : 11-16 ; 2 Kings 4 : 1-7. What did the Lord direct in regard to these frag- ments ? John 6 : 12. What does he command us in reference to all the bounties we receive ? Deuteronomy 8 : 10, 11. THE GOSPELS. 119 LESSON XXXVII. EIGHTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. St. Mattheio 7 : 15-21. TRUE PERSONAL PIETY. What is the Gospel for to-day ? What dees it teach us ? 15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Did the Lord warn them that such deceivers should come ? Matthew 24 : 23, 24, 25. Did such pretended teachers arise ? Acts 5 : 34^87. What was the sheep’s clothing with which they came ? Galatians 1 : 6-9 ; 2 Corinthians 11 : 13-15. Were Christians to submit to this false teaching ? Galatians 2 : 5, 6. What did the Lord mean by their being “ ravening wolves” ? 2 Peter 2 : 1-3, 13-15 ; Jude 11-13. What did the Lord say of the guilt of such false teach- ers ? Matthew 18 : 6 ; Mark 14 : 21. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of this- tles ? What did the Lord mean by “ their fruits” ? What are the fruits of sin ? Matthew 15 : 18, 19, 20 ; Galatians 5 : 19, 20, 21. What are the fruits of holiness ? Galatians 5 : 22, 23, 24 ; Philippians 4:8. ' What did God tell Adam his sin should produce for him ? Genesis 3 : 17, 18. How are men to have “ grapes and figs” instead of “ thorns and thistles” ? 1 John 3 : 9, 10 ; James 3 : 17 ; Matthew 18 : 3. i2a THE GOSPELS. 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit ; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. What does he mean by a “ good tree” ? Matthew 15 : 13 ; Isaiah 61 : 3. What is a corrupt tree ? John 15 : 2, 6 ; Hosea 10 •: 1. Why does not a good tree bring forth evil fruit ? 1 John 3 : 9 ; 1 John 5 : 18 ; Psalm 37 : 23, 24 ; 1 Peter 1 : 5. Why cannot a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit ? 1 John 2 : 16, 17 ; Matthew 12 : 34, 35 ; Romans 7:5; Romans 8 : 7, 8. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. What difference does it make whether we bring forth good fruit or evil fruit ? 1 Corinthians 6 : 9, 10 ; Reve- lation 21 : 27 ; Revelation 22 : 14, 15 ; Revelation 21 * 8 What ought we then to do? Titus 2 : 11, 12, 13 ; Romans 13 : 13, 14 ; Galatians 5 : 24, 25, 26. How are men to be judged at last? John 5 : 28, 29 ; 2 Corinthians 5 : 10 ; Romans 2 : 6-11. 21 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. How are we to be cleansed from sin ? 1 John 1 : 7 2:2. To whom must we go for this? John 6 : 68 ,* Acts 4:12. THE GOSPELS. 121 Will the words of prayer be sufficient for us ? Mat thew 15 : 8, 9 ; Matthew 7 : 22, 23, What is required of us in following Jesus ? Romans 6 : 17 ; 1 Peter 2 : 21 ; James 3 : 13. What is the will of our Father in heaven? John 6, 40 ; Hebrews 10 : 19-23 ; 1 Thessalonians 4 : 1-4. 122 THE GOSPELS. LESSON XXXVIII. NINTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY, St. Luke 16 : 1-9. THE PAH ABLE OF THE STEWARD. What is the Gospel for this day ? What is its subject of instruction ? 1 Jesus said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man which had a steward ; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. v To whom did the Lord address' this parable ? What did he mean to teach them by it ? 1 Corin- thians 7 : 81. Who was represented by this rich man ? Ephesians 2 : 4, 5. Whom did the steward represent? 1 Corinthians 4 : 1, 2. To whom are we to account for all that we possess ? Romans 14 : 11, 12. 2 And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee ? give an ac- count of thy stewardship ; for thou mayestbe no longer steward. When will God call us to our account for our steward- ship ? Psalm 49 : 17 ; Job 1 : 21. , For what must we then give an account? Eccle- siastes 12 : 14. Is death the close of our stewardship ? Ecclesiastes 9 : 5, 6. How ought we then to live in earthly things ? 1 Corinthians 7 : 29, 30 ; Colossians 3 : 1, 2, 3. 3 Then the steward said within himself, THE GOSPELS. 123 What shall I do ? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship : I cannot dig ; to beg I am ashamed. 4 I am resolved what to do, that when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses. What was this steward seeking in earthly things ? Ys. 4 ; Jeremiah 45 : 4, 5. What things ought we to seek ? Matthew 6 : 19, 20, 33 ; 1 Corinthians 10 : 24 ; Romans 14 : 8, 19. What did this steward fear ? Vs 3. How will God reward his stewards ? Romans 2 : 6-11. Can men resist his judgment ? Ezekiel 22 : 14 ; Pro- verbs 11 : 21. How then ought we to act ? Matthew 10 : 28 ; Acts 24 : 16. 5 So he called every one of his lord’s debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord? 6 And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty. 7 Then said he to another, And how much owest thou ? And he said, An hundred meas- ures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write four-score. What was the accusation made against this steward ? Y. 1. What did he now propose to do ? Ys. 5, 6, 7. Did he show any repentance for his former sin? Romans 2 : 5, 6. Did he do wisely to persevere in his sin ? Deutero- nomy 29 : 19, 20. What ought we to do when God accuses us of sin ? Psalm 38 : 1.8 ; Proverbs 28 : 13. 124 THE GOSPELS. Can we conceal our sins from God ? Psalm 139 : 11, 12 . Can we ever really gain by doing wrong ? Mark 8 : 36, 37. 8 And the lord commended the unjust stew- ard, because he had done wisely : for the child- ren of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light. Does our Lord mean that Tie commended this stew- ard ? What was the one thing the lord of this steward commended in him ? Proverbs 22 : 3 ; Hosea 12 : 7, 8. Who are the children of this world? Ephesians 2 : 1, 2, 3. Who are the children of light ? Ephesians 5 : 8 ; 1 John 3, 10 ; 1 Thessalonians 5 : 4, 5, 6, 8. How are we to learn wisdom from the children of this world ? 1 Corinthians 9 : 24-27 ; Matthew 13 : 44-46. 9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness ; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. By the “ mammon of unrighteousness/’ the Lord means earthly riches, which unrighteous men worship. How are we to make friends of these ? 1 Timothy 6 : 17, 18, 19 ; Psalm 41 : 1, 2, 3. How will they receive us to everlasting habitations ? Matthew 25 : 34-40 ; 2 Timothy 4 : 5-8. THE GOSPELS. 125 LESSON XXXIX. TENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. St. Luke 19 : 41-47. THE GUILT OF REJECTING JESUS. What is the Gospel for this day ? What does it teach us ? 41 And when he was come near, he be- held the city, and wept over it, What city was this ? Matthew 23 : 37. Why did the Saviour weep ? John 11 : 35, 38. What was the first time that Jesus came to Jerusa- lem ? Luke 2 : 22. Who received him then ? Luke 2 : 25. What was the last time ? Matthew 21 : 1-3. Who welcomed him then ? Matthew 21 : 8, 9, 15, 16. 42 Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which be- long unto thy peace ! but now they are hid from thine eyes. Who rejected him when he came last to Jerusalem ? Matthew 21 : 45, 46. What parables were they which so offended them ? Matthew 21 : 28, 33, 43. W^hat was the day of which the Lord spoke ? Mala- clii 3 : 1, 2. Did Israel refuse this message ? John 1 : 10, 11. What did he come to bring them ? Zechariah 9:9; Acts 3 : 26. How did they lose these great blessings ? Acts 3 : 13, 14, 15. 43 For the days shall come upon thee, that thine enemies shall cast a trench about thee, 126 THE GOSPELS. and compass thee round, and keep thee in on every side. What did the Saviour come to proclaim to the Jews? Isaiah 61 : 2. Do you know any thing of the history of this destruc- tion of Jerusalem ? It was accomplished by the Roman armies between thirty or forty years after this. Were those who rejected Jesus more guilty than others ? Matthew 11 : 20-24. Shall not we be equally guilty if we refuse to have him as our Saviour? Hebrews 2 : 2, 3; Hebrews 10 : 28, 29. Can we be saved without him ? Acts 4 : 12. 44 And shall lay thee even with the ground, and thy children within thee ; and they shall not leave in thee one stone upon another ; be- cause thou knewest not the time of thy visita- tion. Had this destruction been foretold ? Micah 3 : 8, 12. Did Moses describe it to the Israelites ? Deuterono- my 28 : 49-52. Why did he say all these sorrows should come upon Israel ? Deuteronomy 28 : 47, 48, 62, 63. What did the Saviour say in this verse was the rea- son of their punishment ? Who had described this time ? Genesis 49 : 10 ; Daniel 9 : 25, 26. What does Paul say of these unbelieving Jews ? 2 Corinthians 3 : 14, 15. How long shall this blindness of Israel continue ? 2 Corinthians 3 : 16 ; Romans 11 : 25, 26. 45 And he went into the temple, and began to cast out them that sold therein, and them that bought. Had Jesus ever assumed this authority before ? John 2 : 13-17. THE GOSPELS. 127 What sign did he then give them of his authority ? John 2 : 18-21. What did he say of himself in reference to the tem- ple ? Matthew 12 : 6. What had been said of his coming to the temple ? Malachi 3 : 1, 5. 46 Saying unto them, It is written, My house is the house of prayer : but ye have made it a den of thieves. 47 And he taught daily in the temple. Where was this promise written ? Isaiah 56 : 7. How ought we to esteem the house of God ? Psalm 26 : 8. What did Jesus say the Jews had made it ? What did he mean by it ? Jeremiah 7 : 8-11. Where should Jesus dwell with us ? Ephesians 3 : 16, 17. What dwells in our hearts in our sinful nature ? Mat- thew 15 : 19-20. How are these dwellers in our hearts to be changed ? Ephesians 4 : 21-24. Who will teach us the truth of God ? John 6 : 45 ; 1 John 2 : 20, 27. 128 THE GOSPELS. LES§ON XL. ELEVENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. St. Luke 18 : 9-14. THE PHARISEE AND THE PUBLICAN. What is the Gospel for this day ? What is its subject? 9 And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others. To whom did J esus address this parable ? Is any man righteous before God in himself? 1 Kings 8 : 46 ; Ecclesiastes 7 ; 20 ; Romans 3 : 9, 10, 23. May any man then justly trust in himself? Proverbs 28 : 26 ; Jeremiah 17 : 56. May any man despise another ? Proverbs 11 : 12 ; Proverbs 14 : 21 ; Romans 14 : 10. Who is righteous before God? Romans 3 : 21, 22 ; 1 John 3 : 7. 10 Two men went up into the temple to pray ; the one a Pharisee, and the other a pub- lican. What was Solomon’s petition in reference to the temple ? 1 Kings 8 : 38, 39. What was the Lord’s promise in answer to this prayer ? 1 Kings 9 : 3. Who were the Pharisees ? Matthew 23 : 1, 2, 3. Who were the publicans ? Luke 5 : 27. Whose prayers does God regard ? Acts 10 : 34, 35 ; John 4 : 23 ; 1 Samuel 16 : 7 ; Hebrews 11 : 6. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as THE GOSPELS. 129 other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. What was the first part of this Pharisee’s prayer ? Romans 10 : 3 ; Romans 2 : 17, 18. What had the Lord said of such persons as this man ? Isaiah 65 : 2, 5 ; Isaiah 1 : 12, 13, 15. Will God ever accept the boasting of man ? Obadiah 3 : 4 ; Job 9 : 30-32. Can any man truly say that he has not sinned ? 1 John 1 : 8, 9, 10 ; Revelation 3 : 17, 18. 12 I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. What had God said to Israel about their fasts ? Isaiah 58 : 2, 3, 4. What did he consider an acceptable fast? Isaiah 58 : 5, 6, 7. What had the Saviour said about fasting ? Matthew 6 : 16, 17, 18. What had he said about giving of alms ? Matthew 6:1-4. What were tithes ? Leviticus 27 : 30, 32. Did God require their tithes ? Malachi 3 : 8, 9, 10. Would their tithes alone be acceptable? 1 Samuel 15 : 22. 13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. Why would not the publican lift up his eyes to heaven ? Ezra 9:6; Daniel 9:8. What was the sacrifice which he brought ? Psalm 51 : 16, 17. What is the encouragement given to such persons ? Psalm 34 : 18 ; Psalm 147 : 3 ? What invitation does God give to them ? Jeremiah 3 : 12, 13, 14. 130 THE GOSPELS. Whom does the Saviour invite to himself? Matthew 11 : 28, 29. 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other : for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased ; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. Can any man justify himself? Job 9 : 20 ; Romans 3 : 19, 20 ; Job 9 : 1, 2, 3. How can man be justified before God ? Romans 3 : 24 ; Romans 5:9; Romans 5 : II In whom are our prayers accepted ? Hebrews 10:19, 20, 22 ; 1 Timothy 2 : 5, 6, 8 ; Revelation 8 : 3, 4 ; John 14:6. What views of ourselves and of the Saviour will the Holy Spirit give us ? Philppians 3 : 7, 8. 9. THE GOSPELS. 181 LESSON XLI. TWELFTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. St Mark 7 : 31-37. THE DEAF AND DUMB MAN CURED. What is the Gospel for this day ? What does it describe ? 31 Jesus, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Sidon, came unto the sea of Galilee, through the midst of the coasts of Decapolis. Where did Jesus first begin his public ministry? Matthew 4 : 12-16. Where were the cities of Tyre and Sidon ? Isaiah 23 : 8, 9 ; Ezekiel 27 : 3, 8. What did he say of Tyre and Sidon in reference to his own ministry ? Matthew 11 : 21, 22. 32 And they bring unto him one that was deaf, and had an impediment in his speech ; and they beseech him to put his hand upon him. What was prophesied concerning the deaf and dumb at the Saviour’s coming ? Isaiah 35 : 5, 6 ; Isaiah 29 : 18. To whom should we carry all our griefs ? John 6 : 68 ; Colossians 1 : 18, 19. What message did Jesus send to John of the truth of his mission ? Matthew 11 : 46. How was this a proof of his authority ? John 14 : 10, n. 33 And he took him aside from the multi- tude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue. When is it well to go with the multitude ? Psalm 42:4; 111:1. 132 THE GOSPELS. When is it better to be alone ? Matthew 6 : 6. How must we seek the Lord at all times ? 1 Chroni- cles 28 : 9. Who gives us the power of hearing ? Proverbs 20 : 12 . What is the great message which it is our privilege to hear ? 1 John 5 : 11, 12 ; John 8 : 16, 17. What is the condemnation of those who refuse to hear it ? Isaiah 6 : 9, 10. 34 And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and saith unto him, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened. 35 And straightway his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spake plain. Who alone could thus command and be obeyed? Psalm 33 : 8, 9. Could men see all these proofs of divine power, and not believe ? Deuteronomy 29 : 2, 3, 4 ; Ezekiel 12 : 2. What did unbelieving Jews say of the Lord’s mira- cles ? Matthew 12 : 22-24. What did the Saviour say was their condemnation ? John 3 : 19. What influence should such an example have on us ? Hebrews 3 : 12, 13. 36 And he charged them that they should tell no man : but the more he charged them, so much the more a great deal they published it. Why did Jesus not wish it to be made public? John 7:6,7; Luke 13': 32, 33. What did the Jews once desire to do when they saw his power ? John 6 : 15. When Pilate asked him if he were a king, what did he say ? John 18 : 36, 37. When did he allow his true greatness to be pro- claimed ? Acts 2 : 32, 33 ; Acts 5 : 30-32. THE GOSPELS. 133 37. And were beyond measure astonished, saying, He hath done all things well : he maketh both the deaf to hear, and the dumb to speak. May we not always say of Jesus, that lie doeth all things well ? Romans 8 : 28. How may we describe the bounties we receive from him ? Psalm 103 : 2-5 ; Isaiah 1 : 18, 19 ; 1 Timothy 4:8. What then is our highest privilege ? Philippians 4 : 8, 9. 134 THE GOSPELS. * LESSON XLII. THIRTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. St. Luke 10 : 23-37. THE GOOD SAMARITAN. What is the Gospel for this day ? What is its subject ? 23 Blessed are the eyes which see the things that ye see. 24 For I tell you, that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them ; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. , What were the things which they saw ? Luke 2 : 25- 30. Who had desired to see them ? Matthew 11 : 2-6 ; Acts 26 : 6, 7 ; 1 Peter 1 : 10, 11, 12. What impression ought these things to make on us ? Hebrews 2 : 1, 3, 4. 25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life ? 26 He said unto him, What is written in the law ? how readest thou ? What has God given to us as our guide to eternal life? Psalm 119 : 130 ; John 17 : 17. Where are we to find this word of God ? 2 Timothy 3 : 15, 16. By whom must we be taught in this word ? John 16 : 13, 14, 27 And he answering, said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with THE GOSPELS. 135 all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind ; £nd thy neighbor as thy- self. 28 And he said unto him, Thou hast an- swered right : this do, and thou shalt live. Where are these precepts written in the law of God ? Deuteronomy 6 : 4, 5 ; Leviticus 19 : 18. Did any one ever do this perfectly ? Romans 8 : 19, 23. Who alone has fulfilled a perfect obedience to God ? Jeremiah 23 : 5, 6 ; Isaiah 42 : 21. 29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbor ? 30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Can any man justify himself? Job 9 : 20 ; 25 : 4. Whom does the Saviour mean to describe as the neighbor to be loved ? Exodus 23 : 9 ; Leviticus 25 : 35 ; Deuteronomy 10 : 18, 19. In what condition was this stranger found? Vs. 30. What has been the mercy of God to us? Psalm 136 : 23 ; Ezekiel 16 : 5, 6 ; Ephesians 2 : 4-6. . 31 And by chance there came down a cer- tain priest that way : and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side. What ought to be the character of a priest of the Lord ? Malachi 2 : 6, 7 ; 1 Peter 5 : 3, 4. Who were the Levites ? Numbers 3 : 12, 13. What ought to be their character ? Psalm 89 : 7 ; Isaiah 52 : 11. 136 THE GOSPELS. Did these men do their Lord’s will ? Proverbs 14 : 21 ; Hebrews 5 : 1, 2 ; Matthew 25 : 42-45. 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was : and when he saw him, he had compassion on him, 34 And went to him, and hound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. Were the Samaritans on good terms with the Jews ? John 4 : 9. Did the Saviour confine his love or promises to the Jews ? Matthew 8 : 11, 12. What does he command us to be ? Luke 6 : 35, 36. Did this man show this spirit? Who is the great pattern of it ? 1 John 4 : 10-12. 35 And on the morrow, when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him ; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee. 36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbor unto him that fell among the thieves ? 37 And he said, He that showed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise. Was not this man truly a friend? Proverbs 17 : 17 ; 18 : 24 ; 27 : 10. What does the Lord teach us about liberality ? Eccle- siastes 11 : 1, 2 ; Proverbs 11 : 25, 26 ; Matthew 5 : 45, 46. Will such liberality be for our own happiness ? Psalm 41 : 1-3 ; Psalm 112 : 4-9. Who is the one true friend to fallen men? John 10 : 11 ; 1 John 3 : 16, 17 ; 2 Corinthians 8 : 9. 7 9 THE GOSPELS, 137 LESSON XLIII. FOURTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. St. Luke 17 : 11-19. THE GRATEFUL LEPER. What is the Gospel for to-day ? What is its subject ? 11 And it came to pass, as he went to Jeru- salem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. Where was Jesus going ? What country was he passing through ? W T ho were the inhabitants of Samaria? 2 Kings 17 : 6, 24. Who inhabited Galilee ? Isaiah 9:1. 12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off. What was the effect of leprosy ? Numbers 12 : 10-18. Why did these men stand afar off? Leviticus 13 : 45, 46. How did leprosy represent the sinfulness of men ? Isaiah 1 : 5, 6. 13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. What did they ask from Jesus ? Could man heal the leprosy ? 2 Kings 5 : 1, 3, 7, 10, 14 ; 2 Chronicles 26 : 21. Who alone can heal the leprosy of sin ? Acts 4 : 10, 12 . How does he heal us ? Titus 3 : 4-7. 14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go show yourselves unto the priests. 138 THE GOSPELS, And it Game to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. For what purpose must they show themselves unto the priests ? Leviticus 14 : 1, 2, 8, 9. Did they not show their faith in Jesus by their obe- dience to his commands? James 2 : 17, 18; Psalm 18 : 44. What blessing did they receive in thus believing ? Vs. 14. What can cleanse us from our sins ? 1 John 1 : 7. When shall we be cleansed ? 1 John 1:7; Isaiah 1 : 18-20. 15’ And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks. What feeling prompted this return ? Psalm 116 : 12-14. What was the difference between him and the others ? Romans 1 : 21. What did this man do ? Psalm 50 : 23. At whose feet did he fall down ? Romans 9 : 5. For what did he give thanks ? Psalm 103 : 2, 3, 4. And he was a Samaritan. What were the relations of the Samaritans to the Jews? John 4: 9. How did the Jews feel toward them ? John 8 : 48. Are those who have the most privileges always the best ? Isaiah 65 : 1, 2 ; Matthew 11 : 20-24 ; Matthew 8 : 10 - 12 . 17 And Jesus answering, said, Were there not ten cleansed ? but where are the nine ? 18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. THE GOSPELS. 139 Had they not all received the same blessing ? What was their sin ? Deuteronomy 32 : 15, 18. What is our great blessing ? 1 Peter 1 : 18, 19. What will be our condemnation ? John 3 : 19. What does God require of us? John 6 : 28, 29: Hebrews 2 : 3. 'Who will return at last to give God the glory for his goodness V Revelation 7 : 9, 10. 19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way : thy faith hath made thee whole. What did the Saviour mean by telling him to go his way ? Ecclesiastes 9:7; Micah 6 : 8. How had his faith made him whole ? Romans 4 : 20, 21 , 22 . Will our faith in the Lord Jesus also save us \ Ro- mans 4 : 23, 24, 28. To whom shall we give the glory at last ? Revela- tion 1 : 5, 6. / 140 THE GOSPELS. LESSON XLIV. FIFTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. St. Matthew 6 : 24-34. REAL TRUST IN GOD. What is the Gospel for this day ? What does it teach us ? 24 No man can serve two masters : for either he will hate the one, and love the other ; or else he* will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. What constitutes real service ? Proverbs 3:1; Pro- verbs 23 : 26. Will men be satisfied with any less ? Malaclii 1 : 6, 8. What does the service of God require ? Colossians 3:1,2; 1 John 2 : 15. 25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink ; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment ? Does the Lord mean that we shall never think of these things ? Hebrews 13 : 5 ; 1 Timothy 6 : 6, 7, 8. How ought we to feel about the things of this life ? Pkilippians 4 : 6. What is our life more than meat and raiment ? Daniel 12 : 3 ; John 17 : 24. 26 Behold the fowls of the air : for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns ; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they ? Are the birds idle and without effort ? Psalm 104 : 16, 17, 27, 28 ; Psalm 147 : 9. THE GOSPELS. 141 Have we a right to be idle ? Proverbs 10:4; 2 Thes- salonians 3 : 10, 11, 12. Why are we much better than they ? Ecclesiastes 3 : 21 ; 12 : 7 ; Job 35 : 10, 11. What is the great privilege which distinguishes us ? John 3 : 16 ; 1 Peter 1 : 18, 19. 27 Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature ? 28 And why take ye thought for raiment ? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow ; they toil not, neither do they spin : 29 And yet I say unto you, That even Solo- mon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. By whom is our outward form determined ? Psalm 119 : 73 ; Psalm 139 : 5, 6. What may the flowers of the field teach us ? Psalm 37 : 3, 4, 5 ; Psalm 37 : 1, 2 ; Isaiah 40 : 6, 7, 8. Are there not higher beauties than the beauty of flowers ? Psalm 110 : 3 ; Isaiah 33:17; 1 Peter 1 : 24, 25. 30 Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith ? What higher benefits than clothing does God give us ? Job 35 : 11 ; Isaiah 48 : 17. What higher blessing than teaching has he given ns ? Romans 8 : 32. To what should all these blessings lead us ? Mark 11 : 22 ; Matthew 22 : 37. 31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed ? 32 (For after all these things do the Gen- 143 THE GOSPELS. tiles seek : for your heavenly Father knowetli that ye have need of all these things. Whom does the Lord mean by Gentiles ? 1 Corinthians 12 ; 2 ; Ephesians 2 : 2, 3. Why did they seek these earthly things alone ? Ro- manis 1 : 21-23 ; Ephesians 2 : 12. To whom are we tanght to look for all we need ? Matthew 7 : 7-12. 33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall fee added unto you. 34 Take therefore no thought for the mor- row : for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. What is the kingdom of God ? Romans 14 : 17, 18. What is the righteousness of God ? Philippians 3:9. Why is it better to trust in God ? 2 Corinthians 9 : 8. To whom shall we leave the provision of the future ? Psalm 31 : 14, 15. What does the Lord promise to those who follow him? Mark 10 : 29, 30. THE GOSPELS. 148 % LESSON XLV. SIXTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. St. LuJce 7 : 11-17. THE WIDOW OF NAIN. What is the Gospel appointed for this day ? What is its subject ? 11 And it came to pass the day after, that Jesus went into a city called Nam ; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people. What was the employment of Jesus in going about Judea ? Acts 10 : 38. Nain was a town of Galilee about twelve miles from the sea. Why did his disciples go with him ? John 6 : 67, 68 , 69 ; 1 Kings 10 : 8, 9. Why did the people follow him? Mark 12 : 37. Ought we not also to delight in him ? Psalm 73 : 25, 26. 12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow : and much people of the city was with her. What did Jesus meet on his approach to Nain ? Ec- clesiastes 12 : 5, 7. What is the lesson which every funeral should teach us ? Ecclesiastes 9 : 10. What are the peculiar circumstances described in this funeral ? What should every young man ^member ? Eccle- siastes 11 : 9 ; 12 : 1 ; 2 Timothy 1 : 10, 13. 144 THE GOSPELS. What is God’s promise to believing widows ? Jere- miah 49 : 11 ; Isaiah 54 : 5. What is the duty of fatherless children to their mother ? 1 Timothy 5 : 3, 4. Why were the people attending this widow? John 11 : 19, 31, 33. 13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not. Why had J esus compassion on her ? Psalm 86 : 15-17. What is his promise to those who believe in him ? Isaiah : 30, 19 ; 60 : 20. To whom should we go in the days of our sorrow ? John 11 : 20-27. Who shall finally put an end to our mourning ? Rev- elation 21 : 4 ; Isaiah 51 : 11. 14 And he came and touched the bier : and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise. "What did Jesus do ? These men obeyed. Must not all things obey him ? Job 9 : 4-8 ; Colossians 1 : 16, 17. Has Jesus power over death? Revelation 1 : 17, 18 ; John 5 : 28, 29. Is there not another life besides that of the body? John 17 : 2, 3. How is the soul raised from its death in sin ? Ephe- sians 2 : 4, 5, 6. Is there any other than Jesus who can give life to the soul ? Acts 4 : 12. 15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother. Did the young man return to life immediately ? How are dead and dying sinners to be brought to life? Ezekiel 16 : r 6. How do godly parents feel when their children really THE GOSPELS. 145 live for God ? Proverbs 10:1; 23 : 15 ; Luke 15 : 20-24 > 3 John 4. 16 And there came a fear on all : and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen np among ns ; and, That God hath visited his peojDle. 17 And this rumor of him went forth throughout all Judea, and throughout all the region round about. What did the miracles of Jesus prove ? John 14:11; John 8 : 29, 30 ; Acts 2 : 22. What effect ought they to have on us? Hebrews 2 : 1-3 ; Acts 2 : 22, 36. Suppose we reject this Saviour ? Is there any other ? Hebrews 10 : 26, 27. What will be the final condition of those who refuse him ? Revelation 6 : 15-17 ; John 3 : 36. 146 THE GOSPELS. LESSON XLVI. SEVENTEENTH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY, St. Luke 14:1-11. USE OF THE SABBATH AND LOWLINESS OF SPIRIT. "YVliat is the Gospel for this day ? What does it teach us ? 1 And it came to pass, as lie went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the sabbath day, that they watched him. What is the duty of hospitality ? 1 Peter 4:9; He- brews IB : 2. How did the Pharisees violate this spirit ? Psalm 41 : 9 ; Jeremiah 20 : 10. What was the spirit which led the Pharisees to this conduct ? James 4 : 5. . 2 And, behold, there was a certain man before him which had the dropsy. 3 And Jesus answering spake unto the law- yers and Pharisees, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath day? 3 And they held their peace. And he took him, and healed him, and let him go. What question did he propose to them ? When was the sabbath appointed ? Genesis 2 : 2, 3 ; Exodus 20 : 11. What did pur Lord teach us concerning the sabbath ? Mark 2 : 27, 28 ; Matthew 12 : 11, 12. How did he answer his own question in this place ? What did he say to the Jews on this subject in John 5 : 16, 17, 18 ? 5 And answered them, saying, Which of t THE GOSPELS. 147 you shall have an ass or an ox fallen into a pit, and will not straightway pull him out on the sabbath day ? 6 And they could not answer him again to these things. How does oar Lord teach ns to observe the Sabbath ? John 4 : 23 ; Hebrews 4:9; Revelation 4:8. Is it not a great privilege to love the Sabbath ? Isaiah 58 : 2 ; Isaiah 58 : 13, 14. 7 And he put forth a parable to those which were bidden, when he marked how they chose out the chief rooms ; saying unto them, 8 When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honorable man than thou be bidden of him ; 9 And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place ; and thou be- gin with shame to take the lowest room. What was the spirit which the Lord reproved in these persons? Job 33 : 16, 17; Psalm 73 : 5, 6 ; Proverbs 16 : 18, 19. What is the spirit he would teach them ? Proverbs 29 : 23 ; James 4 : 10 ; Matthew 18 : 4. How are we to attain this spirit ? Colossians 3 : 12 ; Ephesians 4 : 22, 23, 24. To what will this humble spirit lead us ? Psalm 115 : 1 ; Revelation 4 : 10. Who was the great pattern of this lowliness of mind ? Isaiah 42 : 1, 2, 3 ; Matthew 12 : 17-20. 10 But when thou aft bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher : then slialt thou have worship 148 THE GOSPELS. in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee* 11 For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased, and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. What does God call the gracious privileges of the Gospel ? Isaiah 25 : 6 ; Matthew 22 : 2 ; Revelation 19 : 9. Do we bring any good things of our own to this feast ? Titus 8 : 4, 5, 6 ; Ephesians 2 : 8, 9. With what spirit ought we to come to it? Psalm 51:17; Psalm 34 : 18 ; Job 40 : 3-5 ; 42 : 4-6. What does our Lord represent his accepted servants saying before him ? Matthew 25 : 34-40. How does the Lord overcome this spirit of pride ? 2 Corinthians 12 : 7-9 ; James 1 : 9-11. THE GOSPELS. 149 LESSON XLVIL EIGHTEENTH SUNDAY AFTEE TEINITY. St. Matthew 22 : 34-46. LOYE FOR GOD, GLORY .OF CHRIST. What is the Gospel for this day ? What does it teach us ? 34 But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. 35 Then one of them which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and say- ing, 36 Master, which is the great commandment in the law ? What was the difference between the Pharisees and the Sadducees ? Acts 23 : 7, 8. How had Jesus put the Sadducees to silence ? Mat- thew 22 : 29, 31, 32. What did the Pharisees wish to d® ? Matthew.22 : 15. What did Jesus say of the Jewish lawyers ? Luke 11 : 45, 46. Why did they tempt him ? John 8:6; Matthew 22 : 18. Is there any difference in the authority of divine commandments ? James 2 : 10 ; Luke 16 : 17 ; Mat- thew 5 : 18. Is there any difference in their importance ? Matthew 23 : 23 ; 5 : 19. 37 Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind 38 This is the first and great commandment. 150 , THE GOSPELS. Why should we love God with all our hearts ? Psalm 100 : 3 ; 103 : 2-4 ; 31 : 5 ; John 3 : 16. Why should we love him with all. our souls ? Ezekiel 18 : 4 ; Romans 2 : 9, 10 ; 2 Timothy 1 : 10. Why should we love him with our minds ? Job 35 : 11 ; Isaiah 48 : 17 ; Luke 12 : 56, 57. Will there ever be an end to this commandment ? Psalm 119 : 89 ; 1 Peter 1 : 24, 25. 39 And the second is like nnto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. Who did Jesus say was our neighbor ? Luke 10 : 36, 37. Is any man excluded from this relation to us ? Mat- thew 7 : 12 ; Matthew 6 : 43-45 ; Exodus 23 : 4, 5. What does he mean by saying all the law and the prophets hang on this ? Romans 13 : 8, 9, 10 ; John 13 : 34, 35. 41 While the Pharisees were gathered to- gether, Jesus asked them, 42 Saying, What think ye of Christ? whose son is he ? They say unto him, The son of David. What claims did the Pharisees make ? Romans 2 : 17-21. What question did Jesus ask them? What is the meaning of the word Christ ? Lamen- tations 4 : 20 ; Psalm 2:2; John 4 : 26. Who was this true Messiah ? Luke 2 : 11, 12, 26-30. W^as he thus promised ? Jeremiah 23 : 5, 6 ; 2 Sam- uel 7 : 12, 13, 16. 43 He saith unto them, How then doth Da- vid in spirit call him Lord, saying, 44 The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou on THE GOSPELS. 151 my right hand, till I make thine enemies thy footstool ? Where does David thus address him? Psalm 110 : 1, 2, 4. Who are the enemies of Christ ? Matthew 21 : 37-41 ; Luke 19 : 27 ; Philippians 3 : 18, 19. What will become of his enemies? 1 Corinthians 15 : 25, 26. In what two ways does he reign over these enemies ? Psalm 2 : 8-12 ; Ephesians 2 : 16, 17 ; 2 Thessalonians 1 : 7-9. 45 If David then call him Lord, how is he his son ? 46 And no man was able to answer him a word, neither durst any man, from that day forth, ask him any more questions. Who was Christ ? Philippians 2 : 6, 7, 8 ; 1 Timothy 3 : 16. How did he become David’s son ? John 1 : 14; Gala- tians 4 : 4, 5. How did Jesus show such wisdom and power ? 1 Corinthians 1 : 23, 24; John 2 : 24, 25 ; Hebrews 4 : 12. What should be our relation to Jesus ? Psalm 73 : 24-26 ; John 1 : 12, 13. 152 THE GOSPELS. LESSON NLVIII. NINETEENTH SUNDAY AFTER, TRINITY, St. Matthew 9 : 1-8. THE HEALING OF THE PALSY. What is the Gospel for this day ? "What does it describe ? 1 And Jesus entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. 2 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed. Where was the Saviour’s “ own city ” ? . Luke 4 : 16. What command did he give his disciples about be- ginning their ministry ? Luke 24 : 47. What does St. Paul say is our duty to our kindred ? 1 Timothy 5 : 8. Why did they bring their sick to Jesus ? Matthew 8 : 17. May we carry all our griefs to him ? Isaiah 59 : 1 ; 1 Kings 8 : 38, 39. And Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee. What did the Lord see in these men that he ap- Xiroved ? What does he promise to the prayer of faith ? James 5 : 15 ; Mark 11 : 24; James 4 : 3. What words of encouragement did Jesus speak to this man ? Is pardon for sin glad tidings to man ? Isaiah 44 : 22, 23. How many sins did the Saviour forgive to this man ? What does the Lord teach us about his forgiveness of us? Isaiah 1 : 18 ; Micah 7 : 18, 19 ; 1 John 1 : 7. THE GOSPELS. 153 How are we to get this forgiveness ? Romans 5:1, 2 ; Acts 13 : 38, 39. 3 And, behold, certain of the scribes said within themselves, This man blasphemeth. Why did they charge him with blasphemy ? Mark 2; 6, 7. With whom is the power of forgiveness for sinful men? Daniel 9:9; 1 John 1 : 9. For whose sake does God forgive our sins? Acts 5 : 31 ; Acts 13 : 38, 39 ; Ephesians 1 : 7. 4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, Wherefore think ye evil in your hearts ? 5 For whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee ; or to say, Arise, and walk ? How did Jesus know what they said in their own thoughts ? John 2 : 24, 25 ; Revelation 2 : 23. Can we ever deceive him? Revelation 2 : 18, 19; Psalm 139 : 1-4. What did the Lord me$n by asking which was easier ? Who alone could do either? Genesis 18 : 14 ; Daniel 4 : 35 ; 1 Samuel 2:6. 6 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (then saith he to the sick of the palsy,) Arise, tal^e up thy bed, and go unt6 thine house. What did Jesus wish to sTiow them ? How did he show this to them ? What is the power of the Son of God on earth ? John 5 : 19, 20, 21 ; John 10 : 37, 38. What power has he over the sins of men ? Revela- tion 1 : 5, 6 ; 1 John 1 : 7. Whom did his miracles prove him to be ? Matthew 11 : 3-6. How shall we obtain his forgiveness ? Hebrews 10 : 17-22. 7 And he arose, and departed to his house. 154 : THE GOSPELS. 8 But when the multitudes saw it, they mar- velled, and glorified God, which had given such power unto men. What did this man leave behind him when he went home ? Isaiah 88 : 17 ; Psalm 108 : 3, 12. How did he obtain this great blessing ? Isaiah 88 : 15, 16. ' How shall we be partakers of such mercy ? Ephe- sians 2 : 13, 14 ; Isaiah 45 : 21, 22 ; Isaiah 43 : 25. To whom belongs the praise for this abounding mer- cy ? Revelation 5 : 9, 10, 13 ; Revelation 7 : 9, 10. / « 4 THE GOSPELS. 155 LESSON XLIX. TWENTIETH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY. St. Matthew 22 : 2-14. THE MARRIAGE SUPPER. What is the Gospel for to-day ? What is its subject ? 2 Jesus said, The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son. Who is the king in this kingdom of heaven ? Psalm 2 : 6, 7, 8. What does he say of himself in relation to those who love him ? Isaiah 54 : 5 ; Hosea 2:19, 20. 3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding : and they would not come. To what does he compare the blessings of his Gospel ? Isaiah 26 : 6 ; Revelation 19 : 9. Who were the servants sent forth for this purpose ? Mark 16 : 15, 19, 20 ; Matthew 28 : 18, 19, 20. What does Paul call these messengers ? 2 Corinthians 5 : 20 . Wlio were invited by them ? Acts 13 : 46, 47. 4 Again, he sent forth other servants, say- ing, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner : my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready : come unto the marriage. Does God earnestly desire the salvation of men ? Ezekiel 18 : 31, 82 ; 1 Thessalonians 5 :'9, 10. What evidence has he given us of this ? John ? : 1