Sabbath School Lesson

QUARTERLY

Senior Division, Third Quarter, 1973

 Foreword
The people of God are privileged ove,r all the inhabitants of the earth in
that they have direct instruction from the Lord Himself. This instruction
is updated to meet the very needs of our times. Long before there was the
new popular interest in the ecology and before the deterioration of the
quality of the foodstuffs offered for public consumption led to the neces-
sity of "organic foods" and "organic methods," the Lord had given light to
His people. But few have given serious heed to the warnings given. Now
the need is becoming so obvious to all that it is no longer as easy to obey.
Country land which was before relatively cheap is now costly due to the
increasing demand. The professed church of God "having turned back from
following Christ her leader is steadily retreating toward Egypt" (5T 217).
Instead of following the counsel to establish small institutions out of the
cities in all parts of the country, the worldly policy has dictated big insti-
tutions, in the big, wicked cities, necessitating hundreds of workers and
church members to flock into the cities instead of out from them.
The increase of crime against persons and property is reaching epidemic
proportions and, as was foretold, is rapidly getting worse. A recent issue of
a leading newsmagaine quotes statistics showing that in the U.S. there were
three times as many murders in the cities as compared with the same num-
ber of people living in the country. The leniency of the courts and law en-
forcement authorities is contributing to the growing insecurity of city life.
People little realize how dependent the city dweller is upon the continuing
good will of the trade unions. Anyone of several big unions, acting alone,
can hold a city to ransom in a matter of days. Imagine for a moment if the
workers responsible for the supply of electricity, or of water, or of the trans-
sport of food went on strike and decided that they would not supply their
services. How long could our modern society continue? How long could the
average member continue if cut off from the local market for any reason?
"The Lord desires His people to move into the country, where they can
settle on the land, and raise their own fruit and vegetables, and where their
children can be brought in direct contact with the works of God in nature.
Take your families away from the cities, is my message. B-182-1902." -MM
311,
We have been warned and for those with discernment portents of the
coming trouble can be seen already. Every Sabbath School member should
study and find out what is the purpose of the Lord for him and what in-
struction that has been given, applies in his own circumstances. The warn-
ings have been given. It is for us to consider these things and demonstrate
our faith by our actions.
GENERAL CONFERENCE SABBATH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT

Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly "Country Living" for July to September,

1973, is published by the Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement General
Conference. Mailing Address: P. O. Box 312, Blackwood, NJ 08012, U.S.A.
Lesson No.1 Sabbath, July 7, 1973

IN THE BEGINNING
KEY TEXT: Gen. 2:15.
1. What environment did God choose for the human family? Gen. 2:8.

NOTE: "Here (in Eden), amidst the beautiful scenes of nature untouched
by sin, our first parents were to receive their education." -Ed. 21.
2. What may we konw of this garden home? Gen. 2:9-14.

NOTE: "The book of nature, which spread its living lessons before them,
afforded an exhaustless source of instruction and delight. On every leaf of
the forest and stone of the mountains, in every shining star, in earth and
sea and sky, God's name was written. With both the animate and the in-
animate creation -'with leaf and flower and tree, and with every living
creature, from the leviathan of the waters to the mote in the sunbeam -
the dwellers in Eden held converse, gathering from each the secrets of its
life. God's glory in the heavens, the innumerable worlds in their orderly
revolutions, 'the balancings of the clouds' (Job 37:16), the mysteries of
light and sound, of day and night - all were objects of study by the pupils
of earth's first schooL" -Ed 21.
3. What responsibility did Adam have toward his garden home? Gen.
2:15.

NOTE: "To the dwellers in Eden was committed the care of the garden,
'to dress it and to keep it.' Their occupation was not wearisome, but plea-
sant and invigorating. God appointed labor as a blessing to man, to occupy
his mind, to strengthen his body, and to develop his faculties. In mental
and physical activity Adam found one of the highest pleasures of his holy
existence...." -pp 50.
4. Upon what condition would the Lord have allowed them to continue
living in the garden? Gen. 2:16, 17.

NOTE: "Like the angels, the dwellers in Eden had been placed upon pro-
bation; their happy estate could be retained only on condition of fidelity to
the Creator's law. They could obey and live, or disobey and perish. God
had made them the recipients of rich blessings; but should they disregard
His will, He who spared not the angels that sinned, could not spare them;
transgres~ion would forfeit His gifts and bring upon them misery and ruin."
-pp 53.
"The tree of knowledge had been made a test of their obedience and
their love to God." -Ibid.
-3-
 5. What did Adam realize when he considered all the animals? What did
God do so that he would not be alone? Gen. 2:19, 20.

NOTE: "After the creation of Adam every living creature was brought be-
fore him to receive its name; he saw that to each had been given. a com-
panion, but among them 'there was not found an help meet for him: Among
all the creatures that God had made on earth, there was not one equal to
man. And God said, 'It is not good that the man should be alone; I will
make him an help meet for him: Man was not made to dwell in solitude;
he was to be a social being. Without companionship the beautiful scenes
and delightful employments of Eden would have failed to yield perfect
happiness. Even communion with angels could not have satisfied his desire
for sympathy and companionship. There was none of the same nature to
love and to be loved:' -PP 46.
6. What significance is there in the record that God took a bone from
Adam's side and not from his head or from his foot? Gen. 2:21, 22.

NOTE: "God Himself gave Adam a companion. He provided 'an help meet
for him' - a helper corresponding to him - one who was fitted to be his
companion, and who could be one with him in love and sympathy. Eve was
created from a rib taken from the side of Adam, signifying that she was not
to control him as the head, nor to be trampled under his feet as an inferior,
but to stand by his side as an equal, to be loved and protected by him. A
part of man, bone of his bone, and flesh of his flesh, she was his second
self, showing the close union and the affectionate attachment that should
exist in this relation... ." -PP 46.
7. In whose image was man made and what does this imply? Gen. 1:26,
27.

NOTE: "Man was to bear God's image, both in outward resemblance and
in character. Christ alone is 'the express image' (Hebrews 1:3) of the Fa-
ther; but man was formed in the likeness of God. His nature was in harmony
with the will of God. His mind was capable of comprehending divine things.
His affections were pure; his appetites and passions were under the con-
trol of reason. He was holy and happy in bearing the image of God and in
perfect obedience to His will." -PP 45.
8. Wherein was Adam different from the Angels? Ps. 8:5.

9. In contrast with the four-footed animals, what big difference did God
make with Adam? Eccl. 7:29.

NOTE: "God made man upright; He gave him noble traits of character,
with no bias toward evil. He endowed him with high intellectual powers,
and presented before him the strongest possible inducements to be true to
his allegiance. Obedience, perfect and perpetual, was the condition of e-
-4-
ternal happiness. On this condition he was to have access to the tree of
life." -pp 49.
10. What responsibility was Adam given for all living things? Gen. 1:28
(last part).

NOTE: "While they remained true to God, Adam and his companion were
to bear rule over the earth. Unlimited control was given them over every
living thing. The lion and the lamb sported peacefully around them or lay
down together at their feet. The happy birds flitted about them without
fear; and as their glad songs ascended to the praise of their Creator, Adam
and Eve united with them in thanksgiving to the Father and the Son." -PP
50.

Lesson No.2 Sabbath, July 14, 1973

IN THE BEGINNING (Continued)

KEY TEXT: Gen. 3:18, 19.

1. How was the earth watered in the beltinning? Gen. 2:5, 6.

NOTE: "The world before the Flood reasoned that for centuries the laws
of nature had been fixed. The recurring seasons had come in their order.
Heretofore rain had never fallen; the earth had been watered by a mist
or dew." -PP 96, 97.
2. What else did the Lord provide to water the garden? Into how many
heads did the river separate? Gen. 2:10.

3. What was man given as food? Gen. 1:29.

4. After the fall, what else was added to man's diet? What blessings of
God for His people will never cease? Gen. 3:18.

NOTE: "If the land is cultivated, it will, with the blessing of God, supply
our necessities. We are not to be discouraged about temporal things be-
cause of apparent failures, nor should we be disheartened by delay. We
should work the soil cheerfully, hopefully, gratefully, believing that the
earth holds in her bosom rich stores for the faithful worker to garner,
stores richer than gold or silver.T he niggardliness laid to her charge is
false witness. With proper, intelligent cultivation the earth will yield its
treasures for the benefit of man. The mountains and hills are changing; the
earth is waxing old like a garment; but the blessing of God, which spreads
a table for His people in the wilderness, will never cease." -6T 178.
-5-
 5 How is God clothed? Ps. 104:2.

6. What kind of clothes did Adam and Eve wear?

NOTE: "The sinless pair wore no artificial garments; they were clothed
with a covering of light and glory, such as the angels wear. So long as they
lived in obedience to God, this robe of light continued to enshroud them."
-pp 45.
7. When Adam and Eve transgressed, what was one of the first things
that they realized? What did they do? Gen. 3:6, 7.

NOTE: "The robe of light which enshrouded them, now (after their trans-
gression) disappeared, and to supply its place they endeavored to fashion
for themselves a covering; for they could not, while unclothed, meet the eye
of God and holy angels." -PP 57.
8. What did the Lord give to Adam and Eve, to replace those apron-
like mini-skirts that were not acceptable to Him? Gen. 3:21.

NOTE: "In humility and unutterable sadness they bade farewell to their
beautiful home and went forth to dwell upon the earth, where rested the
curse of sin. The atmosphere, once so mild and uniform in temperature,
was now subject to marked changes, and the Lord mercifully provided
them with a garment of skins as a protection from the extremes of heat and
cold." -PP 61.
9. As a result of their transgression, what were they forbidden to eat
again? How were they prevented? Gen. 3:22, 24.

NOTE: "... No longer were they (Adam and Eve) to dwell in Eden, for
in its perfection it could not teach them the lessons which it was now es-
sential for them to learn. In unutterable sadness they bade farewell to their
beautiful surroundings and went forth to dwell upon the earth, where rested
the curse of sin." -Ed 25, 26.
10. As a consequence of the changes resulting from Adam's transgression,
what took the place of his previously pleasant occupation? Gen. 3:19,
23.

NOTE: "The earth is to be made to give forth its strength; but without
the blessings of God it could do nothing. In the beginning, God looked upon
all that He had made, and pronounced it very good. The curse was brought
upon the earth in consequence of sin. But shall this curse be multiplied by
increasing sin? Ignorance is doing its baleful work. Slothful servants are
increasing the evil by their lazy habits. Many are unwilling to earn their
bread by the sweat of their brow, and they refuse to till the soil. ...
"Many farmers have failed to secure adequate returns from their land
-6-
because they have undertaken the work as though it was a degrading em-
ployment; they do not see that there is a blessing in it for themselves and
their families." -FE 326, 327.

Lesson No.3 Sabbath, July 21, 1973

MEN BEGIN TO CONGREGATE IN CITIES

KEY TEXT: Gen. 4:17.

1. As Cain left the presence of the Lord, where did he and his family go?
Gen. 4:16.

NOTE: "Upon recelvmg the curse of God, Cain had withdrawn from
his father's household. He had first chosen his occupation as a tiller of the
soil, and he now founded a city, calling it after the name of his eldest son.
He had gone out from the presence of the Lord, cast away the promise of
the restored Eden, to seek his possessions and enjoyment in the earth under
the curse of sin, thus standing at the head of that great class of men who
worship the god of this world. In that which pertains to mere earthly and
material progress, his descendants became distinguished. But they were re-
gardless of God, and in opposition to His purposes for man... ." -pp 81.
2. Who built the first city, and what evils. were soon found there? Why
is city-living not advisable for the people of God in our days? Gen.
4:17, 19,23.

NOTE: "It is Satan's purpose to attract men and women to the cities, and
to gain his object he invents every kind of novelty and amusement, every
kind of excitement. And the cities of the earth today are becoming as were
the cities before the Flood... ." -25M 355.
3. What condition soon arose when the "sons of God" compromised and
married the "daughters of men," who had gone out from "the presence
of God"? '''hat is one of the greatest dangers for us today? Gen. 6:5,
6, 11, 12.

NOTE: " ... One of the greatest dangers that besets the people of God to-
day, is that of association with the ungodly; especially in uniting them-
selves in marriage with unbelievers. With many, the love for the human
eclipses the love for the divine. They take the first step in backsliding by
venturing to disregard the Lord's express command; and complete apostasy
is too often the result. It has ever proved a dangerous thing for men to car-
ry out their own will in opposition to the requirements of God. Yet it is a
hard lesson for men to" learn that God means what He says (ST May 19,
1881)." -2BC 1000.
-7-
 4. After all God-sent warnings had been rejected, what was the final
solution? In how many could God see some hope? 1 Pet. 3:20; Gen.
6:13.

NOTE: "The world was in its infancy; yet iniquity had become so deep
and widespread that God could no longer bear with it." -PP 92.

"Of the vast population of the earth before the Flood, only eight souls
believed and obeyed God's word through Noah." -Ibid., p. 102.

5. After the flood, what instruction was again given to man? What as-
surance did God give Noah because of his fear of certain animals?
Gen 9:1, 2. (Compare with Gen. 1:28 last part.)

NOTE: "As Noah looked upon the powerful beasts of prey that came forth
with him from the ark, he feared that his family, numbering only eight
persons, would be destroyed by them." -PP 107.
6. What change was made in man's diet, and what were the three re-
strictions? Gen. 9:3, 4; Lev. 3:17; Deut. 14:3.

NOTE: " ... Before this time (when Noah came forth from the ark) God
had given man no permission to eat animal food; He intended that the
race should subsist wholly upon the productions of the earth; but now that
every green thing had been destroyed, He allowed them to eat the flesh of
the clean beasts that had been preserved in the ark." -PP 107.

" ... Both the blood and the fat of animals are consumed as a luxury. But
the Lord gave special directions that these should not be eaten. Why? Be-
cause their use would make a diseased current of blood in the human sys-
tem. The disregard for the Lord's special directions has brought a variety
of difficulties and diseases upon human beings... ." -CD 393, 394.
7. What are two consequences of meat-eating? Ps. 90:10; 106:15.

NOTE: " ... And He permitted that long-lived race to eat animal food to
shorten their sinful lives. Soon after the flood the race began to rapidly
decrease in size, and in length of years." -CD 373.
8. What experience in the life of Noah's family shows unmistakably God's
attitude toward nakedness, and what lesson should be learnt from
this? Gen. 9:20-26.

NOTE: " ... The unnatural crime of Ham declared that filial reverence had
long before been cast from his soul, and it revealed the impiety and vile-
ness of his character. These evil characteristics were perpetuated in Canaan
and his posterity whose continued guilt called upon them the judgments of
God." -PP 117.
-8-
 9. Instead of inhabiting all the earth, what bold, defiant plan was de-
vised by men in the plain of Shinar? What building materials did they
use? Gen. 11:2-5.

NOTE: "It is not the purpose of God that His people should colonize or
settle together in large communities. The disciples of Christ are His repre-
sentatives upon the earth, and God designs that they shall be scattered all
over the country, in the towns, cities, and villages, as lights amidst the
darkness of the world. They are to be missionaries for God, by their faith
and works testifying to the near approach of the coming Saviour." -8T 244.
10. What action did God take to bring to pass the purpose that He had
for man (Gen. 9:1)? Gen. 11:5-8.

NOTE: "... But no Jerusalem-centers are to be made. If such centers are

made, there will be a scattering of the people out of them, by the Lord God
of heaven." -CH 300.
"... The world is large; its needs are great. Go, make new centers in
places where there -.is need of light. Do not crowd into one place, making
the same mistake that has been made in Battle Creek. There are hundreds
of places that need the light God has given you." -FE 495.

Lesson No.4 Sabbath, July 28, 1973

EVIL INFLUENCES OF CITIES

KEY TEXT: Provo 4:14, 15.

1. Although Jacob and his family were living in tents, near their flocks,
what inclination did Dinah show? Gen. 34: 1.

NOTE: "Who will be warned? We say again, 'Out of the cities.' Do not
consider it a great deprivation, that you must go into the hills and mount-
ains, but seek for that retirement where you can be alone with God, to
learn His will and way....
"I urge our people to make it their lifework to seek for spirituality. Christ
is at the door. This is why 1 say ta our people, 'Do not consider it a priva-
tion when you are called to leave the cities and move out into the country
places. Here await rich blessings for those who will grasp them. By be-
holding the scenes of nature, the works of th'e Creator, by studying God's
handiwork, imperceptibly you will be changed into the same image.'
-Manuscript 85, 1908." -2 SM 355, 356.
2. What resulted from this visit? Gen. 34:2-4.

-9-
 3. What unlawful compromise was implicit in Hamor's proposal? Gen.
34:8-10, 14.

4. After the deceitful agreement, to what cruelty did Simeon and Levi
resort? Gen. 34:25, 28, 29.

NOTE: "The tarry of Jacob and his sons at Shechem ended in violence
and bloodshed. The one daughter of the household had been brought to
shame and sorrow, two brothers were involved in the guilt of murder, a
whole city had been given to ruin and slaughter, in retaliation for the law-
less deed of one rash youth. The beginning that led to results so terrible
was the act of Jacob's daughter, who 'went out to see the daughters of the
land,' thus venturing into association with the ungodly. He who seeks plea-
sure among those that fear not God is placing himself on Satan's ground
and inviting his temptations." -PP 204.
5. What lesson can be learnt from the rash action of the two young peo-
ple? James 3:5 (last part).

NOTE: "A little time spent in sowing your wild oats, dear young friends,
will produce a crop that will embitter your whole life; an hour of thought-
lessness, once yielding to temptation, may turn the whole current of your
life in the wrong direction. You can have but one youth; make that useful.
When once you have passed over the ground you can never return to rec-
tify your mistakes...." - 4T 622, 623.
6. Against what condition did Jesus especially warn those who would
live in the last days? Due to the dangers resulting from this condition,
what prayer did Christ offer in our behalf? Mat. 24:37-39; John 17:15.

NOTE: "... God did not condemn the antediluvians for eating and drink-
ing; He had given them the fruits of the earth in great abundance to sup-
ply their physical wants. Their sin consisted in taking these gifts without
gratitude to the Giver, and debasing themselves by indulging appetite with-
out restraint. It was lawful for them to marry. Marriage was in God's order;
it was one of the first institutions which He established. He gave special
directions concerning this ordinance, clothing it with sanctity and beauty;
but these directions were forgotten, and marriage was perverted and made
to minister to passion." -PP 101.
7. Why does the Lord send a warning with reference to eating and drink-
ing when these things are necessary to life? Luke 21:34-36.

NOTE: "A similar condition of things exists now. That which is lawful in
itself is carried to excess. Appetite is indulged without restraint. Professed
followers of Christ are today eating and drinking with the drunken, while
their names stand in honored church records. Intemperance benumbs the
I?oral and spiritual powers and prepares the way for indulgence of the 10-
-10-
wer passions. Multitudes feel under no moral obligation to curb their sen-
sual desires, and they become the slaves of lust. Men are living for the
pleasures of sense; for this world and this life alone. Extravagance pervades
all circles of society. Integrity is sacrificed for luxury and display...." -PP
101, 102.
8. What other gift brought from the garden of Eden is all too often per-
verted in the artificial city life? Gen. 2:24; 1 Cor. 6: 16.

NOTE: "There is in itself no sin ... in marrying and giving in marriage.

It was lawful to marry in the time of Noah, and it is lawful to marry now,
if that which is lawful is properly treated and not carried to sinful excess.
But in the days of Noah men married without consulting God or seeking
His guidance and counsel. .. ." -AH 121.
9. What does the cripture say of marriage? What caution is also given?
Reb. 13:4; Rom. 13:14.

NOTE: "The fact that all the relations of life are of a transitory nature
should have a modifying influence on all we do and say. In Noah's day it
was the inordinate, excessive love of that which in itself was lawful, when
properly used, that made marriage sinful before God. There are many who
are losing their souls in this age of the world by becoming absorbed in the
thoughts of marriage and in the marriage relation itself." -AH 121.
10. What special warnings are appropriate for our time and particularly
in relation to the modern cities? Provo 4:14, IS; 5:3-5.

NOTE: "Instead of the crowded city seek some retired situation where your
children will be, so far as possible, shielded from temptation, and there
train and educate them for usefulness. The prophet Ezekiel thus enumer-
ates the causes that led to Sodom's sin and destruction: 'Pride, fullness of
bread, and abundance 'of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither
did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.' All who would escape
the doom of Sodom must shun the course that brought God's judgments
upon that wicked city." -5T 232, 233.

Lesson No.5 Sabbath, August 4, 1973

THE INFLUENCE OF CITY LIFE IN PATRIARCHAL TIME

KEY TEXT: Luke 17:32.

1. When God called Abraham, in what city was he dwelling? Instead of

telling him to go to another city, where did God send him? Gen. 11:31
(first part); 12: 1.

-11-
NOTE: "The lay members of our churches can accomplish a work which,
as yet, they have scarcely begun. None should move into new places merely
for the sake of worldly advantage; but where there is an opening to obtain
a livelihood, let families that are well grounded in the truth enter, one or
two families in a place, to work as missionaries. They should feel a love for
souls, a burden of labor for them, and should make it a study how to bring
them into the truth. They can distribute our publications, hold meetings in
their homes, become acquainted with their neighbors, and invite them to
come to these meetings. Thus they can let their light shine in good works."
-8T 245.
2. Although Abraham's father came part way, in what city did he re-
main until he died? What did Abraham do after his father had died
in this place? What plan does the Lord have for His people today?
Gen. 11:31 (last part); 12:4.

NOTE: "In our day the Lord desires that His people shall be dispersed
throughout the earth. They are not to colonize. Jesus said: 'Go ye into all
the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.' Mark 16:15. When the
disciples followed their inclination to remain in large numbers in Jerusalem,
persecution was -permitted to come upon them, and they were scattered to
all parts of the inhabited world.

"For years messages of warning and entreaty have been coming to our
people, urging them to go forth into the Master's great harvest field and
labor unselfishly for souls." -8T 215.

3. When given the choice, which direction did Lot select? Where was
Lot living when the judgments of God were about to fall? Where
should we locate according to the plan of God? Gen. 13:11, 12; 14:12.

NOTE: "Let it be your study to select and make your homes as far from
Sodom and Gomorrah as you can. Keep out of the large cities. If possible
make your homes in the quiet retirement of the country, even if you can
never become wealthy by so doing. Locate where there is the best influ-
ence." -AH 139.

4. What were the angels of God compelled to do as Lot was not prompt
in his response to the warning? Who only of his family escaped the
fate of Sodom? What influences had they received there? Gen. 19:15,
16.

NOTE: "When Lot entered Sodom, he fully intended to keep himself free
from iniquity and to command his household after him. But he signally
failed. The corrupting influences about him had an effect upon his own
faith, and his children's connection with the inhabitants of Sodom bound
up his interest in a measure with theirs. The result is before us. Many are
still making a similar mistake." -AH 138.

-12-
 5. What compromise did Lot request, and, after he had received it, what
happened when he reached this little city? What should be our first
question in choosing a place in which to live? Gen. 19:19-25.

NOTE: "In choosing a home, God would have us consider, first of all, the
moral and religious influences that will surround us and our families." -PP
169.
6. What specific warning disregarded by Lot's wife shows that she still
had her interest in the city life, and what lesson may be learnt from
the result? Gen. 19:17,26.

7. Why is this experience of special importance to us in our time? Luke

17:32.

NOTE: "The cities are filled with temptation. We should plan our work
in such a way as to keep our young people as far as possible from this con-
tamination." -AH 136.
8. How could Lot have preserved his family? To what extent had the im-
morality of Sodom perverted the thinking of Lot's daughters? What re-
sulted from the obsession to get children? Gen. 19:30-32.

NOTE: "... Yet Lot could have preserved his family from many evils had
he not made his home in this wicked, polluted city. All that Lot and his
family did in Sodom could have been done by them, even if they had lived
in a place some distance away from the city." -Ev. 78.
9. What sentence was pronounced on the descendants of Lot? Why?
Deut. 23:3, 4.

NOTE: "Because of the cruelty and treachery of the Ammonites and Moa-
bites toward Israel, God had declared through Moses that they should be
forever shut out from the congregation of His people." -PK 669, 670.
10. What counsel should we keep in mind, especially when tempted by
the prospect of convenience and material benefits to be found in ci-
ties? Provo 14:12.

Lesson No.6 Sabbath, August 11, 1973

THE DIVINE PLAN IN EDUCATION

KEY TEXT: Deut. 6:7.

1. What purpose did the Lord have for this world when He placed Adam
and Eve in the garden of Eden? Gen. 1:28 (first part); 2:15.

-13-
NOTE: "... The garden of Eden was a representation of what God desired
the whole earth to become, and it was His purpose that, as the human fa-
mily increased in numbers, they should establish other homes and schools
like the one He had given. Thus in course of time the whole earth might
be occupied with homes and schools where the words and the works of God
should be studied, and where the students should thus be fitted more and
more fully to reflect, throughout endless ages, the light of the knowledge
of His glory." -Ed 22.

2. Who was the first teacher of Adam and Eve? With whose assistance
did He teach them? Gen. 3:8, 9.

NOTE: "The holy pair were not only children under the fatherly care of
God but students receiving instruction from the all-wise Creator. They
were visited by angels, and were granted communion with their Maker,
with no obscuring veil between. They were full of the vigor imparted by
the tree of life, and their intellectual power was but little less than that of
the angels...." -PP 50. .
3. When Adam and Eve came to worship after they had been expelled
from their garden home, what representatives of the Lord were sta-
tioned at the entrance? Gen. 3:24.

NOTE: "The Garden of Eden remained upon the earth long after man had
become an outcast from its pleasant paths. The fallen race were long per-
mitted to gaze upon the home of innocence, their entrance barred only by
the watching angels. At the cherubim-guarded gate of Paradise the divine
glory was revealed. Hither came Adam and his sons to worship God. Here
they renewed their vows of obedience to that law the transgression of which
had banished them from Eden... ." -PP 62.

4. What role did the garden of Eden play for many centuries?

NOTE: "The advantages enjoyed by men of that age to gain a knowledge

of God through His works have never been equaled since. And so far from
being an era of religions darkness, that was an age of great light. All the
world had opportunity to receive instruction from Adam, and those who
feared the Lord had also Christ and angels for their teachers. And they
had a silent witness to the truth, in the garden of God, which for so many
centuries remained among men. At the cherubim-guarded gate of Para-
dise the glory of God was revealed, and hither came the first worshipers.
Here their altars were reared, and their offerings presented... ." -PP 83,
84.

5. Although the Lord did have faithful servants witnessing for Him, and
some heeded their testimony, what was the response of the majority?
2 Pet. 2:5; Gen. 6:5.

-14-
NOTE: "Amid the prevailing corruption, Methuselah, Noah, and many o-
thers labored to keep alive the knowledge of the true God and to stay the
tide of moral evil." -PP 92.
6. What would the Lord have done if the antediluvians had shown re-
pentance? Jer. 18:8.

NOTE: "Had the antediluvians believd the warning, and repented of their
evil deeds, the Lord would have turned aside His wrath, as He afterward
did from Nineveh. But by their obstinate resistance to the reproofs of con-
science and the warnings of God's prophet, that generation filled up the
measure of their iniquity, and became ripe for destruction." -PP 97.
7. Now that the Lord is no longer the direct instructor, who has this re-
sponsibility? Deut. 4:10; 6:7; 11:19.

NOTE: "In the divine plan of education as adapted to man's condition

after the Fall, Christ stands as the representatives of the Father, the con-
necting link between God and man; He is the great teacher of mankind.
And He ordained that men and women should be His representatives. The
family was the school, and the parents were the teachers." -Ed 33.

8. What outstanding feature in the character of Abraham received di-

vine commendation? What instruction is given to parents in our days?
Gen. 18:19.

NOTE: "I am instructed by the Lord to warn our people not to flock to
the cities to find homes for their families. To fathers and to mothers I am
instructed to say, Fail not to keep your children within your own premises."
-AH 139.
9. Where did Abraham, the father of the believers, live? From the in-
formation we have about his educational program, what should Chris-
tian parents do today? Heb. 11:8, 9.

NOTE: "... This patriarchal system of government (where the father was
the ruler and priest of his own family) Abraham endeavored to perpetuate,
as it tended to preserve the knowledge of God. It was necessary to bind the
members of the household together, in order to build up a barrier against
the idolatry that had become so widespread and so deep-seated. Abraham
sought by every means in his power to guard the inmates of his encampment
against mingling with the heathen and witnessing their idolatrous prac-
tices, for he knew that familiarity with evil would insensibly corrupt the
principles. The greatest care was exercised to shut out every form of false
religion and to impress the mind with the majesty and glory of the living
God as the true object of worship." -PP 141.
"Let no temporal advantages tempt parents to neglect the training of
their children. \Vhenever possible, it is the duty of parents to make homes
-15-
in the country for their children. The children and youth should be care-
fully guarded. They should be kept away from the hotbeds of iniquity that
are to be found in our cities. Let them be surrounded by the influences of
a true Christian home - a home where Christ abides. -Letter 268, 1906."
-Country Living, p. 12.
10. What rights and responsibilities did the firstborn possess? What was
the result of Esau's rejection of his birthright? Deut. 21:17; Heb.
12:16, 17.

NOTE: "... They (Esau and Jacob) were taught to regard the birthright
as a matter of great importance, for it included not only an inheritance of
worldy wealth but spiritual pre-eminence. He who received it was to be
the priest of his family, and in the line of his posterity the Redeemer of
the world would come. On the other hand, there were obligations resting
upon the possessor of the birthright. He who should inherit its blessings
must devote his life to the service of God...." -pp 177, 178.

Lesson No.7 Sabbath, August 18,1973

HOME TRAINING AMIDST NATURE

KEY TEXT: Luke 2:51.

1. Where was education centered in the time of the patriarchs? Gen.

18:19.

NOTE: "The education centering in the family was that which prevailed
in the days of the patriarchs. For the schools thus established, God pro-
vided the conditions most favorable for the development of character. The
people who were under His direction still pursued the plan of life that He
had appointed in the beginning. Those who departed from God built for
themselves cities, and, congregating in them, gloried in the splendor, the
luxury, and the vice that make the cities of today the world's pride and its
curse. But the men who held fast God's principles of life dwelt among the
fields and hills. They were tillers of the soil and keepers of flocks and
herds, and in this free, independent life, with its opportunities for labor
and study and meditation, they learned of God and taught their children of
His works and ways," -Ed. 33, 34.
2. Who were the first teachers among the Hebrews? Duet. 4:9.

NOTE: "God had commanded the Hebrews to teach their children His
requirements and to make them acquainted with all His dealings with their
fathers. This was one of the special duties of every parent - one that was
not to be delegated to another," -PP 592.
-16-
 "God commanded the Hebrews to teach their children His requirements,
and to make them acquainted with all His dealings with their people. The
home and the school were one. In the place of stranger lips, the loving
hearts of father and mother were to give instruction to their children.
Thoughts of God were associated with all the events of daily life in the
home dwelling. The mighty works of God in the deliverance of His people
were recounted with eloquence and reverential awe. The great truths of
God's providence and of the future life were impressed on the young mind.
It became acquainted with the true, the good, the beautiful." -FE 95.
3. What should come first, and what second, in the training of our child-
ren?

NOTE: "Many children have been ruined for life by urging the intellect
and neglecting to strengthen the physical powers. Many have died in child-
hood because of the course pursued by injudicious parents and school-
teachers in forcing their young intellects, by flattery or fear, when they
were too young to see the inside of a schoolroom. Their minds have been
taxed with lessons when they should not have been called out, but kept
back until the physical constitution was strong enough to endure mental
effort. Small children should be left as free as lambs to run out of doors,
to be free and happy, and should be allowed the most favorable opportuni-
ties to lay the foundation for sound constitutions." -3T 137.
4. What was one of the special duties entrusted to the Levites? 2 Chr.
17:7-9.

5. What is the significance of the instruction to teach "when thou risest

up and when thou liest down"? Deut. 6:7 (last part).

NOTE: "In every Christian home God should be honored by the morning
and evening sacrifice of prayer and praise. Children should be taught to
respect and reverence the hour of prayer. It is the duty of Christian parents,
morning and evening, by earnest prayer and persevering faith, to make a
hedge about their children.
"... Come in humility, with a heart full of tenderness, and with a sense
of the temptations and dangers before yourselves and your children; by
faith bind them to the altar, entreating for them the care of the Lord. Train
the children to offer their simple words of prayer. Tell them that God
delights to have them call upon Him." -CT 110.
6. Where can all Christian virtues be far better developed? Ps. 19:1-3.

NOTE: "There is not one family in a hundred who will be improved phy-
sically, mentally, or spiritually by residing in the city. Faith, hope, love,
happiness, can far better be gained in retired places, where there are fields
and hills and trees. Take your children away from the sights and sounds of
the city, away from the rattle and din of streetcars and teams, and their
-17-
minds will become more healthy. It will be found easier to bring home to
their hearts the truth of the word of God." -AH 137.
7. What did the Lord provide, in the days of Samuel, for the training of
young men to be workers for God? Mention two of the places where
there were missionary schools.

NOTE: "Further provision was made for the instruction of the young, by
the establishment of the schools of the prophets...
"In Samuel's day there were two of these schools - one at Ramah, the
home of the prophet, and the other at Kirjath-jearim, where the ark then
was. Others were established in later times. -PP 593.
8. Where did John the Baptist get his education? What benefits did the
surroundings offer him? Luke 1:80; Mat. 3:1, 4.

NOTE: "It was a lonely region where he (John the Baptist) found his
home, in the midst of barren hills, wild ravines, and rocky caves. But it was
his choice to forgo the enjoyments and luxuries of life for the stern disci-
pline of the wilderness. Here his surroundings were favorable to habits of
simplicity and self-denial. Uninterrupted by the clamor of the world, he
could here study the lessons of nature, of revelation, and of Providence.. ."
-DA 101.
9. What method and place of training was chosen by God for many of
His servants and also for His Son? Luke 2:51.

NOTE: "Such was the training of Moses in the lowly cabin home in Go-
shen; of Samuel, by the faithful Hannah; of David, in the hill dwelling at
Bethlehem; of Daniel, before the scenes of the captivity separated him
from the home of his fathers. Such, too, was the early life of Christ at
Nazareth; such the training by which the child Timothy learned from the
lips of his grandmother Lois, and his mother Eunice (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15),
the truths of Holy Writ." -PP 592.
10. When is the best age and where is the best school for the education
of our children? Provo 22:6.

NOTE: "... Small children should be left as free as lambs to run out of
doors, to be free and happy, and should be allowed the most favorable op-
portunities to lay the foundation for sound constitutions.
"Parents should be the only teachers of their children until they have
reached eight or ten years of age. As fast as their minds can comprehend
it, the parents should open before them God's great book of nature... ."
-3T 137.

-18-
Lesson No.8 Sabbath, August 25, 1973

LESSONS FROM THE SCHOOLS OF THE PROPHETS

KEY TEXT: 1 Kin. 19:18.
1. What example of cooperation and consultation between students and
teachers is recorded? 2 Kin. 6:1.

NOTE: "So long as Elisha was able to journey from place to place
throughout the kingdom of Israel, he continued to take an active interest
in the upbuilding of the schools of the prophets." -PK 260.
2. What did they do to enlarge the school premises? Who were the first
to engage in the building program? What lesson may we learn from
this example? 2 Kin. 6:2.

NOTE: "Let the children and youth learn from the Bible how God has
honored the work of the everyday toiler. Let them read of 'the sons of the
prophets' (2 Kings 6:1-7), students at school, who were building a house
for themselves, and for whom a miracle was wrought to save from loss the
ax that was borrowed...." -Ed 217.
3. Who else participated in the work? 2 Kin. 6:3.

NOTE: "... Wherever he (Elisha) was, God was with him, glVlng him
words to speak and power to work miracles. On one occasion 'the sons of
the prophets said unto Elisha, Behold now, the place where we dwell with
thee is too strait for us. Let us go, we pray thee, unto Jordan, and take
thence every man a beam, and let us make us a place there, where we may
dwell.' 2 Kings 6:1, 2. Elisha went with them to Jordan, encouraging them
by his presence, giving them instruction, and even performing a miracle to
aid them in their work. . ." PK 260.
4. Whereby did the pupils of these schools sustain themselves?

NOTE: "The pupils of these schools sustained themselves by their own

labor in tilling the soil or in some mechanical employment. In Israel this
was not thought strange or degrading; indeed, it was regarded as a sin to
allow children to grow up in ignorance of useful labor." -ED 47.
5. What help had the students received from their neighbors in their
building program? 2 Kin. 6:5.

6. What special help, in an emergency, did the students receive from the
teacher who was there with them? What gives evidence that God was
with them in their project? What two lines of work did Elisha com-
bine in his ministry? 2 Kin. 6:6, 7.

NOTE: "Like the Saviour of mankind, of whom he was a type, Elisha in

his ministry among men combined the work of healing with that of teach-
-19-
ing. Faithfully, untiringly, throughout his long and effective labors, Elisha
endeavored to foster and advance the important educational work carried
on by the schools of the prophets. In the providence of God his words of
instruction to the earnest groups of young men assembled were confirmed
by the deep movings of the Holy Spirit, and at times by other unmistakable
evidences of his authority as a servant of Jehovah." -PK 240.
7. What food did the students use? 2 Kin. 4:39.

8. What difficulty arose, and what simple means was used by the tea-
cher to overcome it? 2 Kin. 4:40, 41.

NOTE: "It was on the occasion of one of his visits to the school estab-
lished at Gilgal that he healed the poisoned pottage." -PK 240.
9. What places did Elijah visit to see the students immediately before
his translation? 2 Kin. 2:1-5.

NOTE: "The schools of the prophets, established by Samuel, had fallen

into decay during the years of Israel's apostasy. Elijah re-established these
schools, making provision for young men to gain an education that would
lead them to magnify the law and make it honorable. Three of these schools,
one at Gilgal, one at Bethel, and one at Jericho, are mentioned in the re-
cord. Just before Elijah was taken to heaven, he and Elisha visited these
centers of training. The lessons that the prophet of God had given them on
former visits, he now repeated...." PK 224, 225.
10. In view of the revelation given to them, what intrest was mainfested
by the students? What lesson did they still have to learn? 2 Kin. 2:7,
16-18.

NOTE: "The heart of Elijah was cheered as he saw what was being ac-
complished by means of these schools. The work of reformation was not
complete, but he could see throughout the kingdom a verification of the
word of the Lord, 'Yet I have left Me seven thousand in Israel, all the
knees which have not bowed unto Baal: 1 Kings 19:18.
"... Unknown to Elijah, the revelation that he was to be translated had
been made known to his disciples in the schools of the prophets, and in
particular to Elisha." -PK 225.

Lesson No.9 Sabbath, September 1, 1973

PROBLEMS ARISING FROM CITY LIFE

KEY TEXT: Provo 23:7.

1. What experience befell a levite in the city of Gibeah? What evils are
found in modern cities? Judg. 19:15-21.

-20-
NOTE: "These cities are filled with wickedness of every kind, - with
strikes and murders and suicides. Satan is in them, controlling men in their
work of destruction. Under his influence they kill for the sake of killing and
this they will do more and more.... -General Conference Bulletin, March
30, 1903." -Country Living, p. 17.
2. What immorality existed in a city of the professed poeple of God?
Why should the people of God in our days make plans to leave the
cities? Judg. 9:22, 25.

NOTE: "More and more, as time advances, our people will have to leave
the cities. For years we have been instructed that our brethren and sisters,
and especially families with children, should plan to leave the cities as the
way opens. before them to do so. Many will have to labor earnestly to help
open the way. But until it is possible for them to leave, so long as they re-
main, they should be most active in doing missionary work, however limited
their sphere of influence may be. -The Review and Herald, Sept. 27, 1906."
-2SM 360.
3. What remedy was proposed against the evil men of that city? How
was justice defeated through partisan spirit and false sympathy with
the wrongdoers? Judg. 20:12, 13.

NOTE: "To those who are in the wronJ?:, and deserving of reproof, there is
nothing more pleasing than to receive sympathy and praise." -PP 397.

4. What finally resulted from the wickedness tolerated in that city? What
wickedness exists in our cities today? Judg. 20:14, 21, 25, 44, 46, 48.

NOTE: "There is coming rapidly and surely an almost universal guilt

upon the inhabitants of the cities, because of the steady increase of de-
termined wickedness. The corruption that prevails is beyond the power of
the human pen to describe. Every day brings fresh revelations of strife,
bribery, and fraud; very day brings its heart-sickening record of violence
and lawlessness, of indifference to human suffering, of brutal, fiendish de-
struction of human life. Every day testifies to the increase of insanity, mur-
der, and suicide." -PK 275.
5. What evils were too prevalent in ancient times and have also become
very common in our days? Gen. 19:5-7.

NOTE: "'vVe are not ignorant of the fall of Sodom because of the cor-
ruption of its inhabitants. The prophet has here specified the particular
evils which led to dissolute morals. 'vVe see the very sins now existing in
the world which were in Sodom, and which brought upon her the wrath of
God, even to her utter destruction (HR July, 1873)." -4BC 1161.
"Some who make a high profession do not understand the sin of self-
abuse and its sure results." -2T 347.
-21-
 "The violation of the seventh commandment also was early practiced in
the name of religion. The most licentious and abominable rites were made
a part of the heathen worship. The gods themselves were represented as
impure, and their worshipers gave the rein to the baser passions. Unnatural
vices prevailed and the religious festivals were characterized by universal
and open impurity." -PP 337, 338.
6. With what direct language are such sins condemned by the word of
God? Lev. 20:13; Rom. 1:27; 1 Cor. 6:9.

7. What temptation came to David, and what were the conditions that
contributed to his fall? What was the result? 2 Sam. 11:2, 27.

NOTE: "... David was surrounded by the fruits of victory and the ho-
nors of his wise and able rule. It was now, while he was at ease and un-
guarded, that the tempter seized the opportunity togccupy his mind. The
fact that God had taken David into so close connection with Himself and
had manifested so great favor toward him, should have been to him the
strongest of incentives to preserve his character unblemished. But when in
ease and selfsecurity he let go his hold upon God, David yielded to Satan
and brought upon 'his soul the stain of guilt. ..." -PP 718.
8. To what temptation are city dwellers exposed more frequently than
those who live in the country? Provo 6:24-29; Mat. 5:28.

NOTE "He (God) wants us to live where we can have elbow room. His
people are not to crowd into the cities. He wants them to take their fa-
milies out of the cities, that they may better prepare for eternal life. In a
little while they will have to leave the cities. -General Conference Bulle-
tin, March 30, 1903." -Country Living, p. 17.
9. Where does the Lord want us to live, and what help does He promise
those who are willing to follow His advice? What work should, never-
theless, be done in the cities?

NOTE: "Parents can secure small homes in the country, with land for
cultivation where they can have orchards and where they can raise vege-
tables and small fruits to take the place of flesh meat, which is so corrupt-
ing to the lifeblood coursing through the veins. On such places the child-
ren will not be surrounded with the corrupting influences of city life. God
will help His people to find such homes outside of the cities. MS. - 133-
1902.." -MM 310.
"Let missionaries be laboring two and two in different parts of all our
large cities. The workers in each city should frequently meet together for
counsel and prayer, that they may have wisdom and grace to work together
effectively and harmoniously. Let all be wide awake to make the most of
every advantage. Our people must gird the armor on and establish centers
in all the large cities...." -MM 300.
-22-
10. What influence is there upon the spiritual experience of men:
(a) if they continually behold the works of men?
(b) if they continually behold the handiworks of God?
1 Cor. 3:18; Rom. 1:20.

NOTE: "If we place ourselves under objectionable influence, can we ex-

pect God to work a miracle to undo the results of our wrong course? - No,
indeed. Get out of the cities as soon as possible, and purchase a little piece
of land, where you can have a garden, where your children can watch the
flowers growing, and learn from them lessons of simplicity and purity.
-General Conference Bulletin, March 30, 1903." -Country Living, p. 17.

"Instead of dwelling where only the works of men can be seen, where
the sights and sounds frequently suggest thoughts of evil, where turmoil
and confusion bring weariness and disquietude, go where you can look
upon the works of God. Find rest of spirit in the beauty and quietude and
peace of nature. Let the eye rest on the green fields, the groves, and the
hills. Look up to the blue sky, unobscured by the city's dust and smoke, and
breathe the invigorating air of heaven. Go where, apart from the distractions
and dissipations of city life, you can give your children your companion-
ship, where you can teach them to learn of God through His works, and
train them for lives of integrity and usefulness." -MH 367.

Lesson No. 10 Sabbath, September 8, 1973

1,ESSONS OF OBEDIENCE AND DISOBEDIENCE

KEY TEXT: 1 Sam. 15:22.

1. Who were called as reliable testimonies of obedience to the instruction

given them by their father not to touch wine at all? Jer. 35:2, 6, 9.

NOTE: "To illustrate the importance of yielding implicit obedience to

the requirements of God, Jeremiah gathered some Rechabites into one of
the chambers of the temple and set wine before them, inviting them to
drink. As was to have been expected, he met with remonstrance and ab-
solute refusal. 'We will drink no wine,' the Rechabites firmly declared, 'for
Jonadab the son of Rechab our father commanded us, saying, Ye shall drink
no wine, neither ye, nor your sons forever'" -PK 423.

2. What other commandment was also given them? Jer. 35:3, 7, 9, 10.

3. Who was also raised up to do a special work for the Lord? Judg. 13:3,
24.

-23-
 4. What good attitude did Manoah's wife take when the angel appeared
to her alone? Judg. 13:9, 10.

5. What wise inquiry made by Manoah and his wife is still very impor-
tant today? What counsel still holds good? Judg. 13:12-14.

NOTE: "God had an important work for the promised child of Manoah to
do, and it was to secure for him the qualifications necessary for this work
that the habits of both the mother and the child were to be carefully re-
gulated. 'Neither let her drink wine or strong drink: was the Angel's in-
struction for the wife of Manoah, 'nor eat any unclean thing. All that I
commanded her let her observe.' The child will be affected for good or for
evil by the habits of the mother. She must herself be controlled by principle
and must practice temperance and self-denial, if she would seek the wel-
fare of her child. Unwise advisers will urge upon the mother the necessity
of gratifying every wish and impulse, but such teaching is false and mis-
chieveous. The mother is by the command of God Himself placed under
the most solemn obligation to exercise self-control." -PP 561.
"The inquiry of every father and mother should be, 'What shall we do
unto the child that shall be born unto us?' The effect of prenatal influences
has been by many lightly regarded; but the instruction sent from heaven to
those Hebrew parents, and twice repeated in the most explicit and solemn
manner, shows how this matter is looked upon by our Creator." -Ibid.
6. When Samson became a young man, what temptation came to him in
the Philistine town of Timnath? Judg. 14:1,2.

NOTE: "... Had Samson obeyed the divine commands as faithfully as his
parents had done, his would have been a nobler and happier destiny. But
association with idolaters corrupted him. The town of Zorah being near the
country of the Philistines, Samson came to mingle with them on friendly
terms. Thus in his youth intimacies sprang up, the influence of which dar-
kened his whole life. A young woman dwelling in the Philistine town of
Timnath engaged Samson's affections, and he determined to make her his
wife.. ." -PP 562.
7. What counsel did his parents give him, and how did Samson regard
it? By what was he guided? Judg. 14:3, 7.

NOTE: "To his God-fearing parents, who endeavored to dissuade him

from his purpose, his only answer was, 'She pleaseth me well.' The parents
at last yielded to his wishes, and the marriage took place." -PP 562.
8. What was the result of his marriage? Judg. 14:20.

9. What similar temptation came to Samson in the city of Gaza? What

was the result? Judg. 16:1,2.

-24-
NOTE: "... But one wrong step prepares the way for another. Samson
had transgressed the command of God by taking a wife from the Philistines,
and again he ventured among them - now his deadly enemies - in the
indulgence of unlawful passion. Trusting to his great strength, which had
inspired the Philistines with such terror, he went boldly to Gaza, to visit a
harlot of that place...." -PP 564, 565.
"The Philistines were well acquainted with the divine law, and its con-
demnation of sensual indulgence. They kept a vigilant watch over all the
movements of their enemy, and when he degraded himself by this new at-
tachment, and they saw the bewitching power of the enchantress, they
determined, through her, to accomplish his ruin (ST Oct. 13, 1881)." 2BC
1007.
10. What was the final result when Samson failed to overcome this moral
weakness? Judg. 16:21, 25, 30.

NOTE: "Physically, Samson was the strongest man upon the earth; but in
selfcontrol, integrity, and firmness, he was one of the weakest of men. Many
mistake strong passions for a strong character, but the truth is that he who
is mastered by his passions is a weak man. The real greatness of the man
is measured by the power of the feelings that he controls, not by those that
control him." -PP 567, 568.

Lesson No. II Sabbath, September IS, 1973

EDUCAnON AMONG GOD'S PEOPLE

KEY TEXT: Provo 22:6.

1. What and where is the basis of any true educational system? Provo
22:6.

NOTE: "Parents, you have a work to do for your children which no other
can do. You cannot shift your responsibilities upon another. The father's
duty to his children cannot be transferred to the mother. If she perfomls
her own duty, she has burden enough to bear. Only by working in unison,
can the father and mother accomplish the work which God has committed
to their hands.' -FE 69.
2. Who were appointed to teach the people in Israel? Lev. 10:8, II; Neh.
8:9; Deut. 33:8-10.

NOTE: "The institutions of human society find their best models in the
word of God. For those of instruction, in particular, there is no lack of both
precept and example. Lessons of great profit, even in this age of education-
al progress, may be found in the history of God's ancient people." -FE 95.
-25-
 3. Of what schools do we have record in the time of Samuel, the prophet,
and in the days of Elijah? 2 Kin. 2:1-5.

NOTE: "In Samuel's day there were two of these schools, - one at Ra-
mah, the home of the prophet, and the other at Kirjath-jearim, where the
ark then was. Two were added in Elijah's time, at Jericho and Bethel, and
others were afterward established at Samaria and Gilgal." -FE 96, 97.
4. What is written about the curriculum of the schools of the prophets?
Why were those schools of great value to Israel?

NOTE: "Samuel had founded the first regular establishments for religious
instruction and the unfolding of the prophetic gifts. Among the chief sub-
jects of study, were the law of God with the instructions given to Moses,
sacred history, sacred music, and poetry. In these 'schools of the prophets'
young men were educated by those who were not only well versed in di-
"ine truth, but who themselves maintained close communion with God and
had received the special endowment of His Spirit. These educators enjoyed
the respect and confidence of the people both for learning and piety. The
power of the Holy Spirit was often strikingly manifest in their assemblies,
and the exercise of the prophetic gift was not infrequent. These schools, or
colleges, were of untold value to Israel, not only as providing for the dis-
semination of religious truth, but as preserving the spirit of vital godliness
(ST July 20, 1882)." -2BC 1037.
5. Where did John the Baptist get the preparation for his mission, and
where did he work? From whence should the cities be worked in our
days? Luke 1:80; Mat. 3:1.

NOTE: "The cities are to be worked from outposts. Said the messenger
of God, 'Shall not the cities be warned? Yes; not by God's people living in
them, but by their visiting them, to warn them of what is coming upon the
~arth.' -Letter 182, 1902." -2SM 358.

6. What education did Jesus receive? Where and how did He obtain it?
Luke 2:46, 47, 51, 52.

NOTE: "The child Jesus did not receive instruction in the synagogue
schools. His mother was His first human teacher. From her lips and from the
scrolls of the prophets, He learned of heavenly things. The very words
which He Himself had spoken to Moses for Israel He was now taught at His
'mother's knee. As He advanced from childhood to youth, He did not seek
the schools of the rabbis. He needed not the education to be obtained from
such sources; for God was His instructor.
"The question asked during the Saviour's ministry, 'How knoweth this
man letters, having never learned? does not indicate that Jesus was unable
to read, but merely that He had not received a rabbinical education." -DA
70.
. -26-
 7. How should Christian parents act to provide education for their child-
ren? Eph. 6:4.

NOTE: "Wherever there are a few Sabbathkeepers, the parents should

unite in providing a place for a day school where their children and youth
can be instructed. They should employ a Christian teacher, who, as a con-
secrated missionary, shall educate the children in such a way as to lead
them to become missionaries...." -CT 174.
8 What is the true concept of higher education for God's people? 2 Tim.
3:15-17.

NOTE: "There is no education to be gained higher than that given to the

early disciples, and which is revealed to us through the word of God. To
gain the higher education means to follow this word implicitly; it means to
walk in the footsteps of Christ, to practice His virtues. It means to give up
selfishness and to devote the life to the service of God. Higher education
calls for something greater, something more divine, than the knowledge to
be obtained merely from books. It means a personal, experimental know-
ledge of Christ; it means emancipation from ideas, from habits and prac-
tices, that have been gained in the school of the prince of darkness, and
which are opposed to loyalty to God. It means to overcome stubbornness,
pride, selfishness, worldy ambition, and unbelief. It is the message of de-
liverance from sin." -CT 11, 12.
9. In what places did Jesus choose to educate the disciples? Mark 6:31.

NOTE: " ... So Christ taught His disciples by the lake, on the mountain-
side, in the fields and groves, where they could look upon the things of
nature by which He illustrated His teachings. And as they learned of Christ,
they put their knowledge to use by co-operating with Him in His work."
-COL 24.
" ... On the holy rest day, above all other days, we should study the mes-
sages that God has written for US in nature. We should study the Saviour's
parables where He spoke them, in the fields and groves, under the open
sky, among the grass and flowers. As we come close to the heart of nature,
Christ makes His presence real to us, and speaks to our hearts of His peace
and love." -Ibid., p. 26.
10. What example do we have from the Old Testament showing the pos-
sibility of becoming acceptable in the sight of God? Gen. 5:24; Heb.
11:5.

NOTE: "As God's commandment-keeping people, we must leave the ci-

ties. As did Enoch, we must work in the cities but not dwell in them.
-Manuscript 85, 1899." -EV. 77, 78.
"So with the great majority of the best and noblest men of all ages. Read
the history of Abraham, Jacob, and Joseph; Moses, David, and Elisha. Stu-
-27-
dy the lives of men of later times who have most worthily filled positions
of trust and responsibility.
"How many of these were reared in country homes. They knew little of
luxury." -AH 134.

Lesson No. 12 Sabbath, September 22, 1973

GOD'S PEOPLE IN OUR DAYS

KEY TEXT: John 7:17.

1. What are the marks that identify the genuine remnant people of God
today? Rev. 12:17; 19:10; 14:12.

NOTE: "Those who love and keep the commandments of God are most
obnoxious to the synagogue of Satan, and the powers of evil will manifest
their hatred toward them to the fullest extent possible. John foresaw the
conflict between the remnant church and the power of evil, ..." -7BC
974.
"There are only two parties upon this earth - those who stand under the
bloodstained banner of Jesus Christ and those who stand under the black
banner of rebellion. In the twelfth chapter of Revelation is represented the
great conflict between the obedient and the disobedient (Rev. 12:17; 13:11-
17 quoted) (MS 16, 1900)." -Ibid.
2. What experience - that took place in the history of Israel - is re-
peated in the Advent movement? Hos. 12: 13.

3. Upon what has the prosperity of God's people always been dependent?
2 Chr. 20:20.

NOTE: "... their (Israel's) prosperity, both temporal and spiritual, was
dependent on faithful obedience to God's commands." -PK 575.
4. What is the counsel of God to Christian parents who are living in
cities? 2 Cor. 6:17.

NOTE: "To parents who are living in the cities, the Lord is sending the
warning cry, Gather your children into your own houses; gather them away
from those who are disregarding the commandments of God, who are tea-
ching and practicing evil. Get out of the cities as fast as possible." -MM
310.
5. If we heed the plan of God in regard to the establishment of our in-
stitutions out of the cities, what will be the happy result? Isa. 1:19.

-28-
NOTE: "The instruction is still being given, Move out of the cities. Es-
tablish your sanitariums, your schools, and offices away from the centers
of population. Many now will plead to remain in the cities, but the time
will come erelong when all who wish to avoid the sights and sounds of
evil will move into the country; for wickedness and corruption will in-
crease to such a degree that the very atmosphere of the cities will seem to
be polluted. -Letter 26, 1907." -Country Living, p. 29.

6. What warning is sent to those who desire the comforts and conven-
iences afforded by the cities? 1 Sam. 15:22 (last part).

NOTE: "Men will arise speaking perverse things, to counterwork the

very movements that the Lord is leading His servants to make. But it is
time that men and women reasoned from cause to effect. It is too late, too
late, to establish large business firms in the cities - too late to call young
men and women from the country to the city. Conditions are arising in the
cities that will make it very hard for those of our faith to remain in them.
It would therefore be a great mistake to invest money in the establishment
of business interests in the cities. -Manuscript 76, 1905." -2SM 357.
7. How are we to enlarge and spread the work? Mark 16:15.

NOTE: "... Enlarge ye, spread, yes; but not in one place. Go out and es-
tablish centers of influence in places where nothing, or next to nothing, has
been done. Break up your consolidated mass; diffuse the saving beams of
light and shed light into the darkened corners of the earth..." -TM 255.

8. What experience should in some way be repeated by the people of

God today? Isa. 48:20.

NOTE: "The time has come, when, as God opens the way, families should
move out of the cities. The children should be taken into the country. The
parents should get as suitable a place as their means will allow. Though
the dwelling may be small, yet there should be land in connection with it,
that may be cultivated. -Manuscript 50, 1903." -Country Living, p. 24.
9. What discernment do the people of God need so they can see the per-
ils existing in the cities? Why is it that many do not have this dis-
cernment? Rev. 3:16-18.

NOTE: "'Out of the cities; out of the citiesl' - this is the message the
Lord has been giving me. The earthquakes will come; the floods will come;
and we are not to establish ourselves in the wicked cities, where the enemy
is served in every way, and where God is so often forgotten. The Lord
desires that we shall have clear spiritual eyesight. We must be quick to
discern the peril that would attend the establishment of institutions in these
wicked cities. We must make wise plans to warn the cities, and at the same
time live where we can shield our children and ourselves from the conta-
-29-
minating and demoralizing influences so prevalent in these places." -Re-
view and Herald, July 5, 1906. (LS 409, 410.)
"God has sent warning after warning that our schools and publishing
houses and sanitariums are to be established out of the city, in places where
the youth may be taught most effectively what is truth. Let no one attempt
to use the Testimonies to vindicate the establishment of large business in-
terests in the cities. Do not make of no effect the light that has been given
upon this subject." -Country Living, pp. 29, 30.
10. What experience, similar to the one that befell the early Christian
church, is to be made by the people of God in our days? Mat. 24:15-18.

NOTE: "... As the siege of Jerusalem by the Roman armies was the signal
for flight to the Judean Christians, so the assumption of power on the part
of our nation in the decree enforcing the papal sabbath will be a warning
to us. It will then be time to leave the large cities, preparatory to leaving
the smaller ones for retired homes in secluded places among the mount-
ains...." -5T 464, 465.

REMEMBER THE FOREIGN MISSION OFFERING NEXT SABBATH

Lesson No. 13 Sabbath, September 29, 1973

IN THE NEW EARTH

KEY TEXT: Isa. 65:21.

1. To what city in the new earth does the Bible refer? Rev. 21:1, 2.

NOTE "There is the New Jerusalem, the metropolis of the glorified new
earth, 'a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the
hand of thy God.' " -GC 676.
2. With what words does Paul refer to the new Jerusalem? What does it
symbolize to the overcomers? Gal. 4:24-26.

3. Who is the builder of this city? What interest did Abraham take in it?
Who will have homes in it? Heb. 11:9, 10; John 14:1-3.

NOTE: "... If you are true and humble and faithful in this life, you will
be given an abundant entrance. Then the tree of life will be yours, for you
will be a victor over sin; the city whose builder and maker is God will be
your city. Let your imagination take hold upon things unseen. Let your
thoughts be carried away to the evidences of the great love of God for you.
In contemplating the object of which you are in pursuit, you will lose the
-30-
sense of pain brought by the light afflictions that are but for a moment."
-8T 125.
4. Where do the people of God fix their hopes? What is specifically said
of this city? Why? Heb. 12:22; Rev; 21:2, 19, 20.

NOTE: "But a better than earthly reward awaits those who, basing their
work on the solid Rock, build up symmetrical characters, in accordance with
the living word. For them is prepared 'a city which hath foundations, whose
builder and maker is God.' Hebrews 11:10... ." -CT 63.
5. Why is there no hope for the people of God in any city in this world?
Heb. 13:14, Jer. 4:7.

NOTE: "According to the teaching of the Holy Scriptures, the only city
that will endure is the city whose builder and maker is God." -PK 274.
6. Under whose influence does this world stand, and what are his a-
gencies doing in every city? What spirit pervades all? Mat. 4:8, 9;
John 14:30; 1 John 5:19.

NOTE: "... At the present time, when the end of all things earthly is
rapidly approaching, Satan is putting forth desperate efforts to ensnare the
world. He is devising many plans to oc~upy minds and to divert attention
from the truths essential to salvation. In every city his agencies are busily
organizing into parties those who are opposed to the law of God. The arch-
deceiver is at work to introduce elements of confusion and rebellion, and
men are being fired with a zeal that is not according to knowledge." -AA
219.
7. What else - besides the promised city - has the Lord prepared for
the redeemed? Isa. 65:21; Heb. 11:14-16.

NOTE: "In the Bible the inheritance of the saved is called 'a country.'
Hebrews 11:14-16. There the heavenly Shepherd leads His flock to foun-
tains of living waters. The tree of life yields its fruit every month, and the
leaves of the tree are for the service of the nations. There are everflowing
streams, clear as crystal, and beside them waving trees cast their shadows
upon the paths prepared for the ransomed of the Lord. There the wide-
spreading plains swell into hills of beauty, and the mountains of God rear
their lofty summits. On those peaceful plains, beside those living streams,
God's people, so long pilgrims and wanderers, shall find a home." -GC 675.
8. What wonderful irrigation system will be in the new earth? Where
will it originate? Rev. 22:1, 2; Ezek. 47:1, 12.

NOTE: "Here (in the city) we saw the tree of life and the throne of God.
Out of the throne came a pure river of water, and on either side of the
river was the tree of life." -EW 17.
-31-
 9. How often will the saints assemble for worship before the throne of
God? Isa. 66:23.

NOTE: "God teaches that we should assemble in His house to cultivate

the attributes of perfect love. This will fit the dwellers of earth for the man-
sions that Christ has gone to prepare for all who love. Him. There they will
assemble in the sanctuary from Sabbath to Sabbath, from one new moon to
another, to unite in loftiest strains of song, in praise and thanksgiving to
Him who sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb for ever and ever." -6T
368.
10. Where will the temple of God be in the new earth: in the city or out
of the city? What do we know about the light of the moon and the
light of the sun? Rev. 21:22, 23; Isa. 30:26.

NOTE: "After beholding the glory of the temple, we went out, and Jesus
left us and went to the city." -IT 69.
"... The world will be bathed in the light of heaven. The light of the
moon will be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun will be seven-
fold greater than it is now. The years will move on in gladness." -MH 506.

Printed in U.S.A.