The Watertown news. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1917-1919, 1917-12-28
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Lesson 13.-Fourth Quarter, for
December 80, 1917.
THE INTERNATIONAL SERIES
Text of the Lesson, Ps. 1923 and 1924,
Quarterly ReveW-GoIden Text, Ps.
130:7-Commentary Prepared by
Rev. D. M. Stearns.

Lesson I.-PSalmS of deliverance,
Ps. IS and 126. Golden text, Ps. 1865,
'"They that sow in tears shall reap In
JOY" All past deliverances for Israel
are foretastes of the great and lasting
deliverance yet future when they shall
be all righteous and shall not see evil
any more. It is the privilege of every
believer now to know the forgiveness
of sins and the peace of God within.
Lesson H.-Returning from captiv~
ity, Ez. 1 lii. Golden text, Ps. 126 3,
Jehovah hath done great things for
us, whereof we are glad" A gentle
king, mentioned by name before he
was born, was Gods instrument to full
fill his word by Jeremiah concerning
his purpose for Israel and was led to
show Ezra and his people unusual ia
vor. Every purpose of the Lord shall
always be performed, and it is not for
us to ask how Cps. 33 IL; lisa. IA :24)
Lesson III.-The temple rebuilt and
dedicated, Ez. 3:S-13; 4:14-18. Gold
en- text, Ps. 100 a, ENTER into His gates
with thanksgiving and into His courts
with praise" Although there were
many hindrances and some delay be-
cause of the adversaries, the temple
was rebuilt, finished and dedicated
with great joy and the Passover kept.
Read Haggai and look to the Lord
alone for all things.
Lesson IV.-Ezra's return from Bah
ylon, Ez. S:21-32. Golden text, Ez. 8:
%, "The hand of our God is upon all
them for good that seek Him." Ezra
did not return with the first company
but some years later, taking with him
much gold and silver and some Of the
holy vessels, and, though they had no
visable escort and were four months
on the way, the Lord on whom they
relied brought them safely.
Lesson V.-Defeat through drunken
ness, Kings 20 :1-21. Golden text,
Kings POLL, LET not him that girdeth
on his armor boast himself as he that
putteth it Off" While it is true that
the leaders among the enemies were a
drunken lot, the reason given by God
for their defeat and overthrow was
that they despised him and did not
know him q Kings 20 :13-2S))
Lesson VI.-Nehemiah's prayer, Neh
I'LL. Golden text, / John 3:22
whatsoever we ask we receive OF
Him." A great burden was upon Ne
hemiah's heart because of the reproach
resting upon the Lord on account OF
the condition of his city Jerusalem
| and his people Israel. If the same
burden were on believers hearts to-
| day because of the condition of the
| church there would be earnest prayer
Lesson VII.-Nehemiah's prayer an
swered, Neh. Pill. Golden text
Matt. CT, "Ask and it shall be given
| YOU" We must not conclude, because
our prayers are not speedily answered
| that God has not heard US, but, with
| absolute confidence in him, rest in the
Lord and wait patiently for him. His
way is perfect; his time is best. Lei
us pray without ceasing about every
thing according to chapter "a, B.
Lesson VILLA psalm of thanksgiv
| ing, Ps. 1O3. Golden text, Ps. 1O3 2
'Bless Jehovah, o my soul, and forge
not all His benefits" Having obtained
forgiveness by his mercy because o.
his great and all sufficient sacrifice
| all else is included according to Rom
/! 8 80. It is exceeding great comfort tt
| know that we have to do with one who
! knoweth our frame and pities like {
father while he comforts like a mother
wall of Jerusalem, Neh. 1921. Gold
en- text, Heb. 13 e, ''The Lord is my
helper; I will not fear. What shall
man do unto me?" With very vigor
GUS opposition and such disqualified
workers to build wall as priests anC
| merchants and women, the wall was
finished, and the enemy was compelled
to confess that the work was wrought
| of God.
Lesson X.-Ezra and Nehemiah
teach the law, Neh. SLIP. Colder
text, Ps. 99:1O5, Thy word is lamp
unto my feet and a light unto N,