evi

the earth. He did not come merely to display miraculous power. He came to save mankind-to teach them to know God and His commands, and to show them, further, how to keep the commands. And

rely to show how He could perform wonders, so God did not organize the earth and put living things upon it only to display His power. He

oblem

ut it is not so. It is not ever really difficult to keep the commands of God if one sets his mind to keep them; but there are always so many other things {56} possible to do that one is tempted to neglect the word of God. Evil is always in the way. We wonder why there should be

ble of t

fell by the wayside; and it was trodden down and the fowls of the air devoured it. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it

mean

hich, 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. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choke

the powe

th of duty. Although a man may know the way of righteousness, the devil tempts him to neglect it, or even to depart fr

l of the

vation-the Gospel. The plan was explained at a great meeting, or council, of the spirits. God Himself presented the plan to them, and showed them how, in order to carry out the plan, the

Volu

was Immanuel, the Son of God. This spirit stepped forward and volunteered unselfish

r volu

the Morning. Lucifer also volunteered, saying, "Behold-here am I, {58} send me, I will be Thy son and I will

Lucifer. He was willing to try to save mankind-to force their salvation, in fact-but as reward he would thrust God from His throne, and claim for hi

er re

rd of the spirits of heaven. But in the war which followed, Lucifer and his host were defeated, and were cast out of heaven. "And he became Satan, yea, ev

aration

ither came I of myself, but He sent me. Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He

REFE

15. Isa.

Doc. and Co

28. Doc. and

8:4

QUES

mpted to neglect

esson of the par

sower of evi

atan come to

devil's missi

aracterize the devi