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BONDAGE OR LIBERTY WHICH?

First Lesson

[In entering upon this course of instruction, each of you should, so far as possible, lay aside, for the time being, all previous theories and beliefs. By so doing, you will be saved the trouble of trying, all the way through the course, to put "new wine into old wineskins" (Lk. 5:37). If there is anything, as we proceed, that you do not understand or agree with, just let it be passively in your mind until you have read the entire book, for many statements that would at first arouse antagonism and discussion will be clear and easily accepted a little further on. After the course is completed, if you wish to return to your old beliefs and ways of living, you are at perfect liberty to do so. But, for the time being, be willing to become as a little child; for, said a Master in spiritual things, "Unless you become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven" (Mt. 18:3). If at times there seems to be repetition, please remember that these are lessons, not lectures.]1

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power" (Eph. 6:10).

"Whatever is true, whatever is honor able, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any

1. This paragraph begins the original Lessons in Truth too. However, the material that follows was originally found in the twelfth lesson. We have kept it here because we agree it makes for a better beginning.