Lesson 4 -- Solutions

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5 points per item

1. No one is without lessons to learn.
   
   A. No one is perfect but God. It follows that we all have something more to learn.
   
   
2. Only the anointed should teach concerning God.
   
   D. We learn from both the positive and the negative. Without the negative side, we cannot have a proper perspective of the whole. Therefore, God also allows the mediocre, the incompetent and even those who are predisposed to evil to teach us the other side of what is good and proper so that by comparison, we can learn to judge more wisely. It is for this reason that, in the study of the Truth, everyone is enjoined to give his share.
   
   
3. Only serious students are personally attended to by the elevated spirits.
   
   A. It would be a waste of time and effort for elevated spirits to attend to matters that can already be handled by others below them. The President doesn’t sweep floors, that is the janitor’s job. However, when the student is ready, the Master or the elevated spirits are always ready to show the way.
   
   
4. The really elevated spirits do not impose their will on others.
   
   A. As a rule, they do not. They respect the right of others to decide for themselves. However, for the good of those who are too ignorant to know what is best for them, on very rare occasions where necessary, they do exert their very strong influence.
   
   
5. The invisible world is the real world.
   
   A. The physical worlds are only as classrooms where certain conditions and circumstances are simulated to afford learning. They are said to be worlds full of illusions. The World of Spirit, the world that will last forever, the real world, waits beyond.
   
   
6. Self-realization self-corrects automatically.
   
   A. Realization is half the battle. Once realized, then reforms and betterment automatically follow.
   
   
7. We can ascertain the identity of a communicating spirit basing from the clairvoyant images mediums perceive.
   
   D. Even devils can project an angelic image of themselves and they actually are able to fool many. Instead, we should rather evaluate the quality of their thoughts and intentions, whether directed toward good or evil, and the overall propriety of their actions. "By their fruits, we shall know them."
   
   
8. We should communicate only with elevated spirits.
   
   D. Everyone knows something he alone can share in his own particular way. Each one is a repository of some truth without which we cannot have access to the whole Truth. Therefore, it profits us to communicate with all classes of spirits.
   
   
9. If we so choose, we can have angels as our guides.
   
   D. We may make such a request, however, the decision is not up to us. The angels or the highly developed spirits who have already completed their earthly education know exactly what is best for us, to bring us forward. Everything comes according to what we spirits need and according to what we deserve.
   
   
10. Trance mediumship is the greatest source of divine knowledge.
    
    D. All forms of communication are equally of value, depending on the circumstances. Like tools in a carpenter’s box, each type of communication has its advantages and disadvantages.
    
    
11. The world can be considered hell.
    
    A. Because we are certain to experience pain and suffering here on earth, according to some more knowledgeable accounts, it is as if we are in hell. Life gets to be much, much better after we get over the lessons of this world.
    
    
12. Spirit instructions should be followed without question.
    
    D. Spirit guides are only supposed to offer suggestions. All the decisions must be ours to make, in the exercise of our free will. How else can we attain to perfection?
    
    
13. Spiritualism is the best path for everyone in the world.
    
    D. Spiritualism offers certain advantages but other schools likewise offer their own unique benefits. The student must choose his own path based on his own particular needs and preferences.
    
    
14. Only the most highly developed mediums are utilized by Spirit guides.
    
    D. The Spirit guides make the best use of whatever resources are available to them. Moreover, depending on the lesson, different classes of mediums having different specializations and degrees of competence are utilized.
    
    
15. My Spirit guide is not of my own choosing.
    
    D. Before we were even born, we chose who our guides would be. It is very similar to enrolling in a certain subject and choosing our particular teacher and guardian.
    
    
16. If I just follow the counsel of my Guide always, I’ll make out fine.
    
    D. We should never be blind followers. It is incumbent upon us to analyze and test every counsel no matter from whom it comes before deciding on whether to follow it or not. In everything we do, we cannot escape our personal responsibility.
    
    
17. Spiritists are highly spiritual people.
    
    D. Spiritists are students like anyone else. They are striving to become highly spiritual and holy but they have quite a ways to go still.
    
    
18. The highest level of instruction is that given to the Spiritualists and Spiritists.
    
    D. What are available to Spiritualists and Spiritists are also available to others. Everything depends on what a student is ready for and that is always given.
    
    
19. The messages of elevated spirits are always communicated in a language that is noble and refined.
    
    D. While the messages coming from the elevated spirits are really noble and refined, their relaying may be hampered by the limitations of the medium in terms of his attitude, comprehension and communication skills.
    
    
20. We are at the mercy of evil spirits.
    
    D. No one can impose his will on us if we will not allow it. If we are too weak to resist, then our Spirit guides will take charge and safeguard us from harm. God just won’t allow anything really bad to happen to us. However, on rare occasions whenever necessary, our Spirit guides actually enlist the help of lower spirits to tempt and mislead us in order to teach us certain very valuable lessons.