Laying a good foundation is essential for the full growth of a Christian as well as for the build-ing up of the body of Christ. The apostle Paul exhorted young Timothy to "have an outline of sound words which words thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. Keep by the Holy Spirit which dwells in us, the good deposit entrusted" (2 Tim 1:13,14 Darby's). Such good deposit of fundamental teachings on practical Christian living forms a sure foundation on which to build. In this fifth book on Basic Lesson Series, messages are given on Marriage, Choosing a Mate, Husband and Wife, Parenthood, Friendship, Recreation, Speech, Clothing and Eating, Asceticism, and Managing Your Finances. May we learn these lessons faithfully. CONTENTS 29-Marriage 30-Choosing A Mate 31-Husband and Wife 32-Parenthood 33-Friendship 34-Recreation 35-Speech 36-Clothing And Eating 37-Asceticism 38-Managing Your Finances

Watchman Nee was born in China in 1903 and given the name Ni (Nee) Shu-Tsu. At seventeen years of age, he wholeheartedly accepted Christ, and he sought and received the power of the Holy Spirit for ministry in 1922. In 1926, he contracted tuberculosis and was not expected to live. In spite of weakness and a high fever, he wrote his three-volume work The Spiritual Man, which he wanted to leave as a spiritual legacy after he died. However, Nee was miraculously healed by God after several months of illness, and he completed the work in 1928. In 1934, he married his wife, Charity. Having a photographic memory, Nee felt that the Lord was calling him to be a "watchman" for his fellow Christians in China, and so he began to read everything he could about the Christian faith. He was used by God not only to convert many to Christ, but also to plant many local fellowships throughout China and Southeast Asia. He also authored numerous books on the Christian life. Watchman Nee continued faithfully in the service of his Lord until the Communists imprisoned him in 1952, where he was confined until his death in 1972.