10. “C,” London. We most cordially agree with all you say as to the importance, yea the absolute necessity, of all the teachers in the Sunday school being, not only converted, but also subject, in all things, to the authority of God’s word, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We have more than once referred to this subject in our replies to various correspondents, as also in our “seventh letter on the work of evangelization.” Hence, therefore, when speaking of the need of the teachers’ conferring together, we had no such idea as you seem to attribute to us, when you say, “What! with unconverted teachers, or those who do not see their place at the Lord’s table?” We reply, far be the thought. We emphatically declare our conviction that no one is fit to co-operate in the work of Sunday school teaching who is not truly converted to God, and in the enjoyment of settled peace. And further, we believe that in order to have full fellowship among the teachers they should be seeking to walk in the light. They may not be able to see eye to eye on every point; but clearly they can only have fellowship as they walk in the light. “ Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in anything ye be otherwise [or differently, ἑτέρως] minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing.” Philippians 3:15, 1615Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 16Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. (Philippians 3:15‑16).
Another Sunday school worker has written to us for counsel as to certain points; but her letter has been mislaid. If she would kindly write to us again, we shall endeavor to reply. We are sorry to give her so much trouble. It is remarkable the number of questions that spring up on the subject of Sunday school teaching. Surely the work is simple enough if we were only simple in taking it up. What is so much needed is an intense desire for the eternal salvation of the dear children—a desire which will express itself in earnest efforts to reach them by every scriptural means. And surely, if all the teachers in the school were wholly bent on the one grand object, they would be led to wait upon God, both in private and together, that He would be pleased to grant them the desire of their hearts.
11. “Ε. A. J.,” Essex. Heb. 11:2626Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. (Hebrews 11:26) teaches us that Moses chose the very same character of reproach as Christ Himself, namely, the reproach arising from identification with God’s people in all their need, their sorrow, and their degradation. He might have acted for them. He might have stood apart from them, and helped them by his personal influence. He might have patronized them; but none of these things could be called “the reproach of Christ.” This latter is seen in Moses “ choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God.” This was what Christ did perfectly. “In all their afflictions he was afflicted.” Eph. 6:22Honor thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) (Ephesians 6:2) does not teach that Christians are under the law; it merely shows that obedience to parents is not confined to Christianity, but was inculcated even by the law. As to fasting, we deem it to be a very precious exercise when spiritually observed. Though you may not have heard it referred to in lectures, many others have. As to your fourth query, the matter can only be introduced by the expression “speaking after the manner of men.” In point of fact, we know it was necessary that Christ should suffer—“Thus it behooved him”—such was “the determinate counsel of God.” People may say, “If Israel had received the Messiah, the kingdom would have been set up.” But they did not receive Him. They rejected and crucified Him. No doubt they were tested by His coming and offering Himself to them as their King; but His precious atoning death was the necessary basis of all the counsels of God, as to the Jew, the Gentile, and the Church.
12. “G. R” The parable of the talents in Matt. 25 applies to the great principle of christian service and responsibility during the time of our Lord’s absence. It is not a question of eternal life or salvation; but simply of service according to our several ability. The primary application of Luke 13:77Then said he unto the dresser of his vineyard, Behold, these three years I come seeking fruit on this fig tree, and find none: cut it down; why cumbereth it the ground? (Luke 13:7) is to Israel; but we may all learn a solemn lesson from it. Let us seek to be fruitful and not be cumberers of the ground. We live in a day of easy profession. God looks for reality, for diligence, for earnestness, and integrity of heart. May we be watchful, and never rest satisfied with mere head knowledge or lip profession. The Lord will have “truth in the inward parts.”
13. “Τ. Ε.” & “C. Μ. Ε.” Rev. 7:99After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; (Revelation 7:9) is a distinct answer to your first question. As to your second, it seems strange how any Christian could raise such a question. Surely it will ever be our joy to own ourselves sinners saved by grace. Can we ever forget this? God forbid!
14. “Ν. B.,” Taunton. It must be entirely a question of individual faith. You must walk before God; but seek to walk in happy loving fellowship. You should both wait upon God together, and seek to be of one mind in the Lord. This is your happy privilege. It is of the utmost importance for man and wife to cultivate the daily habit of waiting together on the Lord. It has a marvelous effect upon the whole range of domestic life. Bring everything before God, pour out your hearts together. Have no secrets, no reserve. Then will your hearts be knit together in holy love, and the current of your personal, conjugal, and domestic life will flow peacefully and happily on, to the praise of Him who has made you one, and called you to walk together as heirs of the grace of life.
15. “J. J.,” Topsham. Many have found real profit and enjoyment in those papers to which you refer.
16. “Emma,” Brixton. If your conscience is not clear before the Lord, do not move one inch in the matter. Let not the persuasive arguments of a thousand friends induce you to do anything with a doubtful mind. “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” We do not offer any opinion on the abstract question which you have laid before us; but, judging from your own statements, it is perfectly evident that your own heart would condemn you in taking such a step; and, on this ground, we solemnly counsel you not to move in the matter. May we be faithful to Christ! May we give Him an undivided heart!
17. “Η. E. D.,” Margate. If you write to Mr. Morrish, 24, Warwick Lane, Paternoster Row, he will send you a tract on the subject of “Eternal Punishment” which may help your friend.
18. “II. W.,” Breareton. Accept our warmest thanks for your truly interesting letter. It has indeed refreshed us greatly. May the Lord cheer and comfort you by the consolation of His presence, and set the seal of His rich blessing on your labors! To Him we do earnestly commend you and your work.