14. “L. P.,” Queen’s County. 1 Pet. 2:25 refers primarily to Jewish Christians, as you may see by the opening address of the epistle. This will solve your difficulty as to the expression, “returned.”
15. “C. T., R. H. A. Dorchester. We have repeatedly gone into the question of sisters teaching and preaching. (See “Nine Years’ Answers to Correspondents.”) We believe it is plainly opposed to scripture for a woman to speak in the Church, or to teach, or, in any way, to usurp authority over the man. But if there be a meeting of a private, social character, there is, in our judgment, an opening for the free communication of thought, provided always that the woman keep the place assigned her by the voice of nature and the word of God.
16. “S. L.” The word rendered “Transformed,” in Rom. 12:2 occurs in the following passages, namely, Matt. 17:2; “He was transfigured before them. Mark 9:2, where we have the same words. 2 Cor. 3:18; “We all.....are changed into the same image.” We believe the expression sets forth the truth of the believer’s likeness to Christ — the daily putting off the old man, laying aside the things of nature and of earth, and putting on the new man. We are not to be conformed to this World, but to be livingly, practically transformed by the renewing of the mind, through the power of the Holy Ghost, who Unfolds Christ to our souls and causes us to grow into His image. May we know much more of this!
17. “E. W.,” Margate. As to the question of singing at funerals, it must entirely depend upon our spiritual power at the time. A person may be so bowed down with sorrow as to be wholly unable to sing; but you could not make such an one a model for others, or hinder their singing, on the ground of sympathy with him. We believe nothing can be more magnificent, more morally grand, than a hymn of praise, a song of triumph, chanted amid the very dust of death. To hear a congregation of saints singing at the grave of a brother or sister, is a positive triumph over the enemy. But if anyone be so crushed under the sorrow as to be unable to sing, we feel assured the loving tender heart of Jesus feels the sorrow and puts the tears into His bottle. The one who wept and groaned at the grave of Lazarus would not, we feel persuaded, rebuke the tears and groans of a crushed and desolate heart.
18. “Ε. Ε. T. London. Thanks for Dr. Hawker’s lines. They are indeed most precious.
19. “R. B.,” London. We can only refer you to our opening article in the May number of “Things New and Old” for an answer to your question. When you have read that, we shall be glad to hear from you.
20. “W. R. H.,” Douglas. We may perhaps see it right to publish a new edition of the tract you name.
21. “H.M,” 17th Lancers; and “J. B.,” Aldershot. You both write to us respecting John 17:4. We are at a loss to see how this passage can have presented any difficulty. Our blessed Lord speaks, in this marvelous chapter, as one who had finished His work, done the will of God, and glorified the Father on this earth. He stands, in spirit, at the close of His earthly career, and is about to take His departure to heaven. Historically, He had to pass through the circumstances of death, after the scene presented in this seventeenth chapter. All this seems perfectly simple.
22. “Ellen E.,” London. Your letter has come to hand. May God grant you the desire of your heart, and fill you with the joy of His full salvation. The Work is finished. Only give Jesus the confidence of your heart, and then peace like an even river will flow into your precious soul. May the Lord bless you!
23. “Ε. H.,” Beckham. John 6:53, 54, teaches the indispensable necessity of feeding upon the death of Christ in order to spiritual life. There is no life in any other way. Under the law, it was death to eat blood. Under the gospel there is no life without it. “We live by death. Precious mystery!
24. “C. C,” Witney. Your letter has interested us exceedingly; but you have not given us your address. We observe on the envelope the postmark “Witney;” but you say in your P.S. you “expect to be home on Monday.” We can only say, in all sincerity, may the Lord, whom you desire to follow, graciously sustain you, and open the way for you! You have only to go on with Him, acting up to the light which He gives you, and leaving all results with your Lord. He will take care of you.
25. “Α. Η. M.,” Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Accept our sincere thanks for your truly interesting and encouraging letter. Such tidings are like cold water to a thirsty soul. May God bless you, and all those associated with you! Go on, beloved brother, in the name of the Lord. Keep your eye fixed on Him. He will never fail a trusting heart. To Him we do, most earnestly, commend you.
26. “W. K.,” Southwark. Your kind and interesting letter has come to hand, for which accept our thanks.
27. “Louisa A. G.,” London. The book of Esther is profoundly interesting. It fills a very special place in the canon of Inspiration. We believe its object is to set forth the providential actings of God on behalf of Israel, during the entire period in which He cannot publicly own them as His. You will remark that the name of God does not once occur in this book; but His finger is stamped on everything. He is behind the scenes, watching everything for His beloved people. You have a most marvelous chain of circumstances, every link of which exhibits the hand and the heart of Israel’s God, though He does not show Himself, and cannot own Israel as His. We believe the book of Esther has a special voice for the present moment. God is acting for His people. He is guiding, by His providence, the vast machine of this world’s politics, with a view to the ultimate blessing and exaltation of His people Israel.
28. “Η. M.,” Brentford. We believe it is to God our Father we have to confess our sins. This must be evident if you will read 1 John 1:5 — 10. We do not see any difficulty in the matter. It is true we are in relationship with God — our sins arc all forgiven — our guilt atoned for — but yet, we are liable to commit sin; and, when we do so, there must be confession ere our communion with God can be restored. This confession and its results are founded upon the atoning work and advocacy of our Lord Jesus Christ. If my child does wrong, he does not cease to be my child; but I cannot allow him to enjoy happy intercourse with me until he fully confesses the wrong. Accept our thanks for your kind and interesting letter.
29. “J. C,” Bradford. We believe the expressions to winch you refer, in 2 Thess. 1:10 sets forth two distinct aspects of the same people. As “saints” — those whom God has set apart to Himself — He will be glorified in us. As “them that believe,” He will be admired in us. God’s glory will shine out in His sanctified ones — His admirable work and ways will be set forth in His believing ones.
30. “J. H.,” London. Your lines have come to hand.
31. “H. G. S.,” London. The special application of Eze. 34 is evidently to the shepherds of Israel, though surely it conveys a solemn and needed lesson to all who undertake the work of a pastor in the midst of God’s people.
32. “Β. Μ.,” T. D. We do not see how you could have acted otherwise. The case is a very sad one indeed; but we do not think you need to feel in any wise burdened in conscience, however deeply your heart may feel the sorrow. May God have mercy upon the poor wanderer and bring him to the feet of Jesus!