1. “Η. Ε.,” Ballisodare. You must ever remember that scripture cannot contradict itself. Hence, when you read in John 10 such words as these, “My sheep shall never perish,” your heart should rest in the full assurance of the eternal security of the very feeblest of Christ’s blood bought sheep. Many other scriptures establish the same precious truth. Evidently, then, 2 Pet. 2:20-2220For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning. 21For it had been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than, after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered unto them. 22But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire. (2 Peter 2:20‑22) cannot possibly clash with John 10 and kindred passages. But what does it teach? Simply that when professors of religion return to their old habits, they are in a worse condition than if they had never made a profession at all. It is obvious that true Christians are not in question here. A “dog and a sow” cannot be looked upon as “sheep,” however they may profess “the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” We desire to render hearty thanks to God for what you say as to the blessing and help received through our pages. To Him be all the praise!
2. “T. C.” Reading. We can see no objection to singing a hymn, or asking a blessing on the word, at a gospel preaching. In Acts 27 we find the apostle Paul giving thanks in the midst of a number of unconverted persons. We do not expect such to join either in singing or prayer. On the contrary, we often feel it right to warn them against so doing. There is great danger of persons getting into the religious habit of singing things, which, so far as they are concerned, are not true. It may be asked, Why then give out hymns or pray at all? We should only do so when we are sure of the presence of some of the Lord’s people, for only such can rightly sing and pray. Some of our friends feel a difficulty in this matter. We feel none. Let each be fully persuaded in his own mind.
3. “A. S. R.,” Saxmundham, Thanks for your kind and encouraging letter, and the accompanying lines. God bless you!
4. “S.,” Limerick. If you will kindly send us your name and address, we shall be happy to communicate with you. Meanwhile we can only ask the Lord to enable you to follow Him fully, cost what it may. To Him we lovingly commend you.
5. “G. S.,” Tasmania. We have read your letter with much interest. You will find in our December issue an answer to your question as to Heb. 12:22-2422But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 23To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. (Hebrews 12:22‑24). The clear friend for whom you inquire is still working for the Lord. He has been in America, and is now in Demerara. May the Lord bless you and keep you, dear brother. It is such a mercy to be kept following Him.
6. “G. R. D.,” New Barnet. The grand point, in dealing with children, is to insist upon obedience. It is of the very last importance. If this be carried out from the very first, it will save a world of trouble to both paints and children. Your question is intensely interesting; but we cannot enter upon it here. If you could lay your hand upon a little work entitled “Thou and thy House,” it may help you. You can get it by enclosing seven postage stamps to the publisher, “Mr. Morrish, 24, Warwick Lane, Paternoster Row, London. E.G.”
7. “J.,” Devonshire. We cannot enter upon your question here; but you might procure a copy of a pamphlet on “The Sufferings of Christ” from Mr. Morrish, by enclosing twelve stamps. A prayerful reading of that work will help you.
8. “A Sister,” Bristol. Thanks for your kind note. We trust our letter to a friend on the study of the Psalm will help you.
9. “Daisy,” Sheffield. We should know more of the circumstances of the case in question before giving a judgment.
10. “G. S.O. Greenwich. We quite believe that the midnight cry has gone forth, and that within our own memory. May we all be found watching and ready! How terrible to be shut out, when the Bridegroom comes!
11. “H. L.,” Stockton. We believe that the woman should always have her head covered at the Lord’s Table. Scripture says nothing about “shawls and gloves.” 1 Cor. 11 is very plain and very explicit on this point, 12. “A Confused One,” Bayswater. We feel deeply for you. What you want is to get more completely done with self, and rest in Christ’s perfect work, and in Himself as the object and portion of your heart, this is the true secret of peace.
13. “A Reader of T. N. & O.,” Stroud. We believe that all who believe in Christ as dead and risen are sealed by the Holy Ghost and form part of His body. The body is viewed as on the earth. “There is one body.” This is as true now as when the apostle penned the epistle to the Ephesians. This body is indissoluble. Its unity cannot be broken. There is no such thing as “rending the body of Christ” or “cutting off limbs.” These are expressions which are used without due attention to scripture. We are bound to recognize, as a great foundation truth, the unity of the body. We are not called to form a unity, but to own the unity which God the Holy Ghost has formed. It is as contrary to the truth to set about forming a unity as to set about working out righteousness for ourselves. God reveals His righteousness, on the principle of faith; we believe and possess it. So also, God reveals His unity; we believe and walk in the light of it. Alas! men refuse to submit to God’s righteousness, and go about to establish their own; and, in like manner, men refuse God’s unity and go about to form their own; but both man’s righteousness and man’s unity must pass away like the vapors of the morning; whereas the righteousness and the unity which are of God shall endure through everlasting ages.
14. “Η. Η.,” Brixton Hill. We have, more than one, had occasion to refer to John 15:22Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. (John 15:2). The real secret of the difficulty felt by so many in this scripture is that they seek to make it a question of life and security, whereas it is simply a question of fruit bearing. If we do not abide in the vine we shall prove fruitless branches, and all such branches the Husbandman removes from the place of fruit bearing. The question of salvation is not touched.
15. “Μ. M.,” Redland. We do not know of any book on the subject you name.
16. “Η. T.,” Sydenham, Assuredly our Lord meant that we should be baptized in water.
17. “E. S. R.,” North Brixton. The ground on which Christians should gather is stated in Eph. 4:44There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; (Ephesians 4:4): “There is one body.” There are three tests by which to try all who profess to be gathered on the ground of the Church of God. 1. Is the absolute authority of the word owned, in all things? 2. Is the free action of God the Holy’ Ghost fully allowed in worship and ministry? 3. Is the purity of the Lord’s Table duly maintained by godly discipline in reference to bad doctrine and evil conduct? Wherever you cannot find these things it is not the Church of God at all—not on that ground. The Lord grant us singleness of heart as unto Himself!
18. “S. C. A. B.,” Ventnor. The expressions “Kingdom of God,” and “Kingdom of heaven” do not always mean one and the same thing. The former is sometimes used in cases where the latter would not apply. (See Rom. 14:1717For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. (Romans 14:17).) “The kingdom of heaven” characterizes the gospel of Matthew. “The kingdom of God” is found in Luke.
19. “W.,” Cheltenham. Thanks for your very touching lines. They happen to be exactly suited, at this moment.
20. “Ε. M. B.” Leamington. The four Editors agree in giving the following reading of 1 John 5:7, 87For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 8And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one. (1 John 5:7‑8), “For there are three that bear record, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood, and these three agree in one,” (or “are unto one” εἰς τὸ ἕν εἰσιν.)
21. “F. W. S.,” Faversham. The Book of Jonah is, at once, historical, prophetical, and typical. We have the history of the prophet’s actings—a prophecy of the overthrow of Nineveh—a type of the death of Christ. It is a most precious compendium of the very finest moral principles.
22. “W. J.,” Seacombe. We have so frequently adverted, in former numbers, to the subject of your letter, that we do not deem it wise to bring it forward again. We may, however, say that we rather agree with your view of the point.
23. “F. Gr. B.,” Ryde. We could not sit down at the Lord’s Table with one who frequented the theater. We can hardly understand how anyone having a spark of Christianity could be found in such a place.
24. “Gr. D. P.,” Ρ—. We see nothing wrong in a Christian’s applying, in a becoming manner, for an advance of wages, provided it be not the fruit of covetousness, but simply for the support of his family. But we cannot attempt to lay down a rule. Very much will depend on the circumstances of the case.
Communications have come to hand from the following, namely, “ W. W.,” Roehampton; “Α. Ε. B,” Wellington; “C. B.,” Wells; “C. J. S.,” London; “J. W.,” Rutland; “L. C.,” Lee; “Gr. S.,” Blackrock; “An Old Christian,” Malvern; “Μ. Ε. M.,” Winchester; “E. W.,” Margate; “J. D. M.,” Hoiinslow; “Cestrian,” Glister; “J. F.,” Reading; u A. B.,” without date; “M. R. Α.,” Norwich; “ Ruth M.,” without date.