85. “Η. Τ.,” Plymouth. We have replied to a somewhat similar question in our July Correspondence.
86. “R. M.,” Linlithgow Bridge. Your kind note and accompanying lines have come to hand.
87. “R. Κ. H.,” Huntingdon. Your letter has come to hand. We earnestly recommend you to give yourself to the calm and prayerful study of the word of God. Wait on Him to lead you into His own appointed path for you; and as He gives you light, walk in it. Beware of trusting to your own feelings, and of acting on mere impulse or passing impressions. There is danger, at times, of mistaking our own impressions and mental tendencies for the leadings of God’s Spirit. This must be carefully guarded against. It is well to be governed always by the authority of the word, and led by the Spirit. May the Lord preserve you, dear friend, from all error and evil, and keep your heart and mind stayed on Himself! This is our earnest prayer for you and all the Lord’s beloved people.
88. We give the following from our dear friend “W. R. H.” He says, “ About two years ago, I asked you to intimate on the cover of ‘Things New and Old,’ my desire to receive any old or odd numbers of this or any similar publication. A most abundant answer has been given to my request; and large parcels have been sent into foreign lands where English is spoken. The desire is still for more. I am sure I have only to mention the facts, and the warm hearts who read your Magazine will again look up their old stores. Some of the parcels sent were very small, hardly worth the postage; but who shall say what the value of them may have been, when the light of that day discloses the results, and the Master’s smile of approval says, ‘Thou hast been faithful in a very little?’ “We heartily commend our dear brother’s suggestion to the notice of our kind readers. All parcels to be addressed to “W. R. H. 106, Grosveuor Road, Highbury New Park, London, N.”
89. “Inquirer,” St. Albans. Peter was converted previous to the scene recorded in Luke 5. But there he became the subject of a much deeper work than ever he had known before; and the narrative may, very properly, be used as illustrating the genuine work of conviction in the soul of any sinner.
90. “G. R. W.” It seems very clear from scripture that thanks should be given for the cup as well as for the bread. Why should we depart from the divine order? As to the danger of its involving effort or of dropping into a form, the same may be said in reference to giving thanks at all. If a man is in the power of the Holy Ghost, realizing the love of Christ and the preciousness of His death, there will be neither effort nor formality. And, on the other hand, if he be not, he had better sit still and not intrude upon the worship of the assembly. Ο, for spiritual power in our souls and in our meetings!
91. “L. S. W.” Scripture lays down no rule on the subject; but it seems fitting that when the assembly is convened for “the breaking of bread,” that solemn and precious act should be made the great prominent object. We do not gather round the Table of our Lord to hear sermons; but to feed upon Him, to show forth His death, and to have our hearts drawn out “in wonder, love, and praise.” No doubt, it is most blessed, when we have sat at His Table to be fed, to sit at His feet and be instructed or edified by the lips of any whom He may choose and fit for that end: but we cannot but feel that when the disciples come together on the first day of the week, the Lord’s supper should be made the great prominent object.
92. “Sophia,” Brixton. There is a material difference between changing your work and changing your sphere. No doubt, the Lord does constantly change the sphere of His servants. He changed Philip’s sphere, when He called him from the city of Samaria to the desert of Gaza. As to how we are to know our sphere of work, it must be a matter between our own souls and the Lord. Surely He can and will guide. If only we wait on Him with a subject will and a single eye, we shall not be left in doubt. His promise is sure, “I will guide thee with mine eye.” And again, “If thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.” May these precious words be made good in your experience! Accept our warmest thanks, dear friend, for your kind and interesting letter.
93. “J. C.” Acts 19:1-6 answers your question. There you have an account of twelve persons who had been baptized by John, and yet Paul felt it necessary for them to receive christian baptism in connection with the higher truth which it was his province to unfold.