Correspondence

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50. “C. G. Μ.” In Exod. 24 the ciders saw “the God of Israel,” who was pleased to take a form in which He could show Himself to man. But John 1:1818No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. (John 1:18), and 1 Tim. 6:1616Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen. (1 Timothy 6:16) refer to God, in His eternal essence. No mortal could see a spirit. There is no real difficulty in the passages.
51. “ M. J. O.” We have, in some former number, explained Phil. 2:1212Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. (Philippians 2:12). It refers to the difficulties, trials, and temptations which surrounded the Philippian saints: the apostle exhorts them—now that they had not him to lean upon—to work out their own salvation, as a daily practical thing, ever remembering that it was God who wrought in them. We can only praise the Lord, with a full heart, dear friend, for the help you have received from the books.
52. “G.” Repentance is an abiding and universal necessity for the sinner. (Acts 17:3030And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: (Acts 17:30).) It has nothing whatever to do with the ground of a sinner’s peace, any more than the feelings of a drowning man have to do with a lifeboat. But man, being a sinner, must be brought to the moral judgment of his nature and state in the sight of God. This judgment may vary in its measure and character; but it must be, sooner or later, in every case. Man must find out that he is lost, that he is a guilty hell-deserving sinner, else what does he want of life, pardon, or salvation at all? No doubt there is an utterly false legal way of handling the question of repentance which must be carefully avoided by all preachers of the gospel; but at the same time we must never forget those words of our risen Lord and Master, “Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day; and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” Luke 24:46, 4746And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: 47And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:46‑47).
53. “A Sunday School Teacher,” Cullompton. We must refer you to “A Seventh Letter on the Work of Evangelization “ in vol. 13 page 7, of “Things New and Old.” Also to a little tract entitled “The Sunday School Teacher Encouraged.” May the Lord grant all needed zeal, energy, tact, and spiritual power for the work!
54. “J. S. M.,” Abingdon. You will find a reply to your question in our May Correspondence.
55. “Μ. Μ.” We see no other course open before you but one of plain decision for Christ, cost what it may. You must cease to do evil before you can expect to learn to do well. Trust Christ and act boldly for Him. “ If thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.” But if you are looking at circumstances, weighing consequences, or conferring with flesh and blood, your eye is not single, and you must be in darkness and perplexity. The Lord can very speedily provide you with a situation. Only wait on Him. Let your exclusive reference be to Him. He never fails a trusting heart. Do, dear friend, seek to prove the reality of sole dependence upon the living God. There is nothing like it. All human hopes are as a vapor that passeth away. May the Lord undertake for you, in His infinite goodness!
56. “W. D.,” Neath. Your letter, not being in any way connected with the Magazine, ought to have been addressed in full, as a personal communication. Through its not having been thus addressed, it was placed unread along with some dozens of letters; and thus it happens that we are reading it exactly a month after date. A good deal of trouble and confusion would be avoided if our Correspondents would kindly attend to a suggestion which we ventured to offer some time since; namely, to address all private letters in full; and all letters connected with the Magazine, to “C. Η. M.” As to the immediate subject of your letter, dear friend, we deem it right to state that we never apply to people, directly or indirectly, for pecuniary aid, in any case whatever; nor could we personally act, in this instance, without a fuller knowledge, of the facts.
57. “W. S.,” Newport. 1 Cor. 7:1414For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. (1 Corinthians 7:14). does not predicate aught as to salvation of the children of believers. The word “holy” is neuter (ἅγια) and simply shows that the children were sanctified to the parents. In this we see the grace of the gospel in contrast with the law; for the latter would insist upon putting away the offspring of a mixed marriage. See Ezra 10:88And that whosoever would not come within three days, according to the counsel of the princes and the elders, all his substance should be forfeited, and himself separated from the congregation of those that had been carried away. (Ezra 10:8).
58. “W. Β.,” Η. M. S. Forte. The termini of the Church’s existence on earth are Pentecost, Acts 2; and the rapture, 1 Thess. 4
59. “Χ. Υ. Z.,” Newbury. There must be some feature in the case you name, not yet discovered—some moral depth unreached—some root unjudged. May God manifest His quickening, saving power!
60. “J. II.,” Sunderland. Your lines contain much precious truth, and breathe a very sweet spirit; but they are rather too long for insertion.
61. “A.D.,” West End. The blasphemy against the Holy Ghost was attributing to Satan those works which our Lord Jesus Christ performed by the Eternal Spirit. This was actually done by the apostate leaders of Israel, and judgment came upon them. We have referred, in a former number, to “the sin unto death.” It is not a question of the soul’s salvation, but of the death of the body under the governmental dealings of God.
62. “J. S.,” Chippenham. We most heartily join you in the desire that the Lord would stir us all up to more love and zeal, and care one for another. If we are living near the Lord, we shall ever be led to confess how short we come in the exhibition of love. Oh! that we may exercise self-judgment and walk humbly.
63. “T. A. L.,” Pau. Accept many thanks for your land and interesting communication. May the Lord bless you very abundantly!
64. “ St. A. H.” The better way would be to let the “young brother” of whom you speak trust God to enable him to act aright when the time comes.
65. “A. W. M.,” Hertfordshire. We do not doubt the fact of your conversion: but we judge it was very shallow; and, if we mistake not, you are now passing through the terrible ordeal which your letter describes, in order to lead your soul into a more profound self-judgment. Your case is not an uncommon one. We have met with many such, particularly since the year 1859. We quite trust that when the Spirit of God has given you a deeper insight into your own utter ruin and perfect helplessness, He will lead you to find your all in Christ, who of God is made unto us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. It is one thing to behoove in the doctrine of human depravity, and quite another to learn it practically. And, we may add, there are two ways of learning it practically, a higher and a lower way. The higher way is in communion with God; the lower way, by bitter and humiliating experience.
66. “Υ. X.,” Croydon. Procure a copy of a little volume entitled “Notes on the Book of Numbers,” and read the ninth chapter. It can be had of our publisher, Mr. Morrish, 24, Warwick Lane, Paternoster Row; or through any bookseller.