52. “Ε. Β.,” Gosport. We judge that a sister might modestly serve in the circumstances which you describe. But, as a general rule, we should prefer having the service discharged by a brother.
53. “E.,” Folkestone. 1 Cor. 3:16 speaks of the Church collectively as the temple of the Holy Ghost. In chapter 6:19, we have the body of the individual believer, as the temple likewise. As to the difference between “the temple” and “the body” compare Eph. 1:22, 23 with chapter 2:19-22.
54. “L. D.,” Ramsgate. It is wholly a question of individual faith.
55. “D. W.,” Norwich. Two correspondents have written on the same point. We judge that the integrity of the figure is duly maintained if an unmutilated loaf, or mass, of bread be laid on the table.
56. “J. Α. Ο. B.” Dublin. It simplifies the matter of the collection immensely to bear in mind that it is for the Lord—that He hath need of it, whether it be to pay for a room for His people to meet in; or for His poor; or for His workmen. It is the Lord’s collection. Marvelous grace on His part, to permit us to be co-workers with Him!
57. “W. L.” John 16:8 refers to the world, as a whole, and not to the work wrought in individual souls. The very presence of the Holy Ghost proved the world guilty of rejecting the Son of God. Many thanks for your most kind and encouraging letter. May the Lord bless you, very abundantly, is our earnest prayer.
58. “A Constant Reader,” Windsor. The sentence which you quote gives a very fair idea of the sense of Gal. 4:4. We are very thankful for the benefit you have received. How good of the Lord to make use of us in helping one another! Oh! that we may ever be vessels fit for His use!
59. “H.,” Ottawa. Both your letters have come to hand, and we beg that you will accept our best thanks for them. It would be impossible, in our limited space, to enter upon the various subjects to which you call our attention. Indeed we should very much prefer sending you a private reply. May the Lord Himself be your teacher and guide in all things! To Him we would very earnestly and lovingly commend you and yours.