1. “Ε. S.,” Blackheath. We do not exactly like the expressions to which you call our attention; though we can quite believe the person who used them meant what was right. It is important, on the one hand, to keep close to scripture; and, on the other hand, to avoid hair-splitting, or making a man an offender for a word. As to the first of the two expressions, we all know that nothing that men or devils have done could ever tarnish or sully the glory of God; it shines in its own undimmed luster, spite of earth and hell. As to the second expression, we should prefer leaving out the adjective, which certainly does not occur in Luke 12:5050But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! (Luke 12:50).
2. “W. I.,” Dudley. It was essentially necessary that our blessed Lord should be legally, the son of Joseph; virtually, the son of Mary; really, the Son of God; and all three meet in Matt. 1:1818Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost. (Matthew 1:18), in such a way as to evoke from our souls accents of wonder, love, and praise. We can only exclaim, as we read such a record, “Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God.” If our Lord were not legally the son of Joseph, He could not claim the throne of David. If He were really his son, He could claim nothing at all.
3. “Η. I. Α.,” Reading. We take those charming passages in Isaiah in their full force and beauty, as setting forth the ineffable blessedness of that time when our beloved Lord shall reign from pole to pole and from the river to the ends of the earth. How the heart longs for that time as we toil along through this sin-stricken world, where all is so contrary to the spirit and mind of Christ.
4. “Η. H.,” Hobart Town, Tasmania. Your truly kind and encouraging letter came duly to hand. We beg you will accept our warmest acknowledgments. We trust you will receive the volume safely. It was sent as you directed, at least we forwarded your instructions to our publisher. Pressure of work prevents our noticing your interesting letter in detail. The claims of public service leave little time for either reading or writing, beyond what is absolutely indispensable.
5. “Ellen.” We must not expect to find in poetry all the accuracy of systematic theology. We have no objection to the expression to which you call our attention. It simply sets forth, in poetic language, the completeness of the work of redemption. We must not split hairs.
6. “C. C. F. A.,” London. You had better apply to our publisher, Mr. Morrish.
7. “A reader of Τ. N. O.” You will never know what true peace is until you get done with yourself as an utterly ruined, good-for-nothing thing, and rest on Christ’s finished work and God’s faithful word. Self-occupation is your special disease. You want to look off unto Jesus, for this is the divine remedy.
8. “D.,” Cornwall. Your one grand aim should be to ascertain what the mind of the Lord is, as to your path, and to follow that at all cost. Do not sanction, for an hour, what you know to be contrary to the word of God. Study the New Testament, with a single eye. Ask the Lord to teach you, and then follow on where He leads. You have our deepest sympathy; and we can only say, May God Himself guide and sustain you! It might help you, if you could procure a copy of a little book entitled “A Scriptural Inquiry into the true nature of the Sabbath, the Law, and the Christian Ministry.” Also, “The Assembly of God; or the All-sufficiency of the, Name of Jesus.” You can get them by enclosing seven postage stamps to “Mr. George Morrish, 24, Warwick Lane, Paternoster Row, London, E. C.” God bless and keep you!
9. “T. J.,” East Harptree. We must refer you to Vol. X. of “ Things New and Old,” in which you will find a paper on the subject on which you desire light. See page 201.
10. “G. B.,” Essex. Scripture does, most certainly, teach that the unconverted shall stand before the judgment-seat. 2 Cor. 5:1010For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10) takes in all, both believers and unbelievers, though not of course at the same time, or on the same ground. The expression “we all,” in chapter v. 10, differs materially from the “we all,” in chapter 3:18. (See Greek.) The latter refers only to believers; the former to both. Our Lord Christ will judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and kingdom. In Matt. 25:3131When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: (Matthew 25:31), we have the judgment of the living nations. Rev. 20:1111And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. (Revelation 20:11) gives the judgment of the wicked dead. In the former, not one will have passed through death; in the latter, all will have done so. In neither scene have we the Church or Israel as the subjects of judgment. We are somewhat surprised at your question; we have never met with anyone who called in question the judgment of the unconverted.