19. “Ε.,” Norwich. We should say that the precious word “mercy” would be a most excellent substitute for any or all the words you name.
20. “W. E.,” Wem. According to the New Testament, the Jewish night was divided into four periods, which are described either numerically, as first, second, third, or fourth watch, or by the terms, “even, midnight, cock crowing, and morning.” (Compare Matt. 14:2525And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea. (Matthew 14:25); Mark 13:3535Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: (Mark 13:35).) These periods terminated respectively at 9 p. m.; midnight; 3 a.m.; and 6 a.m. The reckoning of the hours of the day began at 6 a. m. Thus the third hour would be 9 a. m. and so on.
21. “An Inquher,” Exeter. The Holy Ghost dwells in all those who truly believe in a risen and glorified Christ. Scripture is most distinct as to this.
22. “Inquirer,” Walworth. You will kindly excuse our unwillingness to introduce the subject of your letter into our pages. We have endeavored for the last fourteen years to confine the pages of our magazine to simple truth bearing upon the conversion or edification of souls. To this course, we purpose, by the grace of God, to adhere. If you wait on the Lord, with a single eye, He will most assuredly guide you as to your path.
23. “Ε. T.,” Heytesbury. None but the Lord Himself can guide you. It is far too solemn and sacred a matter for any human interference. Take it into the sanctuary, and there you will get light as to your path. We dare not attempt to give a judgment pro or con. May the Lord guide you most distinctly!
24. “Carrie,” Glastonbury. We would all readily say that it is not a question of bodily attitude in prayer, but rather of the state of the heart—the true attitude of the soul. At the same time, we must confess we like to see people kneel down, when they can. We say “when they can,” because, in many cases, it is utterly impossible when people are so packed together as to be hardly able to move. There is no attitude which so aptly expresses prostration of soul as kneeling. It looks lazy and irreverent to see people always sitting while praying. But we must not judge one another in this matter. Many things have to be taken into account. The Lord looks upon the heart. May He ever find our hearts in the right attitude before Him! This is the grand point.
25. “G. G.,” Warren County, Pennsylvania. Your very interesting communication did not reach us in time for our February issue. It is remarkable that our leading article for this month, though written before the receipt of your letter, should contain so explicit an answer to many of your queries and remarks. We shall only add here that we do not, by any means, believe that, “The mystery of God “ spoken of in Rev. 10 is the same as the mystery referred to in Ephesians and Colossians. We do not see the Church in the four living creatures. These latter are the heads of creation, and they are ever seen in immediate connection with the government of God. We believe that the Church and the Old Testament saints are seen in the twenty-four crowned elders in chapter 4. Not in their distinctive places which is not the object, until we reach the close of the book, when the Church reappears as the bride, and the elders disappear. The 144,000 of Rev. 7 represent the saved remnant of Israel; and the unnumbered multitude are saved Gentiles. Both these companies will come on the scene after the rapture of the saints, which is not formally or distinctly presented at all in the Apocalypse. We deem it a most serious error to place the Church on earth during the apocalyptic judgments. We are exceedingly interested in your letter, it shows a mind much engaged with the things of God. May we inquire in the temple! May we drink into the spirit while we study the letter of scripture! May our studies be carried on in the spirit of worship!
26. “Emma,” Brixton. If you will let us have your full address, we shall send you some papers which may help you.
27. “A Perplexed Inquirer.” What you need is a hearty acceptance of a full Christ, and a thorough surrender of yourself to Him. This we believe to be the true secret of solid peace and joyful liberty—Christ for the heart and the heart for Christ. May all perplexed inquirers know this!
28. “A Brother.” It is but a small thing to say you have our prayers and hearty sympathy. May the gracious Lord strengthen and comfort your precious soul, by His own direct and powerful ministry!
29. “H. W.” The subjects you name have been referred to in our back volumes. Thank you, most heartily, for your encouraging note.