26. “A. T.,” London. The special point in Matthew 6:16-18,16Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. 17But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; 18That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly. (Matthew 6:16‑18) seems to be that we ought not to seek the notice of others in the matter of fasting. “That thou appear not unto men to fast.” There is nothing said about trying to hide it from men. In short there should be entire forgetfulness of self and of the thoughts of others, in all the great branches of practical righteousness presented in this marvelous discourse, namely, prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. Hypocrites sought the notice of people in these things; we should not do so, but seek to act before God alone. I cannot help it, if my servant happens to see me at prayer, or if a person in the street sees me giving an alms, or if my friends know that I am fasting. But, were I to do any of these things in order to be seen, I should be acting as the hypocrites, and I should have my reward in the praise bestowed upon me for my wonderful piety and benevolence. The grand point is to walk in the immediate presence of God. This will give reality, simplicity, and moral elevation to our entire course, conduct, and character.
28. “E. S. M.,” Cork. John 10:3434Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? (John 10:34) refers to Psalms 82:6,6I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. (Psalm 82:6) where the judges and rulers are called “gods.” The king, governor, judge, or magistrate is the expression of the power of God; and hence we should consider ourselves bound to swear if called upon by a magistrate or judge to do so.
1 Corinthians 9:19-22,19For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. 20And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; 21To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. 22To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. (1 Corinthians 9:19‑22) teaches us the exquisite lesson of self-denial in order to meet the condition of others with a direct view of their salvation. This passage is frequently used for the direct opposite, namely, for self-indulgence, and mixing ourselves up with all sorts of wrong things, under the plea of “being all things to all men;” and, in result, instead of gaining them,” and delivering them out of the evil and folly in which they are involved, we fall under the power of these things ourselves, to the great dishonor of our Lord and the serious damage of souls.
29. “J. G. C.,” Newport. We can see nothing wrong in your employing your leisure hours in the way you name, provided it be on the principle of “working with your hands the thing which is good that you may have to give him that needeth.” In this excellent way, instead of “amusing yourself” you may help others, and further the cause of Christ.
30. “J. R.,” Tetbury. Accept our hearty thanks for your faithful hint as to using simple language. —We trust we shall be enabled to profit by it.
31. “S. M.,” Cheltenham. Thanks for your two communications, and the accompanying lines. You say truly “we are inundated with poetry.” It would be utterly impossible to insert the tenth part of what is sent to us under that head.
32. “W. W.,” Farnham. We thank you, most heartily, for your very encouraging letter. How good of our God to send us, from time to time, sweet and heart-cheering assurances that our poor labors are not in vain in the Lord. Blessed be His name, He knows the sorrows and the exercises of a workman’s heart, and He knows how to send the word of comfort at the right time. Your letter has greatly refreshed and cheered us.
33. A post-card has come to hand from Parsonstown, without any signature, inquiring if old numbers of “Things New and Old” are still wished for by “W. It. H.,” 106, Grosvenor Road, London. We beg to say, in reply, that all such will be thankfully received and usefully applied.