53. “R. S. F.,” Liverpool. Our papers on “Prayer and the Prayer-meetings” may help you. “We should say by all means persevere in prayer for the object you name. God may see it good to keep you waiting. The exercise is very healthful for the soul. There is a very encouraging word in Phil. 4—“Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God.” And what then? Does he say, “You shall immediately receive what you ask for?” No; but “The peace of God which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds, through Christ Jesus.” This is a most precious word. It presents a character of prayer so blessedly simple. We are encouraged by it to come to God about everything, no matter how small, and that, too, without raising a question as to whether we have faith. We are to “make known our requests to God”—though surely He knows them before. He loves to have us coming to Him about all our little matters, and resting in the happy assurance that He will do what is right, and give us what is good; and whether He gives or withholds, His peace shall garrison our hearts and minds.
54. “J. S.,” Devonport. You have completely mistaken the statement to which you refer. A moment’s reflection would enable a sober mind to see that nothing is further from the writer’s thoughts than to lay down any rule in the matter. But we are most thoroughly convinced that there is need of more profound waiting upon God in this as in all beside.
55. “E, S. B.,” Newtown. We assuredly judge that Phil. 4:55Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. (Philippians 4:5) refers to the Lord’s coming. “Let your moderation [yieldingness] be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” If our hearts are set upon the blessed hope of the Lord’s coming, we shall not be standing up for our rights, or grasping after the perishing things of this world. He may come to night, and then we shall leave all these things behind forever. It is interesting to notice the two expressions in this passage. Our moderation is to be known unto men; our requests are to be made known unto God. Men are to see that we are perfectly content with our portion and prospect. We should never go to men with our wants. God is sufficient. Man is sure to disappoint us. God never fails a trusting heart—no, never, blessed be His holy name.
The judgment in Rev. 19 is what we may call “warrior judgment.” Most surely it is after the church has left this scene. This is obvious from the fact that the saints come forth with the Rider on the white horse.
56. “J. W.,” Hunslet. Scripture says nothing as to the age at which persons should be admitted to the table of the Lord. To refuse a person merely because he is young, is about as absurd as to admit him because he is old. The grand question is, does he enjoy the spirit of adoption, enabling him to cry Abba, Father. There is a place at the table of the Lord for every member of the body of Christ, be he old or young, provided always that the discipline of the assembly be not involved.
57. “Ε. B., Grosvenor-square. People “hold the truth in unrighteousness” when their conscience is not exercised, their character formed, or their conduct governed by what they hold. This is very serious indeed, and has an awfully solemn application to the present condition of things on all hands. As to the other matter to which your letter refers, it is well to be exercised in heart before God, as to all our habits and ways; but you must remember, dear friend, that we live under the blessed reign of grace. The Lord be praised for this most glorious and enfranchising truth! May we walk in the power of it!
58. “C, B.,” Great Grimsby. Does not verse 19 (Jas. 5) answer one of your questions? “Brethren, if any of you” &c, The “him” of verse 20 is the “converter” as you say.