64. “F. Α.,” Swindon. In the words, “Take ye away the stone,” and again, “Loose him, and let him go,” we see the lovely grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, in permitting His people to be co-workers with Him, in so far as they can. He merely does what they cannot do. Such is His gracious way always, blessed be His Name! Well we know He could do all His work without us; but He delights to link us with Himself in all that blessed work which He is carrying on in this world of sin and death. Oh! that we may more fully prove our appreciation of this rare privilege!
65. “C. Μ. H.,” West Green. We have repeatedly gone into this question. See, especially, (“Answers to Correspondents”—1864-1866, page 1.)
66. “Τ. E. P.,” Edinburgh. Thanks for the lines. The circumstances under which they were penned would, no doubt, impart a special interest to them in the judgment of personal friends; and indeed they breathe a sweet devotional spirit.
67. “A. M.,” Kingston. We are not to suppose that the Syrians would be governed by the teachings of holy scripture, as to leprosy or anything else. What did the king of Syria know about the teachings of Leviticus 13 and 14?
68. “C. J.,” near Stoneham. If it wounds your conscience, do not, on any account, engage in it.
69. “A Reader” London. If you are, through grace, thoroughly settled on the rock, you need not be troubled by the statements of the book to which you call our attention. It does not lie in our province to review books. We have looked through the one you refer to, and we do not sympathize with it. It lacks tenderness.
70. “D. N.,” D—. We assuredly judge the position to be a wrong one, inasmuch as it is, most distinctly, being unequally yoked together with unbelievers. It is also clearly wrong to be in debt: why not, at once, abandon the false position; and, so far as in you lies, get out of debt? There would then be no reason for suspending your meeting.
71. “J. C,” Doncaster. You have not quoted Heb. 3:1414For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end; (Hebrews 3:14) correctly; the meaning is simply this, the holding the beginning of their confidence steadfast unto the end would prove the reality of their profession. The epistle to the Hebrews abounds in the most solemn warnings.
In Heb. 2:1010For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. (Hebrews 2:10) “Him” refers to God. Heb. 10:2929Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace? (Hebrews 10:29)—“the person who sins willfully,” most surely. How could anyone think otherwise? In 1 Cor. 11 The assembly is not mentioned till verse 17.
72. “J. F.,” Jersey. Where is there any warrant in scripture for confining the Lord’s supper to the first day of the week? No doubt the disciples did specially celebrate it on that day; but it was originally instituted on a weekday. We should rejoice to break bread at any time, provided people were up to the mark for it, and that all the circumstances of the case were according to the mind of God.
73. “T. D.,” Halifax, N.Y. John 17:11These words spake Jesus, and lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, Father, the hour is come; glorify thy Son, that thy Son also may glorify thee: (John 17:1) refers to Christ’s being glorified at the right hand of God. A moment’s reflection would enable one to see this: Christ glorified God on the cross; and the Father glorified Him by setting Him at His right hand in heaven. Our Lord in John 17 is in spirit, at the close of His earthly path, His work is done; and He looks to the Fattier to glorify Him, that He may glorify the Father.
74. “G. G.,” Sunderland. Your interesting communication has come to hand. The Lord be praised for all you can tell of His great goodness to you, both as regards your own soul, and the work which He has given you to do for Him. Accept 1 Cor. 15:5858Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 15:58) as a precious motto, from Himself, and may He abundantly bless your labors in the gospel!