36. S., “Scarborough.” Thanks for your communication. We believe, that in the study of scripture, it is of the utmost importance to have a clear thought of the leading object of the Spirit in each book.
37. “A. L.,” Ashwell Thorpe. We scarcely understand how saints can be really gathered together in the Lord’s name on the first day of the week to remember Him, and to show forth His death, and not be found together on other occasions for prayer. We read of the early Christians, immediately after the descent of the Holy Ghost, that “they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and in fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in—prayers” (Acts 2:3232This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. (Acts 2:32).) The promise of blessing following united prayer is even to two or three who are gathered in Christ’s name. (Matt. 18:19, 2019Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. 20For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:19‑20).) In these last days, we should certainly seek to strengthen the things which remain. If only two were to come together with purpose of heart, they might expect blessed results from united, earnest, persevering, and believing prayer. It is a most precious privilege to be set by divine grace in the exercise of prayer and supplication for others. It is easy in these days to call a meeting a prayer-meeting, but without watchfulness and spirituality, it may quickly sink into a routine of cold formality and deadness, and thus be repulsive, instead of being attractive to those who really love our Lord Jesus. Simple, child-like pouring out of heart to God our Father in the Spirit, according to His word, in direct and definite supplication, with earnestness and faith, should characterize very meeting for prayer, whether few or many are present. Where this is the case, we believe there is no lack of encouragement and blessing. On the other hand, nothing, perhaps, is more withering to the soul than a cold, heartless, pointless prayer-meeting.
We believe there is a mistake in the minds of some who regard prayer as a gift. We sometimes hear that “Mark So-and-so is very gifted in prayer.” We know what they mean, but do not agree with their use of the word “gift,” for among all the various “gifts” mentioned in the Epistles prayer is not named. Some have tried to excuse their silence by supposing they have not the gift of prayer. We judge all this to be a mistake. We hold that a prayer-meeting will never be fervent and real, if personal and family piety are neglected. If a brother seldom prays in secret, and rarely in his family, is it to be wondered at that he never opens his mouth in prayer at a public meeting? But, if he be a man of closet prayer, and honors the Lord in his family by habitually having them together to read the scriptures to them, and pray for them, it seems to such simple enough to pour out their hearts with others in fellowship and prayer in the prayer-meeting. If brethren were more in secret with God, we believe the exception would be that a brother is silent in the meeting for prayer. May God graciously revive souls, and work by His Spirit and truth more personal and family piety, so that the prayer-meetings may be more real and earnest, and therefore much more abundant in answers! Let us never forget the Savior’s words, “If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will and it shall be done unto you.” (John 15:77If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. (John 15:7).)
With regard to the Lord’s table, it is very especially the place of thanksgiving and worship. “The cup of blessing which tee bless.” The great object the Holy Spirit has in thus gathering the members of the body of Christ together, is to remember Him, who said, “Do this in remembrance of me.” The Lord’s death then is the great theme—“we show the Lord’s death.” Reading and explaining scripture is not the purpose for which we are gathered on this occasion, though, after the supper is ended, a word of ministry bearing on the character of the meeting may be according to the leading of the Holy Ghost. About this we need to look to the Lord, and wait on Him.
38. “A. G.” The account of Mrs. B.’s conversion is most interesting, but scarcely suitable for publication, especially in the form in which it has reached us. Surely God is encouraging you in your labor of love. May He strengthen and bless you!
39. “Seaton Carew.” As in every other matter, we need to wait on the Lord for guidance in the distribution of what He may place in our hands. In one case, this word may guide us, “Give to him that asketh thee.” In another case, 2 Thess. 3:1010For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. (2 Thessalonians 3:10), may be used in divine guidance. Let us remember the words of the apostle, yea, of the Lord Jesus, how He said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:3535I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:35).) It is pleasing to the Lord to give to him that needeth.
40. “S. A. K.,” Rochdale. To a believer now, Gilgal is represented in Colossians 3:1-51If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 2Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 4When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. 5Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: (Colossians 3:1‑5). Wilderness experience does not roll away the reproach of Egypt. We must cross the Jordan before we can possibly reach Gilgal. It is quite different even from the song of redemption in Exodus 15, though their faith looked right forward into the land. There is no power to mortify the members until we are to faith not only brought out, but also brought in. Precious indeed is the sprinkled bloodshed for us. But in the Jordan we go down into death with Him: and are risen with Christ, and are in the land; that is in the heavenlies. There the twelve stones of the tribes are placed. We must encamp there. And now if thus dead with Christ: and thus risen with Christ, encamped with Him in the heavenlies, then mortify your members, put death upon your lusts. “And the Lord said.... This day have I rolled away the reproach of Egypt from off you.” Once we were miserable captives of Satan and of sin: and wilderness experiences did not remove Egypt’s reproaches. But now, encamped in the heavenlies, the spots of Egypt, and Meribahs of the wilderness, He, our Jehovah Jesus, has rolled away by His death.
41. “G. M.,” Mayfield. A careful examination of 2 Pet. 3 will show that the falling away in verse 17 is not the question of the possibility of a child of God being lost. 1 Pet. 1:55Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. (1 Peter 1:5), John 10:2828And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. (John 10:28), and many other scriptures have forever settled that question. The error of the wicked is this, “There shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, and saying, where is the promise of his coming?” (2 Pet. 3:44And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. (2 Peter 3:4).) This is also the mark of the evil servant in Matt. 24:4848But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; (Matthew 24:48). The great danger then in these last days is to fall away from the steadfast hope and expectation of the Lord’s return. Is it not sad that many of the children of God have been so led away, as to be saying, Where is the promise of His coming? Ο Lord, awaken Thy people!