54. “Α. Β.” We again remind our readers, that we cannot undertake to reply to any communications unless they carry with them the writer’s name and address. Nor is it reasonable that we should be expected to wade through the various books and pamphlets which are sent for our opinion as to their soundness. In fact, with our other engagements, it would be quite out of our power to do so. But we judge that no publication is entitled to be considered sound, unless the person of our Lord Jesus Christ, and His accomplished work on the cross, are plainly set forth, as the everlasting and immovable foundation of all our blessings.
55. “O” Harrogate. Received your kind note, and the accompanying lines with thanks. May the Lord lead on the pious soldier, bless him in his own soul with fuller knowledge of Christ, and use him in spreading the truth for much blessing to souls!
56. “L.,” Honiton. Your interesting letter and enclosure have reached us, for which please to accept our thanks. The Lord be praised for the blessing you speak of through our little magazine. May it please Him to use it more and more! Keep consciously close to the Lord, feed daily on His word by meditating on it in dependence on the Holy Ghost, and never forget that the Father loves you as He loves His Son; cultivate the habit of self-judgment, be separate in heart and walk to Him, pray much for others, and you will enjoy more and more of the loving-kindness of the Lord.
57. “A. E. W.,” Dublin. We regret that your letter has been mislaid, or it would have been answered before. You will find a reply to your questions on everlasting punishment in the article on “Divine Love” in our issue for August last. We may be sure that God means what He says.
58. “S. L.,” Ryhope. “And unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time, without sin, unto salvation.” It is evident from many portions of the Epistles, that in the early days of the church of God, all believers “went forth to meet the bridegroom.” They had no other hope. The youngest converts were turned “to God from idols, to serve the living and true God; and to wait for his Son from heaven.” We also read, “And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold the bridegroom, go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose,” &c. We believe God is now sending forth this awakening cry. We see no ground in Hebrew’s 9:27, 28 for supposing that any children of God will be left behind at the translation of the church.
The scripture never speaks of Christians living in sin. Many who are called Christians, or who profess to be such, will no doubt be left behind. “For when they shall say peace and safety, then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.” “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.” It is also a fact, that all true Christians do look for Christ: they may hold many mistakes about His coming, but they do believe He will come again.
This passage, occurring in the Hebrews, has doubtless a wider scope than the church, and would take in the hoping remnant of Israel by-and-by, to whom also He will appear without sin unto salvation.
59. Dawlish. It is well to bear in mind that the responsibility of receiving into, and excluding from, the fellowship of the Lord’s table, rests, not with one or two individuals, however godly or gifted, but with the assembly gathered together in the Lord’s name who is in the midst, and honoring the Holy Spirit. (1 Cor. 5:1313But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. (1 Corinthians 5:13); Rom. 15:77Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. (Romans 15:7); 1 Cor. 3:1616Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16); Eph. 2:2222In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:22).) This is an important landmark, and always helpful in guiding us in reference to disorderly and perplexing eases.
No doubt a state of things may be so bad, and the assembly so powerless because of its carnality, as to be unable to act in discipline according to the Lord’s mind. In such a case, we judge, that in waiting patiently on the Lord in prayer and faith, and self-judgment, He will make it plain, that as the assembly will not clear itself of that which dishonors His name who is holy and true, faithful individuals should purge themselves by separation. But, while a case of evil is undergoing consideration, and being dealt with, though not perhaps with the rapidity that some would desire, we confess that it seems to us to savor more of pride than of faithfulness to the Lord when one or two leave. In so doing, they really put themselves out of fellowship because of the failure of others. Individual consciences ought to be respected; but it is always well so to act as to carry the judgment and consciences of others with us. When an individual goes out of a meeting because of something he judges to be wrong, to say the least, he sets up his own judgment as superior to others. There have been instances however, when one had the Lord’s mind, and had to break from all the others, in faithfulness to the Lord; but such, as far as our experience goes, have always labored diligently to carry the judgment of the others by the same truth which showed him the will of the Lord. How else could such be “endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace?” It is a most solemn matter to have to break from a company of saints with whom we have had fellowship, and would doubtless be so felt by all who have the Lord’s guidance for so acting.
We cannot, with the little information before us, express a judgment of the case you mention, but think it better to throw out a few practical points for consideration. The great thing in 1111 such painful matters, and every other, is to be before the Lord, and by secret intercourse with Him, to learn His mind from His own word. Without this, let none expect true guidance. We know when Paul was considering the terrible evils coming into the church, he said, “I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace.” (Acts 20:3232And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified. (Acts 20:32).)
60. Eotherham. Your letter with lines enclosed has reached us, and will be used as opportunity offers.
61. “E. G.,” Peckham Eye. We have received your little papers, but have not yet had time to read them. We most heartily thank you for the sweet portion of scripture to which you so kindly call our attention.
62. “Naomi,” Gosport. We hope, if the Lord will, to reply to your questions shortly.
Other replies are in type, and stand over for want of space