22. “R.,” Ireland. It is a sign of a low state of soul, if a Christian expects trade to come to his shop because of his profession. In such a case, however, as you state—few Christians giving support—is there not a cause? Very likely it may be neglect of the last word, in 1 Pet. 3:88Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: (1 Peter 3:8), “Be courteous;” or it may be unfairness or inattention in dealing. Look to the Lord in prayer, and He will show you.
23. “J. E.,” Stamford. Sometimes the word “soul” is used in scripture as meaning persons—so many souls in a place. Sometimes with very much the same sense as spirit, as in the song of Mary, Luke 2; and at other times as distinct, as Heb. 4:1212For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (Hebrews 4:12). The difference, when both are used, seems to be—soul, as identity of life; and spirit, as the immortal, immaterial spirit. The soul is often, however, used in the same sense.
Grace is the free favor of God; mercy, one way in which He shows it. The throne of grace is the full display of that free favor, through the blood of Christ, where all must, but for that blood, have been judgment. The mercy-seat typified this. The priesthood of Christ is to keep us from failure, but all, surely, in free favor. We can come boldly, because there is now no judgment, but only mercy, for us, while Jesus lives to plead. Precious grace!
24. “S. C,” Barrow-in-Furness. There is evidently a great difference between the households of believers and unbelievers. (1 Cor. 7:1414For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. (1 Corinthians 7:14).) They are relatively holy. Whilst the heathen remain far from God, they are brought into the privileges and responsibility of comparative nearness to God. They are in the profession of Christendom. Thus they are sanctified, or separated, from the heathen world, and also from Judaism. How terrible, through eternity, will be the remembrance of grace rejected, and privileges despised!
25. “J. H.,” Lugar. Eze. 45:2222And upon that day shall the prince prepare for himself and for all the people of the land a bullock for a sin offering. (Ezekiel 45:22): “And upon that day shall the prince prepare for himself,” &c. These chapters show that God will raise up a prince in Israel in that day: and he will have communion with the people, in the remembrance of the sufferings and death of Messiah. Though the prince, yet Jesus died for him. In chapter 46 there is much said as to the offerings of this prince. We trust not, however, suppose him to be the Lord, the Messiah; verses 16, 17 prove this is not the case. If we remember that all this is the worship of an earthly people, and in contrast with ours, which is heavenly, all difficulty will disappear. By these offerings the earthly people will look back, and thus have communion in the sufferings of Messiah.
26. “G. L.,” Heeley. It is indeed remarkable that the Lord twice names the works of the angel of the church in Thyatira. In order to understand this, we must not confound the true saints of God, who lived in the dark ages, with Jezebel. The address, no doubt, takes in both. Then Jezebel, who called herself the mother church, denounced the works of the true remnant of believers as of the devil— “Depths of Satan as they speak.” Jezebel put them to death as infamous heretics. But the Lord says, “I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.” Even the little which has been left on record by man is astonishing. In the last state of the remnant, after grievous persecutions, what patient endurance and holiness of life! And Jesus says, “I know.” The works which Jesus so loved, and named twice, were just what the Jezebel apostate church so hated. It would be easy to write a volume in proof of this. But it is enough that Jesus knows. You will see that He carefully distinguishes between Jezebel and the remnant. (Rev. 2:23, 2423And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works. 24But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak; I will put upon you none other burden. (Revelation 2:23‑24).)
27. “J. A. M.,” Crooke.—It is indeed very solemn to think what is taking place in this highly-favored land. Those who profess the name of Jesus Christ yet mixing with atheists or idolaters. “Christian Socialism,” “Church and Stage,” &c. The judgments of God must ere long fall upon this apostate Christendom. It is remarkable that the late earthquake did so signally destroy churches and chapels. But Christendom seems too fast asleep, even for an earthquake to awaken her.
28. “W. G.,” Redcar.—1 Pet. 4:1-31Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin; 2That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God. 3For the time past of our life may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lasciviousness, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries: (1 Peter 4:1‑3) is first Christ as the One who has suffered death in obedience: we are to arm ourselves with the same mind. So that the words, “For he that has suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin,” would not only apply to Christ, as having by death passed from this scene of temptation (from without only in His case), but they also state a principle applicable to us, as identified with His death. As in Rom. 6, it is to show in effect why we do not live as do the Gentiles. We reckon ourselves dead with Him, and therefore have ceased from sin. He would die rather than disobey. We are to be of the same mind.