We beg to inform our correspondent “T. H.” that we purpose, if the Lord will, publishing several of the papers in “Things New and Old,” as separate tracts. It is very probable that those articles to which he has kindly called our attention will be amongst the number.
We cannot quite agree with our correspondent’s application of 2 Timothy 3:1414But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; (2 Timothy 3:14). The Apostle simply reminds his son Timothy that he had received his knowledge of the truth from a divine source, having “known the holy scriptures” from his childhood. The passage would not, in our judgment, afford any plea for our requiring to know the writer of a paper. All we really need to know is that what is taught is according to scripture, and that we receive it in the power of faith. It matters not through whose instrumentality I receive a truth, provided I hold it from God. We should be able, in the energy of the Spirit, to refer every truth we hold directly to God Himself as the source from whence we derived it. This would impart immense weight, dignity, and power to all our convictions. We should, no doubt, acknowledge, love, and esteem any instrument whom God may have been pleased to use in communicating His truth; but let us see that it is, in very deed, His truth that is communicated, and that we hold it in the power of the Spirit.
It may, however, be remarked, in reference to the various papers in this magazine, that, inasmuch as the writers’ names are not given, the Editor is to be held responsible.
May the Lord give special grace to all who stand connected with this service, that it may be conducted in such a manner, as that He may be glorified in the spread of His truth and the edification of souls.