24. “ T. S.” Why should you fear to give your full address? Why transpose your very initials? The fact of your trying to conceal yourself, to say nothing of the character and tone of your communication, would be quite sufficient to make us pass it over in total silence. We may just add here that we consider all fictitious and anonymous communications utterly unworthy of notice. They are cowardly and contemptible. A man should never write anything to which he is ashamed or afraid to affix his name and address.
25. “ A. C. R.,” Teignmouth. You have quite misunderstood our reply to “ L.,” Somerset. Was not Aaron a typo of our Lord Jesus Christ? And is not our Lord’s present ministry after the Aaronic pattern? True, it is after the order of Melchisedec, as every Christian knows; but our Lord is not now “ sitting as a priest upon his throne.” He will, ere long, blessed be God. He will come forth, as the true Melchisedec, when all the conflict is over, to refresh the hearts of His people, and lead them into the everlasting joy of His kingdom.
26. “J.B.,” Weston-super-Mare. The passage you quote, at the opening of your letter contains the divine answer to your question; and, we may add, completely demolishes all your objections. The sentence, “ They that have believing masters,” proves that some had not. And yet you say, “But although the word is clear as to this, I do not see that a servant”—in a worldly family—” can be really separate from the world,” &c, &c. Now we should say if the word is clear, you ought to be able to see; and we doubt not you will be able to see, when you learn to bow your will to the supreme authority of holy scripture. We consider that when scripture speaks on any subject, all discussion is closed for the humble, teachable soul. We certainly cannot understand any true Christian saying, “ The word is clear, but I cannot see.” Would you think of saying to your earthly master, “ Sir, your directions are very clear; but I cannot see them ‘?” If you were to speak so, we judge he would very speedily dismiss you from his service. It seems to us, dear friend, you are under a complete mistake as to the position and duty of a christian servant in a worldly family. You say, “ There may, it is true, be an opportunity of being a light for Christ, by bringing the word to bear upon their consciences.” Now, we should judge that the very best possible way of being a light for Christ in any family, would be to fulfill, with holy fidelity, all the duties of your situation. It is not so much bringing the word to bear on their consciences as letting it act on your own, and proving that it does act by your cheerful temper, your humble deportment, your gracious manner, your earnest diligence at work, your faithfulness, your strict integrity, your unselfish devotedness to all the interests of the family. These lovely fruits of righteousness would bring more glory to your Lord, and tell more powerfully upon the consciences of your master and mistress, than if you were preaching to them from morning till night. Indeed we very much doubt the moral propriety of servants preaching to their masters. It needs special grace and wisdom to speak on divine things under such circumstances. The Lord may give an open door, at times; but great tact is needed, owing to the peculiar position of a servant in relation to the master. The grand point is to let the life speak. “Exhort servants to be obedient to their own masters,”—whether converted or unconverted—” and to please them well in all things; not answering again; not purloining; but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.” Titus 2:9, 109Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; 10Not purloining, but showing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. (Titus 2:9‑10).
27. “ A. M.,” Newport. Thanks for your kind note and accompanying lines.
28. “ D. W.” Your letter has come to hand.
29. “ M. S. S.,” Monkstown. Thanks for the lines.
30. “ J. H,,” Bury. We have never known a single instance of any one complaining of •the want of love in others who was not failing in love himself. The best way to get water out of a dry pump is to pour a little in.
31. “ A Constant Reader,” London. We desire to render hearty thanks to God for the blessing vouchsafed to your precious soul, through our February paper. It would hardly do to publish that one piece separately, seeing it is one of a series. But it is probable that all will appear in due time, as a separate pamphlet, if God permit. May He abundantly bless you, and grant you all the desire of your soul! Accept our warmest thanks for your truly kind and encouraging letter.
32. “C. H.,” Kenmare. You have our fullest sympathy in all your exercises. We most thoroughly approve of your purpose to do nothing hastily. Wait on the Lord. His promise is sure, “ I will guide thee with mine eye.” “If thine eye be single thy whole body shall be full of light.” Do not take a single step until God gives you light; but the moment you get divine light for one step, then take that step with firm decision, and wait still on God for the next. “ The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” And now, beloved friend, we commend you to God and the word of His grace. May He guide, keep, sustain, and bless you!
33. “ E.,” Ryde. You have our fullest sympathy in your present painful exercises of heart. But, inasmuch as we know nothing of the facts of the case, it would be impossible for us to give any counsel. We can only say to you, dear friend, wait on the Lord—wait patiently—wait in fullest confidence. He will assuredly appear for your relief.. Light will break in upon your path, and you will be filled with wonder, love, and praise.